The ATP-Binding Cassette Gene ABCF1 Functions as an E2 Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme Controlling Macrophage Polarization to Dampen Lethal Septic Shock.

Sepsis is a bi-phasic inflammatory disease that threatens approximately 30 million lives and claims over 14 million annually, yet little is known regarding the molecular switches and pathways that regulate this disease. Here, we have described ABCF1, an ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) family member protein, which possesses an E2 ubiquitin enzyme activity, through which it controls the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- Toll-like Receptor-4 (TLR4) mediated gram-negative insult by targeting key proteins for K63-polyubiquitination. Ubiquitination by ABCF1 shifts the inflammatory profile from an early phase MyD88-dependent to a late phase TRIF-dependent signaling pathway, thereby regulating TLR4 endocytosis and modulating macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 phase. Physiologically, ABCF1 regulates the shift from the inflammatory phase of sepsis to the endotoxin tolerance phase, and modulates cytokine storm and interferon-ß (IFN-ß)-dependent production by the immunotherapeutic mediator, SIRT1. Consequently, ABCF1 controls sepsis induced mortality by repressing hypotension-induced renal circulatory dysfunction.

Template-Assisted Direct Growth of 1 Td/in(2) Bit Patterned Media.

We present a method for growing bit patterned magnetic recording media using directed growth of sputtered granular perpendicular magnetic recording media. The grain nucleation is templated using an epitaxial seed layer, which contains Pt pillars separated by amorphous metal oxide. The scheme enables the creation of both templated data and servo regions suitable for high density hard disk drive operation. We illustrate the importance of using a process that is both topographically and chemically driven to achieve high quality media.

A silica sol-gel design strategy for nanostructured metallic materials.

Batteries, fuel cells and solar cells, among many other high-current-density devices, could benefit from the precise meso- to macroscopic structure control afforded by the silica sol-gel process. The porous materials made by silica sol-gel chemistry are typically insulators, however, which has restricted their application. Here we present a simple, yet highly versatile silica sol-gel process built around a multifunctional sol-gel precursor that is derived from the following: amino acids, hydroxy acids or peptides; a silicon alkoxide; and a metal acetate. This approach allows a wide range of biological functionalities and metals--including noble metals--to be combined into a library of sol-gel materials with a high degree of control over composition and structure. We demonstrate that the sol-gel process based on these precursors is compatible with block-copolymer self-assembly, colloidal crystal templating and the Stöber process. As a result of the exceptionally high metal content, these materials can be thermally processed to make porous nanocomposites with metallic percolation networks that have an electrical conductivity of over 1,000 S cm(-1). This improves the electrical conductivity of porous silica sol-gel nanocomposites by three orders of magnitude over existing approaches, opening applications to high-current-density devices.

Outside-in signaling through the major histocompatibility complex class-I cytoplasmic tail modulates glutamate receptor expression in neurons.

The interplay between AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins in regulating synaptic signaling is a crucial aspect of central nervous system (CNS) function. In this study, we investigate the significance of the cytoplasmic tail of MHC-I in synaptic signaling within the CNS and its impact on the modulation of synaptic glutamate receptor expression. Specifically, we focus on the Y321 to F substitution (Y321F) within the conserved cytoplasmic tyrosine YXXΦ motif, known for its dual role in endocytosis and cellular signaling of MHC-I. Our findings reveal that the Y321F substitution influences the expression of AMPAR subunits GluA2/3 and leads to alterations in the phosphorylation of key kinases, including Fyn, Lyn, p38, ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3, and p70 S6 kinase. These data illuminate the crucial role of MHC-I in AMPAR function and present a novel mechanism by which MHC-I integrates extracellular cues to modulate synaptic plasticity in neurons, which ultimately underpins learning and memory.

The intracellular domain of major histocompatibility class-I proteins is essential for maintaining excitatory spine density and synaptic ultrastructure in the brain.

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins are expressed in neurons, where they regulate synaptic plasticity. However, the mechanisms by which MHC-I functions in the CNS remains unknown. Here we describe the first structural analysis of a MHC-I protein, to resolve underlying mechanisms that explains its function in the brain. We demonstrate that Y321F mutation of the conserved cytoplasmic tyrosine-based endocytosis motif YXXΦ in MHC-I affects spine density and synaptic structure without affecting neuronal complexity in the hippocampus, a region of the brain intimately involved in learning and memory. Furthermore, the impact of the Y321F substitution phenocopies MHC-I knock-out (null) animals, demonstrating that reverse, outside-in signalling events sensing the external environment is the major mechanism that conveys this information to the neuron and this has a previously undescribed yet essential role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity.

Block copolymer directed nanoporous metal thin films.

Porous metal thin films have high potential for use in applications such as catalysis, electrical contacts, plasmonics, as well as energy storage and conversion. Structuring metal thin films on the nanoscale to generate high surface areas poses an interesting challenge as metals have high surface energy. In this communication, we demonstrate direct access to nanostructured metal nanoparticle hybrid thin films with high nanoparticle loadings through spin coating of a mixture of block copolymer and ligand stabilized platinum and palladium nanoparticles. Plasma cleaning to remove the organics results in a conductive metal thin film. We expect that the methods described here can be generalized to other metals, mixtures of metal nanoparticles, and intermetallics.

Mutation of an L-Type Calcium Channel Gene Leads to T Lymphocyte Dysfunction.

Calcium (Ca2+) is a vital secondary messenger in T lymphocytes regulating a vast array of important events including maturation, homeostasis, activation, and apoptosis and can enter the cell through CRAC, TRP, and CaV channels. Here we describe a mutation in the L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.4 leading to T lymphocyte dysfunction, including several hallmarks of immunological exhaustion. CaV1.4-deficient mice exhibited an expansion of central and effector memory T lymphocytes, and an upregulation of inhibitory receptors on several T cell subsets. Moreover, the sustained elevated levels of activation markers on B lymphocytes suggest that they are in a chronic state of activation. Functionally, T lymphocytes exhibited a reduced store-operated Ca2+ flux compared to wild-type controls. Finally, modifying environmental conditions by herpes virus infection exacerbated the dysfunctional immune phenotype of the CaV1.4-deficient mice. This is the first example where the mutation of a CaV channel leads to T lymphocyte dysfunction, including the upregulation of several inhibitory receptors, hallmarks of T cell exhaustion, and establishes the physiological importance of CaV channel signaling in maintaining a nimble immune system.

Type 2 Innate Lymphocytes Actuate Immunity Against Tumours and Limit Cancer Metastasis.

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) potentiate immune responses, however, their role in mediating adaptive immunity in cancer has not been assessed. Here, we report that mice genetically lacking ILC2s have significantly increased tumour growth rates and conspicuously higher frequency of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and resulting metastasis to distal organs. Our data support the model that IL-33 dependent tumour-infiltrating ILC2s are mobilized from the lungs and other tissues through chemoattraction to enter tumours, and subsequently mediate tumour immune-surveillance by cooperating with dendritic cells to promote adaptive cytolytic T cell responses. We conclude that ILC2s play a fundamental, yet hitherto undescribed role in enhancing anti-cancer immunity and controlling tumour metastasis.

Teaching hydrogels how to move like an earthworm.

Breaking of symmetry is an important principle employed in nature to achieve directional movement in systems of various dimensional scales. The same principle can be utilized in engineered devices. Here we highlight recent work on directed motion and transport capacity of environmentally sensitive polymer gels. The directional motion of cylindrical hydrogels is driven by spatially and temporally controlled propagation of volume phase transitions along their length. This system could potentially be used in a wide variety of areas including biochemical test systems, targeted drug delivery and "soft" medical tools.

The role of the innate immune response regulatory gene ABCF1 in mammalian embryogenesis and development.

ABCF1 is an ABC transporter family protein that has been shown to regulate innate immune response and is a risk gene for autoimmune pancreatitis and arthritis. Unlike other members of ABC transporter family, ABCF1 lacks trans-membrane domains and is thought to function in translation initiation through an interaction with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2). To study ABCF1 expression and function in development and disease, we used a single gene trap insertion in the Abcf1 gene in murine embryonic stem cells (ES cells) that allowed lineage tracing of the endogenous Abcf1 promoter by following the expression of a ß-galactosidase reporter gene. From the ES cells, heterozygous mice (Abcf1+/-) were produced. No live born Abcf1-/- progeny were ever generated, and the lethality was not mouse strain-specific. Thus, we have determined that Abcf1 is an essential gene in development. Abcf1-/- mice were found to be embryonic lethal at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc), while Abcf1+/- mice appeared developmentally normal. Abcf1+/- mice were fertile and showed no significant differences in their anatomy when compared with their wild type littermates. The Abcf1 promoter was found to be active in all organs in adult mice, but varies in levels of expression in specific cell types within tissues. Furthermore, we observed high promoter activity in the blastocysts and embryos. Overall, Abcf1 expression in embryos is required for development and its expression in adults was highly correlated with actively proliferating and differentiating cell types.

Immunohistochemical Localization of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Markers in Cyclosporine A Induced Gingival Overgrowth.

INTRODUCTION: Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive agent used in the management of renal transplant patients is known to produce Drug Induced Gingival Overgrowth (DIGO) as a side effect. Several mechanisms have been elucidated to understand the pathogenesis of DIGO. Recently, epithelial mesenchymal transition has been proposed as a mechanism underlying fibrosis of various organs. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate if Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) operates in Cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved obtaining gingival tissue samples from healthy individuals (n=17) and subjects who exhibited cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth (n=18). Presence and distribution of E-Cadherin, S100 A4 and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was assessed using immunohistochemistry and cell types involved in their expression were determined. The number of α- SMA positive fibroblasts were counted in the samples. RESULTS: In control group, there was no loss of E-Cadherin and a pronounced staining was seen in the all layers of the epithelium in all the samples analysed (100%). S100 A4 staining was noted in langerhans cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and endothelial lined blood capillaries in Connective Tissue (CT) of all the samples (100%) while α - SMA staining was seen only on the endothelial lined blood capillaries in all the samples (100%). However in DIGO, there was positive staining of E-Cadherin only in the basal and suprabasal layers of the epithelium in all the samples (100%). Moreover there was focal loss of E-Cadherin in the epithelium in eight out of 18 samples (44%). A break in the continuity of the basement membrane was noted in three out of 18 samples (16%) on H & E staining. CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of differential staining of the markers, it can be concluded that EMT could be one of the mechanistic pathways underlying the pathogenesis of DIGO.

Colloidal self-assembly-directed laser-induced non-close-packed crystalline silicon nanostructures.

This report describes an ultrafast, large-area, and highly flexible method to construct complex two- and three-dimensional silicon nanostructures with deterministic non-close-packed symmetry. Pulsed excimer laser irradiation is used to induce a transient melt transformation of amorphous silicon filled in a colloidal self-assembly-directed inverse opal template, resulting in a nanostructured crystalline phase. The pattern transfer yields are high, and long-range order is maintained. This technique represents a potential route to obtain silicon nanostructures of various symmetries and associated unique properties for advanced applications such as energy storage and generation.

Block copolymer self-assembly-directed single-crystal homo- and heteroepitaxial nanostructures.

Epitaxy is a widely used method to grow high-quality crystals. One of the key challenges in the field of inorganic solids is the development of epitaxial single-crystal nanostructures. We describe their formation from block copolymer self-assembly-directed nanoporous templates on single-crystal Si backfilled with Si or NiSi through a laser-induced transient melt process. Depending on thickness, template removal leaves either an array of nanopillars or porous nanostructures behind. For stoichiometric NiSi deposition, the template pores provide confinement, enabling heteroepitaxial growth. Irradiation through a mask provides access to hierarchically structured materials. These results on etchable and non-etchable materials suggest a general strategy for growing epitaxial single-crystal nanostructured thin films for fundamental studies and a wide variety of applications, including energy conversion and storage.

Metal Nanoparticle/Block Copolymer Composite Assembly and Disassembly.

Ligand-stabilized platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were self-assembled with poly(isoprene-block-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PI-b-PDMAEMA) block copolymers to generate organic-inorganic hybrid materials. High loadings of NPs in hybrids were achieved through usage of N,N-di-(2-(allyloxy)ethyl)-N-3-mercaptopropyl-N-3-methylammonium chloride as the ligand, which provided high solubility of NPs in various solvents as well as high affinity to PDMAEMA. From NP synthesis, existence of sub-1 nm Pt NPs was confirmed by high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) images. Estimations of the Pt NP ligand head group density based on HAADF-STEM images and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data yielded results comparable to what has been found for alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on flat Pt {111} surfaces. Changing the volume fraction of Pt NPs in block copolymer-NP composites yielded hybrids with spherical micellar, wormlike micellar, lamellar and inverse hexagonal morphologies. Disassembly of hybrids with spherical, wormlike micellar, and lamellar morphologies generated isolated metal-NP based nano-spheres, cylinders and sheets, respectively. Results suggest the existence of powerful design criteria for the formation of metal-based nanostructures from designer blocked macromolecules.