In BulletsThe plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a small non-hibernating mammal that prefers to live in elevations of about 3,100 to 5,000 m in the Tibetan Plateau. Plateau pikas are genetically adapted to harsh environments (hypoxic and low-temperature environments). But how they adapt themselves to such extreme environments remains unclear. Recently, researchers have identified a homotetrameric Hb, heme-containing protein in plateau pikas. The subunit of the protein was determined to be δ, encoded by the HBD (δ) gene. The HBD genes are upregulated during hypoxic conditions and encode δ4 protein, which helps plateau pikas to adapt in such harsh environments.
More information: An et al. (2022). A homotetrameric hemoglobin expressed in alveolar epithelial cells increases blood oxygenation in high-altitude plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae). Cell Reports. DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111446
Journal information: Cell Reports
Brain circuits reorganize during the intricate process of long-term memory development, termed 'system consolidation.' To retain new memories for a long time, it must undergo a protracted stabilization process known as "consolidation." The system consolidation process is a time-dependent reorganization of brain circuits and is generally believed to take weeks to months in humans. In a recent study, scientists have demonstrated how auditory fear helps the secondary auditory cortex to immediately form new auditory memories in rats administered with a different frequency of sounds. They also found that the hippocampus is necessary for new memory formation.
More information: Concina et al. (2022). Prior fear learning enables the rapid assimilation of new fear memories directly into cortical networks. PLOS Biology. DOI:10.1371/journal.pbio.3001789
Journal information: PLOS Biology
Hematopoietic stem cells, the cells responsible for generating all the blood cell lineages, usually lose their function with increasing age. Among all, white blood cells (WBC) are the key players in triggering an immune response and defending our body from foreign invaders. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Germany, have discovered a protein called TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) proteins that protect hematopoietic stem cells from aging. The discovery shed new light on the approach for rejuvenating stem cells, thus preventing the loss of functions.
More information: Kim et al. (2022). Taz protects hematopoietic stem cells from an aging-dependent decrease in PU.1 activity. Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32970-1
Journal information: Nature Communications