Cystatin F is a protein inhibitor of cysteine cathepsins, peptidases involved in the activation of the effector molecules of the perforin/granzyme pathway. Cystatin F was previously shown to regulate natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Here, we show that extracellular cystatin F has a role in regulating the killing efficiency of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These results clearly show that, by inhibiting cysteine cathepsin proteolytic activity, extracellular cystatin F can decrease the cytotoxicity of CTLs and thus compromise their function and represent a way tumor cells impact immune response.
COBISS.SI-ID: 43955203
Within the project MinE ALS GWAS genetic structure and differences in genes encoding RNA binding proteins TDP-43, FUS and DPR have been studied, which are involved in neurodegenerative diseases and a focus of studies of our group.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31316739
To discover novel genes underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we aggregated exomes from 3,864 cases and 7,839 ancestry-matched controls. We observed a significant excess of rare protein-truncating variants among ALS cases, and these variants were concentrated in constrained genes. Through gene level analyses, we replicated known ALS genes including SOD1, NEK1 and FUS. We also observed multiple distinct protein-truncating variants in a highly constrained gene, DNAJC7. Our results highlight DNAJC7 as a novel gene for ALS.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31412483
Publication describes optimization of the a multiplex basophil activation test with fluorescent labelling using quantum dots or nanocrystals Qdot. The assay enables the ex-vivo analysis of response to multiple allergens.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2048616817
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large group of RNA viruses, which encode large replicase polyproteins that are processed by viral peptidases. Papain-like peptidases (PLPs) and chymotrypsin-like cysteine 3C-like peptidase are essential for coronaviral replication and represent attractive antiviral drug targets. Furthermore, CoVs utilize the activation of their envelope spike glycoproteins by host cell peptidases to gain entry into cells. In this review, viral and host peptidases involved in CoV cell entry and replication are discussed in depth, with an emphasis on papain-like cysteine cathepsins.
COBISS.SI-ID: 36092931