Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Xu, Ji Hyun Jang, Myung Chan Gye
Summary: The developmental toxicity of 4-octylphenol (OP) as an estrogenic endocrine disruptor was confirmed in frog embryos, leading to inhibition of head cartilage development and melanocyte generation. OP-induced dysplasia may be attributed to deregulation of neural crest cells in embryos.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Predrag Jevtic, K. Wade Elliott, Shelby E. Watkins, Jonathan A. Sreter, Katarina Jovic, Ian B. Lehner, Paul W. Baures, John G. Tsavalas, Daniel L. Levy, Krisztina Varga
Summary: Cryoprotection is important in various research fields. Antifreeze proteins, as an evolutionary adaptation, can provide cryoprotection to certain organisms. By investigating the effects of an antifreeze protein from the desert beetle in Xenopus laevis, it was found to reduce damage and increase survival.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Cheng Lu, Luyun Zhang, Xiongying Chen, Hanxing Wan, Hui Dong
Summary: This study found that Cl- can induce vasorelaxation of mesenteric arteries through endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. This provides a new understanding of the mechanism underlying Cl--induced vasorelaxation.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Atsushi Yamaguchi, Yuto Mukai, Tomoya Sakuma, Yudai Suganuma, Ayako Furugen, Katsuya Narumi, Masaki Kobayashi
Summary: This study examined the influence of hMCT9 gene variants L93M and T258K on its transport characteristics. The results showed that L93M slightly decreased the transport activity of creatine, while T258K did not affect it. Interestingly, T258K abolished Na+ sensitivity and altered the substrate affinity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zia Ur Rehman, Faryal Tayyaba, Unjoo Lee, Jaebong Kim
Summary: This study reveals the role of Bmp4/Smad1 signaling in the primary immediate early response and the two oppositely behaving target transcription factors, Ventx1.1 and Ventx2.1, in the secondary response, as they together upregulate the szl promoter's activity to achieve szl expression in a Bmp4 synexpression manner.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jonathan T. Haselman, John W. Nichols, Kali Z. Mattingly, Michael W. Hornung, Sigmund J. Degitz
Summary: A biologically based computational model was developed to describe the HPT axis in developing Xenopus laevis larvae. The model aims to understand the mechanisms of thyroid hormone-mediated metamorphosis and predict organismal outcomes when those mechanisms are perturbed by chemical toxicants.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Atsushi Yamaguchi, Yuto Mukai, Tomoya Sakuma, Ayako Furugen, Katsuya Narumi, Masaki Kobayashi
Summary: This study found that statins can inhibit the transport activities of hMCT1, hMCT2, and hMCT4, with atorvastatin showing potent isoform-selective inhibition of hMCT2. Docking simulation revealed that atorvastatin could interact with a specific site, potentially leading to the discovery of more potent hMCT2-selective inhibitors. These findings are important for understanding the inhibitory mechanism of statins against hMCT1, hMCT2, and hMCT4, and may contribute to the development of novel anticancer agents.
ANTICANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Natalia Y. Martynova, Elena A. Parshina, Andrey G. Zaraisky
Summary: This protocol is developed for identifying mRNAs that form complexes with mRNA-binding proteins in Xenopus laevis embryos at different developmental stages. It describes the use of the Ybx1 mRBP for immunoprecipitation-based mRNA isolation, featuring the translation of the mRBP of interest directly in living embryos following injection of synthetic mRNA templates encoding a hybrid of this protein with a specific tag.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiucheng Liu, Hao Qin, Li Zhang, Caili Jia, Zhixiang Chao, Xichun Qin, Hao Zhang, Chang Chen
Summary: The effects of 60% oxygen exposure on the pH of lung cancer cells were evaluated in this study. The results showed that hyperoxia exposure reduced intracellular pH, leading to a decrease in the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of lung cancer cells. MCT1 was found to mediate intracellular lactate accumulation and acidification of the cells under hyperoxic conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ricky J. Milne, Katherine E. Dibley, Jayakumar Bose, Anthony R. Ashton, Peter R. Ryan, Stephen D. Tyerman, Evans S. Lagudah
Summary: A wheat gene that provides partial resistance to multiple fungal diseases has been found to be associated with increased ion transport, which could contribute to disease resistance.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zachary R. Sterner, Ayah Jabrah, Nikko-Ideen Shaidani, Marko E. Horb, Rejenae Dockery, Bidisha Paul, Daniel R. Buchholz
Summary: Precise regulation of thyroid hormone (TH) signaling is crucial for coordinating developmental events in frog metamorphosis. This study investigates the role of monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) in TH transport during metamorphosis. By using CRISPR/Cas9, mutant tadpoles with MCT8 gene mutations were produced and it was found that the loss of MCT8 did not affect TH-dependent development, suggesting compensatory TH transport in tadpole tissues.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Yan, Jie Ding, Qianlei Yang, Xiaoyun Zhang, Junyu Han, Tingxu Jin, Shudi Shi, Xirui Wang, Yu Zheng, Heran Li, Hengdong Zhang, Yan An
Summary: This study investigated the skeletal toxicity of lead acetate (PbAc) in early life stages of zebrafish. The results showed that PbAc inhibited the differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts and cartilage matrix, promoted the formation of osteoclasts, disrupted the GH/IGF-1 axis, and ultimately induced cartilage defects and bone loss in zebrafish embryos.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Chisa Usami, Hidehiko Inomata
Summary: During the gastrula stage of Xenopus laevis, the adhesion frequency between the blastocoel roof and mesodermal cells is found to control mesoderm migration. Enhancing adhesion between these tissues effectively suppresses mesoderm migration.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Amira Mahomed, Daljit Girn, Afrin Pattani, Brian K. Wells, Chloe C. King, Sonya Patel, Harsimran Kaur, Christina M. Noravian, Jessica Sieminski, Chi Pham, Halley Dante, Max Ezin, Tamira Elul
Summary: The cannabinoid receptor CB1R plays a role in the migration and morphogenesis of neural crest cells and derivatives in both chicken and frog embryos, possibly through signaling via Myosin II.
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng-Qiang Wang, Zou Su, Chun-Guang Dai, Jia-Le Song, Bo Qian
Summary: This study clarified the effect of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) on depression in mice and explored the role of the microbiome-gut-brain axis. BDE47 exposure increased depression-like behaviors in mice and disrupted dopamine transmission in the brain. It also disrupted microbiota communities in the intestines and caused metabolic disorders and inflammatory signaling. Overall, BDE47-induced depression in mice is likely mediated by gut microbial dysbiosis and disrupted signaling pathways.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Kim Hawortht, Lee Samuel, Sarah Black, Pavel Kirilenko, Branko Latinkic
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2019)
Review
Oncology
Ryland Hale, Sami Sandakly, Janet Shipley, Zoe Walters
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Hematology
Xian-Hui Dong, Zhi-Feng Lu, Chun-Min Kang, Xue-Heng Li, Kim E. Haworth, Xin Ma, Jing-Bo Lu, Xue-Hui Liu, Fu-Chun Fang, Claire S. Wang, John H. Ye, Lei Zheng, Qian Wang, Shu Ye, Yan-Wei Hu
Summary: RP11-728F11.4 plays a role in promoting atherosclerosis by influencing cholesterol homeostasis and proinflammatory molecule production, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Zoe S. Walters, Ewa Aladowicz, Barbara Villarejo-Balcells, Gary Nugent, Joanna L. Selfe, Paul Eve, Julian Blagg, Olivia Rossanese, Janet Shipley
Summary: Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are soft tissue sarcomas predominantly found in children, and current treatments have severe side effects and poor outcomes, necessitating the discovery of novel, more targeted therapies. High expression of histone demethylases, particularly KDM4B, supports proliferation of RMS cells, and sustained knockdown of KDM4B can lead to functional compensation by KDM4A. Targeting both KDM4A and KDM4B is shown to be effective in killing RMS cells and overcoming functional redundancy in order to elicit strong therapeutic responses.
Review
Oncology
Oliver J. Pickering, Stella P. Breininger, Timothy J. Underwood, Zoe S. Walters
Summary: Despite advances in the treatment of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, the overall prognosis remains poor with few patients surviving more than 5 years from diagnosis. Epigenetic targets, specifically histone-modifying enzymes, have been identified as potential novel therapeutic options in OAC. Research on their roles in tumor formation and potential use as targeted therapies is ongoing.
Article
Oncology
Fereshteh Izadi, Benjamin P. Sharpe, Stella P. Breininger, Maria Secrier, Jane Gibson, Robert C. Walker, Saqib Rahman, Ginny Devonshire, Megan A. Lloyd, Zoe S. Walters, Rebecca C. Fitzgerald, Matthew J. J. Rose-Zerilli, Tim J. Underwood
Summary: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients receive pre-operative chemotherapy, but a significant portion do not respond to this treatment, exhibiting chromosomal instability and gene copy number alterations. Different genetic profiles, including mutations in the tumor suppressor NAV3, are associated with non-responders, presenting potential drug targets for alternative treatment pathways.
Article
Oncology
Christopher I. Milton, Joanna Selfe, Ewa Aladowicz, Stella Y. K. Man, Carolina Bernauer, Edoardo Missiaglia, Zoe S. Walters, Susanne A. Gatz, Anna Kelsey, Melanie Generali, Gary Box, Melanie Valenti, Alexis de Haven-Brandon, David Galiwango, Angela Hayes, Matthew Clarke, Elisa Izquierdo, David Gonzalez De Castro, Florence I. Raynaud, Vladimir Kirkin, Janet M. Shipley
Summary: High expression of FGFR2 and FGF7 in fusion-gene-positive rhabdomyosarcomas correlates with increased sensitivity of the cells and forms a novel autocrine loop mechanism. FGFR inhibitor NVP-BGJ398 reduces cell viability and shows synergistic effects with SN38.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jack Harrington, Gabrielle Wheway, Sandrine Willaime-Morawek, Jane Gibson, Zoe S. Walters
Summary: Histone modifying enzymes, especially KDM5B, play a critical role in development and developmental disorders. Understanding the mechanism of KDM5B can provide insights into development and developmental disorders.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Nora Wangari Murage, Nada Mabrouk Ahmed, Timothy J. Underwood, Zoe S. Walters, Stella Panagio Breininger
Summary: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare neoplastic condition with a low survival rate. Understanding the genetic profile of PMP can help develop targeted treatments and predict patient survival.
CANCER AND METASTASIS REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Silvia Pomella, Sara G. Danielli, Rita Alaggio, Willemijn B. Breunis, Ebrahem Hamed, Joanna Selfe, Marco Wachtel, Zoe S. Walters, Beat W. Schaefer, Rossella Rota, Janet M. Shipley, Simone Hettmer
Summary: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, characterized by aberrant muscle differentiation. Abnormalities in the regulatory transcription factors (MRFs) involved in skeletal muscle development contribute to tumorigenesis in RMS. Core regulatory circuitries (CRCs) and hierarchically organized subsets of cells play a role in maintaining the disease-driving fusion oncogene and promoting malignancy in RMS. Understanding the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS provides insights into its mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.
Article
Oncology
Navamayooran Thavanesan, Indu Bodala, Zoe Walters, Sarvapali Ramchurn, Timothy J. Underwood, Ganesh Vigneswaran
Summary: This experimental pilot study developed machine learning models to predict treatment decisions in oesophageal cancer multidisciplinary teams. Results showed that multinomial logistic regression outperformed other algorithms in terms of performance metrics. Age was identified as a major factor in the decision-making process.
Article
Oncology
Eleanor O'Brien, Carmen Tse, Ian Tracy, Ian Reddin, Joanna Selfe, Jane Gibson, William Tapper, Reuben J. Pengelly, Jinhui Gao, Ewa Aladowicz, Gemma Petts, Khin Thway, Sergey Popov, Anna Kelsey, Timothy J. Underwood, Janet Shipley, Zoe S. Walters
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential utility of combining EZH2 inhibitors with differentiation agents for the treatment of paediatric rhabdomyosarcomas, providing a basis for further research and clinical application.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Benjamin P. Sharpe, Annette Hayden, Antigoni Manousopoulou, Andrew Cowie, Robert C. Walker, Jack Harrington, Fereshteh Izadi, Stella P. Breininger, Jane Gibson, Oliver Pickering, Eleanor Jaynes, Ewan Kyle, John H. Saunders, Simon L. Parsons, Alison A. Ritchie, Philip A. Clarke, Pamela Collier, Nigel P. Mongan, David O. Bates, Kiren Yacqub-Usman, Spiros D. Garbis, Zoe Walters, Matthew Rose-Zerilli, Anna M. Grabowska, Timothy J. Underwood
Summary: This study reveals that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) drive chemotherapy resistance in esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) and can be targeted with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) to enhance chemotherapy efficacy.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
B. Sharpe, S. Rahman, J. Early, G. Vigneswaran, J. Horne, B. Grace, J. West, Z. Walters, S. Ramchurn, T. Underwood
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2021)
