Saliva protein genes in humans were shaped during primate evolution.

Genes within the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) locus diversified along with the formation of a calcified skeleton in vertebrates, the emergence of tooth enamel in fish, and the introduction of lactation in mammals, at each stage marking major transitions in life history. The SCPP locus also harbors genes expressed primarily and abundantly in the saliva of humans. Here, we explored the phylogeny and evolution of the saliva-related SCPP genes by harnessing available genomic and transcriptomic resources.

Chronic exposure to PFAS triggers systems-level cellular reprogramming independent of their bioaccumulation.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," are linked to metabolic, immune, and neurotoxic disorders, yet their long-term cellular effects remain unclear. Using a 24-week chronic exposure model with non-transformed human epithelial cells, we examined responses to low, environmentally relevant concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Integrated transcriptomic and lipidomic analyses revealed that cellular accumulation was minimal, and molecular changes instead emerged around week 17, marked by activation of oxidative stress responses, cell survival pathways, and lipid metabolism.

An FGFR-p53 developmental signaling axis drives salivary cancer progression.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most frequently occurring salivary gland malignancy. Here, we investigated transcriptomic profiles of human fetal and adult salivary glands and MEC tumors to assess programs involved in MEC progression. Molecular and genetic analyses revealed that MEC tumors and fetal salivary glands share proliferative and developmental gene expression profiles that implicate an FGFR-p53 signaling axis in salivary MEC progression.

From molecular variations to behavioral adaptations: Unveiling adaptive epistasis in primate oxytocin system.

Objective: Our primary objective was to investigate the variability of oxytocin (OT) and the GAMEN binding motif within the LNPEP oxytocinase in primates.

Materials And Methods: We sequenced the LNPEP segment encompassing the GAMEN motif in 34 Platyrrhini species, with 21 of them also sequenced for the OT gene. Our dataset was supplemented with primate sequences of LNPEP, OT, and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) sourced from public databases.

Emergence of saliva protein genes in the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) locus and accelerated evolution in primates.

Genes within the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) family evolved in conjunction with major evolutionary milestones: the formation of a calcified skeleton in vertebrates, the emergence of tooth enamel in fish, and the introduction of lactation in mammals. The SCPP gene family also contains genes expressed primarily and abundantly in human saliva. Here, we explored the evolution of the saliva-related SCPP genes by harnessing currently available genomic and transcriptomic resources.

Insights into the evolutionary history of the most skilled tool-handling platyrrhini monkey: Sapajus libidinosus from the Serra da Capivara National Park.

Sapajus libidinosus members of the Pedra Furada group, living in the Serra da Capivara National Park, use stone tools in a wider variety of behaviors than any other living animal, except humans. To rescue the evolutionary history of the Caatinga S. libidinosus and identify factors that may have contributed to the emergence and maintenance of their tool-use culture, we conducted fieldwork seasons to obtain biological samples of these capuchin monkeys.

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor signaling and modulation: implications for stress response and resilience.

Introduction In addition to their role in regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its related peptides, the urocortins, are important mediators of physiological and pathophysiological processes of the central nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, reproductive, and skin systems. Altered regulation of CRF-mediated adaptive responses to various stressful stimuli disrupts healthy function and might confer vulnerability to several disorders, including depression and anxiety. Methodology This narrative review was conducted through search and analysis of studies retrieved from online databases using a snowball method.