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LARS regulates cellular senescence and autophagy in liver cancer cells
Human cytoplasmic leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS) is known to catalyze the ligation of leucine to tRNA^(Leu) during protein biosynthesis. However, LARS also acts as a nutrient sensor in a non-canonical activity to regulate cell growth. In this investigation, LARS was determined to be expressed at high levels in human liver cancer, which correlated with poor clinical outcomes in patients. Knockdown of LARS in HepG2 liver cancer cells suppressed cell proliferation and growth, yet promoted cell...
From neural loss to regeneration: modulating cell death to enhance pluripotent stem cell graft survival and integration
Cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases rank among the leading causes of death worldwide and represent an increasing socioeconomic burden, particularly in aging populations. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based therapies have emerged as promising strategies for replacing lost neurons and restoring neural circuits in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). However, major barriers remain, including poor survival, limited integration, and variable functional maturation of transplanted...
Glycerol metabolism triggers trypanosome differentiation into transmissible forms in mammalian tissue-like conditions
In the mammalian host, Trypanosoma brucei proliferates as slender bloodstream forms before undergoing quorum-sensing (QS)-dependent differentiation into non-dividing transmissible stumpy-QS forms, a process that both controls parasitaemia and enables transmission to the tsetse fly. However, this model does not explain how transmission occurs in chronically infected patients and cattle, where parasite densities are often too low to trigger QS-mediated differentiation. We identify a relevant...
Systemic mapping of senescence characteristics across septic tissues
Sepsis triggers profound organism-wide disturbances, yet the cellular logic underlying its systemic impact remains poorly defined. By integrating single-cell transcriptomes from six septic tissues, we uncovered a conserved cross-tissue program characterized by inflammation-driven senescence, disrupted intercellular communication, and coordinated transcriptional reprogramming. Senescence signatures were broadly elevated across cell types and strongly coupled to altered communication networks,...
Nutrient and non-nutrient regulators of insulin secretion
Regulation of insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells is central to maintaining glucose homeostasis and overall metabolic health. Glucose is recognized as the major driver of insulin secretion; however, here, we highlight established and emerging evidence of important contributions of other nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids and alternative fuels, as well as non-nutrient factors, in modulating both basal and postprandial insulin release. We discuss molecular mechanisms underlying...
Purpose in life as a predictor of capability well-being among older adults in Thailand: a cross-sectional study
CONCLUSION: Given the critical role of spiritual health, targeted strategies to promote PIL are needed to enhance healthy aging. The findings highlight PIL as the strongest predictor of capability well-being, alongside subjective health and financial factors within the Thai cultural context.
Life satisfaction and its related factors among older adults: an analysis based on consumption behavior and demographic characteristics of 1,578 older adults in Hubei, China
CONCLUSIONS: The life satisfaction rate of older adults in Hubei Province of China was relatively high, which was associated with both demographic factors and consumption-related factors. Consumption reflecting active social participation was positively associated with life satisfaction, while consumption reflecting obligatory or stressful activities was negatively associated. The study provided preliminary empirical evidence that may inform the development of aging policies and services.
Disruption of CDK4/6-RARalpha-NF-kappaB axis attenuates senescence-associated inflammation and improves function during aging and following chemotherapy
Senescent cells accumulate following chemotherapy and during aging, where they contribute to dysfunction through the pro-inflammatory arm of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), termed NF-κB-associated SASP (NASP). Here we show that short-term inhibition of CDK4/6 with abemaciclib suppresses established NASP in pre-existing senescent cells both in vitro and in vivo. This senomorphic effect reduces the pro-tumorigenic activity of chemotherapy-induced senescent cells and improves...
Neuronal protein Sex-lethal modulates tRNA synthesis via the polymerase III subunit Polr3E in male Drosophila neurons
The RNA-binding protein Sex-lethal (Sxl) is classically known as a master regulator of sex determination and mRNA splicing in Drosophila melanogaster. However, this role is not conserved across species, and functions beyond the canonical pathway remain poorly understood. In this study, we uncover a splicing-independent role for Sxl at the chromatin level in the Drosophila brain. Using Targeted DamID (TaDa) profiling in neurons, we identify widespread binding of Sxl to promoter regions,...
Varicose projection astrocytes: Conserved reactive cells in brain pathology
Astrocytes play essential roles in neuropathology. Human astrocytes exhibit unique properties, highlighting the importance of studying astrocytic responses in human models. Varicose projection astrocytes, previously considered exclusive to hominoids and a physiological type of astrocytes, were suggested to reflect pathological burden, albeit direct evidence linking them to neurological diseases has been lacking. Here, we demonstrate that varicose projection astrocytes also appear in other...
Footwear Characteristics and Their Impact on Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence
CONCLUSION: Among the included studies, featuring a minimal outsole, a textured insole design, and a high collar design showed consistency to benefit older adults that provides textured feedback while offering foot protection, which may enhance balance control. However, some studies also implied that certain designs may have potential negative effects, including toe-beveled, minimal outsole, less-fixation, and barefoot condition. The lack of comprehensive descriptions of experimental footwear...
Lifelong cognitive reserve as a resilience factor for frailty progression and recovery in later life
CONCLUSIONS: A higher cognitive reserve is linked to a decreased risk of developing frailty, slower progression, and a greater likelihood of improvement from pre-frailty to non-frailty, suggesting that lifelong cognitive enrichment enhances the physiological reserve beyond cognition. These findings suggest that interventions and policies that support the development of cognitive reserve across the life course may contribute to healthier frailty trajectories in later life.
Independent and synergistic associations of sleep quality and frailty with cardiometabolic multimorbidity: a cross-sectional analysis in Chinese elderly population
CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quality and frailty are associated with CMM, suggesting that their combined assessment may enhance predictive accuracy for CMM risk. These findings underscore the need to prioritize high-risk elderly individuals for integrated interventions addressing sleep disturbances and frailty, thereby facilitating the transition from reactive to proactive cardiometabolic care models.
Scientists tested 39 sweeteners and found unexpected gut effects
A large laboratory study found that many commonly used sweeteners can directly change the growth of gut bacteria. Researchers identified more than 100 cases in which sweeteners behaved differently when combined with medications, caffeine, or flavorings. The combination of isosteviol and the antidepressant duloxetine was especially disruptive, reducing beneficial bacteria and overall microbial diversity.