Centrosomal protein TAX1BP2 inhibits centrosome-microtubules aberrations induced by hepatitis B virus X oncoprotein.

Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Several etiological factors of HCC, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection, liver cirrhosis and aflatoxin B1 intake has been identified. HBx, which is an oncogenic protein encoded by the hepatitis B virus, is strongly associated with hepatocarcinogenesis.

Deletion of Rap1 protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through suppressing cell apoptosis via activation of STAT3 signaling.

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Repressor activator protein 1 (Rap1), an established telomere-associated protein, is a novel modulator of hypoxia-induced apoptosis. This study aimed to explore the potential direct role of Rap1 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) and to determine the underlying molecular mechanism.

Hypertrophic chondrocytes can become osteoblasts and osteocytes in endochondral bone formation.

According to current dogma, chondrocytes and osteoblasts are considered independent lineages derived from a common osteochondroprogenitor. In endochondral bone formation, chondrocytes undergo a series of differentiation steps to form the growth plate, and it generally is accepted that death is the ultimate fate of terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes (HCs). Osteoblasts, accompanying vascular invasion, lay down endochondral bone to replace cartilage.