Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thirayost Nimmanon, Silvia Ziliotto, Olivia Ogle, Anna Burt, Julia M. W. Gee, Glen K. Andrews, Pete Kille, Christer Hogstrand, Wolfgang Maret, Kathryn M. Taylor
Summary: This research reveals the crucial role of zinc in cell division, showing how zinc influx through a heteromer of ZIP6 and ZIP10 at a specific time of the cell cycle triggers the pathway leading to mitosis. Blocking this pathway may prevent cells from undergoing mitosis, offering new therapeutic opportunities for proliferative diseases like cancer.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maret G. Traber, Carroll E. Cross
Summary: Protection from oxygen is essential for aerobic organisms, and α-tocopherol plays a critical role in this process. This article provides an overview of severe vitamin E deficiency in humans and highlights the importance of α-tocopherol in preventing lipid peroxidation.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Saeed Asiry, Gina Kim, Panagiota S. Filippou, Luis Rivera Sanchez, David Entenberg, Douglas K. Marks, Maja H. Oktay, George S. Karagiannis
Summary: The dissemination trajectories, serving as immune deserts, provide transient and localized immunosubversion cues to migratory/invasive cancer cell subpopulations, enabling them to efficiently evade immunological destruction and seed metastatic sites. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular composition of these trajectories will aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingtong Ma, Yifang Dang, Boran Chang, Fei Wang, Junfang Xu, Li Chen, Hang Su, Jinsong Li, Baoxue Ge, Chang Chen, Haipeng Liu
Summary: In this study, the researchers identified the mechanism underlying the regulation of STING exit from the endoplasmic reticulum. They found that activated TAK1 directly mediates STING phosphorylation, promoting its oligomerization and translocation for subsequent activation. This finding has important implications for tumor immunotherapy and intervention in STING-related diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kirill D. Nadezhdin, Arthur Neuberger, Yury A. Nikolaev, Lyle A. Murphy, Elena O. Gracheva, Sviatoslav N. Bagriantsev, Alexander I. Sobolevsky
Summary: Studies on the structure of TRPV1 from the thirteen-lined ground squirrel reveal the importance of the C-terminus and cap domain for channel function, with deletion of the cap affecting conductance and ion selectivity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mija Marinkovic, Matilda Sprung, Ivana Novak
Summary: The study showed that BNIP3L dimerization is crucial for recruiting autophagosomes efficiently for selective removal of mitochondria. The interplay between BNIP3L phosphorylation and dimerization is necessary for initiation and progression of BNIP3L-dependent mitophagy.
Article
Agronomy
Qilong Xu, Li Yang, Dan Kang, Zhenjing Ren, Yunjun Liu
Summary: The MS2 gene was identified as an ABCG transporter in maize, playing a crucial role in anther development, with high expression levels observed during the young microspore stage.
Article
Cell Biology
Sudeshna Nag, Kaitlin Szederkenyi, Olena Gorbenko, Hannah Tyrrell, Christopher M. Yip, G. Angus McQuibban
Summary: Mitochondrial morphology is regulated by post-translational modifications of dynamin family GTPase proteins including MFN1, MFN2, and DRP1. PGAM5 interacts with MFN2 and DRP1 in a stress-sensitive manner, regulating MFN2 phosphorylation to protect it from ubiquitination and degradation. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of MFN2 modulate its fusion ability, with phosphorylation enhancing fission and degradation, and dephosphorylation enhancing fusion. PGAM5 dephosphorylates MFN2 to promote mitochondrial network formation. Genetic evidence from a Drosophila model supports that Marf and dPGAM5 are in the same pathway. Our findings identify MFN2 dephosphorylation as a regulator of mitochondrial fusion and highlight PGAM5 as an MFN2 phosphatase.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ginga Shimakawa, Akane Okuyama, Hisashi Harada, Shuko Nakagaito, Yui Toyoshima, Kazuya Nagata, Yusuke Matsuda
Summary: Marine diatoms contribute 20% of the global annual primary production by conducting photosynthesis in seawater with limited CO2 but abundant HCO3-. Our study reveals that a protein called Ptα-carbonic anhydrase plays a crucial role in saturating the photosynthesis of diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Mutants lacking Ptα-carbonic anhydrase showed impaired growth in seawater with varying CO2 levels and their photosynthetic affinity for DIC was about 10 times higher compared to wild-type cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Ming Wei, Zhi Jie Ren, Bo Hui Wang, Lin Zhang, Ya Jie Zhao, Jia Wen Wu, Le Gong Li, Xian Sheng Zhang, Xiang Yu Zhao
Summary: ZmNPF7.9 is a key gene in regulating seed development and grain weight in maize, involved in nitrate transport and metabolism. Dysfunction of ZmNPF7.9 resulted in delayed endosperm development, abnormal starch deposition, and decreased hundredgrain weight in the zmnpf7.9 mutant.
Review
Plant Sciences
Xin-Yuan Huang, Da-Wei Hu, Fang-Jie Zhao
Summary: Molybdenum is an essential element for almost all living organisms, and its uptake and transport, as well as its homeostasis in plants, play crucial roles in biological processes and adaptation to local environments. Recent research suggests that molybdenum is also involved in plant adaptation to coastal salinity.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiwei Jiang, Deyu Zhang, Juan Liu, Chaoyang Liang, Ronghui Yang, Cheng Zhang, Jun Wu, Jing Lin, Tianxing Ye, Lihua Ding, Jianbin Li, Shan Gao, Binghui Li, Qinong Ye
Summary: The EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway is crucial in cancer development, and the assembly of its signaling complexes is not well understood. HPIP was found to interact with all components of this pathway and form multiple complexes. Knockout or knockdown of HPIP inhibited complex formation, signaling activation, glycolysis, and cancer cell growth. High HPIP expression correlated with worse clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients. These findings shed light on signaling complex formation and regulation, and suggest HPIP as a potential therapeutic target for EGFR-RAS-ERK dysregulated cancers.
Article
Fisheries
Jiaqi Li, Wei Liang, Kang Li, Xinying Jiao, Kete Ai, Yu Zhang, Xiumei Wei, Jialong Yang
Summary: The study demonstrated that ZAP70 plays a crucial role in T cell activation and adaptive immunity of Nile tilapia, particularly in the anti-bacterial immune response.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Elisenda Alsina-Sanchis, Ronja Muelfarth, Iris Moll, Sarah Boehn, Lena Wiedmann, Lorea Jordana-Urriza, Tara Ziegelbauer, Eleni Zimmer, Jacqueline Taylor, Francesca De Angelis Rigotti, Adrian Stoegbauer, Benedetto Daniele Giaimo, Adelheid Cerwenka, Tilman Borggrefe, Andreas Fischer, Juan Rodriguez-Vita
Summary: This study reveals that epithelial ovarian cancer cells induce tumor endothelial cells to secrete CXCL2 to establish an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and the Notch/RBPJ signaling pathway influences the education of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and disease progression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aoi Okubo, Youhei Uchida, Yuko Higashi, Takuya Sato, Youichi Ogawa, Akihiro Ryuge, Kenji Kadomatsu, Takuro Kanekura
Summary: CD147 is essential for the development of psoriasis by inducing Th17 cell differentiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Judith Leitner, Claire Battin, Katharina Grabmeier-Pfistershammer, Peter Steinberger
Summary: This study demonstrates that depleting PD-1(+) T cells by blocking PD-1 antibodies can greatly impact the outcome of preclinical immunotherapy experiments. Different PD-1 antibodies may have varying effects on T cell activation and proliferation, with some potentially leading to significant loss of antigen-specific CD8 T cells.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Claire Battin, Gabriel Kaufmann, Judith Leitner, Joshua Tobias, Ursula Wiedermann, Alexander Roelle, Marten Meyer, Frank Momburg, Peter Steinberger
Summary: NKG2A has been identified as a new target for immunotherapy, and its blockade with the inhibitor monalizumab can enhance the response of NK cells and CD8(+) T cells. The interaction between NKG2A and HLA-E, which is peptide-sensitive and mediated by cell-expressed HLA-E molecules, plays a role in the inhibition mediated by NKG2A. The effectiveness of monalizumab in boosting NK cell-mediated killing depends on the peptides displayed by HLA-E on target cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Roca-Umbert, Rocio Caro-Consuegra, Diego Londono-Correa, Gabriel Felipe Rodriguez-Lozano, Ruben Vicente, Elena Bosch
Summary: This study investigates the genetic differentiation and signals of positive selection in zinc transporter genes (ZTGs) among worldwide populations and South Asian population groups. The results show higher levels of genetic differentiation and signals of polygenic selection in ZTGs, and identify new candidate variants for further study. These findings may contribute to understanding disease susceptibilities and zinc-related human health traits.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Diana Aguado-Garcia, Alex Olvera, Christian Brander, Victor Sanchez-Merino, Eloisa Yuste
Summary: The long-term storage stability of vaccines is crucial for the success of global immunization programs. This study evaluated the stability of a HIV-1 virus-like particle vaccine prototype and found that it maintained its structural integrity and the recognition of relevant B-cell epitopes for up to three months at 4 and -20 degrees C. Interestingly, even after a week of storage at room temperature, most particles remained intact and preserved their ability to recognize relevant epitopes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucia Bailon, Anuska Llano, Samandhy Cedeno, Tuixent Escriba, Miriam Rosas-Umbert, Mariona Parera, Maria Casadella, Miriam Lopez, Francisco Perez, Bruna Oriol-Tordera, Marta Ruiz-Riol, Josep Coll, Felix Perez, Anne R. Leselbaum, Ian McGowan, Devi Sengupta, Edmund G. Wee, Tomas Hanke, Roger Paredes, Yovaninna Alarcon-Soto, Bonaventura Clotet, Marc Noguera-Julian, Christian Brander, Jose Molto, Beatriz Mothe, Angel Rivero
Summary: The HTI vaccines were able to induce strong, polyfunctional, and broad T-cell responses, but they did not prevent viral rebound. However, in some participants, these vaccines were associated with a longer time off antiretroviral treatment, suggesting that their immunogenicity may be beneficial for future cure approaches.
Article
Biology
Malgorzata Anna Cichon, Karin Pfisterer, Judith Leitner, Lena Wagner, Clement Staud, Peter Steinberger, Adelheid Elbe-Buerger
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of RTN1A in regulating the cell structure and immune response of LCs in the skin. Through experimental models in human epidermis and transgenic cells, it was found that inhibition of RTN1A function leads to dendrite retraction and inhibition of migration in LCs. Additionally, stimulation of TLRs results in a significant decrease in RTN1A expression and clustering of LCs. These findings highlight the important role of RTN1A in maintaining LC residency and tissue homeostasis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erola Ainsua-Enrich, Nuria Pedreno-Lopez, Carmen Bracke, Carlos Avila-Nieto, Maria Luisa Rodriguez de la Concepcion, Edwards Pradenas, Benjamin Trinite, Silvia Marfil, Cristina Miranda, Sandra Gonzalez, Ruth Toledo, Marta Font, Susana Benet, Tuixent Escriba, Esther Jimenez-Moyano, Ruth Pena, Samandhy Cedeno, Julia G. Prado, Beatriz Mothe, Christian Brander, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Julia Vergara-Alert, Joaquim Segales, Marta Massanella, Rosa Maria Benitez, Alba Romero, Daniel Molina-Morant, Julia Blanco, Bonaventur Clotet, Lourdes Mateu, Maria Luisa Pedro-Botet, Jorge Carrillo
Summary: Mass vaccination campaigns have been effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission and severity. However, the immune responses developed in patients with predominantly antibody-deficiencies (PAD) after vaccination vary. Different PAD patients show different levels of response to the vaccine, highlighting the need for immunomonitoring and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pol Picon-Pages, Monica Bosch-Morato, Laia Subirana, Francisca Rubio-Moscardo, Biuse Guivernau, Hugo Fanlo-Ucar, Melisa Ece Zeylan, Simge Senyuz, Victor Herrera-Fernandez, Ruben Vicente, Jose M. Fernandez-Fernandez, Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo, Attila Gursoy, Ozlem Keskin, Baldomero Oliva, Francesc Posas, Eulalia de Nadal, Francisco J. Munoz
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is caused by misfolded amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) forming beta-sheets, but there are currently no treatments available to prevent it. Through a genome-wide screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified 81 mammalian orthologue genes that enhance Aβ(1-42) toxicity and 157 that provide protection. Further studies revealed that calcium regulation, protein translation, and mitochondrial activity were the main cellular functions affected by Aβ oligomers (oAβ). We focused on SURF4, a protein that regulates the store-operated calcium channel (SOCE), and found that it contributes to oAβ(1-42) neurotoxicity by decreasing SOCE activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Clara Duran-Castells, Anuska Llano, Ai Kawana-Tachikawa, Anna Prats, Ignacio Martinez-Zalacain, Mie Kobayashi-Ishihara, Bruna Oriol-Tordera, Ruth Pena, Cristina Galvez, Sandra Silva-Arrieta, Bonaventura Clotet, Eva Riveira-Munoz, Esther Ballana, Julia. G. Prado, Javier Martinez-Picado, Jorge Sanchez, Beatriz Mothe, Dennis Hartigan-O'Connor, Tony Wyss-Coray, Andreas Meyerhans, Magnus Gisslen, Richard. W. Price, Carles Soriano-Mas, Jose Antonio Munoz-Moreno, Christian Brander, Marta Ruiz-Riol
Summary: High levels of SIRT2 are associated with uncontrolled HIV infection, plasma viral load, and proviral levels. SIRT2 levels are also linked to markers of neurological damage and brain involution, especially in individuals who initiate cART later. Inhibition of SIRT2 could potentially be a therapeutic target for HIV infections and their associated neurological dysfunction.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Luis Romero-Martin, Clara Duran-Castells, Mireia Olivella, Miriam Rosas-Umbert, Marta Ruiz-Riol, Jorge Sanchez, Dennis Hartigan-O'Connor, Beatriz Mothe, Alex Olvera, Christian Brander
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between HLA-E expression and NK cell characteristics and functions. The findings suggest that increased HLA-E expression and changes in NK subpopulations are associated with chronic HIV infection. Uncontrolled HIV infection leads to dysfunction of NK cells, loss of HLA-E regulation, and reduced viral control. The study also demonstrates the potential sensitivity of target cells presenting HIV-derived epitopes to NK lysis. However, prolonged exposure to elevated HLA-E expression levels may result in NK cell dysfunction and reduced viral control in chronic infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alessandra Borgognone, Aleix Elizalde-Torrent, Maria Casadella, Luis Romero, Tuixent Escriba, Mariona Parera, Francesc Catala-Moll, Marc Noguera-Julian, Christian Brander, Alex Olvera, Roger Paredes
Summary: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in vaccine responses, and this study found that T-cell vaccination can alter the gut microbiota and promote the growth of bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory molecules. These changes in the microbiota are associated with immune responses and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura de Cubas, Jorge Mallor, Victor Herrera-Fernandez, Jose Ayte, Ruben Vicente, Elena Hidalgo
Summary: Research has shown that an excess of hydrogen peroxide in cells can participate in toxic reactions. Fluorescent protein-based probes have been developed to measure hydrogen peroxide levels in cells. A recent study found that the concentration and gradient of hydrogen peroxide, as well as the response to extracellular peroxides, are similar in different model organisms. Therefore, the principles governing hydrogen peroxide fluxes appear to be the same across different organisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katharina Aigner-Radakovics, Annika De Sousa Linhares, Benjamin Salzer, Manfred Lehner, Shiva Izadi, Alexandra Castilho, Winfried F. Pickl, Judith Leitner, Peter Steinberger
Summary: This study investigated the function of LAG3 using a fluorescent human T cell reporter system. It was found that LAG3 reduced the response to T cell receptor stimulation in the presence of MHC class II molecules, and the RRFSALE motif in the cytoplasmic tail of LAG3 was necessary and sufficient for LAG3-mediated inhibition. FGL1 was identified as a weak ligand for LAG3.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katharina Schwertner, Katharina Gelles, Judith Leitner, Peter Steinberger, Claudia Gundacker, Ruben Vrticka, Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber, Isabella Ellinger, Sabine Geiselhart
Summary: Based on the study of small intestines, colons, and placentas, we found that healthy placental chorionic tissue expresses low levels of full-length RAGE, while RAGE expression cannot be detected in the intestines. Possible reasons for this could be the low expression levels of RAGE and incomplete validation of antibodies.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Roca-Umbert, Rocio Caro-Consuegra, Diego Londono-Correa, Gabriel Felipe Rodriguez-Lozano, Ruben Vicente, Elena Bosch
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)