The integrin αvβ8 mediates epithelial homeostasis through MT1-MMP–dependent activation of TGF-β1

Întegrins, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), and the cytokine TGF-β have each been implicated in homeostatic cell behaviors such as cell growth and matrix remodeling. TGF-β exists mainly in a latent state, and a major point of homeostatic control is the activation of TGF-β. Because the latent domain of TGF-β1 possesses an integrin binding motif (RGD), integrins have the potential to sequester latent TGF-β (SLC) to the cell surface where TGF-β activation could be locally controlled. Here, we show that SLC binds to αvβ8, an integrin expressed by normal epithelial and neuronal cells in vivo. This binding results in the membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP–dependent release of active TGF-β, which leads to autocrine and paracrine effects on cell growth and matrix production. These data elucidate a novel mechanism of cellular homeostasis achieved through the coordination of the activities of members of three major gene families involved in cell–matrix interactions

Development and tests of a flexible superconducting bus-line for the Large Helical Device

A flexible superconducting bus-line is proposed as an electrical feeder between the superconducting coils of the Large Helical Device (LHD) and the device\u27s power supplies. The bus-line consists of superconducting cables and a cryogenic flexible transfer-line. A specially developed aluminum stabilized NbTi/Cu compacted strand cable satisfies requirements for large current capacity, high stability, high reliability and flexibility. A full-scale model with a length of 20 m was designed and constructed to investigate the feasibility and performance of the superconducting bus-line. Its fabrication, transportation, installation, cooling and excitation tests were successfully carried out. The bus-line was very stable and could be excited up to 40 kA (rated current is 30 kA) without a quench. The stability, current distribution and heat load were also measure

Hydrothermal synthesis of ZnSe:Mn quantum dots and their optical properties

Water-soluble Mn2+-doped ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The characteristics of the precursor solutions greatly affected the photoluminescence (PL) properties of the ZnSe:Mn QDs. In QDs synthesized with alkaline precursor solutions, a PL band originating from the intra-3d shell transition of Mn2+ is clearly observed, indicating that Mn2+ ions are thoroughly doped inside the ZnSe QDs. The PL quantum yield of the ZnSe:Mn QDs synthesized under the optimum conditions reached 20%. By introducing a ZnS shell at the surface of the ZnS:Mn QDs, the PL properties were improved and the PL quantum yield was further increased to 30%

The integrin alpha(v)beta8 mediates epithelial homeostasis through MT1-MMP-dependent activation of TGF-beta1.

Integrins, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), and the cytokine TGF-beta have each been implicated in homeostatic cell behaviors such as cell growth and matrix remodeling. TGF-beta exists mainly in a latent state, and a major point of homeostatic control is the activation of TGF-beta. Because the latent domain of TGF-beta1 possesses an integrin binding motif (RGD), integrins have the potential to sequester latent TGF-beta (SLC) to the cell surface where TGF-beta activation could be locally controlled. Here, we show that SLC binds to alpha(v)beta8, an integrin expressed by normal epithelial and neuronal cells in vivo. This binding results in the membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP-dependent release of active TGF-beta, which leads to autocrine and paracrine effects on cell growth and matrix production. These data elucidate a novel mechanism of cellular homeostasis achieved through the coordination of the activities of members of three major gene families involved in cell-matrix interactions

Applying negative ions and an electric field to countermeasure droplets/aerosol transmission without hindering communication

Abstract In the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown and acryl partitions were adopted as countermeasures against droplets/aerosol infections; however, these countermeasures restrict communication. In this study, a blocking device was developed using negative ions and an electric field. The device blocks mists simulating droplets/aerosol by a maximum of 89% but transmits light and sound, which is important for communication. The device demonstrated effective blocking performance for aerosol, including the COVID-19 virus spread from patients in a clinic. Our device can help prevent infections without disrupting communication

Structural Dissection of Epsin‐1 N‐Terminal Helical Peptide: The Role of Hydrophobic Residues in Modulating Membrane Curvature

Spatiotemporal structural alterations in cellular membranes are the hallmark of many vital processes. In these cellular events, the induction of local changes in membrane curvature often plays a pivotal role. Many amphiphilic peptides are able to modulate membrane curvature, but there is little information on specific structural factors that direct the curvature change. Epsin-1 is a representative protein thought to initiate invagination of the plasma membrane upon clathrin-coated vesicles formation. Its N-terminal helical segment (EpN18) plays a key role in inducing positive membrane curvature. This study aimed to elucidate the essential structural features of EpN18 in order to better understand general curvature-inducing mechanisms, and to design effective tools for rationally controlling membrane curvature. Structural dissection of peptides derived from EpN18 revealed the decisive contribution of hydrophobic residues to (i) enhancing membrane interactions, (ii) helix structuring, (iii) inducing positive membrane curvature, and (iv) loosening lipid packing. The strongest effect was attained by substitution with leucine residues, as this EpN18 analog showed a marked ability to promote the influx of octa-arginine cell-penetrating peptides into living cells