Epigeneitc silencing of ribosomal RNA genes by Mybbp1a.

Background: Transcription of the ribosomal RNA gene repeats by Pol I occurs in the nucleolus and is a fundamental step in ribosome biogenesis and protein translation. Due to tight coordination between ribosome biogenesis and cell proliferation, transcription of rRNA and stable maintenance of rDNA clusters are thought to be under intricate control by intercalated mechanisms, particularly at the epigenetic level.

Methods And Results: Here we identify the nucleolar protein Myb-binding protein 1a (Mybbp1a) as a novel negative regulator of rRNA expression.

Signaling pathways of LIGHT induced macrophage migration and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

The biological actions of LIGHT, a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, are mediated by the interaction with lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTbetaR) and/or herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM). Previous study demonstrated high-level expressions of LIGHT and HVEM receptors in atherosclerotic plaques. To investigate the role of LIGHT in the functioning of macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in relation to atherogenesis, we determined the effects of LIGHT on macrophage migration and VSMC proliferation.

The role of Rho-associated kinase in differential regulation by statins of interleukin-1beta- and lipopolysaccharide-mediated nuclear factor kappaB activation and inducible nitric-oxide synthase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

An optimal level of NO has protective effects in atherosclerosis, whereas large amounts contribute to septic shock. To study how statins, the potent inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis, regulate NO in the vascular wall, we determined their effects on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Compared with the large amounts of NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein expression induced by LPS, the responses of IL-1beta were modest.