Article
Biology
Catriona A. Morrison, Simon J. Butler, Robert A. Robinson, Jacquie A. Clark, Juan Arizaga, Ainars Aunins, Oriol Balta, Jaroslav Cepak, Tomasz Chodkiewicz, Virginia Escandell, Ruud P. B. Foppen, Richard D. Gregory, Magne Husby, Frederic Jiguet, John Atle Kalas, Aleksi Lehikoinen, Ake Lindstrom, Charlotte M. Moshoj, Karoly Nagy, Arantza Leal Nebot, Markus Piha, Jiri Reif, Thomas Sattler, Jana Skorpilova, Tibor Szep, Norbert Teufelbauer, Kasper Thorup, Chris van Turnhout, Thomas Wenninger, Jennifer A. Gill
Summary: Conservation policies for declining wildlife species are challenging due to multiple environmental changes impacting population declines. Targeted actions to improve local productivity within Europe, combined with large-scale environmental protection across non-breeding ranges, could help halt migrant landbird declines. Such demographic approaches are increasingly necessary to address global wildlife declines.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Xiangmudong Kong, Wensheng Yan, Wenqiang Sun, Yanhong Zhang, Hee Jung Yang, Mingyi Chen, Hongwu Chen, Ralph W. de Vere White, Jin Zhang, Xinbin Chen
Summary: TP73, a member of the p53 family, has different isoforms including TAp73 and ?Np73. While ?Np73 is important for neuronal development, TAp73 is frequently altered in human cancers, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ehsan Pashay Ahi, Emmanouil Tsakoumis, Mathilde Brunel, Monika Schmitz
Summary: The study investigated the regulatory connections between leptin and downstream genes mediating its appetite-regulating effects in teleost fish. Using a loss of function leptin receptor mutant in zebrafish, a potential gene expression network comprising several anorexigenic genes was identified. The findings suggest a potentially conserved regulatory connection between leptin and sp3a, acting as a transcriptional driver of a downstream gene network in the zebrafish brain.
FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
A. B. Meriin, N. Zaarur, D. Roy, K. V. Kandror
Summary: Insulin primarily regulates the metabolic functions of white adipose tissue at the post-translational level, but changes in transcription also play a significant role. Egr1 is a transcription factor that is rapidly induced by insulin and nutrients in adipocytes. It directly regulates the expression of leptin and ATGL, and its expression in adipocytes follows a cell-autonomous circadian pattern, suggesting its involvement in coordinating insulin action with the circadian rhythms of adipose tissue.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Meng Li, Yujie Han, Chaochen Wang, Wenfeng Kang, Wenyan Jiang, Lei Zhang, Yujie Tang
Summary: The study identifies the oncogenic role and therapeutic potential of SE-driven transcriptional dependencies in G3-MB, leading to a better understanding of its tumor biology and the discovery of novel SE-associated therapeutic strategies and targets.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tan Tan, Zhiyuan Song, Wenya Li, Runming Wang, Mingli Zhu, Zuoxiang Liang, Yilina Bai, Qi Wang, Hanyu Wu, Xiaoxiang Hu, Yiming Xing
Summary: Generating Leptin-deficient pigs is an ideal model to study the mechanisms and clinical trials of obesity and NAFLD. Leptin-deficient pigs showed characteristics of increased body fat, insulin resistance, fatty liver, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis. Lack of Leptin resulted in the inactivation of JAK2-STAT3 and AMPK, leading to increased oxidative stress in liver cells.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shriya Saha, Shalini Roy, Ananya Dutta, Kuladip Jana, Anindita Ukil
Summary: HO-1 and ATF3 are key factors in the progression of Leishmania infection, with the activation of NRF2 promoting their expression and function, and also regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Antonio Flores-Cordero, Antonio Perez-Perez, Carlos Jimenez-Cortegana, Gonzalo Alba, Alfonso Flores-Barragan, Victor Sanchez-Margalet
Summary: Obesity is a global health problem and leptin resistance, a mechanism of obesity, is associated with the development of Alzheimer's Disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela K. Odle, Melanie C. MacNicol, Gwen Childs, Angus M. MacNicol
Summary: Proper expression of GnRH receptors by pituitary gonadotropes is crucial for maintaining maximum reproductive capacity, as it must be tightly regulated to maintain normal expression patterns and interpret finely tuned GnRH pulses. Research has shown that Gnrhr expression is regulated both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, with RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs playing important roles in regulation. These post-transcriptional regulators may also be influenced by metabolic cues, particularly by the adipokine leptin. Further exploration of post-transcriptional regulation is necessary to fully understand the complexity of GnRHR regulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diana Barros, Arunava Pradhan, Claudia Pascoal, Fernanda Cassio
Summary: The study revealed distinct patterns of gene expression in aquatic fungi exposed to AgNPs and Ag+, suggesting different toxicity mechanisms for each silver form. AgNPs upregulated genes related to transport, nucleobase metabolism, and energy production, while Ag+ upregulated genes associated with carbohydrate and steroid metabolism. The results highlight the importance of transcriptomics in understanding the stress induced by different silver forms on organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Qamraa H. Al-Qahtani, Walid N. Moghrabi, Suhad Al-Yahya, Latifa Al-Haj, Maher Al-Saif, Linah Mahmoud, Falah Al-Mohanna, Norah Al-Souhibani, Ayodele Alaiya, Edward Hitti, Khalid S. A. Khabar
Summary: PLK1 inhibition reduces the expression and stability of ARE mRNAs in cancer cells by decreasing the phosphorylation level of ZFP36/TTP, a protein promoting mRNA decay.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Irene Dang, Joseph A. Brazzo, Yongho Bae, Richard K. Assoian
Summary: Rac and Rho GTPases play critical roles in transmitting mechanical information from the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cell. This study found that Rac activation is dominant over Rho in the early transcriptional response to ECM stiffness. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) was identified as a major target of stiffness and Rac-mediated signaling.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ivan Litvinov, Pingxing Xie, Scott Gunn, Denis Sasseville, Philippe Lefrancois
Summary: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, but still poses challenges in treatment. By analyzing RNA sequencing data, new therapeutic avenues and potential targets have been identified, providing new insights for treating BCC.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carl Procko, Travis Lee, Aleca Borsuk, Bastiaan O. R. Bargmann, Tsegaye Dabi, Joseph R. Nery, Mark Estelle, Lisa Baird, Carolyn O'Connor, Craig Brodersen, Joseph R. Ecker, Joanne Chory
Summary: Leaf cell sorting and scRNA-seq approaches were used to transcriptomically profile the palisade mesophyll layer, revealing that despite their unique morphology, palisade cells are transcriptionally similar to other photosynthetic cell types. However, certain phenylpropanoid genes in the palisade have enriched expression and are light-regulated, contributing to the production of UV protectant sinapoylmalate.
Review
Psychology, Clinical
S. J. H. van Rooij, Lauren M. Sippel, William M. McDonald, Paul E. Holtzheimer
Summary: Research suggests that mediating PTSD treatment response may involve downregulating fear learning and threat circuits, and upregulating emotion regulation and executive function circuits. However, the findings are not completely consistent, and further research on treatment effects and additional stimulation targets is needed.
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
(2021)
Review
Ophthalmology
Warren W. Pan, Feng Lin, Patrice E. Fort
Summary: The prevalence of diabetes and its complications, including diabetic retinopathy, is increasing, with DR being the most common cause of vision loss in working-age adults in the US. Recent technological advances have highlighted the central role of the immune system in the pathology of DR, suggesting potential new targets for treatment.
PROGRESS IN RETINAL AND EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul Sabatini, Henriette Frikke-Schmidt, Joe Arthurs, Desiree Gordian, Anita Patel, Alan C. Rupp, Jessica M. Adams, Jine Wang, Sebastian Beck Jorgensen, David P. Olson, Richard D. Palmiter, Martin G. Myers, Randy J. Seeley
Summary: GDF-15 activates GFRAL neurons, affecting the expression of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, thereby inhibiting feeding and gastric emptying, promoting conditioned taste aversion; neurons with the strongest effect innervate the PBN and target CGRP(PBN) neurons, silencing of which abolishes the negative and anorectic effects of GDF-15.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biology
Paul Sabatini, Jine Wang, Alan C. Rupp, Alison H. Affinati, Jonathan N. Flak, Chien Li, David P. Olson, Martin G. Myers
Summary: A sensitive dual recombinase-activated viral approach, tTARGIT, was developed to manipulate neural populations precisely, addressing the issue of reduced efficacy when using Cre and Flp recombinases.
Review
Biology
Warren W. Pan, Thomas J. Wubben, Cagri G. Besirli
Summary: Photoreceptor death is central to vision loss in various retinal diseases. Disruption of nutrient availability and cell metabolism may underlie photoreceptor death. In this review, Pan et al. focus on the recent advances in the understanding of photoreceptor metabolism and suggest novel targets for neuroprotective strategies that prevent blindness.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ian E. Gonzalez, Julliana Ramirez-Matias, Chunxia Lu, Warren Pan, Allen Zhu, Martin G. Myers, David P. Olson
Summary: The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) contains neurons that play crucial roles in modulating feeding and energy expenditure. Among them, calcitonin receptor-expressing PVH neurons (CalcR(PVH)) are important for body weight regulation. Activation of CalcR(PVH) neurons suppresses feeding without significantly increasing energy expenditure, while silencing them may contribute to obesity due to loss of PVH melanocortin-4 receptor signaling.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Warren W. Pan, Thomas W. Gardner, Jennifer L. Harder
Summary: DRD remains a common cause of vision loss in working-age adults, with limited progress on new therapies due to the complexity of the human eye. Utilizing systems biology approaches that have been successful in DKD research may help clarify the molecular basis and progression of DRD.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaitlin H. Wade, Brian Y. H. Lam, Audrey Melvin, Warren Pan, Laura J. Corbin, David A. Hughes, Kara Rainbow, Jian-Hua Chen, Katie Duckett, Xiaoming Liu, Jacek Mokrosinski, Alexander Morseburg, Sam Neaves, Alice Williamson, Chen Zhang, I. Sadaf Farooqi, Giles S. H. Yeo, Nicholas J. Timpson, Stephen O'Rahilly
Summary: Mutations in the MC4R gene are associated with obesity, with the frequency of LoF mutations being higher than previously estimated. Carriers of such mutations may enter adulthood with a significant burden of excess adiposity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenwen Cheng, Ermelinda Ndoka, Jessica N. Maung, Warren Pan, Alan C. Rupp, Christopher J. Rhodes, David P. Olson, Martin G. Myers
Summary: The study shows that Prlh-expressing NTS neurons can suppress the effects of high-fat diets on body weight in mice, and activation of Prlh(NTs) neurons and overexpression of Prlh in these cells can abolish hyperphagia driven by AgRP neurons, improving obesity in mice deficient in melanocortin signaling or leptin. This suggests that enhancing Prlh-mediated neurotransmission from the NTS can attenuate hypothalamically-driven hyperphagia and obesity, overriding orexigenic signals in the long-term energy balance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cagri Bodur, Dubek Kazyken, Kezhen Huang, Aaron Seth Tooley, Kae Won Cho, Tammy M. Barnes, Carey N. Lumeng, Martin G. Myers, Diane C. Fingar
Summary: TBK1-mTOR signaling plays a crucial role in controlling glucose metabolism and improving glycemic control during diet-induced obesity. Increased TBK1 activity and mTOR phosphorylation contribute to the attenuation of insulin resistance, leading to better glycemic control.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alexandra L. Cara, Laura L. Burger, Bethany G. Beekly, Susan J. Allen, Emily L. Henson, Richard J. Auchus, Martin G. Myers, Suzanne M. Moenter, Carol F. Elias
Summary: Androgens are steroid hormones important for sexual differentiation and reproductive function. Excess androgens, however, can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome, causing fertility problems. They can also disrupt energy homeostasis and metabolic function. In this study, the researchers found that a certain population of leptin receptor neurons, which are critical for energy regulation and reproductive function, are directly affected by androgens. The study suggests that the effects of hyperandrogenism on sexual maturation and reproductive function in females are controlled by distinct neural circuits.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wenwen Cheng, Desiree Gordian, Mette Q. Ludwig, Tune H. Pers, Randy J. Seeley, Martin G. Myers
Summary: Body weight and adiposity are biologically controlled parameters that are influenced by a combination of factors. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating body weight, while hindbrain neurons have been found to contribute to long-term control of body weight and can suppress food intake without producing aversive responses.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mette Q. Ludwig, Wenwen Cheng, Desiree Gordian, Julie Lee, Sarah J. Paulsen, Stine N. Hansen, Kristoffer L. Egerod, Pernille Barkholt, Christopher J. Rhodes, Anna Secher, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, Charles Pyke, Martin G. Myers, Tune H. Pers
Summary: The study indicates that DVC neuronal populations associated with obesity predisposition can suppress feeding, making them potential therapeutic targets for obesity treatment. By activating some of these neuronal populations, feeding in rodents can be decreased, highlighting their importance in regulating energy balance.