Article
Developmental Biology
Max Meuser, Lena Deuper, Carsten Rudat, Nurullah Aydogdu, Hauke Thiesler, Patricia Zarnovican, Herbert Hildebrandt, Mark-Oliver Trowe, Andreas Kispert
Summary: The patterned array of cells in the mature ureter depends on reciprocal signaling between the epithelium and surrounding mesenchyme, with FGFR2 playing a crucial role. Fgfr2 loss leads to defects in urothelial proliferation, stratification, and differentiation, as well as mesenchymal cell survival and smooth muscle cell differentiation. SHH and BMP4 signaling are affected by Fgfr2 loss, and their activation can rescue the cellular defects in mutant ureters.
Article
Developmental Biology
Lena Deuper, Max Meuser, Hauke Thiesler, Ulrich W. H. Jany, Carsten Rudat, Herbert Hildebrandt, Mark-Oliver Trowe, Andreas Kispert
Summary: The coordinated development of mesenchymal and epithelial progenitors in the murine ureter is regulated by diverse signaling activities. Epithelial FGFR2 signaling enhances epithelial stratification and differentiation through increased expression of Shh, SHH, and BMP4. FGFR1 and FGFR2 in the mesenchyme regulate mesenchymal patterning and differentiation by modulating the SHH/BMP4 signaling axis.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Ruiqi Li, Yong Liu, Xiaofeng Huang
Summary: The study investigated the effects of Sonic hedgehog on proliferation and apoptosis of tongue epithelial cells in mice at different developmental stages. The findings suggest that Sonic hedgehog maintains cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis during tongue development and aging.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Burcu Erdogan, Jessica L. Whited
Summary: Engineered light-inducible artificial myosin motors allow for selective manipulation of filopodial extensions, providing refined tools for controlling intracellular cargo transport in vivo.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Hyunji Lee, Steven A. Vokes
Summary: A brief exposure to Sonic Hedgehog is shown to be sufficient for digit specification, suggesting that Hedgehog signaling is not acting as a direct morphogen but rather as an initiator of this process.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Ying Zhou, Yifan Yang, Rui Dong, Yanlei Huang
Summary: The study investigated the influence of gene methylation in the Shh/Bmp4 signaling pathway on the enteric nervous system in rat embryos with anorectal malformations. It was found that inhibiting DNA methylation could lower the methylation level of the Shh gene and promote the expression of the Shh/Bmp4 signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Lidia Gatto, Enrico Franceschi, Alicia Tosoni, Vincenzo Di Nunno, Stefania Bartolini, Alba Ariela Brandes
Summary: In the last decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular biology of medulloblastoma, leading to the recognition of distinct molecular subgroups and the development of new clinical trials for updated treatment protocols. Medulloblastoma, previously considered a single disease, is now understood to be a heterogeneous tumor with different molecular subgroups that have varying gene expression profiles, pathogenetic driver alterations, clinical behaviors, and age at onset. Adult medulloblastoma, in particular, poses a challenge in neuro-oncology as there has been a lack of practice-changing clinical trials. The focus now is on translating the advances in cancer genomics into new molecularly targeted therapeutics to improve prognosis and treatment-related toxicities.
Review
Oncology
Enrico Franceschi, Caterina Giannini, Julia Furtner, Kristian W. Pajtler, Sofia Asioli, Raphael Guzman, Clemens Seidel, Lidia Gatto, Peter Hau
Summary: Adult medulloblastoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system with treatment primarily based on pediatric experience. Novel molecular advances and hub centers play a crucial role in improving the overall outcome of this disease.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kentaro Ishikawa, Kenichiro Okimoto, Tomoaki Matsumura, Yosuke Hirotsu, Kenji Amemiya, Takashi Kishimoto, Naoki Akizue, Yuki Ohta, Keiko Saito, Daisuke Maruoka, Motoi Nishimura, Kazuyuki Matsushita, Hitoshi Mochizuki, Makoto Arai, Jun Kato, Osamu Yokosuka, Masao Omata, Naoya Kato
Summary: The study clarified the malignant potential of patients with CLE without intestinal metaplasia and/or less than 1 cm, suggesting the need for follow-up in these patients similar to those with BE.
DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuangxia Han, Jinyu Tang, Xiaodong Qi, Weiming Sun, Zhonghao Jiang, Ying Hou, Ming Yang, Shouhua Feng
Summary: The desirable mechanical and optical properties in biological tissues are achieved through genetically controlled formation of hierarchical architecture. By mimicking enamel prisms, we have developed hierarchical columnar nanocomposites that combine high transparency, ultralow haze, and enamel-like hardness. The bundled nanorods from seeded growth serve as the key building unit, enabling the integration of these properties. This study demonstrates a biomimetic principle for creating high-performance multifunctional materials.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Vani Konda, Rhonda F. Souza, Kerry B. Dunbar, Jason C. Mills, Daniel S. Kim, Robert D. Odze, Stuart J. Spechler
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the early endoscopic and histologic features of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) wound healing in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). The results showed that squamous re-epithelialization of RFA wounds not only progressed through squamous cells extending from the proximal wound edge, but also through islands of squamous epithelium sprouting throughout the ablated segment. Additionally, subepithelial glandular structures associated with the squamous islands were found to increase post-RFA. Furthermore, subsquamous intestinal metaplasia (SSIM) was detected in biopsies of patients during the healing process. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of esophageal metaplasia and the healing of RFA wounds.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jinling Dong, Liyuan Feng, Wenying Fu, Yuting Huang, Xiangyu Tang, Xiuning Huang, Tang Yu, Qianliang Ming, Linming Guo, Gao Ning, Li Peng
Summary: The study found that PTL can attenuate radiation-induced acute injury in the cerebellar external granule layer (EGL) by alleviating apoptosis and regulating the cells' redox state. PTL also promotes expansion of NEPs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway and increasing cerebellar Shh production and secretion, which compensates for the radiation damage and leads to regeneration of granule neurons.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shengyong Yu, Chunhua Zhou, Jiangping He, Zhaokai Yao, Xingnan Huang, Bowen Rong, Hong Zhu, Shijie Wang, Shuyan Chen, Xialian Wang, Baomei Cai, Guoqing Zhao, Yuhan Chen, Lizhan Xiao, He Liu, Yue Qin, Jing Guo, Haokaifeng Wu, Zhen Zhang, Man Zhang, Xiaoyang Zhao, Fei Lan, Yixuan Wang, Jiekai Chen, Shangtao Cao, Duanqing Pei, Jing Liu
Summary: This study utilizes single-cell RNA sequencing to examine the transition process of mouse stem cells and uncovers an alternative route from primed to naive pluripotency. The researchers discover that the transition goes through a primordial germ cell-like intermediate state. Furthermore, they elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in this process, including the role of DOT1L, Gata2, and Prdm1/Blimp1.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fei Pei, Li Ma, Junjun Jing, Jifan Feng, Yuan Yuan, Tingwei Guo, Xia Han, Thach-Vu Ho, Jie Lei, Jinzhi He, Mingyi Zhang, Jian-Fu Chen, Yang Chai
Summary: Sensory nerves play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through FGF1, mTOR signaling, and autophagy. The sensory nerve is essential for the stability of mesenchymal tissue and the maintenance of MSCs in adult mouse incisors. FGF1 from the sensory nerve directly activates the mTOR/autophagy axis in MSCs via binding to FGFR1.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yong Wang, Hui Li, Jingjing Cao, Aihua Liu, Zhenyu Kou, Weiting An, Jingli Liang, Xiaomin Zhang, Xiaorong Li, Lijie Dong
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in the oxidative phosphorylation of glucose and the maintenance of cell oxidation and antioxidant stability. Dysfunction in mitochondria and retinal vascular endothelial cells can lead to various complications. This study investigates the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) on vascular endothelial cells and its potential as a therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy.
