Factors Promoting Lipopolysaccharide Uptake by Synthetic Lipid Droplets.

Lipoproteins are essential in removing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from blood during bacterial inflammation. The physicochemical properties of lipoproteins and environmental factors can impact LPS uptake. In this work, synthetic lipid droplets containing triglycerides, cholesterols, and phospholipids, were prepared to mimic lipoproteins.

Radiology and multi-scale data integration for precision oncology.

In this Perspective paper we explore the potential of integrating radiological imaging with other data types, a critical yet underdeveloped area in comparison to the fusion of other multi-omic data. Radiological images provide a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of cancer, capturing features that would be missed by biopsies or other data modalities. This paper explores the complexities and challenges of incorporating medical imaging into data integration models, in the context of precision oncology.

A developmental lineage-based gene co-expression network for mouse pancreatic β-cells reveals a role for in pancreas development.

To gain a deeper understanding of pancreatic β-cell development, we used iterative weighted gene correlation network analysis to calculate a gene co-expression network (GCN) from 11 temporally and genetically defined murine cell populations. The GCN, which contained 91 distinct modules, was then used to gain three new biological insights. First, we found that the clustered protocadherin genes are differentially expressed during pancreas development.

Chronic β-Cell Depolarization Impairs β-Cell Identity by Disrupting a Network of Ca-Regulated Genes.

We used mice lacking , a key component of the β-cell K-channel, to analyze the effects of a sustained elevation in the intracellular Ca concentration ([Ca]) on β-cell identity and gene expression. Lineage tracing analysis revealed the conversion of β-cells lacking into pancreatic polypeptide cells but not to α- or δ-cells. RNA-sequencing analysis of FACS-purified β-cells confirmed an increase in gene expression and revealed altered expression of more than 4,200 genes, many of which are involved in Ca signaling, the maintenance of β-cell identity, and cell adhesion.

Pancreatic Inflammation Redirects Acinar to β Cell Reprogramming.

Using a transgenic mouse model to express MafA, Pdx1, and Neurog3 (3TF) in a pancreatic acinar cell- and doxycycline-dependent manner, we discovered that the outcome of transcription factor-mediated acinar to β-like cellular reprogramming is dependent on both the magnitude of 3TF expression and on reprogramming-induced inflammation. Overly robust 3TF expression causes acinar cell necrosis, resulting in marked inflammation and acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. Generation of new β-like cells requires limiting reprogramming-induced inflammation, either by reducing 3TF expression or by eliminating macrophages.

The effects of price and perceived quality on the behavioural economics of alcohol, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy purchases.

Behavioural economic models of substance use describe the relationship between changes in unit price and consumption. However, these models rarely take account of the perceived quality (i.e.