Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andja Cirkovic, Dejana Stanisavljevic, Jelena Milin-Lazovic, Nina Rajovic, Vedrana Pavlovic, Ognjen Milicevic, Marko Savic, Jelena Kostic Peric, Natasa Aleksic, Nikola Milic, Tamara Stanisavljevic, Zeljko Mikovic, Vesna Garovic, Natasa Milic
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the disrupted miRNA expression in women with preeclampsia (PE) compared to those without PE. The results indicated significant differences in expression levels of certain miRNAs in placenta and peripheral blood of women with PE, suggesting the important role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of PE.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jikai Cui, Heng Xu, Jizhang Yu, Yuan Li, Zhang Chen, Yanqiang Zou, Xi Zhang, Yifan Du, Jiahong Xia, Jie Wu
Summary: Regulatory T cells differentiation is inhibited by IL-4 through epigenetic modulations. HDAC9 is involved in histone deacetylation process, affecting Foxp3 gene transcription, while sodium butyrate can abolish the inhibitory effects of IL-4.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Brian Webster, Ying Xiong, Peirong Hu, Darong Wu, Leah Alabanza, Rimas J. Orentas, Boro Dropulic, Dina Schneider
Summary: Restricting the timing and magnitude of CAR expression can be functionally beneficial, whereas constitutive CAR activation may lead to exhaustion. A self-driving CAR system has been created to regulate its own function based on the presence of a CD19 antigen engaged by the CAR itself.
Article
Virology
Eleonora Forte, Fatma Ayaloglu Butun, Christian Marinaccio, Matthew J. Schipma, Andrea Piunti, Mark W. Schroeder, Manoj Kandpal, Ali Shilatifard, Michael Abecassis, Mary Hummel
Summary: This study utilized an integrative multi-omics approach to investigate the dynamic changes in host and HCMV gene expression and epigenomes at early times postinfection. The results showed dynamic changes in viral gene expression and chromatin, as well as an overall loss of de novo transcription in host cells. These findings challenge current paradigms of HCMV gene expression regulation and suggest potential implications for mechanisms of viral pathogenesis.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sabrina Summer, Eva Rossmanith, Markus Pasztorek, Constantin Fiedler, Marion Groeger, Sabine Rauscher, Viktoria Weber, Michael B. Fischer
Summary: Mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in supporting endothelial cells during tissue regeneration and new vessel formation. By co-culturing these cells in a specific microenvironment, complex vascular networks can be formed. Under dynamic flow conditions, mesenchymal stem cells can bind to damaged endothelial cells, potentially aiding in the healing process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John P. Gleeson, Namit Chaudhary, Katherine C. Fein, Rose Doerfler, Patricia Hredzak-Showalter, Kathryn A. Whitehead
Summary: Breast milk contains cells that are beneficial for infant development, but little is known about these cells. This study characterized the cells in mature breast milk from healthy donors and identified the main cell population as epithelial cells, with several subpopulations including previously unidentified ones. These findings provide insights into the potential applications of breast milk cells in maternal and infant medicine.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Li, Lei Li, Jun Qin, Junyi Wu, Xueming Dai, Junming Xu
Summary: This study reveals the critical role of OSR1 in breast cancer by promoting EMT and metastasis, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.
Article
Biology
Maya L. Kriseman, Suni Tang, Zian Liao, Peixin Jiang, Sydney E. Parks, Dominique I. Cope, Fei Yuan, Fengju Chen, Ramya P. Masand, Patricia D. Castro, Michael M. Ittmann, Chad J. Creighton, Zhi Tan, Diana Monsivais
Summary: Demonstration that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation, which is important for suppressing endometrial carcinogenesis, using genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Camilla Capaccia, Silvana Diverio, Danilo Zampini, Gabriella Guelfi
Summary: This review highlights the important role of cross-talk between P53 and microRNAs in physiological stress signaling. P53 regulates miRNA expression and maturation, while miRNAs control the level of P53 through direct or indirect means. The complex regulatory scheme emphasizes the relevance of miRNAs in the P53 network.
Article
Immunology
Joshua M. Moreau, Miqdad O. Dhariwala, Victoire Gouirand, Devi P. Boda, Ian C. Boothby, Margaret M. Lowe, Jarish N. Cohen, Courtney E. Macon, John M. Leech, Lokesh A. Kalekar, Tiffany C. Scharschmidt, Michael D. Rosenblum
Summary: Skin T-regs play a crucial role in regulating inflammation and protecting skin immunity, influencing epithelial cell biology through integrin and TGF-beta pathways. After skin injury, they activate TGF-beta and promote inflammation responses to protect the host from infection.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patrice Rat, Pascale Leproux, Sophie Fouyet, Elodie Olivier
Summary: This study evaluated the placental toxicity of Forskolin in pregnant women. The results showed that Forskolin activated P2X7 receptors and disrupted the secretion of estradiol, progesterone, hPL, and hyperglycosylated hCG in placental cells. This suggests that Forskolin may pose risks to pregnant women and should be restricted.
Review
Cell Biology
Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard, Tayyebeh Khoshbakht, Bashdar Mahmud Hussen, Aria Baniahmad, Wojciech Branicki, Mohammad Taheri, Ahmad Eghbali
Summary: Senescence is the gradual weakening of functional features in a living organism. Cellular senescence is a process aimed at removing undesirable cells through tissue remodeling and is also considered a defense mechanism against cellular damage. It plays a role in various disorders, including fibrotic disorders, vascular disorders, diabetes, renal disorders, and sarcopenia.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mami Matsunaga, Ryosuke Yamamoto, Tomoko Kita, Hiroe Ohnishi, Norio Yamamoto, Takayuki Okano, Koichi Omori, Takayuki Nakagawa
Summary: Compared to mammals, birds have the ability to regenerate sensory hair cells in the cochlea, specifically in the basilar papilla, through fate conversion of supporting cells. By using single-cell RNA sequencing during hair cell regeneration in cultured chick basilar papillae, we identified dynamic changes in gene expression of supporting cells and demonstrated the stepwise fate conversion from supporting cells to hair cells. The involvement of transforming growth factor beta receptor 1-mediated signaling in the initial step and its inhibition resulting in suppressed hair cell regeneration provide new insights into the fate conversion from supporting cells to hair cells in avian basilar papillae.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Manzeger, Gantsetseg Garmaa, Miklos M. Mozes, Georg Hansmann, Gabor Kokeny
Summary: Pioglitazone can inhibit excessive production of renal TGF-beta and dysregulation of fibrosis-related miRNAs, as well as restore autophagy function. Animal experiments showed that pioglitazone significantly improved kidney fibrosis and related autophagy dysfunction, and suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Manu Shivakumar, Seonggyun Han, Younghee Lee, Dokyoon Kim
Summary: This study provides a higher resolution of molecular insight into the crosstalk between two epigenetic factors, DNA methylation and miRNA. Results showed that these interactions are important in cancer, and it is timely to identify and understand the underlying mechanisms based on epigenetic markers and their interactions in cancer, leading to alternative splicing with primary functional impact.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evans K. Lodge, Chantel L. Martin, Rebecca C. Fry, Alexandra J. White, Cavin K. Ward-Caviness, Sandro Galea, Allison E. Aiello
Summary: Vacant, aged, and poorly maintained housing may contribute to low-level lead exposure among adults in older cities like Detroit. US Census and neighborhood quality data can be used to identify population-level lead exposure among US adults.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Lauren A. Eaves, Adam E. Enggasser, Marie Camerota, Semsa Gogcu, William A. Gower, Hadley Hartwell, Wesley M. Jackson, Elizabeth Jensen, Robert M. Joseph, Carmen J. Marsit, Kyle Roell, Hudson P. Santos, Jeffrey S. Shenberger, Lisa Smeester, Diana Yanni, Karl C. K. Kuban, T. Michael O'Shea, Rebecca C. Fry
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between CpG methylation in the placenta and neonatal blood and neonatal inflammation in extremely preterm infants. The study found that placental CpG methylation was strongly associated with sustained systemic inflammation (ISSI), while neonatal blood CpG methylation was associated with day-one inflammation (DOI).
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
T. Michael O'Shea, Monica McGrath, Judy L. Aschner, Barry Lester, Hudson P. Santos, Carmen Marsit, Annemarie Stroustrup, Crisma Emmanuel, Mark Hudak, Elisabeth McGowan, Simran Patel, Rebecca C. Fry
Summary: The National Institutes of Health's ECHO Program conducts research on the links between children's environment and health, with a focus on very preterm infants. The program utilizes data from three cohorts to study the effects of environmental factors on the health outcomes of preterm infants.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Emily A. Knapp, Yanan Dong, Anne L. Dunlop, Judy L. Aschner, Joseph B. Stanford, Tina Hartert, Susan L. Teitelbaum, Mark L. Hudak, Kecia Carroll, Thomas G. O'Connor, Cindy T. McEvoy, T. Michael O'Shea, Susan Carnell, Margaret R. Karagas, Julie B. Herbstman, Dana Dabelea, Jody M. Ganiban, Assiamira Ferrara, Monique Hedderson, Traci A. Bekelman, Andrew G. Rundle, Akram Alshawabkeh, Diane Gilbert-Diamond, Rebecca C. Fry, Zhanghua Chen, Frank D. Gilliland, Rosalind J. Wright, Carlos A. Camargo, Lisa Jacobson, Barry M. Lester, Christine W. Hockett, Marie L. Hodges, Aruna Chandran
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased rate of BMI gain in children compared to previous years. Children in the obese range are at higher risk of BMI gain during the pandemic, while children from higher-income households have a decreased risk.
Article
Pediatrics
Traci A. Bekelman, Emily A. Knapp, Yanan Dong, Dana Dabelea, Tracy M. Bastain, Carrie Breton, Kecia N. Carroll, Carlos A. Camargo, Ann M. Davis, Anne L. Dunlop, Amy J. Elliott, Assiamira Ferrara, Rebecca C. Fry, Jody M. Ganiban, Diane Gilbert-Diamond, Frank D. Gilliland, Monique M. Hedderson, Alison E. Hipwell, Christine W. Hockett, Kathi C. Huddleston, Margaret R. Karagas, Nichole Kelly, Jin-Shei Lai, Barry M. Lester, Maristella Lucchini, Melissa M. Melough, Nicole L. Mihalopoulos, T. Michael O'Shea, Andrew G. Rundle, Joseph B. Stanford, Sara VanBronkhorst, Rosalind J. Wright, Qi Zhao, Katherine A. Sauder
Summary: Societal changes during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect children's health behaviors. Parents experiencing financial strain may need additional support to promote healthy behaviors. Changing work schedules to care for children can lead to shorter screen time and longer sleep duration.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew R. Grace, Neeta L. Vora, Lisa Smeester, Sarah K. Dotters-Katz, Rebecca C. Fry, Victoria Bae-Jump, Kim Boggess
Summary: This study aimed to measure sex-based differences in placental gene expression in dams fed high-fat diet (HFD) versus control diet (CD). Results showed that pups from HFD-fed dams were heavier, and male pups were heavier than females in the HFD group. Placentas from female pups in the HFD group exhibited upregulation of 15 genes predicted to be regulated by insulin.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Robert M. Joseph, Emily R. Lai, Somer Bishop, Joe Yi, Margaret L. Bauman, Jean A. Frazier Jr, Hudson P. Santos, Laurie M. Douglas, Karl K. C. Kuban, Rebecca C. Fry, T. Michael O'Shea
Summary: Children born preterm have different ASD core symptoms and associated characteristics compared to children born at term. This study compared extremely preterm (EP) and term-born children with ASD using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The results showed that the EP group had less severe symptom scores on verbal communication, particularly stereotyped language, and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Additionally, the EP group had higher rates of language delays and lower physical growth parameters.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lauren A. Eaves, Catherine M. Bulka, Julia E. Rager, Amaree J. Gardner, Aubrey L. Galusha, Patrick J. Parsons, T. Michael O'Shea, Rebecca C. Fry
Summary: Prenatal exposure to toxic metals is associated with adverse birth and later-in-life outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metal concentrations in the umbilical cord and altered gene expression networks in placental tissue. The results showed that certain metals, such as lead and cadmium, were associated with changes in gene expression and the dysregulation of important pathways in the placenta. These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms underlying metal-induced diseases.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily Oken, Theresa M. Bastain, Nicole Bornkamp, Carrie Breton, Rebecca C. Fry, Diane R. Gold, Marie-France Hivert, Steve Howland, Daniel J. Jackson, Christine C. Johnson, Kyra Jones, MollyAn Killingbeck, T. Michael O'Shea, Marleny Ortega, Dennis Ownby, Frederica Perera, Julie Rollins, Julie B. Herbstman
Summary: High-quality evidence from prospective longitudinal studies in humans is essential for understanding the developmental origins of health and disease. This paper discusses the challenges faced by birth cohort studies and provides recommendations for long-term funding, maintaining contact with participants, maximizing engagement, and addressing sensitive topics. Successful longitudinal follow-up requires flexibility, adaptability, and appropriate incentives.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gabriela Nisly, Jacquelyn L. Dillon, Alice Darling, Sabrena Myers, Noor Al Shibli, Luke A. Gatta, Annie West-Honart, Sarahn Wheeler, Matthew R. Grace, Sarah K. Dotters-Katz
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the rates of maternal morbidity associated with early preeclampsia with severe features and determine the factors associated with developing these morbidities. More than 1 in 4 patients diagnosed with early preeclampsia with severe features experienced maternal morbidity, with 1 in 16 patients experiencing severe morbidity. Twins and pregestational diabetes were associated with a higher risk of morbidity, while attempted vaginal delivery was protective.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Erin Griffin, Gillian Hooker, Matthew Grace, Kimberly Kaphingst, Digna Velez Edwards, Zhiguo Zhao, Jill Slamon
Summary: Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) using cell-free DNA is widely offered for fetal aneuploidy screening. A study conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that most women (87%) made an informed choice about NIPS, with a small percentage categorized as uninformed due to insufficient knowledge or attitude discrepancies. The majority of participants had a positive attitude towards screening (94.3%) and experienced low decisional conflict. This study suggests that pre-test counseling by a genetic counselor can lead to high rates of informed choice and low decisional conflict.
JOURNAL OF GENETIC COUNSELING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lauren A. Eaves, Paul Lanier, Adam E. Enggasser, Gerard Chung, Toby Turla, Julia E. Rager, Rebecca C. Fry
Summary: Due to structural racism and income inequality, exposure to environmental chemicals is closely linked to socioeconomic factors. Additionally, exposure to psychosocial stressors and limited resources can increase susceptibility to environmentally induced disease. However, studies in social science and environmental science are often conducted separately, limiting comprehensive risk estimates. To address this gap, the Chemical and Social Stressors Integration Technique (CASS-IT) was developed to integrate environmental chemical and social stressor datasets. CASS-IT provides a framework to identify geographic areas based on environmental chemical exposure, social vulnerability, and access to resources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Evans K. Lodge, Radhika Dhingra, Chantel L. Martin, Rebecca C. Fry, Alexandra J. White, Cavin K. Ward-Caviness, Agaz H. Wani, Monica Uddin, Derek E. Wildman, Sandro Galea, Allison E. Aiello
Summary: The effects of lead, mercury, manganese, and copper on individual disease processes have been well understood. However, estimating the health effects of long-term exposure to these metals at low concentrations is difficult. This study aimed to estimate the effects of these metals on biomarkers of biological aging. The results showed positive associations between lead and GrimAge acceleration, and mercury and PhenoAge acceleration, while negative associations were found between manganese and PhenoAge acceleration, and mercury and Horvath Age acceleration. Additionally, curvilinear relationships were observed between copper and both PhenoAge and GrimAge acceleration. Increasing total exposure to the mixture of metals was associated with accelerated biological aging. Despite few statistically significant findings, the consistency and novelty of the results warrant further interest.
ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
