Rho GTPase activity crosstalk mediated by Arhgef11 and Arhgef12 coordinates cell protrusion-retraction cycles.

Rho GTPases play a key role in the spatio-temporal coordination of cytoskeletal dynamics during cell migration. Here, we directly investigate crosstalk between the major Rho GTPases Rho, Rac and Cdc42 by combining rapid activity perturbation with activity measurements in mammalian cells. These studies reveal that Rac stimulates Rho activity.

Elucidation of genetic variation and population structure of melon genetic resources in the NARO Genebank, and construction of the World Melon Core Collection.

Numerous genetic resources of major crops have been introduced from around the world and deposited in Japanese National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Genebank. Understanding their genetic variation and selecting a representative subset ("core collection") are essential for optimal management and efficient use of genetic resources. In this study, we conducted genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to characterize the genetic relationships and population structure in 755 accessions of melon genetic resources.

CVD-associated SNPs with regulatory potential reveal novel non-coding disease genes.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) appearing in non-coding genomic regions in CVDs. The SNPs may alter gene expression by modifying transcription factor (TF) binding sites and lead to functional consequences in cardiovascular traits or diseases.

Melon diversity on the Silk Road by molecular phylogenetic analysis in Kazakhstan melons.

To uncover population structure, phylogenetic relationship, and diversity in melons along the famous Silk Road, a seed size measurement and a phylogenetic analysis using five chloroplast genome markers, 17 RAPD markers and 11 SSR markers were conducted for 87 Kazakh melon accessions with reference accessions. Kazakh melon accessions had large seed with exception of two accessions of weedy melon, Group Agrestis, and consisted of three cytoplasm types, of which Ib-1/-2 and Ib-3 were dominant in Kazakhstan and nearby areas such as northwestern China, Central Asia and Russia. Molecular phylogeny showed that two unique genetic groups, Ia-2 with Ib-1/-2 cytoplasm and Ia-1 with Ib-3 cytoplasm, and one admixed group, I combined with Ia and Ib, were prevalent across all Kazakh melon groups.

Role of consumer ethnocentrism on purchase intention toward foreign products: Evidence from data of Vietnamese consumers with Chinese products.

This study aims to determine the influence of consumer ethnocentrism and general country image on Vietnamese consumers' perception of product origin and purchase intention toward Chinese goods. The research model is developed based on consumer ethnocentrism and country image perception theory. Analysis results by structural equation modeling from 448 consumers in three regions (North, Central, South) showed that consumer ethnocentrism harms the country's image perception and purchase intention of Vietnamese consumers toward Chinese imported products.

Distribution of two groups of melon landraces and inter-group hybridization enhanced genetic diversity in Vietnam.

To understand the genetic diversity and differentiation of Vietnamese melon ( L.), we collected 64 landraces from the central and southern parts of the country and assessed molecular polymorphism using simple sequence repeat and random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. The Vietnamese melon was divided into seven cultivar groups, namely "Dua le", "Dua vang", "Dua bo", "Dua gang-andromonoecious", "Dua gang-monoecious", "Dua thom", "Montok", and the weedy-type melon "Dua dai".

A morphometric screen identifies specific roles for microtubule-regulating genes in neuronal development of P19 stem cells.

The first morphological change after neuronal differentiation is the microtubule-dependent initiation of thin cell protrusions called neurites. Here we performed a siRNA-based morphometric screen in P19 stem cells to evaluate the role of 408 microtubule-regulating genes during this early neuromorphogenesis step. This screen uncovered several novel regulatory factors, including specific complex subunits of the microtubule motor dynein involved in neurite initiation and a novel role for the microtubule end-binding protein EB2 in attenuation of neurite outgrowth.

Downregulation of CD44 reduces doxorubicin resistance of CD44CD24 breast cancer cells.

Background: Cells within breast cancer stem cell populations have been confirmed to have a CD44(+)CD24(-) phenotype. Strong expression of CD44 plays a critical role in numerous types of human cancers. CD44 is involved in cell differentiation, adhesion, and metastasis of cancer cells.

Improving the efficacy of type 1 diabetes therapy by transplantation of immunoisolated insulin-producing cells.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when pancreatic islet β-cells are damaged and are thus unable to secrete insulin. Pancreas- or islet-grafting therapy offers highly efficient treatment but is limited by inadequate donor islets or pancreases for transplantation. Stem-cell therapy holds tremendous potential and promises to enhance treatment efficiency by overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies.

Structure-activity relationships of some 3-substituted-4-hydroxycoumarins as HIV-1 protease inhibitors.

The screening of the HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitory activity (IC-50) of various substituted 3-phenyl-4-hydroxycoumarins, 3-benzyl-4-hydroxycoumarins, 3-phenoxy-4-hydroxy-coumarins, 3-benzenesulfonyl-4-hydroxycoumarins and 3-(7-coumarinyloxy)-4-hydroxycoumarins was performed. The data indicate the importance of substituents at positions 5 and 7 of the coumarin ring on the inhibitory potency of the HIV-1-PR.