FMR1 mutant marmosets show fragile X syndrome phenotypes.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the foremost monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, caused by FMR1 gene silencing. Here, we report that common marmosets carrying FMR1 mutation, a non-human primate model for FXS, share common features in behavioral and molecular phenotypes with patients with FXS. Founder mutants with markedly reduced fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein expression display hyperactivity, spontaneous seizures, and transcriptome changes in synapse-related genes that overlap with those reported in patients with FXS.

Cnidopsins Characterized as Bistable Opsins From a Reef-Building Coral, .

Many cnidarian animals possess multiple opsins, including a type known as cnidopsin, which is found throughout the phylum Cnidaria and is divided into several subgroups. Previous studies have suggested that cnidopsins from jellyfish and coral can light-dependently elevate intracellular cAMP levels, likely via activation of Gs-type G protein in cultured cells. However, their spectroscopic properties remain largely unclear, with the exception of jellyfish opsins.

Coral anthozoan-specific opsins employ a novel chloride counterion for spectral tuning.

Animal opsins are G protein-coupled receptors that have evolved to sense light by covalently binding a retinal chromophore via a protonated (positively charged) Schiff base. A negatively charged amino acid in the opsin, acting as a counterion, stabilizes the proton on the Schiff base, which is essential for sensitivity to visible light. In this study, we investigate the spectroscopic properties of a unique class of opsins from a reef-building coral belonging to the anthozoan-specific opsin II group (ASO-II opsins), which intriguingly lack a counterion residue at any of established sites.

Selective TLR ligand stimulation enhances in vivo mosquito-borne flavivirus pathogenicity.

Mosquito saliva facilitates pathogen transmission and enhances the severity of diseases caused by mosquito-borne viruses; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mosquito salivary gland extracts (SGEs) enhance flaviviral pathogenicity in vivo by activating innate immune responses following the accumulation of immune cells at the infection site. Among the innate immune signaling pathways, the TLR2 pathway enhances flaviviral pathogenicity in a manner similar to that of SGEs.

Development of visible light-sensitive human neuropsin (OPN5) via single amino acid substitution.

Neuropsin (Opn5), a UV-sensitive 'non-visual' opsin, has the potential to be used as optogenetic tools applicable to tissues outside of the eye because of its broad expression. However, its sensitivity to poorly tissue-penetrating UV light poses challenges for its application. In this study, we focused on human OPN5 (hOPN5) to identify amino acid(s) responsible for the UV sensitivity.

Attenuated orexinergic signaling underlies sleep-wake problems in a Mecp2-null mouse model of Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Previous studies reported sleep problems characterized by changes in architecture and sleep-wake patterns in both RTT patients and animal models of RTT. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying the sleep-wake problems in humans or animals.

Early-stage transplant responses in miniature-liver implants based on decellularization-recellularization technology.

Decellularization and recellularization can help address the gap between organ demand and availability. Although several whole organ engineered liver constructs have been reported, they are unable to maintain long-term function. Additionally, the effect of the early stage on cells after implantation is not described in detail.

Spontaneous histiocytic sarcoma with peritoneal dissemination in a Damaraland mole-rat (): The first spontaneous tumor in this species.

An 11-year-old, Damaraland mole-rat queen died after several months of abdominal distension with no other clinical signs, and a necropsy was performed. Grossly, numerous red-white, smooth masses, ranging from a few millimeters to 1 cm in diameter, were widely scattered across the surfaces of the diaphragm, mesentery, and peritoneum. The pulmonary hilar, mediastinal, mesenteric, and renal lymph nodes were enlarged.

Two Distinct Mechanisms of PP2A Regulation by Methylesterase PME-1 Are Both Essential for Mouse Development.

Protein methylesterase-1 (PME-1) is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the demethylation of protein phosphatases 2A (PP2A) and PP4 catalytic subunits to alter the composition of holoenzymes. Elevated PME-1 protein levels are observed in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, suggesting the involvement of dysregulation of PP2A/PP4 methylation. However, PME-1 also forms stable complexes with the catalytic subunit of PP2A to interfere with phosphatase activity, and it remains unclear what roles the functions as a methylesterase and as a PP2A inhibitory protein each play in vivo.

Engineered ACE2 decoy in dry powder form for inhalation: A novel therapy for SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The persistent threat of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of new variants has prompted the development of a novel, easily administered modality that can overcome viral mutations. The engineered ACE2 decoy shows neutralizing activity comparable to monoclonal antibodies and is broadly effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants and ACE2-utilizing sarbecoviruses. In addition to intravenous administration, this decoy has shown antiviral efficacy through nebulized aerosol inhalation in murine and primate models, offering a dose-sparing advantage.

Characterization of Anthozoan-Specific Opsins from a Reef-Building Coral, , as Gq-Coupled Opsins.

Most animals capture light through opsins, which are light-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recent genome analyses of anthozoans, including corals and sea anemones, have identified novel opsins that are phylogenetically classified into two groups distinct from previously known opsin groups. Despite their significance in clarifying biological functions, the specific molecular properties of these opsins remain largely unknown.

Feasibility of Coplanar VMAT for Brain Metastases Using Halcyon With Knowledge-based Planning from Non-coplanar Plan.

Background/aim: This study aimed to clarify the feasibility of creating coplanar single-isocenter volumetric modulated arc therapy (SI-VMAT) with a Halcyon using a knowledge-based planning system based on non-coplanar plans for treating multiple brain metastases.

Patients And Methods: A knowledge-based RapidPlan (RP) planning model was built using 32 TrueBeam SI-VMAT plans including one full arc and three non-coplanar partial arcs. To confirm its applicability across different beam geometries using the Halcyon system, the model was validated on the basis of the root-mean-square error (RSME), deviation rate, and absolute differences between estimated and actual dose-volume histograms (DVHs).

Establishment of Scoring to Predict Severe Complication After Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study using prospective database.

Objective: This study aimed to establish a risk-scoring system for predicting severe complications after pyogenic spondylodiscitis surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Pyogenic spondylodiscitis surgery can cause severe complications.

Potential Contribution of Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor to PI3K/AKT Pathway Dysregulation in Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Background/aim: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a mesenchymal tumor affecting multiple organs in dogs. Previous studies identified activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB, AKT) pathway in canine STS cell lines and clinical samples, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated PTEN loss, PIK3CA mutation, and EGFR over-expression as potential drivers of PI3K/AKT pathway activation in STS.

A Mouse Model of Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Allergy Exhibits Altered Localization of SARS-CoV-2-Susceptible Cells in the Lungs, Which Reflects Omicron BA.5 Infection Dynamics, Viral Mutations, and Immunopathology.

Asthma, an allergic disease of the airways, is a risk factor for severity of common respiratory viral infections; however, the relationship between asthma and severity in COVID-19 remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron BA.5 strain) infection in a mouse model of airway allergy.

Efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding the E2 glycoprotein of bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 fused to mouse lysosome-associated membrane protein 1.

The E2 protein of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a known protective antigen and a major target for DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines have various advantages; however, their immunogenicity needs to be enhanced by using adjuvants or drug delivery systems. In this study, we used mouse lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (mLAMP1) as a molecular adjuvant and developed a DNA vaccine encoding an mLAMP1-BVDV E2 chimeric protein (pVax-mLAMP1-E2).

Strain- and Subtype-Specific Replication of Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Viruses in Mongolian Gerbils.

Since Mongolian gerbils are broadly susceptible to hepatitis E virus (HEV), including genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 8 (HEV-1, HEV-5, HEV-5, and HEV-8) and rat HEV, they are a useful small animal model for HEV. However, we have observed that the subtypes HEV-3k and HEV-3ra in genotype 3 HEV (HEV-3) were not infected efficiently in the gerbils. A small-animal model for HEV-3 is also needed since HEV-3 is responsible for major zoonotic HEV infections.

Hard X-ray inverse Compton scattering at photon energy of 87.5 keV.

Production of hard X-ray via inverse Compton scattering at photon energies below 100 keV range aimed at potential applications in medicine and material research is reported. Experiments have been performed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Accelerator Test Facility, employing the counter collision of a 70 MeV, 0.3 nC electron beam with a near infra-red Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm wavelength) pulse containing ~ 100 mJ in a single shot basis.

Long-term aquarium records delineate the synchronized spawning strategy of corals.

Aligning spawning timing with seasonal environmental changes is critical for both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. However, mechanisms to regulate reproductive activity in response to environmental factors are not well understood, partly owing to the technical difficulty in maintaining detailed long-term observational data of the reproductive activities in the same population across years. In this study, we present an application of the aquarium system to examine the long-term spawning properties of corals.

The Density of CD8 Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes Correlated With Akt Activation and Ki-67 Index in Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Background/aim: The activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway has been implicated in canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and may serve as a prognostic marker. This study investigated the correlation between PI3K/Akt activation in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

Materials And Methods: A total of 59 STS samples were labeled via immunohistochemistry to calculate the density of TILs, including CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, and FOXP3+ regulatory T cells.