Vgll2 as an integrative regulator of mitochondrial function and contractility specific to skeletal muscle.

During skeletal muscle adaptation to physiological or pathophysiological signals, contractile apparatus and mitochondrial function are coordinated to alter muscle fiber type. Although recent studies have identified various factors involved in modifying contractile proteins and mitochondrial function, the molecular mechanisms coordinating contractile and metabolic functions during muscle fiber transition are not fully understood. Using a gene-deficient mouse approach, our previous studies uncovered that vestigial-like family member 2 (Vgll2), a skeletal muscle-specific transcription cofactor activated by exercise, is essential for fast-to-slow adaptation of skeletal muscle.

Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-15 regulates adipogenesis in human SGBS cells.

Adipogenesis involves intricate molecular mechanisms regulated by various transcription factors and signaling pathways. In this study, we aimed to identify factors specifically induced during adipogenesis in the human preadipocyte cell line, SGBS, but not in the mouse preadipocyte cell line, 3T3-L1. Microarray analysis revealed distinct gene expression profiles, with 1460 genes induced in SGBS cells and 1297 genes induced in 3T3-L1 cells during adipogenesis, with only 297 genes commonly induced.

Effects of a high-phosphate diet on vascular calcification and abdominal aortic aneurysm in mice.

Aim: Vascular aging is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and pathological aortic dilatation, playing a critical role in the morbidity and mortality of older adults. Vascular calcification, a phenotype of vascular aging, is frequently associated with AAA. However, this association remains unclear owing to the lack of animal models.

The Role of TLR7 and TLR9 in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis.

The bleomycin-induced scleroderma model is a well-established and dependable method for creating a mouse model of SSc (systemic sclerosis). In the field of skin connective tissue diseases, increasing evidence from clinical and animal experiments suggests that TLRs (Toll-like receptors) play an important role in several diseases. This study aimed to determine the role of TLR7 (Toll-like receptor 7) and TLR9 (Toll-like receptor 9) in the mechanisms of immune abnormalities and fibrosis in SSc.