Significance of the p38MAPK-CRP2 axis in myofibroblastic phenotypic transition.

We have recently demonstrated that a LIM domain protein, cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2 [CRP2]), plays a vital role in the functional expression of myofibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts. CRP2 binds directly to myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTF [MRTF-A or MRTF-B]) and serum response factor (SRF) to stabilize the MRTF/SRF/CArG-box complex, leading to the expression of smooth muscle cell (SMC) genes such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagens. These are the marker genes for myofibroblasts.

Lymph node medulla regulates the spatiotemporal unfolding of resident dendritic cell networks.

Unlike macrophage networks composed of long-lived tissue-resident cells within specific niches, conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) that generate a 3D network in lymph nodes (LNs) are short lived and continuously replaced by DC precursors (preDCs) from the bone marrow (BM). Here, we examined whether specific anatomical niches exist within which preDCs differentiate toward immature cDCs. In situ photoconversion and Prtn3-based fate-tracking revealed that the LN medullary cords are preferential entry sites for preDCs, serving as specific differentiation niches.

Role of CRP2-MRTF interaction in functions of myofibroblasts.

Inflammatory response induces phenotypic modulation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Although transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs) evoke such transition, the details of the mechanism are still unknown. Here, we report that a LIM domain protein, cysteine-and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2 [CRP2]) plays a vital role in the functional expression profile in myofibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).

Assessment of post-harvest losses and carbon footprint in intensive lowland rice production in Myanmar.

This paper examines how a move from traditional post-harvest operations of smallholder rice farms in the Ayeyarwaddy delta, Myanmar, to improved post-harvest operations affected income, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Harvest and post-harvest losses were investigated in a field experiment with 5 replications per scenario. A comparative analysis on energy efficiency and cost-benefits was conducted for different practices of rice production from cultivation to milling.

Genetic Dissection of Grain Nutritional Traits and Leaf Blight Resistance in Rice.

Colored rice is rich in nutrition and also a good source of valuable genes/quantitative trait loci (QTL) for nutrition, grain quality, and pest and disease resistance traits for use in rice breeding. Genome-wide association analysis using high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is useful in precisely detecting QTLs and genes. We carried out genome-wide association analysis in 152 colored rice accessions, using 22,112 SNPs to map QTLs for nutritional, agronomic, and bacterial leaf blight (BLB) resistance traits.