Search Results (138)

Purpose: Cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) derive from melanocytes. Nevertheless, they differ in genetic drivers and progression pathways. Previous research examining the relationship between CM and UM has been constrained by small cohorts and the rarity of UM. The aim of this study was to determine whether UM occurs more frequently in patients with a CM compared to matched patients with keratinocyte carcinoma (KC, squamous or basal cell carcinoma of the skin). Patients with KC were selected as the control to account for the excess risk due to sun exposure and access to healthcare. Methods: We performed a large, multicenter retrospective cohort study using TriNetX, a global health research network and real-world data platform. Cohort 1 had CM or melanoma in situ (MIS) and no history of KC. Cohort 2 had KC and no history of CM or MIS. The main outcome was the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the choroid or ciliary body over a 5-year follow-up, including diagnoses recorded before the index skin cancer. Patients who had metastatic disease were excluded to remove potential misidentifications of choroidal metastasis as UM. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match demographic and clinical characteristics. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and corresponding two-sided p-values were used to compare categorical outcomes. Ophthalmologic follow-up was evaluated to rule out surveillance bias. Results: The CM cohort included 57,352 patients. The KC cohort included 137,083 patients. After PSM each cohort included 52,860 patients. UM occurred in 53 CM patients (0.1%) compared with 13 KC patients (0.02%). This corresponds to an OR of 4.08 (95% CI [2.22, 7.49]; p < 0.001). UM diagnosis preceded CM in 70% of patients with both diagnoses. The association persisted in a sensitivity analysis after excluding patients with UM documented before CM (HR 14.32; 95% CI 7.96–25.76). Conclusions: Cutaneous melanoma is associated with a significantly higher risk of UM compared to KC. These findings suggest a link between cutaneous and uveal melanoma and may offer a possible role for ophthalmic surveillance in CM patients and dermatology surveillance in UM patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a pleiotropic cytokine with central and peripheral actions, has been implicated in obesity, insulin resistance, and aging, yet its role in skeletal muscle and cardiometabolic health remains unclear. This study examined skeletal muscle CNTF mRNA expression in relation to adiposity and glucose tolerance in older adults and assessed the effects of six-month weight loss (WL) and aerobic exercise training (AEX) interventions on its expression. Methods: Sixty-seven adults (age, 60.75 ± 7.58) underwent a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy, VO₂max testing, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, a resting metabolic rate (RMR) and substrate oxidation assessment, and a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin area under the curve (AUC) calculation. A subset completed 6 months of either a WL program (n = 21) or a supervised 3 times per week AEX intervention (n = 20). Results: At baseline, skeletal muscle CNTF expression was inversely associated with RMR, fat oxidation, 3-h glucose AUC, and insulin AUC, but not with BMI, percent body fat, or VO₂max. WL reduced body weight, fat mass, glucose AUC, insulin AUC, and basal muscle CNTF expression, whereas AEX increased VO₂max and reduced fat mass without altering body weight, glucose AUC, insulin AUC, or basal CNTF. Insulin-stimulated CNTF expression increased after both WL and AEX, and the intervention-induced change in glucose disposal (M) was positively associated with the change in insulin-stimulated CNTF. Conclusions: In older adults, skeletal muscle CNTF is associated with glucose intolerance but is not associated with body composition or aerobic fitness. Improvements in insulin sensitivity are associated with increases in muscle CNTF during hyperinsulinemia. Further work is needed to determine the mechanism for muscle CNTF change during hyperinsulinemia after weight loss and exercise training, and its role in glucose metabolism and obesity in older adults. Full article

Glaucoma surgery is entering a precision-based era in which surgical success is determined not only by intraocular pressure reduction, but also by the anatomical mechanism targeted, the expected durability of effect, safety profile, medication burden, quality of life, and preservation of future therapeutic options. Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has become an important component of this paradigm by expanding the surgical continuum toward earlier, anatomically targeted, and tissue-sparing intervention. However, MIGS does not represent a homogeneous procedural category; rather, it encompasses distinct approaches that modulate different components of aqueous humor dynamics, including the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s canal, distal collector channels, the subconjunctival space, the suprachoroidal pathway, and aqueous production. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence and proposes a mechanism-based framework for glaucoma surgery, with particular emphasis on trabecular and Schlemm’s canal-based procedures as representative examples of physiologically oriented conventional outflow enhancement. Canal-based interventions, trabecular bypass, goniotomy, trabeculotomy, and canaloplasty are most appropriate when enhancement of conventional outflow can achieve clinically meaningful pressure and medication reduction, particularly in mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma. By contrast, subconjunctival filtration, trabeculectomy, and aqueous shunt surgery remain indispensable when lower target pressures are required, especially in advanced or rapidly progressive disease. Lens extraction and ciliary body-directed procedures further illustrate the importance of aligning surgical strategy with disease phenotype and anatomical mechanism. The future of glaucoma surgery will therefore depend on individualized procedure selection guided by glaucoma stage, target pressure, angle and lens anatomy, outflow pathway integrity, safety considerations, and long-term surgical sequencing. Full article

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder mainly characterized by impaired mucociliary clearance and chronic respiratory symptoms. From a consanguineous family, a male patient, although with respiratory complaints since birth, was diagnosed with PCD only in adulthood. Whole-exome sequencing disclosed a novel homozygous intronic single-nucleotide deletion, NM_001369.3(DNAH5):c.13723+4del, initially classified as of uncertain clinical significance. Digital highspeed videomicroscopy (HSVM) evidenced a null ciliary beating frequency; transmission electron microscopy showed absence of outer dynein arms (class-1); and immunofluorescence (IF) demonstrated markedly absent DNAH5 protein level in the apical cilia region with delocalization to the transition and basal-body regions. Bioinformatic analysis predicted altered splicing at the donor splice site of exon 78, whereas mRNA sequencing revealed two splicing defects: the mainly expressed transcript corresponding to exon 78 skipping and a minor transcript originated from a cryptic splice site in exon 78. The patient was infertile and showed severe oligoteratozoospermia. Sperm IF analysis revealed absence of DNAH5 from the flagellum with accumulation at the neck region. The family study confirmed homozygosity. The present results support a pathogenic role for the c.13723+4del variant and underscore the importance of integrating clinical, ultrastructural, DNA, mRNA and protein analyses to clarify and contribute to PCD diagnosis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) selectively targets the ciliary body epithelium to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). This study evaluated 6-month efficacy and safety of MP-TSCPC in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEX) refractory to maximally tolerated topical therapy, and formally tested clinical equivalence between subtypes. Materials and Methods: In this single-arm prospective interventional cohort study with planned subgroup comparison, 58 eyes from 41 patients (POAG, 34; PEX, 24) underwent MP-TSCPC using the Cyclo G6 system with MicroPulse P3 probe at 2.0–2.2 W, 31.3% duty cycle, 90 s per hemisphere. IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), antiglaucoma medications, and complications were recorded at baseline and at 30, 90, and 180 days. Six prespecified success criteria were evaluated, including the original ≥20% reduction threshold and the stricter Tekeli composite criteria. Outcomes are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Cohen’s d. Intra-subject correlation from bilateral inclusion was addressed through a linear mixed-effects model, generalized estimating equations, and a 1000-iteration sensitivity analysis with random one-eye-per-patient subsampling. Equivalence was assessed by two one-sided tests (TOST). Results: Baseline IOP was 26.50 ± 2.93 mmHg (POAG) and 25.92 ± 2.47 mmHg (PEX). At 180 days, mean IOP reduction was 32.1% (95% CI 30.1–34.1) in POAG and 28.8% (95% CI 26.9–30.7) in PEX, both p < 0.001 versus baseline, with very large within-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d 4.24 and 4.81). All eyes achieved ≥20% reduction; under Tekeli criterion A (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg AND ≥20% reduction), success was 67.6% (POAG) and 54.2% (PEX). A 3.2 percentage-point between-group difference at 180 days was statistically detectable unadjusted (p = 0.024) but lost significance after clustering adjustment (mixed-model p = 0.101); equivalence was formally established at the ±7 percentage-point margin (TOST p = 0.004). Medication burden decreased in 41.2% (POAG) and 50.0% (PEX) of eyes. BCVA was preserved in all eyes; no serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: MP-TSCPC produces clinically meaningful, progressive IOP reduction over 6 months in both POAG and PEX, with no serious complications and clinically equivalent efficacy between subtypes. Longer-term studies with formal recording of baseline severity descriptors are warranted to confirm durability. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN62227730. Full article

This study describes two new species of ciliates, Colpoda heilongjiangensis n. sp. and Bryometopus shii n. sp., discovered in northeastern China. Colpoda heilongjiangensis n. sp. was collected from a sewage outlet in Harbin, characterized by its large size, broadly to slenderly reniform body shape, and unique ciliary patterns. Bryometopus shii n. sp. was found in a puddle near a waste disposal station, featuring a droplet-shaped or oval and distinct oral apparatus. The morphology of both species was investigated through live observation, protargol staining, and silver carbonate and dry silver nitrate impregnation. DNA extraction and SSU-rRNA gene sequencing were performed to determine their evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU-rRNA gene data revealed that Colpoda heilongjiangensis n. sp. clusters with C. minima, while Bryometopus shii n. sp. has a close relationship with B. atypicus. This study also discussed the non-monophyletic status of the genus Bryometopus and proposed a revision to the family Tillinidae based on morphological and molecular evidence. These findings highlight the remarkable diversity of Colpodea and contribute to the understanding of their evolutionary relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: Loss of nuclear BAP1 (BRCA1-associated protein 1) expression is a well-established adverse prognostic marker in uveal melanoma (UM). However, data from Central and Southeastern European populations are limited. This descriptive study aimed to evaluate BAP1 immunohistochemical expression in a Croatian enucleation-based UM cohort, characterize its associations with clinicopathological parameters, and contextualize the findings within the published literature. Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from 58 consecutive patients with primary choroidal and ciliary body melanoma treated with enucleation at University Hospital Centre Zagreb (2006–2016) was analyzed immunohistochemically for BAP1 nuclear expression. Associations with clinicopathological parameters were assessed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier estimation, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression with a median follow-up of 11.2 years. Results: Loss of nuclear BAP1 expression was observed in 53/58 (91.4%) specimens, resulting in a severely imbalanced distribution (53 versus 5 patients) precluding meaningful comparative survival analysis. Five-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 72.4% and 51.7%, respectively, with a median overall survival of 14.5 years. BAP1 loss was associated with longer disease-free survival (log-rank p = 0.020); however, this finding likely reflects a statistical artifact attributable to the extremely small BAP1-retained group (n = 5) harboring concurrent adverse features and should not be interpreted biologically. The study was underpowered to draw prognostic inferences regarding BAP1 status. Exploratory survival analyses are presented for transparency but should not be interpreted inferentially. Conclusions: The exceptionally high prevalence of BAP1 loss reflects the selection bias inherent in enucleation-based cohorts, which are enriched for large, molecularly high-risk tumors. This study provides the first comprehensive BAP1 immunohistochemical data from Croatia, contributing to the growing evidence that enucleation cohorts represent a distinct, biologically high-risk subgroup in which BAP1 immunohistochemistry offers limited discriminatory value. The extended follow-up of 11.2 years confirms the prolonged natural history of UM. Future multi-center studies incorporating molecular validation and diverse treatment modalities are needed to establish the prognostic utility of BAP1 across the full spectrum of UM disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) plays a crucial role in extending the systemic half-life of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), but its influence on ocular distribution remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the impact of FcRn on the ocular disposition of mAbs following systemic administration in rabbits. Methods: New Zealand White rabbits received a single intravenous dose (1 mg/kg) of either wild-type trastuzumab (TS-WT) or its FcRn non-binding variant (IHH). Plasma and ocular tissues (retina, iris–ciliary body, vitreous humor, aqueous humor, cornea, conjunctiva, and tears) were collected at terminal time points up to 336 h for TS-WT and 168 h for IHH. Antibody concentrations were quantified using a validated sandwich ELISA. Pharmacokinetic parameters and antibody biodistribution coefficients (ABC) were calculated to assess the FcRn-mediated effects on ocular distribution. Results: TS-WT demonstrated 2-fold higher systemic exposure compared to IHH. The iris–ciliary body exhibited the highest absolute exposure for both antibodies, with TS-WT showing significantly higher accumulation (ABC_0–168h: 14.95% vs. 8.89%). Retinal distribution remained comparable between antibodies (5.96% vs. 5.51%). Both antibodies were detectable in tears, with ABC value of ~4% reported for TS-WT. TS-WT also demonstrated markedly increased distribution in vitreous humor and tear fluid (3.5- and 5.5-fold higher ABC values, respectively) compared to IHH. The cornea (5.76% vs. 5.57%) and conjunctiva (7.71% vs. 7.21%) showed comparable relative distribution between TS-WT and IHH, while aqueous humor showed minimal differences (0.44% vs. 0.52%). Conclusions: This investigation reveals distinct tissue-specific patterns of FcRn-mediated mAb distribution within the eye. FcRn binding significantly enhanced antibody distribution in ocular tissues, such as the iris–ciliary body, and tears, with less pronounced effects on the retina, cornea, conjunctiva and aqueous humor. These findings provide mechanistic insights for optimizing mAb-based therapeutics for ocular disease and understanding the ocular toxicity of mAb-based therapeutics, such as antibody–drug conjugates. Full article

Soil ciliates are an important component of the soil micro-food web, playing key roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, research on the species diversity and taxonomy of this group in the temperate forest soils of China is still limited. This study investigates the morphology and ciliary pattern of two ciliate species discovered in the Changbai Mountain region of northeastern China: Bryometopus changbaishanensis sp. n. and Apocolpodidium etoschense Foissner et al., 2002, using live observation and silver carbonate impregnation. B. changbaishanensis sp. n. is characterized by the following morphological features: size in vivo approximately 40–48 × 20–29 μm, 11–14 somatic kineties; the paroral membrane consists of about 16–26 dikinetids; and there are 11–15 oral membranelles. This species differs from B. atypicus in its smaller body size in vivo, fewer somatic kineties, and fewer oral membranelles. Apocolpodidium etoschense Foissner et al., 2002, exhibits the following morphological features: in vivo size approximately 48–85 × 19–35 μm, 16–20 somatic kineties, and a gently curved paroral membrane composed of about 13–20 dikinetids; its hypostomial organelle consists of three to five files, each containing approximately three to five monokinetids. Additionally, DNA extraction and SSU rRNA gene sequencing were performed to elucidate their evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene data indicated that Bryometopus changbaishanensis sp. n. clusters with B. atypicus. This study also provides a redescription and supplementary definition of A. etoschense, with the Changbai Mountain population forming a fully supported cluster with previously sequenced data. Full article

Background: Secondary glaucoma in children results from congenital or acquired ocular abnormalities, systemic diseases, or syndromes. These conditions impair aqueous humor outflow despite an open iridocorneal angle, causing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) reduces aqueous humor production by targeting the ciliary body and restores the aqueous humor’s circulation balance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MP-TSCPC in pediatric secondary glaucoma. Methods: This retrospective study included 59 children who underwent MP-TSCPC procedures. The mean age was 7.2 years (range 4 months–17 years). Data on IOP, prior glaucoma treatments, medication use, and adverse events were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 10.4 months. Results: The mean preoperative IOP was 34.0 mmHg, which significantly decreased to 25.8 mmHg after MP-TSCPC, representing a mean reduction of 20.8% (p < 0.0001). Satisfactory IOP lowering was achieved in 69.6% of procedures. Eyes without prior glaucoma surgery showed a numerically greater IOP reduction (22%) compared to previously treated eyes (19%), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.628). Among repeated MP-TSCPC treatments, 57.1% were successful, with a mean IOP reduction of 7.3%. The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased significantly from 2.42 to 2.02 (p = 0.0002). A sustained reduction in medication use was observed in 33.3% of cases. Conclusions: MP-TSCPC effectively lowers IOP in pediatric secondary glaucoma and has a favorable safety profile. The option for repeated treatments and reduced medication needs supports its use as a less invasive alternative to conventional surgery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a subtype of melanoma that originates from the uveal layer of the eye (iris, ciliary body, choroid) and is biologically distinct from cutaneous melanoma. The real-world evidence on treatment patterns and survival outcomes, particularly from non-Western populations, remains limited. This study provides a comprehensive national overview of local and systemic management of UM across Türkiye. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study, coordinated by the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG), included patients diagnosed with UM between 2012 and 2025 across 19 tertiary oncology centers. Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes were analyzed. Systemic therapies were subgrouped as immunotherapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method; prognostic factors for OS were analyzed by Cox regression. Results: A total of 113 patients were included; 89.4% presented with localized disease. During follow-up, 43.4% developed metastases, predominantly hepatic (93.5%). 47.4% of metastatic patients received liver-directed treatments; the most common treatment was radioembolization, and these treatments were associated with longer OS. Among 59 patients receiving systemic therapy, immunotherapy demonstrated higher ORR and DCR than chemotherapy across treatment lines, although small subgroup sizes limited statistical significance. Dual immune checkpoint blockade emerged as an independent favorable prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. Median OS for metastatic patients was 16 months (95% CI: 9.3–22.7). HLA-A*02:01 was positive in 29.4% of patients tested, and only three patients received tebentafusp. Conclusions: This large national cohort highlights substantial real-world heterogeneity in treatment patterns and confirms the limited efficacy of chemotherapy, the prognostic benefit of dual ICI therapy, and the potential survival advantage of liver-directed treatments in selected patients. Low HLA-A*02:01 positivity and limited access to tebentafusp remain major challenges in Türkiye. These findings provide an essential benchmark for improving treatment strategies in metastatic UM. Full article

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with its asymptomatic progression highlighting the urgent need for early, minimally invasive biomarkers. Exosomes derived from the aqueous humor (AH) have emerged as promising candidates, as they carry proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that reflect the physiological and pathological state of ocular tissues such as the trabecular meshwork and ciliary body. However, their low abundance, nanoscale size, and the limited volume of AH complicate detection and characterization. Conventional methods, including Western blotting, PCR or mass spectrometry, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often incompatible with microliter-scale samples. Electrochemical biosensors offer a highly sensitive, rapid, and low-volume alternative, enabling the detection of exosomal surface markers and internal cargos such as microRNAs, proteins, and lipids. Recent advances in nanomaterial-enhanced electrodes, microfluidic integration, enzyme- and nanozyme-mediated signal amplification, and ratiometric detection strategies have significantly improved sensitivity, selectivity, and multiplexing capabilities. While most studies focus on blood or serum, these platforms hold great potential for AH-derived exosome analysis, supporting early-stage glaucoma diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and evaluation of therapeutic responses. Continued development of miniaturized, point-of-care electrochemical biosensors could facilitate clinically viable, noninvasive exosome-based diagnostics for glaucoma. Full article

Establishing baseline ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) measurements of the feline anterior segment is essential for accurate evaluation of ocular diseases. This study aimed to establish normative UBM parameters in clinically normal cats and to assess the influence of sex, body weight, and age on these measurements. Twenty eyes from twenty healthy adult cats were examined using a standardized UBM protocol under general anesthesia to ensure consistent positioning and optimal visualization. Quantitative measurements were obtained for corneal, anterior chamber, iris, ciliary cleft, and ciliary body parameters. The mean perilimbal corneal thickness was 0.59 mm, anterior chamber depth was 4.11 mm, and peripheral anterior chamber depth was 3.11 mm. The angle-opening distance and iridocorneal angle measured 1.73 mm and 28.89°, respectively. Ciliary cleft parameters included a width of 1.22 mm, length of 2.07 mm, and area of 1.10 mm². Longitudinal and combined longitudinal–radial ciliary body thicknesses were 0.52 mm and 0.78 mm, respectively, while ciliary body axial length and ciliary process scleral angle averaged 2.01 mm and 58.98°. Iris base width and iris middle width measured 0.35 mm and 0.54 mm, respectively. Sex-based analysis revealed significant differences in peripheral anterior chamber depth and ciliary cleft width, whereas body weight showed positive correlations with iris thickness parameters. No significant associations were identified between age and any anterior segment measurements. These findings establish comprehensive normative UBM reference values for the feline anterior segment and provide a quantitative anatomical framework for future clinical and disease-oriented studies in feline ophthalmology. Full article

(1) Background: Globe-sparing radiotherapy is widely utilised in the treatment of uveal melanoma, but often results in complications requiring vitreoretinal intervention. The outcomes of secondary vitrectomy remain unclear. A multidisciplinary approach involving vitreoretinal and ocular oncology specialists is essential to managing complications. (2) Methods: We reviewed 1794 patients treated with radiotherapy for uveal melanoma between 2012 and 2022. In total, 70 patients underwent secondary vitrectomy after primary radiotherapy treatment. The outcomes included overall tumour control and visual outcome. (3) Results: Complications requiring vitrectomy were more common after proton-beam radiotherapy than plaque brachytherapy (5.4% versus 3.0%). Common indications included vitreous haemorrhage (39%) and retinal detachment/toxic tumour syndrome (31%). The affected tumours were larger, more often ciliary body in origin, and associated with a worse prognosis. Vitrectomy patients had higher rates of enucleation (9% versus 3%), metastasis (16% versus 6%), and visual decline (average 0.60 LogMAR), with limited visual improvement (≥3-line gain in 13%). Proton-beam patients had worse outcomes than plaque brachytherapy patients. (4) Conclusions: Vitreoretinal complications after uveal melanoma radiotherapy are rare, but timely treatment by those with experience may enable patients to keep their eye in situations where enucleation would be the only alternative. Patients and clinicians must understand the risks of complications to make informed decisions about treatment plans, with vitreoretinal surgeons and ocular oncologists key to outcomes. Full article

Spaceflight induces a wide array of effects on the human body, notably including pathological changes mediated by alterations in gravity. Abnormalities in the formation of primary cilia (ciliogenesis) can lead to cell cycle arrest and decreased epithelial cell proliferation, thereby delaying wound healing. To investigate the effect of microgravity on ciliogenesis in bronchial epithelial cells, we used a 3D clinostat to generate simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions. When BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to SMG for 72 h, their proliferation was significantly reduced. The expression of Ki-67, which is not expressed in the G0 phase, decreased under SMG. Conversely, the expression of p27, which is expressed in the G0 and G1 phases, increased under SMG. These results suggest that SMG led to an increase in the number of cells in the quiescent phase. When the mRNA expressions of ARL13B (a marker of cilia assembly) and disassembly-related genes (Aurora A, NDE1, HDAC6, and DVL2) were evaluated, SMG upregulated ciliary assembly markers and downregulated disassembly markers. In addition, SMG increased the cilia length and number of ciliated cells. These findings suggest that SMG contributes to reduced cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest by disrupting normal ciliogenesis. Our findings indicate that SMG could delay lung injury by decreasing cell proliferation. Full article