Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chaekyun Kim
Summary: Bone homeostasis is regulated by the balanced actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which differentiate from different progenitor cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including ERKs, play a crucial role in the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. However, the role of ERKs in osteoclast differentiation is still controversial.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Takuya Hikima, Paul Witkovsky, Latika Khatri, Moses Chao, Margaret E. Rice
Summary: This study reveals the critical role of high-affinity Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) in somatodendritic dopamine (DA) release. Both Syt7 and Syt1 are involved in the release of DA.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arne Jacobs, Kathryn R. Elmer
Summary: Research on the replicated postglacial divergence of Arctic charr into sympatric benthic and pelagic ecotypes reveals the significance of alternative splicing and differential gene expression, primarily controlled by independent cis-regulatory quantitative trait loci. While differentially spliced genes are enriched in muscle development, functioning, and highly central in regulatory networks, differentially expressed genes are associated with metabolism, immunity, and growth, indicating complementary molecular processes in rapid parallel adaptive evolution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hong-Yun Zeng, He-Nan Bao, Yi-Li Chen, Ding-Kang Chen, Kun Zhang, Shuai-Kang Liu, La Yang, Yong-Kang Li, Nan Yao
Summary: This study reveals that two classes of ceramide synthases differentially regulate EDS1/PAD4-dependent programmed cell death and immunity in Arabidopsis by subtly controlling long-chain bases and ceramides.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Felicitas E. Hengel, Jean-Pierre Benitah, Ulrich O. Wenzel
Summary: The mosaic theory proposes that hypertension is a result of interactions among various causes, and recent research highlights the role of inflammation and salt intake in this process. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, and high-salt intake can modulate inflammatory responses, ultimately affecting the development of hypertension.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lok-Yin Roy Wong, Abby Odle, Emma Luhmann, Douglas C. Wu, Yiquan Wang, Qi Wen Teo, Celeste Ptak, Alan Sariol, Shea Lowery, Matthias Mack, David K. Meyerholz, Nicholas C. Wu, Lilliana Radoshevich, Stanley Perlman
Summary: The internal proteins 8b and 9b of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 have different roles in mediating pathogenesis in infected animals. MERS-CoV lacking protein 8b expression is more virulent, while SARS-CoV-2 lacking protein 9b expression is attenuated. Additionally, mice infected with MERS-CoV lacking protein 8b expression showed increased levels of interferon and immune cell infiltration.
Review
Cell Biology
Dongha Kim, Keun Il Kim, Sung Hee Baek
Summary: LSD1 targets specific histone and non-histone substrates to regulate gene expression, playing important roles in physiological and pathological processes, including cancer.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Chun-Hao Jiang, Zi-Jie Li, Li-Yu Zheng, Yi-Yang Yu, Dong-Dong Niu
Summary: Plants' response to pathogens involves complex changes at different levels, including activation or repression of genes, with small RNAs playing a key role as genetic and epigenetic regulators. This review summarizes the new findings on defence-related small RNAs in plant-pathogen interactions, including their roles, cross-kingdom sRNA trafficking, and application for plant disease control using RNA-based fungicides.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eline H. Verbon, Louisa M. Liberman, Jiayu Zhou, Jie Yin, Corne M. J. Pieterse, Philip N. Benfey, Ioannis A. Stringlis, Ronnie de Jonge
Summary: Growth-promoting bacterium Pseudomonas simiae WCS417 can modify the root system architecture and induce systemic resistance in plants. Transcriptional profiling revealed that different cell types in Arabidopsis roots respond differently to WCS417 colonization, with cortex and endodermis showing the most differentially expressed genes. This study highlights the importance of cell-type-specific mechanisms in beneficial plant-microbe associations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haoyang Peng, Simin Zhang, Yihan Peng, Shuangyi Zhu, Xin Zhao, Xiaocong Zhao, Shuangshuang Yang, Guangxue Liu, Yang Dong, Xiaoli Gan, Qing Li, Xinghua Zhang, Huadong Pei, Xuefeng Chen
Summary: Histone acetylation plays a key role in chromatin structure and function, with Bromodomain proteins like Bdf1 and TAF1 being essential in promoting DNA repair by homologous recombination. Their interaction with acetylated histones and RPA facilitates repair processes, highlighting a conserved mechanism in maintaining genome integrity.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Anamika Gupta, Manju N. Jayakumar, Mohamed A. Saleh, Meganathan Kannan, Rabih Halwani, Rizwan Qaisar, Firdos Ahmad
Summary: Growth factors play differential roles in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, with most of them being upregulated at the moderate stage of the disease. The induction of growth factors likely occurs due to endothelial dysfunction and may counter the adverse effects of cytokine storms.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hua Liu, Ming Sun, Huitang Pan, Tangren Cheng, Jia Wang, Qixiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a CYC2-like gene, Cyc2CL, was cloned from Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Fenditan'. Alternative splicing of Cyc2CL was shown to produce Cyc2CL-1 and Cyc2CL-2 during flower differentiation, with Cyc2CL-2 playing a key role in the development of ray florets in chrysanthemum. High expression of Cyc2CL-2 was observed during corolla formation and floral bud differentiation stages, inhibiting stamen and petal development in transgenic Arabidopsis. This study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the CYC2-like gene and its role in ray floret development.
Article
Cell Biology
Li -Jun Duan, Xiao-Ming Cui, Ka -Li Zhu, Lin Yao, Guo-Lin Wang, Wu -Chun Cao, Mai -Juan Ma
Summary: Vaccination with Ad5-nCoV in SARS-CoV-1 survivors enhances antibody response against SARS-CoV-1 but has limited neutralizing antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the Omicron subvariants. However, the T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 is comparable between Ad5-nCoV immunized SARS-CoV-1 survivors and Ad5-nCoV immunized naive healthy individuals, while immunized SARS-CoV-1 survivors exhibit a robust cross-reactive T cell response to SARS-CoV-1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Bourgon, Audrey St Albin, Ophelie Ando-Grard, Bruno Da Costa, Roxane Domain, Brice Korkmaz, Bernard Klonjkowski, Sophie Le Poder, Nicolas Meunier
Summary: This study finds that the loss of smell related to SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with the destruction of the olfactory epithelium by neutrophils. Decreasing neutrophil activity can reduce the damage caused by infection and lower the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the olfactory epithelium. However, reducing neutrophils may also promote the early phase spread of the virus in the nasal cavity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Erin M. Witkop, Dina A. Proestou, Marta Gomez-Chiarri
Summary: The expansion of the Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) gene family plays important roles in regulating apoptosis and immunity in oysters. The study reveals unprecedented diversity of IAPs in oysters, with novel protein domains and architectures. This expansion facilitates complex and nuanced regulation of apoptosis and other immune responses in oysters.
Article
Microbiology
John-Demian Sauer, Anat A. Herskovits, Mary X. D. O'Riordan
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2019)
Article
Immunology
Grischa Y. Chen, Cheng-Yen Kao, Hans B. Smith, Drew P. Rust, Zachary M. Powers, Alexandria Y. Li, John-Demlan Sauer
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Yanfei Chen, Masako Nakanishi, Eddy J. Bautista, Veneta Qendro, Erica Sodergren, Daniel W. Rosenberg, George M. Weinstock
CANCER PREVENTION RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lici A. Schurig-Briccio, Paola K. Parraga Solorzano, Andrea M. Lencina, Jana N. Radin, Grischa Y. Chen, John-Demian Sauer, Thomas E. Kehl-Fie, Robert B. Gennis
Article
Microbiology
Woojong Lee, Brock Kingstad-Bakke, Brett Paulson, Autumn Larsen, Katherine Overmyer, Chandranaik B. Marinaik, Kelly Dulli, Randall Toy, Gabriela Vogel, Katherine P. Mueller, Kelsey Tweed, Alex J. Walsh, Jason Russell, Krishanu Saha, Leticia Reyes, Melissa C. Skala, John-Demian Sauer, Dmitry M. Shayakhmetov, Joshua Coon, Krishnendu Roy, M. Suresh
Summary: The study identified an adjuvant called Adjuplex that can safely induce potent T cell immunity and protect against virus and intracellular bacterial infections through unique mechanisms. This finding challenges the current metabolic paradigm by showing that effective dendritic cell cross-presentation and T cell activation can occur without reliance on glycolysis, providing insights for the development of new adjuvants for T cell-mediated protection against infections.
Article
Immunology
Hans B. Smith, Tin Lok Li, Man Kit Liao, Grischa Y. Chen, Zhihong Guo, John-Demian Sauer
Summary: Listeria monocytogenes relies on specific intermediate metabolites, such as DHNA-CoA, for intracellular survival and virulence. LMRG_02730 (MenI) has been identified as a crucial DHNA-CoA thioesterase, essential for the bacteria's intracellular replication.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Courtney E. McDougal, Zachary T. Morrow, Tighe Christopher, Seonyoung Kim, Drake Carter, David M. Stevenson, Daniel Amador-Noguez, Mark J. Miller, John-Demian Sauer, Raphael H. Valdivia, Jorn Coers, Raphael H. Valdivia, Jorn Coers, Raphael H. Valdivia, Jorn Coers
Summary: Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular bacterium, generates robust CD8(+) T-cell responses by activating cytosolic pathways. Production of PGE(2) downstream of COX-2 is essential for optimal T-cell priming. Access to the cytosol is crucial for L. monocytogenes to facilitate PGE(2) production and prime CD8(+) T-cell responses.
Article
Biology
Nicholas J. Hess, Nikhila S. Bharadwaj, Elizabeth A. Bobeck, Courtney E. McDougal, Shidong Ma, John-Demian Sauer, Amy W. Hudson, Jenny E. Gumperz
Summary: Co-transplanted allogeneic CD4(+) iNKT cells interact with monocytes and T cells in the graft to coordinate pro-hematopoietic and immunoregulatory pathways in a human umbilical cord blood xenotransplantation model. The nexus of iNKT cells, monocytes, and cord blood T cells leads to enhanced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell activity and suppression of T-cell inflammatory responses, resulting in successful long-term hematopoietic engraftment without pretransplant conditioning.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica L. Kelliher, Caroline M. Grunenwald, Rhiannon R. Abrahams, McKenzie E. Daanen, Cassandra Lew, Warren E. Rose, John-Demian Sauer
Summary: This study reveals that in bacterial cell wall stress responses, the PASTA kinase PrkA modulates cell wall synthesis by regulating the substrate ReoM, promoting cytosolic survival and bacterial virulence.
Article
Oncology
Masako Nakanishi, Daniel W. Rosenberg
Summary: The activation of the COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE(2) signaling axis plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer, with targeting mPGES-1 shown to effectively reduce inducible PGE(2) formation. However, epithelial-specific blockade of Ptges failed to protect mice against colon tumor development, indicating the need for further research into the cell type-specific location and control of inducible PGE(2) formation in colon tumor formation.
JOURNAL OF CANCER PREVENTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Rafael Rivera-Lugo, David Deng, Andrea Anaya-Sanchez, Sara Tejedor-Sanz, Eugene Tang, Valeria M. Reyes Ruiz, Hans B. Smith, Denis Titov, John-Demian Sauer, Eric P. Skaar, Caroline M. Ajo-Franklin, Daniel A. Portnoy, Samuel H. Light
Summary: Cellular respiration is crucial for bacterial pathogens and serves as a validated antibiotic target. Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular pathogen, was found to encode two partially functionally redundant respiratory pathways that are essential for pathogenesis. Loss of respiration decreased NAD(+) regeneration, but this effect could be reversed by heterologous expression of a specific enzyme. NAD(+) regeneration plays a major role in maintaining L. monocytogenes viability and enabling immune evasion.
Article
Immunology
Zachary T. T. Morrow, John-Demian Sauer
Summary: This study investigates the impact of two innate immune pathways, type I interferon (IFN) production and inflammasome activation, on CD8(+) T-cell response to L. monocytogenes infection. The results show that mice lacking the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR(-/-)) had the strongest T-cell response, while caspase-1(-/-) mice were not significantly different from wild type. IFNAR(-/-)/caspase-1(-/-) mice had fewer T-cells than IFNAR(-/-) mice, suggesting a role for inflammasome activation in the absence of type I IFN. IFNAR(-/-) mice had more than twice as many memory precursors, promoting enhanced protection from rechallenge.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanner F. Robertson, Yiran Hou, Jonathan Schrope, Simone Shen, Julie Rindy, John-Demian Sauer, Huy Q. Dinh, Anna Huttenlocher
Summary: In this study, transparent zebrafish were used to investigate how T cells organize and survey for antigen in the absence of lymph nodes. It was found that naive-like T cells in zebrafish form a previously unknown whole-body lymphoid network that facilitates collective migration and coordinated trafficking. During infection, T cells switch from collective migration to individual random walks to prioritize antigen search.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Korbin H. J. West, Stella V. Ma, Daniel A. Pensinger, Trisha Tucholski, Timothy N. Tiambeng, Emma L. Eisenbraun, Avishag Yehuda, Zvi Hayouka, Ying Ge, John-Demian Sauer, Helen E. Blackwell
Summary: Bacteria can assess their local population density through quorum sensing (QS) using chemical signals. This study successfully synthesized synthetic peptide tools to study QS in Listeria monocytogenes, an important foodborne pathogen. The synthetic agonists and antagonists were found to modulate agr activity and reduce biofilm formation in both L. monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. These findings represent an important first step in using chemical methods to modulate QS and virulence outcomes in L. monocytogenes.
Article
Microbiology
Zachary T. Morrow, Zachary M. Powers, John-Demian Sauer
CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS
(2019)