Observation on cadavers and through ultrasonography using a 2 mm needle length for intradermal injections.

BACKGROUND: An intradermal injection is a medical procedure that involves administering a small amount of medication or substance into the dermal layer of the skin. This research focused on identifying the most suitable injection needle for precise intradermal administration of skin boosters. METHODS: The study involved conducting intradermal injections on four cadavers and participants using a 2 mm length, 34-gauge needle (N-Finders, Inc., South Korea). During the cadaveric study, the polynucleotide prefilled syringe was dyed green, and an anatomist performed dissections, removing only the skin layer. Ultrasonographic observations were carried out to ensure accurate intradermal injection placement. RESULTS: In all four cadavers, the facial injections at the anterior cheek region were precisely administered intradermally at a 30-degree injection angle. However, the 90-degree injection was found just below the dermal layer upon skin layer removal. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that using a 2 mm needle length allows for easy and convenient intradermal injections.

PDGFRß Activation Induced the Bovine Embryonic Genome Activation via Enhanced NFYA Nuclear Localization.

Embryonic genome activation (EGA) is a critical step during embryonic development. Several transcription factors have been identified that play major roles in initiating EGA; however, this gradual and complex mechanism still needs to be explored. In this study, we investigated the role of nuclear transcription factor Y subunit A (NFYA) in bovine EGA and bovine embryonic development and its relationship with the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-ß (PDGFRß) by using a potent selective activator (PDGF-BB) and inhibitor (CP-673451) of PDGF receptors. Activation and inhibition of PDGFRß using PDGF-BB and CP-673451 revealed that NFYA expression is significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the PDGFRß. In addition, PDGFRß mRNA expression was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the activator group and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the inhibitor group when compared with PDGFRα. Downregulation of NFYA following PDGFRß inhibition was associated with the expression of critical EGA-related genes, bovine embryo development rate, and implantation potential. Moreover, ROS and mitochondrial apoptosis levels and expression of pluripotency-related markers necessary for inner cell mass development were also significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the downregulation of NFYA while interrupting trophoblast cell (CDX2) differentiation. In conclusion, the PDGFRß-NFYA axis is critical for bovine embryonic genome activation and embryonic development.

Hairy and Enhancer of Split 6 (Hes6) Deficiency in Mouse Impairs Neuroblast Differentiation in Dentate Gyrus Without Affecting Cell Proliferation and Integration into Mature Neurons.

Hes6 is a member of the hairy-enhancer of split homolog (Hes) family of transcription factors and interacts with other Hes family genes. During development, Hes genes are expressed in neural stem cells and progenitor cells. However, the role of Hes6 in adult hippocampal neurogenesis remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effects of Hes6 on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, by comparing Hes6 knockout and wild-type mice. To this end, we immunostained for markers of neural stem cells and progenitor cells (nestin), proliferating cells (Ki67), post-mitotic neuroblasts and immature neurons (doublecortin, DCX), mature neuronal cells (NeuN), and astrocyte (S100ß). We also injected 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to trace the fate of mitotic cells. Nestin- and Ki67-positive proliferating cells did now show any significant differences between wild and knockout groups. Hes6 knockout negatively affects neuroblast differentiation based on DCX immunohistochemistry. On the contrary, the ratio of the BrdU and NeuN double-positive cells did not show any significance, even though it was slightly higher in the knockout group. These results suggest that Hes6 is involved in the regulation of neuroblast differentiation during adult neurogenesis, but does not influence integration into mature neurons.

The ubiquitin ligase human TRIM71 regulates let-7 microRNA biogenesis via modulation of Lin28B protein.

let-7 microRNA (miRNA) is implicated in various biological processes, and its downregulation essentially linked to human malignancy. Regulation of gene expression of the let-7 family is critically linked to RNA-binding proteins. For instance, Lin28B and its paralog, Lin28A, inhibit the pre-let-7 precursor from being processed to mature miRNA by recruiting terminal uridyltransferase, TUT4, which adds oligomeric U at the 3' end, suggesting that deregulation of Lin28B, together with Lin28A, may alter various biological processes through modulation of let-7 expression. Here, we showed that the Lin28B protein level is regulated via ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation, and identified the ubiquitin ligase as human TRIM-NHL domain-containing TRIM71. In cells, TRIM71 negatively regulates Lin28B protein stability by catalyzing polyubiquitination. Compared with its paralog, Lin28A, a C-terminal unique ~50 amino acid stretch of Lin28B is essential for TRIM71 interactions and subsequent polyubiquitination. Moreover, the N-terminal RING finger motif of TRIM71 is critical for protein-protein interactions and polyubiquitination of Lin28B, and consequent let-7 expression. Consistent with the let-7 stimulatory role of TRIM71 via Lin28B polyubiquitination, specific knockdown of TRIM71 led to downregulation of let-7 expression. Expression of one of the known let-7 targets, HMGA2, was derepressed after knockdown of TRIM71. We additionally showed that enhanced expression of let-7 is part of a feedback loop that targets TRIM71 3'UTR, which contains two conserved let-7 target sites. Our findings collectively reveal critical aspects of regulatory complexity of let-7 biogenesis at the posttranscriptional level.

Hydrogel-based ultra-moisturizing cream formulation for skin hydration and enhanced dermal drug delivery.

To develop an external vehicle for skin hydration and enhanced dermal drug delivery, a hydrogel-based ultra-moisturizing cream (HUMC) was successfully formulated with carbopol 934P, urea, Tinocare GL, grape seed oil, and other excipients. The HUMC showed plastic flow behavior due to a gel structure with a cream base. Different types of drug-free vehicles such as a hydrogel, conventional cream (CC), and three HUMCs were prepared and subjected to an in vivo skin hydration test on a hairless mouse using a corneometer. Hydration effect (∆AU) was in the order of HUMC2>HUMC1 ≥ CC>HUMC3>hydrogel. Using nile red (NR) and 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-CF) as lipophilic and hydrophilic fluorescent probes, respectively, in vitro skin permeation and accumulation studies were conducted using Franz diffusion cells. The values of steady-state flux (Jss, ng/h/cm(2)) were obtained: 74.8 (CC), 145.6 (HUMC1), and 161.9 (HUMC2) for NR delivery; 6.8 (CC), 8.3 (HUMC1), and 10.9 (HUMC2) for 5-CF delivery. The amounts retained in the skin at 12 h (Qr, ng/cm(2)) were determined: 86.4 (CC) and 102.0 (HUMC2) for NR; and 70.1 (CC) and 195.6 (HUMC2) for 5-CF. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize the distribution of the fluorescent probes. NR tended to be localized into the deeper part of the skin with adipose tissue whereas 5-CF localized in the upper layer of the skin. Thus we propose that HUMC2 is an efficacious vehicle for skin hydration and enhances dermal delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs.

Enhanced Deposition Selectivity of High-k Dielectrics by Vapor Dosing and Selective Removal of Phosphonic Acid Inhibitors.

Area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD), which provides a bottom-up nanofabrication method with atomic-scale precision, has attracted a great deal of attention as a means to alleviate the problems associated with conventional top-down patterning. In this study, we report a methodology for achieving selective deposition of high-k dielectrics by surface modification through vapor-phase functionalization of octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) inhibitor molecules accompanied by post-surface treatment. A comparative evaluation of deposition selectivity of ZrO2 thin films deposited with the O2 and O3 reactants was performed on SiO2, TiN, and W substrates, and we confirmed that high enough deposition selectivity over 10 nm can be achieved even after 200 cycles of ALD with the O2 reactant. Subsequently, the electrical properties of ZrO2 films deposited with O2 and O3 reactants were investigated with and without post-deposition treatment. We successfully demonstrated that high-quality ZrO2 thin films with high dielectric constants and stable antiferroelectric properties can be produced by subjecting the films to ozone, which can eliminate carbon impurities within the films. We believe that this work provides a new strategy to achieve highly selective deposition for AS-ALD of dielectric on dielectric (DoD) applications toward upcoming bottom-up nanofabrication.

GDF-8 improves in vitro implantation and cryo-tolerance by stimulating the ALK5-SMAD2/3 signaling in bovine IVF embryo development.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) plays a critical role in regulating trophoblast invasion and proliferation. Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) is a member of the TGF-ß superfamily and is categorized as a myostatin subtype. It is primarily a secreted protein synthesized in skeletal muscle cells. It is expressed in the placenta, reproductive tissues, and cells. In this study, we investigated the role of GDF-8 in the development and hatching rate of bovine embryos. We noted a notable elevation (p < 0.05) in the development and hatching rates compared to the control embryos. Furthermore, the GDF-8 group showed a significantly improved total cell number (p < 0.05) and an increase in trophectoderm ratio inner cell mass (trophectoderm: inner cell mass) cells (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, blastocysts treated with GDF-8 exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2) (p < 0.05). The trophoblast invasion area was significantly larger in the GDF-8 group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis revealed significantly higher mRNA levels (p < 0.05) of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) and follistatin-like 3(FSTL3), both of which are associated with the ALK5-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway, in the GDF-8 group than those in the control group. The mRNA expression levels of genes related to tight junctions (TJ) and adherent junctions were higher in the GDF-8 group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). After 24 h of thawing, blastocysts were analyzed using 4-kDa FITC-dextran, which revealed a higher TJ integrity in the GDF-8 group (p < 0.01). Thus, GDF-8 plays a crucial role in bovine embryonic development, in vitro implantation, and cryotolerance.

Generation of Fel d 1 chain 2 genome-edited cats by CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Allergens from domestic cats (Felis catus) cause allergy-related health problems worldwide. Fel d 1 is a major allergen that causes severe allergic reactions in humans, including rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and life-threatening asthma. Therefore, patients with cat allergies anticipate hypoallergenic cats. We successfully generated Fel d 1 chain 2 (CH2) genome-edited cats using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in this study. T7 endonuclease 1 assay and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the mutation in CH2 genome-edited cats. Fel d 1 level in CH2 genome-edited cats were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Remarkably, ELISA showed that the level of Fel d 1 in the CH2 homozygous genome-edited cat (Name: Alsik) was extremely low compared with that in wild type domestic cats and could be hypoallergenic cats. Additionally, we successfully cloned the CH2 homozygous genome-edited cat using cytoplasm injection clone technology. The cloned CH2 homozygous genome-edited cat was verified using microsatellite analysis. Creating hypoallergenic cats using the CRISPR-Cas9 system is a significant step forward because these cats can safely approach allergic patients.

Heat Stress as a Barrier to Successful Reproduction and Potential Alleviation Strategies in Cattle.

In recent decades, the adverse effects of global warming on all living beings have been unanimously recognized across the world. A high environmental temperature that increases the respiration and rectal temperature of cattle is called heat stress (HS), and it can affect both male and female reproductive functions. For successful reproduction and fertilization, mature and healthy oocytes are crucial; however, HS reduces the developmental competence of oocytes, which compromises reproduction. HS disturbs the hormonal balance that plays a crucial role in successful reproduction, particularly in reducing the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which leads to severe problems such as poor follicle development with a poor-quality oocyte and problems related to maturity, silent estrus, abnormal or weak embryo development, and pregnancy loss, resulting in a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. Lactating cattle are particularly susceptible to HS and, hence, their reproduction rate is substantially reduced. Additionally, bulls are also affected by HS; during summer, semen quality and sperm motility decline, leading to compromised reproduction. In summer, the conception rate is reduced by 20-30% worldwide. Although various techniques, such as the provision of water sprinklers, shade, and air conditioning, are used during summer, these methods are insufficient to recover the normal reproduction rate and, therefore, special attention is needed to improve reproductive efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of HS on cattle during summer. The application of advanced reproductive technologies such as the production of embryos in vitro, cryopreservation during the hot season, embryo transfer, and timed artificial insemination may minimize the detrimental effects of HS on livestock reproduction and recover the losses in the cattle industry.

An induced annual modulation signature in COSINE-100 data by DAMA/LIBRA's analysis method.

The DAMA/LIBRA collaboration has reported the observation of an annual modulation in the event rate that has been attributed to dark matter interactions over the last two decades. However, even though tremendous efforts to detect similar dark matter interactions were pursued, no definitive evidence has been observed to corroborate the DAMA/LIBRA signal. Many studies assuming various dark matter models have attempted to reconcile DAMA/LIBRA's modulation signals and null results from other experiments, however no clear conclusion can be drawn. Apart from the dark matter hypothesis, several studies have examined the possibility that the modulation is induced by variations in detector's environment or their specific analysis methods. In particular, a recent study presents a possible cause of the annual modulation from an analysis method adopted by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment in which the observed annual modulation could be reproduced by a slowly varying time-dependent background. Here, we study the COSINE-100 data using an analysis method similar to the one adopted by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment and observe a significant annual modulation, however the modulation phase is almost opposite to that of the DAMA/LIBRA data. Assuming the same background composition for COSINE-100 and DAMA/LIBRA, simulated experiments for the DAMA/LIBRA without dark matter signals also provide significant annual modulation with an amplitude similar to DAMA/LIBRA with opposite phase. Even though this observation does not directly explain the DAMA/LIBRA results directly, this interesting phenomenon motivates more profound studies of the time-dependent DAMA/LIBRA background data.

2020 International brain-computer interface competition: A review.

The brain-computer interface (BCI) has been investigated as a form of communication tool between the brain and external devices. BCIs have been extended beyond communication and control over the years. The 2020 international BCI competition aimed to provide high-quality neuroscientific data for open access that could be used to evaluate the current degree of technical advances in BCI. Although there are a variety of remaining challenges for future BCI advances, we discuss some of more recent application directions: (i) few-shot EEG learning, (ii) micro-sleep detection (iii) imagined speech decoding, (iv) cross-session classification, and (v) EEG(+ear-EEG) detection in an ambulatory environment. Not only did scientists from the BCI field compete, but scholars with a broad variety of backgrounds and nationalities participated in the competition to address these challenges. Each dataset was prepared and separated into three data that were released to the competitors in the form of training and validation sets followed by a test set. Remarkable BCI advances were identified through the 2020 competition and indicated some trends of interest to BCI researchers.

Development and validation of multiplex PCR assay for differentiating tunas and billfishes.

Commercially available tunas and billfishes are generally processed as steaks, making it difficult to visually distinguish between the two. We developed and validated species-specific primers to prevent the adulteration of tunas by billfishes. Tunas and billfishes primers were designed on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Multiplex PCR bands obtained were 579 bp, 291 bp and 114 bp for tunas, billfishes and internal control. Sensitivity was determined to be 5 ng for tunas and billfishes. A total of 50 samples were monitored: 49 for tunas and 1 for billfish. As a result of the monitoring, the fake tunas did not show due to the agreement between product name and the raw material of the wrapping paper. Our results indicate that the species-specific primers developed in this study are suitable for differentiating tunas and billfishes. The newly developed multiplex PCR assay is a time and cost effective technique for determining the authenticity of tunas and billfishes.

Strong constraints from COSINE-100 on the DAMA dark matter results using the same sodium iodide target.

We present new constraints on dark matter interactions using 1.7 years of COSINE-100 data. The COSINE-100 experiment, consisting of 106 kg of tallium-doped sodium iodide [NaI(Tl)] target material, is aimed to test DAMA's claim of dark matter observation using the same NaI(Tl) detectors. Improved event selection requirements, a more precise understanding of the detector background, and the use of a larger dataset considerably enhance the COSINE-100 sensitivity for dark matter detection. No signal consistent with the dark matter interaction is identified and rules out model-dependent dark matter interpretations of the DAMA signals in the specific context of standard halo model with the same NaI(Tl) target for various interaction hypotheses.

Neural Decoding of Imagined Speech and Visual Imagery as Intuitive Paradigms for BCI Communication.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) is oriented toward intuitive systems that users can easily operate. Imagined speech and visual imagery are emerging paradigms that can directly convey a user's intention. We investigated the underlying characteristics that affect the decoding performance of these two paradigms. Twenty-two subjects performed imagined speech and visual imagery of twelve words/phrases frequently used for patients' communication. Spectral features were analyzed with thirteen-class classification (including rest class) using EEG filtered in six frequency ranges. In addition, cortical regions relevant to the two paradigms were analyzed by classification using single-channel and pre-defined cortical groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the word properties that affect the decoding performance based on the number of syllables, concrete and abstract concepts, and the correlation between the two paradigms. Finally, we investigated multiclass scalability in both paradigms. The high-frequency band displayed a significantly superior performance to that in the case of any other spectral features in the thirteen-class classification (imagined speech: 39.73 ± 5.64%; visual imagery: 40.14 ± 4.17%). Furthermore, the performance of Broca's and Wernicke's areas and auditory cortex was found to have improved among the cortical regions in both paradigms. As the number of classes increased, the decoding performance decreased moderately. Moreover, every subject exceeded the confidence level performance, implying the strength of the two paradigms in BCI inefficiency. These two intuitive paradigms were found to be highly effective for multiclass communication systems, having considerable similarities between each other. The results could provide crucial information for improving the decoding performance for practical BCI applications.

Improving the accuracy of coliform detection in meat products using modified dry rehydratable film method.

This study was undertaken to improve the detection accuracy for coliform bacteria, by analyzing biochemical properties of false positive and false negative colonies isolated from two dry rehydratable film methods, 3 M™ Petrifilm™ E. coli/Coliform count (PCC) and MC-Media Pad coliform count (MCC). The detection accuracy of PCC and MCC was determined to be 99.4% and 97.9%, respectively, with the detection error being 0.6% and 2.1%, respectively. False positive colonies (red colony without gas) on PCC were identified as Hafnia alvei and Enterobacter cloacae. All false positive colonies on MCC were identified as Aeromonas caviae; this organism gives a positive oxidase test, whereas coliform bacteria are oxidase negative. In conclusion, we propose that for improving detection accuracy of coliform bacteria, the incubation time of PCC should be modified and increased from 24 h to 48 h, and the oxidase test of MCC isolates should be included in the Korea Food Code.

Fas mutation reduces obesity by increasing IL-4 and IL-10 expression and promoting white adipose tissue browning.

Brown adipose tissue generates heat via the mitochondrial uncoupling protein UCP1 to protect against obesity and hypothermia. Fas mutant MRL/lpr mice exhibit a significantly leaner phenotype compared to wild type MRL/MpJ mice. In this study, we evaluated the inflammatory cell population in the adipose tissue of MRL/lpr mice, which could potentially influence their lean phenotype. Furthermore, we compared beige fat activity between the MRL/MpJ and MRL/lpr mice. Fas mutation resulted in high body temperature, improved glucose tolerance, and decreased fat mass and adipocyte size. Fas mutation prevented high-fat diet-induced obesity and decreased the white adipose tissue M1:M2 ratio. When mice were fed a high-fat diet, UCP1, IL-4, IL-10, and tyrosine hydroxylase genes had significantly higher expression in Fas-mutant mice than in wild type mice. After a cold challenge, UCP1 expression and browning were also significantly higher in the Fas-mutant mice. In summary, Fas-mutant mice are resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity due to increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels and the promotion of thermogenic protein activity and browning in their adipose tissues. STAT6 activation might contribute to M2 polarisation by increasing IL-4 and IL-10 levels while increases in M2 and tyrosine hydroxylase levels promote browning in response to Fas mutation.

Promoter methylation changes in ALOX12 and AIRE1: novel epigenetic markers for atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease. Gene-specific promoter methylation changes have been suggested as one of the causes underlying the development of atherosclerosis. We aimed to identify and validate specific genes that are differentially expressed through promoter methylation in atherosclerotic plaques. We performed the present study in four steps: (1) profiling and identification of gene-specific promoter methylation changes in atherosclerotic tissues; (2) validation of the promoter methylation changes of genes in plaques by comparison with non-plaque intima; (3) evaluation of promoter methylation status of the genes in vascular cellular components composing atherosclerotic plaques; and (4) evaluation of promoter methylation differences in genes among monocytes, T cells, and B cells isolated from the blood of ischemic stroke patients. RESULTS: Upon profiling, AIRE1, ALOX12, FANK1, NETO1, and SERHL2 were found to have displayed changes in promoter methylation. Of these, AIRE1 and ALOX12 displayed higher methylation levels in plaques than in non-plaque intima, but lower than those in the buffy coat of blood. Between inflammatory cells, the three genes were significantly less methylated in monocytes than in T and B cells. In the vascular cells, AIRE1 methylation was lower in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. ALOX12 methylation was higher in endothelial, but lower in smooth muscle cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed that co-localization of ALOX12 and AIRE1 was more frequent in CD14(+)-monocytes than in CD4(+)-T cell in plaque than in non-plaque intima. CONCLUSIONS: Promoter methylation changes in AIRE1 and ALOX12 occur in atherosclerosis and can be considered as novel epigenetic markers.

Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of Panax ginseng leaves upon exposure to heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Ginseng is one of the well-known medicinal plants, exhibiting diverse medicinal effects. Its roots possess anticancer and antiaging properties and are being used in the medical systems of East Asian countries. It is grown in low-light and low-temperature conditions, and its growth is strongly inhibited at temperatures above 25°C. However, the molecular responses of ginseng to heat stress are currently poorly understood, especially at the protein level. METHODS: We used a shotgun proteomics approach to investigate the effect of heat stress on ginseng leaves. We monitored their photosynthetic efficiency to confirm physiological responses to a high-temperature stress. RESULTS: The results showed a reduction in photosynthetic efficiency on heat treatment (35°C) starting at 48 h. Label-free quantitative proteome analysis led to the identification of 3,332 proteins, of which 847 were differentially modulated in response to heat stress. The MapMan analysis showed that the proteins with increased abundance were mainly associated with antioxidant and translation-regulating activities, whereas the proteins related to the receptor and structural-binding activities exhibited decreased abundance. Several other proteins including chaperones, G-proteins, calcium-signaling proteins, transcription factors, and transfer/carrier proteins were specifically downregulated. CONCLUSION: These results increase our understanding of heat stress responses in the leaves of ginseng at the protein level, for the first time providing a resource for the scientific community.

Essential role of Ahnak in adipocyte differentiation leading to the transcriptional regulation of Bmpr1α expression.

The role of Ahnak in obesity has been reported previously. Loss of Ahnak leads to decreased Bmp4/Smad1 signaling, resulting in the downregulation of adipocyte differentiation. However, the biological significance of Ahnak remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Ahnak-mediated impaired adipogenesis results in decreased Bmpr1α transcriptional expression. To confirm this, Ahnak siRNA was used to knock-down Ahnak in C3H10T1/2 and primary stromal vascular fraction cells. Ahnak siRNA transfected cells showed suppression of Bmpr1α expression and decreased BMP4/ Bmpr1α signaling. The differential adipogenesis was further confirmed by knock-down of Bmpr1α in C3H10T1/2 cells, which resulted in reduced adipogenesis. Moreover, stable Ahnak knock-out C3H10T1/2 cells stably transfected with Ahnak CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid suppressed expression of Bmpr1α and prevented differentiation into adipocytes. Furthermore, we developed immortalized pre-adipocytes from wild-type or Ahnak Knock-out mice's stromal vascular fraction (SVF) to confirm the function of Ahnak in pre-adipocyte transition. Immortalized Ahnak knock-out SVF cells showed lower level of Bmpr1α expression, evidence by their impaired BMP4/Bmpr1α signaling. Upon adipogenic induction, immortalized Ahnak knock-out SVF cells exhibited a marked decrease in adipocyte differentiation compared with immortalized wild-type pre-adipocytes. Furthermore, over-expression of Bmpr1α restored the adipogenic activity of Ahnak knock-out C3H10T1/2 cells and immortalized Ahnak knock-out SVF cells. Our data reveal the missing link in Ahnak-mediated adipose tissue remodeling and suggest that precise regulation of Ahnak in adipose tissue might have a therapeutic advantage for metabolic disease treatment.