Single-molecule analysis reveals that IPMK enhances the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor SRF.

Serum response factor (SRF) is a master transcription factor that regulates immediate early genes and cytoskeletal remodeling genes. Despite its importance, the mechanisms through which SRF stably associates with its cognate promoter remain unknown. Our biochemical and protein-induced fluorescence enhancement analyses showed that the binding of SRF to serum response element was significantly increased by inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK), an SRF cofactor.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of flavonoid-based IP6K2 inhibitors.

Inositol polyphosphates (IPs) are a group of inositol metabolites that act as secondary messengers for external signalling cues. They play various physiological roles such as insulin release, telomere length maintenance, cell metabolism, and aging. Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 2 (IP6K2) is a key enzyme that produces 5-diphosphoinositol 1,2,3,4,6-pentakisphosphate (5-IP7), which influences the early stages of glucose-induced exocytosis.

Discovery of PPARγ and glucocorticoid receptor dual agonists to promote the adiponectin and leptin biosynthesis in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Adiponectin and leptin are major adipocytokines that control crosstalk between adipose tissue and other organ systems. Hypoadiponectinemia and hypoleptinemia are associated with human metabolic diseases. Compounds with adipocytokine biosynthesis-stimulating activities could be developed as therapeutics against diverse metabolic conditions.

Effects of proprioception training with exercise imagery on balance ability of stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare the effects of proprioceptive training accompanied by motor imagery training and general proprioceptive training on the balance of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-six stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental group of 18 patients or a control group of 18 patients. The experimental group was given motor imagery training for 5 minutes and proprioceptive training for 25 minutes, while the control group was given proprioceptive training for 30 minutes.