MALAT1 Expression Is Deregulated in miR-34a Knockout Cell Lines.

Non-coding microRNA-34a (miR-34a) regulates the expression of key factors involved in several cellular processes, such as differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, and senescence. Deregulation of the expression of these factors is implicated in the onset and progression of several human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and pathologies associated with viral infections and inflammation. Despite numerous studies, the molecular mechanisms regulated by miR-34a remain to be fully understood.

Functional Testing of ETV6 Variants: Is the Evaluation of Their Intracellular Localization Sufficient in Assessing Pathogenicity?

Background/objectives: ETV6-related thrombocytopenia (ETV6-RT) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mild thrombocytopenia since birth and an increased predisposition to hematologic malignancies. ETV6 functions as a transcriptional repressor, and its pathogenic variants, predominantly within the ETS domain, disrupt nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. In individuals with congenital thrombocytopenia, we identified two missense variants: c.

Sex differences in neuromuscular and biological determinants of isometric maximal force.

Aim: Force expression is characterized by an interplay of biological and molecular determinants that are expected to differentiate males and females in terms of maximal performance. These include muscle characteristics (muscle size, fiber type, contractility), neuromuscular regulation (central and peripheral factors of force expression), and individual genetic factors (miRNAs and gene/protein expression). This research aims to comprehensively assess these physiological variables and their role as determinants of maximal force difference between sexes.

Effects of a 4400 km ultra-cycling non-competitive race and related training on body composition and circulating progenitors differentiation.

Background: NorthCape4000 (NC4000) is the most participated ultra-endurance cycling race. Eight healthy male Caucasian amateur cyclists were evaluated: (a) before starting the preparation period; (b) in the week preceding NC4000 (after the training period); (c) after NC4000 race, with the aim to identify the effects of ultra-cycling on body composition, aerobic capacity and biochemical parameters as well as on the differentiation of progenitor cells.

Methods: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) assessed body composition; cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) evaluated aerobic capacity.

Regulation of microRNAs in Satellite Cell Renewal, Muscle Function, Sarcopenia and the Role of Exercise.

Sarcopenia refers to a condition of progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function associated with a higher risk of falls and fractures in older adults. Musculoskeletal aging leads to reduced muscle mass and strength, affecting the quality of life in elderly people. In recent years, several studies contributed to improve the knowledge of the pathophysiological alterations that lead to skeletal muscle dysfunction; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia are still not fully understood.