HFE promotes mitotic cell division through recruitment of cytokinetic abscission machinery in hepatocellular carcinoma.

HFE (Hemochromatosis) is a conventional iron level regulator and its loss of function due to gene mutations increases the risk of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Likewise, studies focusing on HFE overexpression in cancers are all limited to linking up these events as a consequence of iron level deregulation. No study has explored any iron unrelated role of HFE in cancers.

Effect of Crystallization on Shape Memory Effect of Poly(lactic Acid).

The opportunity for the preparation of high-performance shape memory materials was brought about by the excellent mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). As the effect of crystallization on shape memory was still unclear, this brings constraints to the high-performance design of PLA. The PLA plates with different aggregation structure were prepared by three kinds of molding methods in this paper.

Involvement of gap junctions in propylthiouracil-induced cytotoxicity in BRL-3A cells.

Gap junctions (GJs), which are important plasma membrane channels for the transfer of signaling molecules between adjacent cells, have been implicated in drug-induced liver injury. However, the influence and the underlying mechanisms of GJs in propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hepatotoxicity are unclear. In the present study, distinct manipulations were performed to regulate GJ function in the BRL-3A rat liver cell line.

Effects of gap junction intercellular communication on the docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity in rat hepatocytes.

The effect of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) on docetaxel-induced hepatotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study involved investigating the effect of downregulating GJs derived from connexin (Cx) 32 in BRL-3A cells by three different mechanisms: Using a low-density culture; suppression of Cx32 using small interfering RNA; and use of the chemical inhibitor 2‑aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‑APB), all of which led to attenuated docetaxel hepatotoxicity. In order to investigate the relevant mechanisms involved, apoptosis and caspase activities of BRL‑3A cells were determined.