An atlas of seven zebrafish hox cluster mutants provides insights into sub/neofunctionalization of vertebrate Hox clusters.

Vertebrate Hox clusters are comprised of multiple Hox genes that control morphology and developmental timing along multiple body axes. Although results of genetic analyses using Hox-knockout mice have been accumulating, genetic studies in other vertebrates have not been sufficient for functional comparisons of vertebrate Hox genes. In this study, we isolated all of the seven hox cluster loss-of-function alleles in zebrafish using the CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Nonpeptide orexin type-2 receptor agonist ameliorates narcolepsy-cataplexy symptoms in mouse models.

Narcolepsy-cataplexy is a debilitating disorder of sleep/wakefulness caused by a loss of orexin-producing neurons in the lateroposterior hypothalamus. Genetic or pharmacologic orexin replacement ameliorates symptoms in mouse models of narcolepsy-cataplexy. We have recently discovered a potent, nonpeptide OX2R-selective agonist, YNT-185.

Photochemical stabilities of some dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers in powdered pharmaceutical tablets.

Photostabilities of some dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers in pulverized pharmaceutical tablets were studied. Powdered tablets including amlodipine, nifedipine, or nilvadipine were exposed to D65 daylight lamp radiation according to an ICH guideline (ICH Q1B). The photodegradation of pharmaceutical components and their degradation products were monitored by HPLC using a reversed phase column with UV detection; their peak components were identified using MS analysis.