Deciphering melanophagy: role of the PTK2-ITCH-MLANA-OPTN cascade on melanophagy in melanocytes.

Melanosomes play a pivotal role in skin color and photoprotection. In contrast to the well-elucidated pathway of melanosome biogenesis, the process of melanosome degradation, referred to as melanophagy, is largely unexplored. Previously, we discovered that 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate thymol ester (TCTE) effectively inhibits skin pigmentation by activating melanophagy.

Nalfurafine Hydrochloride, a κ-Opioid Receptor Agonist, Induces Melanophagy via PKA Inhibition in B16F1 Cells.

Selective autophagy controls cellular homeostasis by degrading unnecessary or damaged cellular components. Melanosomes are specialized organelles that regulate the biogenesis, storage, and transport of melanin in melanocytes. However, the mechanisms underlying melanosomal autophagy, known as the melanophagy pathway, are poorly understood.

Carnitine Protects against MPP-Induced Neurotoxicity and Inflammation by Promoting Primary Ciliogenesis in SH-SY5Y Cells.

Primary cilia help to maintain cellular homeostasis by sensing conditions in the extracellular environment, including growth factors, nutrients, and hormones that are involved in various signaling pathways. Recently, we have shown that enhanced primary ciliogenesis in dopamine neurons promotes neuronal survival in a Parkinson's disease model. Moreover, we performed fecal metabolite screening in order to identify several candidates for improving primary ciliogenesis, including L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine.

Pyrene-Modified Guanine Cluster Probes Forming DNA/RNA Hybrid Three-Way Junctions for Imaging of Intracellular MicroRNAs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in cells; high levels of expression are associated with various cancers. In this paper, we describe A-modified nucleic acid probes that can detect intracellular miRNAs by forming DNA/RNA hybrid three-way junction structures containing a fluorescent scaffold-a so-called G-cluster. This G-cluster featured two mismatched strands, four guanine residues, and one fluorescent adenine residue having a pyrene moiety covalently connected at the 8-position through an acetylene linker.

2-IPMA Ameliorates PM2.5-Induced Inflammation by Promoting Primary Ciliogenesis in RPE Cells.

Primary cilia mediate the interactions between cells and external stresses. Thus, dysregulation of primary cilia is implicated in various ciliopathies, e.g.

β-amyrin-induced apoptosis in Candida albicans triggered by calcium.

The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens has urged researchers to discover alternatives for traditional antibiotics. β-amyrin, which is included in the category of triterpenoids extracted from plants, is known for its antimicrobial activity, although the underlying mechanism has not yet been revealed. This study was conducted to elucidate the antifungal mode of action of β-amyrin against Candida albicans.

Triamterene induces autophagic degradation of lysosome by exacerbating lysosomal integrity.

The maintenance of lysosomal integrity is essential for lysosome function and cell fate. Damaged lysosomes are degraded by lysosomal autophagy, lysophagy. The mechanism underlying lysophagy remains largely unknown; this study aimed to contribute to the understanding of this topic.

Depletion of HNRNPA1 induces peroxisomal autophagy by regulating PEX1 expression.

Peroxisomes play an essential role in cellular homeostasis by regulating lipid metabolism and the conversion of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several peroxisomal proteins, known as peroxins (PEXs), control peroxisome biogenesis and degradation. Various mutations in the PEX genes are genetic causes for the development of inheritable peroxisomal-biogenesis disorders, such as Zellweger syndrome.

Effect of Yogurt Fermented by TSI and S2 Derived from a Mongolian Traditional Dairy Product on Rats with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effect of yogurt fermented by TSI and S2 isolated from a Mongolian traditional dairy product on rats with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Quality characteristics of yogurt fermented by commercial starter (CON), TSI2 (TSI2 group), S2 (S2 group), and mixed TSI2 and S2 strains at 1:1 (MIX group), were verified. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups and administered the following diets: group NOR, normal diet with oral saline administration; group HF, high-fat diet (HD) with oral saline administration; group TSI, HD and TSI-fermented yogurt; group S2, HD and L.

Inhibition of STAT3 signaling induces apoptosis and suppresses growth of lung cancer: good and bad.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) modulates a variety of genes involved in the regulation of critical functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunity. For many cancers, elevated levels of STAT3 signaling have been associated with a poor prognosis and the development of chemotherapy resistance. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3, STX-0119, on the cell viability and survival of human lung cancer cells.

Evaluation of Lignan Compound Content and Bioactivity of Raw Omija and Sugared Omija in Serum of Sprague Dawley Rat.

This study evaluated the lignan contents of raw omija (R) and sugared omija (S), byproducts discarded after the use of raw omija, by HPLC and determined their bioactivity by feeding rats R and S for eight weeks. S retained 63% more lignan than R. Body weight gains in the raw omija-fed group (RO) and sugared omija-fed group (SO) decreased significantly compared to that of the control group (CON, < 0.

Detection of AAG repeats through DNA triplex-induced G-cluster formation.

This communication describes a novel method, using DNA triplex-based fluorescent probes, for the detection of AAG repeats. A triplex structure with target DNA AAG repeats stabilizes a A-modified G-cluster adjacent to the triplex-forming sequence, resulting in a dramatic change in the color of fluorescence from blue to orange.

Effects of Heating Time and Temperature on Functional Properties of Proteins of Yellow Mealworm Larvae ( L.).

Although the yellow mealworm ( L.) is a promising alternative protein source, the effects of processing conditions on functional properties are unclear. In this study, a protein extract of yellow mealworm larvae (PEYM) was subjected to different heat temperature (55°C, 75°C, and 95°C) with different time (20, 40, and 60 min) to evaluate the functional properties and protein oxidation.

Effect of Different Storage-Temperature Combinations on Quality upon Sous-vide Processing of Frozen/Thawed Pork.

This study investigated the effect of storage state (chilled state on sous-vide, CS; frozen state without thawing on sous-vide, FS; and frozen/thawed states on sous-vide, TS) and sous-vide cooking temperature (65°C and 72°C) on the muscle quality of pork. FS showed a higher moisture content than that of CS and TS (p<0.001), whereas both FS and CS showed higher expressible moisture loss than that of TS (p<0.

Effect of Root on Physicochemical, Lipid, and Protein Oxidation of Muscle Meatball.

The antioxidant effects of root (AHR) were investigated by evaluating lipid and protein oxidation in meatballs during refrigerated storage at 4±1℃. AHR was mixed at concentrations of 0.5% (w/w, T2) and 1% (w/w, T3) with minced muscle.

The Dry-aging and Heating Effects on Protein Characteristics of Beef .

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dry-aging (DA) and the cooking process on the myofibril protein functionalities and digestibility of proteins in beef loin. Six sirloins from beef were dry-aged for 28 d, and the control group (n=6) was analyzed 2 d postmortem for this study. Dimensional changes (reduction of thickness and surface shrinkage) after cooking were significantly greater in the control group than the DA group, whereas the shear force of the DA group was significantly lower than that of the control.

A-cluster system for the detection and imaging of miRNAs in living cells through double-three-way junction formation.

Herein, we describe an extended version of a fluorescence probe for detecting miRNAs through the novel application of a A-cluster system. By testing various (CG) sequences in the middle of the oligonucleotide strand of the probe, we obtained an optimal sequence that formed a double-three-way-junction structure, with two A units positioned close together, in the presence of the target miRNA. This system readily detected the locations of target miRNAs in living cells and allowed visualization of structural changes through variations in the color of the fluorescence.

Detection of cofilin mRNA by hybridization-sensitive double-stranded fluorescent probes.

We have developed hybridization-sensitive fluorescent oligonucleotide probes that, in the presence of quencher strands, undergo efficient fluorescence quenching through the formation of partial DNA/DNA duplexes. In the presence of target RNA, rapid displacement of the quencher strands results in highly enhanced fluorescence.