Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haiyi Chen, Yu Kang, Mojie Duan, Tingjun Hou
Summary: The study revealed that the presence of heparan sulfate is crucial for the binding between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and host ACE2, while the stability of the T470-F490 loop and hydrophobic interactions play key roles in the binding process.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew E. Griffin, Alexander W. Sorum, Gregory M. Miller, William A. Goddard, Linda C. Hsieh-Wilson
Summary: Heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HS GAGs) regulate Ang-Tie signaling by interacting directly with Ang ligands and Tie1 receptors, enhancing endothelial survival signaling and maintaining Tie1 stability within the mature vasculature. Loss of HS-Tie1 binding leads to decreased Tie protein levels, pathway suppression, and aberrant retinal vascularization.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Linda M. Hiebert
Summary: Diabetes is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and the role of proteoglycans, particularly heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), in its pathogenesis has recently gained attention. HSPGs play crucial roles in various physiological processes, and their modification in diabetes can lead to complications in different tissues and organs. Understanding the role of HSPGs in diabetes may help develop new treatments and preventive measures for this condition.
SEMINARS IN THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linh Nguyen, Kelli A. McCord, Duong T. Bui, Kim M. Bouwman, Elena N. Kitova, Mohamed Elaish, Dhanraj Kumawat, Gour C. Daskhan, Ilhan Tomris, Ling Han, Pradeep Chopra, Tzu-Jing Yang, Steven D. Willows, Andrew L. Mason, Lara K. Mahal, Todd L. Lowary, Lori J. West, Shang-Te Danny Hsu, Tom Hobman, Stephen M. Tompkins, Geert-Jan Boons, Robert P. de Vries, Matthew S. Macauley, John S. Klassen
Summary: Evidence suggests that host glycans, specifically glycolipids containing sialic acid, play a role in facilitating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells by binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Depletion of cell surface sialic acid levels through various methods decreases RBD binding and infection of the virus, indicating the importance of sialylated glycans in viral entry.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Si-Cheng Zhao, Zhi-Ran Xu, Chang-Long Xu, Quan-Kuo He, Guang-Ming Yang, Yan-Ping Li, Yu-Shen Luo, Hai-Long Wang, Zhong-Quan Qi, Yu Liu
Summary: Exposure to nickel sulfate negatively affects ovarian homeostasis and oocyte quality, triggering ovarian fibrosis and inflammation, and causing structural and functional disorders of mitochondria.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Toshihiro Inubushi, Nag Priyanka, Masakatsu Watanabe, Yusuke Takahashi, Shinnosuke Kusano, Hiroshi Kurosaka, Silvana Papagerakis, Petros Papagerakis, Mikako Hayashi, Takashi Yamashiro
Summary: This study demonstrates that the chlorinated oxidant MA-T can enhance dentinogenesis by modifying HSPG and activating Wnt signaling. The treatment decreases sulfation of HSPG, upregulates the expression of dentin-related genes, and promotes dentin formation in developing teeth.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria De Pasquale, Miriam Shasa Quiccione, Simona Tafuri, Luigi Avallone, Luigi Michele Pavone
Summary: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a group of glycoproteins with diverse structures, capable of interacting with various ligands to regulate cellular processes; they also assist many viruses in invading host cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anett Hudak, Matthew Roach, David Pusztai, Aladar Pettko-Szandtner, Annamaria Letoha, Laszlo Szilak, Mimoun Azzouz, Tamas Letoha
Summary: AAV vectors are safe and efficient gene delivery tools, with AAV9 being capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier for gene transduction in the central nervous system. However, recent studies have revealed limitations in AAV9-mediated gene delivery. This study identified syndecan-4 as a significant contributor to AAV9's cellular internalization, highlighting its role in enhancing gene transduction. By understanding the molecular mechanisms involved, this research provides insights to improve AAV9-based gene therapy approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Kaori Oshima, Samantha King, Sarah A. McMurtry, Eric P. Schmidt
Summary: The importance of endothelial glycocalyx and its in vivo manifestation, the endothelial surface layer, in vascular homeostasis is increasingly recognized. During sepsis, shedding of endothelial HSPGs through sheddases like heparanase and matrix metalloproteinases can lead to vascular dysfunction. Degradation of glycocalyx releases HSPG fragments into circulation, shaping the systemic consequences of sepsis.
SEMINARS IN THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wencheng Zhang, Yongmei Xu, Xicheng Wang, Tsunekazu Oikawa, Guowei Su, Eliane Wauthier, Guoxiu Wu, Praveen Sethupathy, Zhiying He, Jian Liu, Lola M. Reid
Summary: Fibrolamellar carcinomas (FLCs) are lethal tumors that occur in children to young adults, and their genetic signatures suggest that they derive from biliary tree stem cell (BTSC) subpopulations involved in hepatic and pancreatic regeneration. The study has identified a potential new treatment approach for FLCs, which is an exciting prospect for a deadly disease.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fatemah O. F. O. Alshammari, Yousef M. Al-Saraireh, Ahmed M. M. Youssef, Yahya M. Al-Sarayra, Hamzeh Mohammad Alrawashdeh
Summary: The study found intense glypican-1 expression in all breast cancer histopathological subtypes, with a significant difference in expression compared to normal breast tissue. Additionally, a higher expression of glypican-1 was observed in advanced grade and larger tumor size breast cancer patients, but showed no obvious relationship with other biomarkers.
ONCOTARGETS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Michal Andrzej Kosior, Riccardo Esposito, Natascia Cocchia, Federica Piscopo, Valentina Longobardi, Nunzio Antonio Cacciola, Giorgio Antonio Presicce, Giuseppe Campanile, Hilde Aardema, Bianca Gasparrini
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect on the metabolomic profile of the ovarian follicle in Italian Mediterranean buffalo and identify potential strategies to improve oocyte competence during the non-breeding season. Analysis of follicular fluid, follicular cells, cumulus cells, and oocytes revealed seasonal differences in metabolite content, suggesting alterations in metabolic pathways during the non-breeding season. Pathway enrichment analysis identified metabolites linked to glutathione, energy generation, amino acid metabolism, and phospholipid biosynthesis. The identification of positive and negative competence markers in the follicular fluid provides a basis for optimizing the follicular environment and improving oocyte competence during the non-breeding season.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanya Waseem, Madiha Ahmed, Tausif Ahmed Rajput, Mustafeez Mujtaba Babar
Summary: Diabetes mellitus leads to metabolic derangements and organ damage, partially due to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) damage in the basement membrane. GAGs are polysaccharides with repeating disaccharide units and play a significant role in cellular processes. The destruction of extracellular matrix can result in various diseases in organs. GAG-based therapeutic agents are being evaluated for managing diabetic complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Cassandra J. Field, Alexis M. Perez, Taryn Samet, Victoria Ricles, M. Kathryn Iovine, Linda J. Lowe-Krentz
Summary: Tmem184a plays a critical role in the proper formation of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos. It acts synergistically with Vegfr2b to modulate angiogenesis and affects endothelial cell proliferation and VE-cadherin expression.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabel Faria-Ramos, Juliana Pocas, Catarina Marques, Joao Santos-Antunes, Guilherme Macedo, Celso A. Reis, Ana Magalhaes
Summary: Heparan sulfate (HS) plays a crucial role in cancer development, impacting various aspects such as proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Due to its interaction with different ligands, HS has pleiotropic effects on important cellular receptors and downstream signaling pathways. Aberrant expression of HS can determine malignant features of tumors.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dulama Richani, Kylie R. Dunning, Jeremy G. Thompson, Robert B. Gilchrist
Summary: Metabolism is crucial for oocyte quality, with glucose being essential for COC maturation and energy production. Mitochondria are the main ATP source in oocytes, while cumulus cells play a vital role in maintaining ATP levels. New insights in oocyte lipid metabolism and innovative strategies in IVM have shown positive effects on oocyte competence.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2021)
Review
Developmental Biology
Megan Lim, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: The low oxygen environment within the ovarian follicle promotes oocyte development and survival through the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Angiogenesis, regulated by HIF, plays a crucial role in follicle development and corpus formation. Ovulation is linked to HIF activity, with the luteinising hormone surge increasing HIF expression.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick K. Capon, Jiawen Li, Aimee J. Horsfall, Suliman Yagoub, Erik P. Schartner, Asma Khalid, Rodney W. Kirk, Malcolm S. Purdey, Kylie R. Dunning, Robert A. McLaughlin, Andrew D. Abell
Summary: A new fiber functionalization architecture enables simultaneous imaging and sensing, providing significant insights into complex biological systems.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Saabah B. Mahbub, Jared M. Campbell, Abbas Habibalahi, Carl A. Campugan, Ryan D. Rose, Darren J. X. Chow, Sanam Mustafa, Ewa M. Goldys, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: The study successfully differentiated between euploid and aneuploid ICM cells in mouse blastocysts using hyperspectral autofluorescence microscopy. Further validation in human embryos is needed to confirm the approach's effectiveness.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nazli Akin, Dulama Richani, Xiuhua Liao, Yiqing Zhao, Anamaria-Cristina Herta, Katy Billooye, William A. Stocker, David G. Mottershead, Craig A. Harrison, Johan Smitz, Ellen Anckaert, Robert B. Gilchrist
Summary: This study assessed the effect of adding novel TGF-beta superfamily proteins, cumulin and super-GDF beta, to the culture media in a biphasic IVM system. The results showed that cumulin and super-GDF9 significantly improved oocyte developmental competence in standard IVM, but had no effect in CAPA-IVM.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Suliman H. Yagoub, Jeremy G. Thompson, Antony Orth, Kishan Dholakia, Brant C. Gibson, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: This study designed and fabricated a micrometer scale device to simplify the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure, aiming to improve embryo production and reduce variability among operators. The device demonstrated successful embryo culture and microinjection capabilities without the need for a holding pipette, enhancing traceability and efficiency in the process.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kirsten M. Smith, Doan T. Dinh, Lisa K. Akison, Matilda Nicholls, Kylie R. Dunning, Atsushi Morimoto, John P. Lydon, Darryl L. Russell, Rebecca L. Robker
Summary: This study examined the cell- and isoform-specific effects of progesterone receptor (PGR) in the ovary. The results showed that PGR expression in ovarian granulosa and stromal cells is necessary for ovulation. Additionally, novel functional pathways and gene networks regulated by PGR during ovulation were identified. These findings provide potential targets for fertility therapeutics and nonhormonal contraceptive development.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Hannah M. Brown, Jeremy G. Thompson, Sanam Mustafa, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: This study investigated the use of optical imaging to measure the metabolism in the cumulus and oocyte compartments of the cumulus oocyte complex (COC). The results showed that the optical redox ratio accurately reflected metabolism in the oocyte compartment and could detect metabolic differences associated with poor oocyte quality. This label-free optical imaging technique has the potential to assess oocyte developmental competence.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Carl A. Campugan, Megan Lim, Darren J. X. Chow, Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Tong Li, Avishkar A. Saini, Antony Orth, Philipp Reineck, Erik P. Schartner, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kishan Dholakia, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: Our study investigates the impact of different wavelengths of light on the development of embryos. We found that exposure to the yellow wavelength led to a significant reduction in the number of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. Increased DNA damage was observed in embryos exposed to the blue, green, or red wavelengths. Only the red wavelength showed a significant decrease in total cell number. Additionally, pregnancy rates were significantly reduced and weight at weaning was significantly higher when embryos were exposed to the red and yellow wavelengths respectively. Our results highlight the wavelength-specific and energy-dependent effects of light on embryo development.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Suliman H. Yagoub, Megan Lim, Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Darren J. X. Chow, Kishan Dholakia, Brant C. Gibson, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: A novel photopolymerized device is presented for housing and preserving oocytes and embryos during vitrification, simplifying the procedure and improving traceability.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Philip Wijesinghe, Stella Corsetti, Darren J. X. Chow, Shuzo Sakata, Kylie R. Dunning, Kishan Dholakia
Summary: In this study, a deep-learning method for deconvolution is proposed, which is trained using the known physics of the imaging system. By combining a generative adversarial network with unpaired experimental data, the method can rapidly and robustly deconvolve and super-resolve microscopy images.
LIGHT-SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: Oocyte quality is crucial for the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Optical imaging techniques that capture the spatial metabolic information within individual cells of the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) have the potential to assess oocyte developmental competence.
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna J. McLennan, Adam J. Blanch, Samuel J. Wallace, Lesley J. Ritter, Shauna L. Heinrich, David K. Gardner, Kylie R. Dunning, Marty J. Gauvin, Allison K. Love, Jeremy G. Thompson
Summary: This study introduces a microfluidic chip that is designed and completely 3D-printed using two-photon polymerization (2PP). It consists of ten channels and ten retrievable cell sample seats, which can enhance cell-surface interactions at the nanoscale and support cell culture. This technology provides the precision needed for nanoliter fluidic devices constructed from multiple interlocking parts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert B. Gilchrist, Johan Smitz
Summary: Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is a minimally invasive technique involving the collection and culture of immature oocytes to maturity outside the body. It is now classified as nonexperimental and is primarily indicated for patients with a high antral follicle count and for fertility preservation in cancer patients. Significant advances in IVM culture methods have been made based on animal studies and a simplified patient treatment protocol, leading to its routine practice in specialized centers worldwide.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zeinab Bahrami, Narges Hatamian, Mahmood Talkhabi, Elnaz Zand, David G. Mottershead, Rouhollah Fathi
Summary: The quality of in vitro vitrified-warmed maturated oocytes can be improved by using granulosa cell conditioned medium, resulting in higher rates of successful in vitro maturation, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, improved in vitro fertilization rates, and altered gene expression.