A phylogenetic and taxonomic study on (Polyporales, Basidiomycota): Focusing on three new species from southern China.

The wood-inhabiting fungi play an integral role in wood degradation and the cycle of matter in the ecological system. They are considered as the "key player" in wood decomposition, because of their ability to produce all kinds of enzymes that break down woody lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. In the present study, three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, , and spp.

Two new species of (, ) from southern China based on morphology and DNA sequence data.

Two new wood-inhabiting fungal species, and spp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence.

Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Ameliorates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Activating Insulin Signaling and Improving Glucose Utilization in the Brain.

Background: Duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB) can dramatically improve type 2 diabetes independent of weight loss and food restriction. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that brain insulin signaling plays an important role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. This study explores whether the antidiabetic effect of DJB is involved in brain insulin signaling activation and brain glucose utilization.

Adaptive Activation of a Stress Response Pathway Improves Learning and Memory Through Gs and β-Arrestin-1-Regulated Lactate Metabolism.

Background: Stress is a conserved physiological response in mammals. Whereas moderate stress strengthens memory to improve reactions to previously experienced difficult situations, too much stress is harmful.

Methods: We used specific β-adrenergic agonists, as well as β-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and arrestin knockout models, to study the effects of adaptive β2AR activation on cognitive function using Morris water maze and object recognition experiments.

Different downstream signalling of CCK1 receptors regulates distinct functions of CCK in pancreatic beta cells.

Background And Purpose: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted by intestinal I cells and regulates important metabolic functions. In pancreatic islets, CCK controls beta cell functions primarily through CCK1 receptors, but the signalling pathways downstream of these receptors in pancreatic beta cells are not well defined.

Experimental Approach: Apoptosis in pancreatic beta cell apoptosis was evaluated using Hoechst-33342 staining, TUNEL assays and Annexin-V-FITC/PI staining.

Constitutive Gαi coupling activity of very large G protein-coupled receptor 1 (VLGR1) and its regulation by PDZD7 protein.

The very large G protein-coupled receptor 1 (VLGR1) is a core component in inner ear hair cell development. Mutations in the vlgr1 gene cause Usher syndrome, the symptoms of which include congenital hearing loss and progressive retinitis pigmentosa. However, the mechanism of VLGR1-regulated intracellular signaling and its role in Usher syndrome remain elusive.

A stress response pathway in mice upregulates somatostatin level and transcription in pancreatic delta cells through Gs and β-arrestin 1.

Aims/hypothesis: Somatostatin secretion from islet delta cells plays an important role in regulating islet function and is tightly controlled by environmental changes. Activation of the adrenergic system promoted somatostatin secretion from islet delta cells; however, the role of the adrenergic system in regulating somatostatin content and transcription has not been defined. An imbalance between the somatostatin content and its secretion may cause dysfunctions in the islet delta cells.

Molecular mechanism of ERK dephosphorylation by striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase.

Striatal-enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is an important regulator of neuronal synaptic plasticity, and its abnormal level or activity contributes to cognitive disorders. One crucial downstream effector and direct substrate of STEP is extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), which has important functions in spine stabilisation and action potential transmission. The inhibition of STEP activity toward phospho-ERK has the potential to treat neuronal diseases, but the detailed mechanism underlying the dephosphorylation of phospho-ERK by STEP is not known.

β2-adrenergic receptor and astrocyte glucose metabolism.

Astrocyte glucose metabolism functions to maintain brain activity in both normal and stress conditions. Dysregulation of astrocyte glucose metabolism relates to development of neuronal disease, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. In response to acute stress, beta2-adrenergic receptor is activated and initiates multiple signaling events mediated by Gs, Gi, arrestin, or other effectors depending on specific cellular contexts.