MADS-box transcription factors play critical roles in plant development and stress responses. In this study, we identified 114 genes in flax ( L.) and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, conserved motifs, miRNA targets, and expression patterns.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFollowing ischemic stroke astrocytes undergo rapid molecular and functional changes that may accentuate tissue damage. In this study we identified the neurotrophin receptor TrkB in astrocytes as a key promoter of acute CNS injury in ischemic stroke. In fact, TrkB protein was strongly upregulated in astrocytes after human and experimental stroke, and transgenic mice lacking astrocyte TrkB displayed significantly smaller lesion volume, lower brain atrophy and better motor performance than control animals after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecular biomarkers require the reproducible capture of disease-associated changes and are ideally sensitive, specific and accessible with minimal invasiveness to patients. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that have gained attention as potential biomarkers. They are released by all cell types and carry molecular cargo that reflects the functional state of the cells of origin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of heterogeneous clinical courses varying from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), in which disability is linked to bouts of inflammation, to progressive disease such as primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS), in which neurological disability is thought to be linked to neurodegeneration. As a result, successful therapeutics for progressive MS likely need to have both anti-inflammatory and direct neuroprotective properties. The modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors has been implicated in neuroprotection in preclinical animal models.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe spotted lanternfly, (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), an invasive planthopper discovered in Pennsylvania, U.S. in 2014, has spread to many surrounding states despite quarantines and control efforts, and further spread is anticipated.
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