https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/329 2026-11-05T04:46:16Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/61073 Title: Structural heterogeneity of iron-sulfur cluster scaffold protein IscU: Metamorphic or partially folded? Author(s): Na, Jongbum; Jeong, Minchan; Kim, Jin Hae Abstract: The scaffold protein IscU plays a central role in iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly and transfer. Despite extensive structural and biochemical research, the conformational nature of IscU remains unclear. IscU has been proposed as a metamorphic protein that interconverts between structured (S) and disordered (D) states. However, its conformational heterogeneity has often been interpreted as a consequence of intrinsic marginal stability, with the D-state described as an unfolded and functionally irrelevant state. These contrasting views highlight the fundamental challenge in defining the structural identity of IscU. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structural heterogeneity of IscU and examine how intrinsic and extrinsic factors shape the conformational equilibrium between the S- and D-states. Furthermore, we consider how these conflicting interpretations could be reconciled within an ensemble-based framework. In addition, we highlight promising approaches for characterizing the structurally elusive D-state, including high-pressure nuclear magnetic resonance, single-molecule F & ouml;rster resonance energy transfer, native ion mobility mass spectrometry, and artificial intelligence-based structural analysis, all of which provide new opportunities for probing low-populated and transient conformational states. Collectively, these perspectives suggest that the functional behavior of IscU is closely linked to its conformational heterogeneity and that a conformational landscape view may provide a more integrated understanding of its role in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. 2026-06-30T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/61072 Title: A simple hand-sectioning approach for cellular-resolution imaging of anatomy and gene expression in small developing organs and boundary regions in Arabidopsis Author(s): Hwang, Jae-Ung; Kim, Seonghwan; Son, Heejeong; Kwak, June M. Abstract: Background Precise characterization of gene expression patterns across temporal, cellular, and tissue-specific contexts is fundamental to understanding plant development and function. Recent advances in ClearSee-based tissue clearing have enabled high-resolution visualization of internal structures and fluorescent reporter signals in plant tissues. Although hand sectioning can provide optical access to tissues that are not amenable to whole-mount clearing, its application to submillimeter-scale and fragile Arabidopsis organs and tissues, including developing inflorescence apices, flowers, fruits, and organ boundaries, has remained limited. Consequently, analysis of these tissues has largely depended on specialized microdissection techniques and labor-intensive histological workflows, such as wax- or resin-embedded microtomy, which restrict throughput, accessibility, and routine use.Results We developed and optimized a simple hand-sectioning and imaging method that enables routine visualization of anatomical organization and gene expression patterns at cellular resolution in small, fragile Arabidopsis tissues. This method relies only on gentle manual tissue processing under a stereomicroscope and readily available reagents, allowing reproducible preparation of delicate tissues without the need for embedding or specialized equipment. Combined with ClearSee-based clearing and fluorescent reporters, the approach enables high-resolution imaging of internal tissue architecture and gene expression, while preserving tissue integrity and fluorescence signals that are often compromised during conventional embedding and microtomy procedures.Conclusions Our method substantially reduces technical complexity, costs, preparation time, and labor associated with cellular-resolution imaging of small, fragile plant tissues. By providing a simple, scalable, and accessible alternative to conventional histological workflows, this approach facilitates routine analysis of internal developmental processes across diverse plant species. 2026-06-30T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/61061 Title: Unusually Long Incubation Including Interactions with the Mate by a Female Japanese Tit Parus cinereus minor in the Absence of Eggs Author(s): Park, Jinseok; Kim, Woojoo; Lee, Keesan; Ha, Jungmoon; Lee, Sangim; Jablonski, Piotr G. Abstract: Breeding birds exhibit behaviours such as incubation and food provisioning, but proximate cues affecting the timing and duration of these behaviours remain poorly understood. In the Japanese Tit Parus cinereus minor, females incubate eggs and are provisioned by their mate. We report an unusual case of a female Japanese Tit incubating for at least 20 days without eggs, during which the female continuously interacted with its mate and was likely provisioned by him. We suggest that terminating incubation may require signals from chicks, and male provisioning may be triggered by female behaviours, such as incubation, begging displays or begging calls, rather than eggs. The development of a brood patch and nest building behaviours suggest elevated oestrogen levels in the female. Future research should explore proximate cues and hormonal regulation for these behaviours during breeding. 2025-12-31T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/61002 Title: Inotodiol prevents age-related muscle wasting by restoring mitochondrial function through liver X receptor beta signaling Author(s): You, Chang-Lim; Bae, Ju-Hyeon; Jeong, Yideul; Leem, Young-Eun; Kim, June; Park, Jeongmin; Vuong, Tuan Anh; Jang, Jiwoong; Park, Sanghee; Lee, Young-Sam; Ji, Moongi; Paik, Man-Jeong; Kim, IL-Young; Lee, Sang-Jin; Bae, Gyu-Un; Kang, Jong-Sun Abstract: Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive decline in muscle mass and strength and represents a major contributor to increased mortality in the elderly population. Mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to impaired energy metabolism and elevated oxidative stress, is a key driver of muscle wasting and associated metabolic disorders. Thus, mitochondrial targeting is a promising strategy for combating sarcopenia. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the mycosterol inotodiol (Ino) in mitigating age-related muscle wasting and metabolic dysfunction. Ino treatment significantly improved muscle mass and function in aged mice and prevented dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy. Ino enhanced mitochondrial function and restored muscle metabolism, as evidenced by increased mitochondrial content, elevated oxidative capacity, reduced lipid accumulation, and decreased oxidative stress. In addition, Ino attenuated palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity in muscle cells by restoring lipid metabolism. Further investigation revealed that Ino activates liver X receptor beta (LXR beta) and promotes its interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR delta), thereby increasing sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) transcription. Consequently, Ino activates the LXR beta/SIRT3/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1 alpha) signaling pathway, a central regulator of mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis. Collectively, these findings identify Ino as a promising therapeutic candidate for preserving mitochondrial function and alleviating age-associated muscle dysfunction. 2026-08-31T15:00:00Z