1 Multi-omic Characterization of the Mode of Action of a Potent New Antimalarial Compound, JPC-3210, Against Plasmodium falciparum [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-02-01T00:05:30-08:00 The increasing incidence of antimalarial drug resistance to the first-line artemisinin combination therapies underpins an urgent need for new antimalarial drugs, ideally with a novel mode of action. The recently developed 2-aminomethylphenol, JPC-3210, (MMV 892646) is an erythrocytic schizonticide with potent in vitro antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum lines, low cytotoxicity, potent in vivo efficacy against murine malaria, and favorable preclinical pharmacokinetics including a lengthy plasma elimination half-life. To investigate the impact of JPC-3210 on biochemical pathways within P. falciparum-infected red blood cells, we have applied a "multi-omics" workflow based on high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with biochemical approaches. Metabolomics, peptidomics and hemoglobin fractionation analyses revealed a perturbation in hemoglobin metabolism following JPC-3210 exposure. The metabolomics data demonstrated a specific depletion of short hemoglobin-derived peptides, peptidomics analysis revealed a depletion of longer hemoglobin-derived peptides, and the hemoglobin fractionation assay demonstrated decreases in hemoglobin, heme and hemozoin levels. To further elucidate the mechanism responsible for inhibition of hemoglobin metabolism, we used in vitro β-hematin polymerization assays and showed JPC-3210 to be an intermediate inhibitor of β-hematin polymerization, about 10-fold less potent then the quinoline antimalarials, such as chloroquine and mefloquine. Further, quantitative proteomics analysis showed that JPC-3210 treatment results in a distinct proteomic signature compared with other known antimalarials. While JPC-3210 clustered closely with mefloquine in the metabolomics and proteomics analyses, a key differentiating signature for JPC-3210 was the significant enrichment of parasite proteins involved in regulation of translation. These studies revealed that the mode of action for JPC-3210 involves inhibition of the hemoglobin digestion pathway and elevation of regulators of protein translation. Importantly, JPC-3210 demonstrated rapid parasite killing kinetics compared with other quinolones, suggesting that JPC-3210 warrants further investigation as a potentially long acting partner drug for malaria treatment. Full Article
1 Profiling the Surfaceome Identifies Therapeutic Targets for Cells with Hyperactive mTORC1 Signaling [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-02-01T00:05:30-08:00 Aberrantly high mTORC1 signaling is a known driver of many cancers and human disorders, yet pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 rarely confers durable clinical responses. To explore alternative therapeutic strategies, herein we conducted a proteomics survey to identify cell surface proteins upregulated by mTORC1. A comparison of the surfaceome from Tsc1–/– versus Tsc1+/+ mouse embryonic fibroblasts revealed 59 proteins predicted to be significantly overexpressed in Tsc1–/– cells. Further validation of the data in multiple mouse and human cell lines showed that mTORC1 signaling most dramatically induced the expression of the proteases neprilysin (NEP/CD10) and aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13). Functional studies showed that constitutive mTORC1 signaling sensitized cells to genetic ablation of NEP and APN, as well as the biochemical inhibition of APN. In summary, these data show that mTORC1 signaling plays a significant role in the constitution of the surfaceome, which in turn may present novel therapeutic strategies. Full Article
1 Peptidomic Analysis of Urine from Youths with Early Type 1 Diabetes Reveals Novel Bioactivity of Uromodulin Peptides In Vitro [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-03-01T00:05:26-08:00 Chronic hyperglycemia is known to disrupt the proteolytic milieu, initiating compensatory and maladaptive pathways in the diabetic kidney. Such changes in intrarenal proteolysis are captured by the urinary peptidome. To elucidate the early kidney response to chronic hyperglycemia, we conducted a peptidomic investigation into urines from otherwise healthy youths with type 1 diabetes and their non-diabetic peers using unbiased and targeted mass spectrometry-based techniques. This cross-sectional study included two separate cohorts for the discovery (n = 30) and internal validation (n = 30) of differential peptide excretion. Peptide bioactivity was predicted using PeptideRanker and subsequently verified in vitro. Proteasix and the Nephroseq database were used to identify putative proteases responsible for peptide generation and examine their expression in diabetic nephropathy. A total of 6550 urinary peptides were identified in the discovery analysis. We further examined the subset of 162 peptides, which were quantified across all thirty samples. Of the 15 differentially excreted peptides (p < 0.05), seven derived from a C-terminal region (589SGSVIDQSRVLNLGPITRK607) of uromodulin, a kidney-specific protein. Increased excretion of five uromodulin peptides was replicated in the validation cohort using parallel reaction monitoring (p < 0.05). One of the validated peptides (SGSVIDQSRVLNLGPI) activated NFB and AP-1 signaling, stimulated cytokine release, and enhanced neutrophil migration in vitro. In silico analyses highlighted several potential proteases such as hepsin, meprin A, and cathepsin B to be responsible for generating these peptides. In summary, we identified a urinary signature of uromodulin peptides associated with early type 1 diabetes before clinical manifestations of kidney disease and discovered novel bioactivity of uromodulin peptides in vitro. Our present findings lay the groundwork for future studies to validate peptide excretion in larger and broader populations, to investigate the role of bioactive uromodulin peptides in high glucose conditions, and to examine proteases that cleave uromodulin. Full Article
1 Chemical Genetics of AGC-kinases Reveals Shared Targets of Ypk1, Protein Kinase A and Sch9 [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-01T00:05:32-07:00 Protein phosphorylation cascades play a central role in the regulation of cell growth and protein kinases PKA, Sch9 and Ypk1 take center stage in regulating this process in S. cerevisiae. To understand how these kinases co-ordinately regulate cellular functions we compared the phospho-proteome of exponentially growing cells without and with acute chemical inhibition of PKA, Sch9 and Ypk1. Sites hypo-phosphorylated upon PKA and Sch9 inhibition were preferentially located in RRxS/T-motifs suggesting that many are directly phosphorylated by these enzymes. Interestingly, when inhibiting Ypk1 we not only detected several hypo-phosphorylated sites in the previously reported RxRxxS/T-, but also in an RRxS/T-motif. Validation experiments revealed that neutral trehalase Nth1, a known PKA target, is additionally phosphorylated and activated downstream of Ypk1. Signaling through Ypk1 is therefore more closely related to PKA- and Sch9-signaling than previously appreciated and may perform functions previously only attributed to the latter kinases. Full Article
1 Identification of an Unconventional Subpeptidome Bound to the Behcet's Disease-associated HLA-B*51:01 that is Regulated by Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B*51:01 and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) are strongly genetically associated with Behcet's disease (BD). Previous studies have defined two subgroups of HLA-B*51 peptidome containing proline (Pro) or alanine (Ala) at position 2 (P2). Little is known about the unconventional non-Pro/Ala2 HLA-B*51-bound peptides. We aimed to study the features of this novel subpeptidome, and investigate its regulation by ERAP1. CRISPR-Cas9 was used to generate an HLA-ABC-triple knockout HeLa cell line (HeLa.ABC-KO), which was subsequently transduced to express HLA-B*51:01 (HeLa.ABC-KO.B51). ERAP1 was silenced using lentiviral shRNA. Peptides bound to HLA-B*51:01 were eluted and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The characteristics of non-Pro/Ala2, Pro2, and Ala2 peptides and their alteration by ERAP1 silencing were investigated. Effects of ERAP1 silencing on cell surface expression of HLA-B*51:01 were studied using flow cytometry. More than 20% of peptides eluted from HLA-B*51:01 lacked Pro or Ala at P2. This unconventional group of HLA-B*51:01-bound peptides was relatively enriched for 8-mers (with relatively fewer 9-mers) compared with the Pro2 and Ala2 subpeptidomes and had similar N-terminal and C-terminal residue usages to Ala2 peptides (with the exception of the less abundant leucine at position ). Knockdown of ERAP1 increased the percentage of non-Pro/Ala2 from 20% to ~40%, increased the percentage of longer (10-mer and 11-mer) peptides eluted from HLA-B*51:01 complexes, and abrogated the predominance of leucine at P1. Interestingly knockdown of ERAP1 altered the length and N-terminal residue usage of non-Ala2&Pro2 and Ala2 but not the Pro2 peptides. Finally, ERAP1 silencing regulated the expression levels of cell surface HLA-B*51 in a cell-type-dependent manner. In conclusion, we have used a novel methodology to identify an unconventional but surprisingly abundant non-Pro/Ala2 HLA-B*51:01 subpeptidome. It is increased by knockdown of ERAP1, a gene affecting the risk of developing BD. This has implications for theories of disease pathogenesis. Full Article
1 The Secretome Profiling of a Pediatric Airway Epithelium Infected with hRSV Identified Aberrant Apical/Basolateral Trafficking and Novel Immune Modulating (CXCL6, CXCL16, CSF3) and Antiviral (CEACAM1) Proteins [Research] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:05:26-07:00 The respiratory epithelium comprises polarized cells at the interface between the environment and airway tissues. Polarized apical and basolateral protein secretions are a feature of airway epithelium homeostasis. Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a major human pathogen that primarily targets the respiratory epithelium. However, the consequences of hRSV infection on epithelium secretome polarity and content remain poorly understood. To investigate the hRSV-associated apical and basolateral secretomes, a proteomics approach was combined with an ex vivo pediatric human airway epithelial (HAE) model of hRSV infection (data are available via ProteomeXchange and can be accessed at https://www.ebi.ac.uk/pride/ with identifier PXD013661). Following infection, a skewing of apical/basolateral abundance ratios was identified for several individual proteins. Novel modulators of neutrophil and lymphocyte activation (CXCL6, CSF3, SECTM1 or CXCL16), and antiviral proteins (BST2 or CEACAM1) were detected in infected, but not in uninfected cultures. Importantly, CXCL6, CXCL16, CSF3 were also detected in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) from hRSV-infected infants but not healthy controls. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of CEACAM1 against RSV was confirmed in vitro using BEAS-2B cells. hRSV infection disrupted the polarity of the pediatric respiratory epithelial secretome and was associated with immune modulating proteins (CXCL6, CXCL16, CSF3) never linked with this virus before. In addition, the antiviral activity of CEACAM1 against hRSV had also never been previously characterized. This study, therefore, provides novel insights into RSV pathogenesis and endogenous antiviral responses in pediatric airway epithelium. Full Article
1 The mitochondrial protein PGAM5 suppresses energy consumption in brown adipocytes by repressing expression of uncoupling protein 1 [Metabolism] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-24T06:08:45-07:00 Accumulating evidence suggests that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential therapeutic target for managing obesity and related diseases. PGAM family member 5, mitochondrial serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PGAM5), is a protein phosphatase that resides in the mitochondria and regulates many biological processes, including cell death, mitophagy, and immune responses. Because BAT is a mitochondria-rich tissue, we have hypothesized that PGAM5 has a physiological function in BAT. We previously reported that PGAM5-knockout (KO) mice are resistant to severe metabolic stress. Importantly, lipid accumulation is suppressed in PGAM5-KO BAT, even under unstressed conditions, raising the possibility that PGAM5 deficiency stimulates lipid consumption. However, the mechanism underlying this observation is undetermined. Here, using an array of biochemical approaches, including quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and oxygen consumption assays, we show that PGAM5 negatively regulates energy expenditure in brown adipocytes. We found that PGAM5-KO brown adipocytes have an enhanced oxygen consumption rate and increased expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a protein that increases energy consumption in the mitochondria. Mechanistically, we found that PGAM5 phosphatase activity and intramembrane cleavage are required for suppression of UCP1 activity. Furthermore, utilizing a genome-wide siRNA screen in HeLa cells to search for regulators of PGAM5 cleavage, we identified a set of candidate genes, including phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PISD), which catalyzes the formation of phosphatidylethanolamine at the mitochondrial membrane. Taken together, these results indicate that PGAM5 suppresses mitochondrial energy expenditure by down-regulating UCP1 expression in brown adipocytes and that its phosphatase activity and intramembrane cleavage are required for UCP1 suppression. Full Article
1 COQ11 deletion mitigates respiratory deficiency caused by mutations in the gene encoding the coenzyme Q chaperone protein Coq10 [Lipids] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Coenzyme Q (Qn) is a vital lipid component of the electron transport chain that functions in cellular energy metabolism and as a membrane antioxidant. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, coq1–coq9 deletion mutants are respiratory-incompetent, sensitive to lipid peroxidation stress, and unable to synthesize Q6. The yeast coq10 deletion mutant is also respiratory-deficient and sensitive to lipid peroxidation, yet it continues to produce Q6 at an impaired rate. Thus, Coq10 is required for the function of Q6 in respiration and as an antioxidant and is believed to chaperone Q6 from its site of synthesis to the respiratory complexes. In several fungi, Coq10 is encoded as a fusion polypeptide with Coq11, a recently identified protein of unknown function required for efficient Q6 biosynthesis. Because “fused” proteins are often involved in similar biochemical pathways, here we examined the putative functional relationship between Coq10 and Coq11 in yeast. We used plate growth and Seahorse assays and LC-MS/MS analysis to show that COQ11 deletion rescues respiratory deficiency, sensitivity to lipid peroxidation, and decreased Q6 biosynthesis of the coq10Δ mutant. Additionally, immunoblotting indicated that yeast coq11Δ mutants accumulate increased amounts of certain Coq polypeptides and display a stabilized CoQ synthome. These effects suggest that Coq11 modulates Q6 biosynthesis and that its absence increases mitochondrial Q6 content in the coq10Δcoq11Δ double mutant. This augmented mitochondrial Q6 content counteracts the respiratory deficiency and lipid peroxidation sensitivity phenotypes of the coq10Δ mutant. This study further clarifies the intricate connection between Q6 biosynthesis, trafficking, and function in mitochondrial metabolism. Full Article
1 The mRNA levels of heat shock factor 1 are regulated by thermogenic signals via the cAMP-dependent transcription factor ATF3 [Metabolism] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) regulates cellular adaptation to challenges such as heat shock and oxidative and proteotoxic stresses. We have recently reported a previously unappreciated role for HSF1 in the regulation of energy metabolism in fat tissues; however, whether HSF1 is differentially expressed in adipose depots and how its levels are regulated in fat tissues remain unclear. Here, we show that HSF1 levels are higher in brown and subcutaneous fat tissues than in those in the visceral depot and that HSF1 is more abundant in differentiated, thermogenic adipocytes. Gene expression experiments indicated that HSF1 is transcriptionally regulated in fat by agents that modulate cAMP levels, by cold exposure, and by pharmacological stimulation of β-adrenergic signaling. An in silico promoter analysis helped identify a putative response element for activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) at −258 to −250 base pairs from the HSF1 transcriptional start site, and electrophoretic mobility shift and ChIP assays confirmed ATF3 binding to this sequence. Furthermore, functional assays disclosed that ATF3 is necessary and sufficient for HSF1 regulation. Detailed gene expression analysis revealed that ATF3 is one of the most highly induced ATFs in thermogenic tissues of mice exposed to cold temperatures or treated with the β-adrenergic receptor agonist CL316,243 and that its expression is induced by modulators of cAMP levels in isolated adipocytes. To the best of our knowledge, our results show for the first time that HSF1 is transcriptionally controlled by ATF3 in response to classic stimuli that promote heat generation in thermogenic tissues. Full Article
1 AIG1 and ADTRP are endogenous hydrolases of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) in mice [Metabolism] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01T00:06:09-07:00 Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are a newly discovered class of signaling lipids with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. However, the endogenous regulation of FAHFAs remains a pressing but unanswered question. Here, using MS-based FAHFA hydrolysis assays, LC-MS–based lipidomics analyses, and activity-based protein profiling, we found that androgen-induced gene 1 (AIG1) and androgen-dependent TFPI-regulating protein (ADTRP), two threonine hydrolases, control FAHFA levels in vivo in both genetic and pharmacologic mouse models. Tissues from mice lacking ADTRP (Adtrp-KO), or both AIG1 and ADTRP (DKO) had higher concentrations of FAHFAs particularly isomers with the ester bond at the 9th carbon due to decreased FAHFA hydrolysis activity. The levels of other lipid classes were unaltered indicating that AIG1 and ADTRP specifically hydrolyze FAHFAs. Complementing these genetic studies, we also identified a dual AIG1/ADTRP inhibitor, ABD-110207, which is active in vivo. Acute treatment of WT mice with ABD-110207 resulted in elevated FAHFA levels, further supporting the notion that AIG1 and ADTRP activity control endogenous FAHFA levels. However, loss of AIG1/ADTRP did not mimic the changes associated with pharmacologically administered FAHFAs on extent of upregulation of FAHFA levels, glucose tolerance, or insulin sensitivity in mice, indicating that therapeutic strategies should weigh more on FAHFA administration. Together, these findings identify AIG1 and ADTRP as the first endogenous FAHFA hydrolases identified and provide critical genetic and chemical tools for further characterization of these enzymes and endogenous FAHFAs to unravel their physiological functions and roles in health and disease. Full Article
1 Perturbation of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) only marginally affects glycolysis in cancer cells [Metabolism] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-08T03:41:14-07:00 Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) plays important roles in glycolysis, yet its forward reaction kinetics are unknown, and its role especially in regulating cancer cell glycolysis is unclear. Here, we developed an enzyme assay to measure the kinetic parameters of the PGK1-catalyzed forward reaction. The Km values for 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid (1,3-BPG, the forward reaction substrate) were 4.36 μm (yeast PGK1) and 6.86 μm (human PKG1). The Km values for 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG, the reverse reaction substrate and a serine precursor) were 146 μm (yeast PGK1) and 186 μm (human PGK1). The Vmax of the forward reaction was about 3.5- and 5.8-fold higher than that of the reverse reaction for the human and yeast enzymes, respectively. Consistently, the intracellular steady-state concentrations of 3-PG were between 180 and 550 μm in cancer cells, providing a basis for glycolysis to shuttle 3-PG to the serine synthesis pathway. Using siRNA-mediated PGK1-specific knockdown in five cancer cell lines derived from different tissues, along with titration of PGK1 in a cell-free glycolysis system, we found that the perturbation of PGK1 had no effect or only marginal effects on the glucose consumption and lactate generation. The PGK1 knockdown increased the concentrations of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, and 1,3-BPG in nearly equal proportions, controlled by the kinetic and thermodynamic states of glycolysis. We conclude that perturbation of PGK1 in cancer cells insignificantly affects the conversion of glucose to lactate in glycolysis. Full Article
1 Targeting the polyamine pathway—“a means” to overcome chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer [Cell Biology] By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-08T03:41:14-07:00 Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by its aggressive biology, early metastatic spread, and poor survival outcomes. TNBC lacks expression of the targetable receptors found in other breast cancer subtypes, mandating use of cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, resistance to chemotherapy is a significant problem, encountered in about two-thirds of TNBC patients, and new strategies are needed to mitigate resistance. In this issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, Geck et al. report that TNBC cells are highly sensitive to inhibition of the de novo polyamine synthesis pathway and that inhibition of this pathway sensitizes cells to TNBC-relevant chemotherapy, uncovering new opportunities for addressing chemoresistance. Full Article
1 Australian Federal Police walk away from $145 million Israeli crime-fighting software deal By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 06:25:36 GMT Police walk away from deal with contractor, conceding numerous issues have put project beyond rescue. Full Article
1 From making scarves to building a $165 million tech start-up: Canva's Melanie Perkins By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Tue, 06 Oct 2015 10:42:33 GMT To say it has been a wild ride for Canva founder and CEO Melanie Perkins would be an understatement. Full Article
1 Identity fraudsters attack Tax Office at least 11,000 times in one year By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:55:23 GMT The ATO has been targeted more than 11,000 times by identity fraudsters attempting to steal tax refunds in 2014-15. Full Article
1 Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announces 175 new tech jobs for Melbourne By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Mon, 09 Nov 2015 01:57:04 GMT State government commits to five-year funding round as software company launches community centre and new jobs. Full Article
1 ATO fumes after cyber criminals attack myGov portal during last days of Tax Time 2016 By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Thu, 03 Nov 2016 13:15:00 GMT Tensions emerge between Tax Office and Human Services after hackers take down myGov Full Article
1 $212,000 per public service IT contractor, and we're hiring more of them By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 08:47:58 GMT Contractors cost 80 grand more than public servants, Finance Departments says, and the public service hires more of them. Full Article
1 Brisbane City Council terminates $122 million IT contract By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Fri, 28 Jul 2017 12:14:03 GMT Brisbane CIty Council has terminated a $122 million IT contract that had been plagued with cost blow outs and lengthy delays. Full Article
1 Labor to push for Senate inquiry into $10b government IT spend and tech wrecks By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Sun, 13 Aug 2017 14:01:00 GMT The probe would investigate a trail of blunders that have shredded the government's reputation. Full Article
1 FIFA 18 and Harry Potter play rescued from bots by Queensland start-up By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Sun, 31 Dec 2017 02:16:04 GMT The FIFA soccer game and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have been protected from bots thanks to a Queensland start-up. Full Article
1 Privacy Commissioner’s small budget to make policing new data breach laws difficult, experts say By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Fri, 23 Feb 2018 01:13:02 GMT New laws that mandate companies notify individuals about data breaches add to Privacy Commissioner's already-stacked caseload, but do not come with new funding. Full Article
1 UK General Election 2019: What the Political Party Manifestos Imply for Future UK Trade By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 25 Nov 2019 15:50:01 +0000 Research Event 4 December 2019 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Michael Gasiorek, Professor of Economics, University of Sussex; Director, Interanalysis; Fellow, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of SussexJulia Magntorn Garrett, Research Officer, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of SussexProf Jim Rollo, Deputy Director, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of Sussex; Associate Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Department, Chatham HouseNicolo Tamberi, Research Officer in the Economics of Brexit, University of SussexL. Alan Winters, Professor of Economics, Director, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of Sussex The upcoming UK general election is arguably a 'Brexit election', and as such, whoever wins the election will have little time to get their strategy for Brexit up and running to meet the new Brexit deadline of 31 January 2020. But what are the political parties’ policies for the UK's future trade? This event will present and discuss what the five main parties’ manifestos imply for future UK trade. Each manifesto will be presented and analysed by a fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) and will be followed by a Q&A session. Department/project Global Economy and Finance Programme, UK Trade Policy Observatory Michela Gariboldi Research Assistant, Global Economy and Finance Programme 02073143692 Email Full Article
1 Emerging Lessons From COVID-19 By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Apr 2020 14:49:54 +0000 2 April 2020 Jim O'Neill Chair, Chatham House Exploring what lessons can be learned from the crisis to improve society and the functioning of our economic model going forward. 2020-04-02-COVID-Italy A man with a protective mask by the Coliseum in Rome during the height of Italy's COVID-19 epidemic. Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images. As tentative evidence emerges that Italy and Spain may have reached - or are close to - the peak of the curve, this could demonstrate that not only can Asian countries get to grips with COVID-19, but so can western democracies. And, if so, this offers a path for the rest of us.The last few weeks does demonstrate there is a role for governments to intervene in society, whether it be health, finance or any walk of life, as they have had to implement social distancing. Some have been forced, and the interventions are almost definitely only temporary, but perhaps some others may be less so.Governments of all kinds now realise there is a connection between our health system quality and our economic capability. On an index of global economic sustainability that I presided over creating when I was at Goldman Sachs, the top ten best performing countries on growth environment scores includes eight of the best performing ten countries - so far- in handling the crisis in terms of deaths relative to their population.Health system qualityThe top three on the index (last calculated in 2014) were Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea, all of which are exemplary to the rest of us on how to deal with this mess. This suggests that once we are through this crisis, a number of larger populated countries - and their international advisors such as the IMF - might treat the quality of countries' health systems just as importantly as many of the other more standard indicators in assessing ability to deal with shocks.Policymakers have also been given a rather stark warning about other looming health disasters, especially antimicrobial resistance, of which antibiotic resistance lies at the heart. An independent review I chaired recommended 29 interventions, requiring $42 bn worth of investment, essentially peanuts compared to the costs of no solution, and the current economic collapse from COVID-19. It would seem highly likely to me that policymakers are going to treat this more seriously now.As a clear consequence of the - hopefully, temporary - global economic collapse, our environment suddenly seems to be cleaner and fresher and, in this regard, we have bought some time in the battle against climate change. Surely governments are going to be able to have a bigger influence on fossil fuel extractors and intense users as we emerge from this crisis?For any industries requiring government support, the government can make it clear this is dependent on certain criteria. And surely the days of excessive use of share buy backs and extreme maximisation of profit at the expense of other goals, are over?It seems to me an era of 'optimisation' of a number of business goals is likely to be the mantra, including profits but other things too such as national equality especially as it relates to income. Here in the UK, the government has offered its strongest fiscal support to the lower end of the income earning range group and, in a single swoop, has presided over its most dramatic step towards narrowing income inequality for a long time.This comes on top of a period of strong initiatives to support higher levels of minimum earnings, meaning we will emerge later in 2020, into 2021, and beyond, with lower levels of income inequality.The geographic issue of rural versus urban is also key. COVID-19 has spread more easily in more tightly packed cities such as London, New York and many others. More geographically remote places, by definition, are better protected. Perhaps now there will be some more thought given by policymakers to the quality and purpose of life outside our big metropolitan areas.Lastly, will China emerge from this crisis by offering a mammoth genuine gesture to the rest of the world, and come up, with, unlike, in 2008, a fiscal stimulus to its own consumers, that is geared towards importing a lot of things from the rest of the world? Now that would be good way of bringing the world back together again.This is a version of an article originally published in The Article Full Article
1 COVID-19: How Do We Re-open the Economy? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:41:47 +0000 21 April 2020 Creon Butler Research Director, Trade, Investment & New Governance Models: Director, Global Economy and Finance Programme LinkedIn Following five clear steps will create the confidence needed for both the consumer and business decision-making which is crucial to a strong recovery. 2020-04-21-Shop-Retail-Closed Chain wrapped around the door of a Saks Fifth Avenue Inc. store in San Francisco, California, during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images With the IMF forecasting a 6.1% fall in advanced economy GDP in 2020 and world trade expected to contract by 11%, there is intense focus on the question of how and when to re-open economies currently in lockdown.But no ‘opening up’ plan has a chance of succeeding unless it commands the confidence of all the main actors in the economy – employees, consumers, firms, investors and local authorities.Without public confidence, these groups may follow official guidance only sporadically; consumers will preserve cash rather than spend it on goods and services; employees will delay returning to work wherever possible; businesses will face worsening bottlenecks as some parts of the economy open up while key suppliers remain closed; and firms will continue to delay many discretionary investment and hiring decisions.Achieving public confidenceTaken together, these behaviours would substantially reduce the chances of a strong economic bounce-back even in the absence of a widespread second wave of infections. Five key steps are needed to achieve a high degree of public confidence in any reopening plan.First, enough progress must be made in suppressing the virus and in building public health capacity so the public can be confident any new outbreak will be contained without reverting to another full-scale lockdown. Moreover, the general public needs to feel that the treatment capacity of the health system is at a level where the risk to life if someone does fall ill with the virus is at an acceptably low level.Achieving this requires the government to demonstrate the necessary capabilities - testing, contact tracing, quarantine facilities, supplies of face masks and other forms of PPE (personal protective equipment) - are actually in place and can be sustained, rather than relying on future commitments. It also needs to be clear on the role to be played going forward by handwashing and other personal hygiene measures.Second, the authorities need to set out clear priorities on which parts of the economy are to open first and why. This needs to take account of both supply side and demand side factors, such as the importance of a particular sector to delivering essential supplies, a sector’s ability to put in place effective protocols to protect its employees and customers, and its importance to the functioning of other parts of the economy. There is little point in opening a car assembly plant unless its SME suppliers are able to deliver the required parts.Detailed planning of the phasing of specific relaxation measures is essential, as is close cooperation between business and the authorities. The government also needs to establish a centralised coordination function capable of dealing quickly with any unexpected supply chain glitches. And it must pay close attention to feedback from health experts on how the process of re-opening the economy sector-by-sector is affecting the rate of infection. Third, the government needs to state how the current financial and economic support measures for the economy will evolve as the re-opening process continues. It is critical to avoid removing support measures too soon, and some key measures may have to continue to operate even as firms restart their operations. It is important to show how - over time - the measures will evolve from a ‘life support’ system for businesses and individuals into a more conventional economic stimulus.This transition strategy could initially be signalled through broad principles, but the government needs to follow through quickly by detailing specific measures. The transition strategy must target sectors where most damage has been done, including the SME sector in general and specific areas such as transport, leisure and retail. It needs to factor in the hard truth that some businesses will be no longer be viable after the crisis and set out how the government is going to support employees and entrepreneurs who suffer as a result.The government must also explain how it intends to learn the lessons and capture the upsides from the crisis by building a more resilient economy over the longer term. Most importantly, it has to demonstrate continued commitment to tackling climate change – which is at least as big a threat to mankind’s future as pandemics.Fourth, the authorities should explain how they plan to manage controls on movement of people across borders to minimise the risk of new infection outbreaks, but also to help sustain the opening-up measures. This needs to take account of the fact that different countries are at different stages in the progress of the pandemic and may have different strategies and trade-offs on the risks they are willing to take as they open up.As a minimum, an effective border plan requires close cooperation with near neighbours as these are likely to be the most important economic counterparts for many countries. But ideally each country’s plan should be part of a wider global opening-up strategy coordinated by the G20. In the absence of a reliable antibody test, border control measures will have to rely on a combination of imperfect testing, quarantine, and new, shared data requirements for incoming and departing passengers. Fifth, the authorities must communicate the steps effectively to the public, in a manner that shows not only that this is a well thought-through plan, but also does not hide the extent of the uncertainties, or the likelihood that rapid modifications may be needed as the plan is implemented. In designing the communications, the authorities should develop specific measures to enable the public to track progress.Such measures are vital to sustaining business, consumer and employee confidence. While some smaller advanced economies appear close to completing these steps, for many others there is still a long way to go. Waiting until they are achieved means higher economic costs in the short-term. But, in the long-term, they will deliver real net benefits.Authorities are more likely to sustain these measures because key economic actors will actually follow the guidance given. Also, by instilling confidence, the plan will bring forward the consumer and business decision-making crucial to a strong recovery. In contrast, moving ahead without proper preparation risks turning an already severe economic recession into something much worse. Full Article
1 Webinar: European Democracy in the Last 100 Years: Economic Crises and Political Upheaval By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:25:01 +0000 Members Event Webinar 6 May 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Event participants Pepijn Bergsen, Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham HouseDr Sheri Berman, Professor of Political Science, Barnard CollegeChair: Hans Kundnani, Senior Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House In the last 100 years, global economic crises from the Great Depression of the 1930s to the 2008 financial crash have contributed to significant political changes in Europe, often leading to a rise in popularity for extremist parties and politics. As Europe contends with a perceived crisis of democracy - now compounded by the varied responses to the coronavirus outbreak - how should we understand the relationship between externally-driven economic crises, political upheaval and democracy?The panellists will consider the parallels between the political responses to some of the greatest economic crises Europe has experienced in the last century. Given that economic crises often transcend borders, why does political disruption vary between democracies? What can history tell us about the potential political impact of the unfolding COVID-19-related economic crisis? And will the unprecedented financial interventions by governments across Europe fundamentally change the expectations citizens have of the role government should play in their lives?This event is based on a recent article in The World Today by Hans Kundnani and Pepijn Bergsen who are both researchers in Chatham House's Europe Programme. 'Crawling from the Wreckage' is the first in a series of articles that look at key themes in European political discourse from the last century. You can read the article here. This event is open to Chatham House Members. Not a member? Find out more. Full Article
1 Catalytic residues, substrate specificity, and role in carbon starvation of the 2-hydroxy FA dioxygenase Mpo1 in yeast By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-29 Keisuke MoriApr 29, 2020; 0:jlr.RA120000803v1-jlr.RA120000803Research Articles Full Article
1 Phosphatidylinositol Metabolism, Phospholipases, Lipidomics, and Cancer:In Memoriam of Michael J. O. Wakelam (1955-2020) By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-28 Edward A DennisApr 28, 2020; 0:jlr.T120000868v1-jlr.T120000868Tribute Full Article
1 In Memoriam: Lina M. Obeid (1957-2019) By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-01 Ashley J. SniderApr 1, 2020; 61:466-467Tribute Full Article
1 Hexacosenoyl-CoA is the most abundant very long-chain acyl-CoA in ATP binding cassette transporter D1-deficient cells By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-01 Kotaro HamaApr 1, 2020; 61:523-536Patient-Oriented and Epidemiological Research Full Article
1 Schnyder corneal dystrophy-associated UBIAD1 is defective in MK-4 synthesis and resists autophagy-mediated degradation By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01 Dong-Jae JunMay 1, 2020; 61:746-757Research Articles Full Article
1 A novel NanoBiT-based assay monitors the interaction between lipoprotein lipase and GPIHBP1 in real time By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-01 Shwetha K. ShettyApr 1, 2020; 61:546-559Methods Full Article
1 The lncRNA Gm15622 stimulates SREBP-1c expression and hepatic lipid accumulation by sponging the miR-742-3p in mice By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-03-30 Minjuan MaMar 30, 2020; 0:jlr.RA120000664v1-jlr.RA120000664Research Articles Full Article
1 Dietary plant stanol ester supplementation reduces peripheral symptoms in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C1 disease. By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-04-14 Inês Magro dos ReisApr 14, 2020; 0:jlr.RA120000632v1-jlr.RA120000632Research Articles Full Article
1 GPIHBP1, a partner protein for lipoprotein lipase, is expressed only in capillary endothelial cells By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: 2020-05-01 Xia MengMay 1, 2020; 61:591-591Images in Lipid Research Full Article
1 Episode Ten - The Internet of Tacobots (IoTB): F8, chatbots, HTC 10 & Kindle Oasis By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:15:40 GMT Producer Chris dives in this week to discuss the HTC 10 release, and why it's difficult to get excited about good mobile phones. Then Techworld.com editor Charlotte Jee chats Facebook chatbots and other F8 news (12:30). Finally, editor at Digitalartsonline.co.uk Neil Bennett jumps in to discuss the new Amazon e-reader (31:00) Kindle Oasis and why everyone is kicking off about the price. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 11 - The Internet of Dating Apps (IoDA): Apple Macbook news, Google antitrust & dating apps By play.acast.com Published On :: Thu, 21 Apr 2016 16:44:32 GMT This week host Matt Egan is rejoined by Macworld.co.uk acting editor David Price to chat about Apple's latest Macbook announcements. Then online editor at ComputerworldUK Christina Mercer jumps in to give a break down of Google's fight with the EU over antitrust infringements (13:00). Finally, ex-dating app user Scott Carey, online editor at Techworld.com gives a state of the union on dating apps, from Tinder to Bumble to Happn, if they are good for society and which one is set to corner the market (27:00). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 12 - The Internet of Voodoo Streaming Services (IoVSS) Apple & Facebook results, Nintendo NX By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 11:50:59 GMT This week host Matt Egan is joined by regular podder David Price, acting editor of Macworld.co.uk, to discuss Apple's not so awesome results and stalling iPhone sales. Then online editor Scott Carey jumps in to discuss Facebook's far better results and how it has come to dominate the mobile advertising market (15:00) Finally, producer Chris comes out from behind the glass to discuss Nintendo's secretive NX console and having to wait for the new Zelda game (28:00). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 13 - The Internet of Bitcoins (IoB) Vive VR, Bitcoin theories and Sky Q By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 06 May 2016 10:01:13 GMT On this week's UK Tech Weekly podcast host Matt Egan is joined by Macworld UK and PC Advisor Staff Writer Lewis Painter, who has spent the past week in virtual reality, and is beyond excited to tell us all about the amazing HTC Vive. Then regular podder David Price, acting editor of Macworld UK, brings us tales from the murky world of Bitcoin, and explains how the crypto-currency is bringing about new tech that may revolutionise the finance industry (16:30) Finally, producer Chris throws aside his mic stand to discuss Sky Q and the current options in media streaming and TV. (25:30). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 14 - The Internet of Cleaning Products in the Sky (IoCPitS): games, nVidia, EE vs Three By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 13 May 2016 14:39:31 GMT In this week's fiery episode host Matt Egan talks war and gaming with Macworld UK's David Price, the greatest graphics ever with Christopher Minasians of PC Advisor and Macworld UK (14:21), and the best networks in the UK with fellow PCA and MWUK stalwart Henry Burrell (25:23). Expect songs and laughter, and tech ever after. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 15 - The Internet of ill Advised Man Buns (IoIAMB) Google I/O and terrible film adaptations By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 20 May 2016 14:49:22 GMT Host Matt Egan is joined by producer Chris to talk about the raft of announcements coming out of the Google I/O developer conference this week, including Android N, Google assistant and Allo. Techworld.com editor Charlotte Jee joins in to discuss driverless cars (17:00) following the Queen's speech this week. Finally, acting editor at Macworld.co.uk David Price talks about terrible film adaptations of video games, from Angry Birds to World of Warcraft (29:00). Don't forget to like, share and tell your friends! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 16 - The internet of the Apple iBoards (IoAi) Pebble, death of Hoverboards and Twitter By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 27 May 2016 10:50:50 GMT This week host Matt Egan is joined by producer Chris to talk about the recent batch of new Pebble devices and the smartwatch market. Staff writer at PC Advisor Lewis Painter joins in to talk about the death of the hoverboard (13:00). Finally, regular podder David Price comes on to talk about Appl...oh Twitter, specifically changes to the character limit and the sad loss of the @ (24:00). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 17 - The Internet of Not Terrible Windows Phones (IoNTWP) - VR games & phones at gigs By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 03 Jun 2016 13:22:59 GMT This week host Matt Egan is joined by PC Advisor staff writer Chris Minasians to chat about the AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card and what this could mean for the future of virtual reality games. Fellow staff writer at PC Advisor Henry Burrell jumps in to talk about the "not terrible" Windows 10 phone as he starts using the Microsoft Lumia 950 and can't see what everyone's beef with it is (13:00). Finally Ashleigh Allsopp, engagement editor at Macworld UK chats about using your technology at concerts (24:30). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 18 - The Internet of the EU (IoEU) Website crashes, Oculus games & WWDC By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 10 Jun 2016 14:57:35 GMT Host Matt Egan is joined this week by Henry Burrell, staff writer at Macworld UK to talk about the EU referendum website crashing Lewis Painter, staff writer at PC Advisor, jumps in to chat about Oculus Rift games and how immersive they are. Finally regular David Price comes on to talk about Apple's upcoming WWDC software developer conference and what we can (and cannot) expect. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 19 - The Internet of Xbox 'Hank' Scorpio (IoXHS) LinkedIn, Xbox vs Playstation & WWDC news By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:05:50 GMT Host Matt Egan is joined by Online Editor at Techworld.com Scott Carey to break down Microsoft's mega acquisition of LinkedIn. Staff Writer at PC Advisor Chris joins in to discuss all of the news coming out of E3 and how Xbox and Playstation are set to battle it out again this summer, or will Nintendo and Zelda steal the show? (13:00). Finally, David Price comes on to talk about all of the news coming out of Apple's WWDC developer conference this week, from Hair Force One to watchOS, tvOS, macOS and iOS (26:30) And please do share, rate and review the UK Tech Weekly Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 21 - The Internet of Cleanin' Windows (IoCW) Windows 10 anniversary, NOW TV and holidays By play.acast.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Jul 2016 10:05:49 GMT This week host Matt Egan is joined by first time podder and editor of PC Advisor Jim Martin to chat Microsoft Windows 10 anniversary updates and the impact on Microsoft Surface devices. Producer Chris then comes on to chat about Sky's two big NOW TV announcements, and the future of television and broadband (16:00). Finally, UKTW podcast regular David Price chats about the impact technology is having on our holidays (26:30). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 22 - The Internet of Ultra Balls (IoUB) Pokemon Go, Playstation VR and iOS 10 By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Jul 2016 11:24:25 GMT In Matt Egan's absence first time host Henry Burrell heroically steps in to chat about Pokemon Go with producer Chris. Then fellow staff writer Chris Minasians discusses iOS 10 beta and all of the rumoured features for the latest Apple operating system, including dark mode (10:30). Finally, Lewis Painter, staff writer at PC Advisor, talks about Playstation VR being released for the PS4, pricing and games (23:30). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 25 - The Internet of Bread (IoB) Windows 10, Verizon buys Yahoo! & Apple results By play.acast.com Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 16:19:05 GMT Hosting duties fall to Henry Burrell this week as he discusses the deadline for the free Microsoft Windows 10 update with Chris Minasians, staff writer at PC Advisor. Scott Carey, online editor at Techworld.com jumps in to talk about why the Verizon deal for Yahoo is ridiculous and charts the missteps that got the company to this point (15:00). Finally, regular guest David Price discusses Apple's less than stellar financial results and if the iPhone is plateauing (26:00). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 31 - The Internet of David's Heroes (IoDH): Apple, Apple, Apple, and the things Apple didn't do (IFA) By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 09 Sep 2016 14:20:00 GMT In this week's inexplicably klaxon-heavy and fish-themed APPLE SPECIAL episode, David Price praises Apple for rescuing us from the tyranny of wired headphones, and reveals a hitherto unsuspected penchant for former Everton strikers. Chris Martin (22:41) dazzles us with his knowledge of the Apple Watch Series Two, and display some unusual headphone usage, and Henry Burell (32:51) reveals that Berlin is big, and sheds some light on the tiny corner of tech that *isn't* Apple flavoured. Join us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article
1 Episode 41 - The Internet of Our Overlords (IoOO) By play.acast.com Published On :: Fri, 18 Nov 2016 10:00:00 GMT In our post-truth post-Trump world, host Matt Egan leads the gang down the road of soul searching and government confines. Following the passing of the Investigatory Powers Bill, Techworld Editor Charlotte Jee lets us know why we might be concerned. Second (11:40), Macworld UK Acting Editor David Price talks about the Facebook fake news buzz, and whether social media has a responsibility to edit out the blatant lies. Finally (28:14) for a bit of lighter chat, Staff Writer at PC Advisor Henry Burrell discusses the launch of the OnePlus 3T, price hikes on phones and why consumers might be a bit miffed if they shelled out for a OnePlus 3 just 5 months ago. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Full Article tech technology podcast