scholarly journals Feto-Maternal Crosstalk in the Development of the Circadian Clock System

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Astiz ◽  
Henrik Oster

The circadian (24 h) clock system adapts physiology and behavior to daily recurring changes in the environment. Compared to the extensive knowledge assembled over the last decades on the circadian system in adults, its regulation and function during development is still largely obscure. It has been shown that environmental factors, such as stress or alterations in photoperiod, disrupt maternal neuroendocrine homeostasis and program the offspring’s circadian function. However, the process of circadian differentiation cannot be fully dependent on maternal rhythms alone, since circadian rhythms in offspring from mothers lacking a functional clock (due to SCN lesioning or genetic clock deletion) develop normally. This mini-review focuses on recent findings suggesting that the embryo/fetal molecular clock machinery is present and functional in several tissues early during gestation. It is entrained by maternal rhythmic signals crossing the placenta while itself controlling responsiveness to such external factors to certain times of the day. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms through which maternal, placental and embryo/fetal clocks interact with each other, sense, integrate and coordinate signals from the early life environment is improving our understanding of how the circadian system emerges during development and how it affects physiological resilience against external perturbations during this critical time period.

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (2) ◽  
pp. H257-H264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Wagenseil ◽  
Christopher H. Ciliberto ◽  
Russell H. Knutsen ◽  
Marilyn A. Levy ◽  
Attila Kovacs ◽  
...  

Elastin is an essential component of vertebrate arteries that provides elasticity and stores energy during the cardiac cycle. Elastin production in the arterial wall begins midgestation but increases rapidly during the last third of human and mouse development, just as blood pressure and cardiac output increase sharply. The aim of this study is to characterize the structure, hemodynamics, and mechanics of developing arteries with reduced elastin levels and determine the critical time period where elastin is required in the vertebrate cardiovascular system. Mice that lack elastin ( Eln−/−) or have approximately one-half the normal level ( Eln+/−) show relatively normal cardiovascular development up to embryonic day (E) 18 as assessed by arterial morphology, left ventricular blood pressure, and cardiac function. Previous work showed that just a few days later, at birth, Eln−/− mice die with high blood pressure and tortuous, stenotic arteries. During this period from E18 to birth, Eln+/− mice add extra layers of smooth muscle cells to the vessel wall and have a mean blood pressure 25% higher than wild-type animals. These findings demonstrate that elastin is only necessary for normal cardiovascular structure and function in mice starting in the last few days of fetal development. The large increases in blood pressure during this period may push hemodynamic forces over a critical threshold where elastin becomes required for cardiovascular function. Understanding the interplay between elastin amounts and hemodynamic forces in developing vessels will help design treatments for human elastinopathies and optimize protocols for tissue engineering.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Nowland ◽  
Kate Plush ◽  
Mary Barton ◽  
Roy Kirkwood

The intestinal microbiota has received a lot of attention in recent times due to its essential role in the immune system development and function. Recent work in humans has demonstrated that the first year of life is the most critical time period for microbiome development with perturbations during this time being proven to have long term health consequences. In this review, we describe the literature surrounding early life events in humans and mice that contribute to intestinal microbiota development and function, and compare this to piglets predominantly during their lactation period, which focuses on the impact lactation management practices may have on the intestinal microbiota. Although extensive research has been conducted in this area in humans and mice, little research exists in pigs during perceivably the most critical time period of development, which is the lactation period. The research reviewed outlines the importance of appropriate intestinal microbiota development. However, further research is needed in order to understand the full extent routine farm practices have on a piglet’s intestinal microbiota.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy A. Malaker ◽  
Kayvon Pedram ◽  
Michael J. Ferracane ◽  
Elliot C. Woods ◽  
Jessica Kramer ◽  
...  

<div> <div> <div> <p>Mucins are a class of highly O-glycosylated proteins that are ubiquitously expressed on cellular surfaces and are important for human health, especially in the context of carcinomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which aberrant mucin structures lead to tumor progression and immune evasion have been slow to come to light, in part because methods for selective mucin degradation are lacking. Here we employ high resolution mass spectrometry, polymer synthesis, and computational peptide docking to demonstrate that a bacterial protease, called StcE, cleaves mucin domains by recognizing a discrete peptide-, glycan-, and secondary structure- based motif. We exploited StcE’s unique properties to map glycosylation sites and structures of purified and recombinant human mucins by mass spectrometry. As well, we found that StcE will digest cancer-associated mucins from cultured cells and from ovarian cancer patient-derived ascites fluid. Finally, using StcE we discovered that Siglec-7, a glyco-immune checkpoint receptor, specifically binds sialomucins as biological ligands, whereas the related Siglec-9 receptor does not. Mucin-specific proteolysis, as exemplified by StcE, is therefore a powerful tool for the study of glycoprotein structure and function and for deorphanizing mucin-binding receptors. </p> </div> </div> </div>


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Rahmadini Darwas

<p><strong><em>Abstract<br /></em></strong><em>Laboratory is one of the supporting facilities in im[roving the learning process. Problems found by students regarding the information system laboratory facilities at STMIK Indonesia Padang are</em><em> the computers that suddenly die when operated, the less cold room, display data is blurred, making the inconvenience in the learning process that causes the students less satisfied with the services provided. Students will feel satisfied if the service is expected to match the received. Therefore, a decision support system is needed to analyze the quality of services provided to the students so that it can support the role and function of the laboratory optimally and what attributes need to be improved the quality of service. The method used is Fuzzy Service Quality (Servqual) method. The results showed that the service quality received was not in accordance with the expected because there is a gap of -1.55 for tangibles dimension. Attributes that need to be improved the quality of services are laboratory space is cool and comfortable, the use of laboratories relevant to the field of science, the responsibility of laboratory assistant, the availability of professional teachers and attitudes and behavior of labor officers.<br /></em></p><p><strong><em>Abstrak<br /></em></strong>Laboratorium merupakan salah satu fasilitas pendukung dalam meningkatkan proses pembelajaran. Permasalahan yang ditemukan mahasiswa mengenai fasilitas laboratorium sistem informasi pada STMIK Indonesia Padang adalah komputer yang tiba-tiba mati saat dioperasikan, ruangan yang kurang dingin, data <em>display</em> yang buram sehingga membuat ketidaknyamanan dalam proses pembelajaran yang menyebabkan mahasiswa kurang puas terhadap layanan yang diberikan. Mahasiswa akan merasa puas apabila layanan yang diharapkan sesuai dengan yang diterima. Oleh sebab itu, diperlukan suatu sistem pendukung keputusan untuk menganalisis kualitas layanan yang diberikan kepada mahasiswa sehingga dapat mendukung peran dan fungsi laboratorium secara optimal serta atribut apa saja yang perlu ditingkatkan kualitas layanannya. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode <em>Fuzzy Service Quality </em>(<em>Servqua</em>l). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas layanan yang diterima belum sesuai dengan yang diharapkan karena terdapat <em>gap</em> sebesar -1.55 untuk dimensi <em>tangibles</em>. Atribut yang perlu ditingkatkan kualitas layanannya yaitu ruangan laboratorium yang sejuk dan nyaman, penggunaan laboratorium yang relevan dengan bidang ilmu, tanggungjawab asisten labor, tersedianya tenaga pengajar yang professional dan sikap serta perilaku petugas labor</p><p><strong><em>Kata kunci</em></strong><strong> : sistem pendukung keputusan, laboratorium, <em>fuzzy</em>, <em>servqual</em></strong></p><p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-122
Author(s):  
Doris Adams Hill ◽  
Theoni Mantzoros ◽  
Jonté C. Taylor

Special educators are often considered the experts in their school when it comes to developing functional behavior assessments (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP), yet rarely are they trained much beyond basic antecedents, behaviors, and consequences (ABC). This column discusses concepts that will expand special education professionals’ knowledge to make better decisions regarding interventions for the students they serve. Specifically, the focus is on motivating operations (MO) and function-based interventions and the implications of these on behavior. Knowledge of the concept of MOs can enhance a teacher’s ability to provide evidence-based interventions and more fully developed behavioral interventions for students in their purview.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3955
Author(s):  
László Bálint ◽  
Zoltán Jakus

Our understanding of the function and development of the lymphatic system is expanding rapidly due to the identification of specific molecular markers and the availability of novel genetic approaches. In connection, it has been demonstrated that mechanical forces contribute to the endothelial cell fate commitment and play a critical role in influencing lymphatic endothelial cell shape and alignment by promoting sprouting, development, maturation of the lymphatic network, and coordinating lymphatic valve morphogenesis and the stabilization of lymphatic valves. However, the mechanosignaling and mechanotransduction pathways involved in these processes are poorly understood. Here, we provide an overview of the impact of mechanical forces on lymphatics and summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the mechanosensation and mechanotransduction by lymphatic endothelial cells. We also discuss how these mechanosensitive pathways affect endothelial cell fate and regulate lymphatic development and function. A better understanding of these mechanisms may provide a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of various diseases associated with impaired lymphatic function, such as lymphedema and may eventually lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for these conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Laeya Baldini ◽  
Bruno Charpentier ◽  
Stéphane Labialle

Box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (C/D snoRNAs) represent an ancient family of small non-coding RNAs that are classically viewed as housekeeping guides for the 2′-O-methylation of ribosomal RNA in Archaea and Eukaryotes. However, an extensive set of studies now argues that they are involved in mechanisms that go well beyond this function. Here, we present these pieces of evidence in light of the current comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that control C/D snoRNA expression and function. From this inventory emerges that an accurate description of these activities at a molecular level is required to let the snoRNA field enter in a second age of maturity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2472
Author(s):  
Carl Randall Harrell ◽  
Valentin Djonov ◽  
Vladislav Volarevic

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, rapidly proliferating, multipotent stem cells which reside in almost all post-natal tissues. MSCs possess potent immunoregulatory properties and, in juxtacrine and paracrine manner, modulate phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, MSCs produce various pro-angiogenic factors and promote neo-vascularization in healing tissues, contributing to their enhanced repair and regeneration. In this review article, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms that regulate the crosstalk between MSCs and immune cells in tissue repair and regeneration.


Author(s):  
Yiping Hu ◽  
Juan He ◽  
Lianhua He ◽  
Bihua Xu ◽  
Qingwen Wang

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a critical role in the pathological processes of various diseases. However, the signaling mechanism of TGF-β in the pathological response remains largely unclear. In this review, we discuss advances in research of Smad7, a member of the I-Smads family and a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling, and mainly review the expression and its function in diseases. Smad7 inhibits the activation of the NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways and plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Specifically, Smad7 can not only attenuate growth inhibition, fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and inflammatory T cell differentiation, but also promotes epithelial cells migration or disease development. In this review, we aim to summarize the various biological functions of Smad7 in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancers, and kidney diseases, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of Smad7.


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