Structural basis of transcription regulation by CNC family transcription factor, Nrf2.

Several basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors have accessory motifs in their DNA-binding domains, such as the CNC motif of CNC family or the EHR motif of small Maf (sMaf) proteins. CNC family proteins heterodimerize with sMaf proteins to recognize CNC-sMaf binding DNA elements (CsMBEs) in competition with sMaf homodimers, but the functional role of the CNC motif remains elusive. In this study, we report the crystal structures of Nrf2/NFE2L2, a CNC family protein regulating anti-stress transcriptional responses, in a complex with MafG and CsMBE.

Overexpression of Chloroplast Triosephosphate Isomerase Marginally Improves Photosynthesis at Elevated CO2 Levels in Rice.

We recently suggested that chloroplast triosephosphate isomerase (cpTPI) has moderate control over the rate of CO2 assimilation (A) at elevated CO2 levels via the capacity for triose phosphate utilization (TPU) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) from its antisense-suppression study. In the present study, the effects of cpTPI overexpression on photosynthesis were examined in transgenic rice plants overexpressing the gene encoding cpTPI.

Cerebral oxygenation and body mass index association with cognitive function in chronic kidney disease patients without dialysis: a longitudinal study.

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the prevalence of cognitive impairment increases with CKD progression; however, longitudinal changes in cognitive performance remain controversial. Few reports have examined the association of cerebral oxygenation with cognitive function in longitudinal studies. In this study, 68 CKD patients were included.