Role of epigenetics in liver-specific gene transcription, hepatocyte differentiation and stem cell reprogrammation.

Controlling both growth and differentiation of stem cells and their differentiated somatic progeny is a challenge in numerous fields, from preclinical drug development to clinical therapy. Recently, new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms have unveiled key regulatory roles of epigenetic marks driving cellular pluripotency, differentiation and self-renewal/proliferation. Indeed, the transcription of genes, governing cell-fate decisions during development and maintenance of a cell's differentiated status in adult life, critically depends on the chromatin accessibility of transcription factors to genomic regulatory and coding regions.

Effects of lotioned disposable handkerchiefs on skin barrier recovery after tape stripping.

Background/purpose: In the present work, it was studied whether repeated use of lotioned disposable handkerchiefs on tape-stripped forearm skin was able to improve skin barrier recovery.

Methods: Skin assessments included scoring of visual erythema and dryness/scaliness; and measuring of skin redness (Chromameter CR300), skin hydration (Corneometer CM825), and transepidermal water loss (Tewameter TM300). Four different lotioned paper handkerchiefs - randomly assigned to one of two subject groups (n=20) - were tested vs.

Epigenetic regulation of gap junctional intercellular communication: more than a way to keep cells quiet?

The establishment of gap junctional intercellular communication is a prerequisite for appropriate control of tissue homeostasis. Gap junctions consist of connexin proteins, whereby a myriad of factors govern the connexin life cycle. At the transcriptional level, most attention has yet been paid to the classical cis/trans machinery (i.

Biology and pathobiology of gap junctional channels in hepatocytes.

The present review provides the state of the art of the current knowledge concerning gap junctional channels and their roles in liver functioning. In the first part, we summarize some relevant biochemical properties of hepatic gap junctional channels, including their structure and regulation. In the second part, we discuss the involvement of gap junctional channels in the occurrence of liver cell growth, liver cell differentiation, and liver cell death.

Involvement of cell junctions in hepatocyte culture functionality.

In liver, like in other multicellular systems, the establishment of cellular contacts is a prerequisite for normal functioning. In particular, well-defined cell junctions between hepatocytes, including adherens junctions, desmosomes, tight junctions, and gap junctions, are known to play key roles in the performance of liver-specific functionality. In a first part of this review article, we summarize the current knowledge concerning cell junctions and their roles in hepatic (patho)physiology.