Related Articles
A force-sensitive adhesion GPCR is required for equilibrioception
Equilibrioception (sensing of balance) is essential for mammals to perceive and navigate the three-dimensional world. A rapid mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) response in vestibular hair cells is crucial for detecting position and motion. Here, we identify the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) LPHN2/ADGRL2, expressed on the apical membrane of utricular hair cells, as essential for maintaining normal balance. Loss of LPHN2 specifically in hair cells impaired both balance behavior and the MET response in mice. Functional analyses using hair-cell-specific Lphn2-knockout mice and an LPHN2-specific inhibitor suggest that LPHN2 regulates tip-link-independent MET currents at the apical surface of utricular hair cells. Mechanistic studies in a heterologous system show that LPHN2 converts force stimuli into increased open probability of transmembrane channel-like protein 1 (TMC1). LPHN2-mediated force sensation triggers glutamate release and calcium signaling in utricular hair cells. Importantly, reintroducing LPHN2 into the hair cells of Lphn2-deficient mice restores vestibular function and MET response. Our data reveal that a mechanosensitive GPCR is required for equilibrioception.
An umbrella review of health outcomes following traumatic brain injury
While numerous reviews have assessed the association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and various mental and physical health outcomes, a comprehensive evaluation of the scope, validity, and quality of evidence is lacking. Here we present an umbrella review of a wide range of health outcomes following TBI and outline outcome risks across subpopulations. On 17 May 2023, we searched Embase, Medline, Global Health, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We compared risk ratios across different outcomes for risks compared with people without TBI and examined study quality, including heterogeneity, publication bias, and prediction intervals. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023432255). We identified 24 systematic reviews and meta-analyses covering 24 health outcomes in 31,397,958 participants. The current evidence base indicates an increased risk of multiple mental and physical health outcomes, including psychotic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, suicide, and depression. Three outcomes—dementia, violence perpetration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—had meta-analytical evidence of at least moderate quality, which suggest targets for more personalized assessment. Health-care services should review how to prevent adverse long-term outcomes in TBI.
Oral submucous fibrosis: pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that causes oral mucosal tissue sclerosis, and even cancer transformation, is a chronic, progressive fibrosis disease. However, despite some advancements in recent years, no targeted antifibrotic strategies for OSF have been approved; likely because the complicated mechanisms that initiate and drive fibrosis remain to be determined. In this review, we briefly introduce the epidemiology and etiology of OSF. Then, we highlight how cell-intrinsic changes in significant structural cells can drive fibrotic response by regulating biological behaviors, secretion function, and activation of ECM-producing myofibroblasts. In addition, we also discuss the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and how they contribute to the pathogenesis of OSF. Finally, we summarize strategies to interrupt key mechanisms that cause OSF, including modulation of the ECM, inhibition of inflammation, improvement of vascular disturbance. This review will provide potential routes for developing novel anti-OSF therapeutics.
Survival benefit of cytoreductive surgery in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer: a systematic review & meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the survival outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with primary stage IV endometrial cancer (EC).
Treatment modalities for patients with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Appropriate management of patients with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2 (PSPS-T2) remains challenging. The need for robust evidence for treatment modalities is urgently pressing. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare different treatment modalities for patients with PSPS-T2 on pain intensity.
Responses