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13 pages, 1722 KiB  
Article
Diet Supplementation Influences Ghrelin System Expression in the Skin Appendages of the Sheep
by Margherita Maranesi, Cecilia Dall’Aglio, Sara Moscatelli, Elisa Palmioli, Paola Coliolo, Daniele Marini, Gabriella Guelfi, Paola Scocco and Francesca Mercati
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010041 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Ghrelin (GhRL) is an orexigenic hormone influenced by nutritional state. It plays a role in skin repair and diseases, though little information exists regarding its function in this organ. GhRL and its receptor were investigated in the skin of sheep under different feeding [...] Read more.
Ghrelin (GhRL) is an orexigenic hormone influenced by nutritional state. It plays a role in skin repair and diseases, though little information exists regarding its function in this organ. GhRL and its receptor were investigated in the skin of sheep under different feeding conditions to explore GhRL system presence and possible modifications due to diet. Three-year-old female sheep were free to graze from June to the pasture maximum flowering (MxF group) and from this period to maximum dryness addicted (Exp group) or not (MxD group) with 600 gr/die/head of barley and corn. Skin samples were processed for immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. The immunostaining showed the presence of the GhRL system in skin appendages. Indeed, the ligand was localized in the hair follicles whereas the receptor was also observed in sweat glands and smooth muscle cells. The expression of both genes was significantly higher in the Exp group (3.6 and 2.9 folds respectively, p < 0.05) compared with the MxF group. These results suggest that the GhRL system is involved in the regulation of hair follicles and sweat glands. In addition, diet supplementation may positively modulate the expression of GhRL and its receptor in the skin. Full article
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24 pages, 18018 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Land Surface Performance Differences and Uncertainty in Multiple Versions of MODIS LST Products
by Ruoyi Zhao, Wenping Yu, Xiangyi Deng, Yajun Huang, Wen Yang and Wei Zhou
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(22), 4255; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16224255 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1995
Abstract
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Surface Temperature (LST) products are essential data sources for global and regional climate change research. Currently, several versions of the MODIS LST product have been released, yet the performance differences and uncertainties they introduce in land surface [...] Read more.
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Surface Temperature (LST) products are essential data sources for global and regional climate change research. Currently, several versions of the MODIS LST product have been released, yet the performance differences and uncertainties they introduce in land surface studies remain insufficiently addressed. To bridge this gap, this study focuses on four distinct versions of the LST product: MxD11A1 Collection 5 (C5), Collection 6 (C6), Collection 6.1 (C6.1), and MxD21A1 Collection 6.1 (MxD21). The spatial resolution of all product generations is 1 km, and the temporal resolution is 0.5 days. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the errors arising from different generations of these products in various land surface process studies. The error assessment includes cross-comparisons between product versions and evaluations of the absolute errors generated. Absolute errors in evaluation data were collected from 13 surface sites within the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) project during the period 2013–2018. Cross-validation results show that the largest difference between C5 and C6.1 occurs over bare land, with an RMSE of approximately 1.45 K, while there is no significant change between C6 and C6.1. MOD21 shows considerable variation compared to C6.1 at night across different land cover types, with RMSE over cropland exceeding 2 K. The temperature difference between MOD21 and C6.1 is more pronounced at night (2.01 K) than during the day (0.30 K). Validation results based on temperature indicate that C5 has greater uncertainty compared to C6, especially over bare land, where errors are 2.06 K and 1.06 K, respectively. Furthermore, MxD21 demonstrates significant day–night performance discrepancies, with an average bias of 0.10 K at night, while daytime errors over bare land can reach 2 K, potentially influenced by atmospheric conditions. Based on the research in this paper, it is possible to clarify the performance of different versions of MODIS products, reflecting the appropriateness of their past applications; on the other hand, it is recommended to prioritize the use of the MxD11A1 C6 and C6.1 products for monitoring and applications in bare soil areas to ensure higher accuracy. Furthermore, for day and night monitoring, it may be beneficial to alternate between the MxD11A1 and MxD21A1 products to fully leverage their respective advantages and enhance overall monitoring effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing for Land Surface Temperature and Related Applications)
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10 pages, 893 KiB  
Article
Exposure to Gas Flaring Among Residents of Oil-Producing Communities in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study of Haematological Indices
by Domotimi James Jato, Felix M. Onyije, Osaro O. Mgbere and Godwin Ovie Avwioro
J 2024, 7(4), 472-481; https://doi.org/10.3390/j7040028 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1809
Abstract
Air pollution contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria flares the second largest amount of natural gas in the world, with residents of oil-producing communities bearing the burden of outdoor pollution that may have adverse effects on [...] Read more.
Air pollution contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria flares the second largest amount of natural gas in the world, with residents of oil-producing communities bearing the burden of outdoor pollution that may have adverse effects on their health and well-being. Our study aimed to investigate the haematological indices of residents of a selected gas-flaring site. We conducted a cross-sectional study, wherein a total of eighty adults aged 24 to 73 years were recruited from communities located within a radius of approximately 5 to 10 km from the gas-flaring facility. Blood specimens were collected from consenting participants and analysed for various haematological parameters, including Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (HB), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), platelet count (PLT), White Blood Cell (WBC) count, neutrophil (NEU), lymphocytes (LYMs), and Monocyte + Basophil + Eosinophil (MXD). The analysis was performed using an automated Sysmex KX21N haematological analyser. Overall, there was a significant decrease in RBC counts (p < 0.001) and a significant elevation in WBCs (p < 0.001) among people residing within a 5 km radius compared to those residing within a 10 km radius. About 42.5% of males residing within a 5 Km radius exhibited low RBC counts in contrast to only 15% of males residing within a 10 km radius. The WBC levels were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the reference range among both males and females residing within a 5 km radius compared to those residing at a distance of 10 km. In the female population, 15% of individuals residing within a 5 km and 10 Km radius exhibited RBC levels below the reference category, while 7.5% showed RBC levels above the reference range. Exposure to gas flaring may alter haematological indices. It is, therefore, recommended that a comprehensive longitudinal study be conducted among residents of oil-producing communities and workers at gas-flaring facilities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to assess the potential environmental and health implications of their exposure to chemical pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of J—Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal in 2024)
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13 pages, 5416 KiB  
Article
Tree-Ring Chronologies from the Upper Treeline in the Russian Altai Mountains Reveal Strong and Stable Summer Temperature Signals
by Alexander V. Kirdyanov, Alberto Arzac, Alina A. Kirdyanova, Tito Arosio, Dmitriy V. Ovchinnikov, Dmitry A. Ganyushkin, Paul N. Katjutin, Vladimir S. Myglan, Andrey N. Nazarov, Igor Y. Slyusarenko, Tatiana Bebchuk and Ulf Büntgen
Forests 2024, 15(8), 1402; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15081402 - 10 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2134
Abstract
Radial tree growth at high-elevation and high-latitude sites is predominantly controlled by changes in summer temperature. This relationship is, however, expected to weaken under projected global warming, which questions the reliability of tree-ring chronologies for climate reconstructions. Here, we examined the growth–climate response [...] Read more.
Radial tree growth at high-elevation and high-latitude sites is predominantly controlled by changes in summer temperature. This relationship is, however, expected to weaken under projected global warming, which questions the reliability of tree-ring chronologies for climate reconstructions. Here, we examined the growth–climate response patterns of five tree-ring width (TRW) and maximum latewood density (MXD) chronologies of larch (Larix sibirica) from upper-treeline ecotones in the Altai Mountains, which is a key region for developing millennial-long dendroclimatic records in inner Eurasia. The TRW and MXD chronologies exhibited significant year-to-year coherency within and between the two parameters (p < 0.001). While TRW is mostly influenced by temperature changes during the first half of the growing season from June to July (r = 0.66), MXD is most strongly correlated with May–August temperatures (r = 0.73). All seasonal temperature signals are statistically significant at the 99% confidence level, temporally stable back to 1940 CE, the period with reliable instrumental measurements, and spatially representative for a vast area of inner Eurasia between northeastern Kazakhstan in the west, northern Mongolia in the east, southern Russia in the north and northwestern China in the south. Our findings demonstrate the paleoclimatic potential of TRW and especially MXD chronologies and reject any sign of the ´divergence problem´ at these high-elevation, mid-latitude larch sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Tree Rings to Climate Change and Climate Extremes)
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14 pages, 7189 KiB  
Article
DNA Microarray and Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals the Potential of Whale Oil in Enhancing Hair Growth in a C57BL/6 Mice Dorsal Skin Model
by Junko Shibato, Fumiko Takenoya, Ai Kimura, Michio Yamashita, Satoshi Hirako, Randeep Rakwal and Seiji Shioda
Genes 2024, 15(5), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050627 - 15 May 2024
Viewed by 2240
Abstract
Much research has been conducted to determine how hair regeneration is regulated, as this could provide therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological interventions for hair loss. The current study focused on the hair growth effect and effective utilization of fatty oil obtained from Bryde’s [...] Read more.
Much research has been conducted to determine how hair regeneration is regulated, as this could provide therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological interventions for hair loss. The current study focused on the hair growth effect and effective utilization of fatty oil obtained from Bryde’s whales through a high-throughput DNA microarray approach in conjunction with immunohistochemical observations. The research also examined the mechanisms and factors involved in hair growth. In an experiment using female C57BL/6J mice, the vehicle control group (VC: propylene glycol: ethanol: water), the positive control group (MXD: 3% minoxidil), and the experimental group (WO: 20% whale oil) were topically applied to the dorsal skin of the mouse. The results showed that 3% MXD and 20% WO were more effective than VC in promoting hair growth, especially 20% WO. Furthermore, in hematoxylin and eosin-stained dorsal skin tissue, an increase in the number of hair follicles and subcutaneous tissue thickness was observed with 20% WO. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis also confirmed increases for 20% WO in filaggrin (Flg), a gene related to skin barrier function; fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21), which is involved in hair follicle development; and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (Crisp1), a candidate gene for alopecia areata. Furthermore, the results of KEGG pathway analysis indicated that 20% WO may have lower stress and inflammatory responses than 3% MXD. Therefore, WO is expected to be a safe hair growth agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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26 pages, 12276 KiB  
Article
Deciphering “Immaturity-Stemness” in Human Epidermal Stem Cells at the Levels of Protein-Coding and Non-Coding Genomes: A Prospective Computational Approach
by Tatiana Vinasco-Sandoval, Gilles Lemaître, Pascal Soularue, Michèle T. Martin and Nicolas O. Fortunel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063353 - 15 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1804
Abstract
The epidermis hosts populations of epithelial stem cells endowed with well-documented renewal and regenerative functions. This tissue thus constitutes a model for exploring the molecular characteristics of stem cells, which remain to date partially characterized at the molecular level in human skin. Our [...] Read more.
The epidermis hosts populations of epithelial stem cells endowed with well-documented renewal and regenerative functions. This tissue thus constitutes a model for exploring the molecular characteristics of stem cells, which remain to date partially characterized at the molecular level in human skin. Our group has investigated the regulatory functions of the KLF4/TGFB1 and the MAD4/MAX/MYC signaling pathways in the control of the immaturity-stemness versus differentiation fate of keratinocyte stem and precursor cells from human interfollicular epidermis. We described that down-modulation of either KLF4 or MXD4/MAD4 using RNA interference tools promoted an augmented stemness cellular status; an effect which was associated with significant transcriptional changes, as assessed by RNA-sequencing. Here, we have implemented a computational approach aimed at integrating the level of the coding genome, comprising the transcripts encoding conventional proteins, and the non-coding genome, with a focus on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In addition, datasets of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) with validated functions were interrogated in view of identifying miRNAs that could make the link between protein-coding and non-coding transcripts. Putative regulons comprising both coding and long non-coding transcripts were built, which are expected to contain original pro-stemness candidate effectors available for functional validation approaches. In summary, interpretation of our basic functional data together with in silico biomodeling gave rise to a prospective picture of the complex constellation of transcripts regulating the keratinocyte stemness status. Full article
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14 pages, 2688 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Thiolated Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoparticles for Topical Delivery of Minoxidil
by Ammara Akhtar, Muhammad Khurram Waqas, Arshad Mahmood, Saira Tanvir, Talib Hussain, Mohsin Kazi, Muhammad Ijaz and Mulazim Hussain Asim
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2716; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122716 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2108
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this research was to prepare adhesive nanoparticles for the topical application of Minoxidil (MXD). Methods: Thiolated β-CDs were prepared via conjugation of cysteamine with oxidized CDs. MXD was encapsulated within thiolated and unmodified β-CDs. Ionic gelation method was used [...] Read more.
Purpose: The aim of this research was to prepare adhesive nanoparticles for the topical application of Minoxidil (MXD). Methods: Thiolated β-CDs were prepared via conjugation of cysteamine with oxidized CDs. MXD was encapsulated within thiolated and unmodified β-CDs. Ionic gelation method was used to prepare nanoparticles (Thio-NP and blank NP) of CDs with chitosan. Nanoparticles were analyzed for size and zetapotential. Inclusion complexes were characterized via FTIR. Drug dissolution studies were carried out. An in vitro adhesion study over human hair was performed. An in vivo skin irritation study was performed. Ex vivo drug uptake was evaluated by using a Franz diffusion cell. Results: Thiolated β-CDs presented 1804.68 ± 25 μmol/g thiol groups and 902.34 ± 25 μmol/g disulfide bonds. Nanoparticles displayed particle sizes within a range of 231 ± 07 nm to 354 ± 13 nm. The zeta potential was in the range of −8.1 ± 02 mV, +16.0 ± 05 mV. FTIR analyses confirmed no interaction between the excipients and drug. Delayed drug release was observed from Thio-NP. Thio-NP retained over hair surfaces for a significantly longer time. Similarly, drug retention was significantly improved. Thio-NP displayed no irritation over rabbit skin. Conclusion: Owing to the above results, nanoparticles developed with MXD-loaded thiolated β-CDs might be a potential drug delivery system for topical scalp diseases. Full article
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22 pages, 11113 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Effect of Vegetation Index Based on Multiple Tree-Ring Parameters in the Central Tianshan Mountains
by Jinghui Song, Tongwen Zhang, Yuting Fan, Yan Liu, Shulong Yu, Shengxia Jiang, Dong Guo, Tianhao Hou and Kailong Guo
Forests 2023, 14(12), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14122362 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1531
Abstract
Combining tree ring data with remote sensing data can help to gain a deeper understanding of the driving factors that influence vegetation change, identify climate events that lead to vegetation change, and improve the parameters of global vegetation index reconstruction models. However, it [...] Read more.
Combining tree ring data with remote sensing data can help to gain a deeper understanding of the driving factors that influence vegetation change, identify climate events that lead to vegetation change, and improve the parameters of global vegetation index reconstruction models. However, it is currently not well understood how climate change at different elevations in the central Tianshan Mountains affects radial tree growth and the dynamics of forest canopy growth. We selected Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana) tree core samples from different elevations in the central Tianshan Mountains. We analyzed the relationships of various tree-ring parameters, including tree-ring width, maximum latewood density (MXD), and minimum earlywood density (MID) chronologies, with 1982–2012 GIMMS (Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies) NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), 2001–2012 MODIS (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer) NDVI, and meteorological data. (1) There were strong correlations between tree-ring width chronologies and the lowest temperatures, especially in July. Tree-ring width chronologies at higher altitudes were positively correlated with temperature; the opposite pattern was observed at lower altitudes. MID chronologies were positively correlated with July temperature in high-altitude areas and mean temperature and highest temperature from May to September in low-altitude areas, and negatively correlated with precipitation during this period. MXD chronologies were mainly negatively correlated with precipitation. MXD chronologies were mainly positively correlated with temperature in April and May. (2) The correlations between MXD chronologies at each sampling point and NDVI in each month of the growing season were strong. Both MID and MXD chronologies were negatively correlated with GIMMS NDVI in July. The overall correlations between tree-ring parameters and MODIS NDVI were stronger than the correlations between tree-ring parameters and GIMMS NDVI in high-altitude areas; the opposite pattern was observed in low-altitude areas. Drought stress may be the main factor affecting tree ring parameters and NDVI. In the future, we should combine tree ring parameters with vegetation index to investigate a larger scale of forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Tree Rings to Climate Change and Climate Extremes)
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15 pages, 11899 KiB  
Article
Regional Characteristics of the Climatic Response of Tree-Ring Maximum Density in the Northern Hemisphere
by Shulong Yu, Yuting Fan, Tongwen Zhang, Shengxia Jiang, Ruibo Zhang, Li Qin, Huaming Shang, Heli Zhang, Kexiang Liu and Xiaoxia Gou
Forests 2023, 14(11), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14112122 - 25 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
The maximum latewood density (MXD) of tree rings can reflect the temperature of the growing season, but the timing of the response differs among regions. We selected 152 maximum latewood density chronologies from the Northern Hemisphere that showed a significant response to temperature. [...] Read more.
The maximum latewood density (MXD) of tree rings can reflect the temperature of the growing season, but the timing of the response differs among regions. We selected 152 maximum latewood density chronologies from the Northern Hemisphere that showed a significant response to temperature. Based on a cluster analysis and the sensitivity of MXD to the monthly mean temperature, the chronologies were classified into six clusters. The clusters showed distinct regional characteristics, and the period and peak month of significant response of the chronologies in each cluster to temperature were different. Spatial synchronization of the MXDs revealed that the two clusters distributed in Europe showed the most consistency and the strongest response to the April–September monthly mean temperature compared with the other clusters. Temperature accounted for more than 40% of the total MXD variance in all clusters, whereas the effect of precipitation was much smaller. In addition to climatic factors, the random effect of the latitude and longitude of sampling sites, elevation, and tree species was a major factor contributing to the variance in MXD in each cluster. Latitude and longitude had the strongest influence among the three random effects, and tree species had the weakest influence, except at high latitudes. The MXD of each cluster showed sensitivity to temperature within a certain interval, with a positive linear response, and the sensitivity interval was greatest at high latitudes. Certain clusters showed a negative linear sensitivity to precipitation. The results provide a reference for studying the climatic threshold of large-scale tree-ring density formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Response of Tree Rings to Climate Change and Climate Extremes)
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19 pages, 9900 KiB  
Article
Acute Exposure to Two Biocides Causes Morphological and Molecular Changes in the Gill Ciliary Epithelium of the Invasive Golden Mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857)
by Amanda Maria Siqueira Moreira, Erico Tadeu Fraga Freitas, Mariana de Paula Reis, Júlia Meireles Nogueira, Newton Pimentel de Ulhôa Barbosa, André Luiz Martins Reis, Afonso Pelli, Paulo Ricardo da Silva Camargo, Antonio Valadão Cardoso, Rayan Silva de Paula and Erika Cristina Jorge
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203258 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2824
Abstract
Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a bivalve mollusk considered an invader in South America. This species is responsible for ecological and economic damages due to its voluminous fouling capability. Chemical biocides such as MXD-100™ and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) are often used [...] Read more.
Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a bivalve mollusk considered an invader in South America. This species is responsible for ecological and economic damages due to its voluminous fouling capability. Chemical biocides such as MXD-100™ and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) are often used to control L. fortunei infestations in hydraulic systems. Thus, we proposed to investigate the effects of different periods (24, 48 and 72 h) of exposure to MXD-100™ (0.56 mg L−1) and NaDCC (1.5 mg L−1) on the gills of L. fortunei through morphological and molecular analyses. NaDCC promoted progressive morphological changes during the analyzed periods and only an upregulation of SOD and HSP70 expression during the first 24 h of exposure. MXD-100™ led to severe morphological changes from the first period of exposure, in addition to an upregulation of SOD, CAT, HSP70 and CYP expression during the first 24 h. In contrast, MXD-100™ led to a downregulation of CAT transcription between 24 and 48 h. In static conditions, NaDCC causes lethal damage after 72 h of exposure, and that exposure needs to be continuous to achieve the control of the species. Meanwhile, the MXD-100™ treatment presented several effects during the first 24 h, showing acute toxicity in a shorter period of time. Full article
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24 pages, 5681 KiB  
Article
A Combinatorial Regulatory Platform Determines Expression of RNA Polymerase III Subunit RPC7α (POLR3G) in Cancer
by Ruiying Cheng, Sihang Zhou, Rajendra K C, Simon Lizarazo, Leela Mouli, Anshita Jayanth, Qing Liu and Kevin Van Bortle
Cancers 2023, 15(20), 4995; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15204995 - 15 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3440
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) subunit RPC7α, which is encoded by POLR3G in humans, has been linked to both tumor growth and metastasis. Accordantly, high POLR3G expression is a negative prognostic factor in multiple cancer subtypes. To date, the mechanisms underlying POLR3G upregulation [...] Read more.
RNA polymerase III (Pol III) subunit RPC7α, which is encoded by POLR3G in humans, has been linked to both tumor growth and metastasis. Accordantly, high POLR3G expression is a negative prognostic factor in multiple cancer subtypes. To date, the mechanisms underlying POLR3G upregulation have remained poorly defined. We performed a large-scale genomic survey of mRNA and chromatin signatures to predict drivers of POLR3G expression in cancer. Our survey uncovers positive determinants of POLR3G expression, including a gene-internal super-enhancer bound with multiple transcription factors (TFs) that promote POLR3G expression, as well as negative determinants that include gene-internal DNA methylation, retinoic-acid induced differentiation, and MXD4-mediated disruption of POLR3G expression. We show that novel TFs identified in our survey, including ZNF131 and ZNF207, functionally enhance POLR3G expression, whereas MXD4 likely obstructs MYC-driven expression of POLR3G and other growth-related genes. Integration of chromatin architecture and gene regulatory signatures identifies additional factors, including histone demethylase KDM5B, as likely influencers of POLR3G gene activity. Taken together, our findings support a model in which POLR3G expression is determined with multiple factors and dynamic regulatory programs, expanding our understanding of the circuitry underlying POLR3G upregulation and downstream consequences in cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Involvement of RNA Polymerases I and III in Cancer Progression)
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40 pages, 19099 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic Overview of Bioconjugation Reactions Pertinent to Lysine and Cysteine Peptide and Protein Residues
by Maja Lopandic, Fatima Merza and John F. Honek
Compounds 2023, 3(3), 464-503; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3030035 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4383
Abstract
Bioconjugation reactions are critical to the modification of peptides and proteins, permitting the introduction of biophysical probes onto proteins as well as drugs for use in antibody-targeted medicines. A diverse set of chemical reagents can be employed in these circumstances to covalently label [...] Read more.
Bioconjugation reactions are critical to the modification of peptides and proteins, permitting the introduction of biophysical probes onto proteins as well as drugs for use in antibody-targeted medicines. A diverse set of chemical reagents can be employed in these circumstances to covalently label protein side chains, such as the amine moiety in the side chain of lysine and the thiol functionality in cysteine residues, two of the more frequently employed sites for modification. To provide researchers with a thermodynamic survey of the reaction of these residues with frequently employed chemical modification reagents as well as reactive cellular intermediates also known to modify proteins non-enzymatically, a theoretical investigation of the overall thermodynamics of models of these reactions was undertaken at the T1 and G3(MP2) thermochemical recipe levels (gas phase), the M06-2X/6-311+G(2df,2p)/B3LYP/6-31G(d) (gas and water phase), and the M06-2X/cc-PVTZ(-f)++ density functional levels of theory (water phase). Discussions of the relationship between the reagent structure and the overall thermodynamics of amine or thiol modification are presented. Of additional interest are the observations that routine cellular intermediates such as certain thioesters, acyl phosphates, and acetyl-L-carnitine can contribute to non-enzymatic protein modifications. These reactions and representative click chemistry reactions were also investigated. The computational survey presented herein (>320 reaction computations were undertaken) should serve as a valuable resource for researchers undertaking protein bioconjugation. A concluding section addresses the ability of computation to provide predictions as to the potential for protein modification by new chemical entities, with a cautionary note on protein modification side reactions that may occur when employing synthetic substrates to measure enzyme kinetic activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Compounds (2022–2023))
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16 pages, 11481 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Effect of Processing Parameters for Direct Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Technologies
by Kyu Taek Cho, Luis Nunez, John Shelton and Federico Sciammarella
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2023, 7(3), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp7030105 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6528
Abstract
In order to capitalize on the cost-effectiveness of additive manufacturing (AM), it is critical to understand how to build components with consistency and high quality. Directed energy deposition (DED) is an AM method for creating parts layer by layer through the use of [...] Read more.
In order to capitalize on the cost-effectiveness of additive manufacturing (AM), it is critical to understand how to build components with consistency and high quality. Directed energy deposition (DED) is an AM method for creating parts layer by layer through the use of a moving heat source and powder material inserted into the melt pool generated on the substrate. DED, like most AM processes, is highly complex due to the rapid thermal gradients experienced during processing. These thermal gradients are determined by a variety of processing parameters, which include laser power, powder feed rate, travel speed, layer height hatch spacing, etc. A lot of effort has been carried out in the additive manufacturing community to understand what these critical parameters are and how they influence the thermal gradients. Despite all these efforts, AM industries rely on a trial-and-error-based approach to find the right set of parameters to produce a quality part. This is time-consuming and not a cost-effective use of AM technology. The aim of our research is to reduce the amount of experimental data in combination with numerical analysis to optimize this relationship. Physics-based two-dimensional melt-pool modeling and experimental results from an OPTOMEC 850M LENS will be utilized to investigate the effects of processing parameters on melt-pool geometry, and the results from this study will provide key processing guidelines to achieve desirable clad geometry and powder efficiency for the DED method. Full article
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19 pages, 26307 KiB  
Article
Examining the Effect of Notocactus ottonis Cold Vacuum Isolated Plant Cell Extract on Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice Using a Combination of Physiological and OMICS Analyses
by Junko Shibato, Fumiko Takenoya, Ai Kimura, Cheol Woo Min, Michio Yamashita, Ravi Gupta, Sun Tae Kim, Randeep Rakwal and Seiji Shioda
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041565 - 6 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3113
Abstract
The biological and psychological importance of hair is recognized worldwide. Molecules that can promote the activation of hair follicle stem cells and the initiation of the growth phase have been subjects of research. Clarifying how hair regeneration is regulated may help to provide [...] Read more.
The biological and psychological importance of hair is recognized worldwide. Molecules that can promote the activation of hair follicle stem cells and the initiation of the growth phase have been subjects of research. Clarifying how hair regeneration is regulated may help to provide hair loss treatments, including cosmetic and even psychological interventions. We examined the hair-growing effects of a cell extract (CE) obtained from cactus Notocactus ottonis by the cold vacuum extraction protocol, by investigating its hair-growing effects, relevant mechanisms, and potential factors therein. Using male C57BL/6 mice, vehicle control (VC: propylene glycol: ethanol: water), MXD (minoxidil, positive control), and N. ottonis CE (N-CE, experimental) were applied topically to the backs of mice. The results showed that MXD and N-CE were more effective in promoting hair growth than VC. An increase in number of hair follicles was observed with N-CE in hematoxylin-eosin-stained skin tissue. The metabolite composition of N-CE revealed the presence of growth-promoting factors. Using mouse back whole-skin tissue samples, whole-genome DNA microarray (4 × 44 K, Agilent) and proteomics (TMT-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) analyses were carried out, suggesting the molecular factors underlying hair-promoting effects of N-CE. This study raises the possibility of using the newly described N. ottonis CE as a hair-growth-promoting agent. Full article
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29 pages, 7612 KiB  
Article
Disruption of Multiple Overlapping Functions Following Stepwise Inactivation of the Extended Myc Network
by Huabo Wang, Taylor Stevens, Jie Lu, Merlin Airik, Rannar Airik and Edward V. Prochownik
Cells 2022, 11(24), 4087; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11244087 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
Myc, a member of the “Myc Network” of bHLH-ZIP transcription factors, supervises proliferation, metabolism, and translation. It also engages in crosstalk with the related “Mlx Network” to co-regulate overlapping genes and functions. We investigated the consequences of stepwise conditional inactivation of Myc and [...] Read more.
Myc, a member of the “Myc Network” of bHLH-ZIP transcription factors, supervises proliferation, metabolism, and translation. It also engages in crosstalk with the related “Mlx Network” to co-regulate overlapping genes and functions. We investigated the consequences of stepwise conditional inactivation of Myc and Mlx in primary and SV40 T-antigen-immortalized murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Myc-knockout (MycKO) and Myc × Mlx “double KO” (DKO)—but not MlxKO—primary MEFs showed rapid growth arrest and displayed features of accelerated aging and senescence. However, DKO MEFs soon resumed proliferating, indicating that durable growth arrest requires an intact Mlx network. All three KO MEF groups deregulated multiple genes and functions pertaining to aging, senescence, and DNA damage recognition/repair. Immortalized KO MEFs proliferated in Myc’s absence while demonstrating variable degrees of widespread genomic instability and sensitivity to genotoxic agents. Finally, compared to primary MycKO MEFs, DKO MEFs selectively downregulated numerous gene sets associated with the p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) pathways and G2/M arrest. Thus, the reversal of primary MycKO MEF growth arrest by either Mlx loss or SV40 T-antigen immortalization appears to involve inactivation of the p53 and/or Rb pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Myc Metabolism and Cancer)
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