1.

Mutations in FUS, an RNA processing protein, cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 6

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is familial in 10% of cases. Missense mutations were found in the gene FUS ALS6 causing FUS-immunoreactive cytoplasmic inclusions and predominantly lower motor neuron degeneration.

COBISS.SI-ID: 22877479

2.

Cathepsin X-mediated ß2 integrin activation results in nanotube outgrowth

Membrane nanotubes were recently described as a new principle of cell-cell communication enabling the exchange of vesicles, cell surface components, or calcium fluxes. For the first time the formation of nanotubes has been shown in T cells as a consequence of overexpressed cathepsin X. This results in enhanced activation of integrin receptor LFA-1 with subsequent cytoskeletal reorganisation forming a physically conected network of T lymphocytes through nanotubes.

COBISS.SI-ID: 2513009

3.

Characterizing the RNA targets and position - dependent splicing regulation by TDP-43

TDP-43 is a predominantly nuclear RNA-binding protein that forms inclusion bodies in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using individual nucleotide-resolution ultraviolet cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP), we found that TDP-43 preferentially bound long clusters of UG-rich sequences in vivo. Analysis of RNA binding by TDP-43 in brains from subjects with FTLD revealed that the greatest increases in binding were to the MALAT1 and NEAT1 noncoding RNAs. We also found that binding of TDP-43 to pre-mRNAs influenced alternative splicing in a similar position-dependent manner to Nova proteins. In addition, we identified unusually long clusters of TDP-43 binding at deep intronic positions downstream of silenced exons. Our results highlight the importance of TDP-43 for the regulation of splicing in the brain.

COBISS.SI-ID: 8278100

4.

Proteins of higher fungi - from forest to application

Mushrooms are rapidly becoming recognized as a promising source of novel proteins. Several proteins showing unique features have been isolated, including lectins, lignocellulolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors and hydrophobins. They can offer solutions to several medical and biotechnological problems such as microbial drug resistance, low crop yields, and demands for renewable energy. This review provides the first comprehensive overview of known proteins from mushrooms, describes the process of acquiring a new bioactive protein, and provides an overview of current and anticipated applications of these proteins across biotechnology, medicine and agriculture.

COBISS.SI-ID: 2504527

5.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of temoporfin-loaded PEGlytated PLGA nanoparticles for use in photodynamic therapy

Biodegradable poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles can be used as a delivery system for photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) to improve their effectiveness and selectivity for targeted tissues. In this study we evaluated temoporfin-loaded PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as a new formulation for potential use in cancer treatment. The results are promising and can be used for improving the delivery of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy in other applications.

COBISS.SI-ID: 3250545