As the innermost lining of the vasculature, endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly subjected to systemic inflammation and particularly vulnerable to aging. Endothelial health is hence vital to prevent age-related vascular disease. Healthy ECs rely on the proper localization of transcription factors via nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) to govern cellular behavior.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEndothelial cells (ECs) form the innermost lining of the vasculature and serve a pivotal role in preventing age-related vascular disease. Endothelial health relies on the proper nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of transcription factors via nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Emerging studies report NPC degradation with natural aging, suggesting impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport in age-related EC dysfunction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that coordinate cellular inflammatory responses and mediate host defense. Following recognition of pathogens and danger signals, inflammasomes assemble and recruit and activate caspase-1, the cysteine protease that cleaves numerous downstream targets, including pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their biologically active form. In this study, we sought to develop a biosensor that would allow us to monitor the initiation, progression, and resolution of inflammation in living animals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe present a method of quantitatively measuring the pressure distribution applied to synthetic tissues by surgical tools via dye-impregnated microcapsules that rupture at specified pressures. A method utilizing pre-made indicator sheets is evaluated by force applications on synthetic bowel, and methods for creating paint-on indicator slurries were explored. A high spatial resolution of pressure intensity is demonstrated (0.
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