MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are integral elements in the post-transcriptional control of gene
expression. After the identification of hundreds of miRNAs, the challenge is now to understand …

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to drive tumor initiation and progression. Yet, our
understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie CSC properties is …

The assembly of the Smad complex is critical for TGFβ signaling, yet the mechanisms that
inactivate or empower nuclear Smad complexes are less understood. By means of siRNA …

Introducing a point mutation is a fundamental method used to demonstrate the roles of particular
nucleotides or amino acids in the genetic elements or proteins and is widely used in in …

The TGFβ pathway is critical for embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. On
ligand stimulation, TGFβ and BMP receptors phosphorylate receptor-activated SMADs (R-…

MicroRNAs are crucial modulators of gene expression, yet their involvement as effectors of
growth factor signalling is largely unknown. Ligands of the transforming growth factor-β …

Mohawk homeobox (MKX) has been demonstrated as a tendon/ligament specific
transcription factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MKX in ligament/tenogenic …

Methods to create genetically engineered mice involve three major steps: harvesting embryos
from one set of females, microinjection of reagents into embryos ex vivo and their surgical …

Genome editing, which introduces mutations in genes of interest using artificial DNA nucleases
such as the ZFN, TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 systems in living cells, is a useful tool for …

The main pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation involves disruption of the
annulus fibrosus (AF) caused by ageing or excessive mechanical stress and the resulting …