JBC ,

Molecular and structural basis of nucleoside diphosphate kinase-mediated regulation of spore and sclerotia development in the fungus Aspergillus flavus [Gene Regulation]

The fundamental biological function of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) is to catalyze the reversible exchange of the γ-phosphate between nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) and nucleoside diphosphate (NDP). This kinase also has functions that extend beyond its canonically defined enzymatic role as a phosphotransferase. However, the role of NDK in filamentous fungi, especially in Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), is not yet known. Here we report that A. flavus has two NDK-encoding gene copies as assessed...

JBC Papers in Press

Wed Jun 26, 2019 23:30

Transcriptional profiling of single fiber cells in a transgenic paradigm of an inherited childhood cataract reveals absence of molecular heterogeneity [Gene Regulation]

Our recent single cell-transcriptomic analysis has demonstrated that heterogeneous transcriptional activity attends molecular transition from the nascent to terminally differentiated fiber cells in the developing mouse lens. In order to understand the role of transcriptional heterogeneity in terminal differentiation and the functional phenotype (transparency) of this tissue, here we present a single-cell analysis of the developing lens, in a transgenic paradigm of an inherited pathology, known as...

JBC Papers in Press

Wed Jun 26, 2019 21:30

Inhibition of mitochondrial complex 1 by the S6K1 inhibitor PF-4708671 partly contributes to its glucose metabolic effects in muscle and liver cells [Signal Transduction]

mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and p70 S6 kinase (S6K1) are both involved in the development of obesity-linked insulin resistance. Recently, we showed that the S6K1 inhibitor PF-4708671 (PF) increases insulin sensitivity. However, we also reported that PF can increase glucose metabolism even in the absence of insulin in muscle and hepatic cells. Here, we further explored the potential mechanisms by which PF increases glucose metabolism in muscle and liver cells independently of insulin. Time-course experiments...

JBC Papers in Press

Wed Jun 26, 2019 21:30

A NAV2729-sensitive mechanism promotes adrenergic smooth muscle contraction and growth of stromal cells in the human prostate [Signal Transduction]

Voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are driven by prostate smooth muscle contraction and prostate growth. Smooth muscle contraction in the prostate and other organs critically depends on activation of the small monomeric GTPases RhoA, and probably Rac1. A role of another GTPase, ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) for smooth muscle contraction has been recently suggested by indirect evidence, but remains to be proven for any organ. Here, we report effects of NAV2729, an inhibitor...

JBC Papers in Press

Wed Jun 26, 2019 19:30