AnnexinA6: a potential therapeutic target gene for extracellular matrix mineralization

The mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential and crucial process for physiological bone formation and pathological calcification. The abnormal function of ECM mineralization contributes to the worldwide risk of developing mineralization-related diseases; for instance, vascular calcification is attributed to the hyperfunction of ECM mineralization, while osteoporosis is due to hypofunction. AnnexinA6 (AnxA6), a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, has been extensively reported as an essential target in mineralization-related diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, osteosarcoma, and calcific aortic valve disease. To date, AnxA6, as the largest member of the Annexin family, has attracted much attention due to its significant contribution to matrix vesicles (MVs) production and release, MVs-ECM interaction, cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx, and maturation of hydroxyapatite, making it an essential target in ECM mineralization. In this review, we outlined the recent advancements in the role of AnxA6 in mineralization-related diseases and the potential mechanisms of AnxA6 under normal and mineralization-related pathological conditions. AnxA6 could promote ECM mineralization for bone regeneration in the manner described previously. Therefore, AnxA6 may be a potential osteogenic target for ECM mineralization

Displacement and economic consequences of the Three Gorges Project: A case study of resettlers in Sichuan Province

Due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, more than 10,000 rural migrants from Kaixian County were displaced and resettled in Sichuan Province under the “government-organized distant resettlement” program between 2000 and 2004. This study examines the circumstances of the migrants' livelihood reconstruction in the early stages after displacement. Six towns that received migrants were selected as sites for the case studies. Structured question interviews with migrants and host residents were conducted from April to June in 2007 and in January 2008. Survey data on the livelihoods of resettled migrant households show a propensity for impoverishment. The study concludes with some insights into the development impact of environmental displacement. Yan Tan, Yong Chen and Graeme Hugohttp://trove.nla.gov.au/work/3464593