Publication

Sensory neurogenesis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) occurs in two waves of differentiation with larger, myelinated proprioceptive and low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) neurons differentiating before smaller, unmyelinated (C) nociceptive neurons. This temporal difference was established from early birthdating studies based on DRG soma cell size. However, distinctions in birthdates between molecular subtypes of sensory neurons, particularly nociceptors, is unknown.

The incredible mechanical strength and durability of mature fibrous tissues and their extremely limited turnover and regenerative capacity underscores the importance of proper matrix assembly during early postnatal growth. In tissues with composite extracellular matrix (ECM) structures, such as the adult knee meniscus, fibrous (Collagen-I rich), and cartilaginous (Collagen-II, proteoglycan-rich) matrix components are regionally segregated to the outer and inner portions of the tissue, respectively.

Melanocytes are pigmented cells residing mostly in the skin and hair follicles of vertebrates, where they contribute to colouration and protection against UV-B radiation. However, the spectrum of their functions reaches far beyond that. For instance, these pigment-producing cells are found inside the inner ear, where they contribute to the hearing function, and in the heart, where they are involved in the electrical conductivity and support the stiffness of cardiac valves. The embryonic origin of such extracutaneous melanocytes is not clear.

Kidney failure is common in patients with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. In an international collaboration, 284 kidney biopsies were evaluated to improve understanding of kidney disease in COVID-19. Diagnoses were compared to five years of 63,575 native biopsies prior to the pandemic and 13,955 allograft biopsies to identify diseases increased in patients with COVID-19. Genotyping for APOL1 G1 and G2 alleles was performed in 107 African American and Hispanic patients.

Most COVID-19 vaccines are designed to elicit immune responses, ideally neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Several vaccines, including mRNA, adenoviral-vectored, protein subunit and whole-cell inactivated virus vaccines, have now reported efficacy in phase III trials and have received emergency approval in many countries. The two mRNA vaccines approved to date show efficacy even after only one dose, when non-NAbs and moderate T helper 1 cell responses are detectable, but almost no NAbs.

(A) Myc-CaP wild-type (WT) and _Atg5_ knockout (_Atg5_ KO) cells were treated with increasing concentrations of ESK981 for 24 hours. Atg5 and LC3 levels were assessed by western blot from three independent experiments. GAPDH served as a loading control. (B) Representative morphology of vacuolization in Myc-CaP wild-type (WT) and _Atg5_ knockout (_Atg5_ KO) cells after treatment with control or 100 nM ESK981 for 24 hours from three independent experiments.

Muscle stem cells (also called satellite cells or SCs) rely on their local niche for regulatory signals during homeostasis and regeneration. While a number of cell types communicate indirectly through secreted factors, here we focus on the significance of direct contact between SCs and their neighbors. During quiescence, SCs reside under a basal lamina and receive quiescence-promoting signals from their adjacent skeletal myofibers.

Understanding intratumoral heterogeneity-the molecular variation among cells within a tumor-promises to address outstanding questions in cancer biology and improve the diagnosis and treatment of specific cancer subtypes. Single-cell analyses, especially RNA sequencing and other genomics modalities, have been transformative in revealing novel biomarkers and molecular regulators associated with tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are known to have differential phenotypes, including the incidence and location of metastases. HPV positive (HPV+) HNSCC are more likely to metastasize to distant sites, such as the lung, brain, and skin. Among these locations, metastasis to the brain is a rare event, and little is known about specific risk factors for this phenotype. In this report, we describe two patients who developed brain metastases from HNSCC.

Histone proteins undergo various modifications that alter chromatin structure, including addition of methyl groups. Enhancer of homolog 2 (EZH2), is a histone methyltransferase that methylates lysine residue 27, and thereby, suppresses gene expression. EZH2 plays integral role in the uterus and other reproductive organs.