Genetic cases of congenital pituitary hormone deficiency are common and many are caused by transcription factor defects. Mouse models with orthologous mutations are invaluable for uncovering the molecular mechanisms that lead to problems in organ development and typical patient characteristics. We are using mutant mice defective in the transcription factors PROP1 and POU1F1 for gene expression profiling to identify target genes for these critical transcription factors and candidates for cases of pituitary hormone deficiency of unknown aetiology. These studies reveal critical roles for Wnt signalling pathways, including the TCF/LEF transcription factors and interacting proteins of the groucho family, bone morphogenetic protein antagonists and targets of notch signalling. Current studies are investigating the roles of novel homeobox genes and pathways that regulate the transition from proliferation to differentiation, cell adhesion and cell migration. Pituitary adenomas are a common human health problem, yet most cases are sporadic, necessitating alternative approaches to traditional Mendelian genetic studies. Mouse models of adenoma formation offer the opportunity for gene expression profiling during progressive stages of hyperplasia, adenoma and tumorigenesis. This approach holds promise for the identification of relevant pathways and candidate genes as risk factors for adenoma formation, understanding mechanisms of progression, and identifying drug targets and clinically relevant biomarkers.
NAC [NO APICAL MERISTEM (NAM), ARABIDOPSIS TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR FACTOR 1/2 (ATAF1/2), and CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC2)] transcription factors are key regulators of plant growth, development, and stress responses but were also crucial players during land plant adaptation and crop domestication. Using representative members of green algae, bryophytes, lycophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, we expanded the evolutionary history of NAC transcription factors to unveil the relationships among members of this gene family. We found a massive increase in the number of NAC transcription factors from green algae to lycophytes and an even larger increase in flowering plants.
Dioscorea alata, a key tuber crop for global food security, is threatened by anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. However, identification of functional resistance genes against C. gloeosporioides in D.
METTL3, an m6A methyltransferase, is integral to the regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) biogenesis, degradation, and translation through the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Alterations in m6A homeostasis have been implicated in the development, progression, invasion, and metastasis of certain cancers. The present research aims to examine the consequences of METTL3 knockdown using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) on the proliferation and invasive capabilities of human colorectal and melanoma cancer cell lines.
Introduction: Retinol has a long history of treating skin conditions, including photoaging. However, skin irritation with repeated use of retinol is well documented. The present study assessed the effectiveness of a novel topical formulation, referred to as retinol topical formulation (RTF), to improve the quality of skin health.
Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) was associated with adipogenesis. However, potential mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Herein, a 3T3-L1 adipocyte model was used to explore the dynamic changes in adipocyte differentiation (2, 4, and 8 days) under PFOA and HFPO-DA exposure.
