Biology subjects

Yang, S.-A.

Publications and source records attributed to Yang, S.-A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Alzheimer's disease-associated TM2D genes regulate Notch signaling and neuronal function in Drosophila

TM2 domain containing (TM2D) proteins are conserved in metazoans and encoded by three separate genes in each species. Rare variants in TM2D3 are associated with Alzheimers disease (AD) and its fly ortholog almondex is required for embryonic Notch signaling. However, the functions of this gene family remain elusive. We knocked-out all three TM2D genes (almondex, CG11103/amaretto, CG10795/biscotti) in Drosophila and found that they share the same maternal-effect neurogenic defect. Triple null animals are not phenotypically worse than single nulls, suggesting these genes function together. Overexpression of the most conserved region of the TM2D proteins acts as a potent inhibitor of Notch signaling at the {gamma}-secretase cleavage step. Lastly, Almondex is detected in the brain and its loss causes shortened lifespan accompanied by progressive electrophysiological defects. The functional links between all three TM2D genes are likely to be evolutionarily conserved, suggesting that this entire gene family may be involved in AD.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2017

Refractive index as an intrinsic imaging contrast for 3-D label-free live cell imaging

Live cell imaging provides essential information in the investigation of cell biology and related pathophysiology. Refractive index (RI) can serve as intrinsic optical imaging contrast for 3-D label-free and quantitative live cell imaging, and provide invaluable information to understand various dynamics of cells and tissues for the study of numerous fields. Recently significant advances have been made in imaging methods and analysis approaches utilizing RI, which are now being transferred to biological and medical research fields, providing novel approaches to investigate the pathophysiology of cells. To provide insight how RI can be used as an imaging contrast for imaging of biological specimens, here we provide the basic principle of RI-based imaging techniques and summarize recent progress on applications, ranging from microbiology, hematology, infectious diseases, hematology, and histopathology.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2016

Measurements of morphological and biochemical alterations in individual neuron cells associated with early neurotoxic effects in Parkinson’s disease using optical diffraction tomography

Parkinsons disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. However, therapeutic methods of PD are still limited due to complex pathophysiology in PD. Here, we present optical measurements of individual neurons from in vitro PD model using optical diffraction tomography (ODT). By measuring 3-D refractive index distribution of neurons, morphological and biochemical alterations in in-vitro PD model are quantitatively investigated. We found that neurons show apoptotic features in early PD progression. The present approach will open up new opportunities for quantitative investigation of the pathophysiology of various neurodegenerative diseases.

neuroscience↗