Review
Immunology
Sohei Makita, Hiroaki Takatori, Hiroshi Nakajima
Summary: Post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory genes is mediated by ZFP36 family proteins, which bind to mRNA and lead to target mRNA decay. Despite structural similarities, ZFP36 family members have distinct functions and regulate different target mRNAs, likely due to cell-type-specific expression patterns.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susanne Wegmann, Sarah L. DeVos, Bryan Zeitler, Kimberly Marlen, Rachel E. Bennett, Marta Perez-Rando, Danny MacKenzie, Qi Yu, Caitlin Commins, Riley N. Bannon, Bianca T. Corjuc, Alison Chase, Lisa Diez, Hoang-Oanh B. Nguyen, Sarah Hinkley, Lei Zhang, Alicia Goodwin, Annemarie Ledeboer, Stephen Lam, Irina Ankoudinova, Hung Tran, Nicholas Scarlott, Rainier Amora, Richard Surosky, Jeffrey C. Miller, Ashley B. Robbins, Edward J. Rebar, Fyodor D. Urnov, Michael C. Holmes, Amy M. Pooler, Brigit Riley, H. Steve Zhang, Bradley T. Hyman
Summary: The study demonstrates that reducing tau protein expression using gene-silencing technology can effectively rescue neuronal damage in an Alzheimer's disease model, with sustained effects and no detectable side effects. This approach shows promise for the treatment of tau-related human brain diseases.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mohd Aamir, Pradip Karmakar, Vinay Kumar Singh, Sarvesh Pratap Kashyap, Sudhakar Pandey, Binod Kumar Singh, Prabhakar Mohan Singh, Jagdish Singh
Summary: Melon is an important model plant for studying sex determination, with complex gene networks regulating sex expression. Recent research has identified differentially expressed genes and molecular mechanisms controlling sex expression in melons, offering insights into transcriptional and epigenetic regulation.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sureshkumar Perumal Srinivasan, Harshal Nemade, Anna Cherianidou, Luying Peng, Sara Cruz-Molina, Alvaro Rada-Iglesias, Agapios Sachinidis
Summary: This study reveals that Strip2 interacts with the nucleosome remodeling deacetylase/Tripartite motif-containing 28/Histone deacetylases/Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase SETDB1 (NuRD/TRIM28/HDACs/SETDB1) histone methyltransferase complex and acts as an epigenetic regulator of pluripotency and differentiation in embryonic stem cells by modulating DNA KRAB-ZFPs and the complex.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Makoto Hirai, Akimasa Maeta, Toshiyuki Mori, Toshihiro Mita
Summary: Sexual reproduction of Plasmodium parasites occurs in anopheline mosquitoes with crucial roles played by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). The Pb103 protein is essential for zygote/ookinete development, particularly in female gametes, and its double zinc finger domains are indispensable for parasite sexual development, likely through translational repression.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jason Gardiner, Basudev Ghoshal, Ming Wang, Steven E. Jacobsen
Summary: Tools for sequence-specific DNA binding have provided new approaches for studying biology and crop development. Recent advancements in sequence-specific targeting tools have focused on developing CRISPR-Cas-based systems, which use a catalytically inactive Cas protein as a vector to control gene expression or alter DNA methylation. Researchers are currently working on developing versions of CRISPR-dCas systems that can target multiple effector domains and combining different effector domains and targeting strategies to enhance the system's functionality and efficiency.
Review
Plant Sciences
Changtian Pan, Simon Sretenovic, Yiping Qi
Summary: The precise genome editing mediated by the CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized genome engineering, with the use of dCas variants expanding its applications to genetic and translational research without inducing DNA double-strand breaks. Fusion of effector domains to dCas proteins empowers the CRISPR/dCas system as a multifunctional platform, enabling gene expression regulation, epigenetic regulation, and sequence-specific imaging. This review highlights recent advances in transcriptional activation and repression, as well as epigenetic modifications, and discusses the future directions and broader applications of the CRISPR/dCas systems in plants.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John Kee, Samuel Thudium, David M. Renner, Karl Glastad, Katherine Palozola, Zhen Zhang, Yize Li, Yemin Lan, Joseph Cesare, Andrey Poleshko, Anna A. Kiseleva, Rachel Truitt, Fabian L. Cardenas-Diaz, Xianwen Zhang, Xuping Xie, Darrell N. Kotton, Konstantinos D. Alysandratos, Johnathan A. Epstein, Pei-Yong Shi, Wenli Yang, Edward Morrisey, Benjamin A. Garcia, Shelley L. Berger, Susan R. Weiss, Erica Korb
Summary: Research reveals that the ORF8 protein of SARS-CoV-2 functions as a mimic of histone H3, disrupting the epigenetic regulation of host cells. This finding provides insight into how SARS-CoV-2 controls host cell epigenome and sheds light on the association between the absence of ORF8 and decreased severity of COVID-19.
Article
Plant Sciences
Haruki Onosato, Genya Fujimoto, Tomota Higami, Takuya Sakamoto, Ayaka Yamada, Takamasa Suzuki, Rika Ozawa, Sachihiro Matsunaga, Motoaki Seki, Minoru Ueda, Kaori Sako, Ivan Galis, Gen-ichiro Arimura
Summary: Plant volatile signaling triggers defense responses by epigenetic transcriptional regulation of ethylene response factor genes to sustain anti-herbivore traits. These defense abilities are maintained for 5 days after exposure to β-ocimene, correlated with the expression levels of genes.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Wenmei Wang, Weite Shang, Jiang Zou, Ke Liu, Meidong Liu, Xiaoqin Qiu, Huali Zhang, Kangkai Wang, Nian Wang
Summary: In this study, it was found that ZNF667 is upregulated in endothelial cells after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and promotes ischemia-induced angiogenesis through transcriptional repression of VASH1 and regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Fangxue Yan, Jinyang Li, Jelena Milosevic, Ricardo Petroni, Suying Liu, Zhennan Shi, Salina Yuan, Janice M. Reynaga, Yuwei Qi, Joshua Rico, Sixiang Yu, Yiman Liu, Susumu Rokudai, Neil Palmisiano, Sara E. Meyer, Pamela J. Sung, Liling Wan, Fei Lan, Benjamin A. Garcia, Ben Z. Stanger, David B. Sykes, M. Andres Blanco
Summary: The study identified histone acetyltransferase KAT6A as a key epigenetic regulator of AML cell differentiation. Mechanistically, KAT6A cooperates with ENL in an epigenetic transcriptional control module, revealing a new epigenetic dependency and therapeutic opportunity in AML.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emilie Bourdonnay, Thomas Henry
Summary: Gasdermins (GSDM) are a family of proteins that play important roles in cell death, immune response, disease susceptibility, and treatment response. The expression of GSDM genes is influenced by various factors and has been associated with diseases such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Atsushi Higashitani, Toko Hashizume, Mai Takiura, Nahoko Higashitani, Mika Teranishi, Rika Oshima, Sachiko Yano, Kana Kuriyama, Akira Higashibata
Summary: Epigenetic changes in C. elegans grown in microgravity conditions reveal that the organism activates histone deacetylase HDA-4 to suppress overregulation of certain genes, including the DUF-19 family. This epigenetic fine-tuning enables the expression of negative regulators of growth and development to adapt to the space microgravity environment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
XiaoDong Jin, WenYe Liu, Jing Miao, ZhiPeng Tai, LingYa Li, PengPeng Guan, Jing-Xia Liu
Summary: The study shows that disrupted Cu2+ homeostasis can lead to developmental defects in zebrafish myogenesis, possibly through regulating gene promoter methylation and histone modification to affect signaling transduction pathways.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jessica D. Umana, Sara R. Wasserman, Liujiang Song, Arushi A. Goel, Xufen Yu, Jian Jin, Nathaniel A. Hathaway
Summary: In this study, a chemically controllable AAV transgene expression technology was validated in vitro using chemical epigenetic modifiers (CEMs). This technology enhances AAV transgene expression by utilizing endogenous epigenetic machinery and can be reversibly controlled. By providing temporal gene expression control, this technology has the potential to increase the safety and efficiency of AAV-based research and therapies.
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Vicente Soriano, Carmen de Mendoza, Ana Trevino, Jose Manuel Ramos-Rincon, Victor Moreno-Torres, Octavio Corral, Pablo Barreiro
Summary: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a severe form of chronic viral hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and/or transplantation. The recent approval of bulevirtide and the expected availability of lonafarnib have revolutionized HDV therapy. Combination antiviral therapy is envisioned as a potential cure for hepatitis delta. HIV-HDV patients should be prioritized for new and potentially curative treatments.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jose-Manuel Ramos-Rincon, Hector Pinargote-Celorio, Carmen de Mendoza, Clara Ramos-Belinchon, Pablo Barreiro, Ana Trevino, Octavio Corral, Vicente Soriano
Summary: Hospital admissions of individuals with HBV infection are increasing in Spain, and while hepatic decompensation events have declined, HBV-related liver cancer continues to rise. Oral antiviral therapies do not have any benefit on hepatitis delta.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Victor Moreno-Torres, Carmen de Mendoza, Maria Martinez-Urbistondo, Patricia Mills, Ana Trevino, Sara de la Fuente, Alberto Diaz de Santiago, Jorge Calderon-Parra, Ilduara Pintos-Pascual, Manuel Corpas, Vicente Soriano
Summary: HIV-infected patients hospitalized in Spain with COVID-19 during 2020 had lower mortality rate compared to HIV-negatives, likely due to younger age and lower rate of comorbidities. However, advanced liver disease was a major predictor of death in HIV-infected patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
QJM-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Vicente Soriano, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ana Trevino, Octavio Corral, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: It has been ten years since the identification of NTCP as the cell surface receptor for HBV and HDV entry into hepatocytes. Bulevirtide (BLV) has been developed as a potential inhibitor of NTCP-HBV/HDV binding and has shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. Combination therapies with BLV and other anti-HBV/HDV agents are expected to lead to a cure for hepatitis delta in the near future.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jesus Argente, Leo Dunkel, Ursula B. Kaiser, Ana C. Latronico, Alejandro Lomniczi, Leandro Soriano-Guillen, Manuel Tena-Sempere
Summary: Puberty, a major maturational event, is determined by genetic factors and influenced by endogenous and environmental cues. Research progress has been made in understanding the neuroendocrine networks governing puberty, but the precise timing and mechanisms of puberty and its alterations are still being deciphered. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological basis of puberty, including the roles of kisspeptins and other central transmitters, the underlying molecular and endocrine mechanisms, and the pathways involved in pubertal modulation. Molecular features of precocious and delayed puberty are also summarized. The review highlights the need for further research in this active field of endocrinology.
LANCET DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Vicente Soriano, Victor Moreno-Torres, Carmen De Mendoza, Octavio Corral, Pablo Barreiro
Summary: Coinfection with hepatitis viruses A to E is frequent and causes significant morbidity and mortality in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Hepatitis A and E mainly produce acute self-limited episodes in poor income regions and non-vaccinated travelers. Chronic hepatitis B, C, and D are frequent in PLWH in highly endemic regions and globally in persons who inject drugs and men having sex with men. Rating: 8 out of 10.
News Item
Immunology
Pablo Barreiro, Victor Moreno-Torres, Vicente Soriano
Article
Immunology
Victor Moreno-Torres, Vicente Soriano, Jorge Calderon-Parra, Maria Martinez-Urbistondo, Ana Trevino, Zayrho de San Vicente, Carmen de Mendoza, Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza
Summary: A retrospective nationwide observational analysis in Spain found an increased incidence of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) and associated stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. The study compared hospital admissions for GCA between pre-pandemic (2016-2019) and pandemic (2020-2021) years. The incidence of GCA and GCA-associated stroke was higher during the pandemic years, particularly during the third wave of COVID-19 and the third dose vaccination in patients older than 70. The findings suggest a potential link between COVID-19 and mRNA-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with an increased risk of GCA and stroke.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vicente Soriano, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ana Trevino, Pablo Barreiro, Fernando de Jesus, Octavio Corral, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: HCV and HIV are highly prevalent infections worldwide. Oral antivirals can cure HCV and slow down disease progression in HIV patients. However, dual therapy for HCV and HIV presents challenges such as drug-related side effects, hepatitis B reactivation, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndromes (IRIS), and drug-drug interactions (DDI).
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG SAFETY
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
V Moreno-Torres, V Soriano
QJM-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Debra W. Yen, Vicente Soriano, Pablo Barreiro, Kenneth E. Sherman
CLINICS IN LIVER DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manuel Corpas, Carmen de Mendoza, Victor Moreno-Torres, Ilduara Pintos, Pedro Seoane, James R. Perkins, Juan A. G. Ranea, Segun Fatumo, Tamas Korcsmaros, Jose Manuel Martin-Villa, Pablo Barreiro, Octavio Corral, Vicente Soriano
Summary: Characterization of host genetic factors contributing to COVID-19 severity reveals a possible role of T cell response dysfunction, as indicated by the identification of variants in the T cell receptor beta locus associated with severe COVID-19.
Article
Medical Ethics
Vicente Soriano, Borja Montero
Summary: The College of Physicians of Madrid organized a debate on conscientious objection in the medical profession. The main arguments discussed centered around the definition of conscientious objection, the importance of medical ethics, and the potential harm of suppressing the ethical dimension of medical care. The debate also touched on the recent Spanish laws on abortion, euthanasia, and sex re-assignment of minors, highlighting the need to respect the freedom of physicians to refuse actions that go against their ethical values.
Article
Immunology
Oskar Ayerdi, Rafael Benito, Diego Ortega, Antonio Aguilera, Natalia Montiel, Ilduara Pintos, Alberto Diaz de Santiago, Begona Baza, Vicente Soriano, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: The prevalence of HTLV infection among individuals with STIs in Spain is 0.5%, higher than in the general population. These results suggest the need for universal HTLV screening in individuals attending clinics for STIs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Carmen de-Mendoza, Leire Perez, Ariadna Rando, Gabriel Reina, Antonio Aguilera, Rafael Benito, Jose Maria Eiros, Itziar Rodriguez-Avial, Diego Ortega, Maria Jose Pozuelo, Maria Jose Pena, Vicente Soriano
Summary: HAM is the most common clinical manifestation of HTLV-1 infection in Spain, and it mainly affects middle-aged women migrants from Latin America. Despite the use of antiretroviral therapy, two thirds of HAM patients end up in a wheelchair.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
