Article
Cell Biology
Sou Inagaki, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Keisuke Kawasaki, Rubii Kondo, Yuji Imaizumi, Hisao Yamamura
Summary: In this study, the role of mitochondrial fusion protein 2 (Mfn2) in the coupling of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondria in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was examined. It was found that Mfn2 is responsible for tethering mitochondria to SR, which regulates calcium signaling, ATP production, and cell proliferation in VSMCs.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sou Inagaki, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Keisuke Kawasaki, Rubii Kondo, Yuji Imaizumi, Hisao Yamamura
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in cytosolic Ca2+ buffering and energy metabolism. Recent research has shown that Mfn2 regulates Ca2+ signaling by tethering mitochondria and sarco-plasmic reticulum, enhancing mitochondrial function and VSMC proliferation. However, the physiological role of Mfn1 in Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial function is still unclear.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Ramirez-Sagredo, Clara Quiroga, Valeria Garrido-Moreno, Camila Lopez-Crisosto, Sebastian Leiva-Navarrete, Ignacio Norambuena-Soto, Jafet Ortiz-Quintero, Magda C. Diaz-Vesga, William Perez, Troy Hendrickson, Valentina Parra, Zully Pedrozo, Francisco Altamirano, Mario Chiong, Sergio Lavandero
Summary: The study reveals that PC1 plays a regulatory role in mitochondrial morphology and function in cardiomyocytes, with downregulation leading to dysfunction and excessive fission, activating mitophagy. Additionally, PC1 silencing also affects the AKT-FoxO1 signaling pathway related to mitochondrial morphology and function.
Review
Immunology
In Soo Kim, Prashanta Silwal, Eun-Kyeong Jo
Summary: MFN2 plays a crucial role in regulating innate immune responses during viral and bacterial infections, as well as in coordinating inflammatory, atherogenic, and fibrotic responses. The crosstalk between mitochondrial dynamics and innate immune responses mediated by MFN2 may determine the outcomes of pathogenic infections.
Review
Cell Biology
Gerald W. Dorn, Xiawei Dang
Summary: This article reviews the roles of mitochondrial dynamics in various neurodegenerative diseases and emphasizes their impact on the neurological system. The different technical approaches for measuring mitochondrial dynamic dysfunction are explored, along with their application in understanding human neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Neurosciences
Jason D. Vevea, Edwin R. Chapman
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in neuronal physiology, including ion homeostasis, energy production, and metabolite biosynthesis. Impaired mitochondrial function and altered morphology have been observed in neurodegenerative disorders. Our study reveals an active mitochondrial trafficking and fusion-related quality control process in axons, supporting the regulation of neurotransmitter release and calcium homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shristi Pawnikar, Brenda S. Magenheimer, Ericka Nevarez Munoz, Robin L. Maser, Yinglong Miao
Summary: This study combines experimental and computational methods to elucidate the activation mechanism of Polycystin-1 (PC1), which is crucial for future drug design targeting PC1.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shristi Pawnikar, Brenda S. Magenheimer, Ericka Nevarez Munoz, Robin L. Maser, Yinglong Miao
Summary: PC1 is a GPCR that plays a crucial role in ADPKD, and its activation mechanism is still unclear. This study suggests that the activation of PC1 by its tethered agonist (TA) may involve residue interactions between the stalk, TOP domain, and putative pore loop. These findings provide insights for future drug design targeting PC1.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Chen Qu, Wen Yang, Yating Kan, Hui Zuo, Mengqi Wu, Qing Zhang, Heng Wang, Dou Wang, Jiong Chen
Summary: Proper regulation of mitochondrial dynamics is critical for collective migration of Drosophila border cells during oogenesis. Misregulation of mitochondrial fission or fusion results in reduced ATP levels. RhoA/ROCK signaling may couple actomyosin dynamics with mitochondrial dynamics to achieve optimal actomyosin function during cell migration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiawei Dang, Emily K. Walton, Barbara Zablocka, Robert H. Baloh, Michael E. Shy, Gerald W. Dorn
Summary: Mitochondrial fusion is crucial for mitochondrial and cellular health. Imbalance in mitochondrial fusion and fission, resulting in mitochondrial fragmentation, is observed in patients with genetic neurodegenerative diseases. By redirecting the metabolic pathway of patient fibroblasts, characteristic mitochondrial abnormalities and a specific gene expression profile can be induced. Pharmacological activation partially reverses these abnormalities, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for mitochondrial dysdynamism in various diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael P. Young, Zachary T. Schug, David M. Booth, David Yule, Katsuhiko Mikoshiba, Gyorgy Hajnoczky, Suresh K. Joseph
Summary: The interplay between calcium signaling and cellular metabolism is not well understood. In this study, the authors investigated the metabolic and bioenergetic responses of human cancer cells with loss of cytosolic and/or mitochondrial calcium signaling. The results showed that constitutive calcium signaling is dispensable for the bioenergetic needs of the cells, but increased energy expenditure in mitochondria-deficient cells may lead to bioenergetic failure under metabolic stress.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrea Irazoki, Isabel Gordaliza-Alaguero, Emma Frank, Nikolaos Nikiforos Giakoumakis, Jordi Seco, Manuel Palacin, Anna Guma, Lykke Sylow, David Sebastian, Antonio Zorzano
Summary: Some forms of mitochondrial dysfunction induce sterile inflammation through mitochondrial DNA recognition by intracellular DNA sensors. Opposite mitochondrial morphologies induce distinct inflammatory signatures, caused by differential activation of DNA sensors TLR9 or cGAS. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial fragmentation promotes TLR9-dependent inflammation, muscle atrophy, reduced physical performance and enhanced IL6 response to exercise, which improved upon chronic anti-inflammatory treatment.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingjie Guo, Huan Zhang, Chen Yan, Birong Shen, Yue Zhang, Xiangyang Guo, Sha Sun, Fan Yu, Jiayun Yan, Ronghe Liu, Qianping Zhang, Di Zhang, Haiyang Liu, Yang Liu, Yaoyao Zhang, Wenlei Li, Jiangyu Qin, He Lv, Zhaoxia Wang, Yun Yuan, Jie-Feng Yang, Ya-Ting Zhong, Song Gao, Bing Zhou, Lei Liu, Deling Kong, Xiaojiang Hao, Junjie Hu, Quan Chen
Summary: Membrane dynamics play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of mitochondria, and defective mitochondrial fusion is implicated in various diseases. This study introduces a small molecule agonist, S89, that specifically enhances mitochondrial fusion by targeting endogenous MFN1. S89 interacts with a specific region of MFN1, promoting GTP hydrolysis and vesicle fusion. By boosting endogenous MFN1, S89 restores mitochondrial and cellular defects caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations and other stressors. Notably, S89 also protects against mitochondrial damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury in the mouse heart. These findings contribute to our understanding of the priming mechanism for MFNs and offer a potential therapeutic strategy for mitochondrial diseases.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paula Tena-Morraja, Guillem Rique-Pujol, Claudia Muller-Sanchez, Manuel Reina, Ofelia M. Martinez-Estrada, Francesc X. Soriano
Summary: Synaptic activity in the central nervous system consumes the most energy. New research reveals that an episode of synaptic activity increases mitochondrial bioenergetics by inducing the expression of iron metabolism genes, resulting in enhanced cellular and mitochondrial iron uptake. The study suggests a coordinated expression of synaptic plasticity programs and energy demands.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Naveen Mekala, Jacob Kurdys, Alexis Paige Vicenzi, Leana Rose Weiler, Carmen Avramut, Edwin J. Vazquez, Neli Ragina, Mariana G. Rosca
Summary: This study uncovered the role of miR 208a in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and function in cardiomyocytes, which is crucial for enhancing cardiac contractility and protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction induced by metabolic challenges in patients with heart diseases.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Constancio Gonzalez-Obeso, Emily Jane Hartzell, Ryan Albert Scheel, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Effective drug delivery is crucial for successful medical treatment. Silks and recombinant silks have emerged as preferred polymeric drug delivery systems due to their unique properties and tailored physicochemical characteristics.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shengfei Zhou, Kai Jin, Talia Khan, Zaira Martin-Moldes, David L. Kaplan, Markus J. Buehler
Summary: More complex bioadhesives were investigated, and the physical properties of the adhesive were improved through cold denaturation and swelling. This resulted in enhanced mechanical performance and water resistance of wood composites.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Dhriti Nepal, Saewon Kang, Katarina M. Adstedt, Krishan Kanhaiya, Michael R. Bockstaller, L. Catherine Brinson, Markus J. Buehler, Peter Coveney, Kaushik Dayal, Jaafar A. El-Awady, Luke C. Henderson, David L. Kaplan, Sinan Keten, Nicholas A. Kotov, George C. Schatz, Silvia Vignolini, Fritz Vollrath, Yusu Wang, Boris Yakobson, Vladimir V. Tsukruk, Hendrik Heinz
Summary: This Review discusses recent advancements in bioinspired nanocomposite design, focusing on the role of hierarchical structuring at different length scales in creating multifunctional, lightweight, and robust structural materials. By manipulating the architecture, interphases, and confinement, dynamic and synergistic responses have been achieved. The study highlights the significance of hierarchical structures across multiple length scales for achieving multifunctionality and robustness.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maobin Xie, Liming Lian, Xuan Mu, Zeyu Luo, Carlos Ezio Garciamendez-Mijares, Zhenrui Zhang, Arturo Lopez, Jennifer Manriquez, Xiao Kuang, Junqi Wu, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Federico Zertuche Gonzalez, Gang Li, Guosheng Tang, Sushila Maharjan, Jie Guo, David L. Kaplan, Yu Shrike Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates the rapid volumetric printing of unmodified silk sericin and silk fibroin inks, which exhibit shape-memory and tuneable mechanical properties. The inks are cytocompatible, providing expanded bioink libraries for volumetric additive manufacturing and offering potential for diverse biomedical applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jaewon Choi, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Onur Hasturk, Thomas Falcucci, Ya Yao, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study presents a new strategy to fabricate silk protein-based aerosols and silk fibers instantaneously in situ using a spray device, without the need for complicated and costly advanced manufacturing techniques. The key to success lies in the conformational transition of silk fibroin from random coil to beta-sheet before spraying, achieved by mixing silk and polyethylene glycol solutions in the spray device. The system utilizes green solvents and shear and elongational flow to provide a portable and user-friendly method for drug delivery carriers and surface coatings.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luciana d'Amone, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Nicholas Ostrovsky-Snider, David L. Kaplan, Fiorenzo G. Omenetto
Summary: Mucus lines all surfaces of the human body not covered by skin and provides lubrication, hydration, and protection. The properties of mucus are influenced by changes in pH that may occur due to physiological conditions and pathological circumstances. Using biopolymers that can adhere to mucus in different conditions to reinforce the mucus barrier can be a useful strategy for protecting the underlying mucosae from damage.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andrew J. Stout, Miriam L. Rittenberg, Michelle Shub, Michael K. Saad, Addison B. Mirliani, James Dolgin, David L. Kaplan
Summary: The development of cost-effective serum-free media is crucial for the economic viability of cultured meat. This study successfully replaced recombinant albumin, which is a high-cost component, with rapeseed protein isolate in a serum-free medium called Beefy-R. The new medium showed improved growth and maintained cell phenotype and myogenicity of bovine satellite cells, offering a sustainable and low-cost alternative for muscle stem cell culture in cultured meat production.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ying Pei, Wen Yang, Keyong Tang, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Collagen presents a hierarchical multilevel structure that achieves an ideal balance of mechanical strength and toughness. Isolation of mesostructured aggregates of collagen from biological tissues enables the construction of new collagen materials with ideal mechanical performance. The use of these mesostructural components has shown promise in various applications.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qiongling Chen, Jinchuang Zhang, Yujie Zhang, Haodong Liu, Tongqing Li, Qiang Wang, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between pea protein and fatty acids as well as the effect on protein conformational changes during high-moisture extrusion processing. The results showed that fatty acids induced the exposure of hydrophobic groups, weakened hydrogen bonds, and affected the aggregation of protein subunits. Unsaturated fatty acids limited protein chain refolding and covalent interactions. Additionally, stearic acid promoted the formation of fibrous structures.
Review
Neurosciences
Karla M. Marquez-Nogueras, Ivana Y. Kuo
Summary: Calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum is regulated by ion channel receptors InsP(3)R and RyR, with PC2 playing a less-studied role. PC2 is evolutionarily conserved and mutations in its gene are associated with polycystic kidney disease. However, the functional understanding of PC2 in different subcellular locations and extra-renal cells remains unclear. Recent studies have shed light on its structure and function, especially in the cardiovascular system.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mario Milazzo, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Crystal E. Owens, Igor M. Carraretto, Gareth H. McKinley, David L. Kaplan, Markus J. Buehler
Summary: This study investigates the rheology, printability, and prosthetic mechanical properties of HA and HA-silk protein composites, highlighting the roles of composition and water content. The inclusion of silk improves the quality of printed items by reducing underextrusion and slumping. A printing map is constructed to guide the manufacturing of HA-based inks for biomedical applications requiring sub-millimetric features.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta G. Fuster, Mercedes G. Montalban, Imane Moulefera, Gloria Villora, David L. Kaplan
Summary: In this study, folic acid-conjugated silk nanoparticles were used to deliver the anticancer drug ibrutinib (IB) to cancer cells with folate receptor overexpression. The study confirmed that the functionalized nanoparticles were internalized by cancer cells, mediated by folate receptors. This suggests that the developed nanocarrier can enhance IB uptake in cancer cells and be used for drug targeting applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Onur Hasturk, Thomas Falcucci, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Silk fibroin is widely used in various medical fields such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and medical devices. Advancements in silk chemistry and biomaterial designs have resulted in exciting tools for creating new silk-based materials and technologies. Selective chemistries can enhance or modify the properties of silk to address challenges in medically relevant materials.
NATURE REVIEWS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kirsten R. Trinidad, Reina Ashizawa, Amin Nikkhah, Cameron Semper, Christian Casolaro, David L. Kaplan, Alexei Savchenko, Nicole Tichenor Blackstone
Summary: Growth factors are critical components in cultivated meat production, but their environmental impacts have not been accurately quantified in current assessments. This study conducted a life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of recombinant growth factor production for cultivated meat applications. The results show that even in small quantities, recombinant growth factors can have significant environmental impacts. Future research should explore sustainable production methods or alternative options with lower environmental impacts.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Gang Xu, Liying Xiao, Peng Guo, Yuanyuan Wang, Shiyu Ke, Guozhong Lyu, Xiangsheng Ding, Qiang Lu, David L. Kaplan
Summary: The study developed an assembly strategy to regulate multiple cues in the same scaffold. The results showed that the multiple cues in the scaffold could promote vascularization and accelerate wound healing.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)