A zinc-finger protein, Moc3, in fission yeast, localizes to heterochromatic dh sequences and activates dh-forward transcription when heterochromatin structure or heterochromatin-dependent silencing is compromised. However, Moc3 did not localize to normal heterochromatin or activate dh-forward transcription. The loss of Moc3 retarded heterochromatin establishment, suggesting that Moc3-dependent dh-forward transcription is critical for RNAi-dependent heterochromatin establishment. Therefore, Moc3 is a transcriptional activator that induces RNAi to establish heterochromatin. Abstract In fission ..read more

Our study shows the critical involvement of calcium ions in macropinocytosis, especially in the process of ruffle closure. We identify ATP2B4 as an essential key regulator in epidermal growth factor-induced macropinocytosis. Abstract Macropinocytosis (MPC) is a large-scale endocytosis pathway that involves actin-dependent membrane ruffle formation and subsequent ruffle closure to generate macropinosomes for the uptake of fluid-phase cargos. MPC is categorized into two types: constitutive and stimuli-induced. Constitutive MPC in macrophages relies on extracellular Ca2+ sensing by a calcium-se ..read more

Front cover: Son Goku (Sun Wukong), a god in monkey form, was brandishing a Nyoi-bo representing the TBXT gene. However, an AluY-marked dagger hit the Nyoi-bo and broke it off. Xia et al. showed that the loss of tails in hominoids, including humans and apes, was due in part to changes in splicing patterns caused by the insertion of an AluY element into the ancestral TBXT gene (Xia et al. (2024) Nature 626:1042-1048, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07095-8). Son Goku cannot hide the look of impatience on his face as his tail begins to disappear, having impaired the function of the Nyoi-bo, which is ne ..read more

The 10th International MDM2 Workshop was held at the National Cancer Center Research Institute (NCCRI) in Tokyo, Japan, from October 15 to 18, 2023. It attracted 166 participants from 12 countries. Abstract The 10th International MDM2 Workshop was held at the National Cancer Center Research Institute (NCCRI) in Tokyo, Japan, from October 15 to 18, 2023. It attracted 166 participants from 12 countries. The meeting featured 52 talks and 41 poster presentations. In the first special session, six invited speakers gave educational and outstanding talks on breakthroughs in MDM2 research. Three key ..read more

We show that higher expression of Ror1 and Wnt5b are associated with poorer prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, and that Ror1 and Wnt5b are expressed highly in a type of PDAC cell lines, PANC-1 cells. Furthermore, we show that Wnt5b-Ror1 signaling in PANC-1 cells promotes their proliferation in a cell-autonomous manner. These findings indicate that Wnt5b-Ror1 signaling might play an important role in the progression of some if not all of PDAC by promoting proliferation. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most refractory cancers with the ..read more

Long-term sorbitol consumption caused cognitive decline and decreased BDNF in the hippocampus. Sorbitol intake may affect the brain, particularly the hippocampus. Abstract The systemic effects of the artificial sweetener sorbitol on older adult individuals have not been elucidated. We assessed the effects of sorbitol consumption on cognitive and gingival health in a mouse model. Aged mice were fed 5% sorbitol for 3 months before their behavior was assessed, and brain and gingival tissues were collected. Long-term sorbitol consumption inhibited gingival tissue aging in aged mice. However, it ..read more

Abstract Left–right (LR) asymmetry is crucial for animal development, particularly in Drosophila where LR-asymmetric morphogenesis of organs hinges on cellular-level chirality, termed cell chirality. In this species, two class I myosins, Myosin1D (Myo1D), and Myosin1C (Myo1C), respectively determine dextral (wild type) and sinistral (mirror image) cell chirality. Previous studies demonstrated Myo1D's ability to propel F-actin in leftward circles during in vitro gliding assays, suggesting its mechanochemical role in defining dextral chirality. Conversely, Myo1C propels F-actin without exhibitin ..read more

SSL3 induces the adhesion of mast cells to fibronectin. SSL3 binds to antiadhesion molecules, CD43. SSL3 augment the cytokine production of mast cells in response to external stimuli. Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a noteworthy pathogen in allergic diseases, as four staphylococcal exotoxins activate mast cells, a significant contributor to inflammation, in an IgE-independent manner. Although the adhesion of mast cells is an essential process for their immune responses, only a small number of exotoxins have been reported to affect the process. Here, we demonstrated that staphylococcal supe ..read more

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