Novel Z-DNA binding domains in giant viruses.

Z-nucleic acid structures play vital roles in cellular processes and have implications in innate immunity due to their recognition by Zα domains containing proteins (Z-DNA/Z-RNA binding proteins, ZBPs). Although Zα domains have been identified in six proteins, including viral E3L, ORF112, and I73R, as well as, cellular ADAR1, ZBP1, and PKZ, their prevalence across living organisms remains largely unexplored. In this study, we introduce a computational approach to predict Zα domains, leading to the revelation of previously unidentified Zα domain-containing proteins in eukaryotic organisms, including non-metazoan species.

SASH1 S519N Variant Links Skin Hyperpigmentation and Premature Hair Graying to Dysfunction of Melanocyte Lineage.

A better understanding of human melanocyte (MC) and MC stem cell biology is essential for treating MC-related diseases. This study employed an inherited pigmentation disorder carrying the SASH1 variant in a Hispanic family to investigate SASH1 function in the MC lineage and the underlying mechanism for this disorder. We used a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical examinations, human cell assays, yeast 2-hybrid screening, and biochemical techniques.

SASH1 interacts with TNKS2 and promotes human melanocyte stem cell maintenance.

Both aging spots (hyperpigmentation) and hair graying (lack of pigmentation) are associated with aging, two seemingly opposite pigmentation phenotypes. It is not clear how they are mechanistically connected. This study investigated the underlying mechanism in a family with an inherited pigmentation disorder.

Striatal spatial heterogeneity, clustering, and white matter association of GFAP astrocytes in a mouse model of Huntington's disease.

Introduction: Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the striatum, a brain region that controls movement and some forms of cognition. Neuronal dysfunction and loss in HD is accompanied by increased astrocyte density and astrocyte pathology. Astrocytes are a heterogeneous population classified into multiple subtypes depending on the expression of different gene markers.