Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johannes Reisert, Glen J. Golden, Michele Dibattista, Alan Gelperin
Summary: The study reveals that the response kinetics of olfactory receptor neurons are influenced by the breathing or sniffing frequency, with mice adjusting their odorant sampling durations and basal breathing frequency based on the demands of the behavioral task. Changes in sniffing behavior between wildtype and NCKX4 knockout mice were subtle, indicating a possible compensatory mechanism in response to the slowed response termination of the odorant-induced receptor neuron response.
Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Liu Jing, Dong Shu-xu, Ru Yong-xin
Summary: This review summarizes the discoveries and achievements in the research on atherosclerosis, including the morphological and biological changes at different stages and the expression levels of immune markers.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Hideyuki Torikai, Mei-Hua Chen, Li Jin, Jiang He, John F. Angle, Weibin Shi
Summary: Apoe(-/-) and Ldlr(-/-) mice are common animal models for studying hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. This study found that C3H-Ldlr(-/-) mice developed larger atherosclerotic lesions compared to C3H-Apoe(-/-) mice in the aortic root, but neither knockout showed any lesions in the carotid artery. After ligation, the common carotid artery in both knockouts developed intimal lesions, with C3H-Ldlr(-/-) mice having larger lesions than C3H-Apoe(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that small dense LDL may play a more significant role in the susceptibility to atherosclerosis in these mouse models compared to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Article
Cell Biology
Eike K. Mahlandt, Janine J. G. Arts, Werner J. van der Meer, Franka H. van der Linden, Simon Tol, Jaap D. van Buul, Theodorus W. J. Gadella, Joachim Goedhart
Summary: This study investigated improved localization-based genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for detecting endogenous Rho activity, demonstrating their broader application in visualizing Rho activity during various cellular processes. The enhanced avidity of the new biosensors for Rho activity leads to a better understanding of cellular processes regulated by Rho.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orsolya Barabas, Phoebe A. A. Rice
Summary: CRISPR-Cas is a bacterial defense system that can either protect host cells by attacking invading DNA or assist in the safe insertion of DNA into the genome. The structures of this specific type of CRISPR-Cas system have been successfully visualized.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Felicia Kuperwaser, Itai Yanai
Summary: A comprehensive cell atlas of gene expression and regulation in human embryos has provided a unique opportunity for innovative investigation of development through multi-organ and multi-modal analysis.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fahad Rashid, James Berger
Summary: High-resolution structures of bacterial Rho protein in complex with an RNA polymerase enzyme and partner proteins confirm the long-held model of Rho's role in gene transcription termination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petra Keul, Susann Peters, Karin von Wnuck Lipinski, Nathalie H. Schroeder, Melissa K. Nowak, Dragos A. Duse, Amin Polzin, Sarah Weske, Markus H. Graeler, Bodo Levkau
Summary: Research indicates that elevated endogenous S1P levels can promote the development of atherosclerosis, hinder cholesterol efflux, and cause genuine plaque rupture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mengqi Li, Qingzheng Jiao, Wenqiang Xin, Shulin Niu, Mingming Liu, Yanxin Song, Zengguang Wang, Xinyu Yang, Degang Liang
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, but its mechanism is not fully understood. Rho GEFs play a crucial role in atherosclerosis, but there is limited research on this topic. Studies have revealed the mechanisms of how Rho GEFs regulate atherosclerosis through experiments.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elias Allara, Wei-Hsuan Lee, Stephen Burgess, Susanna C. Larsson
Summary: This study using Mendelian randomization provides evidence that genetically predicted plasma cortisol levels in the high end of the normal range are associated with a decreased risk of VTE, which may be mediated by blood pressure.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pavel V. Baranov, John F. Atkins
Summary: Messenger RNA has 64 possible codons, three of which usually stop protein synthesis. However, certain organisms can utilize all codons to determine amino acids, partially due to an unexpected characteristic of transfer RNA.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonid A. Mirny
Summary: The study reveals that loop extrusion, essential for chromosome folding and function, also plays a crucial part in repairing double-strand DNA breaks.
Article
Cell Biology
Bisma Khwaja, Finosh G. Thankam, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a life-threatening cardiovascular pathology, in which oxLDL and mtDAMPs play important roles in lesion formation. Limited data are available regarding the proatherogenic effects of mtDAMPs and their association with oxLDL.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanli Ji, Conghui Ren, Hui Miao, Zhili Pang, Ruotong Xiao, Xiaochen Yang, Weimin Xuan
Summary: A recently identified post-translational modification, lysine epsilon-N-benzoylation, was genetically encoded into recombinant proteins in both E. coli and mammalian cells, allowing for the modification of histone proteins and the analysis of sirtuin debenzoylase activity.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alison Abbott
Summary: Researchers are interested in understanding the reasons behind cell secretion of vesicles and the functions of these vesicles during delivery.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maria A. Zuriaga, Jose J. Fuster
Summary: Accumulating evidence suggests that conventional cardiovascular risk factors are incomplete predictors of cardiovascular disease, as a substantial risk remains even when these factors are well-managed. Clonal hematopoiesis has emerged as a new and potent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other cardiometabolic conditions. However, the understanding of the epidemiology, biology, and clinical implications of this phenomenon remains incomplete.
CIRCULATION JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Maria A. Zuriaga, Jose J. Fuster
Summary: Despite current standards of care, there is still a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in both primary and secondary prevention. Clonal hematopoiesis driven by somatic mutations has recently been identified as a common and independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Experimental studies suggest that certain mutations in TET2 and JAK2 genes, which are frequently found in clonal hematopoiesis, contribute to inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis development, providing a possible explanation for the increased cardiovascular risk. This review aims to provide an overview of our current understanding of this emerging cardiovascular risk factor.
CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Miriam Diez-Diez, Marta Amoros-Perez, Jorge de la Barrera, Enrique Vazquez, Ana Quintas, Domingo A. Pascual-Figal, Ana Dopazo, Fatima Sanchez-Cabo, Monica E. Kleinman, Leslie B. Gordon, Valentin Fuster, Vicente Andres, Jose J. Fuster
Summary: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), the presence of somatic mutations in cancer-related genes in blood cells without hematological cancer, is an important risk factor for age-related conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether CHIP plays a role in premature aging syndromes. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultra-rare genetic condition characterized by accelerated aging. This study investigated the prevalence of CHIP in HGPS patients and found that it is not frequent in HGPS, suggesting that it is unlikely to contribute to the pathophysiology of this accelerated aging syndrome.
Article
Developmental Biology
Anna Lozano-Urena, Laura Lazaro-Carot, Esteban Jimenez-Villalba, Raquel Montalban-Loro, Isabel Mateos-White, Pere Duart-Abadia, Irene Martinez-Gurrea, Keiichi I. Nakayama, Isabel Farinas, Martina Kirstein, Cristina Gil-Sanz, Sacri R. Ferron
Summary: Adult neurogenesis relies on multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) with unique properties and growth requirements. Although many imprinted genes' roles in adult neurogenesis are still unknown, insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) has been shown to contribute to NSC maintenance and promote terminal differentiation into astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes. This differentiation effect is mediated by the expression of the maternally expressed gene Cdkn1c, encoding the cell cycle inhibitor p57, and occurs independently of its role in cell-cycle progression, balancing the relationship between astrogliogenesis, neurogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reona Wada, Shun Fujinuma, Hirokazu Nakatsumi, Masaki Matsumoto, Keiichi Nakayama
Summary: Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a serine-threonine kinase activated by extracellular signals, regulating various biological processes. PBX2 was identified as a novel target dephosphorylated downstream of mTORC1. The phosphorylation of PBX2 is regulated by the antagonistic actions of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1).
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Takeru Oka, Tsunaki Higa, Osamu Sugahara, Daisuke Koga, Shogo Nakayama, Keiichi I. Nakayama
Summary: This study established a syngeneic orthotopic transplantation model in mice based on intestinal cancer organoids, and revealed that quiescent p57(+) CSCs play a significant role in cancer relapse and are resistant to chemotherapy. Ablation of p57(+) CSCs suppressed tumor regrowth after chemotherapy, suggesting p57(+) CSCs as a promising therapeutic target for malignant intestinal cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuki Kito, Akinobu Matsumoto, Kazuya Ichihara, Chisa Shiraishi, Ronghao Tang, Atsushi Hatano, Masaki Matsumoto, Peixun Han, Shintaro Iwasaki, Keiichi Nakayama
Summary: Translation begins with the binding of the eIF4F complex to the 5' mRNA cap, followed by scanning ribosomes searching for the start codon in the 5' untranslated region. This study shows that the ASC-1 complex (ASCC) associates with scanning ribosomes to regulate translation initiation. Knockdown of ASCC3, a subunit of ASCC, impairs the loading and scanning dynamics of the 43S preinitiation complex, leading to reduced translation efficiency. These findings demonstrate that ASCC not only promotes dissociation of colliding 80S ribosomes but also facilitates efficient translation initiation by scanning ribosomes.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Fatima Sanchez-Cabo, Valentin Fuster, Juan Carlos Silla-Castro, Gema Gonzalez, Erika Lorenzo-Vivas, Rebeca Alvarez, Sergio Callejas, Alberto Benguria, Eduardo Gil, Estefania Nunez, Belen Oliva, Jose Maria Mendiguren, Marta Cortes-Canteli, Hector Bueno, Vicente Andres, Jose Maria Ordovas, Leticia Fernandez-Friera, Antonio J. Quesada, Jose Manuel Garcia, Xavier Rossello, Jesus Vazquez, Ana Dopazo, Antonio Fernandez-Ortiz, Borja Ibanez, Jose Javier Fuster, Enrique Lara-Pezzi
Summary: This study aims to assess the association between subclinical atherosclerosis and accelerated epigenetic age and investigate the underlying mechanisms. The presence, extension, and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy individuals were found to be associated with a significant acceleration of the Grim epigenetic age, regardless of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Transcriptomics and proteomics data suggested the involvement of pro-inflammatory pathways and genes in mediating the association between subclinical atherosclerosis and epigenetic age acceleration.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katsuhiko Takahashi, Hitoshi Amano, Tomohiko Urano, Minqi Li, Meiko Oki, Kazuhiro Aoki, Norio Amizuka, Keiichi I. Nakayama, Keiko Nakayama, Nobuyuki Udagawa, Nobuaki Higashi
Summary: The study found that p57(Kip2) plays an important role in bone development and is associated with the vitamin D receptor (VDR). 1,25-(OH)(2)VD3 can promote the differentiation of osteoblasts by regulating p57(Kip2), and simultaneously reduce the generation of osteoclasts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chisa Shiraishi, Akinobu Matsumoto, Kazuya Ichihara, Taishi Yamamoto, Takeshi Yokoyama, Taisuke Mizoo, Atsushi Hatano, Masaki Matsumoto, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Eriko Matsuura-Suzuki, Shintaro Iwasaki, Shouji Matsushima, Hiroyuki Tsutsui, Keiichi I. Nakayama
Summary: This study reveals that the RPL3L-encoded ribosomal protein specifically expressed in heart and skeletal muscle affects translation elongation dynamics, and its deficiency impairs cardiac contractility in mice. The results provide insights into the mechanisms and physiological relevance of tissue-specific translational regulation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Shun Fujinuma, Hirokazu Nakatsumi, Hideyuki Shimizu, Shigeaki Sugiyama, Akihito Harada, Takeshi Goya, Masatake Tanaka, Motoyuki Kohjima, Masatomo Takahashi, Yoshihiro Izumi, Mikako Yagi, Dongchon Kang, Mari Kaneko, Mayo Shigeta, Takeshi Bamba, Yasuyuki Ohkawa, Keiichi I. Nakayama
Summary: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder that can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transcription factor FOXK1 plays a key role in hepatic lipid metabolism by suppressing lipid catabolism. Inhibition of FOXK1 has shown promising results in improving hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, making it a potential therapeutic strategy for NAFLD-NASH and HCC.
Review
Cell Biology
Maria Gonzalez-Amor, Beatriz Dorado, Vicente Andres
Summary: Population aging and age-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) are widespread and burdensome worldwide. Cellular stress responses play a crucial role in the complex regulation and interaction between aging and CVD. The ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 and its pathway have been found to have implications in age-related telomere shortening, genomic instability, DNA damage accumulation, as well as in major CVD risk factors prevalent in the elderly population such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jeanette A. Maier, Vicente Andres, Sara Castiglioni, Alessandro Giudici, Emily S. Lau, Janos Nemcsik, Francesca Seta, Paola Zaninotto, Mariella Catalano, Naomi M. Hamburg
Summary: Vascular aging predicts cardiovascular events and mortality, early assessment allows identification of at-risk individuals, and more studies are needed to develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Del Monte-Monge, Inigo Ruiz-Polo de Lara, Pilar Gonzalo, Carla Espinos-Estevez, Maria Gonzalez-Amor, Miguel de la Fuente-Perez, Maria J. Andres-Manzano, Victor Fanjul, Juan R. Gimeno, Roberto Barriales-Villa, Beatriz Dorado, Vicente Andres
Summary: Mutations in the LMNA gene can cause various cardiac diseases, including dilated cardiomyopathies. In order to investigate the potential vascular alterations in LMNA-DCM, researchers generated mice without lamin A/C in vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes. These mice exhibited similar clinical features to human LMNA-DCM, including cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis, as well as vascular phenotypic alterations. This study provides the first evidence of vascular defects contributing to the pathophysiology of LMNA-DCM.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Alvaro Macias, Rosa M. Nevado, Cristina Gonzalez-Gomez, Pilar Gonzalo, Maria Jesus Andres-Manzano, Beatriz Dorado, Ignacio Benedicto, Vicente Andres
Summary: HGPS is a rare genetic disease caused by expression of progerin. This disease leads to pathological alterations in the coronary and cerebral arteries, and the mechanisms behind it involve loss of vascular smooth muscle cells and overexpression of K(V)7 channels. The study suggests that targeting K(V)7 channels could be a potential treatment for HGPS.