Author: Hellyeh Hamidi

Acquisition of specific cell shapes and morphologies is a central component of cell fate transitions. Although signaling circuits and gene regulatory networks that regulate pluripotent stem cell differentiation have been intensely studied, how these networks are integrated in space and time with morphological transitions and mechanical deformations to control state…

We previously identified talin rod domain-containing protein 1 (TLNRD1) as a potent actin-bundling protein in vitro. Here, we report that TLNRD1 is expressed in the vasculature in vivo. Its depletion leads to vascular abnormalities in vivo and modulation of endothelial cell monolayer integrity in vitro. We demonstrate that TLNRD1 is…

Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) and matrix stiffness promote solid tumor progression. However, mechanotransduction in cancers arising in mechanically active tissues remains underexplored. Here, we report upregulation of multiple ECM components accompanied by tissue stiffening in vocal fold cancer (VFC). We compare non-cancerous (NC) and patient-derived VFC cells – from early…

The Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain protein FAM92A1 is a multifunctional protein engaged in regulating mitochondrial ultrastructure and ciliogenesis, but its physiological role in the brain remains unclear. Here, we show that FAM92A1 is expressed in neurons starting from embryonic development. FAM92A1 knockout in mice results in altered brain morphology and age-associated…

While organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa) is mostly therapeutically manageable, metastatic progression of PCa remains an unmet clinical challenge. Resistance to anoikis, a form of cell death initiated by cell detachment from the surrounding extracellular matrix, is one of the cellular processes critical for PCa progression towards aggressive disease. Therefore, further…

Background: Preclinical studies have shown the therapeutic potential of VEGF-B (vascular endothelial growth factor B) in revascularization of the ischemic myocardium, but the associated cardiac hypertrophy and adverse side effects remain a concern. To understand the importance of endothelial proliferation and migration for the beneficial versus adverse effects of VEGF-B…

Carrageenans are industrially important polysaccharides with tunable viscoelastic and gelation properties. The function of polysaccharide depends on its conformation and chemical composition. However, the solution conformations of carrageenans are highly debated, and the structure-function relationship remains elusive. Here, we have studied the intrinsic conformational behavior of a series of carrageenan…

The escalation of global plastic production, reaching an annual output of 400 million tons, has significantly intensified concerns regarding plastic waste management. This has been exacerbated by improper recycling and disposal practices, contributing to the impending crisis of plastic pollution. Predictions indicate that by 2025, the environment will bear the…

Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer with lung metastases resistant to targeted agents is a common therapeutic challenge. Absence of preclinical lung metastasis models that are resistant to multiple anti-HER2 targeted drugs hampers the development of novel therapies. We established a novel HER2-positive breast cancer cell line (L-JIMT-1)…