ASCL2 is a key regulator of the proliferation-differentiation equilibrium in the esophageal epithelium.

The esophagus is protected from the hostile environment by a stratified epithelium, which renews rapidly. Homeostasis of this epithelium is ensured by a rare population of stem cells in the basal layer: Keratin 15+ (Krt15+) cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating their distinct features, namely self-renewal, potency and epithelial regeneration.

Psychosocial determinants of healthy sleep habits in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Background: Many adults with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have inadequate sleep increasing their risk of hyperglycemia and developing complications. The objective was to identify psychosocial determinants of healthy sleep habits (HSH) among adults with T1D and T2D.

Methods: The two HSH were: avoiding screen use in bed and having sleep regularity.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α multiple isoforms, their functions, and their interactomes.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) is a master regulator gene belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily and is involved in regulating a wide range of critical biological processes in different organs. Structurally, the HNF4A locus is organized into two independent promoters and is subjected to alternative splicing to produce twelve distinct isoforms. However, little is known about the biological impact of each isoform and the mechanisms by which they regulate transcription.

HNF4α Acts as Upstream Functional Regulator of Intestinal Wnt3 and Paneth Cell Fate.

Background & Aims: The intestinal epithelium intrinsically renews itself ex vivo via the proliferation of Lgr5 intestinal stem cells, which is sustained by the establishment of an epithelial stem cell niche. Differentiated Paneth cells are the main source of epithelial-derived niche factor supplies and produce Wnt3 as an essential factor in supporting Lgr5 stem cell activity in the absence of redundant mesenchymal Wnts. Maturation of Paneth cells depends on canonical Wnt signaling, but few transcriptional regulators have been identified to this end.

The transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A acts in the intestine to promote white adipose tissue energy storage.

The transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 A (HNF4A) controls the metabolic features of several endodermal epithelia. Both HNF4A and HNF4G are redundant in the intestine and it remains unclear whether HNF4A alone controls intestinal lipid metabolism. Here we show that intestinal HNF4A is not required for intestinal lipid metabolism per se, but unexpectedly influences whole-body energy expenditure in diet-induced obesity (DIO).