Engagement of DYRK2 in proper control for cell division

Dysregulation of cell cycle machinery causes abnormal cell division, leading to cancer development. To drive cell cycle properly, expression levels of cell cycle regulators are tightly regulated through the cell cycle. Dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) is a Ser/Thr kinase, and its intracellular functions had not been elucidated for decades. Recent studies have shown that DYRK2 down-regulates key molecules on cell cycle control. This review mainly highlights the DYRK2 function during cell division. In addition, we summarize tumor suppressive role of DYRK2 in cancer cells and discuss future research directions for DYRK2 toward the novel cancer therapies.     

A Prunus mume extract stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Osteoporosis is a serious disease caused by decreased bone mass. There is constant matrix remodeling in bones, by which bone formation is performed by osteoblastic cells, whereas bone resorption is accomplished by osteoclast cells. We investigated the effect of a Japanese apricot (Prunus mume SIBE. et ZUCC.) extract on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, cell proliferation assay, alizarin red staining and expression analysis of osteoblastic genes were carried out to assess the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation. The water-soluble fraction of Prunus mume (PWF) increased the ALP activity, cell proliferation and mineralization. The gene expression of osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein-2, which are markers in the early period of osteoblastic differentiation, were significantly enhanced by the PWF treatment. PWF therefore stimulated the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of cells and may have potential to prevent osteoporosis.     

Production of anti-amyloid β antibodies in mice fed rice expressing amyloid β

The main signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are cognitive impairment and senile plaques composed of amyloid beta (Aβ) observed in patients' brains. Therefore, therapy for AD focuses on the removal of Aβ. We developed an "edible vaccine" that employs intestinal immunity with little to no side effects. Rice was utilized as an edible vaccine. It expressed GFP-Aβ42. Aβ rice was administered orally to wild-type (WT) mice causing production of anti-Aβ antibodies. Since Aβ rice was mixed with the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), antibody against the rice seed protein was also produced. Then, mice were caused to develop immune tolerance against the rice seed protein by oral administration of Aβ rice mixed with CTB. The results indicated that only anti-Aβ antibodies were produced.     

Class 5 transmembrane semaphorins control selective Mammalian retinal lamination and function

In the vertebrate retina, neurites from distinct neuronal cell types are constrained within the plexiform layers, allowing for establishment of retinal lamination. However, the mechanisms by which retinal neurites are segregated within the inner or outer plexiform layers are not known. We find that the transmembrane semaphorins Sema5A and Sema5B constrain neurites from multiple retinal neuron subtypes within the inner plexiform layer (IPL). In Sema5A?/?; Sema5B?/? mice, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and amacrine and bipolar cells exhibit severe defects leading to neurite mistargeting into the outer portions of the retina. These targeting abnormalities are more prominent in the outer (OFF) layers of the IPL and result in functional defects in select RGC response properties. Sema5A and Sema5B inhibit retinal neurite outgrowth through PlexinA1 and PlexinA3 receptors both in vitro and in vivo. These findings define a set of ligands and receptors required for the establishment of inner retinal lamination and function.