Article
Neurosciences
Dan Wu, Yan Chen, Zhen Li, Hong Xie, Sashuang Wang, Yingjin Lu, Lan Bao, Xu Zhang, Changlin Li
Summary: A new subpopulation of Zcchc12(+) nociceptors essential for noxious heat sensation was identified through single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hatice Deniz Ilhan, Betul Unal, Yusuf Ayaz, Nuray Erin
Summary: This study found a close association between the recurrence of pterygium and increased levels of Substance P and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in TRPV1-positive nerve fibers. Changes in TRPV1 expression were also observed in recurrent cases. These findings suggest a potential role of TRPV1 in pterygium recurrence and indicate that inhibiting TRPV1 activity may help prevent pterygium recurrence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Farnaz Shamsi, Mary Piper, Li-Lun Ho, Tian Lian Huang, Anushka Gupta, Aaron Streets, Matthew D. Lynes, Yu-Hua Tseng
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells expressing Trpv1 are identified as previously unrecognized thermogenic adipocyte progenitors, playing a role in the expansion and differentiation of highly thermogenic adipocytes in response to cold stimuli.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuling Sun, Giulia Giubertoni, Huib J. Bakker, Jie Liu, Manfred Wagner, David Y. W. Ng, Arthur L. Devries, Konrad Meister
Summary: The presence of all hydroxyls on the disaccharide is essential for maintaining the unique properties of native AFGP. The study also highlights the importance of saccharide hydroxyls in promoting antifreeze activities, alongside other structural elements.
Article
Immunology
Tomas Blanco, Rohan Bir Singh, Hayate Nakagawa, Yukako Taketani, Thomas H. Dohlman, Yihe Chen, Sunil K. Chauhan, Jia Yin, Reza Dana
Summary: This study assesses the role of CD103+DC1 in suppressing Th1 alloreactivity in transplanted corneal allografts and finds that CD103+DC1 plays a critical role in regulating host alloimmune responses.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maria Losada-Perez, Mamen Hernandez Garcia-Moreno, Irene Garcia-Ricote, Sergio Casas-Tinto
Summary: Glioblastoma is an aggressive and lethal brain tumor that interacts with healthy surrounding tissues through cell communication and synapses, promoting tumor expansion and neurodegeneration.
Article
Neurosciences
Xin-Shen Wu, Shobana Subramanian, Yalan Zhang, Bo Shi, Jessica Xia, Tiansheng Li, Xiaoli Guo, Lynda El-Hassar, Klara Szigeti-Buck, Jorge Henao-Mejia, Richard A. Flavell, Tamas L. Horvath, Elizabeth A. Jonas, Leonard K. Kaczmarek, Ling-Gang Wu
Summary: Potassium channels play a crucial role in endocytosis and vesicle mobilization by organizing the F-actin cytoskeleton, in addition to their traditional role in ion conductance. Mutations in potassium channels that impair these non-conducting functions may contribute to various neurological disorders.
Article
Microbiology
Xin Wang, Yiluo Cheng, Wenting Zhang, Qin Lu, Guoyuan Wen, Qingping Luo, Huabin Shao, Zishu Pan, Tengfei Zhang
Summary: A mutant lacking (p)ppGpp synthetases in Salmonella Pullorum showed reduced ability to form biofilms and resistance to environmental stresses, as well as decreased internalization into host cells and colonization abilities in young chickens. RNA sequencing revealed that (p)ppGpp synthetases not only affected the stringent response, but also controlled the expression of virulence factors, indicating their importance for the pathogenicity of S. Pullorum.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenyong Wu, Lu Ma, Nicholas A. Courtney, Jie Zhu, Ane Landajuela, Yongli Zhang, Edwin R. Chapman, Erdem Karatekin
Summary: This study aims to explore the critical features of the C2A domain of Syt1 and compare it to the analogous feature in C2B. The research found that both the poly-lysine patches in C2A and C2B contribute to membrane binding, and both are crucial for evoked release.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Nan Qi, David Lockington, Lei Wang, Kanna Ramaesh, Xiaoyu Luo
Summary: This study focuses on the corneal incision in cataract surgery and determines the minimal length required to prevent wound tear. It provides insights into the potential for mechanical damage to the corneal wound and suggests recommendations for safer and more effective incision techniques.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Evguenia Ivakhnitskaia, Vladislav Souboch, Valentina Dallacasagrande, Kamila Mizerska, Elizaveta Souboch, Joy Sarkar, Victor H. Guaiquil, Kuei Y. Tseng, Harumitsu Hirata, Mark I. Rosenblatt
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged exposure to Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and Phenylephrine hydrochloride (PHE) on corneal nerve structure and function. Results showed that BAK led to irrecoverable neuronal damage, while PHE showed signs of functional recovery. BAK reduced corneal nerve density and increased fragmentation, while PHE maintained nerve integrity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thanh Tan Vo, Geun Ho Im, Kayoung Han, Minah Suh, Patrick J. Drew, Seong-Gi Kim
Summary: In this study, the hemodynamic responses elicited by optogenetic stimulation of PV interneurons were investigated using electrophysiology, fMRI, OIS, and pharmacological applications. The findings showed that activation of PV neurons induced an early vasoconstrictive response and a later ultraslow vasodilation response. The ultraslow response was mediated by neuropeptide substance P released from PV neurons and was dependent on the brain state.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chalatip Chompunud Na Ayudhya, Aetas Amponnawarat, Hydar Ali
Summary: The neuropeptide substance P activates mast cells through MrgprB2, contributing to neurogenic inflammation and pain in atopic dermatitis. Certain MRGPRX2 agonists lead to beta-arrestin recruitment, revealing a new pathway for receptor internalization and desensitization. The study highlights a tyrosine residue in the highly conserved NPxxY motif of MRGPRX2 that plays a role in both G protein- and beta-arrestin-mediated responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Madeline Cassani, Geraldine Seydoux
Summary: Specification of the germ line in Caenorhabditis elegans involves two independent cytoplasmic condensates that independently enrich and regulate maternal mRNAs, playing a crucial role in embryonic development.
Article
Immunology
Jin Na Shin, Lang Rao, Youbao Sha, Elmoataz Abdel Fattah, Joseph Hyser, N. Tony Eissa
Summary: Inflammation is pivotal in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. The NLRP3 inflammasome and p38 MAPK both play significant roles in regulating this process. A study found that p38 MAPK negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome by controlling Ca2+ levels, with p38-deficient mice exhibiting hyperactivation of inflammasome, leading to lung inflammation and increased susceptibility to septic shock.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Anna M. Trier, Madison R. Mack, Avery Fredman, Masato Tamari, Aaron M. Ver Heul, Yonghui Zhao, Changxiong J. Guo, Oshri Avraham, Zachary K. Ford, Landon K. Oetjen, Jing Feng, Carina Dehner, Dean Coble, Asima Badic, Satoru Joshita, Masato Kubo, Robert W. Gereau, Jennifer Alexander-Brett, Valeria Cavalli, Steve Davidson, Hongzhen Hu, Qin Liu, Brian S. Kim
Summary: IL-33 signaling may play a critical role in the development of chronic itch, depending on the tissue microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Erik G. Larsen, Tiffany S. Cho, Matthew L. McBride, Jing Feng, Bhagyashree Manivannan, Cynthia Madura, Nathaniel E. Klein, Elizabeth B. Wright, Edward S. Wickstead, Hector D. Garcia-Verdugo, Chelsea Jarvis, Rajesh Khanna, Hongzhen Hu, Tally M. Largent-Milnes, Martha R. C. Bhattacharya
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of TMEM184B protein in the specification of itch-sensitive neurons. TMEM184B promotes adult somatosensation through developmental Wnt signaling and the expression of proper pruriceptive genes.
Article
Dermatology
Changxiong J. Guo, Nathaniel S. Grabinski, Qin Liu
Summary: The article summarizes the neural pathways of itch sensation and the complex interactions between skin, immune cells, and neurons in detecting itch-inducing irritants. It also highlights recent discoveries related to acute itch detection in the skin.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Xiaowei Yang, Xingwu Zhong, Andrew J. W. Huang, Lixing W. Reneker
Summary: In this study, a conditional knockout mouse model was used to investigate the spontaneous recovery of the Mei-bomian gland (MG) after atrophy. The results showed that the MG could recover after atrophy, but the recovery was less robust in mice that received a second injection of doxycycline. The findings further supported the role of FGFR2 in MG homeostasis and suggested that FGFR2 signaling could be a potential strategy for regenerating acini in age-related MG dysfunction.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Feng, Tim J. Hibberd, Jialie Luo, Pu Yang, Zili Xie, Lee Travis, Nick J. Spencer, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: Through chemogenetic strategy, reduction of CAL neurons in the colon led to decreased colonic length and pellet sizes without overt inflammation. Interestingly, there was an increase in frequency and decrease in size of colonic motor complexes (CMCs) with lack of preferential anterograde migration. This suggests that calretinin neurons may play a role in pacing, force, and polarity of CMCs in the large bowel.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zili Xie, Jing Feng, Tao Cal, Ronald McCarthy, Mark D. Eschbach, Yuhui Wang, Yonghui Zhao, Zhihua Yi, Kaikai Zang, Yi Yuan, Xueming Hu, Fengxian Li, Qin Liu, Aditi Das, Sarah K. England, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: Pain originating from the female reproductive tract is difficult to treat, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying it are not fully understood. This study discovered that 2-and 4-hydroxylated estrogen metabolites can increase nociceptor hyperactivity through TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels, leading to enhanced pain perception. The findings highlight the critical role of TRPA1 in estrogen-induced uterine pain-like behaviors.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yanbo Yu, Hao Jiang, Qianwa Liang, Lin Qiu, Tianyu Huang, Hongzhen Hu, Vadim Y. Bolshakov, Joel S. Perlmutter, Zhude Tu
Summary: In this study, a new C-11 radiotracer [C-11]HC070 was synthesized and evaluated for imaging TRPC5 in rodents and nonhuman primates. The results showed that [C-11]HC070 has high brain uptake and good brain washout pharmacokinetics.
MOLECULAR IMAGING AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
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)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen Zhang, Mengze Lyu, Nicholas J. Bessman, Zili Xie, Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Hiroshi Yano, Christopher N. Parkhurst, Coco Chu, Lei Zhou, Gregory G. Putzel, Ting-Ting Li, Wen-Bing Jin, Jordan Zhou, Hongzhen Hu, Amy M. Tsou, Chun-Jun Guo, David Artis
Summary: Research has found that nociceptive neurons have a significant impact on intestinal inflammation. Disrupted nociception leads to more severe inflammation and defective tissue repair processes. This disruption also causes changes in the intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis, while certain bacteria can promote tissue protection. Additionally, abnormal nociceptor gene expression was observed in intestinal biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Article
Neurosciences
Timothy J. Hibberd, Wai Ping Yew, Kelsi N. Dodds, Zili Xie, Lee Travis, Simon J. Brookes, Marcello Costa, Hongzhen Hu, Nick J. Spencer
Summary: This study comprehensively quantified CGRP+ myenteric neurons in mouse colon, which aligns with the expected range of an intrinsic primary afferent neuron (IPAN) marker.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Jing Feng, Zili Xie, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: This Review discusses the expression and function of ion channels in immune cells, non-immune cells, and neuroimmune interactions in the gut. It also explores the role of ion channels in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis and contributing to the development of autoimmune disorders. Understanding ion channel signaling in immune-related pathways will aid in the development of therapeutic approaches for intestinal inflammation.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Zili Xie, Jing Feng, Timothy J. Hibberd, Bao Nan Chen, Yonghui Zhao, Kaikai Zang, Xueming Hu, Xingliang Yang, Lvyi Chen, Simon J. Brookes, Nick J. Spencer, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: By ablating the sensory channels TRPV1 and Piezo2 from colon-innervating neurons, the visceromotor responses (VMR) induced by colorectal distention (CRD) are significantly reduced in mice. Selective ablation of Piezo2 channels in TRPV1 lineage neurons reduces mechanically evoked visceral afferent action potential firing and CRD-induced VMR under physiological conditions, as well as in mouse models of zymosan-induced IBS and partial colon obstruction (PCO). These findings demonstrate the important role of the mechanosensitive Piezo2 channels in TRPV1-lineage neurons in visceral mechanosensitivity and nociception under physiological conditions, as well as in visceral hypersensitivity under pathological conditions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph B. Lin, Xiaolei Shen, Charles W. Pfeifer, Fion Shiau, Andrea Santeford, Philip A. Ruzycki, Brian S. Clark, Qin Liu, Andrew J. W. Huang, Rajendra S. Apte
Summary: The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the transcriptional states of the mouse corneal epithelium in various conditions. They identified transcriptional changes in dry eye disease and proposed a classification system for markers of limbal stem cells. This study provides a framework and atlas for future research on ocular surface stem cells.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ping Lu, Yonghui Zhao, Zili Xie, Huan Zhou, Xinzhong Dong, Gregory F. Wu, Brian S. Kim, Jing Feng, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: Although touch and itch are coded by different neuronal populations, light touch can provoke itch in the presence of pruritogens, resulting in a phenomenon called alloknesis. This study reveals the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in pruritogen-induced mechanical itch sensitization, showing that histamine and chloroquine activate specific prurioceptors and sensitize Piezo2 channel function through the PLC and PKC8 signaling pathways. Understanding this signaling axis could provide insights into treating pruritus.
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)