The Proteasomal Deubiquitinating Enzyme PSMD14 Regulates Macroautophagy by Controlling Golgi-to-ER Retrograde Transport.

Ubiquitination regulates several biological processes, however the role of specific members of the ubiquitinome on intracellular membrane trafficking is not yet fully understood. Here, we search for ubiquitin-related genes implicated in protein membrane trafficking performing a High-Content siRNA Screening including 1187 genes of the human "ubiquitinome" using amyloid precursor protein (APP) as a reporter. We identified the deubiquitinating enzyme PSMD14, a subunit of the 19S regulatory particle of the proteasome, specific for K63-Ub chains in cells, as a novel regulator of Golgi-to-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrograde transport.

Salmo salar glucocorticoid receptors analyses of alternative splicing variants under stress conditions.

Cortisol is the main corticosteroid in teleosts, exerting multiple functions by activating glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Most teleost species have two GR genes, gr-1 and gr-2. Some teleost also presents two splice variants for gr-1; gr-1a and gr-1b.

Structurally conserved C-RFa revealed prolactin releasing activity in vitro and gene expression changes in pituitary of seasonally acclimatized carp.

Here we show the cloning and characterization of a novel homolog of prepro C-RFa cDNA from Cyprinus carpio. The deduced preprohormone precursor of 115 amino acids leads to a mature bioactive peptide of 20 amino acids with identical sequence to other teleost C-RFa. Modeling of the mature C-RFa peptide highlighted significant similarity to homologous human PrRP20, specifically the conserved amphipathic system defined by the C-terminal alpha-helix.

Prolactin-releasing peptide is a potent mediator of the innate immune response in leukocytes from Salmo salar.

Prolactin (PRL)-releasing peptide (PrRP) is a strong candidate stimulator of pituitary PRL transcription and secretion in teleosts. However, the role in control of extrapituitary PRL expression or its effects on innate immunity are unclear even in mammals. To study the possible presence of PrRP in peripheral organs, PrRP expression patterns and their effect on innate immunity were characterised in SHK-1 cells and head kidney (HK) leukocytes purified from the salmonid, Salmo salar.

Implementation of virtual patients in the training for occupational health in Latin America.

Health professionals trained in occupational health are essential to reduce the burden of occupational accidents and diseases. However, training resources are limited globally. We aimed to promote occupational health and safety (OHS) using virtual patients (VPs) in Brazil, Chile, and Germany.

Epigenetic processes in a tetraploid mammal.

Polyploidy has played a most important role in speciation and evolution of plants and animals. It is thought that low frequency of polyploidy in mammals is due to a dosage imbalance that would interfere with proper development in mammalian polyploids. The first tetraploid mammal, Tympanoctomys barrerae (Octodontidae), appears to be an exception to this rule.

Use of reporter cell lines for detection of endocrine-disrupter activity.

We have studied stable transformed human mammary cell lines with highly inducible steroid receptor-mediated luciferase reporter gene expression. Cells responding specifically to glucocorticoids, progestagens, androgens, or estrogens are described and characterized. The use of this high-throughput, cell-based assay for analysis of steroid (ant)agonists is reported.