RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Telomerase reverse transcriptase coordinates with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through a feedback loop to define properties of breast cancer stem cells
Summary: This study describe a reciprocal, bi-directional feedback loop between hTERT and EMT to regulate properties of CSCs, suggesting that targeting hTERT may eliminate CSCs, thereby preventing cancer progression.
- Cell tracking in vitro reveals that the extracellular matrix glycoprotein Tenascin-C modulates cell cycle length and differentiation in neural stem/progenitor cells of the developing mouse spinal cord
Summary: We have shown, using digital video microscopy based cell lineage tracing, that the glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix tenascin-C modulates growth factor responsiveness and cell cycle length of embryonic spinal cord progenitor cells in vitro.
- Coagulation factor 9-deficient mice are protected against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis
Summary: Since IBD incidence is less frequent in patients with inherited bleeding disorders, we explored and demonstrated that F9-deficiency is protective against DSS-induced acute colitis in a hemophilia B mouse model.
- Formation of the sacrum requires down-regulation of sonic hedgehog signaling in the sacral intervertebral discs
Summary: Loss of SHH signaling is associated with the collapse of the sacral discs and formation of the sacrum. Conditional reactivation of SHH re-awakens the sacral disc, suggesting its potential for disc regeneration.
- Dynamic nuclear envelope phenotype in rats overexpressing mutated human torsinA protein
Summary: A novel transgenic rat model displaying dystonia-like phenotypes and dynamic processes in NE pathology can become a useful tool for therapy development for dystonia and other related diseases.
- Extending chemical perturbations of the ubiquitin fitness landscape in a classroom setting reveals new constraints on sequence tolerance
Summary: We organized a project-based course that used deep mutational scanning of ubiquitin to resolve the inconsistencies between tolerance to mutations in laboratory conditions and sequence conservation over evolutionary timescales.
- Location and functions of Inebriated in the Drosophila eye
Summary: Inebriated isoforms express in alternating glial layers of the Drosophila visual system, consistent with a role in histamine recycling in the eye, and its mutants exhibit blue light phototaxis defects.
- Impact of ambient temperature on energy cost and economical speed during level walking in healthy young males
Summary: Energy cost of walking in a hot environment was greater than in a comfortable environment. Thus, to prevent heat related injury, walking speed should be reduced in a hot environment.
- Effect of initial body orientation on escape probability of prey fish escaping from predators
Summary: Our predator-prey experiments reveal that prey's initial body orientation relative to a predator affects the flight initiation distance and turn duration of prey and consequently affects escape probability.
- Simultaneous recordings of action potentials and calcium transients from human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Summary: We performed simultaneous recordings of action potentials and calcium transients from the same cardiomyocytes to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and the correlation between these two parameters.
- PRP-19, a conserved pre-mRNA processing factor and E3 ubiquitin ligase, inhibits the nuclear accumulation of GLP-1/Notch intracellular domain
Summary: GFP tagging of endogenous GLP-1/Notch revealed life stage-specific differences in the nuclear accumulation of GLP-1 intracellular domain, which are mediated by the ubiquitin-proteolytic system and the splicing factor/E3 ubiquitin ligase PRP-19.
- Characterisation of cellular effects of Burkholderia pseudomallei cycle inhibiting factor (Cif)
Summary: Cycle inhibiting factor (Cif) is a Burkholderia pseudomallei virulence factor and is shown to exert both Cullin RING E3 ligase dependent and independent effects on host cells.
- Prednisolone induces osteoporosis-like phenotypes via focal adhesion signaling pathway in zebrafish larvae
Summary: Glucocorticoids may contribute to osteoporosis through effects on the extracellular region, the extracellular matrix and collagen trimer, and focal adhesion signaling pathway genes (itga10 and itgbl1).
- Characterization of a cdc14 null allele in Drosophila melanogaster
Summary: The Cdc14 phosphatase has been implicated in cell cycle regulation in S. cerevisiae. We show that Drosophila cdc14 mutants are viable, but exhibit defects in sperm competition, chemosensation, and mechanosensation.
- Non-invasive assessment of liver disease in rats using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study
Summary: Multiparametric liver MRI was feasible in experimental rat models and imaging parameters correlated with gold standard histopathological assessments, especially characteristics of fatty liver disease.
- Exposure of zebra mussels to extracorporeal shock waves demonstrates formation of new mineralized tissue inside and outside the focus zone
Summary: The use of zebra mussels in research on extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) therapy for fracture nonunions allows new insights into the complex process of induction of biomineralization by ESWs.
METHODS & TECHNIQUES
- High-throughput live-imaging of embryos in microwell arrays using a modular specimen mounting system
Summary: This Methods & Techniques article describes a customizable device for mounting and live-imaging a wide range of tissues and species; complete design files and instructions for assembly are included.