bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MIF Regulates M1 Macrophage Polarization via CD74/CXCR2/JNK Pathway and Mediates Aortic Dissection in Mice
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Huishan , Yu Liming , Jiang Hui , Xia Lin
Published: October 2023

Background

Macrophage polarization and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching are important features and critical targets in the progression of Aortic dissection (AD). High expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in aortic and blood specimens has been observed in patients with aortic dissection, but its precise function and mechanism in AD are unknown. We aimed to clarify whether MIF mediates the development of aortic dissection via modulation of M1 macrophage polarization and its specific regulatory pathways.

Methods

Based on the BAPN/Ang II-induced acute aortic dissection model and by intraperitoneal injection of the MIF antagonist ISO-1 to inhibit MIF activity in mice. We assayed macrophage infiltration, polarization, and VSMC phenotypic switching in the aorta of mice in each group. Further, we evaluated the polarizing effects of MIF on RAW264.7 cells directly or indirectly in vitro experiments and explored the specific cellular signaling pathways that mediate its function. At last, we evaluated the role and possible mechanisms of RAW264.7 cells with different degrees of polarization in inducing phenotypic switching of MOVAS cells based on a model of indirect co-culture of RAW264.7 cells with MOVAS cells.

Results

Pharmacological inhibition of MIF decreased the incidence of BAPN/Ang II-induced aortic dissection and attenuated aortic vascular remodeling in mice by reducing M1 macrophage infiltration in mouse aorta. Through in vitro assays, we demonstrated that MIF could activate the intracellular JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway by targeting the CD74/CXCR2 receptor, promote M1 polarization and upregulate the expression of the M1 macrophage markers, iNOS, IL-18, and CD86 in RAW264.7 cells. Further experiments confirmed that upon co-culture with MIF-induced M1 macrophages, the NF-κB pathway was activated in MOVAS cells, inducing the onset of phenotypic switching and apoptosis.

Conclusions

The results indicated that MIF mediated macrophage polarization and regulated the progression of aortic dissection, which provided new scientific evidence for the pathogenesis of aortic dissection, and also suggested that MIF may be a potential preventive and therapeutic target for aortic dissection and aortic-related diseases.
HLTF Prevents G4 Accumulation and Promotes G4-induced Fork Slowing to Maintain Genome Stability
Authors: Bai Gongshi , Endres Theresa , Kühbacher Ulrike , Greer Briana H. , Peacock Emma M. , Crossley Magdalena P. , Sathirachinda Ataya , Cortez David , Eichman Brandt F. , Cimprich Karlene A.
Published: October 2023

G-quadruplexes (G4s) form throughout the genome and influence important cellular processes, but their deregulation can challenge DNA replication fork progression and threaten genome stability. Here, we demonstrate an unexpected, dual role for the dsDNA translocase HLTF in G4 metabolism. First, we find that HLTF is enriched at G4s in the human genome and suppresses G4 accumulation throughout the cell cycle using its ATPase activity. This function of HLTF affects telomere maintenance by restricting alternative lengthening of telomeres, a process stimulated by G4s. We also show that HLTF and MSH2, a mismatch repair factor that binds G4s, act in independent pathways to suppress G4s and to promote resistance to G4 stabilization. In a second, distinct role, HLTF restrains DNA synthesis upon G4 stabilization by suppressing PrimPol-dependent repriming. Together, the dual functions of HLTF in the G4 response prevent DNA damage and potentially mutagenic replication to safeguard genome stability.
Spatial N-glycan rearrangement on α5β1integrin nucleates galectin-3 oligomers to determine endocytic fate
Authors: Shafaq-Zadah Massiullah , Dransart Estelle , Wunder Christian , Chambon Valérie , Valades-Cruz Cesar A. , Leconte Ludovic , Sarangi Nirod Kumar , Robinson Jack , Bai Siau-Kun , Regmi Raju , Cicco Aurélie Di , Hovasse Agnès , Bartels Richard , Nilsson Ulf J. , Cianférani-Sanglier Sarah , Leffler Hakon , Keyes Tia E. , Lévy Daniel , Raunser Stefan , Roderer Daniel , Johannes Ludger
Published: October 2023

Membrane glycoproteins frequently adopt different conformations when altering between active and inactive states. Here, we discover a molecular switch that exploits dynamic spatial rearrangements of N-glycans during such conformational transitions to control protein function. For the conformationally switchable cell adhesion glycoprotein α5β1integrin, we find that only the bent-closed state arranges N-glycans to nucleate the formation of up to tetrameric oligomers of the glycan-binding protein galectin-3. We propose a structural model of how these galectin-3 oligomers are assembled and how they clamp the bent-closed state to prime it for endocytic uptake and subsequent retrograde trafficking to the Golgi for polarized distribution in cells. Our findings highlight an unexpectedly dynamic regulation of the glycan landscape at the cell surface to achieve oligomerization of galectin-3. Galectin-3 oligomers are thereby identified as decoders of defined spatial patterns of N-glycans and as functional extracellular interactors of specifically the bent- closed conformational state of α5β1integrin and possibly other family members.
Spatial protein and RNA analysis on the same tissue section using MICS technology
Authors: Neil Emily , Park Dongju , Hennessey Rebecca C. , DiBiasio Eric C. , DiBuono Michael , Lafayette Hanna , Lloyd Erica , Lo Hsinyi , Femel Julia , Makrigiorgos Alex , Soliman Sameh , Mangiardi Dominic , Praveen Paurush , Rüberg Silvia , Staubach Fabian , Hindman Ryan , Rothmann Thomas , Meyer Hansueli , Wantenaar Tanya , Wang Jinling , Müller Werner , Pinard Robert , Bosio Andreas
Published: October 2023

Spatial Biology has evolved from the molecular characterization of microdissected cells to high throughput spatial RNA and protein expression analysis at scale. The main limitation of spatial technologies so far is the inability to resolve protein and RNA information in the same histological section. Here, we report for the first time the integration of highly multiplexed RNA and protein detection on the same tissue section. We developed a new, automated, spatial RNA detection method (RNAsky™), which is based on targeted rolling circle amplification and iterative staining. We combine RNAsky with MACSima™ Imaging Cyclic Staining (MICS) based protein analysis and show compatibility with subsequent standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Using both, open-source tools and our recently developed software suite MACS® iQ View, we demonstrate our multiomics MICS workflow by characterizing key immune-oncology markers at subcellular resolution across normal and diseased tissues.
Tri-n-butyl phosphate inhibits neurogenesis and motor functions during embryonic development in zebrafish
Authors: Chakraborty Gourav , Ahire Kedar , Joshi Bhgyashri , Patra Chinmoy
Published: October 2023

Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), an organophosphate ester (OPE), is heavily used as a solvent in synthetic resins, inks, and adhesives and as an antifoaming agent in detergents and emulsion products. Further, it is used as a flame retardant and plasticizer in the fabric and electronics industry. Further, TBP is used to extract uranium, plutonium, and thorium. Thus, widespread uses of TBP in industrialized countries led to the release of TBP and its metabolites, dibutyl phosphate (DBP) and monobutyl phosphate (MBP), in the environment, including air, soil, and water, and get detected in human samples. Accumulating these OPEs over time in humans and other animals may develop toxicological effects. The reports also say OPEs contaminants pass through the mother-fetal transmission route and may affect embryonic development. However, the impact of TBP and its metabolites on vertebrate development has been poorly studied.Ex-Uterodevelopment, short generation time, high fecundity, optical transparency, and genetic and physiological similarity to humans make the zebrafish a preferred model for studying vertebrate development, organogenesis, small molecule screening, toxicological evaluation, etc. Thus, we aim to explore the toxic effects of TBP, DBP, and MBP on vertebrate organogenesis and overall embryonic development using zebrafish as a model organism. Our study found that TBP inhibits neural growth resulting in decreased spontaneous movements frequency at 22 and 28 hpf without altering the somite and overall embryonic growth in lower doses. In contrast, in lower concentrations, DBP-treated embryos showed normal neuronal and embryonic development and increased spontaneous movement frequency at 22 and 28 hpf. Further, we found that in higher concentrations, TBP is teratogenic, DBP is lethal to the embryos, and MBP did not show detectable toxic effects in the developing embryos. Altogether, we found that TBP inhibits neurogenesis, and its metabolite DBP is neuroexcitatory during embryonic development.
Transcriptomic Landscape of Hyperthyroidism in Mice Overexpressing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Authors: Yamauchi Ichiro , Sugawa Taku , Hakata Takuro , Yoshizawa Akira , Kita Tomoko , Kishimoto Yo , Kimura Sadahito , Kosugi Daisuke , Fujita Haruka , Okamoto Kentaro , Ueda Yohei , Fujii Toshihito , Taura Daisuke , Sakane Yoriko , Yasoda Akihiro , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: October 2023

Hyperthyroidism is a condition with excessive thyroid hormone secretion. Activation of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) fundamentally leads to hyperthyroidism. The details of TSHR signaling remain to be elucidated. We conducted transcriptome analyses for hyperthyroid mice that we generated by overexpressing TSH. TSH overexpression via hydrodynamic gene delivery with pLIVE-TSHBand pLIVE-CGAvectors consistently caused hyperthyroidism and goiters for at least 4 weeks in C57BL/6J mice. RNA sequencing analysis of their thyroid glands revealed that thiamazole slightly changed the thyroid transcriptome, which reinforces a conventional theory that thiamazole decreases thyroid hormone secretion via inhibition of thyroid peroxidase activity. Meanwhile, TSH overexpression drastically changed the thyroid transcriptome. In particular, enrichment analyses identified the cell cycle, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt pathway, and Ras-related protein 1 pathway as possibly associated with goiter development. Regarding the role of TSHR signaling in hyperthyroidism, it is noteworthy thatSlc26a4was exclusively upregulated among genes crucial to thyroid hormone secretion at both 1 and 4 weeks after hydrodynamic gene delivery. To verify the relationship between this upregulation and hyperthyroidism, we overexpressed TSH inSlc26a4knockout mice. TSH overexpression caused hyperthyroidism inSlc26a4knockout mice, equivalent to that in control mice. To summarize, we analyzed hyperthyroid mice generated by TSH overexpression. We did not observe significant changes in known genes and pathways involved in thyroid hormone secretion. Thus, our datasets might include candidate genes that have not yet been identified as regulators of thyroid function. Our transcriptome datasets regarding hyperthyroidism can contribute to future research on TSHR signaling.
A high-content RNA-based imaging assay reveals integrin beta 1 as a cofactor for cell entry of non-enveloped hepatitis E virus
Authors: Fu Rebecca , Engels Zoé , Weihs Jasmin Alara , Mürle Josias , Klöhn Mara , Todt Daniel , Hu Jungen , Steinmann Eike , Böttler Tobias , Lozach Pierre-Yves , Lemon Stanley M. , Thi Viet Loan Dao
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis and mainly transmitted faecal-orally. HEV particles in faeces are non-enveloped, while those in the blood possess a cell-derived lipid envelope. Despite being a global health concern, there is limited understanding of the steps in the HEV life cycle, particularly cell entry. A previous study proposed integrin alpha 3 (ITGA3) as a potential host factor for nHEV entry, but the β-integrin partner that co-mediates HEV entry has not been described. To address this knowledge gap and resolve the existing controversies surrounding HEV cell entry, we developed an RNA-FISH-based high-content imaging assay alllowing investigation of the entry pathways of both naked and enveloped HEV particles. Our observations indicate that naked HEV particles interact with the surface receptor integrin beta 1 (ITGB1), which likely facilitates their trafficking through the recycling endosome. In contrast, enveloped HEV particles do not interact with ITGB1 and instead use the classical endocytic pathway via the early endosome. Importantly, both forms of HEV require endosomal acidification and proteolytic cleavage by lysosomal cathepsins, which ultimately results in delivery of the HEV genome to the cytoplasm.
Placode and neural crest origins of congenital deafness in mouse models of Waardenburg-Shah syndrome
Authors: Tan Jamie , Duron Alicia , Sucov Henry M. , Makita Takako
Published: October 2023

Mutations in the human genes encoding the endothelin ligand-receptor pairEDN3andEDNRBcause Waardenburg-Shah syndrome (WS4), which includes congenital hearing impairment. The current explanation for auditory dysfunction is a deficiency in migration of neural crest-derived melanocytes to the inner ear. We explored the role of endothelin signaling in auditory development in mice using neural crest-specific and placode-specificEdnrbmutation plus related genetic resources. On an outbred strain background, we find a normal representation of melanocytes in hearing-impaired mutant mice. Instead, our results in neural crest-specificEdnrbmutant mice implicate a previously unrecognized role for glial support of synapse assembly between auditory neurons and cochlear hair cells. Placode-specificEdnrbmutation also caused impaired hearing, resulting from deficient synaptic transmission. Our observations demonstrate the significant influence of genetic modifiers in auditory development, and invoke independent and separable new roles for endothelin signaling in the neural crest and placode lineages to create a functional auditory circuitry.
Islet amyloid polypeptide tagged with green fluorescent protein localises to mitochondria and forms filamentous aggregates inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Akdag Mehmet , Schijndel Vera van , Sinnige Tessa
Published: October 2023

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common form of diabetes and represents a growing health concern. A characteristic feature of T2D is the aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), which is thought to be associated with the death of pancreatic β-cells. Inhibiting IAPP aggregation is a promising therapeutic avenue to treat T2D, but the mechanisms of aggregation and toxicity are not yet fully understood.Caenorhabditis elegansis a well-characterised multicellular model organism that has been extensively used to study protein aggregation diseases. In this study, we aimed to develop a simplein vivomodel to investigate IAPP aggregation and toxicity based on expression in theC. elegansbody wall muscle cells. We show that IAPP tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) localises to mitochondria in this tissue, in line with previous observations in mouse and human pancreatic β-cells. The IAPP-GFP fusion protein forms solid aggregates, which have a filamentous appearance as seen by electron microscopy. However, the animals do not display a strong motility phenotype, suggesting that the IAPP-GFP aggregates are not considerably toxic. Nevertheless, the mitochondrial localisation and aggregate formation may be useful read-outs to screen for IAPP-solubilizing compounds as a therapeutic strategy for T2D.

Graphical abstract
Early human fetal lung atlas reveals the temporal dynamics of epithelial cell plasticity
Authors: Quach Henry , Farrell Spencer , Kanagarajah Kayshani , Wu Michael , Xu Xiaoqiao , Kallurkar Prajkta , Turinsky Andrei , Bear Christine E. , Ratjen Felix , Goyal Sidhartha , Moraes Theo J. , Wong Amy P.
Published: October 2023

While animal models have provided key insights into conserved mechanisms of how the lung forms during development, human-specific developmental mechanisms are not always captured. To fully appreciate how developmental defects and disease states alter the function of the lungs, studies in human lung models are important. Here, we sequenced >150,000 single single-cells from 19 healthy human fetal lung tissues from gestational weeks 10-19 and identified at least 58 unique cell types/states contributing to the developing lung. We captured novel dynamic developmental trajectories from various progenitor cells that give rise to club, ciliated, and pulmonary neuroendocrine cells. We also identified four CFTR-expressing progenitor cell types and pinpointed the temporal emergence of these cell types. These developmental dynamics reveal broader epithelial cell plasticity and novel lineage hierarchies that were not previously reported. Combined with spatial transcriptomics, we identified both cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous signalling pathways that may dictate the temporal and spatial emergence of cell lineages. Finally, we showed that human pluripotent stem cell-derived fetal lung models capture cell lineage trajectories specifically through CFTR-expressing progenitor cells, that were also observed in the native fetal tissue. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the developing human lung, outlining the temporal and spatial complexities of cell lineage development.

Highlights

Single-cell transcriptomics atlas from 19 human fetal lungs reveals cellular heterogeneity and previously unappreciated cellular plasticity in the epithelial compartment.

Identification of novel CFTR-expressing progenitor cells that gives rise to club, ciliated and PNEC.

Novel RNA velocity facilitated the identification of dynamic lineage trajectories in the epithelial compartment.

Temporally regulated cell signaling through promiscuous interactions between sender and receiving cells may dictate cell lineage fates.

Integration of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived fetal lung cells and organoids with primary lung dataset show hPSC-differentiations captures key developmental trajectories of fetal epithelial cell states.
Molecular basis for positional memory and its reprogrammability in limb regeneration
Authors: Otsuki L , Plattner SA , Taniguchi-Sugiura Y , Tanaka EM
Published: October 2023

Upon limb amputation in salamanders, anterior and posterior connective tissue cells form distinct signalling centres that together fuel successful regeneration. The molecular properties that distinguish anterior and posterior cells prior to injury, which enable them to initiate different signalling centres after amputation, are not known. These anterior and posterior identities, crucial for regeneration, were thought to be established during development and to persist through successive regeneration cycles as positional memory. However, the molecular nature of these memory states and whether these identities can be engineered have remained outstanding questions. Here, we identify a positive feedback mechanism encoding posterior identity in the axolotl limb, which can be used to newly encode positional memory in regenerative cells. Posterior cells express residual levels of the bHLH transcription factorHand2from development and this is a priming molecule necessary and sufficient to establish aShhsignalling centre after limb amputation. During regeneration,Shhfeeds back and reinforcesHand2expression in nearby cells.Hand2is sustained following regeneration, safeguarding posterior memory, whileShhis shut off. As a consequence of thisHand2-Shhsystem, anterior and posterior identities are differentially susceptible to alteration. Posterior cells are stabilised against anteriorisation as their expression ofHand2poises them to trigger theHand2-Shhloop. In contrast, anterior cells can be reprogrammed: a transient exposure toShhduring regeneration causes anterior cells to gainHand2expression and a lasting competence to expressShh. In this way, regeneration is an opportunity and entry point to re-write positional memory. Our results implicate positive feedback in the stability of positional memory and explain why positional memory is more easily altered in one direction (anterior to posterior) than the other. Because modifying positional memory changes signalling outputs from regenerative cells, our findings have wider implications for tissue engineering.
Subconfluent ARPE-19 Cells Display Mesenchymal Cell-State Characteristics and Behave Like Fibroblasts, Rather than Epithelial Cells, in Experimental HCMV Infection Studies
Authors: Golconda Preethi , Andrade-Medina Mariana , Oberstein Adam
Published: October 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a broad cellular tropism and epithelial cells are important physiological targets during infection. The retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 has been used to model HCMV infection in epithelial cells for decades and remains a commonly used cell-type for studying viral entry, replication, and the cellular response to infection. We previously found that ARPE-19 cells, despite being derived from an epithelial cell explant, express extremely low levels of canonical epithelial proteins, such as E-cadherin and EpCAM. Here, we perform comparative studies of ARPE-19 and additional epithelial cell lines with strong epithelial characteristics. We find that ARPE-19 cells cultured under subconfluent conditions resemble mesenchymal fibroblasts, rather than epithelial cells; consistent with previous studies showing that ARPE-19 cultures require extended periods of high confluency culture to maintain epithelial characteristics. By reanalyzing public gene expression data and using machine-learning, we find evidence that ARPE-19 cultures maintained across many labs exhibit mesenchymal characteristics and that the majority of studies employing ARPE-19 use them in a mesenchymal state. Lastly, by performing experimental HCMV infections across mesenchymal and epithelial cell lines, we find that ARPE-19 cells behave like mesenchymal fibroblasts, producing logarithmic yields of cell-free infectious progeny, while cell lines with strong epithelial character exhibit an atypical infectious cycle and naturally restrict the production of cell-free progeny. Our work highlights important characteristics of the ARPE-19 cell line and suggests that sub-confluent ARPE-19 cells may not be optimal for modeling epithelial infection with HCMV or other human viruses. It also suggests that HCMV biosynthesis and/or spread may occur quite differently in epithelial cells compared to mesenchymal cells. These differences could contribute to viral persistence or pathogenesis in epithelial tissues.
A sub-set of guanine- and cytosine-rich genes are actively transcribed at the nuclear Lamin B1 region
Authors: Balasooriya Gayan I. , Wee Tse-Luen , Spector David L.
Published: October 2023

Chromatin organization in the mammalian cell nucleus plays a vital role in the regulation of gene expression. The lamina-associated domain at the inner nuclear membrane has been proposed to harbor heterochromatin, while the nuclear interior has been shown to contain most of the euchromatin. Here, we show that a sub-set of actively transcribing genes, marked by RNA Pol II pSer2, are associated with Lamin B1 at the inner nuclear envelop in mESCs and the number of genes proportionally increases uponin vitrodifferentiation of mESC to olfactory precursor cells. These nuclear periphery-associated actively transcribing genes primarily represent housekeeping genes, and their gene bodies are significantly enriched with guanine and cytosine compared to genes actively transcribed at the nuclear interior. We found the promoters of these genes to also be significantly enriched with guanine and to be predominantly regulated by zinc finger protein transcription factors. We provide evidence supporting the emerging notion that the Lamin B1 region is not solely transcriptionally silent.
An interplay of HSP-proteostasis, biomechanics and ECM-cell junctions ensuresC. elegansastroglial architecture
Authors: Coraggio Francesca , Bhushan Mahak , Roumeliotis Spyridon , Caroti Francesca , Bevilacqua Carlo , Prevedel Robert , Rapti Georgia
Published: October 2023

Tissue integrity is sensitive to temperature, tension, age and is sustained throughout life by adaptive cell-autonomous or extrinsic mechanisms. Safeguarding the remarkably-complex architectures of neurons and glia ensures age-dependent, functional circuit integrity. Here we report mechanisms sustaining integrity of theC. elegansastrocyte-like CEPsh glia. We combine large-scale genetics with manipulation of genes, cells, and their environment, with quantitative imaging of cellular, subcellular features and material properties of tissues and extracellular matrix (ECM). We identify mutants with age-progressive, environment-dependent defects in glial architecture, consequent disruption of axons, synapses, and aging. Functional loss of epithelial Hsp70/Hsc70-cochaperone BAG2 causes ECM disruption, altered animal biomechanics, and hypersensitivity of glial cells to environmental temperature and mechanics. Glial-cell junctions ensure ECM-CEPsh glia-epithelia association. Modifying glial junctions or ECM mechanics safeguards glial integrity against disrupted BAG2-proteostasis. Overall, we present a finely-regulated interplay of proteostasis-ECM and cell junctions with conserved components that ensures age-progressively the robustness of glial architecture.
Chemically induced proximity reveals mechanotransduction of a meiotic checkpoint at the nuclear envelope
Authors: Liu Chenshu , Dernburg Abby F.
Published: October 2023

Successful sexual reproduction relies on robust quality control during meiosis. Assembly of the synaptonemal complex between homologous chromosomes (synapsis) regulates meiotic recombination and is crucial for accurate chromosome segregation in most eukaryotes. Synapsis defects can trigger cell cycle delays and, in some cases, apoptosis. Here, by developing and deploying a new chemically induced proximity system, we iden-tify key players in this quality control pathway inCaenorhabditis elegans. We find that persistence of the Polo-like kinase PLK-2 at pairing centers, specialized chromosome regions that interact with the nuclear envelope to promote homolog pairing and synapsis, induces apoptosis of oocytes by phosphorylating and destabilizing the nuclear lamina. Unexpectedly, we find that a mechanosensitive Piezo1/PEZO-1 channel localizes to the nuclear envelope and is required to transduce this signal to promote apoptosis. Thus, mechanosensitive ion channels play essential roles in detecting nuclear events and triggering apoptosis during gamete production.

One-sentence summary

Destabilization of the nuclear lamina triggers Piezo-dependent germline apoptosis.
SOX2+sustentacular cells are stem cells of the postnatal adrenal medulla
Authors: Santambrogio Alice , Kemkem Yasmine , Willis Thea L. , Berger Ilona , Kastriti Maria Eleni , Faure Louis , Russell John P. , Lodge Emily J. , Yianni Val , Oakey Rebecca J. , Altieri Barbara , Bornstein Stefan R. , Steenblock Charlotte , Adameyko Igor , Andoniadou Cynthia L.
Published: October 2023

Renewal of the catecholamine-secreting chromaffin cell population of the adrenal medulla is necessary for physiological homeostasis throughout life. Definitive evidence for the presence or absence of an adrenomedullary stem cell has been enigmatic. In this work, we demonstrate that a subset of sustentacular cells endowed with a support role, are in fact adrenomedullary stem cells. Through genetic tracing and comprehensive transcriptomic data of the mouse adrenal medulla, we show that cells expressingSox2/SOX2 specialise as a unique postnatal population from embryonic Schwann Cell Precursors and are also present in the normal adult human adrenal medulla. Postnatal SOX2+cells give rise to chromaffin cells of both the adrenaline and noradrenaline lineagesin vivoandin vitro.We reveal that SOX2+ stem cells have a second, paracrine role in maintaining adrenal chromaffin cell homeostasis, where they promote proliferation through paracrine secretion of WNT6. This work identifies SOX2+cells as a true stem cell for catecholamine-secreting chromaffin cells.
Politics of fiscal discipline: counter-conducting the World Bank's public financial management reforms
Authors: Azure John De-Clerk , Alawattage Chandana , Lauwo Sarah George
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The World Bank-sponsored public financial management reforms attempt to instil fiscal discipline through techno-managerial packages. Taking Ghana's integrated financial management information system (IFMIS) as a case, this paper explores how and why local actors engaged in counter-conduct against these reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews, observations and documentary analyses on the operationalisation of IFMIS constitute this paper's empirical basis. Theoretically, the paper draws on Foucauldian notions of governmentality and counter-conduct.

Findings

Empirics demonstrate how and why politicians and bureaucrats enacted ways of escaping, evading and subverting IFMIS's disciplinary regime. Politicians found the new accounting regime too constraining to their electoral and patronage politics and, therefore, enacted counter-conduct around the notion of political exigencies, creating expansionary fiscal conditions which the World Bank tried to mitigate through IFMIS. Perceiving the new regime as subverting their bureaucratic identity and influence, bureaucrats counter-conducted reforms through questioning, critiquing and rhetorical venting. Notably, the patronage politics of appropriating wealth and power underpins both these political and bureaucratic counter-conducts.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the critical accounting understanding of global public financial management reform failures by offering new empirical and theoretical insights as to how and why politicians and bureaucrats who are supposed to own and implement them nullify the global governmentality intentions of fiscal disciplining through subdued forms of resistance.
Cracking a brick in the master's house: counter practices as counter-accounts of difference and survival
Authors: Clavijo Nathalie , Perray-Redslob Ludivine , Mandalaki Emmanouela
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how an alternative accounting system developed by a marginalised group of women enables them to counter oppressive systems built at the intersections of gender, class and race.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on diary notes taken over a period of 13 years in France and Senegal in the context of the first author's family interactions with a community of ten Black immigrant women. The paper relies on Black feminist perspectives, namely, Lorde's work on difference and survival to illuminate how this community of women uses the creative power of its “self-defined differences” to build its own accounting system – a tontine – and work towards its emancipation.

Findings

The authors find that to fight oppressive marginalising structures, the women develop a tontine, an autonomous, self-managed, women-made banking system providing them with cash and working on the basis of trust. This alternative accounting scheme endeavours to fulfil their “situated needs”: to build a home of their own in Senegal. The authors conceptualise the tontine as a “situated accounting” scheme built on the women's own terms, on the basis of sisterhood and opacity. This accounting system enables the women to work towards their “situated emancipation”, alleviating the burden of their marginalisation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper gives visibility to vulnerable women's agentic capacities through accounting. As no single story captures the nuances and complexities of accounting, further exploration is encouraged.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the counter-accounting literature that engages with vulnerable, “othered” populations, shedding light on the counter-practices of accounting within a community of ten Black precarious women. In so doing, this study problematises these counter-practices as intersectional and built on “survival skills”. The paper further outlines the emancipatory potential of alternative systems of accounting. It ends with some reflections on doing research through activist curiosity and the need to rethink academic research and knowledge in opposition to dominant epistemic standards of knowledge creation.
Evaluating public service value within collaborative e-governance: a study in the Indian context
Authors: Pandey Jitendra Kumar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to meticulously evaluate the public service value-generation process facilitated by collaborative e-governance services within the framework of the National e-governance Plan (NeGP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study formulates a comprehensive research model through a combination of literature review, insights from domain experts and hands-on experience gained from the e-governance project. A conceptual research model was meticulously structured, validated, and interpreted by using a reflective measurement theory. The analytical tool SmartPLS3 was used to assess the proposed model rigorously.

Findings

The analysis of collected data reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between the implementation of collaborative e-governance strategies and the creation of public service value. This relationship is further reinforced by a strong alignment between the perceived aspects of collaborative e-governance, such as responsiveness, transparency and service delivery and their substantial contribution to the enhancement of public service value.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scholarly discourse by introducing an innovative methodology for assessing public service value through analyzing empirical data from citizen-centric collaborative e-governance projects. It is noteworthy that no prior studies have examined the nuanced concept of public service value in the context of collaborative e-governance.
How do irresponsibility attributions affect organisational reputation? Evidence from the banking industry
Authors: Zasuwa Grzegorz , Wesołowski Grzegorz
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines how potentially irresponsible banking operations affect organisational reputation. A moderated mediation model is applied to explain how major aspects of social irresponsibility affect the relationship between consumer awareness of allegedly irresponsible operations, blame and bank reputation. The empirical context is the Swiss franc mortgage crisis that affected the banking industry in most Central and Eastern European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study uses data collected from a large survey (N = 1,000) conducted among Polish bank consumers, including those with mortgage loans in Swiss francs. To test the proposed model, the authors use Hayes' process macro.

Findings

The findings show that blame fully mediates the effects of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) awareness on organisational reputation. Three facets of social irresponsibility moderate this relationship. Specifically, the perceived harm and intentionality of corporate culprits cause people to be more likely to blame a bank for the difficulties posed by indebted consumers. At the same time, the perceived complicity of consumers in misselling a mortgage reduces the level of blame and its subsequent adverse effects on bank reputation.

Originality/value

Although a strong reputation is crucial in the financial industry, few studies have attempted to address reputational risk from a consumer perspective. This study helps to understand how potentially irresponsible selling of a financial product can adversely affect a bank's reputation.
Do sustainable banking practices enhance the sustainability performance of banking institutions? Direct and indirect effects
Authors: Siddik Abu Bakkar , Yong Li , Sharif Arshian
Published: October 2023

Purpose

There is a dearth of empirical research examining the influence of various facets of sustainable banking on the environmental sustainability performance (SP) of banks in developing economies like Bangladesh. This study looks at how green banking practices (GBPs), green finance (GF) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices affect SP in both direct and indirect ways.

Design/methodology/approach

The research framework of this study was designed based on legitimacy theory to examine the direct and indirect impacts of GBP on environmental SP through GF and CSR practices. Based on a structured questionnaire and convenience sampling, the data were collected from banking institutions to investigate the association among the study variables. Subsequently, the obtained data were evaluated using a well-established structural equation modeling (SEM) approach via SmartPls 4.0 software.

Findings

The empirical findings reveal that GBP has a significant direct impact on GF, CSR practices and the banks' SP. Further, the findings show that GF has a direct and significant impact on CSR practices and SP. Likewise, CSR practices have a direct and significant influence on the SP of banks. Additionally, among indirect effects, both CSR practices and GF mediate the association between GBP and SP, whereas GF also has an indirect effect on the relationship between GBP and CSR practices. Surprisingly, the findings demonstrate that CSR practices do not have an indirect effect on the association between GF and SP. Hence, the greater the bank's involvement in green banking activities, the greater the influence of green financing and CSR practices on environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This study adds to the growing body of research in the areas of sustainable banking and environmental sustainability literature by evaluating the link between GBP, CSR practices, GF and SP. Besides, this is a ground-breaking study that examines both direct and indirect effects of different aspects of sustainable banking (GBP, GF and CSR practices) on the SP of the banking industry in an emerging country like Bangladesh. On the theoretical level, it adds to the application and expansion of legitimacy theory in the sphere of banking and finance. It provides new insights into the dynamics of green banking, GF and CSR practices within the framework of legitimacy theory. Hence, the current study offers significant suggestions to managers, academicians and researchers on how to advance the sustainability of the banking industry by adopting green banking, GF and CSR practices.
Digital entrepreneurship in agrifood business: a resource bricolage perspective
Authors: Bowen Robert , Morris Wyn
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this research paper is to investigate entrepreneurial opportunities through digital technology among agrifood businesses. Specifically, the research paper uses resource bricolage theory to evaluate the various activities that agrifood businesses conduct through digital technology, and whether these businesses realise their full potential from these activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are gathered from 22 semi-structured interviews with representatives of small agrifood businesses. Maximum variation sampling was used to ensure that respondents were representative of different types of agrifood businesses across the food supply chain. Interview data were analysed through thematic analysis.

Findings

Agrifood businesses engage in a range of activities through digital technology, however, findings point to a continuum of different attitudes among respondents towards the adoption of digital technology, ranging from passive to proactive attitudes. Notable themes from the research identified efficiency and productivity, usability, marketing and connectivity as issues in the adoption of digital technology by agrifood businesses. However, these businesses were less likely to engage in cutting-edge technology activities.

Originality/value

This research contributes to emerging research on digital entrepreneurship, but particularly on digital entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector. This builds on existing debates relating to the passive nature of agrifood businesses towards growth opportunities. The use of research bricolage is also a novel theoretical approach to research on this topic. The development of a digital technology adoption continuum provides businesses and policymakers with a deeper understanding of how digital entrepreneurship opportunities can be harnessed.
Exploring context-related challenges and adaptive responses while working from home during COVID-19
Authors: Koričan Lajtman Mirna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how context-related factors impacted productivity for managers while working from home in the Luxembourgish market during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also screens for coping mechanisms causing better mental and work-related results.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group approach was applied with 46 participants. Participants were placed into 11 groups, and the research was conducted from July 2021 to October 2021. The findings are based on the in-depth analysis of the qualitative data using atlas.ti software.

Findings

Challenges that the participants had faced while working from home during COVID-19 revealed issues in all four layers of the context-related framework. Social challenges, namely loneliness, communication and trust, were most present among those four layers. Ensuring a better person-environment fit by using different coping mechanisms by participants, produced a healthier psychological and mental state, claimed by participants.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in Luxembourg and on middle managers and did not involve a large sample. Additionally, future research might strive for quantitative data to better understand the phenomenon of work from anywhere and its relations to work-life integration, stress and resilience.

Practical implications

The paper adds more clarification on the application of the context-related factors and person-environment fit necessary for resilience and thus productivity of employees. In addition, the paper may serve managers and HR managers to develop more impactful practices, processes, education and tools to support working from home.

Originality/value

The paper explores personal challenges and coping mechanisms while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Luxembourg.
A rickety bridge: the complexities of vice-principals' interactions with principals and teachers in Israel
Authors: Dor-Haim Peleg
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the challenges reported by Israeli school vice-principals regarding their relationships with principals and teachers. The study examines two questions: (1) How do vice-principals perceive the challenges involved in their relationships with principals and teachers? and (2) How do they respond to these challenges?

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a qualitative approach to explore the challenges encountered by Israeli school vice-principals in their relationships with principals and teachers. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 17 vice-principals, allowing for an in-depth understanding of their perspectives and experiences.

Findings

The findings of the study highlight three challenges mentioned by the research participants: bridging between principals and teachers, maintaining complete loyalty to both sides and middle-ground responsibility for the school.

Originality/value

This study enriches the existing literature on vice-principals by investigating their distinct position as intermediaries bridging teachers and principals. It offers valuable insights into the challenges they encounter in their interactions with both parties, as well as their strategies to tackle these issues. Through the application of role theory, the research deepens comprehension of the intricate nature of the vice-principals' role, providing pragmatic suggestions for improvement.
Understanding the nexus among big data analytics capabilities, green dynamic capabilities, supply chain agility and green competitive advantage: the moderating effect of supply chain innovativeness
Authors: Li Wenjie , Waris Idrees , Bhutto Muhammad Yaseen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The current study examines the impact of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on supply chain performances of the manufacturing firms. Based on the underpinning of resource-based view (RBV) theory, the current study will highlight the significance of BDAC on green dynamic capabilities (GDC), supply chain agility (SCA) and green competitive advantage (GCA). Furthermore, the study examines the moderating effect of supply chain innovativeness (SCI) on the relationship between GCA and firm performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey method was employed for the data collection from the 331 managers employed in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)-listed manufacturing firms. The hypothesized model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The study results indicate that BDAC has a positive influence on both GDC and SCA, leading to enhanced GCA. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that GCA significantly and positively impacts FP, and the relationship between them is positively moderated by SCI.

Originality/value

This study developed a novel theoretical perspective based on RBV theory and provided empirical evidence that manufacturing firms' performances are significantly influenced by BDAC, GDC and SCA. The study results provide valuable practical implications top management regarding the effectiveness of BDAC and SCA in the supply chain. The findings further highlight the significance of SCI strengthening relationship between GCA and FP.
The roles of LinkedIn-based skill endorsements and
LinkedIn-based hiring recommendations on hiring preferences: evidence from
Bangladeshi employers
Authors: Hosain Md. Sajjad , Mamun Abdullah Mohammad Ahshanul
Published: October 2023

Purpose

LinkedIn is a popular and maybe the best job-oriented social networking site
(SNS) around the world. Numerous individuals (mostly, jobseekers), as well
as the companies (mostly, hiring organizations) have LinkedIn accounts. This
study intends to reveal the roles of LinkedIn-based skill endorsements
(LSEs) as well as LinkedIn-based hiring recommendations (LHRs) on the hiring
preferences (HPs) of Bangladeshi employers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors purposefully selected 388 valid respondents (employers) from
different Bangladeshi job sectors. Based on their responses, the authors
applied SPSS 25 for explanatory statistics and a “Covariance-based
Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM)” (with AMOS 25) to measure the
hypothesized associations.

Findings

After appropriate analysis, the authors revealed a momentous positive role of
LHR on HP, whereas LSE was identified to have an inconsiderable role on
HP.

Originality/value

In this empirical study, the authors tried to highlight the relatively
unattended area of Bangladeshi employers' HPs that can be affected by
LSEs and LHRs. The authors believe that this study will encourage the
researchers to unveil the impacts of LinkedIn-based profile characteristics
on job candidates' employability. This empirical study can also aid the
employers and policymakers to look for a new avenue for hiring competent
talents.