Zachary Markovich’s research while affiliated with University of Florida and other places

The special AT-rich sequence-binding (SATB) protein DVE-1 is widely recognized for its pivotal involvement in orchestrating the retrograde mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) in C. elegans. In our study of downstream factors contributing to lifespan extension in sensory ciliary mutants, we find that DVE-1 is crucial for this longevity effect independent of its canonical mitoUPR function. Additionally, DVE-1 also influences lifespan under conditions of dietary restriction and germline loss, again distinct from its role in mitoUPR. Mechanistically, while mitochondrial stress typically prompts nuclear accumulation of DVE-1 to initiate the transcriptional mitoUPR program, these long-lived mutants reduce DVE-1 nuclear accumulation, likely by enhancing its cytosolic translocation. This observation suggests a cytosolic role for DVE-1 in lifespan extension. Overall, our study implies that, in contrast to the more narrowly defined role of the mitoUPR-related transcription factor ATFS-1, DVE-1 may possess broader functions than previously recognized in modulating longevity and defending against stress.

The intestinal barrier, an indispensable guardian of gastrointestinal health, mediates the intricate exchange between internal and external environments. Anchored by evolutionarily conserved junctional complexes, this barrier meticulously regulates paracellular permeability in essentially all living organisms. Disruptions in intestinal junctional complexes, prevalent in inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome, compromise barrier integrity and often lead to the notorious “leaky gut” syndrome. Critical to the maintenance of the intestinal barrier is a finely orchestrated network of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that modulate the expression, composition, and functionality of junctional complexes. This review navigates through the composition of key junctional complex components and the common methods used to assess intestinal permeability. It also explores the critical intracellular signaling pathways that modulate these junctional components. Lastly, we delve into the complex dynamics between the junctional complexes, microbial communities, and environmental chemicals in shaping the intestinal barrier function. Comprehending this intricate interplay holds paramount importance in unraveling the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for the development of precise therapeutic interventions targeting barrier dysfunction.

Proteotoxic stress is a common challenge for all organisms. Among various mechanisms involved in defending such stress, the evolutionarily conserved unfolded protein responses (UPRs) play a key role across species. Interestingly, UPRs can occur in different subcellular compartments including the endoplasmic reticulum (UPRER), mitochondria (UPRMITO), and cytoplasm (UPRCYTO) through distinct mechanisms. While previous studies have shown that the UPRs are intuitively linked to organismal aging, a systematic assay on the temporal regulation of different type of UPRs during aging is still lacking. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as the model system, we found that the endogenous UPRs (UPRER, UPRMITO, and UPRCYTO) elevate with age, but their inducibility exhibits an age‐dependent decline. Moreover, we revealed that the temporal requirements to induce different types of UPRs are distinct. Namely, while the UPRMITO can only be induced during the larval stage, the UPRER can be induced until early adulthood and the inducibility of UPRCYTO is well maintained until mid‐late stage of life. Furthermore, we showed that different tissues may exhibit distinct temporal profiles of UPR inducibility during aging. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that UPRs of different subcellular compartments may have distinct temporal mechanisms during aging.