A Cell-Penetrant Peptide Disrupting the Transcription Factor CP2c Complexes Induces Cancer-Specific Synthetic Lethality.

Despite advances in precision oncology, cancer remains a global public health issue. In this report, proof-of-principle evidence is presented that a cell-penetrable peptide (ACP52C) dissociates transcription factor CP2c complexes and induces apoptosis in most CP2c oncogene-addicted cancer cells through transcription activity-independent mechanisms. CP2cs dissociated from complexes directly interact with and degrade YY1, leading to apoptosis via the MDM2-p53 pathway.

GPR143 controls ESCRT-dependent exosome biogenesis and promotes cancer metastasis.

Exosomes transport a variety of macromolecules and modulate intercellular communication in physiology and disease. However, the regulation mechanisms that determine exosome contents during exosome biogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we find that GPR143, an atypical GPCR, controls the endosomal sorting complex required for the transport (ESCRT)-dependent exosome biogenesis pathway.

Junctional Modulation of Round Window Membrane Enhances Dexamethasone Uptake into the Inner Ear and Recovery after NIHL.

Delivery of substances into the inner ear via local routes is increasingly being used in clinical treatment. Studies have focused on methods to increase permeability through the round window membrane (RWM) and enhance drug diffusion into the inner ear. However, the clinical applications of those methods have been unclear and few studies have investigated the efficacy of methods in an inner ear injury model.

Hearing Impairment in a Mouse Model of Diabetes Is Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Synaptopathy, and Activation of the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway.

Although previous studies continuously report an increased risk of hearing loss in diabetes patients, the impact of the disease on the inner ear remains unexplored. Herein, we examine the pathophysiology of diabetes-associated hearing impairment and cochlear synaptopathy in a mouse model of diabetes. Male B6.

Single- or double-membrane-bound vesicles and P, Ca, and Fe-containing granules in Xanthomonas citri cultured on a solid medium.

The organelle-like structures of Xanthomonas citri, a bacterial pathogen that causes citrus canker, were investigated using an analytical transmission electron microscope. After high-pressure freezing, the bacteria were then freeze-substituted for imaging and element analysis. Miniscule electron-dense structures of varying shapes without a membrane enclosure were frequently observed near the cell poles in a 3-day culture.

Mitochondrial Damage and Necroptosis in Aging Cochlea.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is presently untreatable. Previous studies using animal models have suggested mitochondrial damage and programmed cell death to be involved with ARHL. Thus, we further investigated the pathophysiologic role of mitochondria and necroptosis in aged C57BL/6J male mice.

Identification and control of specific aflatoxin-producing fungi in stored maize seeds in awka using azadirachta indica (neem) and garcinia kola seeds.

Four fungal isolates were identified in this study of which three were Aspergillus species with Aspergillus flavus having the highest frequency followed by A. parasiticus. The result of high frequency of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in the Zea mays sample revealed production of aflatoxins.

LRRK2 Kinase Activity Induces Mitochondrial Fission in Microglia via Drp1 and Modulates Neuroinflammation.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 contains a functional kinase domain and G2019S, the most prevalent LRRK2 pathogenic mutation, increases its kinase activity. LRRK2 regulates mitochondria morphology and autophagy in neurons.

Early Pheromone Experience Modifies a Synaptic Activity to Influence Adult Pheromone Responses of C. elegans.

Experiences during early development can influence neuronal functions and modulate adult behaviors [1, 2]. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the long-term behavioral effects of these early experiences are not fully understood. The C.

Three-dimensional analysis of abnormal ultrastructural alteration in mitochondria of hippocampus of APP/PSEN1 transgenic mouse.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The deterioration of subcellular organelles, including the mitochondria, is another major ultrastructural characteristic of AD pathogenesis, in addition to amyloid plaque deposition. However, the three-dimensional (3-D) study of mitochondrial structural alteration in AD remains poorly understood.

Evidence for novel structures (primo vessels and primo nodes) floating in the venous sinuses of rat brains.

We for the first time report evidence for existence of novel structures, primo vessels (PVs) and primo nodes (PNs) floating inside the venous sinuses of rat brains. For this purpose, we applied a chromium-hematoxylin (Cr-Hx) solution to stain the PVs and the PNs floating inside the venous sinuses (superior sagittal sinus, strait sinus, and transverse sinus) of seven rats' brains preferentially compared to the blood clots that easily form during surgery. Cr-Hx-stained PVs and PNs were examined by light and transmission electron microscopies: (1) we were consistently able to visualize the PVs and the PNs in the venous sinuses of all seven rats' brains.