Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacobus C. Buurstede, Susana N. Paul, Karolien De Bosscher, Onno C. Meijer, Jan Kroon
Summary: Glucocorticoids exert their effects by activating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) throughout the body. This study investigated the interaction between glucocorticoids and androgen signaling in the liver transcriptome. The results showed that a substantial proportion of the hepatic transcriptome is androgen-dependent after chronic exposure, while the effects of glucocorticoids are largely androgen-independent after acute exposure. The study suggests that prolonged glucocorticoid exposure may upregulate androgen receptor expression, leading to androgen dependence not driven by direct interactions between the androgen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor.
Review
Biology
Sreeparna Bhaumik, Jack Lockett, James Cuffe, Vicki L. Clifton
Summary: This review explores the impact of glucocorticoids on female fertility, reproduction, and foetal development. It discusses the interaction of glucocorticoids with receptors in the reproductive system and their potential effects on fertility. The review also highlights the different versions of glucocorticoid receptors found in different parts of the reproductive system and their role in stress responses and pregnancy outcomes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Gurjot Singh Sidhu, Joann A. Conner, Peggy Ozias-Akins
Summary: Modern plant breeding heavily relies on homozygous lines, and doubled haploid (DH) technology has made it possible to shorten the breeding process to just two generations. Parthenogenesis presents a potential method for haploid induction, with the transcription factor PsASGR-BABY BOOM-like inducing parthenogenesis in some crop plants. However, the dominant nature of transgenes limits their application in DH technology.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Arno Teblick, Lisa Van Dyck, Nathalie Van Aerde, Sarah Van der Perre, Lies Pauwels, Inge Derese, Yves Debaveye, Pieter J. Wouters, Ilse Vanhorebeek, Lies Langouche, Greet Van den Berghe
Summary: This study found tissue-specific expression changes of receptor-regulatory factors in critically ill patients, which adaptively guide the action of glucocorticoids in different tissues. These findings are important for understanding the importance of glucocorticoid resistance and glucocorticoid treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ethan J. Fritch, Wes Sanders, Amy C. Sims, Laura E. Herring, Natalie K. Barker, Athena A. Schepmoes, Karl K. Weitz, Jordan R. Texier, Dirk P. Dittmer, Lee M. Graves, Richard D. Smith, Katrina M. Waters, Nathaniel J. Moorman, Ralph S. Baric, Rachel L. Graham
Summary: Coronavirus RNA transcription is a complex process, resulting in the production of a set of nested genomic and subgenomic RNAs. New analysis reveals a more vast and complex coronavirus transcriptome, including leader-containing transcripts with canonical and noncanonical junctions. Both positive- and negative-sense transcripts are translationally active, indicating a much vaster coronavirus proteome than previously known.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Mattia Furlan, Stefano de Pretis, Mattia Pelizzola
Summary: Despite RNA abundance being commonly assumed as a proxy for transcriptional activity, it is now possible to calculate how synthesis, processing, and degradation rates collectively determine the abundance of each gene's RNA. Different transcriptional outputs can correspond to different combinations of kinetic rates, indicating the existence of markedly different modes of gene expression regulation and their profound effects on gene self-expression regulation.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikita Shepelev, Olga Dontsova, Maria Rubtsova
Summary: Telomere length is associated with cell proliferative potential and is maintained by telomerase. Telomerase is activated during cellular division and plays a crucial role in processes like regeneration, immune response, embryonic development, and cancer progression. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of telomerase biogenesis and activity is important for manipulating telomerase and influencing these processes. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in telomerase regulation and the role of post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications in telomerase biogenesis and function in yeast and vertebrates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary-Jane Tsang, Iain M. Cheeseman
Summary: Mitotic defects can activate the spindle-assembly checkpoint, leading to cell cycle arrest. Cells can escape this arrest through mitotic slippage if errors are not resolved. This study reveals that the duration of mitotic arrest is modulated by alternative CDC20 translational isoforms, and suggests that changes in CDC20 isoform ratios or translational control can affect mitotic arrest duration and anti-mitotic drug sensitivity, with potential implications for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Dongjie Zhang, Qian Zhang, Liang Wang, Jiaxin Li, Wanjun Hao, Yuanlu Sun, Di Liu, Xiuqin Yang
Summary: The study found that alternative splicing occurs in pig CREB genes, and two isoforms, V1 and V2, have similar roles but exhibit gene-specific effects. Additionally, V3 has no effect on gene expression, while V4 acts as a repressor. The different mechanisms underlying the roles of V1 and V2 were identified through RNA-seq, and specific genes regulated by them were identified.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Filipp Frank, Xu Liu, Eric A. Ortlund
Summary: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) can form phase-separated condensates in vitro, concentrating specific coregulators through their intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). This condensation modulates GR function by controlling coregulator recruitment, directing the selective partitioning of coregulators within GR condensates based on DNA binding. This mechanism provides insight into the up- and down-regulation of GR target genes by distinct DNA recognition elements.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yizhao Luan, Nan Tang, Jiaqi Yang, Shuting Liu, Chichi Cheng, Yan Wang, Congying Chen, Ya-nan Guo, Hongwei Wang, Wenxue Zhao, Qian Zhao, Wei Li, Mengqing Xiang, Rong Ju, Zhi Xie
Summary: This study characterized the transcriptional and translational changes after knocking down 75 individual human ribosomal proteins (RPs). The results showed that the deficiency of individual RPs perturbed the expression of specific subsets of genes, enriched in eight major functional classes, such as cell cycle and development. The RPs were subjected to co-translational regulation under ribosomal stress, with opposite effects of 60S and 40S subunits. Additionally, the study revealed the functional and regulatory roles of RPL11 and RPL15 in retina development and angiogenesis, respectively.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Greet Van den Berghe, Arno Teblick, Lies Langouche, Jan Gunst
Summary: The traditional model of increased systemic glucocorticoid availability in response to sepsis and hyperinflammation-induced critical illness has been challenged in recent research, revealing a more complex and time-dependent set of responses. Cortisol production driven by ACTH is only temporarily increased, followed by orchestrated peripheral adaptations to maintain increased cortisol availability for target tissues without the need for continued production, along with changes at target tissues to guide cortisol action according to tissue-specific needs.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yun Su, Xing Chen, Hongyan Zhou, Sean Shaw, Jie Chen, Carlos M. Isales, Jing Zhao, Xingming Shi
Summary: Glucocorticoids are potent drugs with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, but their clinical use is limited due to severe side effects. The molecular mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid-induced bone loss are unclear. In this study, RNA sequencing analysis identified Xist as a glucocorticoid-regulated gene involved in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Marija Lj Medar, Silvana A. Andric, Tatjana S. Kostic
Summary: This study investigates the stress response of testosterone-producing rat Leydig cells depending on the time of stressful events. The findings show that the stress response of Leydig cells varies depending on the diurnal time, highlighting the importance of the circadian system in regulating androgen homeostasis and male fertility.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Joel G. Hashimoto, Xiaolu Zhang, Marina Guizzetti
Summary: The study shows that ethanol alters the extracellular matrix produced by astrocytes and leads to differences in transcriptional and translational profiles. These findings provide insights into the effects of ethanol on astrocyte gene expression and protein translation, which may have implications for brain development.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Nouna Innoula, Vannaphone Putthana, Korakan Chanthavongsa, Chantal J. Snoeck, Judith M. Hubschen, Phommy Oudomphone, Bouangeun Chan, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black, Sisavath Pommasichan, Maude Pauly
Summary: Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus remains endemic in Laos due to insufficient control measures, such as low vaccination coverage. A study found that while many farmers were aware of FMD symptoms and susceptible animal species, only few vaccinated their animals. The study suggests the importance of nationwide active and passive disease surveillance, as well as vaccination campaigns using bivalent FMD vaccines targeting all susceptible animal species.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sara B. Fernandes, Nathalie Grova, Sarah Roth, Radu Corneliu Duca, Lode Godderis, Pauline Guebels, Sophie B. Meriaux, Andrew I. Lumley, Pascaline Bouillaud-Kremarik, Isabelle Ernens, Yvan Devaux, Henri Schroeder, Jonathan D. Turner
Summary: DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification linked to gene regulation and non-malignant diseases. The presence of 6-methyladenine (6mA) in eukaryotes suggests its significance particularly during sensitive periods like embryogenesis. Studies in zebrafish and mice show an increase in 6mA levels during early development, with potential environmental influences leading to changes in this epigenetic mark.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chloe Morel, Henri Schroeder, Claude Emond, Jonathan D. Turner, Eric Lichtfouse, Nathalie Grova
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleftheria G. Charalambous, Sophie B. Meriaux, Pauline Guebels, Claude P. Muller, Fleur A. D. Leenen, Martha M. C. Elwenspoek, Ines Thiele, Johannes Hertel, Jonathan D. Turner
Summary: Research suggests that early-life adversity leaves a lasting imprint on the oral microbiome, impacting the activation, maturation, and senescence of the immune system. These effects are associated with prior herpesviridae exposure and current smoking status.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francois Hafezi, Lisa Jaxel, Morgane Lemaire, Jonathan D. Turner, Danielle Perez-Bercoff
Summary: TERT promoter mutations, especially the -124C>T mutation, play a crucial role in the reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase. The mutations generally lead to increased TERT transcription levels, with the double mutation showing the highest impact. Additionally, the presence of these mutations may unleash antisense transcription and lncRNA TAPAS might help balance the effects of TERT promoter mutations.
Article
Immunology
Snehaa V. Seal, Mathilde Henry, Clementine Pajot, Cyrielle Holuka, Danielle Bailbe, Jamileh Movassat, Muriel Darnaudery, Jonathan D. Turner
Summary: Type-2 diabetes has an immune component, and the immune status outside the pancreas remains unclear. Goto-Kakizaki rats, a non-obese Type-2 diabetes model, have a limited pro-inflammatory baseline immune profile and marked immune dysfunction.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chloe Morel, Armelle Christophe, Katy Maguin-Gate, Justine Paoli, Jonathan David Turner, Henri Schroeder, Nathalie Grova
Summary: There is increasing evidence that exposure to environmental pollutants during early brain development may contribute to autism spectrum disorders. This study compares the developmental neurotoxicity of the flame retardant alpha-HBCDD to the valproic acid model of ASD in rodents.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa Hefele, Jana Lai, Keoudomphone Vilivong, Toukta Bounkhoun, Valin Chanthaluanglath, Anisone Chanthongthip, Anne Balloch, Antony P. Black, Judith M. Hubschen, Fiona M. Russell, Claude P. Muller
Summary: This study tested serum samples from individuals in Laos before and after the introduction of Hib vaccination to assess their protection levels. The majority of participants, including those who were unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, showed evidence of at least short-term protection against Hib. The research highlights the need for robust surveillance and reporting of invasive Hib disease.
Article
Pediatrics
Vilaysone Khounvisith, Sonephet Saysouligno, Bounpalisone Souvanlasy, Somxay Billamay, Sodaly Mongkhoune, Bounta Vongphachanh, Chantal J. Snoeck, Antony P. Black, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Hubschen
Summary: This study found that transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) do not play a significant role in Lao children, but there is room for improvement in the hepatitis B vaccination rate.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Juan Carlos Caro, Cyrielle Holuka, Giorgia Menta, Jonathan D. Turner, Claus Voegele, Conchita D'Ambrosio
Summary: This study found associations between DNA methylation and internalizing behaviors. The pace of biological aging was found to be related to the developmental trajectories of internalizing behaviors. Accelerated aging at birth was negatively associated with internalizing behaviors in early childhood but positively correlated during adolescence. Evaluation: 8 out of 10.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gianmaria Niccodemi, Giorgia Menta, Jonathan Turner, Conchita D'Ambrosio
Summary: This study examines the relationship between parental social class, pace of aging, and cognitive skills in children and adolescents. The findings show that children from lower social classes age faster, and this social class gradient is strongest in adolescence. About one third of this association can be explained by other socio-economic and demographic factors. Additionally, the pace of aging is negatively associated with cognitive skills in late adolescence, and this association is stronger when the mother's contemporary pace of aging is faster.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Margaux Evenepoel, Matthijs Moerkerke, Nicky Daniels, Viktoria Chubar, Stephan Claes, Jonathan Turner, Bart Vanaudenaerde, Lynn Willems, Johan Verhaeghe, Jellina Prinsen, Jean Steyaert, Bart Boets, Kaat Alaerts
Summary: This study found that alterations in the brain's oxytocinergic system play an important role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD displayed diminished oxytocin levels in the morning and a rise in oxytocin levels in the afternoon, which was associated with higher stress-induced cortisol release. Additionally, the study found differences in DNA methylation related to cortisol regulation in children with ASD.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Cyrielle Holuka, Myriam P. Merz, Nathalie Grova, Jonathan D. Turner
Summary: Maternal stress pre-pregnancy and exposure to stress in utero have long-term negative effects on the developing fetus, which may be transmitted through changes in fetal epigenetic markers. The mother's prior life experience and changes in her external environment can affect the in utero environment she provides and can be observed in changes to her epigenome. Assessing the maternal epigenome can serve as a proxy for evaluating the developmental environment in utero, determining the child's epigenome and lifelong health trajectory. The maternal origin of placental decidua makes it an ideal sample for assessing the in utero environment in the context of the mother's prior life experience, mediating maternal exposure to infant phenotype.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Egle Danileviciute, Ni Zeng, Christophe M. Capelle, Nicole Paczia, Mark A. Gillespie, Henry Kurniawan, Mohaned Benzarti, Myriam P. Merz, Djalil Coowar, Sabrina Fritah, Daniela Maria Vogt Weisenhorn, Gemma Gomez Giro, Melanie Grusdat, Alexandre Baron, Coralie Guerin, Davide G. Franchina, Cathy Leonard, Olivia Domingues, Sylvie Delhalle, Wolfgang Wurst, Jonathan D. Turner, Jens Christian Schwamborn, Johannes Meiser, Rejko Krueger, Jeff Ranish, Dirk Brenner, Carole L. Linster, Rudi Balling, Markus Ollert, Feng Q. Hefeng
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that the protein DJ-1 plays a crucial role in regulating PDH activity in T-reg cells, especially in aged mice. This discovery provides new insights into the regulation of the PDH complex and suggests the DJ-1-PDHB axis as a potential target for maintaining or re-establishing T-reg homeostasis.
Letter
Immunology
Antony P. Black, Vilaysone Khounvisith, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Kong Sayasinh, Aurelie Sausy, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Hubschen
Summary: During 2017-2019 in hospitals in Saravan Province, Laos, the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies among patients aged 5-90 years was 11.7%, with viral RNA detected in 44 samples. Sequencing analysis revealed high genetic diversity within genotype 6. We recommend conducting exposure-risk investigations and implementing targeted testing and treatment.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damien Marchese, Florent Guislain, Tamara Pringels, Laure Bridoux
Summary: Homopolymeric amino acid repeats are common in human proteins, particularly in transcription factors and kinases. This study focuses on homopolymeric histidine repeats (polyH) and their role in regulating embryonic development. Through bioinformatic analysis, the study identifies that polyH-containing proteins interact with cysteine-rich proteins and proteins containing cysteine repeats. The study further investigates the HOXA1 protein, a transcription factor with a long polyH motif, and finds that the polyH motif is necessary for its interaction with cysteine-rich proteins. Additionally, the study discovers that metal ions are required for the HOXA1-MDFI interaction and identifies three polyH interactors that down-regulate the transcriptional activity of HOXA1.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS
(2024)