Publications by authors named "Alan Su"

Epigenetic control of cellular transcription and phenotype is influenced by changes in the cellular microenvironment, yet how mechanical cues from these microenvironments precisely influence epigenetic state to regulate transcription remains largely unmapped. Here, we combine genome-wide epigenome profiling, epigenome editing, and phenotypic and single-cell RNA-seq CRISPR screening to identify a new class of genomic enhancers that responds to the mechanical microenvironment. These 'mechanoenhancers' could be active on either soft or stiff extracellular matrix contexts, and regulated transcription to influence critical cell functions including apoptosis, mechanotransduction, proliferation, and migration.

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Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSIH) colorectal cancer is resistant to conventional chemotherapy but responds to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We review the standard of care in locally advanced dMMR rectal cancer with a focus on ICI. We also present a case report to highlight the treatment complexities and unique challenges of this novel treatment approach.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigated how different flavors of JUUL e-cigarettes, specifically menthol versus tobacco, influence the addictive potential of nicotine among users.
  • Participants, who regularly used JUUL, went through sessions testing different combinations of nicotine doses and preferred/non-preferred flavors.
  • Results showed that preferred flavors enhanced the enjoyment and reduced cravings for lower nicotine levels, indicating flavors significantly impact the experience of vaping.
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The prevalence of past-year smoking cessation remains below 10% in the U.S. Most who smoke are not ready to quit in the near future.

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Ischemic events in humans are not evenly distributed across the day. To discriminate between temporal differences in the incidence of ischemia and susceptibility to ischemic events, we examined the outcome of global ischemia in a murine model at three time points during the day. Global cerebral ischemia in mice during the light phase impairs survival and exacerbates outcome compared to ischemia at other times of the day.

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Although the biological function of sleep remains uncertain, the consequences of sleep deprivation are well-described and are reported to be detrimental to cognitive function and affective well-being. Sleep deprivation also is strongly associated with elevated risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We used a mouse model of cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation to test the hypothesis that acute sleep deprivation would exacerbate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration after global ischemia.

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