Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yin-Zi Ye, Hao Zhang, Jiameng Li, Ren Lai, Shilong Yang, Wei-Guo Du
Summary: Temperature sensing is crucial for living organisms' survival, and turtle embryos exhibit thermotaxic behavior by activating two heat-sensitive ion channels, MrTRPA1 and MrTRPV1. These TRP channels play a key role in controlling the thermal behavior of turtle embryos through a delicate functional balance.
Review
Neurosciences
Guillaume Reho, Vincent Lelievre, Herve Cadiou
Summary: This article summarizes the extensive use of planarians in pharmacological experiments, particularly in the study of drug abuse, as well as recent discoveries about planarian nociceptive behavior. The review highlights the convenience and relevance of using planarians as a model for nociceptive tests.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Makiko Kashio
Summary: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are large ion channels that are activated by various chemical, mechanical, and thermal stimuli. Among them, thermo-TRP channels are sensitive to temperature and play roles in physiological functions related to thermosensation and temperature regulation. These channels have distinct temperature thresholds and can be regulated by physiological factors, allowing them to function effectively at body temperature.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Ainul Huda, Alisa A. Omelchenko, Thomas J. Vaden, Allison N. Castaneda, Lina Ni
Summary: This study used an automated tracking method to investigate the thermotactic behaviors of Drosophila larvae and adults. The results showed that different Drosophila species have varied mobility and temperature preferences, which will aid in further research on the molecular mechanisms of temperature responsiveness.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Alexandra Ptakova, Michal Mitro, Lucie Zimova, Viktorie Vlachova
Summary: TRPC5 is a cold-sensitive channel protein, and its sensitivity is determined by the phosphorylation status of the protein and intracellular calcium homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Mengmeng Zhao, Lei Liu, Zhenghao Chen, Ning Ding, Jiliang Wen, Jiaxin Liu, Nan Ge, Xiulin Zhang
Summary: TRPM3 channel plays an important role in the development of bladder pain in IC/PBS, and targeting TRPM3 may be a pharmacological strategy for treating bladder pain.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Duitama, Yurany Moreno, Sandra Paola Santander, Zulma Casas, Jhon Jairo Sutachan, Yolima P. Torres, Sonia L. Albarracin
Summary: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play a critical role in cancer-related pain. Substances released by the cancer microenvironment modulate the activity of TRP channels, affecting pain transmission. Secondary metabolites derived from plant extracts have the potential to serve as therapeutic agents for relieving cancer-induced pain.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jordan J. Tyrrell, Jackson T. Wilbourne, Alisa A. Omelchenko, Jin Yoon, Lina Ni
Summary: Animals rely on temperature-sensing systems to avoid extreme temperatures and choose optimal temperatures for survival, mating, and reproduction. Fruit fly larvae change their temperature preferences during development, with early-stage larvae preferring warm temperatures and late-stage larvae seeking cooler temperatures. This transition is regulated by multiple rhodopsin molecules and the expression levels of IR21a, IR93a, and IR25a in DOCCs play a crucial role in guiding larvae to avoid cool temperatures and warm preferences throughout development.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jianxiong Jiang, Ying Yu
Summary: Epilepsy is a prevalent and disabling brain disorder characterized by spontaneous seizures. The current medications for epilepsy are not effective for over 30% of patients and have significant adverse effects. Identifying novel drug targets, such as TRP channels, can lead to new therapies for epilepsy.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rei Nishimoto, Sandra Derouiche, Kei Eto, Aykut Deveci, Makiko Kashio, Yoshitaka Kimori, Yoshikazu Matsuoka, Hiroshi Morimatsu, Junichi Nabekura, Makoto Tominaga
Summary: Microglia maintain central nervous system homeostasis by monitoring changes in their environment and taking protective actions, with their movement being modulated by temperature. This temperature-dependent movement may have potential clinical applications in preserving cell function.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tong Pan, Elizabeth A. Ronan, X. Z. Shawn Xu
Summary: A new study shows that the heat-sensing neuron AFD is responsible for attracting the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis to human body heat, using unknown neural mechanisms. Interestingly, this same neuron also plays a role in thermotaxis in the nematode C. elegans.
Article
Cell Biology
Jing Feng, Yonghui Zhao, Zili Xie, Kaikai Zang, Sanja Sviben, Xueming Hu, James A. J. Fitzpatrick, Lu Wen, Yifei Liu, Ting Wang, Katy Lawson, Qin Liu, Yan Yan, Xinzhong Dong, Liang Han, Gregory F. Wu, Brian S. Kim, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism behind the itch-scratch cycle in chronic itch. Mechanical stimulation of the skin activates Piezo2 channels on Merkel cells, leading to spontaneous itch in dry skin. The study also demonstrates structural alterations between pruriceptor nerve endings and Merkel cells in dry skin. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of chronic itch and may contribute to the development of new treatments.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christophe Simard, Margaux Aize, Sebastien Chaigne, Harlyne Mpweme Bangando, Romain Guinamard
Summary: The role of ion channels in cardiac activity, morphological remodeling, and valve development and remodeling is discussed. Mutation in ion channel genes is observed in patients with malformation, such as bicuspid aortic valve. Ion channels are also involved in the morphological remodeling of valves, leading to aortic stenosis. Understanding the role of ion channels in the progression of aortic stenosis is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches to avoid valve replacement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xueming Hu, Lixia Du, Shenbin Liu, Zhou Lan, Kaikai Zang, Jing Feng, Yonghui Zhao, Xingliang Yang, Zili Xie, Peter L. Wang, Aaron M. Ver Heul, Lvyi Chen, Vijay K. Samineni, Yan-Qing Wang, Kory J. Lavine, Robert W. Gereau Iv, Gregory F. Wu, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: The study found that genetic ablation or pharmacological blockade of TRPV4 significantly reduced neuropathic pain-like behaviors in a mouse model of nerve injury. It was discovered that microglia-expressed TRPV4 mediated microglial activation and proliferation, and promoted functional and structural plasticity of excitatory spinal neurons through the release of lipocalin-2. This identifies TRPV4 as a potential new target for the treatment of chronic pain.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Goncalo Mesquita, Natalia Prevarskaya, Albrecht Schwab, V'yacheslav Lehen'kyi
Summary: TRP channels, a diverse superfamily of ion channels, have been implicated in various physiological processes and their potential role in cancer progression, particularly in pancreatic cancer, is being explored. This review analyzes existing knowledge on TRP channels in cancer, with a focus on potential therapeutic interventions for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mai Miyamoto, Miki Hattori, Kazutaka Hosoda, Mika Sawamoto, Minako Motoishi, Tetsutaro Hayashi, Takeshi Inoue, Yoshihiko Umesono
Review
Cell Biology
Makoto Kashima, Kiyokazu Agata, Norito Shibata
DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION
(2020)
Article
Zoology
Ekasit Sonpho, Chanida Wootthichairangsan, Miyuki Ishida, Takeshi Inoue, Kiyokazu Agata, Anchuleerat Maleehuan, Komgrid Charngkaew, Nusara Chomanee, Saengduen Moonsom, Patompon Wongtrakoongate, Arthit Chairoungdua, Puey Ounjai
ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohammad Abdul Auwal, Makoto Kashima, Osamu Nishimura, Kazutaka Hosoda, Minako Motoishi, Akifumi Kamimura, Akinori Okumura, Kiyokazu Agata, Yoshihiko Umesono
DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masanori Hijioka, Yusuke Ikemoto, Kosuke Fukao, Takeshi Inoue, Tatsuki Kobayakawa, Kaneyasu Nishimura, Kazuyuki Takata, Kiyokazu Agata, Yoshihisa Kitamura
Summary: The study revealed the involvement of the MEK/ERK pathway in the regeneration of dopaminergic neurons in planarians, with MEK inhibitors affecting head region morphogenesis and reducing the number of dopaminergic neurons.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Hayoung Lee, Kanon Hikasa, Yoshihiko Umesono, Tetsutaro Hayashi, Kiyokazu Agata, Norito Shibata
Summary: The regenerative ability of planarians relies on their adult pluripotent stem cell population. Recent research has shown that piwi+ stem cells can be classified into specialized subpopulations based on the expression of differentiation-related genes. However, after amputation, piwi+ stem cells behave as a homogenous population and show accelerated proliferation, called 'induced hyperproliferation'. This study reveals that the reduction of plac8-A expression, caused by activated JNK signaling after amputation, is responsible for the induced hyperproliferation in a broad stem cell subpopulation. Inhibition of JNK signaling leads to regenerative defects, which can be rescued by knockdown of plac8-A expression. This suggests that JNK-dependent suppression of plac8-A is crucial for the dynamics of stem cells involved in regeneration and acts as a molecular switch for piwi+ stem cells to enter the regenerative state.
Article
Developmental Biology
Tetsuya Bando, Misa Okumura, Yuki Bando, Marou Hagiwara, Yoshimasa Hamada, Yoshiyasu Ishimaru, Taro Mito, Eri Kawaguchi, Takeshi Inoue, Kiyokazu Agata, Sumihare Noji, Hideyo Ohuchi
Summary: The study investigates the function of Toll-related molecules in leg regeneration of the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, suggesting that the Spz-Toll-related signaling in plasmatocytes promotes leg regeneration through blastema cell proliferation.
Article
Cell Biology
Takeshi Inoue, Kiyokazu Agata
Summary: Studying individual behaviors can reveal the processes and mechanisms behind an animal's habits and interactions with the environment. Planarians, with their unique regenerative abilities and behavioral responses to the environment, offer a valuable opportunity to understand the basic mechanisms underlying neural morphogenesis.
DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yuki Sato, Norito Shibata, Chikara Hashimoto, Kiyokazu Agata
Summary: Research on the migration of adult stem cells in vivo is hindered by the complexity of tissue structures and limited accessibility of the cells. In this study, two planarian homologous genes (MTA-A and MTA-B) were identified as being involved in neoblast migration. Knockdown of MTA-A disrupted homeostasis and regeneration, while knockdown of MTA-B inhibited neoblast migration. This study highlights the importance of MTA-A and MTA-B in maintaining tissue homeostasis and regeneration through neoblast migration.
DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Yuki Shibata, Miyuki Suzuki, Nao Hirose, Ayuko Takayama, Chiaki Sanbo, Takeshi Inoue, Yoshihiko Umesono, Kiyokazu Agata, Naoto Ueno, Ken-ichi T. Suzuki, Makoto Mochii
Summary: This study establishes a simple targeted transgenesis technique based on CRISPR/Cas9 in Xenopus laevis. By co-injecting Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and donor plasmid DNA into Xenopus embryos, approximately 10% of faithful reporter expression can be obtained in F0 crispants, with efficient germline transmission and stable transgene expression observed in the F1 offspring.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yoshihito Kuroki, Kiyokazu Agata
Summary: The study developed a method to isolate viable single cells from adult planarian bodies using FACS, achieving high-quality RNA sequencing data and excluding low-quality cells through effective gating conditions, leading to high-quality results for all cell types.