Publication

A population of mesenchymal stem cells, termed CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells or leptin receptor-expressing cells, are the major cellular component of niches for haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in murine bone marrow. CAR cells are characterized by several salient features, including much higher expression of CXCL12, stem cell factor (SCF), forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) and early B-cell factor 3 (EBF3), which are essential for HSC maintenance, than other cells. However, the human counterpart of CAR cells has not been fully described.

Two inherent challenges in the mechanistic interpretation of protease-deficient phenotypes are defining the specific substrate cleavages whose reduction generates the phenotypes and determining whether the phenotypes result from loss of substrate function, substrate accumulation, or loss of a function(s) embodied in the substrate fragments. Hence, recapitulation of a protease-deficient phenotype by a cleavage-resistant substrate would stringently validate the importance of a proteolytic event and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Rationale: Interstitial mesenchymal cells maintain alveolar epithelial (AT) cells (AT1 and AT2) homeostasis in health and disease. Human LAM is characterized by enlarged airspaces, cystic destruction of the lung parenchyma, and lung function decline, leading to respiratory failure. The exact mechanism behind the alveolar remodeling in LAM lung is still unknown.

The lymphatic system is composed of a hierarchical network of fluid absorbing lymphatic capillaries and transporting collecting vessels. Despite distinct functions and morphologies, molecular mechanisms that regulate the identity of the different vessel types are poorly understood. Through transcriptional analysis of murine dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), we identified Foxp2, a member of the FOXP family of transcription factors implicated in speech development, as a collecting vessel signature gene.

Thyroid-like cholangiocarcinoma is a very uncommon variant of peripheral-type cholangiocarcinoma. To date, only 4 prior cases have been reported. The molecular features of this tumor have not been described. We report a case of a 60-year-old woman with a tumor that evolved over a period of 10 years. A left hepatectomy specimen showed an 11 cm tumor that on histology exhibited areas reminiscent of a thyroid tumor with follicular and insular features which were positive on immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin 7 and in-situ hybridization for albumin.

Tumors undergo dynamic immunoediting as part of a process that balances immunological sensing of emerging neoantigens and evasion from immune responses. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) comprise heterogeneous subsets of peripheral T cells characterized by diverse functional differentiation states and dependence on TCR specificity gained through recombination events during their development.

Puberty onset depends upon an increase in pulsatile GnRH/LH secretion, which in sheep is the result of reduced sensitivity to estrogen negative feedback. Neurons within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (i.e. KNDy neurons) express estrogen receptors and are believed to play a key role in mediating the effects of estrogen on GnRH/LH secretion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess changes in kisspeptin, NKB, and dynorphin within the ARC across pubertal development in female sheep.

Tissue-based T cells are important effectors in the prevention and control of mucosal viral infections; less is known about tissue-based B cells. We demonstrate that B cells and antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) are present in inflammatory infiltrates in skin biopsy specimens from study participants during symptomatic herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) reactivation and early healing.

Mucin-5AC (MUC5AC) is a major secreted mucin in pathogenic airways. To determine its role in mucus-related airway disorders, Muc5ac-deficient (Muc5ac-/-) and wild-type (Muc5ac+/+) mice were compared in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease, and ozone toxicity. Significantly greater inflammation and fibrosis by bleomycin were developed in Muc5ac-/- lungs compared to Muc5ac+/+ lungs. More severe mucous cell metaplasia in fibrotic Muc5ac-/- lungs coincided with bronchial Muc2, Muc4, and Muc5b overexpression.

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNA) as the key regulators in all stages of tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report a lncRNA RP11-214F16.8, which renamed Lnc-PCIR, is upregulated and higher RNA level of Lnc-PCIR was positively correlated to the poor survival of patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues. Lnc-PCIR overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo.