Wai Lo

United States UConn

Journal

Commented on FEMINIST REVIEW
This journal is no longer published by Springer Nature. The journal has been transferred to SAGE.

Article

Commented on Mitochondrial translation and dynamics synergistically extend lifespan in C. elegans through HLH-30
Interesting article published in JCB. Research revealed that modifying mitochondrial dynamics—either by blocking fission or fusion—enhances this lifespan extension, independently of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and instead relies crucially on the transcription factor HLH-30/TFEB, highlighting a complex interplay between mitochondrial and lysosomal pathways in aging regulation.

Article

Commented on Different lineage contexts direct common pro-neural factors to specify distinct retinal cell subtypes
Great article published in JCB. They revealed the importance of lineage context in defining neuronal subtypes and provide a demonstration of in vivo lineage-dependent induction of unique retinal neuron subtypes for treatment purposes.

Article

Commented on CDK4/6 regulate lysosome biogenesis through TFEB/TFE3
Cyclin-dependent kinases CDK4/6 are shown to regulate lysosome numbers and biogenesis during the cell cycle, as their inactivation increases lysosomal counts by activating transcription factors TFEB and TFE3. These kinases interact with and phosphorylate TFEB/TFE3, controlling their location and activity, and affecting lysosome biogenesis by linking to the phases of the cell cycle, suggesting a new mechanism for managing lysosomal adaptation during cell division.

Article

Commented on Nesprins are mechanotransducers that discriminate epithelial–mesenchymal transition programs
LINC complexes are essential transmembrane assemblies linking the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton, and their dysfunction is linked to diseases like cancer and muscular disorders. Research using FRET biosensors in cultured cells revealed that nesprin, a component of the LINC complex, detects tension from the cytoskeleton and regulates β-catenin signaling based on the extent of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, highlighting its role as a mechanotransducer.

Webinar

Commented on Gene Regulation and Neurological Disorders
We have published a perspective article relate to our Health Cafe program. This is the pdf link, it is a freely accessed article. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7299132/pdf/40615_2020_Article_797.pdf

Funding

Commented on Advancing Research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Optional)
This is a R41/R42 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant with Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track.

Webinar

Commented on Gene Regulation and Neurological Disorders
We have organized a number of Science Cafe events before. This seems a good topic for the community.

Journal

Commented on ANNALS OF TOURISM RESEARCH
Annals of Tourism Research is a social sciences journal focusing upon the academic perspectives of tourism. While striving for a balance of theory and application, Annals is ultimately dedicated to developing theoretical constructs. Its strategies are to invite and encourage offerings from various disciplines; to serve as a forum through which these may interact; and thus to expand frontiers of knowledge in and contribute to the literature on tourism social science. In this role, Annals both structures and is structured by the research efforts of a multidisciplinary community of scholars.

Journal

Commented on Annual Review of Sociology
One of the top journals in Sociology. As of 2023, Journal Citation Reports gives the journal a 2022 impact factor of 10.5, ranking it second out of 149 journals in the category "Sociology".

Article

Commented on Cyclophilin D in Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Key Player in Neurodegeneration?
Interesting review article! This review explores CyPD’s potential as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, examining its regulation, interactions beyond the mPTP, and the development of specific inhibitors that could mitigate these conditions.

Article

Commented on The Ca2+ Sensor STIM in Human Diseases
The STIM family proteins, including STIM1 and STIM2, are central to regulating store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and maintaining intracellular calcium levels, affecting numerous cellular functions and linked to the onset of diseases like neurodegeneration and cancer. This review examines disorders tied to STIM1 mutations, which alter CRAC channel functioning and result in conditions such as myopathy and immune disorders, alongside the impacts of STIM2 genetic variations that contribute to developmental delays and other severe health issues.

Article

Commented on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Protection
Lipid peroxidation (LP) represents a crucial form of oxidative damage in biological systems, linked notably to ferroptosis and the degradation of other biomolecules like proteins, with research focusing on the kinetics of these processes to better understand and improve antioxidant strategies. This review explores various antioxidants, including phenols and ascorbate, analyzing their structure-activity relationships and mechanisms, particularly in how they influence ferroptosis and utilize the dual roles of radical systems in innovative antioxidant approaches.

Article

Commented on Advances in Dystrophinopathy Diagnosis and Therapy
Dystrophinopathies, X-linked muscular disorders due to mutations in the Dystrophin gene, manifest in forms like Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, and are complicated by conditions such as osteoporosis, particularly when treated with glucocorticoids. Diagnostic methods for these disorders range from enzyme assays to advanced DNA sequencing, while treatments include glucocorticoids, experimental gene therapies, and drugs aimed at modifying disease progression and managing symptoms like cardiomyopathy.

Article

Commented on ABCD1 Transporter Deficiency Results in Altered Cholesterol Homeostasis
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder caused by ABCD1 gene mutations, leading to accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) and disrupted cholesterol metabolism in specific cells like oligodendrocytes and macrophages. Research on X-ALD patient-derived fibroblasts and mouse models shows increased cholesterol esters and changes in genes related to cholesterol processing, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention to manage VLCFA and cholesterol levels.