Unraveling the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of CISD2/NAF-1 .

We recently reported on the development of a unique cancer-targeting peptide called NAF-1 (derived from CISD2/NAF-1). NAF-1 selectively permeates the plasma membrane (PM) of cancer cells, but not healthy cells, causing the activation of apoptotic and ferroptotic cell death pathways specifically in cancer cells. NAF-1 also targets and shrinks human breast and ovarian cancer tumors in a xenograft mice model system without any apparent side effects.

Wind Shapes the Growth Strategies of Trees in a Tropical Forest.

In tropical forests, trees strategically balance growth patterns to optimise fitness amid multiple environmental stressors. Wind poses the primary risk to a tree's mechanical stability, prompting developments such as thicker trunks to withstand the bending forces. Therefore, a trade-off in resource allocation exists between diameter growth and vertical growth to compete for light.

NIMH perspectives on future directions in neuroimaging for mental health.

NIMH's mission is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. New imaging techniques hold great promise for improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of mental illnesses, stratifying patients for treatment selection, and developing a personalized medicine approach. Here, we highlight emerging and promising new technologies that are likely to be vital in helping NIMH accomplish its mission, the potential for utilizing multimodal approaches to study mental illness, and considerations for data analytics and data sharing.

CISD3/MiNT is required for complex I function, mitochondrial integrity, and skeletal muscle maintenance.

Mitochondria play a central role in muscle metabolism and function. A unique family of iron-sulfur proteins, termed CDGSH Iron Sulfur Domain-containing (CISD/NEET) proteins, support mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles. The abundance of these proteins declines during aging leading to muscle degeneration.