Publications by authors named "Marta Cubero"

Mitochondria play a key role in metabolic transitions involved in the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. To obtain new insight into the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming, we studied the role of FAH domain-containing protein 1 (FAHD1) in the reprogramming of murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into iPSCs and their subsequent differentiation into neuronal cells. MEFs from wild type (WT) and Fahd1-knock-out (KO) mice were reprogrammed into iPSCs and characterized for alterations in metabolic parameters and the expression of marker genes indicating mitochondrial biogenesis.

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Increased leptin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease in obesity although the mechanism is unknown. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a key regulator of macrophage lipid metabolism and its activation by thiazolidinediones protects against atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of human recombinant leptin on PPARgamma mRNA levels in primary human macrophages and macrophage-derived foam cells.

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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are key regulators of macrophage lipid metabolism. We compared the effects of three PPAR activators (bezafibrate, fenofibrate, and troglitazone) on the mRNA levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism in primary human macrophages and macrophage-derived foam cells. Treatment of human macrophages for 24 hours with 100 micro mol/L bezafibrate, a nonselective drug that activates the 3 PPAR subtypes (PPARalpha, PPARbeta/delta, and PPARgamma), caused an 87% (P <.

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