FEBS letters
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MicroRNAs negatively regulate target gene expression at the post-transcriptional level during carcinogenesis. Recent advances revealed that the expression levels of several miRNAs are up- or down-regulated in endometrial carcinoma (EC). Here we identify dysregulated miRNAs in EC and we elucidate the essential role of let-7a. ⋯ A functional investigation revealed that let-7a suppressed proliferation of HeLa cells by targeting Aurora-B. Let-7a also antagonizes Aurora-B functions in promoting carcinoma cell proliferation by down-regulating Aurora-B protein level. Let-7a could be applied for gene therapy against endometrial carcinogenesis.
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In autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), innate glial cell responses play a key role in determining the outcome of leukocyte infiltration. Access of leukocytes is controlled via complex interactions with glial components of the blood-brain barrier that include angiotensin II receptors on astrocytes and immunoregulatory mediators such as Type I interferons which regulate cellular traffic. ⋯ Myelin-specific T cells interact with microglia and promote differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in response to axonal injury. These innate responses offer potential targets for immunomodulatory therapy.
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MTH1 hydrolyzes oxidized nucleotide triphosphates, thereby preventing them from being incorporated into DNA. We here present the structures of human MTH1 (1.9Å) and its complex with the product 8-oxo-dGMP (1.8Å). ⋯ The binding of the product induces no major structural changes. The structures reveal the mode of nucleotide binding in MTH1 and provide the structural basis for inhibitor design.
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Parental effects are a major source of phenotypic plasticity. Moreover, there is evidence from studies with a wide range of species that the relevant parental signals are influenced by the quality of the parental environment. ⋯ Thus, studies of variation in mother-offspring interactions in rodents suggest that parental signals operate during pre- and/or post-natal life to influence the DNA methylation state at specific regions of the genome leading to sustained changes in gene expression and function. We suggest that DNA methylation is a candidate mechanism for parental effects on phenotypic variation.