R. J. Lee

Tumor cell-based liquid biopsy using high-throughput microfluidic enrichment of entire leukapheresis product

This study uses high-throughput microfluidic technology to enrich CTCs from large blood volumes, enabling detailed molecular and morphological analysis of tumor cells in metastatic cancer patients.

Macrophage-targeted lipid nanoparticle delivery of microRNA-146a to mitigate hemorrhagic shock-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

This study develops mannosylated lipid nanoparticles to deliver miR-146a to alveolar macrophages, reducing lung inflammation with lower doses in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Savory Signaling: T1R umami receptor modulates endoplasmic reticulum calcium store content and release dynamics in airway epithelial cells

The paper investigates how T1R receptors modulate ER calcium dynamics in airway epithelial cells and shows amino acids reduce ER Ca2+ content and downstream apoptosis signaling.

Lidocaine Induces Apoptosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Activation of Bitter Taste Receptor T2R14

This study shows lidocaine activates T2R14 in HNSCC cells, leading to apoptosis via mitochondrial depolarization, ROS production, and proteasome inhibition.

Akt activator SC79 stimulates antibacterial nitric oxide production from human nasal epithelial cells and increases macrophage phagocytosis in vitro

This study shows SC79, an Akt activator, increases NO production in nasal epithelial cells and enhances macrophage phagocytosis without toxicity.

Taste receptor T1R3 in nasal cilia detects Staphylococcus aureus D-amino acids to increase apical glucose uptake and enhance innate immunity

The paper shows that T1R3 in nasal cilia detects D-amino acids from Staphylococcus aureus to reduce airway surface liquid glucose and enhance innate immunity.

Bitter taste receptor-stimulated nitric oxide innate immune responses are reduced by loss of CFTR function in nasal epithelial cells and macrophages

This study shows that loss of CFTR function reduces T2R-stimulated NO production in nasal epithelial cells and macrophages, impairing immune responses to gram-negative bacteria.

Effect of time spent on active learning on exam performance: A controlled case study on a course with different instructors but identical teaching materials

This study examines how time spent on active learning activities affects exam performance, finding no correlation between active learning duration and student scores.

Cilia stimulatory and antibacterial activities of bitter receptor agonist diphenhydramine: insights into potential complimentary strategies for CF nasal infections

This study shows diphenhydramine, a T2R14 agonist, increases nitric oxide and cilia beating while reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and biofilm in nasal epithelial cells.

HSP90 modulates T2R bitter taste receptor nitric oxide production and innate immune responses in human airway epithelial cells and macrophages

This study shows HSP90 regulates T2R-dependent NO production and innate immune responses in airway cells, enhancing antibacterial defenses.

T2R bitter taste receptors regulate apoptosis and may be associated with survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This study shows T2R bitter taste receptors in HNSCC promote apoptosis and are linked to better patient survival.

The bitter end: T2R bitter receptor agonists elevate nuclear calcium and induce apoptosis in non-ciliated airway epithelial cells

This study shows T2R agonists induce apoptosis in non-ciliated airway cells through nuclear calcium and mitochondrial pathways, potentially as a defense against infection or a risk in disease.

Altered polarization of PAR-2 signaling during airway epithelial remodeling

The paper examines how PAR-2 signaling polarization changes in airway epithelial cells during remodeling, finding increased apical responses in squamous metaplasia and loss of cilia.

Bitter taste receptors stimulate phagocytosis in human macrophages through calcium, nitric oxide, and cyclic-GMP signaling

Inverse regulation of secretion and inflammation in human airway gland serous cells by neuropeptides upregulated in allergy and asthma

This study investigates how neuropeptides VIP and NPY regulate secretion and inflammation in human airway gland serous cells, showing opposing effects on fluid secretion, antimicrobial activity, and cytokine release.