Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel S. Park, Son C. Nguyen, Randi Isenhart, Parisha P. Shah, Wonho Kim, R. Jordan Barnett, Aditi Chandra, Jennifer M. Luppino, Jailynn Harke, May Wai, Patrick J. Walsh, Richard J. Abdill, Rachel Yang, Yemin Lan, Sora Yoon, Rebecca Yunker, Masato T. Kanemaki, Golnaz Vahedi, Jennifer E. Phillips-Cremins, Rajan Jain, Eric F. Joyce
Summary: Researchers developed a high-throughput DNA or RNA labeling technology called HiDRO, enabling the quantitative measurement of chromatin interactions in single cells. By screening the human druggable genome, they identified over 300 factors that influence genome folding during interphase, with 43 genes validated to increase or decrease interactions between topologically associating domains. Inhibition of the kinase GSK3A was found to increase long-range chromatin looping interactions in a genome-wide and cohesin-dependent manner. These findings highlight the importance of GSK3A signaling in nuclear architecture and demonstrate the utility of HiDRO for identifying mechanisms of spatial genome organization.
Article
Cell Biology
Geoffroy Noel, Daniel Kai Long Tham, Eric Guadagno, Brian MacVicar, Hakima Moukhles
Summary: In astrocytes, the clustering of AQP4, DG, and GM1 is induced by laminin, with DG clustering preceding AQP4 and GM1. This process involves PKC signaling, demonstrating the role of PKC in the localization and function of AQP4 in response to laminin treatment.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philip A. A. Bidwell, Samantha L. L. Yuen, Ji Li, Kaja Berg, Robyn T. T. Rebbeck, Courtney C. C. Aldrich, Osha Roopnarine, Razvan L. L. Cornea, David D. D. Thomas
Summary: The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA) is a critical ion pump for muscle function, and increasing its activity could alleviate muscle dysfunction. Through high-throughput screening, several compounds were discovered that can activate SERCA and improve calcium uptake in both cardiac and skeletal muscles.
Article
Neurosciences
Huanru Wang, Meng Yuan, Enhui Yang, Deyan Chen, Airong Su, Zhiwei Wu
Summary: Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) regulates brain water homeostasis, and enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection induces depolarization of AQP4. Increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is observed, and treatment with SB-3CT can ameliorate brain edema induced by viral infection.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiaofei She, Yaqun Gao, Yan Zhao, Yue Yin, Zhewen Dong
Summary: The study established a simple and repeatable high-throughput CSC inhibitor screening platform, successfully identifying candidate compounds that inhibit tumor sphere formation. Further experiments showed that these compounds completely inhibited the self-renewal of CSCs via their targets in vitro and suppressed lung cancer metastasis in vivo.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jong-Heon Kim, Jin Han, Ruqayya Afridi, Jae-Hong Kim, Md Habibur Rahman, Dong Ho Park, Won Suk Lee, Gyun Jee Song, Kyoungho Suk
Summary: We conducted a multiplexed kinome-wide siRNA screen to identify kinases that regulate various inflammatory phenotypes of mouse glial cells. Our experiments showed the importance of T-cell receptor signaling components in microglial activation and a metabolic shift in astrocyte migration. This time- and cost-effective screen provides new insight into the regulation of glial cells and neuroinflammation, and potential drug targets for inflammatory diseases and cancer.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alba Corman, Dimitris C. Kanellis, Patrycja Michalska, Maria Haggblad, Vanesa Lafarga, Jiri Bartek, Jordi Carreras-Puigvert, Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo
Summary: In this study, an image-based chemical screen was conducted to evaluate the effects of medically approved drugs and drugs under development on translation levels. The study found that certain compounds can reduce translation independently of mTOR, providing new insights for anticancer drug development.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lilian L. Nohara, Samantha L. S. Ellis, Carola Dreier, Sarah Dada, Iryna Saranchova, Lonna Munro, Cheryl G. Pfeifer, Krysta M. Coyle, Jessica R. Morrice, Daniel Joo Sung Shim, Paul Ahn, Nicole De Voogd, David E. Williams, Ping Cheng, Emmanuel Garrovillas, Raymond J. Andersen, Wilfred A. Jefferies
Summary: Genetic and epigenetic events contribute to the downregulation of the cellular antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM), leading to cancer evasion of the immune system. A high-throughput cell-based screening assay has identified curcuphenol, a compound derived from turmeric, as a potential reversal agent for the downregulation of APM components in metastatic tumour cells. The findings suggest that curcuphenol can induce the expression of APM components and potentially be used in the development of therapeutic candidates for metastatic cancers.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Francisco Jose Sanz, Cristina Solana-Manrique, Josema Torres, Esther Masia, Maria J. Vicent, Nuria Paricio
Summary: The standard therapy for Parkinson's disease is dopamine replacement, which only treats the symptoms of the disease. Through the use of DJ-1 beta mutant flies, researchers identified zaprinast from a chemical library as a potential therapeutic for PD, as it displayed significant ability to suppress OS-induced cell death in both fly and human PD models.
Article
Cell Biology
Fang Cao, Yunpeng Jiang, Lin Chang, Hongzhen Du, De Chang, Chunxiao Pan, Xiaozheng Huang, Donglin Yu, Mi Zhang, Yongna Fan, Xiaocui Bian, Kailong Li
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is characterized by early metastasis and limited response to current therapies. Through a genetic screening platform, YWHAZ has been identified as a key regulator of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Overexpression of YWHAZ promotes cell migration and invasion, and is associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brandon M. Murareanu, Noelle Antao, Winnie Zhao, Aurore Dubuffet, Hicham El Alaoui, Jessica Knox, Damian C. Ekiert, Gira Bhabha, Peter J. Roy, Aaron W. Reinke
Summary: In this study, a high-throughput screening method was developed to identify chemical inhibitors of microsporidia infection. Through experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans, 11 potential microsporidia inhibitors were identified, among which five compounds prevent microsporidia infection by inhibiting spore firing.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Horst Penkert, Alix Bertrand, Vini Tiwari, Stephan Breimann, Stephan A. Mueller, Paul M. Jordan, Mathias J. Gerl, Christian Klose, Ludovico Cantuti-Castelvetri, Mar Bosch-Queralt, Ilya Levental, Stefan F. Lichtenthaler, Oliver Werz, Mikael Simons
Summary: The study reveals that n-3 fatty acids can promote the balance of inflammatory reactions, reduce phagocytic infiltrate, accelerate the decline of microglia/macrophages, enhance oligodendrocyte generation, and ultimately improve lesion recovery in demyelinating injuries of the central nervous system.
Article
Microbiology
Antonia C. Du Bois, Alice Xue, Chester Pham, Nicole M. Revie, Kirsten J. Meyer, Yoko Yashiroda, Charles Boone, Justin R. Nodwell, Peter Stogios, Alexei Savchenko, Nicole Robbins, Kali R. Iyer, Leah E. Cowen
Summary: Pathogenic fungi pose a serious threat to human health, and the treatment of fungal infections heavily relies on the use of azole antifungals. This study identified a 2,5-disubstituted pyridine compound, CpdLC-6888, with antifungal activity against Candida albicans, despite its structural differences from azoles. This work introduces a novel antifungal compound, expanding the range of compounds that can target this important drug target.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Saira R. Ali, Karen J. Humphreys, Kaylene. J. Simpson, Ross A. McKinnon, Robyn Meech, Michael Z. Michael
Summary: Butyrate, a gut fermentation product, shows anti-cancer properties in the human proximal colon by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. A study identified several miRNAs such as miR-125b, miR-181a, miR-593, and miR-1227 that can enhance the anti-cancer effects of butyrate, potentially affecting critical cancer-related growth pathways.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Nam H. K. Nguyen, Roya Rafiee, Abderrahmane Tagmount, Amin Sobh, Alex Loguinov, Angelica K. de Jesus Sosa, Abdelrahman H. Elsayed, Mohammed Gbadamosi, Nathan Seligson, Christopher R. Cogle, Jeffery Rubnitz, Raul Ribeiro, James Downing, Xueyuan Cao, Stanley B. Pounds, Christopher D. Vulpe, Jatinder K. Lamba
Summary: This study utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to identify known genes, such as TOP2A and ABCC1, as well as novel genes including RAD54L2, PRKDC, and ZNF451, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets for overcoming treatment resistance.
Article
Neurosciences
Geoffroy Noel, Daniel Kai Long Tham, Brian A. MacVicar, Hakima Moukhles
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Gabriel Venne, Michelle L. Zec, Lauren Welte, Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2020)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Nickoo Merati, Anna Murphy-Buske, Patricia Alfaro, Sandie S. Larouche, Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel, Nicole M. Ventura
Summary: By engaging in an anatomy interprofessional near-peer learning activity, medical and nursing students showed positive changes in their interprofessional attitudes, which could benefit their future collaborative practices in healthcare.
ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Geoffroy Noel, Daniel Kai Long Tham, Eric Guadagno, Brian MacVicar, Hakima Moukhles
Summary: In astrocytes, the clustering of AQP4, DG, and GM1 is induced by laminin, with DG clustering preceding AQP4 and GM1. This process involves PKC signaling, demonstrating the role of PKC in the localization and function of AQP4 in response to laminin treatment.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel, Julia Heron, Carly Naismith
Summary: This study analyzed body procurement records at McGill University, revealing a current donor profile of males in their 70s who primarily speak French at home. While recent legislations did not significantly impact procurement rates, historical data showed a substantial increase in body donations when religious institutions supported legislation in 1883.
ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Anette Wu, Ann Chen Xi Yu, Cynthia Soledad Chang, Rahul Goel, Mandeep Gill Sagoo, Takeshi Sakurai, Suvi Viranta-Kovanen, Chung-Liang Chien, Hannes Traxler, Jens Waschke, Shuji Kitahara, Kevin Keay, Jorgen Olsen, Cecilia Brassett, Salma El Batti, Franziska Vielmuth, Anna Magdalena Sigmund, Mina Zeroual, Carol Kunzel, Paulette Bernd, Richard Wingate, Heike Kielstein, Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel
Summary: Anatomy courses can trigger students' thinking about life's passing, with different themes identified at various schools associated with anatomy formats and elements. Courses that offer hands-on cadaveric dissections may play a significant role in initiating these sentiments.
ANNALS OF ANATOMY-ANATOMISCHER ANZEIGER
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiman Gao, Geoffroy Noel, Zovinar Der Khatchadourian, Doaa Taqi, Mohammad Abusamak, Anna Henley, Karim Menassa, Ana Velly, Elham Emami, Luc Mongeau, Faleh Tamimi
Summary: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the clinical safety and feasibility of an optimal NFLJI technique for dental anesthesia. Results showed that perpendicular NFLJIs induced more regurgitation and complications, while oblique NFLJIs had lower risks. Oblique NFLJIs could be a promising approach for dental infiltration anesthesia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiman Gao, Anna Henley, Geoffroy Noel, Zovinar Der Khatchadourian, Doaa Taqi, Mohammad Abusamak, Zixin He, Swen Groen, Rani Taher, Karim Menassa, Ana Velly, Elham Emami, Luc Mongeau, Faleh Tamimi
Summary: The study showed that adjusting the supply pressure of NFLJI can achieve effective Mental Incisive Nerve Blocks with minimal complications and improved success rates. High-pressure NFLJI poses higher risks of discomfort and paresthesia, while low-pressure NFLJI is less likely to cause complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Kevin S. He, Rukshan Fernando, Tatiana Cabrera, David Valenti, Abdulaziz Algharras, Nicolas Martinez, David M. Liu, Geoffroy Noel, Karl Muchantef, Ali Bessissow, Louis-Martin Boucher
Summary: The study developed a safe and technically simple liver-specific nerve block method to effectively reduce pain during liver disease treatment and reduce the risk of oversedation. Among the 12 patients who received hepatic hilar nerve block, the pain level was significantly lower compared to the control group, and the intraoperative fentanyl requirement was also reduced.
Letter
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Anette Wu, Betty Leask, Geoffroy Noel, Hans de Wit
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Anette Wu, Vinay Maddula, Jasmine Singh, Mandeep Gill Sagoo, Chung-Liang Chien, Richard Wingate, Heike Kielstein, Hannes Traxler, Cecilia Brassett, Jens Waschke, Fransziska Vielmuth, Takeshi Sakurai, Mina Zeroual, Jorgen Olsen, Salma El-Batti, Suvi Viranta-Kovanen, Shuji Kitahara, Kevin Keay, Carol Kunzel, Paulette Bernd, Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel
Summary: Internationalization of medical education through structured online peer exchanges at home can provide students with cross-cultural skills and networking opportunities typically achieved through international in-person travel. This socially just and equitable approach can improve students' cultural competency, preparing them for global health work and ultimately enhancing global health outcomes.
MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR
(2021)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel, Weimeng Ding, Peter Steinmetz
Summary: This study focuses on the feasibility of developing low-cost, open-sourced 3D printed heart models to help trainees visualize the vascular territories of coronary arteries during echocardiography or electrocardiography. Results demonstrate clear appreciation of the 3D printed models by students, residents, and staff, suggesting that such models can easily be implemented by other institutions to enhance trainees' experience during skill acquisition.
MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR
(2021)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Anette Wu, Vinay Maddula, Ann Chen Xi Yu, Rahul Goel, Haruna Shimizu, Chung-Liang Chien, Richard Wingate, Mandeep Gill Sagoo, Heike Kielstein, Hannes Traxler, Cecilia Brassett, Jens Waschke, Fransziska Vielmuth, Kevin Keay, Mina Zeroual, Takeshi Sakurai, Jorgen Olsen, Salma El-Batti, Suvi Viranta-Kovanen, Shuji Kitahara, Carol Kunzel, Paulette Bernd, Geoffroy P. J. C. Noel
Summary: This study explores the sentiments of preclinical healthcare professions students during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from positive emotions like pride and respect to negative emotions such as anxiety, guilt, disappointment, and anger. While students showed respect for the healthcare profession, they also acknowledged its limitations and risks. Healthcare profession educators should recognize the emotional impact of the pandemic on students, which could have long-lasting effects on the global healthcare industry.
MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR
(2021)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Esther ShinHyun Kang, Marija Popovic, Geoffroy Noel
MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR
(2020)