Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lijing Bu, Richard M. Cripps
Summary: By analyzing 330 known MEF2 target promoters in Drosophila, we found that these promoters contain specific consensus sequences associated with transcriptional activation. One prominent sequence, NDM2, was found to be over-expressed in MEF2 target genes. However, mutating the NDM2 site did not affect the activity of these promoters.
Article
Cell Biology
Feiyan Zhao, Liang Wu, Qin Wang, Xuehan Zhao, Tong Chen, Chenghong Yin, Long Yan, Xiaokui Yang
Summary: In this study, we found that IGF2BP2 is highly expressed in GCs from PCOS patients. As an RNA-binding protein, IGF2BP2 preferentially binds to the 3' and 5' UTRs of mRNAs with GGAC and a newly discovered GAAG motif. The overexpression of IGF2BP2 changes the transcriptome profile of KGN cells. IGF2BP2 promotes cell proliferation through inhibiting exon skipping events of NFIC.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seth O'Conner, Wenguang Zheng, Mingsheng Qi, Yuba Kandel, Robert Fuller, Steven A. Whitham, Ling Li
Summary: The NF-Y gene family is highly conserved and plays a crucial role in regulating various functions in soybean plants. Overexpressing specific NF-YC isoforms in soybeans can lead to differences in starch and protein content, disease resistance, and growth characteristics. Minor sequence differences in the terminal ends of the protein may contribute to faster maturation observed in certain isoforms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ellen G. J. Ripmeester, Tim J. M. Welting, Guus G. H. van den Akker, Don A. M. Surtel, Jessica S. J. Steijns, Andy Cremers, Lodewijk W. van Rhijn, Marjolein M. J. Caron
Summary: BMP7 positively influences protein translation capacity of chondrocytes through NKX3-2 and 47S pre-rRNA transcription, connecting morphogen-mediated changes in cellular differentiation to ribosome biogenesis.
Article
Cell Biology
Chuqian Zheng, Min Liu, Yanping Ge, Yanyan Qian, Hong Fan
Summary: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study found that the viral protein HBx can upregulate the expression of ETV4 gene and affect chromatin accessibility. The increased expression of ETV4 promotes HCC cell invasion and metastasis by upregulating the DVL2 gene.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ali Qasim Khazaal, Nazmul Haque, Callie R. Krager, Stacey L. Krager, Christopher Chambers, Andrew Wilber, Shelley A. Tischkau
Summary: An internal circadian clock regulates energy homeostasis, with the central clock in the hypothalamic nucleus directing local clocks in peripheral tissues. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) interacts with the molecular circadian clock and its activation can disrupt rhythmic expression of core clock genes and metabolic function. This study examined AhR's influence on adipose tissue activity and found that activation of AhR reduces lipolysis through altering adipose rhythms, leading to altered serum glucose concentrations.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Seung Woo Hong, Se Hoon Kim, Seung Hoon Lim, Eun Jig Lee, Sun Ho Kim, Cheol Ryong Ku, Eui Hyun Kim
Summary: The study evaluated the clinical relevance of the new cell lineage-based classification system for pituitary adenomas proposed by WHO, finding that it mostly matched with the traditional classification but discrepancies between TF and pituitary hormone stains exist in some cases. Null cell adenomas may be more prevalent than reported and are clinically more aggressive than gonadotroph adenomas.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caihua Xing, Qiming Chen, Qinghai Qiao, Shenao Gu, Xiangyu Cheng, Huizhen Dong, Likun Lin, Feng Zhang, Chenyang Han, Zan Zhang, Hao Yin, Kaijie Qi, Zhihua Xie, Xiaosan Huang, Shaoling Zhang
Summary: This study identified a WRKY gene called PbrWRKY70 that plays a crucial role in resistance against pear black spot disease. Overexpression of PbrWRKY70 enhanced resistance against the disease in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and pear calli, leading to increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and improved ability to counteract superoxide anions. It was also found that PbrWRKY70 down-regulated the expression of ethylene synthesis-related genes, thereby reducing ethylene production and enhancing pear resistance against pear black spot disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruiqi Liu, Hikaru Niimi, Minoru Ueda, Yousuke Takaoka
Summary: Ethylene and jasmonate are plant hormones that regulate plant development and defense mechanisms. They act synergistically against fungal infections, but antagonistically in response to wounds and apical hook formation. The coordination of these responses is mediated by protein-protein interactions between EIN3/EIL1 and MYC transcription factors. These factors are both activated by interactions with MED25, which upregulates downstream gene expression. The study found that MED25's short binding domain is responsible for the interaction with EIN3/EIL1, suggesting competition between the two transcription factors for binding with MED25. This finding deepens our understanding of the coordination between the ethylene and jasmonate regulatory systems.
BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antoine Nehme, Mahdis Ghahramanpouri, Iqbal Ahmed, Mohadese Golsorkhi, Natasha Thomas, Kevin Munoz, Amir Abdipour, Xiaolei Tang, Sean M. Wilson, Samiksha Wasnik, David J. Baylink
Summary: This study found that a combination therapy of IGF-I and BTP-2 can effectively modify and restore LPS-induced gene changes and reduce vascular leakage caused by LPS. Furthermore, IGF-I also promotes liver regeneration.
Article
Physiology
Ai Matsubara, Takenori Miyashita, Kentaro Nakashima, Nozomu Mori, Si-Young Song, Hiroshi Hoshikawa
Summary: The endolymphatic sac is a crucial organ in the inner ear responsible for maintaining ion balance. A low-salt diet can increase the expression of ion transporters in the endolymphatic sac, which may play a role in the treatment of Meniere's disease. This study provides insight into the physiological function of the endolymphatic sac and the pathophysiology of Meniere's disease.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Ram Babu Undi, Nagib Ahsan, Jason L. Larabee, Nicole Darlene-Reuter, James Papin, Samrita Dogra, Bethany N. Hannafon, Michael S. Bronze, Courtney W. Houchen, Mark M. Huycke, Naushad Ali
Summary: The study reveals the crucial role of DCLK1 in SARS-CoV-2 pathology, showing that inhibition of DCLK1 can effectively block viral replication and transcription processes and reverse virus-induced dysregulation of cell signaling pathways. Furthermore, treatment with DCLK1-IN-1 reduces viral RNA levels, downregulates inflammatory cytokines, restores normal cell signaling pathways, and improves lung pathology.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Ling Ma, Shumin Chen, Zhen Wang, Saisai Guo, Jianyuan Zhao, Dongrong Yi, Quanjie Li, Zhenlong Liu, Fei Guo, Xiaoyu Li, Pingping Jia, Jiwei Ding, Chen Liang, Shan Cen
Summary: CRTCs can inhibit HIV-1 transcription and decrease viral RNA expression, having a negative impact on HIV-1 infection, and may drive HIV-1 into latency.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan Wang, Ling Liu, Jiang-Hong Gu, Cheng-Niu Wang, Wei Guan, Yue Liu, Wen-Qian Tang, Chun-Hui Ji, Yan-Mei Chen, Jie Huang, Wei-Yu Li, Tian-Shun Shi, Wei-Jia Chen, Bao-Lun Zhu, Bo Jiang
Summary: Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during chronic stress is critical for understanding and treating depression. This study investigated the involvement of the SIK-CRTC system in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the pathogenesis of depression. The results showed that changes in SIK1-CRTC1 signaling in PVN neurons were induced by chronic stress models, and modulation of this system affected depressive-like behaviors in mice. Furthermore, the SIK1-CRTC1 system played a role in the antidepressant actions of several drugs. These findings suggest that SIK1 and CRTC1 in PVN neurons could be potential targets for novel antidepressants.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
David Cabrera-Garcia, Ramsey Bekdash, Geoffrey W. Abbott, Masayuki Yazawa, Neil L. Harrison
Summary: A novel method was developed to transiently express SARS-CoV-2 E protein in intracellular organelles and plasma membrane, where it functions as a viroporin modulated by pH. The E protein forms an ion channel permeable to monovalent cations and its activity can be studied using electrophysiological recordings, facilitating the screening of potential inhibitors for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristina Kovac, Anja Sauer, Igor Macinkovic, Stephan Awe, Florian Finkernagel, Helen Hoffmeister, Andreas Fuchs, Rolf Mueller, Christina Rathke, Gernot Laengst, Alexander Brehm
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2018)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Joanna Bruehl, Jonathan Trautwein, Agnes Schaefer, Uwe Linne, Karim Bouazoune
EPIGENETICS & CHROMATIN
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Igor Macinkovic, Ina Theofel, Tim Hundertmark, Kristina Kovac, Stephan Awe, Jonathan Lenz, Ignasi Forne, Boris Lamp, Andrea Nist, Axel Imhof, Thorsten Stiewe, Renate Renkawitz-Pohl, Christina Rathke, Alexander Brehm
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Murawska, Tamas Schauer, Atsushi Matsuda, Marcus D. Wilson, Thomas Pysik, Felix Wojcik, Tom W. Muir, Yasushi Hiraoka, Tobias Straub, Andreas G. Ladurner
Article
Cell Biology
Olga Viktorovskaya, James Chuang, Dhawal Jain, Natalia Reim, Francheska Lopez-Rivera, Magdalena Murawska, Dan Spatt, L. Stirling Churchman, Peter J. Park, Fred Winston
Summary: Essential histone chaperones, Spt6, Spn1/Iws1, and FACT, interact with each other physically and functionally, with novel mutations in FACT identified in this study that do not restore the Spt6-Spn1 interaction. The suppressor mutations in FACT suggest alterations in FACT-nucleosome interactions, highlighting the critical role of histone chaperones in maintaining chromatin integrity during essential cellular processes.
GENES & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eunhye Lee, Chanshin Kang, Pasi Purhonen, Hans Hebert, Karim Bouazoune, Sungchul Hohng, Ji-Joon Song
Summary: CHD7 is a crucial chromatin remodeler, and its N-CRD region is essential for its ATPase stimulation and nucleosome remodeling activity. Mutations in this region can lead to defects in CHD7 function, affecting remodeling activity.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Magdalena Murawska, R. A. Greenstein, Tamas Schauer, Karl C. F. Olsen, Henry Ng, Andreas G. Ladurner, Bassem Al-Sady, Sigurd Braun
Summary: The formation of heterochromatin involves nucleation, self-propagation, and maintenance steps, with the histone chaperone FACT playing a crucial role in promoting heterochromatin spreading by repressing heterochromatic histone turnover in fission yeast. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the involvement of FACT in heterochromatin silencing.
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Magdalena Murawska, Sigurd Braun
Summary: This article discusses new insights into the role and recruitment mechanisms of the multitasking histone chaperone FACT in gene silencing, and its potential implications in cell identity and cancer.
TRENDS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ikram Ullah, Clemens Thoelken, Yichen Zhong, Mara John, Oliver Rossbach, Jonathan Lenz, Markus Goessringer, Andrea Nist, Lea Albert, Thorsten Stiewe, Roland Hartmann, Olalla Vazquez, Ho-Ryung Chung, Joel P. Mackay, Alexander Brehm
Summary: This study discovered that the ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeler Mi-2/CHD4 interacts with thousands of mRNA molecules in vivo in Drosophila. It was also found that RNA inhibits the activity of Mi-2/CHD4 by competing with the nucleosome substrate, thereby protecting actively transcribed regions of the genome.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Suhail Yousuf, Mengjie Qiu, Lena Voith von Voithenberg, Johannes Hulkkonen, Igor Macinkovic, Axel R. Schulz, Domenic Hartmann, Florian Mueller, Margarete Mijatovic, David Ibberson, Karam T. AlHalabi, Jenny Hetzer, Simon Anders, Bernhard Bruene, Henrik E. Mei, Charles D. Imbusch, Benedikt Brors, Mathias Heikenwalder, Matthias M. Gaida, Markus W. Buechler, Andreas Weigert, Thilo Hackert, Susanne Roth
Summary: We used a multi-modal single-cell approach to study the immune microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our findings highlight the exhausted phenotype of CD8 T cells and immunosuppressive features of myeloid cells in PDAC. We also identified immune subsets that diverge from adjacent normal areas and found distinct immunosuppressive subtypes and immune checkpoint composition in PDAC compared to lung adenocarcinoma.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Victoria N. Tedjawirja, Gerrit K. J. Hooijer, C. Dilara Savci-Heijink, Kristina Kovac, Ron Balm, Vivian de Waard
Summary: Recently, the role of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease has been proposed. However, it is crucial to determine the expression of extragonadal FSHR on a protein level. In this study, two commercial anti-FSHR antibodies were validated and their specificity was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The findings highlight the need for accurate evaluation of FSH/FSHR in postmenopausal disease using appropriate antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sebastian Hendrix, Jenina Kingma, Roelof Ottenhoff, Masoud Valiloo, Monika Svecla, Lobke F. Zijlstra, Vinay Sachdev, Kristina Kovac, Johannes H. M. Levels, Aldo Jongejan, Jan F. de Boer, Folkert Kuipers, Antoine Rimbert, Giuseppe D. Norata, Anke Loregger, Noam Zelcer
Summary: SPRING is identified as a post-transcriptional regulator of SREBP activation, controlling cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. Liver-specific knockout of Spring results in attenuated SREBP signaling, decreased plasma cholesterol, and reduced hepatic lipid content in mice. SPRING gene variants are also associated with levels of circulating HDL cholesterol and ApoA1 in humans. This study highlights the importance of SPRING in hepatic SREBP signaling and systemic lipid metabolism in both mice and humans.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Tobias F. Primke, Rebecca Ingelfinger, Mohammed A. F. Elewa, Igor Macinkovic, Andreas Weigert, Matthias P. Fabritius, Christoph A. Reichel, Angelika Ullrich, Uli Kazmaier, Luisa D. Burgers, Robert Fuerst
Summary: Research has found that depolymerizing microtubule-targeting agents can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules and decreasing leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. These agents not only affect leukocytes but also significantly decrease the inflammatory response of vascular endothelial cells. The study sets a baseline for further exploration of the anti-inflammatory effects of depolymerizing microtubule-targeting agents.