Recent advances in sensing the inter-biomolecular interactions at the nanoscale - A comprehensive review of AFM-based force spectroscopy.

Biomolecular interactions underpin most processes inside the cell. Hence, a precise and quantitative understanding of molecular association and dissociation events is crucial, not only from a fundamental perspective, but also for the rational design of biomolecular platforms for state-of-the-art biomedical and industrial applications. In this context, atomic force microscopy (AFM) appears as an invaluable experimental technique, allowing the measurement of the mechanical strength of biomolecular complexes to provide a quantitative characterization of their interaction properties from a single molecule perspective.

Inflammatory and mitogenic signals drive interleukin 23 subunit alpha (IL23A) secretion independent of IL12B in intestinal epithelial cells.

The heterodimeric cytokine interleukin-23 (IL-23 or IL23A/IL12B) is produced by dendritic cells and macrophages and promotes the proinflammatory and regenerative activities of T helper 17 (Th17) and innate lymphoid cells. A recent study has reported that IL-23 is also secreted by lung adenoma cells and generates an inflammatory and immune-suppressed stroma. Here, we observed that proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling strongly induce IL23A expression in intestinal epithelial cells.

Nucleoporin Nup58 localizes to centrosomes and mid-bodies during mitosis.

Background: Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) act as nano-turnstiles within nuclear membranes between the cytoplasm and nucleus of mammalian cells. NPC proteins, called nucleoporins (Nups), mediate trafficking of proteins and RNA into and out of the nucleus, and are involved in a variety of mitotic processes. We previously reported that Nup62 localizes to the centrosome and mitotic spindle during mitosis, and plays a role in centrosome homeostasis.

Direct visualization of avian influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin precursor and its conformational change by high-speed atomic force microscopy.

Background: Hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A is one of the key virulence factors that mediates the release of viral components in host cells. HA is initially synthesized as a trimeric precursor (HA0) and then it is cleaved by proteases to become a functional HA. Low pH induces irreversible conformational changes in both HA0 and HA but only HA is fusion compatible.

Targeting Nucleoporin POM121-Importin β Axis in Prostate Cancer.

Nuclear pores are nanomachines acting as gatekeepers of molecular transport across nuclear membranes. In a recent issue of Cell, Rodriguez-Bravo et al. (2018) demonstrates that nuclear pores promote aggressive prostate cancer by snowballing POM121-importin β-driven nuclear import.

Implication of Highly Cytotoxic Natural Killer Cells for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive upper gastrointestinal cancer and effective treatments are limited. Previous studies reported that natural killer (NK) cells expanded by coculturing with K562-mb15-41BBL feeder cells, a genetically modified K562 leukemia cell line that expresses membrane-bound interleukin (IL)-15 and 41BBL ligand, were highly proliferative and highly cytotoxic. Here, we investigated the potential of expanded NK cells for ESCC treatment.

Accumulation of CD11c+CD163+ Adipose Tissue Macrophages through Upregulation of Intracellular 11β-HSD1 in Human Obesity.

Adipose tissue (AT) macrophages (ATMs) are key players for regulation of AT homeostasis and obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the phenotypes of human ATMs and regulatory mechanisms of their polarization have not been clearly described. In this study, we investigated human ATMs in both abdominal visceral AT and s.

Massive pulmonary tuberculosis cavity misdiagnosed as pneumothorax.

Massive pulmonary cavity is a rare and serious complication of chronic reactivation tuberculosis. A 38-year-old gentleman had a history of tuberculosis treatment noncompliance 2 years ago. His presenting symptoms were cough, fever, and left-sided pleuritic chest discomfort for 2 months.

Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway can induce upregulation of human leukocyte antigen class I without PD-L1-upregulation in contrast to interferon-γ treatment.

Recently, we reported that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression is predominantly regulated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as one of the oncogenic regulations of HLA class I expression. In the present study, we examined mechanisms of how HLA class I and PD-L1 are regulated by MAPK inhibitors and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of major signal transduction molecules by Western blot and anti-tumor CTL activity by a cytotoxic assay when HLA class I and PD-L1 were modulated by MAPK inhibitors and/or IFN-γ.

Total muscle-sparing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

Background: Conventional video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy uses multiple incisions, including an access incision and several port incisions. This series aims to evaluate the technical feasibility and early results of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) lobectomy using a small, total muscle-sparing incision.

Methods: We performed the first UVATS lobectomy in June 2009, and 38 major resections were attempted using this approach until September 2011.