Deficiency of Macf1 in osterix expressing cells decreases bone formation by Bmp2/Smad/Runx2 pathway.

Microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1 (Macf1) is a spectraplakin family member known to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics, cell migration, neuronal growth and cell signal transduction. We previously demonstrated that knockdown of Macf1 inhibited the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cell line. However, whether Macf1 could regulate bone formation in vivo is unclear.

1,8-Naphthalimide-Based Multifunctional Compounds as Cu Probes, Lysosome Staining Agents, and Non-viral Vectors.

A series of multifunctional compounds (MFCs) - based on 1,8-naphthalimide moiety were designed and synthesized. Due to the good fluorescence property and nucleic acid binding ability of 1,8-naphthalimide, these MFCs were applied in Cu ion recognition, lysosome staining as well as RNA delivery. It was found that these MFCs exhibited highly selective fluorescence turn-off for Cu in aqueous solution.

Structure-activity relationship of novel low-generation dendrimers for gene delivery.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are very critical to design ideal gene vectors for gene delivery. However, It is difficult to obtain SAR information of low-generation dendrimers due to the lack of easy structural modification ways. Here, we synthesized a novel family of rigid aromatic backbone-based low-generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers.

GeneChip expression profiling reveals the alterations of energy metabolism related genes in osteocytes under large gradient high magnetic fields.

The diamagnetic levitation as a novel ground-based model for simulating a reduced gravity environment has recently been applied in life science research. In this study a specially designed superconducting magnet with a large gradient high magnetic field (LG-HMF), which can provide three apparent gravity levels (μ-g, 1-g, and 2-g), was used to simulate a space-like gravity environment. Osteocyte, as the most important mechanosensor in bone, takes a pivotal position in mediating the mechano-induced bone remodeling.

Neuropeptide FF inhibits LPS-mediated osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells.

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) has been implicated in many physiological processes. Previously, we have reported that NPFF modulates the viability and nitric oxide (NO) production of RAW264.7 macrophages.

Diamagnetic levitation promotes osteoclast differentiation from RAW264.7 cells.

The superconducting magnet with a high magnetic force field can levitate diamagnetic materials. In this study, a specially designed superconducting magnet with large gradient high magnetic field (LGHMF), which provides three apparent gravity levels (μg, 1 g, and 2 g), was used to study its influence on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation from preosteoclast cell line RAW264.7.

Role of microRNAs in osteoblasts differentiation and bone disorders.

Advanced studies of single stranded endogenous ~22 nt microRNAs (miRNAs) have demonstrated their diverse biological functions including control of cell differentiation, cell cycle and pathological conditions. Recent studies suggest the potential application of miRNAs in stem cell engineering. miRNAs play a vital role as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression which controls osteoblasts-mediated bone formation and osteoclasts related bone remodeling.

Effect of imidacloprid on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male albino mice.

Imidacloprid (IC) is a systemic insecticide related to the tobacco toxin nicotine. IC is a toxic substance frequently used into combat insects, rodents and plants pests and other creatures that can pose problems for agriculture. We, therefore, planned this study to assess risk factors, biochemical and histological alterations associated with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Physiological effects of microgravity on bone cells.

Life on Earth developed under the influence of normal gravity (1g). With evidence from previous studies, scientists have suggested that normal physiological processes, such as the functional integrity of muscles and bone mass, can be affected by microgravity during spaceflight. During the life span, bone not only develops as a structure designed specifically for mechanical tasks but also adapts for efficiency.