Microtubule-associated protein, MAP1B, encodes functionally distinct polypeptides.

Microtubule-associated protein, MAP1B, is crucial for neuronal morphogenesis and disruptions in MAP1B function are correlated with neurodevelopmental disorders. MAP1B encodes a single polypeptide that is processed into discrete proteins, a heavy chain (HC) and a light chain (LC); however, it is unclear if these two chains operate individually or as a complex within the cell. In vivo studies have characterized the contribution of MAP1B HC and LC to microtubule and actin-based processes, but their molecular mechanisms of action are unknown.

Gasdermin D palmitoylation: to cleave or not to cleave?

Recent studies have identified Cys in gasdermin D (GSDMD) as a highly targeted regulatory module controlling pyroptosis. Using chemical biology and genetic models, Du, Healy et al. recently identified GSDMD palmitoylation as a key regulatory step in GSDMD activation.

Ectopic expression of SARS-CoV-2 S and ORF-9B proteins alters metabolic profiles and impairs contractile function in cardiomyocytes.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with adverse impacts in the cardiovascular system, but the mechanisms driving this response remain unclear. In this study, we conducted "pseudoviral infection" of SARS-CoV-2 subunits to evaluate their toxic effects in cardiomyocytes (CMs), that were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We found that the ectopic expression of S and ORF-9B subunits significantly impaired the contractile function and altered the metabolic profiles in human cardiomyocytes.

Vector-borne disease and its relationship to hematologic abnormalities and microalbuminuria in retired racing and show-bred greyhounds.

Background: Reference intervals for platelets and white blood cell (WBCs) counts are lower in greyhounds than other breeds. Proteinuria is common. Vector-borne diseases (VBD) cause thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and proteinuria.

A novel high-throughput screening strategy for targeting alpha-synuclein and other long-lived proteins.

Small-molecule high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns have frequently been used to identify lead molecules that can alter expression of disease-relevant proteins in cell-based assays. However, most cell-based HTS assays require short compound exposure periods to avoid toxicity and ensure that compounds are stable in media for the duration of the exposure. This limits the ability of HTS assays to detect inhibitors of the synthesis of target proteins with long half-lives, which can often exceed the exposure times utilized in most HTS campaigns.