The expression of the long noncoding RNA LINC00483 is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, its role in the progression of LUAD and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The expressi Show more
The expression of the long noncoding RNA LINC00483 is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, its role in the progression of LUAD and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The expressions of LINC00483 and miR-204-3p were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The correlation between the clinicopathological characteristics of LUAD patients and LINC00483 expression was analyzed using Pearson's χ LINC00483 was upregulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Higher LINC00483 levels closely correlated to shorter survival times, advanced TNM stage, larger tumor size and positive lymph node metastasis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were suppressed after LINC00483 knockdown. LINC00483 mainly localized in the cytoplasm, where it acted as a sponge of miR-204-3p. ETS1 was validated as a downstream target of miR-204-3p and is thus regulated by LINC00483. This study demonstrated that LINC00483 facilitates the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells by acting as a sponge for miR-204-3p, which in turn regulates ETS1. Show less
Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer and also predicts poor clinical outcomes regardless of menopausal status. Contributing to the poor clinical outcomes is the suboptimal efficacy of standard t Show more
Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer and also predicts poor clinical outcomes regardless of menopausal status. Contributing to the poor clinical outcomes is the suboptimal efficacy of standard therapies due to dose limiting toxicities and obesity-related complications, highlighting the need to develop novel therapeutic approaches for treating obese patients. We recently found that obesity leads to an increase in tumor-infiltrating macrophages with activated NLRC4 inflammasome and increased interleukin (IL)-1β production. IL-1β, in turn, leads to increased angiogenesis and cancer progression. Using Next Generation RNA sequencing, we identified an NLRC4/IL-1β-dependent upregulation of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), a known angiogenic factor in cancer, in tumors from obese mice. ANGPTL4-deficiency by genetic knockout or treatment with a neutralizing antibody led to a significant reduction in obesity-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth. At a mechanistic level, ANGPTL4 expression is induced by IL-1β from primary adipocytes in a manner dependent on NF-κB- and MAP kinase-activation, which is further enhanced by hypoxia. This report shows that adipocyte-derived ANGPTL4 drives disease progression under obese conditions and is a potential therapeutic target for treating obese breast cancer patients. Show less
Jinpeng Liu, Thilakam Murali, Tianxin Yu+19 more · 2019 · Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology · added 2026-04-24
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States (U.S.). Squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) represents 22.6% of all lung cancers nationally, and 26.4% in Appalachian Kentucky (App Show more
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States (U.S.). Squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) represents 22.6% of all lung cancers nationally, and 26.4% in Appalachian Kentucky (AppKY), where death from lung cancer is exceptionally high. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) characterized genetic alterations in lung SQCC, but this cohort did not focus on AppKY residents. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on tumor and normal DNA samples from 51 lung SQCC subjects from AppKY. Somatic genomic alterations were compared between the AppKY and TCGA SQCC cohorts. From this AppKY cohort, we identified an average of 237 nonsilent mutations per patient and, in comparison with TCGA, we found that This study has identified an increased percentage of Our study is the first report to characterize genomic alterations in lung SQCC from AppKY. These findings suggest population differences in the genetics of lung SQCC between AppKY and U.S. populations, highlighting the importance of the relevant population when developing personalized treatment approaches for this disease. Show less
Kepeng Ou, Sonja Mertsch, Sofia Theodoropoulou+7 more · 2019 · Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology · added 2026-04-24
Hypoxia of the retina is a common pathogenic drive leading to vision loss as a result of tissue ischemia, increased vascular permeability and ultimately retinal neovascularisation. Here we tested the Show more
Hypoxia of the retina is a common pathogenic drive leading to vision loss as a result of tissue ischemia, increased vascular permeability and ultimately retinal neovascularisation. Here we tested the hypothesis that Müller cells stabilize the neurovascular unit, microvasculature by suppression of HIF-1α activation as a result of hypoxic preconditioning. Tube Formation Assay and In vitro Vascular Permeability Image Assay were used to analyze angiogenesis and vascular integrity. Seahorse XF Cell Mito Stress Test was used to measure mitochondrial respiration. Gene and protein expression were examined by qRTPCR, ELISA and western blot. Hypoxic insult induces a significant induction of proangiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietinlike 4 (ANGPTL-4) resulting in angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability of vascular endothelial cells. Hypoxic preconditioning of a human retinal Müller glia cell line significantly attenuates HIF-1α activation through the inhibition of mTOR and concomitant induction of aerobic glycolysis, stabilizing endothelial cells. Hypoxic preconditioning of Müller cells confers a robust protection to endothelial cells, through the suppression of HIF1α activation and its downstream regulation of VEGF and ANGPTL-4. Show less
Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS1) deficiency (CPS1D), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by life-threatening hyperammonemia. In this study, we presented the detailed clinical Show more
Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS1) deficiency (CPS1D), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by life-threatening hyperammonemia. In this study, we presented the detailed clinical features and genetic analysis of two patients with neonatal-onset CPS1D carrying two compound heterozygous variants of c.1631C > T (p.T544M)/c.1981G > T (p.G661C), and c.2896G > T (p.E966X)/c622-3C > G in Show less
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of lysine deficiency or excess on growth and the expression of lipid metabolism genes in slow-growing birds. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks wer Show more
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of lysine deficiency or excess on growth and the expression of lipid metabolism genes in slow-growing birds. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 6 replicates of 20 birds each. The birds fed the basal diet with a total lysine 0.60% (LL), 1.00% (ML), or 1.40% (HL). The amount of lysine (ML) as the control group, LL and HL as the experimental group, the trial period last 3 wk. The results showed that compared with ML, LL significantly decreased average daily gain and average daily feed intake and remarkably increased feed conversion ratio of birds at 21 day old (P < 0.01), while the above indices in HL had no significant effects (P > 0.05). Besides, LL reduced the pectoral muscle rate (P < 0.01) and decreased the percentage of abdominal fat significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with ML, the expression of fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), malic enzyme (ME), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1c) mRNA of liver in LL was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the expression of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mRNA was significantly increased (P < 0.01), whereas LL had no significant effects on the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) mRNA (P > 0.05). Moreover, compared with ML, HL significantly reduced the expression of FABP1, ACC, ME, SREBP-1c, and PPARα mRNA in the liver (P < 0.05), and had no significant effects on the expression of CETP mRNA (P > 0.05). The results of current research suggest that dietary lysine deficiency could reduce the growth and fat deposition of slow-growing broilers mainly by downregulating the expression of lipid synthesis genes. Show less
Although the genotype-phenotype for familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) is well studied, only few low susceptibility risk loci were identified for familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (FNM Show more
Although the genotype-phenotype for familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) is well studied, only few low susceptibility risk loci were identified for familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC). The aim of this study is to screen and identify high-penetrate genes for FNMTC. A total of 34 families with more than two first-degree relatives diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer without other familial syndrome were recruited. Whole exome and target gene sequencing were performed for candidate variants. These variants were screened and analyzed with ESP6500, ExAC, 1000 genomes project, and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with SIFT score and Polyphen2 prediction. Finally, we identified recurrent genetic mutation of MAP2K5 variants c.G961A and c.T1100C (p. A321T and p.M367 T) as susceptibility loci for FNMTC. The frequencies of MAP2K5 c.G961A and c.T1100C were found, 0.0385 and 0.0259 in FNMTC and 0 and 0.00022523 in healthy Chinese controls (n = 2200, P < 0.001), respectively. Both variants were located in the protein kinase domain. The functional study showed that MAP2K5 A321T or M367 T could consistently phosphorylate downstream protein ERK5 on site Ser731 + Thr733 or Ser496, promoting nuclear translocation and subsequently altering target gene expressions. Our data revealed that MAP2K5 variants A321T or M367 T can activate MAP2K5-ERK5 pathway, alter downstream gene expression, and subsequently induce thyroid epithelial cell malignant transformation. While classic MAP2K1/2(MEK1/2)-ERK1/2 signaling is well known for driving sporadic NMTC, our research indicated that MAP2K5 (MEK5) is a susceptibility gene for FNMTC. These findings highlight the potential application of MAP2K5 for molecular diagnosis as well as early prevention. Show less
Lean body mass (LM) plays an important role in mobility and metabolic function. We previously identified five loci associated with LM adjusted for fat mass in kilograms. Such an adjustment may reduce Show more
Lean body mass (LM) plays an important role in mobility and metabolic function. We previously identified five loci associated with LM adjusted for fat mass in kilograms. Such an adjustment may reduce the power to identify genetic signals having an association with both lean mass and fat mass. To determine the impact of different fat mass adjustments on genetic architecture of LM and identify additional LM loci. We performed genome-wide association analyses for whole-body LM (20 cohorts of European ancestry with n = 38,292) measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) or bioelectrical impedance analysis, adjusted for sex, age, age2, and height with or without fat mass adjustments (Model 1 no fat adjustment; Model 2 adjustment for fat mass as a percentage of body mass; Model 3 adjustment for fat mass in kilograms). Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in separate loci, including one novel LM locus (TNRC6B), were successfully replicated in an additional 47,227 individuals from 29 cohorts. Based on the strengths of the associations in Model 1 vs Model 3, we divided the LM loci into those with an effect on both lean mass and fat mass in the same direction and refer to those as "sumo wrestler" loci (FTO and MC4R). In contrast, loci with an impact specifically on LM were termed "body builder" loci (VCAN and ADAMTSL3). Using existing available genome-wide association study databases, LM increasing alleles of SNPs in sumo wrestler loci were associated with an adverse metabolic profile, whereas LM increasing alleles of SNPs in "body builder" loci were associated with metabolic protection. In conclusion, we identified one novel LM locus (TNRC6B). Our results suggest that a genetically determined increase in lean mass might exert either harmful or protective effects on metabolic traits, depending on its relation to fat mass. Show less
The three nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) family members synthesize the electron carrier nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
Complex mechanisms are required to form neuromuscular synapses, direct their subsequent maturation, and maintain the synapse throughout life. Transcriptional and post-translational pathways play impor Show more
Complex mechanisms are required to form neuromuscular synapses, direct their subsequent maturation, and maintain the synapse throughout life. Transcriptional and post-translational pathways play important roles in synaptic differentiation and direct the accumulation of the neurotransmitter receptors, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), to the postsynaptic membrane, ensuring for reliable synaptic transmission. Rapsyn, an intracellular peripheral membrane protein that binds AChRs, is essential for synaptic differentiation, but how Rapsyn acts is poorly understood. We screened for proteins that coisolate with AChRs in a Rapsyn-dependent manner and show that microtubule actin cross linking factor 1 (MACF1), a scaffolding protein with binding sites for microtubules (MT) and actin, is concentrated at neuromuscular synapses, where it binds Rapsyn and serves as a synaptic organizer for MT-associated proteins, EB1 and MAP1b, and the actin-associated protein, Vinculin. MACF1 plays an important role in maintaining synaptic differentiation and efficient synaptic transmission in mice, and variants in Show less
Increasing evidence indicates that paternal diet can result in metabolic changes in offspring, but the definite mechanism remains unclear in birds. Here, we fed breeder cocks five different diets cont Show more
Increasing evidence indicates that paternal diet can result in metabolic changes in offspring, but the definite mechanism remains unclear in birds. Here, we fed breeder cocks five different diets containing 0, 0.25, 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 mg kg Show less
In the present study, we investigated the potential effects of Isorhamnetin on the growth and metastasis of A549 human lung cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanism. Treatment with Isorhamnet Show more
In the present study, we investigated the potential effects of Isorhamnetin on the growth and metastasis of A549 human lung cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanism. Treatment with Isorhamnetin exhibited a dose- and time-dependent inhibition on A549 cell proliferation. Furthermore, the cell adhesion and Transwell assay showed that treatment with Isorhamnetin (2.5, 5, and 10 μM) for 48 h resulted in a significant inhibition effect on cell adhesion, invasion and migration of A549 cells, depending on concentration, which was associated with the suppression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity and protein expression. Moreover, Isorhamnetin effectively suppressed the expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, as evidenced by the down-regulation of N-cadherin, vimentin and snail, as well as up-regulation of E-cadherin protein expression. Additionally, these inhibitions were mediated by interrupting AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Taken together, the results of the current study demonstrated that Isorhamnetin may become a good anti-metastastic agent against lung cancer A549 cell line by the suppression of EMT via interrupting Akt/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Show less
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are eco-friendly bio-electrochemical reactors that use exoelectrogens as biocatalyst for electricity harvest from organic biomass, which could also be used as biosensors fo Show more
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are eco-friendly bio-electrochemical reactors that use exoelectrogens as biocatalyst for electricity harvest from organic biomass, which could also be used as biosensors for long-term environmental monitoring. Glucose and xylose, as the primary ingredients from cellulose hydrolyzates, is an appealing substrate for MFC. Nevertheless, neither xylose nor glucose can be utilized as carbon source by well-studied exoelectrogens such as Show less
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of male sex development that results in defective testosterone biosynthesis. Although mutations in the c Show more
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of male sex development that results in defective testosterone biosynthesis. Although mutations in the cognate HSD17B3 gene cause a spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, the majority of affected patients are genetic males having female external genitalia. Many cases do not present until puberty, at which time peripheral conversion of androgen precursors causes progressive virilization. Measurement of the testosterone-to-androstenedione ratio is useful to screen for 17βHSD3 deficiency, and genetic analysis can confirm the diagnosis. As some individuals with 17βHSD3 deficiency transition from a female sex assignment to identifying as males, providers should ensure stable gender identity prior to recommending irreversible treatments. Gonadectomy is indicated to prevent further virilization if a female gender identity is established. The risk of testicular neoplasia is unknown, a point which should be discussed if patients elect to transition into a male gender role. Show less
Dyslipidemia is the most common lipid metabolism disorder in humans, and its etiology remains elusive. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a type of dyslipidemia that contributes to atherosclerosis and coro Show more
Dyslipidemia is the most common lipid metabolism disorder in humans, and its etiology remains elusive. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a type of dyslipidemia that contributes to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that mutations in lipoprotein lipase (LPL), apolipoprotein CII (APOC2), apolipoprotein AV (APOA5), glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), lipase maturation factor 1(LMF1), and glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GPD1) are responsible for HTG by using genomic microarrays and next-generation sequencing. The aim of this study was to identify genetic lesions in patients with HTG. Our study included a family of seven members from Jiangsu province across three generations. The proband was diagnosed with severe HTG, with a plasma triglyceride level of 38.70 mmol/L. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing were performed to explore the possible causative gene mutations for this patient. Furthermore, we measured the post-heparin LPL and hepatic lipase (HL) activities using an antiserum inhibition method. A compound heterozygous mutation in the LMF1 gene (c.257C>T/p.P86L and c.1184C>T/p.T395I) was identified and co-segregated with the affected patient in this family. Both mutations were predicted to be deleterious by three bioinformatics programs (Polymorphism Phenotyping-2, Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant, and MutationTaster). The levels of the plasma post-heparin LPL and HL activities in the proband (57 and 177 mU/mL) were reduced to 24% and 75%, respectively, compared with those assayed in the control subject with normal plasma triglycerides. A compound heterozygous mutation of LMF1 was identified in the presenting patient with severe HTG. These findings expand on the spectrum of LMF1 mutations and contribute to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of families with HTG. Show less
Ying Bai, Ning Liu, Shuang Hu+2 more · 2019 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To detect EXT1 and EXT2 gene mutations in two pedigrees affected with hereditary multiple exostosis (HME). The coding regions and exon/intron boundaries of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes were analyzed by tar Show more
To detect EXT1 and EXT2 gene mutations in two pedigrees affected with hereditary multiple exostosis (HME). The coding regions and exon/intron boundaries of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes were analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the probands, their family members and 200 unrelated healthy controls. Gross deletion was confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. Two mutations were detected in the pedigrees, which included EXT2 gene c.337₃₃₈insG mutation in pedigree 1 and deletion of entire EXT1 in pedigree 2. Analysis of sequencing data revealed that a novel heterozygous mutation (c.337₃₃₈insG) in EXT2 gene in proband 1 and his father. The same mutation was not found among healthy family members and 200 unrelated healthy controls. As shown by NGS and MLPA analysis, proband 2 carried a heterozygous deletion of entire EXT1 gene. The same deletion was also found in her mother by qPCR. Mutations of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes probably underlie the HME in both pedigrees. NGS combined with Sanger sequencing, qPCR and MLPA is effective for attaining the diagnosis. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1003-9406.2019.05.009
EMT allows a polarized epithelium to lose epithelial integrity and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Previously, we found that overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch3 (N3ICD) can inhib Show more
EMT allows a polarized epithelium to lose epithelial integrity and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Previously, we found that overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch3 (N3ICD) can inhibit EMT in breast cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the influence of N3ICD or N3ICD combined with the transmembrane domain (TD+N3ICD) on the expression and distribution of TJs/AJs and polar molecules. We found that although N3ICD can upregulate the expression levels of the above-mentioned molecules, TD+N3ICD can inhibit EMT more effectively than N3ICD alone. TD+N3ICD overexpression upregulated the expression of endogenous full-length Notch3 and contributed to correcting the position of TJs/AJs molecules and better acinar structures formation. Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that the upregulated endogenous full-length Notch3 could physically interact with E-ca in MDA-MB-231/pCMV-(TD+N3ICD) cells. Collectively, our data indicate that overexpression of TD+N3ICD can effectively inhibit EMT, resulting in better positioning of TJs/AJs molecules and cell-cell adhesion in breast cancer cells. Show less
Via promoting synovitis, pannus growth and cartilage/bone destruction, fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, rat Show more
Via promoting synovitis, pannus growth and cartilage/bone destruction, fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, rats were induced with complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) to be animal models for studying the RA pathogenesis. Microtubule-associated Serine/Threonine-protein kinase 3 (MAST3) has been documented to play a critical role in regulating the immune response of IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease) and involved in the process of cytoskeleton organization, intracellular signal transduction and peptidyl-serine phosphorylation, but its role in the progression of RA remains unknown and is warranted for investigation. So, we tried our best to investigate the mechanism and signaling pathway of MAST3 in RA progression. In the synovial tissue and FLSs of AA rats, we have found that MAST3 was significantly up-regulated than normal. Furthermore, MAST3 overexpression could promote proliferation and inflammatory response of FLSs. In the aspect of mechanism, we discovered that the expression of MAST3 might involve in NF-κB signaling pathway in RA. On the whole, our results suggested that MAST3 might promote the proliferation and inflammation of FLSs by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. Show less
We sought to identify susceptibility genes for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by performing a transcriptome-wide association study of gene expression and splice junction usage in HGSOC-relev Show more
We sought to identify susceptibility genes for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by performing a transcriptome-wide association study of gene expression and splice junction usage in HGSOC-relevant tissue types (N = 2,169) and the largest genome-wide association study available for HGSOC (N = 13,037 cases and 40,941 controls). We identified 25 transcriptome-wide association study significant genes, 7 at the junction level only, including LRRC46 at 19q21.32, (P = 1 × 10 Show less
Hepatic fatty acid oxidation of yolk lipoproteins provides the main energy source for chick embryos. Post-hatching these yolk lipids are rapidly exhausted and metabolism switches to a carbohydrate-bas Show more
Hepatic fatty acid oxidation of yolk lipoproteins provides the main energy source for chick embryos. Post-hatching these yolk lipids are rapidly exhausted and metabolism switches to a carbohydrate-based energy source. We recently demonstrated that many microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of hepatic metabolic pathways during this metabolic switching. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in most eukaryotes. To further elucidate the roles of miRNAs in the metabolic switch, we used delayed feeding for 48 h to impede the hepatic metabolic switch. We found that hepatic expression of several miRNAs including Show less
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis and atherogenesis. However, there are only limited rodent models, with a functional low-density lipopr Show more
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis and atherogenesis. However, there are only limited rodent models, with a functional low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) to evaluate the drug candidates targeting the PCSK9/LDLR pathway, that are translatable to humans. Here, by using our recently generated LDLR heterozygote ( Show less
Sarah A King, Han Liu, Xiaoyang Wu · 2019 · Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.) · SAGE Publications · added 2026-04-24
The cytoskeleton is an essential element of a eukaryotic cell which informs both form and function and ultimately has physiological consequences for the organism. Equally as important as the major cyt Show more
The cytoskeleton is an essential element of a eukaryotic cell which informs both form and function and ultimately has physiological consequences for the organism. Equally as important as the major cytoskeletal networks are crosslinkers which coordinate and regulate their activities. One such category of crosslinker is the spectraplakins, a family of giant, evolutionarily conserved crosslinking proteins with the rare ability to interact with each of the three major cytoskeletal networks. In particular, a mammalian spectraplakin isotype called MACF1 (microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1), also known as ACF7 (actin crosslinking factor 7), has been of particular interest in the years since its discovery; MACF1 has come under such scrutiny due to the mounting list of biological phenomena in which it has been implicated. This review is an overview of the current knowledge on the structure and function of the known spectraplakin isotypes with an emphasis on MACF1, recent studies on MACF1, and finally, an analysis of the potential of MACF1 to advance medicine. Spectraplakins are a highly conserved group of proteins which have the rare ability to bind to each of the three major cytoskeletal networks. The mammalian spectraplakin MACF1/ACF7 has proven to be instrumental in many cellular processes (e.g. signaling and cell migration) since its identification and, as such, has been the focus of various research studies. This review is a synthesis of scientific reports on the structure, confirmed functions, and implicated roles of MACF1/ACF7 as of 2019. Based on what has been revealed thus far in terms of MACF1/ACF7’s role in complex pathologies such as metastatic cancers and inflammatory bowel disease, it appears that MACF1/ACF7 and the continued study thereof hold great potential to both enhance the design of future therapies for various diseases and vastly expand scientific understanding of organismal physiology as a whole. Show less
Family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A), as a potential tumor promoter, was reported to contribute to the progression of several malignant tumors. However, the significance of FAM83A in Show more
Family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A), as a potential tumor promoter, was reported to contribute to the progression of several malignant tumors. However, the significance of FAM83A in invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that FAM83A expression was significantly increased in NSCLC tissues. High expression of FAM83A was positively associated with tumor metastasis and poor survival of NSCLC patients. Functional experiments revealed that FAM83A knockdown could suppress NSCLC cell migration and invasion both Show less
Increased circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). However, evidence relating berberine (BBR), gut microbiota, BCAA Show more
Increased circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). However, evidence relating berberine (BBR), gut microbiota, BCAAs, and IR is limited. Here, we showed that BBR could effectively rectify steatohepatitis and glucose intolerance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. BBR reorganized gut microbiota populations under both the normal chow diet (NCD) and HFD. Particularly, BBR noticeably decreased the relative abundance of BCAA-producing bacteria, including order Clostridiales; families Streptococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Prevotellaceae; and genera Streptococcus and Prevotella. Compared with the HFD group, predictive metagenomics indicated a reduction in the proportion of gut microbiota genes involved in BCAA biosynthesis but the enrichment genes for BCAA degradation and transport by BBR treatment. Accordingly, the elevated serum BCAAs of HFD group were significantly decreased by BBR. Furthermore, the Western blotting results implied that BBR could promote the BCAA catabolism in the liver and epididymal white adipose tissues of HFD-fed mice by activation of the multienzyme branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC), whereas by inhibition of the phosphorylation state of BCKDHA (E1α subunit) and branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK). The ex vivo assay further confirmed that BBR could increase BCAA catabolism in both AML12 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Finally, data from healthy subjects and diabetics confirmed that BBR could improve glycemic control and modulate circulating BCAAs. Together, our findings clarified BBR improving IR associated not only with gut microbiota alteration in BCAA biosynthesis but also with BCAA catabolism in liver and adipose tissues. Show less
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are sight-threatening maculopathies with both environmental and genetic risk factors. We have previously Show more
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are sight-threatening maculopathies with both environmental and genetic risk factors. We have previously shown relative risks posed by genes of the complement pathways to neovascular AMD and PCV. In this study, we investigated the haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the The results revealed none of the six tagging SNPs of the This study showed no statistical significance in the genetic association of Show less
Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is unclear why some trauma victims follow a complicated clinical course and die, while others, with apparently similar injury characteristics, Show more
Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is unclear why some trauma victims follow a complicated clinical course and die, while others, with apparently similar injury characteristics, do not. Interpatient genomic differences, in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been associated previously with adverse outcomes after trauma. Recently, we identified seven novel SNPs associated with mortality following trauma. The aim of the present study was to determine if one or more of these SNPs was also associated with worse clinical outcomes and altered inflammatory trajectories in trauma survivors. Accordingly, of 413 trauma survivors, DNA samples, full blood samples, and clinical data were collected at multiple time points in the first 24 h and then daily over 7 days following hospital admission. Subsequently, single-SNP groups were created and outcomes, such as hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and requirement for mechanical ventilation, were compared. Across a broad range of Injury Severity Scores (ISS), patients carrying the rs2065418 TT SNP in the metallophosphoesterase domain-containing 2 ( Show less