High-bandwidth image-based predictive laser stabilization via optimized Fourier filters.

Controlling the delivery of kHz-class pulsed lasers is of interest in a variety of industrial and scientific applications, from next-generation laser-plasma acceleration to laser-based x-ray emission and high-precision manufacturing. The transverse position of the laser pulse train on the application target is often subject to fluctuations by external drivers (e.g.

Loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein causes aberrant differentiation in human neural progenitor cells.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene during embryonic development with the consequent loss of the encoded fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The pathological mechanisms of FXS have been extensively studied using the Fmr1-knockout mouse, and the findings suggest important roles for FMRP in synaptic plasticity and proper functioning of neural networks. However, the function of FMRP during early development in the human nervous system remains to be confirmed.

Secreted factors from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced cardiomyocyte cell death via furin/PCSK-like enzyme activity.

Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents a potential novel therapy for currently intractable deteriorating diseases or traumatic injuries, including myocardial infarction. However, the molecular mechanisms of the therapeutic effects have not been precisely revealed. Herein, we report that conditioned media (CM) from rat adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs) protected adult cardiomyocytes from oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell death.

Inhibiting RORγt/Th17 axis for autoimmune disorders.

The recent success reported in late-stage clinical trials for the treatment of psoriasis by antibodies directed against interleukin (IL)-17 or its receptor has validated and strongly supports the development of inhibitors of the IL-17 pathway as a new therapeutic modality in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. These results also encourage the drug discovery of orally available small molecules that can modulate down the production of IL-17 by Th17 cells (the major IL-17 producers) or the downstream signaling of the IL-17 receptor. Here, we review these strategies with an emphasis on inhibiting the retinoic-acid-related orphan nuclear receptor RORγt, which is the master regulator of Th17 cells and a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple autoimmune disorders.

IQGAP1 selectively interacts with K-Ras but not with H-Ras and modulates K-Ras function.

K-Ras is frequently mutated and activated especially in pancreatic cancers. To analyze K-Ras function, we have searched for K-Ras interacting proteins and found IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) as a novel K-Ras binding protein. IQGAP1 has been known as a scaffold protein for B-Raf, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2.