Article
Plant Sciences
Shichen Zhang-Biehn, Allan K. Fritz, Guorong Zhang, Byron Evers, Rebecca Regan, Jesse Poland
Summary: This study identified genetic variants affecting baking quality traits in hard-winter wheat, providing potential candidate genes for marker-assisted breeding and exploring genomic selection models to accelerate wheat quality breeding.
Article
Biology
Mickaele Hemono, Alexandre Haller, Johana Chicher, Anne-Marie Duchene, Richard Patryk Ngondo
Summary: Through the analysis of CLUH interactome, our study sheds a new light on CLUH molecular function by revealing new partners and by highlighting its link to the translation and subcellular localization of some mRNAs coding for mitochondrial proteins.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chengwei Zeng, Yiren Jian, Soroush Vosoughi, Chen Zeng, Yunjie Zhao
Summary: RNA-protein complexes play vital roles in various cellular processes. The authors develop a deep-learning-based method called DRPScore to identify native-like structures of RNA-protein complexes. DRPScore outperforms existing methods and shows significant improvements in accuracy, especially for unbound cases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sylvia Nkombo Nkoula, Griselda Velez-Aguilera, Batool Ossareh-Nazari, Lucie Van Hove, Cristina Ayuso, Veronique Legros, Guillaume Chevreux, Laura Thomas, Geraldine Seydoux, Peter Askjaer, Lionel Pintard
Summary: This study reveals that nuclear pore complex (NPC) disassembly is a stepwise process involving both Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1)-dependent and -independent steps. PLK-1 targets multiple NPC subcomplexes by phosphorylating intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of multivalent linker nucleoporins. The targeting of IDRs of multivalent linker nucleoporins is an evolutionarily conserved driver of NPC disassembly during mitosis.
Article
Hematology
Hector Martin Merinero, Marta Subias, Amaia Pereda, Elena Gomez-Rubio, Lucia Juana Lopez, Constantino Fernandez, Elena Goicoechea de Jorge, Sonsoles Martin-Santamaria, Francisco Javier Canada, Santiago Rodriguez de Cordoba
Summary: Factor H (FH)-related protein 1 (FHR-1) plays a significant role in diseases like atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) by competing with FH in binding to surface-bound C3b to promote complement activation. Abnormally elevated FHR-1/FH activity ratios perpetuate pathological complement dysregulation at complement-activating surfaces.
Article
Cell Biology
Sandy Ibanes, Fatima El-Alaoui, Josephine Lai-Kee-Him, Chantal Cazevieille, Francois Hoh, Sebastien Lyonnais, Patrick Bron, Luca Cipelletti, Laura Picas, Simonetta Piatti
Summary: This study reveals that Syp1 is able to align and pack septin filaments laterally, aiding in the assembly of septin collar. It also emphasizes the conserved protein functions and the functional diversity of unstructured protein domains.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin-Ping Wu, Mario Ficker, Jorn B. Christensen, Dmitri Simberg, Panagiotis N. Trohopoulos, Seyed M. Moghimi
Summary: The study finds that sub 6 nm dendrimers can evade complement activation but interact with IgM to trigger lectin-pathway complement activation. Understanding the interaction of nanomaterials with complement is crucial for developing complement-safe nanomedicines and medical devices.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hamid Hadi-Alijanvand, Luisa Di Paola, Guang Hu, David M. Leitner, Gennady M. Verkhivker, Peixin Sun, Humanath Poudel, Alessandro Giuliani
Summary: The spike protein of SARS-CoV2 and its interaction with the human receptor ACE2 play a central role in the infection process. Vaccines are important for preventing severe effects and transmission, but there is still a need for drugs that specifically target the spike protein. This study uses computational modeling to explore the interaction of spike protein with ACE2, focusing on its allosteric regulation, which could provide important insights for understanding the virus and developing potential treatments.
Article
Microbiology
Katarzyna Wacnik, Vincenzo A. Rao, Xinyue Chen, Lucia Lafage, Manuel Pazos, Simon Booth, Waldemar Vollmer, Jamie K. Hobbs, Richard J. Lewis, Simon J. Foster
Summary: Bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis is essential for bacterial growth and division and is targeted by clinically important antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus, a human pathogen, has only two essential penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are required for growth and division. Our recent studies have revealed a complex peptidoglycan architecture in S. aureus during division. PBP1 plays multiple essential roles in cell division, both as an enzyme and as a regulator.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robert J. Trachman, Luiz F. M. Passalacqua, Adrian R. Ferre-D'Amare
Summary: Unlike most riboswitches, the bacterial yjdF riboswitch can bind to diverse azaaromatic compounds and activate translation by adopting a tRNA-like fold. Ligands that stabilize the tRNA-like fold of the yjdF riboswitch in its native mRNA context can outcompete the attenuated state and activate translation. This study demonstrates the ability of tRNA to function as a small-molecule responsive cis regulatory element.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hye Ji Cha, Ozgun Uyan, Yan Kai, Tianxin Liu, Qian Zhu, Zuzana Tothova, Giovanni A. Botten, Jian Xu, Guo-Cheng Yuan, Job Dekker, Stuart H. Orkin
Summary: This study demonstrates that the loss of inner nuclear protein Matrin-3 (Matr3) accelerates erythroid maturation and negatively regulates cell differentiation by influencing chromosomal structure organization and compartmentalization. Matr3 interacts with CTCF and the cohesin complex, and its loss perturbs their occupancy at certain sites, leading to altered transcription and accelerated differentiation. These findings suggest a critical role of Matr3 in cell fate transitions through its impact on architectural factors and chromatin organization.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jung-Min Oh, Yujin Kang, Jumi Park, Yubin Sung, Dayoung Kim, Yuri Seo, Eun A. Lee, Jae Sun Ra, Enkhzul Amarsanaa, Young-Un Park, Seon Young Lee, Jung Me Hwang, Hongtae Kim, Orlando Scharer, Seung Woo Cho, Changwook Lee, Kei-ichi Takata, Ja Yil Lee, Kyungjae Myung
Summary: DNA double-strand break repair is initiated by end resection. The MSH2-MSH3 complex is recruited to DSB sites and facilitates the recruitment of EXO1 for long-range resection and promotes homologous recombination over TMEJ.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Jose R. Teixeira, Ryan A. Szeto, Vinicius M. A. Carvalho, Alysson R. Muotri, Fabio Papes
Summary: Mutations in the TCF4 gene can cause neurological disorders such as Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, while polymorphisms are associated with schizophrenia. The full functions and pathophysiological mechanisms of TCF4 are still being uncovered.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huixia Lu, Zheyao Hu, Jordi Faraudo, Jordi Marti
Summary: In this study, a compound with dual action targeting both oncogenic KRAS4B-G12D mutant and phosphodiesterase-delta enzyme is proposed. The compound is able to lock KRAS4B-G12D in its GDP-bound state and stably bind in the prenyl-binding pocket of phosphodiesterase-delta, reducing the proliferation of KRAS4B and its anchoring at the lipid bilayer.
Article
Oncology
Bartolomeo Bosco, Annalisa Rossi, Dario Rizzotto, Meriem Hadjer Hamadou, Alessandra Bisio, Sebastiano Giorgetta, Alicia Perzolli, Francesco Bonollo, Angeline Gaucherot, Frederic Catez, Jean-Jacques Diaz, Erik Dassi, Alberto Inga
Summary: Translation machinery in cells is coordinated by DHX30, affecting cell proliferation and energy metabolism. Silencing DHX30 enhances cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins translation while reducing mitoribosomal proteins translation, potentially impacting cancer cell fitness. Targeting DHX30 could exploit a vulnerability in cancer cells.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Arash Ardavani, Hariz Aziz, Ken Smith, Philip J. Atherton, Bethan E. Phillips, Iskandar Idris
Summary: Studies suggest that both protein supplementation and exercise training may lead to improved lean body mass retention during very-low-energy diets (VLEDs). However, there is uncertainty regarding the interactions between intervention types due to discordant outcomes reported in the literature and the heterogeneity of exercise modalities in achieving this specific outcome.
ADVANCES IN THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
M. S. Brook, P. Scaife, J. J. Bass, J. Cegielski, S. Watanabe, D. J. Wilkinson, K. Smith, B. E. Phillips, P. J. Atherton
Summary: The study showed that a blend of collagen protein hydrolysate + milk protein supplement had equivalent effects on muscle protein synthesis compared to milk protein alone in older adults, indicating its potential as an alternative for improving muscle mass and patient adherence.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Katherine L. Ford, Jann Arends, Philip J. Atherton, Marielle P. K. J. Engelen, Thiago J. M. Goncalves, Alessandro Laviano, Dileep N. Lobo, Stuart M. Phillips, Paula Ravasco, Nicolaas E. P. Deutz, Carla M. Prado
Summary: This opinion paper reviews the potential impact of protein on muscle anabolism in cancer patients. Animal-based proteins offer superior anabolic potential compared to plant-derived proteins. During cancer treatment, animal-based foods should be the majority of protein intake.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Oncology
De-Yao Wang, Cristina Melero, Ashwaq Albaraky, Paul Atherton, Karin A. Jansen, Andrea Dimitracopoulos, Federico Dajas-Bailador, Adam Reid, Kristian Franze, Christoph Ballestrem
Summary: Integrins and their associated proteins are essential for neuronal axon outgrowth, while vinculin plays a crucial role in integrin-mediated mechanosensing in neurons.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Matthew Jaconelli, Paul L. Greenhaff, Philip J. Atherton, Dileep N. Lobo, Matthew S. Brook
Summary: Elective abdominal surgery suppresses skeletal muscle protein synthesis but does not affect overall protein synthesis. The surgery leads to significant increases in urinary end-products (urea/ammonia).
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Eleanor J. Jones, Shin-Yi Chiou, Philip J. Atherton, Bethan E. Phillips, Mathew Piasecki
Summary: A motor unit (MU) consists of a neuron cell body, its axon, and the muscle fibers it controls. Age-related reductions in the number of MUs are observed, but MUs can undergo remodeling to rescue denervated muscle fibers. This remodeling process involves axonal sprouting and the formation of structures around the neuromuscular junction, relying on neurotrophins and coordinated signaling. While exercise in older age has shown benefits for skeletal muscle, research in humans on MU remodeling is limited.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Colleen S. Deane, Ushnah S. U. Din, Tanvir S. Sian, Ken Smith, Amanda Gates, Jonathan N. Lund, John P. Williams, Ricardo Rueda, Suzette L. Pereira, Philip J. Atherton, Bethan E. Phillips
Summary: Acute curcumin supplementation enhances the effect of oral nutritional supplement on microvascular blood flow in healthy older adults, without affecting muscle glucose uptake, vascular function, or blood flow.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Carla M. Prado, Francesco Landi, Samuel T. H. Chew, Philip J. Atherton, Jeroen Molinger, Tobias Ruck, Maria Cristina Gonzalez
Summary: Low muscle mass and malnutrition are prevalent conditions in adults regardless of age, body weight, body mass index, or acute or chronic conditions. This article summarizes the latest research on muscle health and malnutrition, their impact on immune function and clinical outcomes. It provides healthcare professionals with a toolkit of illustrations and scientific information to educate patients about the importance of identifying and treating low muscle mass and malnutrition. The article focuses on emerging evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and disease, as well as the interaction between skeletal muscle and the immune system. The importance of myosteatosis as a component of muscle composition is addressed, along with various methods of muscle mass assessment and nutrition interventions to improve patient outcomes.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Isabel A. Ely, Eleanor J. Jones, Thomas B. Inns, Siobhra Dooley, Sarah B. J. Miller, Daniel W. Stashuk, Philip J. Atherton, Bethan E. Phillips, Mathew Piasecki
Summary: This study found that targeted force accuracy training can improve the accuracy of knee extensor force tracking and reduce the variability of motor unit firing rates. This may be beneficial for older and clinical populations in performing daily activities.
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Alba Zuidema, Paul Atherton, Maaike Kreft, Liesbeth Hoekman, Onno B. Bleijerveld, Nagarjuna Nagaraj, Nanpeng Chen, Reinhard Fassler, Arnoud Sonnenberg
Summary: Integrins mediate cell adhesion and growth factor receptor signal transduction through interactions with PEAK1, Tensin3, and Shc1.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Ryan N. Marshall, Benoit Smeuninx, Alex P. Seabright, Paul T. Morgan, Philip J. Atherton, Andrew Philp, Leigh Breen
Summary: In healthy older adults, a 5-day period of bed rest did not result in significant perturbation in muscle mitochondrial protein signaling, and short-term resistance exercise prehabilitation did not affect this situation. Therefore, muscle atrophy induced by disuse may precede alterations in mitochondrial content.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Paul Atherton, Rafaella Konstantinou, Suat Peng Neo, Emily Wang, Eleonora Balloi, Marina Ptushkina, Hayley Bennett, Kath Clark, Jayantha Gunaratne, David Critchley, Igor Barsukov, Edward Manser, Christoph Ballestrem
Summary: This study reveals the critical role of tensin3 in fibrillar adhesion and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. It is associated with mechanosensors such as talin and vinculin, and the interaction between talin and tensin3 drives this process, with vinculin acting to potentiate it.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Robert W. Davies, Marta Kozior, Arthur E. Lynch, Joseph J. Bass, Philip J. Atherton, Ken Smith, Philip M. Jakeman
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding fava bean protein on resting and post-exercise myofibrillar fractional synthetic rate. The results showed that ingestion of 0.33 g/kg of fava bean protein did not enhance resting or post-exercise myofibrillar fractional synthetic rate in young, healthy, recreationally active adults.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Imran Ramzan, Arash Ardavani, Froukje Vanweert, Aisling Mellett, Philip J. Atherton, Iskandar Idris
Summary: Recent studies have shown that elevated circulating branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant positive association between BCAA concentrations and the risk of developing T2DM. The findings suggest that BCAAs may serve as potential early biomarkers for T2DM.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hala Fatani, Adina Olaru, Rebecca Stevenson, Waad Alharazi, Ayman Jafer, Philip Atherton, Matthew Brook, Gordon Moran
Summary: There is increasing evidence of higher prevalence of sarcopenia in IBD patients due to increased muscle atrophy. This systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in IBD patients, investigate its impact on patients, and assess the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. The review included 35 studies and found that over one third of adult IBD patients have myopenia or pre-sarcopenia, and nearly a fifth have sarcopenia. Myopenic IBD is associated with increased risk of therapy failure, postoperative complications, low bone mineral density (BMD), and potential risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Personalized nutrition plans may improve muscle mass in IBD patients.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
