Publication

Acquisition of T cell central tolerance involves distinct pathways of self-antigen presentation to thymocytes. One pathway termed indirect presentation requires a self-antigen transfer step from thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to bone marrow (BM)-derived cells before the self-antigen is presented to thymocytes. The role of indirect presentation in central tolerance is context-dependent, potentially due to variation in self-antigen expression, processing and presentation in the thymus.

The gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium is the fastest renewing adult tissue and is maintained by tissue-specific stem cells. Treatment-induced GI side effects are a major dose-limiting factor for chemotherapy and abdominal radiotherapy and can decrease the quality of life in cancer patients and survivors. p53 is a key regulator of the DNA damage response, and its activation results in stimulus- and cell type-specific outcomes via distinct effectors.

Abstract

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) represents a distinct tumour entity in comparison to HPV-negative OPSCC. The clinical, radiological, morphological features and distribution of HPV E6/E7 mRNA were investigated in resected specimens of OPSCC.

Methods

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a common congenital disorder in which the cartilaginous rings of the trachea are weakened or missing. Despite the high prevalence and clinical issues associated with TBM, the etiology is largely unknown. Our previous studies demonstrated that Wntless (Wls) and its associated Wnt pathways are critical for patterning of the upper airways. Deletion of Wls in respiratory endoderm caused TBM and ectopic trachealis muscle.

Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the wide variety of cardiac defects. Furthermore, it was reported that, in contrast to other organs, Notch doesn't regulate Hey2 in the heart.

The decline of cognitive function occurs with aging, but the mechanisms responsible are unknown. Astrocytes instruct the formation, maturation, and elimination of synapses, and impairment of these functions has been implicated in many diseases. These findings raise the question of whether astrocyte dysfunction could contribute to cognitive decline in aging. We used the Bac-Trap method to perform RNA sequencing of astrocytes from different brain regions across the lifespan of the mouse.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of targeted imaging of myocardial cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1-R) and its potential up-regulation in obese mice with translation to humans using [11C]-OMAR and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT).

BACKGROUND:

The differentiation of alveolar epithelial type I (AT1) and type II (AT2) cells is essential for the lung gas exchange function. Disruption of this process results in neonatal death or in severe lung diseases that last into adulthood. We developed live imaging techniques to characterize the mechanisms that control alveolar epithelial cell differentiation.

Biliary atresia (BA), a neonatal liver disease, is characterized by obstruction of extrahepatic bile ducts with subsequent cholestasis, inflammation, and progressive liver fibrosis. To gain insights into the pathophysiology of BA, we focused attention on GATA6, a transcription factor implicated in biliary development. Early in fetal development GATA6 expression is evident in cholangiocytes and hepatocytes, but by late gestation it is extinguished in hepatocytes.