SARS-CoV-2 N protein recruits G3BP to double membrane vesicles to promote translation of viral mRNAs.

Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3-domain-binding proteins (G3BP) are critical for the formation of stress granules (SGs) through their RNA- and ribosome-binding properties. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein exhibits strong binding affinity for G3BP and inhibits infection-induced SG formation soon after infection. To study the impact of the G3BP-N interaction on viral replication and pathogenesis in detail, we generated a mutant SARS-CoV-2 (RATA) that specifically lacks the G3BP-binding motif in the N protein.

Nicotinamide prevention in diabetes-induced alterations in the rat liver.

The study was performed to elucidate whether nicotinamide (NAm) can attenuate the diabetes-induced liver damage by correction of ammonia detoxifying function and disbalance of NAD-dependent processes in diabetic rats. After four weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, Wistar male rats were treated for two weeks with or without NAm. Urea concentration, arginase, and glutamine synthetase activities, NAD+ levels, and NAD+/NADH ratio were measured in cytosolic liver extracts.

Modulatory effects of vitamin B3 and its derivative on the levels of apoptotic and vascular regulators and cytoskeletal proteins in diabetic rat brain as signs of neuroprotection.

Background: Beneficial effects of nicotinamide (NAm) and its derivates have been earlier shown in animal models of diabetes mellitus (DM), but the mechanisms of their neuroprotective activities are still largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate if NAm and conjugate of nicotinic acid with gamma-aminobutyric acid (N-GABA) are able to modulate expression levels of apoptosis regulators, angiogenesis-related molecules, and specific cytoskeletal proteins in diabetic rat brain.

Methods: After six weeks of streptozotocin induced type 1 DM, rats were daily administered either by NAm (100 mg/kg) or N-GABA (55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for two weeks.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 is Involved in the Fibrotic Process in Denervated Muscles after Sciatic Nerve Trauma and Recovery.

Fibrosis of the injured muscles is a problem of recovery from trauma and denervation. The aim of the work was to investigate the interconnection of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (ММР-9) activity in denervated muscles with fibrosis and to estimate its role in nerve restoration by the epineurial suture, fibrin-based glue, and polyethylene glycol hydrogel. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases was estimated by gelatin zymography.

The and genes as potential targets for treatment of the heart functioning impairments induced by type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The present study was designed to assess whether apoptosis-related genes as and could be targets for treatment of diabetes mellitus and whether vitamin D may exert beneficial effects. Vitamin D treatment for 4 weeks, starting after 4 weeks of the diabetes duration. The expression of and genes was estimated on mRNA levels using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.