Yongqing Li

Bio: Yongqing Li is an academic researcher from University of Michigan. The author has contributed to research in topics: Histone deacetylase inhibitor & Resuscitation. The author has an hindex of 38, co-authored 148 publications receiving 5567 citations. Previous affiliations of Yongqing Li include University of California, Davis & University of Miami.

Interaction of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β with the DF3/MUC1 Carcinoma-Associated Antigen and β-Catenin

Abstract: The DF3/MUC1 mucin-like glycoprotein is highly overexpressed in human carcinomas. Recent studies have demonstrated that the cytoplasmic domain of MUC1 interacts with beta-catenin. Here we show that MUC1 associates with glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta). GSK3beta binds directly to an STDRSPYE site in MUC1 and phosphorylates the serine adjacent to proline. Phosphorylation of MUC1 by GSK3beta decreases binding of MUC1 to beta-catenin in vitro and in vivo. GSK3beta-mediated phosphorylation of MUC1 had no apparent effect on beta-catenin levels or the transcriptional coactivation function of beta-catenin. The results, however, demonstrate that MUC1 expression decreases binding of beta-catenin to the E-cadherin cell adhesion molecule. Negative regulation of the beta-catenin-MUC1 interaction by GSK3beta is associated with restoration of the complex between beta-catenin and E-cadherin. These findings indicate that GSK3beta decreases the interaction of MUC1 with beta-catenin and that overexpression of MUC1 in the absence of GSK3beta activity inhibits formation of the E-cadherin-beta-catenin complex.

Immunobiology of Dendritic Cells

Abstract: Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells with a unique ability to induce primary immune responses. DCs capture and transfer information from the outside world to the cells of the adaptive immune system. DCs are not only critical for the induction of primary immune responses, but may also be important for the induction of immunological tolerance, as well as for the regulation of the type of T cell-mediated immune response. Although our understanding of DC biology is still in its infancy, we are now beginning to use DC-based immunotherapy protocols to elicit immunity against cancer and infectious diseases.

Medscape

Abstract: Secret History: Return of the Black Death Channel 4, 7-8pm In 1348 the Black Death swept through London, killing people within days of the appearance of their first symptoms. Exactly how many died, and why, has long been a mystery. This Secret History documentary follows experts as they pick through the evidence and reveal why the plague killed on such a scale. And they ask, what might be coming next?

Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization in Cell Death

Abstract: Irrespective of the morphological features of end-stage cell death (that may be apoptotic, necrotic, autophagic, or mitotic), mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) is frequently the decisive event that delimits the frontier between survival and death. Thus mitochondrial membranes constitute the battleground on which opposing signals combat to seal the cell's fate. Local players that determine the propensity to MMP include the pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, proteins from the mitochondrialpermeability transition pore complex, as well as a plethora of interacting partners including mitochondrial lipids. Intermediate metabolites, redox processes, sphingolipids, ion gradients, transcription factors, as well as kinases and phosphatases link lethal and vital signals emanating from distinct subcellular compartments to mitochondria. Thus mitochondria integrate a variety of proapoptotic signals. Once MMP has been induced, it causes the release of catabolic hydrolases and activators of such enzymes (including those of caspases) from mitochondria. These catabolic enzymes as well as the cessation of the bioenergetic and redox functions of mitochondria finally lead to cell death, meaning that mitochondria coordinate the late stage of cellular demise. Pathological cell death induced by ischemia/reperfusion, intoxication with xenobiotics, neurodegenerative diseases, or viral infection also relies on MMP as a critical event. The inhibition of MMP constitutes an important strategy for the pharmaceutical prevention of unwarranted cell death. Conversely, induction of MMP in tumor cells constitutes the goal of anticancer chemotherapy.

The many roles of histone deacetylases in development and physiology: Implications for disease and therapy

Abstract: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are part of a vast family of enzymes that have crucial roles in numerous biological processes, largely through their repressive influence on transcription. The expression of many HDAC isoforms in eukaryotic cells raises questions about their possible specificity or redundancy, and whether they control global or specific programmes of gene expression. Recent analyses of HDAC knockout mice have revealed highly specific functions of individual HDACs in development and disease. Mutant mice lacking individual HDACs are a powerful tool for defining the functions of HDACs in vivo and the molecular targets of HDAC inhibitors in disease.