Polycomb protein Bmi1 promotes odontoblast differentiation by accelerating Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.

Bmi1 is a polycomb protein localized in stem cells and maintains their stemness. This protein is also reported to regulate the expression of various differentiation genes. In this study, to analyze the role of Bmi1 during dentinogenesis, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of Bmi1 during rat tooth development as well as after cavity preparation.

Localization of α-smooth muscle actin in osteoblast differentiation during periodontal development.

α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is an actin isoform commonly found within vascular smooth muscle cells. Moreover, α-SMA-positive cells are localized in the dental follicle (DF). DF is derived from alveolar bone (AB), cementum, and periodontal ligament (PDL).

Optimal conditions of algal breeding using neutral beam and applying it to breed Euglena gracilis strains with improved lipid accumulation.

Microalgae are considered to be more useful and effective to use in biomass production than other photosynthesis organisms. However, microalgae need to be altered to acquire more desirable traits for the relevant purpose. Although neutron radiation is known to induce DNA mutations, there have been few studies on its application to microalgae, and the optimal relationship between irradiation intensity and mutation occurrence has not been established.

Osteoblast differentiation of Gli1⁺ cells via Wnt and BMP signaling pathways during orthodontic tooth movement.

Objectives: Factors that induce bone formation during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) remain unclear. Gli1 was recently identified as a stem cell marker in the periodontal ligament (PDL). Therefore, we evaluated the mechanism of differentiation of Cre/LoxP-mediated Gli1/Tomato cells into osteoblasts during OTM.

Taxonomic difference in marine bloom-forming phytoplanktonic species affects the dynamics of both bloom-responding prokaryotes and prokaryotic viruses.

The production of dissolved organic matter during phytoplankton blooms and consumption by heterotrophic prokaryotes promote marine carbon biogeochemical cycling. Although prokaryotic viruses presumably affect this process, their dynamics during blooms are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the effects of taxonomic difference in bloom-forming phytoplankton on prokaryotes and their viruses.

Population-level prokaryotic community structures associated with ferromanganese nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (Pacific Ocean) revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Although deep-sea ferromanganese nodules are a potential resource for exploitation, their formation mechanisms remain unclear. Several nodule-associated prokaryotic species have been identified by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and are assumed to contribute to nodule formation. However, the recent development of amplicon sequence variant (ASV)-level monitoring revealed that closely related prokaryotic populations within an operational taxonomic unit often exhibit distinct ecological properties.

A rumen virosphere with implications of contribution to fermentation and methane production, and endemism in cattle breeds and individuals.

Viruses have a potential to modify the ruminal digestion via infection and cell lysis of prokaryotes, suggesting that viruses are related to animal performance and methane production. This study aimed to elucidate the genome-based diversity of rumen viral communities and the differences in virus structure between individuals and cattle breeds and to understand how viruses influence on the rumen. To these ends, a metagenomic sequencing of virus-like particles in the rumen of 22 Japanese cattle, including Japanese Black (JB, = 8), Japanese Shorthorn ( = 2), and Japanese Black sires × Holstein dams crossbred steers (F1, = 12) was conducted.

Scaffold Editing of Cubanes into Homocubanes, Homocuneanes via Cuneanes.

The selective synthesis of cage-type hydrocarbons through the editing of the highly symmetric molecule cubane can be anticipated as one of the efficient approaches. In this paper, we identify a catalyst that facilitates the efficient scaffold isomerization of cubanes into homocubanes. This approach, which involves the direct synthesis of homocubanol esters, is promising as a novel method for the synthesis of phenoxy bioisosteres.

The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in the Melanoma Tumor Bone Microenvironment.

A crucial regulator in melanoma progression and treatment resistance is tumor microenvironments, and Hedgehog (Hh) signals activated in a tumor bone microenvironment are a potential new therapeutic target. The mechanism of bone destruction by melanomas involving Hh/Gli signaling in such a tumor microenvironment is unknown. Here, we analyzed surgically resected oral malignant melanoma specimens and observed that Sonic Hedgehog, Gli1, and Gli2 were highly expressed in tumor cells, vasculatures, and osteoclasts.

Bone formation ability of Gli1 cells in the periodontal ligament after tooth extraction.

During the process of socket healing after tooth extraction, osteoblasts appear in the tooth socket and form alveolar bone; however, the source of these osteoblasts is still uncertain. Recently, it has been demonstrated that cells expressing Gli1, a downstream factor of sonic hedgehog signaling, exhibit stem cell properties in the periodontal ligament (PDL). Therefore, in the present study, the differentiation ability of Gli1-PDL cells after tooth extraction was analyzed using Gli1-Cre/ROSA26-loxP-stop-loxP-tdTomato (iGli1/Tomato) mice.

Immunohistochemical localization of CD146 and alpha-smooth muscle actin during dentin formation and regeneration.

Cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146) is known to localize in stem cells and precursor cells of various tissues. In this study, to analyze the function of CD146 in odontoblast differentiation, immunohistochemical localization of CD146 was examined during rat molar tooth development and after cavity preparation. At the cap and bell stages, many CD146-positive cells were visible around the blood vessels in the dental papillae.

Chiral Auxiliary-Directed Site-Selective Deprotonation of the Cubane Skeleton.

The first diastereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted cubanes was achieved using a chiral auxiliary. To establish chirality within the cubane skeleton, at least three substituents must be introduced at the appropriate positions. Ready conversion of cubane carboxylic acid to a chiral amide followed by sequential -selective deprotonations and electrophilic trapping afforded the corresponding 1,2,3-trisubstituted cubanes with high diastereoselectivity.

Differentiation ability of Gli1 cells during orthodontic tooth movement.

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) induces bone formation on the alveolar bone of the tension side; however, the mechanism of osteoblast differentiation is not fully understood. Gli1 is an essential transcription factor for hedgehog signaling and functions in undifferentiated cells during embryogenesis. In this study, we examined the differentiation of Gli1 cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) during OTM using a lineage-tracing analysis.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of CCN2 in Experimental Fracture Healing Models.

Skeletal fractures are most common large-organ traumatic injuries that impact the functions and esthetic outcomes and quality of life. Unfortunately, infection during the fracture healing process and inadequate blood supply to the bone impede reduced ability to produce cartilage and effective bone callus formation, leading to nonunion or delayed union fracture. Therefore, studying the mechanism of fracture healing is an important task in solving the problem of fracture healing failure.

Human dentin materials for minimally invasive bone regeneration: Animal studies and clinical cases.

Objectives: Bone, platelet concentrate, and tooth-derived dentin/cementum have been used as autologous materials in regenerative medicine Dentin materials were first recycled in 2002 for bone regeneration in humans, although bone autografts were noted in the 19th century, and auto-platelet concentrates were developed in 1998. Dentin/cementum-based material therapy has been applied as an innovative technique for minimally invasive bone surgery, while bone autografts are associated with donor site morbidity.

Methods: In October 2021, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to 2020 were screened.

Identification of 146 Metagenome-assembled Genomes from the Rumen Microbiome of Cattle in Japan.

The rumen contains a complex microbial ecosystem that degrades plant materials, such as cellulose and hemicellulose. We herein reconstructed 146 nonredundant, rumen-specific metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), with ≥50% completeness and <10% contamination, from cattle in Japan. The majority of MAGs were potentially novel strains, encoding various enzymes related to plant biomass degradation and volatile fatty acid production.

Gli1-PDL Cells Contribute to Alveolar Bone Homeostasis and Regeneration.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can differentiate into osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and fibroblasts. Nevertheless, the distribution and characteristics of these cells remain uncertain. Gli1, an essential hedgehog signaling transcription factor, functions in undifferentiated cells during embryogenesis.

Taxonomic and functional characterization of the rumen microbiome of Japanese Black cattle revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenome shotgun sequencing.

This study aimed to determine the taxonomic and functional characteristics of the Japanese Black (JB) steer rumen microbiome. The rumen microbiomes of six JB steers (age 14.7 ± 1.

Responses of cutaneous C-fiber afferents and spinal microglia after hindlimb cast immobilization in rats.

Previous studies have shown that persistent limb immobilization using a cast increases nociceptive behavior to somatic stimuli in rats. However, the peripheral neural mechanisms of nociception remain unclear. Using single-fiber electrophysiological recordings in vitro, we examined the general characteristics of cutaneous C-fiber afferents in the saphenous nerve and their responsiveness to mechanical and heat stimuli in a rat model of immobilization-induced pain by subjecting the rats to hindlimb cast immobilization for 4 weeks.

Localization of Bmi1 in osteoblast-lineage cells during endochondral ossification.

Encoded by B cell-specific moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1, Bmi1 is part of the polycomb group of proteins localized in stem and undifferentiated cells. It regulates the expression of various differentiation genes. However, the regulatory mechanism of skeletal development by Bmi1 remains poorly understood.

Boric acid inhibits alveolar bone loss in rat experimental periodontitis through diminished bone resorption and enhanced osteoblast formation.

Background/purpose: Inhibition of bone resorption is essential for periodontal treatment. Recently, it has been suggested that boric acid suppresses periodontitis, but the mechanism of this inhibition is still not well understood. Therefore, to analyze the cellular response to boric acid administration, we histologically evaluated alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis of rats administered boric acid.

Stem cell properties of Gli1-positive cells in the periodontal ligament.

Background: The periodontal ligament (PDL), which surrounds the tooth root, contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and fibroblasts under normal conditions. These MSCs are thought to have important roles in the repair and regeneration of injured periodontal tissues. However, since there is no useful marker for MSCs in the PDL, the characteristics and distributions of these cells remain unclear.

Differential Responses of a Coastal Prokaryotic Community to Phytoplanktonic Organic Matter Derived from Cellular Components and Exudates.

The phytoplanktonic production and prokaryotic consumption of organic matter significantly contribute to marine carbon cycling. Organic matter released from phytoplankton via three processes (exudation of living cells, cell disruption through grazing, and viral lysis) shows distinct chemical properties. We herein investigated the effects of phytoplanktonic whole-cell fractions (WF) (representing cell disruption by grazing) and extracellular fractions (EF) (representing exudates) prepared from Heterosigma akashiwo, a bloom-forming Raphidophyceae, on prokaryotic communities using culture-based experiments.

Expression and Role of IL-1β Signaling in Chondrocytes Associated with Retinoid Signaling during Fracture Healing.

The process of fracture healing consists of an inflammatory reaction and cartilage and bone tissue reconstruction. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signal is an important major factor in fracture healing, whereas its relevance to retinoid receptor (an RAR inverse agonist, which promotes endochondral bone formation) remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the expressions of IL-1β and retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARγ) in a rat fracture model and the effects of IL-1β in the presence of one of several RAR inverse agonists on chondrocytes.

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling and Tooth Development.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a secreted protein with important roles in mammalian embryogenesis. During tooth development, Shh is primarily expressed in the dental epithelium, from initiation to the root formation stages. A number of studies have analyzed the function of Shh signaling at different stages of tooth development and have revealed that Shh signaling regulates the formation of various tooth components, including enamel, dentin, cementum, and other soft tissues.