De Novo Serine Synthesis is a Metabolic Vulnerability that can be Exploited to Overcome Sunitinib Resistance in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Sunitinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that exhibits significant efficacy but faces resistance in 30% of patients. Identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance could enable the development of strategies to enhance sunitinib sensitivity. Here, we showed that sunitinib induces a metabolic shift leading to increased serine synthesis in RCC cells.

Host genetic variability and determinants of severe COVID-19.

Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, convergent studies have provided evidence that host genetic background may contribute to the development of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Here, we summarize how some genetic variations, such as in SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 or interferon signaling pathway, may help to understand why some individuals can develop severe COVID-19.

The LEGO® brick road to open science and biotechnology.

LEGO® is a brand of toys that have entertained generations of children. Beyond amusement, LEGO® bricks also constitute a building ecosystem of their own that creators from the general public, as well as scientists and engineers, can use to design and assemble devices for all purposes, including scientific research and biotechnology. We describe several of these constructions to highlight the construction properties of LEGO® and their advantages, caveats, and impact in biotechnology.

The Carcinogen Cadmium Activates Lysine 63 (K63)-Linked Ubiquitin-Dependent Signaling and Inhibits Selective Autophagy.

Signaling, proliferation, and inflammation are dependent on K63-linked ubiquitination-conjugation of a chain of ubiquitin molecules linked via lysine 63. However, very little information is currently available about how K63-linked ubiquitination is subverted in cancer. The present study provides, for the first time, evidence that cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental carcinogen, is a potent activator of K63-linked ubiquitination, independently of oxidative damage, activation of ubiquitin ligase, or proteasome impairment.

Using Genetics To Dissect SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

To uncover the key cellular pathways associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity, Daniloski and coworkers used CRISPR-based whole-genome screening. Their results could propose new or repositioned drugs for the ongoing fight against COVID-19.