The neurotrophic factor MANF regulates autophagy and lysosome function to promote proteostasis in .

The conserved mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is known for protecting dopaminergic neurons and functioning in various other tissues. Previously, we showed that null mutants exhibit defects such as increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, dopaminergic neurodegeneration, and abnormal protein aggregation. These findings suggest an essential role for MANF in cellular processes.

Neurotrophic factor MANF regulates autophagy and lysosome function to promote proteostasis in .

The conserved mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) protects dopaminergic neurons but also functions in several other tissues. Previously, we showed that null mutants have increased ER stress, dopaminergic neurodegeneration, protein aggregation, slower growth, and a reduced lifespan. The multiple requirements of MANF in different systems suggest its essential role in regulating cellular processes.

Effect of starvation on electrotaxis response.

is an ideal model for investigating the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic conditions on the behavioral changes of animals. Our group previously showed how different conditions influence the behavior of worms following an electric stimulus in a microfluidic channel, known as electrotaxis. In this study we describe the effect of starvation on the electrotaxis movement of animals.

Cabin1 domain-containing gene picd-1 interacts with pry-1/Axin to regulate multiple processes in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The Axin family of scaffolding proteins control diverse processes, such as facilitating the interactions between cellular components and providing specificity to signaling pathways. While several Axin family members have been discovered in metazoans and shown to play crucial roles, their mechanism of action are not well understood. The Caenorhabditis elegans Axin homolog, pry-1, is a powerful tool for identifying interacting genes and downstream effectors that function in a conserved manner to regulate Axin-mediated signaling.

The FGFR4 Homolog KIN-9 Regulates Lifespan and Stress Responses in .

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) regulate diverse biological processes in eukaryotes. The nematode is a good animal model for studying the roles of FGFR signaling and its mechanism of regulation. In this study, we report that KIN-9 is an FGFR homolog in that plays essential roles in aging and stress response maintenance.

Therapeutic effects of TP5, a Cdk5/p25 inhibitor, in and models of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease. Current treatments for PD are symptomatic and only increase striatal dopamine levels. Proactive neuroprotective approaches that slow the progression of PD and maintain appropriate dopamine neuron populations are needed to treat the disease.

C. elegans electrotaxis behavior is modulated by heat shock response and unfolded protein response signaling pathways.

The nematode C. elegans is a leading model to investigate the mechanisms of stress-induced behavioral changes coupled with biochemical mechanisms. Our group has previously characterized C.

Axin Family of Scaffolding Proteins in Development: Lessons from .

Scaffold proteins serve important roles in cellular signaling by integrating inputs from multiple signaling molecules to regulate downstream effectors that, in turn, carry out specific biological functions. One such protein, Axin, represents a major evolutionarily conserved scaffold protein in metazoans that participates in the WNT pathway and other pathways to regulate diverse cellular processes. This review summarizes the vast amount of literature on the regulation and functions of the Axin family of genes in eukaryotes, with a specific focus on development.