Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
D. Ryan King, Meghan W. Sedovy, Xinyan Leng, Jianxiang Xue, Samy Lamouille, Michael Koval, Brant E. Isakson, Scott R. Johnstone
Summary: Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins are crucial in cellular physiology and have been investigated for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases. Modulating GJ signaling pathways and designing peptides have shown promise as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. However, the overall mechanisms of action of connexin targeting peptides are still not fully understood despite years of research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Rachael P. Norris
Summary: New research has uncovered a novel mechanism for intercellular organelle transfer mediated by Cx43 gap junctions, in which whole organelles including mitochondria and endosomes are incorporated into double-membrane vesicles.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kana Ikegami, Youki Watanabe, Sho Nakamura, Teppei Goto, Naoko Inoue, Yoshihisa Uenoyama, Hiroko Tsukamura
Summary: Research has shown that hypothalamic arcuate kisspeptin neurons play a crucial role in regulating gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in mammals by overseeing the pulsatile release of GnRH. These neurons, also known as KNDy neurons, express NKB and Dyn. The article focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying GnRH pulse generation, as well as the factors that modulate the activity of KNDy neurons and consequent pulsatile GnRH/LH release in mammals.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Izhar Muhammad, Abdullah Shalmani, Muhammad Ali, Qing-Hua Yang, Husain Ahmad, Feng Bai Li
Summary: Photosynthesis is crucial for plant life but is often limited by unfavorable environmental conditions and biological processes, affecting efficiency and yield. Research on plant responses to abiotic stresses and light modulation of photosynthesis can improve crop productivity. Understanding regulatory elements and gene responses to stresses can aid in developing stress-tolerant plants with higher yields.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Siqi Zhang, Yixin Fan, Binbin Zheng, Yu Wang, Chen Miao, Yue Su, Kun Li, Yan E, Xueli Wang, Xueming He, Xuefeng Wu, Chenjie Xu, Yulin Tang, Wen-Tao Liu, Xiangqing Kong, Liang Hu
Summary: This study demonstrates that bilirubin has a potential protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. By activating the AMPK-Axl-SOCS3 signaling axis, bilirubin upregulates gap junction function, thereby attenuating doxorubicin-induced arrhythmia and myocardial damage.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Marta Zakrzewska, Michal Burmistrz
Summary: The CRISPR-Cas system is a prokaryotic system that allows for specific recognition and cleavage of nucleic acids. It consists of a CRISPR array containing short DNA fragments called spacers that are complementary to the targeted nucleic acid, and Cas proteins that are involved in various processes. The primary role of the CRISPR-Cas system is to provide adaptive and hereditary immunity against exogenous nucleic acids. It has revolutionized gene editing and gene expression regulation in molecular biology.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yafei Guo, Qin Li, Gang Zhao, Jie Zhang, Hang Yuan, Tianyu Feng, Deqiong Ou, Rui Gu, Siqi Li, Kai Li, Ping Lin
Summary: TRIM31 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by stabilizing and activating p53, inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. The interaction between TRIM31 and p53 plays a critical role in regulating p53 ubiquitination, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for treating breast cancer by restoring TRIM31 expression.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Ying Huang, Qubo Zhu
Summary: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in tumor development, but the mechanism of their dysregulation in cancer remains unclear. CircRNAs are generated by a back-splicing process and are regulated by different cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting proteins.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lesha Pretorius, Carine Smith
Summary: This study investigates the effects of rooibos on gastrointestinal health, and the results suggest that rooibos extracts can improve intestinal integrity and functionality, potentially promoting gastrointestinal health.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ningning Zhang, Hong Jiang, Huiqin Wang, Yating Wang, Ye Peng, Yangbo Liu, Congyuan Xia, Xu Yan, Shifeng Chu, Yi Zhang, Zhenzhen Wang, Naihong Chen
Summary: Ginsenoside Rg1, a traditional Chinese medicine monomer, has been shown to have antidepressant effects by improving the dysfunction of gap junction channels (GJCs). This study aimed to determine the downstream mechanisms by which Rg1 ameliorates GJC dysfunction and exert its antidepressant effects. The results suggest that Rg1 can improve CORT-induced dysfunction of the glutamatergic system in astrocytes by potentially reducing Cx43 phosphorylation and inhibiting the opening of hemichannels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhenlong Guo, Yi Wu, Changxia Sun, Jiaqi Wang, Qiang Li
Summary: Carbon nitride (CN) has various applications in photocatalytic treatment of environmental pollution. A key challenge in the field is to conveniently prepare CN with tunable band gap. In this study, CN was constructed through co-firing urea, melamine, and fumaric acid. By controlling the proportion of fumaric acid, the polymerization degree and morphology of CN could be modified. The CN sample with the doped ratio of 2.50:0.50:0.03 m urea/m melamine/m fumaric acid displayed remarkable photocatalytic ability, achieving 98.0% methyl orange degradation within 60 min.
Review
Physiology
Aishwarya Ramakrishnan Iyer, Vasu Sheeba
Summary: Coherent circadian rhythms in behavior rely on well-coupled networks of circadian oscillators, with electrical synapses and chemical synapses interacting in neuronal networks. While the role of chemical synapses in these networks has been extensively studied, the role of electrical synapses in circadian networks remains relatively understudied and requires further exploration.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuichi Yagita, Eszter Zavodszky, Sew-Yeu Peak-Chew, Ramanujan S. Hegde
Summary: Cells have multiple molecular machines formed from subunits, and imbalance in subunit production or assembly failure leads to orphan subunits that are eliminated. This study investigates how orphan subunits of CCT are recognized and degraded. It was found that unassembled CCT subunits recruit HERC2 and ZNRD2 to facilitate degradation, and this process is necessary for optimal cell fitness. The study provides insights into the molecular recognition and quality control of orphan subunits.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pia C. Burboa, Mariela Puebla, Pablo S. Gaete, Walter N. Duran, Mauricio A. Lillo
Summary: Microcirculation homeostasis depends on channels permeable to ions and small molecules, and the Connexin and Pannexin large-pore channel proteins play a vital role in regulating vascular tone and intercellular communication.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masakatsu Watanabe
Summary: This study investigated the role of two SR residues in the Cx39.4 gene in zebrafish skin patterning. The results showed that these SR residues are critical for channel function, leading to stripe pattern formation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2023)