Journal of Molecular Cell Biology最新文献

Gender differences in the health workforce matter for women's health and healthcare, and is also crucial for both health and economic development. Drawing on limited national gender data from China over the last 10 years, during which the country was undergoing a healthcare reform, this study dissects gender-related issues to identify existing problems, monitor progress, and develop strategies to promote change. Although women constituted the majority of health workers, they are predominantly engaged in service-oriented occupations. The gender distribution substantially differed between urban and rural primary health institutions. Moreover, significant differences in gender distribution among professional public health institutions were observed. The gender distribution of administrators varied in different types of health institutions. Women had lighter workloads because of the imbalanced distribution of specialties. Academicians comprised very few female scientists. To promote a more balanced gender distribution, policies should be developed to encourage a more reasonable division of family responsibilities. Further, equal higher education opportunities should be ensured for girls, especially in rural areas. Solutions to free more women from work-marriage-childcare conflicts and to decrease turnover rates deserve further discussion. Gender data should be highlighted and optimized to further advance gender differences among the health workforce and for women's health in China.

The transmembrane protein CD47, an innate immune checkpoint protein, plays a pivotal role in preventing healthy erythrocytes from immune clearance. Our study utilized stochastic optical-reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and single-molecule analysis to investigate the distribution of CD47 on the human erythrocyte membrane. Contrary to previous findings in mouse erythrocytes, we discovered that CD47 exists in randomly distributed monomers rather than in clusters across the human erythrocyte membrane. Using 2nd antibody-induced crosslinking, we found that CD47 aggregates into stable clusters within minutes. By comparing these STORM results with those of the fully mobile protein CD59 and the cytoskeleton-bound membrane protein glycophorin C under similar conditions, as well as devising two-color STORM co-labeling and co-clustering experiments, we further quantitatively revealed an intermediate, self-limiting clustering behavior of CD47, elucidating its fractional (∼14%) attachment to the cytoskeleton. Moreover, we report reductions in both the amount of CD47 and its clustering capability in aged erythrocytes, providing new insight into erythrocyte senescence. Together, the combination of STORM and 2nd antibody-based crosslinking unveils the unique self-limiting clustering behavior of CD47 due to its fractional cytoskeleton attachment.

Obesity per se is rapidly emerging all over the planet and further accounts for many other life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Decreased oxygen supply or increased relative oxygen consumption in the adipose tissue results in adipose tissue hypoxia, which is a hallmark of obesity. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the hypoxia signaling in the adipose tissue. First, we summarize literature evidence to demonstrate that hypoxia is regularly observed during adipose tissue remodeling in human and rodent models of obesity. Next, we discuss how hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are regulated and how adipose tissues behave in response to hypoxia. Then, the differential roles of adipose HIF-1α and HIF-2α in adipose tissue biology and obesity pathology are highlighted. Finally, the review emphasizes the importance of modulating adipose hypoxia as a therapeutic avenue to assist adipose tissues in functionally adapting to hypoxic conditions, ultimately promoting adipose health and improving outcomes due to obesity.

Despite an undetectable plasma viral load as a result of antiretroviral therapy, HIV-1-infected individuals with poor immune reconstitution harbor infectious HIV-1 within their platelets. Megakaryocytes, as platelet precursors, are the likely cellular origin of these HIV-1-containing platelets. To investigate the mechanisms that allow megakaryocytes to support HIV-1 infection, we established in vitro models of viral infection using hematopoietic stem cell-derived megakaryocytes and the megakaryocytic MEG-01 cell line. We observed HIV-1 DNA provirus integration into the megakaryocyte cell genome, self-limiting virus production, and HIV-1 protein and RNA compartmentalization, which are hallmarks of HIV-1 infection in myeloid cells. In addition, following HIV-1 infection of megakaryocyte precursors, the expression of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), an antiviral factor constitutively expressed in megakaryocytes, was inhibited in terminally differentiated HIV-1-infected megakaryocytes. IFITM3 knockdown in MEG-01 cells prior to infection led to enhanced HIV-1 infection, indicating that IFITM3 acts as an HIV-1 restriction factor in megakaryocytes. Together, these findings indicate that megakaryocyte precursors are susceptible to HIV-1 infection, leading to terminally differentiated megakaryocytes harboring virus in a process regulated by IFITM3. Megakaryocytes may thus constitute a neglected HIV-1 reservoir that warrants further study in order to develop improved antiretroviral therapies and to facilitate HIV-1 eradication.

ATP has been recognized as a hydrotrope in the phase separation process of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Surprisingly, when using the disordered RG/RGG-rich motif from HNRNPG protein as a model system, we discover a biphasic relationship between the ATP concentration and IDP phase separation. We show that at a relatively low ATP concentration, ATP dynamically interacts with the IDP, which neutralizes protein surface charges, promotes intermolecular interactions, and consequently promotes phase separation. We further demonstrate that ATP induces a compact conformation of the IDP, accounting for the reduced solvent exchange rate and lower compression ratio during phase separation. As ATP concentration increases, its hydrotropic properties emerge, leading to the dissolution of the phase-separated droplets. Our finding uncovers a complex mechanism by which ATP molecules modulate the structure, interaction, and phase separation of IDPs, and accounts for the distinct phase separation behaviors for the charge-rich RGG motif and other low-complexity IDPs.

Defects in the FAcilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT) complex, a histone chaperone composed of SSRP1 and SUPT16H, are implicated in intellectual disability. Here, we reveal that the FACT complex promotes glycolysis and sustains the correct cell fate of neural stem cells/neuroblasts in the Drosophila 3rd instar larval central brain. We show that the FACT complex binds to the promoter region of the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) gene and positively regulates ERR expression. ERR is known to act as an aerobic glycolytic switch by upregulating the enzymes required for glycolysis. Dysfunction of the FACT complex leads to the downregulation of ERR transcription, resulting in a decreased ratio of glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (G/O) in neuroblasts. Consequently, neuroblasts exhibit smaller cell sizes, lower proliferation potential, and altered cell fates. Overexpression of ERR or suppression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in neuroblasts increases the relative G/O ratio and rescues defective phenotypes caused by dysfunction of the FACT complex. Thus, the G/O ratio, mediated by the FACT complex, plays a crucial role in neuroblast cell fate maintenance. Our study may shed light on the mechanism by which mutations in the FACT complex lead to intellectual disability in humans.

Fusion pore opening is a transient intermediate state of synaptic vesicle exocytosis, which is highly dynamic and precisely regulated by the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex and synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1). Yet, the regulatory mechanism is not fully understood. In this work, using single-channel membrane fusion electrophysiology, we determined that SNAREpins are important for driving fusion pore opening and dilation but incapable of regulating the dynamics. When Syt1 was added, the closing frequency of fusion pores significantly increased, while the radius of fusion pores mildly decreased. In response to Ca2+, SNARE/Syt1 greatly increased the radius of fusion pores and reduced their closing frequency. Moreover, the residue F349 in the C2B domain of Syt1, which mediates Syt1 oligomerization, was required for clamping fusion pore opening in the absence of Ca2+, probably by extending the distance between the two membranes. Finally, in Ca2+-triggered fusion, the primary interface between SNARE and Syt1 plays a critical role in stabilizing and dilating the fusion pore, while the polybasic region of Syt1 C2B domain has a mild effect on increasing the radius of the fusion pore. In summary, our results suggest that Syt1, SNARE, and the anionic membrane synergically orchestrate the dynamics of fusion pore opening in synaptic vesicle exocytosis.

Chromothripsis, a type of complex chromosomal rearrangement originally known as chromoanagenesis, has been a subject of extensive investigation due to its potential role in various diseases, particularly cancer. Chromothripsis involves the rapid acquisition of tens to hundreds of structural rearrangements within a short period, leading to complex alterations in one or a few chromosomes. This phenomenon is triggered by chromosome mis-segregation during mitosis. Errors in accurate chromosome segregation lead to formation of aberrant structural entities such as micronuclei or chromatin bridges. The association between chromothripsis and cancer has attracted significant interest, with potential implications for tumorigenesis and disease prognosis. This review aims to explore the intricate mechanisms and consequences of chromothripsis, with a specific focus on its association with mitotic perturbations. Herein, we discuss a comprehensive analysis of crucial molecular entities and pathways, exploring the intricate roles of the CIP2A-TOPBP1 complex, micronuclei formation, chromatin bridge processing, DNA damage repair, and mitotic checkpoints. Moreover, the review will highlight recent advancements in identifying potential therapeutic targets and the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with chromothripsis, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions in various diseases.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences and associated protein complexes located at the end of chromatin. As a result of the DNA replication ending issue, telomeric DNA shortens during each cell cycle. The shelterin protein complex caps telomeric ends and forms a high-order protein-DNA structure to protect telomeric DNA. The stability of telomeres is critical for cellular function and is related to the progression of many human diseases. Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is a noncoding RNA transcribed from telomeric DNA regions. TERRA plays an essential role in regulating and maintaining the stability of telomeres. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA-binding proteins associated with complex and diverse biological processes. HnRNPA1 can recognize both TERRA and telomeric DNA. Previous research reported that hnRNPA1, TERRA, and POT1, a component of the shelterin complex, worked coordinately and displaced replication protein A from telomeric ssDNA after DNA replication, promoting telomere capping to preserve genomic integrity. However, the detailed molecular mechanism has remained unclear for over twenty years. Our study revealed the molecular structure through which the hnRNPA1 UP1 domain interacts with TERRA. Through structural analysis, we identified critical residues on the interacting surface between UP1 and TERRA. Furthermore, we proved that nucleic acids significantly increase the phase separation ability of hnRNPA1 and disrupting the UP1-TERRA interaction extraordinarily affects hnRNPA1 droplet formation both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data revealed the molecular mechanism of the droplet formation of hnRNPA1 and TERRA and the possible function of the droplets for maintaining genomic stability.

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic mode of cell death characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation. While lipid radical elimination reaction catalyzed by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a major anti-ferroptosis mechanism, inhibiting this pathway pharmaceutically shows promise as an anti-tumor strategy. However, certain tumor cells exhibit redundancy in lipid radical elimination pathways, rendering them unresponsive to GPX4 inhibitors. In this study, we conducted screens across different cancer cell lines and FDA-approved drugs, leading to the identification of temsirolimus in combination with the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 as a potent inducer of ferroptosis in liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, temsirolimus sensitized liver cancer cells to ferroptosis by directly binding to and inhibiting ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) enzyme. Notably, while temsirolimus is recognized as a potent mTOR inhibitor, its ferroptosis-inducing effect is primarily attributed to its inhibition of FSP1 rather than mTOR activity. By performing in vitro colony formation assays and in vivo tumor xenograft models, we demonstrated that the combination of temsirolimus and RSL3 effectively suppressed liver tumor progression. This tumoricidal effect was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and induction of ferroptosis. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of combining multi-target ferroptosis-inducing agents to circumvent resistance to ferroptosis in liver cancer cells and highlight temsirolimus as a promising FSP1 inhibitor and ferroptosis inducer, which also deserves further investigation in translational medicine.