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| Open AccessInfluenza A(H7N9) virus gains neuraminidase inhibitor resistance without loss of in vivo virulence or transmissibility
Some clinical isolates of influenza A(H7N9) virus encode a mutation within neuraminidase that could confer resistance to the only class of drugs active against H7N9. Here, the authors show that this mutation does not affect viral replication and pathogenicity while mediating resistance to antivirals in vivo.
- Rong Hai
- , Mirco Schmolke
- & Nicole M. Bouvier
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Article
| Open AccessMicroRNA-33 regulates sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 expression in mice
The micro-RNA miR-33 is encoded by an intron of the gene encoding sterol regulatory-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2) and controls cholesterol homoeostasis. Here, Horie et al.identify SREBP-1 as a target of miR-33 and show that deletion of miR-33 promotes diet-induced obesity and liver steatosis in mice.
- Takahiro Horie
- , Tomohiro Nishino
- & Koh Ono
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Real-time influenza forecasts during the 2012–2013 season
Our ability to accurately predict the spread of infectious diseases is still in its infancy. Here, Shamanet al.develop a model framework that produces accurate real-time forecasts of influenza peak timing for over a hundred cities in the USA.
- Jeffrey Shaman
- , Alicia Karspeck
- & Marc Lipsitch
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Article
| Open AccessA truncated Wnt7a retains full biological activity in skeletal muscle
Wnt7a regulates various aspects of skeletal muscle function. Here, the authors show that a truncated Wnt7a protein lacking the palmitoylation domain retains its biological activity in skeletal muscle, suggesting that simplified Wnt7a proteins may be viable as Wnt-based therapeutics.
- Julia von Maltzahn
- , Radoslav Zinoviev
- & Michael A. Rudnicki
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Cyclin D1 induction of Dicer governs microRNA processing and expression in breast cancer
Whether microRNA processing mediated by Dicer is regulated in a cell-cycle-dependent manner is unknown. Here, Chen et al.show that Cyclin D1, which is important in the control of the cell cycle, regulates the expression of Dicer, and that Cyclin D1 and Dicer expression levels correlate in breast cancer.
- Zuoren Yu
- , Liping Wang
- & Richard G. Pestell
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Article
| Open AccessProtective CD8+ T-cell immunity to human malaria induced by chimpanzee adenovirus-MVA immunisation
Induction of protective immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells has been a long sought goal in vaccinology. Here, Ewer et al. report induction of protective efficacy against Plasmodium falciparummalaria in a phase IIa prime-boost vaccine trial where efficacy correlates strongly with induced CD8 T-cell responses.
- Katie J. Ewer
- , Geraldine A. O’Hara
- & Adrian V. S. Hill
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Article
| Open AccessTRAF1 is a critical regulator of cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury and neuronal death
TRAF1 is an intracellular signalling molecule that has diverse biological functions. In this study, the authors show that TRAF1 is expressed in mice soon after they have suffered a stroke and that increased TRAF1 expression increases susceptibility to ischaemia-induced apoptosis and brain injury.
- Yan-Yun Lu
- , Zuo-Zhi Li
- & Hongliang Li
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Article
| Open AccessRhoB controls coordination of adult angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis following injury by regulating VEZF1-mediated transcription
The formation of blood and lymph vessels after injury requires precise temporal coordination. Here, the authors show that the small GTPase RhoB induces angiogenesis but inhibits lymphangiogenesis in response to dermal wounding by activating different sets of genes in blood vessels and lymphatic endothelial cells.
- Damien Gerald
- , Irit Adini
- & Laura E. Benjamin
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Article
| Open AccessA closed-loop synthetic gene circuit for the treatment of diet-induced obesity in mice
Designer gene circuits allow the controlled expression of proteins in response to specific stimuli. Here, Rössger et al.use synthetic biology approaches to create a fatty-acid biosensor that controls the production of a satiety hormone and use it to control diet-induced obesity in mice.
- Katrin Rössger
- , Ghislaine Charpin-El-Hamri
- & Martin Fussenegger
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Fate tracing reveals hepatic stellate cells as dominant contributors to liver fibrosis independent of its aetiology
Myofibroblasts drive fibrogenesis in the liver but their cellular origins remain unclear. Here Mederacke et al. use the Lratgene to label hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in transgenic mice and reveal HSCs as the major source of myofibroblasts in models of toxic, biliary and fatty liver fibrosis.
- Ingmar Mederacke
- , Christine C. Hsu
- & Robert F. Schwabe
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Article
| Open AccessGenome-wide association study implicates NDST3 in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are important psychiatric disorders with overlapping genetic components. Here, the authors identify and replicate a genome-wide significant risk locus for the two disorders, and suggest a role for NDST3in severe psychiatric disease.
- Todd Lencz
- , Saurav Guha
- & Ariel Darvasi
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Article
| Open AccessPlatelet-targeted gene therapy with human factor VIII establishes haemostasis in dogs with haemophilia A
Haemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder associated with a deficiency in the coagulation factor VIII. Here, the authors use gene therapy to achieve stable overexpression of factor VIII in platelets of dogs with haemophilia A, preventing the occurrence of severe bleeding episodes for over 2.5 years.
- Lily M. Du
- , Paquita Nurden
- & David A. Wilcox
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Orai1-dependent calcium entry promotes skeletal muscle growth and limits fatigue
The calcium-selective Orai1 channel regulates cytosolic calcium levels in a variety of cells. Here the authors use transgenic mice with muscle-specific expression of dysfunctional Orai1 to show that Orai1-mediated store-operated calcium entry promotes growth and limits fatigue of adult skeletal muscle.
- Lan Wei-LaPierre
- , Ellie M. Carrell
- & Robert T. Dirksen
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Lysosomal NEU1 deficiency affects amyloid precursor protein levels and amyloid-β secretion via deregulated lysosomal exocytosis
The enzyme NEU1 negatively regulates lysosomal exocytosis in various cell types. Annunziata et al.show that mice deficient in NEU1 display Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology and that direct brain administration of NEU1 reduces pathology in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model.
- Ida Annunziata
- , Annette Patterson
- & Alessandra d’Azzo
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Heat-shock protein dysregulation is associated with functional and pathological TDP-43 aggregation
Misfolding and aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. Chang et al. show that aggregation of this protein is regulated by heat-shock proteins, which act to reduce the amount of pathological protein aggregates.
- Hsiang-Yu Chang
- , Shin-Chen Hou
- & I-Fan Wang
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Soluble forms of polyQ-expanded huntingtin rather than large aggregates cause endoplasmic reticulum stress
Large insoluble aggregates of huntingtin are believed to contribute to the onset of Huntington’s disease, partly by interfering with endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation. Leitman et al.show that huntingtin interferes with protein degradation before it forms insoluble aggregates.
- Julia Leitman
- , F. Ulrich Hartl
- & Gerardo Z. Lederkremer
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| Open AccessChondroitin sulphate N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase-1 inhibits recovery from neural injury
The glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulphate inhibits axon growth. Here the authors show that mice deficient in chondroitin sulphate biosynthesis have increased levels of heparan sulphate, which is more efficient than chondroitinase in supporting recovery from spinal cord injury.
- Kosei Takeuchi
- , Nozomu Yoshioka
- & Michihiro Igarashi
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Mechanism of inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 85 by ebselen
As drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis continue to emerge, antitubercular drugs with novel mechanisms of action are in high demand. Here, the authors show that ebselen is an inhibitor of M. tuberculosisantigen 85 and reveal the mechanism of inhibition.
- Lorenza Favrot
- , Anna E. Grzegorzewicz
- & Donald R. Ronning
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Mepenzolate bromide displays beneficial effects in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory disease that is resistant to many forms of treatment. Tanake et al.screen compounds from a library of medicines and find that mepenzolate bromide reduces inflammatory responses and improves respiration in a mouse model of COPD.
- Ken-Ichiro Tanaka
- , Tomoaki Ishihara
- & Tohru Mizushima
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Selective cancer targeting with prodrugs activated by histone deacetylases and a tumour-associated protease
Selective targeting of cancer cells may improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse effects. Here, Ueki et al.report selective activation of an anticancer drug upon removal of an acetylated lysine group by histone deacetylases and the tumour-associated protease cathepsin L.
- Nobuhide Ueki
- , Siyeon Lee
- & Michael J. Hayman
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Methylphenidate amplifies the potency and reinforcing effects of amphetamines by increasing dopamine transporter expression
Methylphenidate, the active compound in Ritalin, is used to treat attention and hyperactivity disorders, but it is also taken for recreational use. Calipari et al.show that high-dose methylphenidate leads to enhanced dopaminergic responses to amphetamines, and enhanced amphetamine-seeking behaviour in rats.
- Erin S. Calipari
- , Mark J. Ferris
- & Sara R. Jones
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| Open AccessAnti-ghrelin immunoglobulins modulate ghrelin stability and its orexigenic effect in obese mice and humans
Obesity is often associated with increased appetite and food intake, despite normal blood levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Here the authors show that ghrelin-reactive antibodies in the blood of obese mice and humans enhance the orexigenic effect of ghrelin by protecting it from degradation.
- Kuniko Takagi
- , Romain Legrand
- & Sergueï O. Fetissov
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Polycystin-1 binds Par3/aPKC and controls convergent extension during renal tubular morphogenesis
Loss-of-function mutations in PKD1, the gene encoding the plasma membrane receptor Polycystin-1, lead to renal cyst formation in polycystic kidney disease. Here, Castelli et al. show that Polycystin-1 interacts with the Par3 polarity complex and has a role in the morphogenesis of kidney tubules during mouse development.
- Maddalena Castelli
- , Manila Boca
- & Alessandra Boletta
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| Open AccessAkt-p53-miR-365-cyclin D1/cdc25A axis contributes to gastric tumorigenesis induced by PTEN deficiency
The PTEN/Akt signalling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Here, Guo et al. show that activation of Akt signalling results in the dysregulation of miR-365, which promotes tumorigenesis and that miR-365 reduction correlates with advance-stage tumours in gastric cancer patients.
- Shui-Long Guo
- , Hui Ye
- & Xiao Yang
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Cdkn1b overexpression in adult mice alters the balance between genome and tissue ageing
Reduced rates of cell proliferation are thought to contribute to age-related tissue dysfunction. Here Pruitt et al.induce expression of the cell cycle inhibitor Cdkn1b in adult mice and show that this recapitulates ageing-related defects in tissue maintenance.
- Steven C. Pruitt
- , Amy Freeland
- & Gillian K. Cady
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Selection on haemagglutinin imposes a bottleneck during mammalian transmission of reassortant H5N1 influenza viruses
Mutations in the haemagglutinin of H5N1 avian influenza viruses confer transmissibility in ferrets. Here, Wilker et al. show that while within host variability is high, transmitted virus diversity is low suggesting a genetic bottleneck acts during transmission, driven by selection on haemagglutinin genes.
- Peter R. Wilker
- , Jorge M. Dinis
- & Thomas C. Friedrich
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Rb1 family mutation is sufficient for sarcoma initiation
Loss of the tumour suppressor Rb1 alone is thought to be insufficient for tumorigenesis. In this study, Liu et al. demonstrate that cells in which all three Rb1 family members are inactivated can initiate tumour formation, but only if cell survival is ensured by the retention of cell–cell contacts.
- Yongqing Liu
- , Ester Sánchez-Tilló
- & Douglas C. Dean
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Switch of glycolysis to gluconeogenesis by dexamethasone for treatment of hepatocarcinoma
Hepatocytes use gluconeogenesis to produce glucose, but whether this process is altered in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Here, the loss of gluconeogenesis in HCC and altered glucocorticoid regulation is demonstrated and glucocorticoid treatment is shown to reduce tumour burden.
- Ruihua Ma
- , Wanguang Zhang
- & Bo Huang
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Early adipogenesis is regulated through USP7-mediated deubiquitination of the histone acetyltransferase TIP60
Tip60 is a transcriptional coregulator that has an important role in differentiation. Here, Gao et al. demonstrate that the deubiquitination of Tip60 by USP7, a dominant deubiquitinating enzyme, is a key mechanism in early adipogenesis regulation.
- Yuan Gao
- , Arjen Koppen
- & Eric Kalkhoven
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Crossreactivity of a human autoimmune TCR is dominated by a single TCR loop
Autoimmune T cell receptors can interact with both self and microbial antigens, but the structural basis for crossreactivity is not fully understood. Here, the authors provide structural insights into binding characteristics of the autoreactive T cell receptor Hy.1B11 to both self and pathogen-derived peptides.
- Dhruv K. Sethi
- , Susana Gordo
- & Kai W. Wucherpfennig
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Microbial biosynthesis of the anticoagulant precursor 4-hydroxycoumarin
4-hydroxycoumarin (4HC), a precursor for anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, has a major role in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. Here, the authors present an artificial biosynthetic pathway for 4HC production in E. coliand demonstrate its potential for large-scale microbial production.
- Yuheng Lin
- , Xiaolin Shen
- & Yajun Yan
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Real-time in vivo imaging of invasive- and biomaterial-associated bacterial infections using fluorescently labelled vancomycin
Invasive and biomaterial-associated infections in humans are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Here, the authors demonstrate that real-time in vivodetection and imaging of these bacterial infections can be successfully performed with fluorescently labelled vancomycin.
- Marleen van Oosten
- , Tina Schäfer
- & Gooitzen M. van Dam
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Deranged fatty acid composition causes pulmonary fibrosis in Elovl6-deficient mice
The enzyme Elovl6 catalyses a rate-limiting step in the elongation of fatty acids. Here Sunaga et al. show that Elovl6 knockout mice are more susceptible to pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting that the dysregulation of lipid components impairs alveolar epithelial cell function and pulmonary homeostasis.
- Hiroaki Sunaga
- , Hiroki Matsui
- & Masahiko Kurabayashi
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| Open AccessApical membrane antigen 1 mediates apicomplexan parasite attachment but is dispensable for host cell invasion
Plasmodium and Toxoplasma apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is believed to be actively involved in host cell invasion by these parasites. Bargieri et al. now demonstrate that although AMA1 facilitates adhesion, invasion can proceed in the absence of the protein.
- Daniel Y. Bargieri
- , Nicole Andenmatten
- & Robert Ménard
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| Open AccessFunctional lacrimal gland regeneration by transplantation of a bioengineered organ germ
Lacrimal glands maintain a healthy corneal epithelium but are dysfunctional for example in dry-eye disease. Here, the authors transplant bioengineered lacrimal and harderian gland germs into mice, where they connect to the host duct and nervous system and restore lacrimal gland function.
- Masatoshi Hirayama
- , Miho Ogawa
- & Takashi Tsuji
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| Open AccessAngiotensin inhibition enhances drug delivery and potentiates chemotherapy by decompressing tumour blood vessels
Hyaluronan is a component of the tumour extracellular matrix. Here, Chauhan et al. show that hyaluronan increases blood pressure in collagen-rich tumours by compressing vessel walls, and that reducing the level of hyaluranon with an angiotensin II inhibitor increases blood flow and drug penetrance in tumours.
- Vikash P. Chauhan
- , John D. Martin
- & Rakesh K. Jain
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| Open AccessFunctional salivary gland regeneration by transplantation of a bioengineered organ germ
Salivary gland dysfunction as a result of diseases or ageing reduces the quality of life and causes various oral health problems. Here the authors show that the salivary gland function of mice can be recovered by orthotopic transplantation of a bioengineered salivary gland germ.
- Miho Ogawa
- , Masamitsu Oshima
- & Takashi Tsuji
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Functional evaluation of autism-associated mutations in NHE9
Mutations in the gene that encodes the endosomal cation/proton antiporter NHE9 are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, the authors screen autism-associated variants in the human population and identify specific variants of NHE9 that are characterized by a loss of function in astrocytes.
- Kalyan C. Kondapalli
- , Anniesha Hack
- & Rajini Rao
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Microbiome remodelling leads to inhibition of intestinal farnesoid X receptor signalling and decreased obesity
Tempol is an antioxidant that reduces the body weight of mice on a high-fat diet. Li et al.now provide a mechanistic link by demonstrating that tempol affects the intestinal microbiota, which leads to a change in the composition of bile acids and suppression of FXR signalling.
- Fei Li
- , Changtao Jiang
- & Frank J. Gonzalez
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ORMDL3 promotes eosinophil trafficking and activation via regulation of integrins and CD48
ORMDL3has been identified as a gene associated with asthma susceptibility, but its exact role in the pathogenesis of this disease is not well known. Here, the authors propose that induction of ORMDL3 in eosinophils modulates the expression of integrins, which could contribute to a key inflammatory event in asthma.
- Sung Gil Ha
- , Xiao Na Ge
- & P. Sriramarao
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Dependence of fertility on kisspeptin–Gpr54 signaling at the GnRH neuron
The kisspeptin receptor GPR54 is implicated in the maintenance of mammalian fertility. Kirilov et al.study GPR54 mutant mice and identify a subset of neurons in the brain expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone as the critical site for kisspeptin action.
- Milen Kirilov
- , Jenny Clarkson
- & Allan E. Herbison
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A peptide probe for targeted brown adipose tissue imaging
Current methods to image brown adipose tissue rely on radioactive tracers and specialized imaging equipment. Here Azhdarinia et al.report a peptide-based probe that selectively binds to the vascular endothelium of brown adipose tissue and allows the near-infrared imaging of brown fat in mice.
- Ali Azhdarinia
- , Alexes C. Daquinag
- & Mikhail G. Kolonin
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Article
| Open AccessGenome-wide mapping of gene–microbiota interactions in susceptibility to autoimmune skin blistering
The pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders afflicting the skin is multifactorial. Srinivas et al. show that diversity of the skin microbiota is a critical factor determining the susceptibility to epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, a chronic mucocutaneous autoimmune skin blistering disease.
- Girish Srinivas
- , Steffen Möller
- & Saleh M. Ibrahim
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| Open AccessHuman gut microbiota community structures in urban and rural populations in Russia
The structure of the human gut microbiota has been shown to vary between populations. Tyakht et al.analyse the gut microbiota assembly from Russian individuals living in urban and rural areas, and compare these with previously studied populations.
- Alexander V. Tyakht
- , Elena S. Kostryukova
- & Vadim M. Govorun
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| Open AccessGenome signature-based dissection of human gut metagenomes to extract subliminal viral sequences
Bacteriophages have a significant impact on microbial ecosystems, but additional tools are needed to assess viral communities. Ogilvie et al.present a new strategy to extract viral sequences from metagenomic data sets, and present new insights on their function in the gut ecosystem.
- Lesley A. Ogilvie
- , Lucas D. Bowler
- & Brian V. Jones
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Activation of the central nervous system induced by micro-magnetic stimulation
Magnetic stimulation is used therapeutically for neurological disorders, but its effectiveness is hindered by efficacy and safety limitations due to large device sizes. Here the authors show that sub-millimetre, micro-magnetic coils effectively stimulate hamster cochlear neurons, with minimal side effects.
- Hyun-Joo Park
- , Giorgio Bonmassar
- & John T. Gale
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| Open AccessAmyloid-β nanotubes are associated with prion protein-dependent synaptotoxicity
Prion protein has been suggested to bind toxic amyloid-ß oligomers. Nicollet al.demonstrate that binding to prion protein and prion protein-dependent synaptotoxicity correlate with the presence of a tubular form of amyloid-ß with a defined triple helical structure.
- Andrew J. Nicoll
- , Silvia Panico
- & John Collinge
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Ecscr regulates insulin sensitivity and predisposition to obesity by modulating endothelial cell functions
The transmembrane protein Ecscr has been implicated in the regulation of endothelial cell signalling. Here, the authors show that Ecscr regulates systemic insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in mice by modulating insulin signalling in endothelial cells.
- Yoshiki Akakabe
- , Masahiro Koide
- & Koji Ikeda
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Endogenous fructose production and metabolism in the liver contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome
Consumption of high amounts of glucose leads to the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Here, Lanaspa et al.show that the hepatic conversion of glucose into fructose is a key step in the development of glucose-induced metabolic syndrome and fatty liver in mice.
- Miguel A. Lanaspa
- , Takuji Ishimoto
- & Richard J. Johnson