| 1. |
- Abaraviciene, S, et al.
(author)
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Rosiglitazone counteracts palmitate-induced beta-cell dysfunction by suppression of MAP kinase, inducible nitric oxide synthase and caspase 3 activities.
- 2008
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 65:14, s. 2256-2265
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic exposure of pancreatic islets to elevated levels of palmitate leads to beta-cell dysfunction. We examined possible involvement of mitogenactivated protein kinases (MAPKs) and caspase-3 in palmitate-induced beta-cell dysfunction and tested the influence of the anti-diabetic drug rosiglitazone (ROZ). Palmitate amplified glucose-stimulated augmentation of intracellular free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and insulin secretion in incubated islets. ROZ suppressed this amplification, whereas it modestly augmented glucose-induced increase in these events. ROZ suppressed short-term palmitate-induced phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic MAPKs, i.e., SAPK/JNK and p38. Long-term islet culturing with palmitate induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and activated SAPK/JNK-p38. ROZ counteracted these effects. Both palmitate and cytokines activated caspase-3 in MIN6c4-cells and isolated islets. ROZ suppressed palmitate- but not cytokine-induced caspase-3 activation. Finally, after palmitate culturing, ROZ reversed the inhibitory effect on glucose-stimulated insulin release. We suggest that ROZ counteracts palmitateinduced deleterious effects on beta-cell function via suppression of iNOS, pro-apoptotic MAPKs and caspase-3 activities, as evidenced by restoration of glucose-stimulated insulin release.
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| 2. |
- Abildgaard, Amanda B., et al.
(author)
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HSP70-binding motifs function as protein quality control degrons
- 2023
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 80:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Protein quality control (PQC) degrons are short protein segments that target misfolded proteins for proteasomal degradation, and thus protect cells against the accumulation of potentially toxic non-native proteins. Studies have shown that PQC degrons are hydrophobic and rarely contain negatively charged residues, features which are shared with chaperone-binding regions. Here we explore the notion that chaperone-binding regions may function as PQC degrons. When directly tested, we found that a canonical Hsp70-binding motif (the APPY peptide) functioned as a dose-dependent PQC degron both in yeast and in human cells. In yeast, Hsp70, Hsp110, Fes1, and the E3 Ubr1 target the APPY degron. Screening revealed that the sequence space within the chaperone-binding region of APPY that is compatible with degron function is vast. We find that the number of exposed Hsp70-binding sites in the yeast proteome correlates with a reduced protein abundance and half-life. Our results suggest that when protein folding fails, chaperone-binding sites may operate as PQC degrons, and that the sequence properties leading to PQC-linked degradation therefore overlap with those of chaperone binding.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Aghanoori, Mohamad-Reza, et al.
(author)
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CEBP beta regulation of endogenous IGF-1 in adult sensory neurons can be mobilized to overcome diabetes-induced deficits in bioenergetics and axonal outgrowth
- 2022
-
In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Nature. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 79:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aberrant insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling has been proposed as a contributing factor to the development of neurodegenerative disorders including diabetic neuropathy, and delivery of exogenous IGF-1 has been explored as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the role of autocrine/paracrine IGF-1 in neuroprotection has not been well established. We therefore used in vitro cell culture systems and animal models of diabetic neuropathy to characterize endogenous IGF-1 in sensory neurons and determine the factors regulating IGF-1 expression and/or affecting neuronal health. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and in situ hybridization analyses revealed high expression of endogenous IGF-1 in non-peptidergic neurons and satellite glial cells (SGCs) of dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Brain cortex and DRG had higher IGF-1 gene expression than sciatic nerve. Bidirectional transport of IGF-1 along sensory nerves was observed. Despite no difference in IGF-1 receptor levels, IGF-1 gene expression was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in liver and DRG from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats, Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, mice on a high-fat/ high-sugar diet and db/db type 2 diabetic mice. Hyperglycemia suppressed IGF-1 gene expression in cultured DRG neurons and this was reversed by exogenous IGF-1 or the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil. Transcription factors, such as NFAT1 and CEBP beta, were also less enriched at the IGF-1 promoter in DRG from diabetic rats vs control rats. CEBP beta overexpression promoted neurite outgrowth and mitochondrial respiration, both of which were blunted by knocking down or blocking IGF-1. Suppression of endogenous IGF-1 in diabetes may contribute to neuropathy and its upregulation at the transcriptional level by CEBP beta can be a promising therapeutic approach.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Aspengren, Sara, 1977, et al.
(author)
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Different strategies for color change
- 2009
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 66, s. 187-191
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Research review (peer-reviewed)
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| 9. |
- Atanes, Patricio, et al.
(author)
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Defining G protein-coupled receptor peptide ligand expressomes and signalomes in human and mouse islets
- 2018
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 75:16, s. 3039-3050
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Islets synthesise and secrete numerous peptides, some of which are known to be important regulators of islet function and glucose homeostasis. In this study, we quantified mRNAs encoding all peptide ligands of islet G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in isolated human and mouse islets and carried out in vitro islet hormone secretion studies to provide functional confirmation for the species-specific role of peptide YY (PYY) in mouse islets. Materials and methods: GPCR peptide ligand mRNAs in human and mouse islets were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR relative to the reference genes ACTB, GAPDH, PPIA, TBP and TFRC. The pathways connecting GPCR peptide ligands with their receptors were identified by manual searches in the PubMed, IUPHAR and Ingenuity databases. Distribution of PYY protein in mouse and human islets was determined by immunohistochemistry. Insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion from islets was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: We have quantified GPCR peptide ligand mRNA expression in human and mouse islets and created specific signalomes mapping the pathways by which islet peptide ligands regulate human and mouse GPCR signalling. We also identified species-specific islet expression of several GPCR ligands. In particular, PYY mRNA levels were ~ 40,000-fold higher in mouse than human islets, suggesting a more important role of locally secreted Pyy in mouse islets. This was confirmed by IHC and functional experiments measuring insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion. Discussion: The detailed human and mouse islet GPCR peptide ligand atlases will allow accurate translation of mouse islet functional studies for the identification of GPCR/peptide signalling pathways relevant for human physiology, which may lead to novel treatment modalities of diabetes and metabolic disease.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Baatallah, N., et al.
(author)
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Pharmacological chaperones improve intra-domain stability and inter-domain assembly via distinct binding sites to rescue misfolded CFTR
- 2021
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Nature. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 78:23, s. 7813-7829
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Protein misfolding is involved in a large number of diseases, among which cystic fibrosis. Complex intra- and inter-domain folding defects associated with mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene, among which p.Phe508del (F508del), have recently become a therapeutical target. Clinically approved correctors such as VX-809, VX-661, and VX-445, rescue mutant protein. However, their binding sites and mechanisms of action are still incompletely understood. Blind docking onto the 3D structures of both the first membrane-spanning domain (MSD1) and the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1), followed by molecular dynamics simulations, revealed the presence of two potential VX-809 corrector binding sites which, when mutated, abrogated rescue. Network of amino acids in the lasso helix 2 and the intracellular loops ICL1 and ICL4 allosterically coupled MSD1 and NBD1. Corrector VX-445 also occupied two potential binding sites on MSD1 and NBD1, the latter being shared with VX-809. Binding of both correctors on MSD1 enhanced the allostery between MSD1 and NBD1, hence the increased efficacy of the corrector combination. These correctors improve both intra-domain folding by stabilizing fragile protein–lipid interfaces and inter-domain assembly via distant allosteric couplings. These results provide novel mechanistic insights into the rescue of misfolded proteins by small molecules.
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| 12. |
- Bakalkin, Georgy
(author)
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The left-right side-specific endocrine signaling in the effects of brain lesions : questioning of the neurological dogma
- 2022
-
In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Nature. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 79
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Each cerebral hemisphere is functionally connected to the contralateral side of the body through the decussating neural tracts. The crossed neural pathways set a basis for contralateral effects of brain injury such hemiparesis and hemiplegia as it has been already noted by Hippocrates. Recent studies demonstrated that, in addition to neural mechanisms, the contralateral effects of brain lesions are mediated through the humoral pathway by neurohormones that produce either the left or right side-specific effects. The side-specific humoral signaling defines whether the left or right limbs are affected after a unilateral brain injury. The hormonal signals are released by the pituitary gland and may operate through their receptors that are lateralized in the spinal cord and involved in the side-specific control of symmetric neurocircuits innervating the left and right limbs. Identification of features and a proportion of neurological deficits transmitted by neurohormonal signals vs. those mediated by neural pathways is essential for better understanding of mechanisms of brain trauma and stroke and development of new therapies. In a biological context, the left-right side-specific neuroendocrine signaling may be fundamental for the control of the left- and right-sided processes in bilaterally symmetric animals.
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| 13. |
- Baltzer, A, et al.
(author)
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Apoptotic cell death in the lactating mammary gland is enhanced by a folding variant of alpha-lactalbumin
- 2004
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 61:10, s. 1221-1228
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Apoptosis is essential to eliminate secretory epithelial cells during the involution of the mammary gland. The environmental regulation of this process is however, poorly understood. This study tested the effect of HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) on mammary cells. Plastic pellets containing HAMLET were implanted into the fourth inguinal mammary gland of lactating mice for 3 days. Exposure of mammary tissue to HAMLET resulted in morphological changes typical for apoptosis and in a stimulation of caspase-3 activity in alveolar epithelial cells near the HAMLET pellets but not more distant to the pellet or in contralateral glands. The effect was specific for HAMLET and no effects were observed when mammary glands were exposed to native a-lactalbumin or fatty acid alone. HAMLET also induced cell death in vitro in a mouse mammary epithelial cell line. The results suggest that HAMLET can mediate apoptotic cell death in mammary gland tissue.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Bazigou, Eleni, et al.
(author)
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Flow control in our vessels : vascular valves make sure there is no way back.
- 2013
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 70:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The efficient transport of blood and lymph relies on competent intraluminal valves that ensure unidirectional fluid flow through the vessels. In the lymphatic vessels, lack of luminal valves causes reflux of lymph and can lead to lymphedema, while dysfunction of venous valves is associated with venous hypertension, varicose veins, and thrombosis that can lead to edema and ulcerations. Despite their clinical importance, the mechanisms that regulate valve formation are poorly understood and have only recently begun to be characterized. Here, we discuss new findings regarding the development of venous and lymphatic valves that indicate the involvement of common molecular mechanisms in regulating valve formation in different vascular beds.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Beusch, Christian M., et al.
(author)
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Analysis of local extracellular matrix identifies different aetiologies behind bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve degeneration and suggests therapies
- 2023
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Nature. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 80:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aortic valve degeneration (AVD) is a life-threatening condition that has no medical treatment and lacks individual therapies. Although extensively studied with standard approaches, aetiologies behind AVD are unclear. We compared abundances of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins from excised valve tissues of 88 patients with isolated AVD of normal tricuspid (TAV) and congenital bicuspid aortic valves (BAV), quantified more than 1400 proteins per ECM sample by mass spectrometry, and demonstrated that local ECM preserves molecular cues of the pathophysiological processes. The BAV ECM showed enrichment with fibrosis markers, namely Tenascin C, Osteoprotegerin, and Thrombospondin-2. The abnormal physical stress on BAV may cause a mechanical injury leading to a continuous Tenascin C-driven presence of myofibroblasts and persistent fibrosis. The TAV ECM exhibited enrichment with Annexin A3 (p = 1.1 x 10(-16) and the fold change 6.5) and a significant deficit in proteins involved in high-density lipid metabolism. These results were validated by orthogonal methods. The difference in the ECM landscape suggests distinct aetiologies between AVD of BAV and TAV; warrants different treatments of the patients with BAV and TAV; elucidates the molecular basis of AVD; and implies possible new therapeutic approaches. Our publicly available database (human_avd_ecm.surgsci. uu.se) is a rich source for medical doctors and researchers who are interested in AVD or heart ECM in general. Systematic proteomic analysis of local ECM using the methods described here may facilitate future studies of various tissues and organs in development and disease.
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| 20. |
- Bhandage, Amol, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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GABAergic signaling by cells of the immune system : more the rule than the exception.
- 2021
-
In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 78:15, s. 5667-5679
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is best known as an essential neurotransmitter in the evolved central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. However, GABA antedates the development of the CNS as a bioactive molecule in metabolism and stress-coupled responses of prokaryotes, invertebrates and plants. Here, we focus on the emerging findings of GABA signaling in the mammalian immune system. Recent reports show that mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, for instance dendritic cells, microglia, T cells and NK cells, express a GABAergic signaling machinery. Mounting evidence shows that GABA receptor signaling impacts central immune functions, such as cell migration, cytokine secretion, immune cell activation and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, the GABAergic signaling machinery of leukocytes is implicated in responses to microbial infection and is co-opted by protozoan parasites for colonization of the host. Peripheral GABA signaling is also implicated in inflammatory conditions and diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer cell metastasis. Adding to its role in neurotransmission, growing evidence shows that the non-proteinogenic amino acid GABA acts as an intercellular signaling molecule in the immune system and, as an interspecies signaling molecule in host-microbe interactions. Altogether, the data raise the assumption of conserved GABA signaling in a broad range of mammalian cells and diversification of function in the immune system.
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| 21. |
- Bjarnadóttir, T K, et al.
(author)
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The adhesion GPCRs : a unique family of G protein-coupled receptors with important roles in both central and peripheral tissues
- 2007
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 64:16, s. 2104-2119
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gprotein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are adiverse superfamily of membrane-bound receptors.The second largest subgroup of GPCRs, the AdhesionGPCRs, has 33 members in humans. Phylogeneticanalysis of the entire repertoire of the seven transmembrane-domain (7TM) regions of GPCRs showsthat the Adhesion GPCRs form a distinct family.Adhesion GPCRs are characterised by (1) long Ntermini with multiple functional domains often foundin other proteins such as tyrosine kinases, integrinsand cadherins, (2) highly complex genomic structurewith multiple introns and splice variants and (3) a7TMregion that has no clear similarities with 7TM fromother GPCRs. Several AdhesionGPCRs are known tohave a role in the immune system but it is becomingmore evident that many have important roles in theCNS. We speculate that the overall structural constructionof the Adhesion GPCRs allows them toparticipate in different types of cell guidance.
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| 22. |
- Bjelic, Sinisa, et al.
(author)
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Computational inhibitor design against malaria plasmepsins
- 2007
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 64:17, s. 2285-2305
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Plasmepsins are aspartic proteases involved in the degradation of the host cell hemoglobin that is used as a food source by the malaria parasite. Plasmepsins are highly promising as drug targets, especially when combined with the inhibition of falcipains that are also involved in hemoglobin catabolism. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of plasmepsins I-IV in view of the interest in transition state mimetics as potential compounds for lead development. Inhibitor development against plasmepsin II as well as relevant crystal structures are summarized in order to give an overview of the field. Application of computational techniques, especially binding affinity prediction by the linear interaction energy method, in the development of malarial plasmepsin inhibitors has been highly successful and is discussed in detail. Homology modeling and molecular docking have been useful in the current inhibitor design project, and the combination of such methods with binding free energy calculations is analyzed.
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| 23. |
- Björk, Petra, et al.
(author)
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Integration of mRNP formation and export
- 2017
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 74:16, s. 2875-2897
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Expression of protein-coding genes in eukaryotes relies on the coordinated action of many sophisticated molecular machineries. Transcription produces precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNAs) and the active gene provides an environment in which the pre-mRNAs are processed, folded, and assembled into RNA-protein (RNP) complexes. The dynamic pre-mRNPs incorporate the growing transcript, proteins, and the processing machineries, as well as the specific protein marks left after processing that are essential for export and the cytoplasmic fate of the mRNPs. After release from the gene, the mRNPs move by diffusion within the interchromatin compartment, making up pools of mRNPs. Here, splicing and polyadenylation can be completed and the mRNPs recruit the major export receptor NXF1. Export competent mRNPs interact with the nuclear pore complex, leading to export, concomitant with compositional and conformational changes of the mRNPs. We summarize the integrated nuclear processes involved in the formation and export of mRNPs.
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| 24. |
- Blikstad, Vidar, et al.
(author)
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Evolution of human endogenous retroviral sequences : a conceptual account
- 2008
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 65:21, s. 3348-3365
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) most likely are remnants of ancient retroviral infections. ERVs preserve functions of exogenous retroviruses to a varying extent, and can be parasites, symbionts or more or less neutral genetic 'junk'.Their evolution has two facets, pre- and post-endogenization. Although the two are not clearly separated, the first pertains to retroviral evolution in general and the second to the fate of repetitive DNA and the evolution of the host organism and its genome. The study of ERVs provides much material for the understanding of retroviral evolution. This sequence archive reflects the history of successes and shortcomings of antiviral resistance, but also of strategic evolutionary decisions regarding genome organization and new gene acquisition. This review discusses retroviral evolution illustrated through HERVs, bioinformatic prerequisites for ERV studies, the endogenization process and HERV evolution post-endogenization, including relation to disease. (Part of a multi-author review).
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Bragde, Hanna, et al.
(author)
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Celiac disease biomarkers identified by transcriptome analysis of small intestinal biopsies
- 2018
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : SPRINGER BASEL AG. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 75:23, s. 4385-4401
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Establishing a celiac disease (CD) diagnosis can be difficult, such as when CD-specific antibody levels are just above cutoff or when small intestinal biopsies show low-grade injuries. To investigate the biological pathways involved in CD and select potential biomarkers to aid in CD diagnosis, RNA sequencing of duodenal biopsies from subjects with either confirmed Active CD (n=20) or without any signs of CD (n=20) was performed. Gene enrichment and pathway analysis highlighted contexts, such as immune response, microbial infection, phagocytosis, intestinal barrier function, metabolism, and transportation. Twenty-nine potential CD biomarkers were selected based on differential expression and biological context. The biomarkers were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction of eight RNA sequencing study subjects, and further investigated using an independent study group (n=43) consisting of subjects not affected by CD, with a clear diagnosis of CD on either a gluten-containing or a gluten-free diet, or with low-grade intestinal injury. Selected biomarkers were able to classify subjects with clear CD/non-CD status, and a subset of the biomarkers (CXCL10, GBP5, IFI27, IFNG, and UBD) showed differential expression in biopsies from subjects with no or low-grade intestinal injury that received a CD diagnosis based on biopsies taken at a later time point. A large number of pathways are involved in CD pathogenesis, and gene expression is affected in CD mucosa already in low-grade intestinal injuries. RNA sequencing of low-grade intestinal injuries might discover pathways and biomarkers involved in early stages of CD pathogenesis.
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| 29. |
- Brandhofer, M, et al.
(author)
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Heterocomplexes between the atypical chemokine MIF and the CXC-motif chemokine CXCL4L1 regulate inflammation and thrombus formation
- 2022
-
In: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 79:10, s. 512-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To fulfil its orchestration of immune cell trafficking, a network of chemokines and receptors developed that capitalizes on specificity, redundancy, and functional selectivity. The discovery of heteromeric interactions in the chemokine interactome has expanded the complexity within this network. Moreover, some inflammatory mediators, not structurally linked to classical chemokines, bind to chemokine receptors and behave as atypical chemokines (ACKs). We identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as an ACK that binds to chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4 to promote atherogenic leukocyte recruitment. Here, we hypothesized that chemokine–chemokine interactions extend to ACKs and that MIF forms heterocomplexes with classical chemokines. We tested this hypothesis by using an unbiased chemokine protein array. Platelet chemokine CXCL4L1 (but not its variant CXCL4 or the CXCR2/CXCR4 ligands CXCL8 or CXCL12) was identified as a candidate interactor. MIF/CXCL4L1 complexation was verified by co-immunoprecipitation, surface plasmon-resonance analysis, and microscale thermophoresis, also establishing high-affinity binding. We next determined whether heterocomplex formation modulates inflammatory/atherogenic activities of MIF. Complex formation was observed to inhibit MIF-elicited T-cell chemotaxis as assessed by transwell migration assay and in a 3D-matrix-based live cell-imaging set-up. Heterocomplexation also blocked MIF-triggered migration of microglia in cortical cultures in situ, as well as MIF-mediated monocyte adhesion on aortic endothelial cell monolayers under flow stress conditions. Of note, CXCL4L1 blocked binding of Alexa-MIF to a soluble surrogate of CXCR4 and co-incubation with CXCL4L1 attenuated MIF responses in HEK293-CXCR4 transfectants, indicating that complex formation interferes with MIF/CXCR4 pathways. Because MIF and CXCL4L1 are platelet-derived products, we finally tested their role in platelet activation. Multi-photon microscopy, FLIM-FRET, and proximity-ligation assay visualized heterocomplexes in platelet aggregates and in clinical human thrombus sections obtained from peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients undergoing thrombectomy. Moreover, heterocomplexes inhibited MIF-stimulated thrombus formation under flow and skewed the lamellipodia phenotype of adhering platelets. Our study establishes a novel molecular interaction that adds to the complexity of the chemokine interactome and chemokine/receptor-network. MIF/CXCL4L1, or more generally, ACK/CXC-motif chemokine heterocomplexes may be target structures that can be exploited to modulate inflammation and thrombosis.
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| 30. |
- Börjesson, Anna E, et al.
(author)
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The role of estrogen receptor α in the regulation of bone and growth plate cartilage.
- 2013
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In: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Estrogens are important endocrine regulators of skeletal growth and maintenance in both females and males. Studies have demonstrated that the estrogen receptor (ER)-α is the main mediator of these estrogenic effects in bone. Therefore, estrogen signaling via ERα is a target both for affecting longitudinal bone growth and bone remodeling. However, treatment with estradiol (E2) leads to an increased risk of side effects such as venous thromboembolism and breast cancer. Thus, an improved understanding of the signaling pathways of ERα will be essential in order to find better bone specific treatments with minimal adverse effects for different estrogen-related bone disorders. This review summarizes the recent data regarding the intracellular signaling mechanisms, in vivo, mediated by the ERα activation functions (AFs), AF-1 and AF-2, and the effect on bone, growth plate and other estrogen responsive tissues. In addition, we review the recent cell-specific ERα-deleted mouse models lacking ERα specifically in neuronal cells or growth plate cartilage. The newly characterized signaling pathways of estrogen, described in this review, provide a better understanding of the ERα signaling pathways, which may facilitate the design of new, bone-specific treatment strategies with minimal adverse effects.
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| 31. |
- Caballero Vidal, Gabriela
(author)
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Reverse chemical ecology in a moth: machine learning on odorant receptors identifies new behaviorally active agonists
- 2021
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 78, s. 6593-6603
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The concept of reverse chemical ecology (exploitation of molecular knowledge for chemical ecology) has recently emerged in conservation biology and human health. Here, we extend this concept to crop protection. Targeting odorant receptors from a crop pest insect, the noctuid moth Spodoptera littoralis, we demonstrate that reverse chemical ecology has the potential to accelerate the discovery of novel crop pest insect attractants and repellents. Using machine learning, we first predicted novel natural ligands for two odorant receptors, SlitOR24 and 25. Then, electrophysiological validation proved in silico predictions to be highly sensitive, as 93% and 67% of predicted agonists triggered a response in Drosophila olfactory neurons expressing SlitOR24 and SlitOR25, respectively, despite a lack of specificity. Last, when tested in Y-maze behavioral assays, the most active novel ligands of the receptors were attractive to caterpillars. This work provides a template for rational design of new eco-friendly semiochemicals to manage crop pest populations.
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| 32. |
- Cava, Felipe, et al.
(author)
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Emerging knowledge of regulatory roles of D-amino acids in bacteria
- 2011
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 68:5, s. 817-831
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The D-enantiomers of amino acids have been thought to have relatively minor functions in biological processes. While L-amino acids clearly predominate in nature, D-amino acids are sometimes found in proteins that are not synthesized by ribosomes, and D-Ala and D-Glu are routinely found in the peptidoglycan cell wall of bacteria. Here, we review recent findings showing that D-amino acids have previously unappreciated regulatory roles in the bacterial kingdom. Many diverse bacterial phyla synthesize and release D-amino acids, including D-Met and D-Leu, which were not previously known to be made. These noncanonical D-amino acids regulate cell wall remodeling in stationary phase and cause biofilm dispersal in aging bacterial communities. Elucidating the mechanisms by which D-amino acids govern cell wall remodeling and biofilm disassembly will undoubtedly reveal new paradigms for understanding how extracytoplasmic processes are regulated as well as lead to development of novel therapeutics.
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| 33. |
- Chihab, Rifki, et al.
(author)
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Sphingosine 1-phosphate antagonizes human neutrophil apoptosis via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.
- 2003
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 60:4, s. 776-785
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) is associated with the regulation of apoptosis, although its role in neutrophil apoptosis remains poorly investigated. Here, we show that exogenous SPP antagonizes spontaneous and anti-Fas-induced apoptosis in neutrophils. Pre-treatment with pertussis toxin clearly reduced the apoptosis-inhibiting capacity of SPP. Consequently, we investigated the involvement of potential modulators of apoptosis that are activated downstream of Gi/G0-coupled receptors. Neither Akt activity nor change in basal activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinases was detected during apoptosis or after adding SPP. In contrast, there was a transient decrease in phosphorylation of both extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) during both spontaneous and anti-Fas-induced apoptosis. Although exogenous SPP reversed these reductions in kinase activity, experiments with inhibitors of ERK (PD98059) and p38 MAPK (SB203580) revealed that only SB203580 counteracted the effect of SPP. Thus, SPP counteracts neutrophil apoptosis via a Gi/G0protein survival-signalling pathway that includes modulation of p38 MAPK activity.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Culhane, A C, et al.
(author)
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Molecular profiling of breast cancer: transcriptomic studies and beyond
- 2007
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 64:24, s. 3185-3200
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Utilisation of 'omics' technologies, in particular gene expression profiling, has increased dramatically in recent years. In basic research, high-throughput profiling applications are increasingly used and may now even be considered standard research tools. In the clinic, there is a need for better and more accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response indicators. As such, clinicians have looked to omics technologies for potential biomarkers. These prediction profiling studies have in turn attracted the attention of basic researchers eager to uncover biological mechanisms underlying clinically useful signatures. Here we highlight some of the seminal work establishing the arrival of the omics, in particular transcriptomics, in breast cancer research and discuss a sample of the most current applications. We also discuss the challenges of data analysis and integrated data analysis with emphasis on utilising the current publicly available gene expression datasets.
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| 36. |
- Dahlbäck, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Apolipoprotein M affecting lipid metabolism or just catching a ride with lipoproteins in the circulation?
- 2009
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 66, s. 559-564
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a novel apolipoprotein found mainly in high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Its function is yet to be defined. ApoM (25 kDa) has a typical lipocalin beta-barrel fold and a hydrophobic pocket. Retinoids bind apoM but with low affinity and may not be the natural ligands. ApoM retains its signal peptide, which serves as a hydrophobic anchor to the lipoproteins. This prevents apoM from being lost in the urine. Approximately 5% of HDL carries an apoM molecule. ApoM in plasma (1 muM) correlates strongly with both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL cholesterol, suggesting a link to cholesterol metabolism. However, in casecontrol studies, apoM levels in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and controls were similar, suggesting apoM levels not to affect the risk for CHD in humans. Experiments in transgenic mice suggested apoM to have antiatherogenic properties; possible mechanisms include increased formation of pre-beta HDL, enhanced cholesterol mobilization from foam cells, and increased antioxidant properties.
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| 37. |
- Daniel, Chammiran, et al.
(author)
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The role of Alu elements in the cis-regulation of RNA processing
- 2015
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 72:21, s. 4063-4076
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The human genome is under constant invasion by retrotransposable elements. The most successful of these are the Alu elements; with a copy number of over a million, they occupy about 10 % of the entire genome. Interestingly, the vast majority of these Alu insertions are located in gene-rich regions, and one-third of all human genes contains an Alu insertion. Alu sequences are often embedded in gene sequence encoding pre-mRNAs and mature mRNAs, usually as part of their intron or UTRs. Once transcribed, they can regulate gene expression as well as increase the number of RNA isoforms expressed in a tissue or a species. They also regulate the function of other RNAs, like microRNAs, circular RNAs, and potentially long non-coding RNAs. Mechanistically, Alu elements exert their effects by influencing diverse processes, such as RNA editing, exonization, and RNA processing. In so doing, they have undoubtedly had a profound effect on human evolution.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
- Dell'Orco, Daniele, et al.
(author)
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Calcium binding, structural stability and guanylate cyclase activation in GCAP1 variants associated with human cone dystrophy
- 2010
-
In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 67:6, s. 973-984
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Guanylate cyclase activating protein 1 (GCAP1) is a neuronal Ca2+ sensor (NCS) that regulates the activation of rod outer segment guanylate cyclases (ROS-GCs) in photoreceptors. In this study, we investigated the Ca2+-induced effects on the conformation and the thermal stability of four GCAP1 variants associated with hereditary human cone dystrophies. Ca2+ binding stabilized the conformation of all the GCAP1 variants independent of myristoylation. The myristoylated wild-type GCAP1 was found to have the highest Ca2+ affinity and thermal stability, whereas all the mutants showed decreased Ca2+ affinity and significantly lower thermal stability in both apo and Ca2+-loaded forms. No apparent cooperativity of Ca2+ binding was detected for any variant. Finally, the nonmyristoylated mutants were still capable of activating ROS-GC1, but the measured cyclase activity was shifted toward high, nonphysiological Ca2+ concentrations. Thus, we conclude that distorted Ca2+-sensor properties could lead to cone dysfunction.
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Dhiman, K., et al.
(author)
-
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for understanding multiple aspects of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis
- 2019
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 76:10, s. 1833-1863
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial age-related brain disease. Numerous pathological events run forth in the brain leading to AD. There is an initial long, dormant phase before the clinical symptoms become evident. There is a need to diagnose the disease at the preclinical stage since therapeutic interventions are most likely to be effective if initiated early. Undoubtedly, the core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have a good diagnostic accuracy and have been used in clinical trials as end point measures. However, looking into the multifactorial nature of AD and the overlapping pathology with other forms of dementia, it is important to integrate the core CSF biomarkers with a broader panel of other biomarkers reflecting different aspects of pathology. The review is focused upon a panel of biomarkers that relate to different aspects of AD pathology, as well as various studies that have evaluated their diagnostic potential. The panel includes markers of neurodegeneration: neurofilament light chain and visinin-like protein (VILIP-1); markers of amyloidogenesis and brain amyloidosis: apolipoproteins; markers of inflammation: YKL-40 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1; marker of synaptic dysfunction: neurogranin. These markers can highlight on the state and stage-associated changes that occur in AD brain with disease progression. A combination of these biomarkers would not only aid in preclinical diagnosis, but would also help in identifying early brain changes during the onset of disease. Successful treatment strategies can be devised by understanding the contribution of these markers in different aspects of disease pathogenesis. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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| 43. |
- Double, K L, et al.
(author)
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The comparative biology of neuromelanin and lipofuscin in the human brain
- 2008
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 65:11, s. 1669-1682
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuromelanin and lipofuscin are two pigments produced within the human brain that, until recently, were considered inert cellular waste products of little interest to neuroscience. Recent research has increased our understanding of the nature and interactions of these pigments with their cellular environment and suggests that these pigments may, indeed, influence cellular function. The physical appearance and distribution of the pigments within the human brain differ, but both accumulate in the aging brain and the pigments share some structural features. Lipofuscin accumulation has been implicated in postmitotic cell aging, while neuromelanin is suggested to function as an iron-regulatory molecule with possible protective functions within the cells which produce this pigment. This review presents comparative aspects of the biology of neuromelanin and lipofuscin, as well as a discussion of their hypothesized functions in brain and their possible roles in aging and neurodegenerative disease. © 2008 Birkhaueser.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Dumanski, Jan P., et al.
(author)
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Immune cells lacking Y chromosome show dysregulation of autosomal gene expression
- 2021
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 78:8, s. 4019-4033
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiological investigations show that mosaic loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is associated with earlier mortality and morbidity from many diseases in men. LOY is the most common acquired mutation and is associated with aberrant clonal expansion of cells, yet it remains unclear whether this mosaicism exerts a direct physiological effect. We studied DNA and RNA from leukocytes in sorted- and single-cells in vivo and in vitro. DNA analyses of sorted cells showed that men diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease was primarily affected with LOY in NK cells whereas prostate cancer patients more frequently displayed LOY in CD4 + T cells and granulocytes. Moreover, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing in leukocytes allowed scoring of LOY from mRNA data and confirmed considerable variation in the rate of LOY across individuals and cell types. LOY-associated transcriptional effect (LATE) was observed in ~ 500 autosomal genes showing dysregulation in leukocytes with LOY. The fraction of LATE genes within specific cell types was substantially larger than the fraction of LATE genes shared between different subsets of leukocytes, suggesting that LOY might have pleiotropic effects. LATE genes are involved in immune functions but also encode proteins with roles in other diverse biological processes. Our findings highlight a surprisingly broad role for chromosome Y, challenging the view of it as a “genetic wasteland”, and support the hypothesis that altered immune function in leukocytes could be a mechanism linking LOY to increased risk for disease.
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| 46. |
- Dushay, Mitchell S.
(author)
-
Insect hemolymph clotting
- 2009
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In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 66:16, s. 2643-2650
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The clot's appearance in different large-bodied insects has been described, but until recently, little was known about any insect clot's molecular makeup, and few experiments could directly test its function. Techniques have been developed in Drosophila (fruit fly) larvae to identify clotting factors that can then be tested for effects on hemostasis, healing, and immunity. This has revealed unanticipated complexity in the hemostatic mechanisms in these larvae. While the clot's molecular structure is not yet fully understood, progress is being made, and the loss of clotting factors has been shown to cause subtle immune defects. The few similarities between coagulation in different insect species and life stages, and the current state of knowledge about coagulation in insects are discussed.
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| 47. |
- Eenjes, E, et al.
(author)
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Distinct roles for SOX2 and SOX21 in differentiation, distribution and maturation of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells
- 2023
-
In: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-9071 .- 1420-682X. ; 80:3, s. 79-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pulmonary neuroendocrine (NE) cells represent a small population in the airway epithelium, but despite this, hyperplasia of NE cells is associated with several lung diseases, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The molecular mechanisms causing the development of NE cell hyperplasia remains poorly understood. Previously, we showed that the SOX21 modulates the SOX2-initiated differentiation of epithelial cells in the airways. Here, we show that precursor NE cells start to develop in the SOX2 + SOX21 + airway region and that SOX21 suppresses the differentiation of airway progenitors to precursor NE cells. During development, clusters of NE cells start to form and NE cells mature by expressing neuropeptide proteins, such as CGRP. Deficiency in SOX2 resulted in decreased clustering, while deficiency in SOX21 increased both the numbers of NE ASCL1 + precursor cells early in development, and the number of mature cell clusters at E18.5. In addition, at the end of gestation (E18.5), a number of NE cells in Sox2 heterozygous mice, did not yet express CGRP suggesting a delay in maturation. In conclusion, SOX2 and SOX21 function in the initiation, migration and maturation of NE cells.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- Fadeel, B
(author)
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Programmed cell clearance
- 2003
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In: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 60:12, s. 2575-2585
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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