NPA7: A Dual Receptor Activating Peptide That Inhibits Cardiac Oxidative Stress.

Background: Cardiomyocyte oxidative stress significantly contributes to the progression of hypertension-induced heart failure, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. We developed a novel peptide, NPA7, that coactivates the GC-A (guanylyl cyclase A)/cGMP and MasR (Mas receptor)/cAMP pathway. This study aimed to test NPA7's ability to inhibit oxidative stress by modulating the p62-KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1)-NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathway in human cardiomyocytes (HCMs) and a rat model of hypertension.

GranoScan: an AI-powered mobile app for in-field identification of biotic threats of wheat.

Capitalizing on the widespread adoption of smartphones among farmers and the application of artificial intelligence in computer vision, a variety of mobile applications have recently emerged in the agricultural domain. This paper introduces GranoScan, a freely available mobile app accessible on major online platforms, specifically designed for the real-time detection and identification of over 80 threats affecting wheat in the Mediterranean region. Developed through a co-design methodology involving direct collaboration with Italian farmers, this participatory approach resulted in an app featuring: (i) a graphical interface optimized for diverse in-field lighting conditions, (ii) a user-friendly interface allowing swift selection from a predefined menu, (iii) operability even in low or no connectivity, (iv) a straightforward operational guide, and (v) the ability to specify an area of interest in the photo for targeted threat identification.

Discovery of small molecule guanylyl cyclase B receptor positive allosteric modulators.

Myocardial fibrosis is a pathological hallmark of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and excessive fibrosis can lead to new-onset heart failure and increased mortality. Currently, pharmacological therapies for myocardial fibrosis are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. The particulate guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B) receptor possesses beneficial antifibrotic actions through the binding of its natural ligand C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the generation of the intracellular second messenger, cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP).

Evidence for Angiotensin II as a Naturally Existing Suppressor for the Guanylyl Cyclase A Receptor and Cyclic GMP Generation.

The natriuretic peptide system (NPS) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) function oppositely at multiple levels. While it has long been suspected that angiotensin II (ANGII) may directly suppress NPS activity, no clear evidence to date supports this notion. This study was designed to systematically investigate ANGII-NPS interaction in humans, in vivo, and in vitro.