AKT2 modulates astrocytic nicotine responses .

A better understanding of nicotine neurobiology is needed to reduce or prevent chronic addiction, ameliorate the detrimental effects of nicotine withdrawal, and increase successful cessation of use. Nicotine binds and activates two astrocyte-expressed nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), α4β2 and α7. We recently found that ( or ) expression is restricted to astrocytes in mice and humans.

The consequences of increased 4E-BP1 in polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disease, characterized by cyst formation and growth. Hyperproliferation is a major contributor to cyst growth. At the nexus of regulating proliferation, is 4E-BP1.

Recent Advances in Models, Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Interventions in Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent used to treat solid tumours, such as ovarian, head and neck, and testicular germ cell. A known complication of cisplatin administration is acute kidney injury (AKI). The development of effective tumour interventions with reduced nephrotoxicity relies heavily on understanding the molecular pathophysiology of cisplatin-induced AKI.

A study of sirolimus and mTOR kinase inhibitor in a hypomorphic mouse model of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by cyst formation and growth, which are partially driven by abnormal proliferation of tubular cells. Proproliferative mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2) are activated in the kidneys of mice with PKD. Sirolimus indirectly inhibits mTORC1.