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Kanazawa University Research: Visualizing the Mechanics of Hormone-Driven Gene Activation: Insights into Breast Cancer

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KANAZAWA, Japan, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Scientists at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University have captured real-time footage showing how a key hormone receptor activates genes, offering a clearer view into one of the most fundamental Kaprocesses in biology.

Using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), Richard Wong and colleagues at Kanazawa University directly visualized how the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binds to DNA and switches on genes in response to the hormone estrogen. Their findings, published in ACS Nano, reveal new molecular details of hormone signaling, with important implications for diseases like breast cancer.

Key Points

Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to directly film how estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binds to DNA in living-like conditions.Estrogen binding improves ERα’s ability to dimerize and accurately target specific DNA sites called estrogen response elements (EREs).Findings support a new ‘Ligand-Induced Dimerization (LID)’ model and offer insights into hormone-driven diseases like breast cancer.

Estrogen receptors play a critical role in controlling gene activity in many tissues. When estrogen binds to ERα, the protein changes shape, forms a dimer (a molecular pair), and attaches to specific regions of DNA called estrogen response elements (EREs). Although the importance of this process has been known for decades, it had never before been observed unfolding at the single-molecule level in real time.

To capture this, the researchers used HS-AFM to scan individual ERα molecules interacting with DNA. They compared the behavior of ERα with and without estrogen present. Their experiments showed that ERα could bind to DNA without estrogen but did so less precisely and less stably. When estrogen was present, ERα molecules dimerized more efficiently and exhibited targeted, stable binding to ERE sequences.

“Our study shows that estrogen acts like a molecular matchmaker,” says Richard Wong. “It not only triggers ERα to find the right DNA sequence but also stabilizes its grip, ensuring accurate gene activation.”

Based on these observations, the team proposed a new ‘Ligand-Induced Dimerization’ (LID) model explaining how hormones fine-tune the dynamic behavior of receptors at the DNA level.

This work provides direct visual evidence of how molecular signals from hormones lead to precise gene control — a fundamental advance that could guide new strategies for treating hormone-driven diseases.

Glossary

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα): A protein inside cells that binds estrogen and controls the activity of specific genes.High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM): An imaging technology that captures the movement of individual molecules in real time.Ligand: A molecule, such as estrogen, that binds to a protein and changes its shape or function.Dimerization: The process by which two protein molecules join together to form a pair (dimer), often necessary for function.Estrogen Response Element (ERE): A specific sequence of DNA that the estrogen receptor recognizes and binds to, controlling gene expression.

Figure: How Estrogen Receptor Binds DNA.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Eye-catching-imageEN_ACS-Nano_2025.4.23.png

Caption: This illustration shows the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα, in orange) attaching to DNA (in blue) as a pair, or dimer. The image is based on real-time, high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) data, showing how ERα recognizes and binds specific DNA sequences to activate genes. The close-up highlights the dimer sitting on the DNA strand — a key step in hormone-driven gene regulation.

Reference

Goro Nishide, Tomoka Ishibashi, Keesiang Lim, Yujia Qiu, Masaharu Hazawa, Ayami Matsushima and Richard W. Wong, Zooming into Gene Activation: Estrogen Receptor α Dimerization and DNA Binding Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy, ACS Nano (2025).

DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c14943

URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c14943

Funding

This work was supported by the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) and the WISE Program for Nano-Precision Medicine, Science, and Technology of Kanazawa University, funded by MEXT.

Additional support came from MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI (24K18449, 23H00521, 22H05537, 22H02209, 23H04278, 24H01276, 25H02360), JST CREST (JPMJCR22E3), the Hokuriku Bank, SECOM Science and Technology Foundation, Takeda Science Foundation, and Shimadzu Science Foundation.

Contact

Kimie Nishimura (Ms)

Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office

Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University

Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University

Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring “uncharted nano-realms”.

Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal:

https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI

Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel

About Kanazawa University

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa – a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

 

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TransPerfect Legal Recognizes Its 2026 Pro Bono Partners

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Translation and interpretation services for partner firm Fenwick and legal aid organizations.Helps immigrants, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations access the US legal system.Language support remains critical to ensuring equal access to justice.

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026
/PRNewswire/ — TransPerfect Legal, the global leader in legal technology, AI, and advisory services, today announced that in honor of the 2026 National Celebration of Pro Bono, it is recognizing the legal aid organizations and partner firms it has supported this year with translation and interpretation services. These partnerships extend legal access to immigrants, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations who depend on accurate language support to navigate the US legal system.

The National Celebration of Pro Bono, sponsored by the American Bar Association October 25–31, brings attention to the importance of pro bono legal services and honors the lawyers and organizations working to expand access to justice.

This year, TransPerfect provided translation and interpretation services at reduced rates to Fenwick in support of the following pro bono efforts:

Fenwick — Immigration clinics and mattersCommunity Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) — U Visa Project with attorneys (full-scope work); passport and asylum clinicsCo-Counsel NYC — Naturalization clinicsImmigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) — Naturalization clinicsLawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF) — Asylum clinicsNew York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) — Asylum, naturalization, and TPS clinicsTahirih Justice Center — Immigration intake and U visa clinics

The need for pro bono legal support remains significant. The Pro Bono Declaration of the Americas states that “members of the legal profession have a responsibility to provide pro bono legal services”—a responsibility the Declaration links to the profession’s broader role in society and its commitment to a fair and equitable legal system.

“Access to justice depends on access to language,” said Eric Elting, Regional Director. “When someone can’t understand the proceeding that will decide their asylum claim or their immigration status, the legal system isn’t actually open to them. That’s the gap our pro bono partners work to close every day, and we’re proud to support that work.”

TransPerfect President and Co-CEO Phil Shawe commented, “Since our humble beginnings in NYC, we are proud to have performed pro bono legal work, including work to eliminate language barriers in legal processes. These efforts continue to this day.”

About TransPerfect Legal
TransPerfect Legal is the global leader in legal technology, AI, and advisory services for Am Law 200 and Global 100 law firms as well as corporate legal departments. With offices in more than 150 cities worldwide, solutions include forensic technology and consulting, eDiscovery and early data assessment, managed review and legal staffing, language services, deposition and trial support, and paper discovery, all offered alongside the Reef Technology ecosystem, TransPerfect Legal’s suite of proprietary applications that address the needs of legal and regulatory practitioners around the world. For more information, please visit www.transperfectlegal.com.

About TransPerfect
TransPerfect is the world’s largest provider of language and AI solutions for global business. From offices in over 150 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 200+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 6,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect’s GlobalLink® technology to simplify the management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com.

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Forum Edge AI Announces $94.4 Million Definitive AI Cloud Services Compute Agreement with Fireworks

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PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forum Markets, Incorporated (“Forum” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: FRMM), an innovator in sourcing and operating cash-generating assets in AI infrastructure, commercial aerospace and AI-powered consumer finance, today announced that Forum Edge AI LLC (“Forum Edge”), the Company’s joint venture with Edge Node Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement with Fireworks, the specialized intelligence platform, for a 36-month reservation of Nvidia B300 GPU capacity at its existing, powered data center facility in Dallas.

The agreement carries a combined total contract value of approximately $94.4 million, reflecting GPU capacity and associated CPU management node fees payable over the 36-month term. Fireworks has provided a substantial prepayment deposit, which will be credited against fees due across the term.

The GPUs are expected to be deployed at Forum Edge’s Dallas data center in late December or early January. The Dallas facility is one of the sites included in Forum’s initial AI infrastructure investment and features existing permits, power access and physical infrastructure.

“This agreement is an important proof point for our AI infrastructure strategy and reflects our focus on bringing revenue generating GPUs to market quickly in a modular manner,” said McAndrew Rudisill, chairman and chief executive officer of Forum Markets, Incorporated. “We have a strong partnership with Fireworks and are excited about our growth trajectory as we scale our AI infrastructure business. This is the first finalized contract Forum Edge is executing against and the first of several exciting partnerships we expect to deploy into our unique footprint.”

Fireworks provides inference, training, and routing that help enterprises deploy and scale generative AI applications in production. The company was most recently valued at approximately $17.5 billion, with backers including Nvidia, Atreides Management, Index Ventures and TCV. Fireworks’ scale and the caliber of its financial backers reflect the type of high-quality counterparty Forum has identified in its off-take partnerships.

Hosted AI, Inc., through its AI commercialization network/mesh and platform, facilitated the relationship between Forum Edge AI and Fireworks.

The agreement represents Forum Edge’s first contracted customer commitment and supports Forum’s broader strategy of deploying disciplined, risk-adjusted capital into cash-generating AI infrastructure assets.

About Forum Markets, Incorporated

Forum Markets, Incorporated (Nasdaq: FRMM) is an innovative company that sources and structures cash-generating assets with attractive risk-adjusted returns in aerospace, AI, and AI-powered consumer finance. The company draws on proprietary origination pipelines and strategic co-investment partnerships to scale its portfolio and generate durable operating income. Forum integrates traditional asset management principles with hands-on operational execution as it builds a new framework for how real-world assets are owned, managed, and monetized. For more information, please visit forum-markets.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the future performance and growth of the Company; the ability of the Company to execute its plans, the assets to be held by the Company, the Company’s current and anticipated yield strategies, and future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and actual results may differ materially. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk that the proposed transactions described herein may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the parties do not execute definitive documentation for the joint venture or any individual project; the risk that anticipated site capacity, power availability, permitting, equipment delivery or customer contracts are delayed or not obtained; the risk that equipment financing is not available on the terms or in the amounts assumed, or at all; risks relating to the Company’s recently completed offering, including dilution to existing stockholders and the risk that the net proceeds are insufficient to fund the initial projects as contemplated or are applied to uses other than those described herein; risks associated with the Company’s guarantee obligations in support of project-level financing; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the stock repurchase program, previously announced private placements, sale of convertible notes, and related transactions, including the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations; the Company’s ability to repurchase shares of common stock, the timing thereof, purchase price thereof, and the fact that repurchases may not be undertaken under the stock repurchase program; fluctuations in the market price of ETH that will impact the Company’s accounting and financial reporting; government regulation of tokenized securities; risks relating to the treatment of assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; changes in securities laws or regulations; changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to the Company’s OTC transaction, including the Company’s ability to repay such facility, covenants associated therewith and security interests associated therewith; risks relating to the Company’s previously announced ATM offering, including potential downward pressure on the Company’s stock price associated therewith; risks relating to the Company’s operations and businesses; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which the Company does and will operate; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding digital assets generally; expectations with respect to future performance, growth and anticipated acquisitions; potential litigation involving the Company; global economic conditions; geopolitical events and regulatory changes; access to additional financing, and the potential lack of such financing; and the Company’s ability to raise funding in the future and the terms of such funding, including dilution caused thereby, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and those identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as well as the supplemental risk factors and other information the Company has or may file with the SEC, including those disclosed under Item 8.01 of the Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. Investors should also be aware that under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), certain crypto assets must be measured at fair value, with changes recognized in net income for each reporting period. These fair value adjustments may cause significant fluctuations in the Company’s balance sheet and income statement from period-to-period. In addition, for certain crypto assets, including ETH, which the Company holds as collateral against a loan, impairment charges may be required to be reported in net income if the market price of such assets falls below the cost basis at which those assets are carried on the balance sheet. Readers are encouraged to read the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law. The Company’s business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.

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Perhaps Agency Expands Network Relationships for Emerging Brands

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Perhaps Agency’s new FuseTwo partnership and AvantLink certification give emerging brands broader access to networks, partnerships and expertise as rising paid-media costs push advertisers toward new acquisition channels.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Perhaps Agency, a full-funnel partner marketing agency specializing in affiliate and influencer marketing, announced the continued expansion of its strategic relationships with networks across the partner marketing industry, including FuseTwo, a recently launched partner marketing platform, and AvantLink, an affiliate marketing platform. These relationships give Perhaps Agency’s clients broader access to networks, technology and partnership opportunities as emerging brands seek growth channels beyond paid media.

“Every network relationship we add gives our clients another route to find the right partners. Our partnerships with FuseTwo and AvantLink build on that, and we’ll keep expanding our list of strategic partners that serve emerging brands.” — Jen Root, Managing Director, Perhaps

Rising costs across paid social and search have pushed many brands to look for acquisition channels they can scale without expanding an internal team or committing to a large retainer. Partner marketing is one route: it brings affiliate, influencer, creator and media partnerships together in one performance-based program. For growing brands, the right network relationships can determine whether an affiliate or influencer program gets off the ground. Perhaps builds and maintains those relationships on its clients’ behalf, while strengthening its ability to identify strategic opportunities and connect brands with the partners that support their growth.

Perhaps Agency’s partnership with FuseTwo, a partner marketing platform built for growing brands, offers Perhaps clients additional opportunities, resources and expertise. These brands gain access to the FuseTwo platform, which brings affiliate, influencer, creator and media partners into a single system with unified attribution. FuseTwo’s cookieless affiliate attribution and tracking, real-time reporting and AI-assisted automation give the Perhaps team faster data across every program the agency manages, supporting publisher recruitment and partner program optimization.

This approach pairs human expertise with accelerated technology. The Perhaps team, with more than two decades of combined partner marketing experience, continues to make the strategic calls, while the FuseTwo platform speeds up the analysis behind them.

As part of the partnership, Perhaps Agency is able to offer certain promotional features through the Perhaps + FuseTwo Growth Launch Offer, available to brands that register with FuseTwo through Perhaps. The features include FuseTwo covering a brand’s first month of Perhaps partner marketing management services, including strategy, recruitment and hands-on support, and Perhaps covering the brand’s FuseTwo platform setup fee. FuseTwo also offers qualifying migrating advertisers 0% transaction fees when they bring a qualifying group of active publishers to the platform. Subsequent management services are subject to the applicable service agreement, and additional terms and eligibility requirements may apply.

Beyond its partnership with FuseTwo, Perhaps is now an AvantLink Certified Agency Partner, demonstrating the company’s expertise and commitment to building network relationships for clients. AvantLink, an affiliate marketing platform, offers an agency certification program for agencies within its ecosystem. The program validates practical expertise in affiliate strategy, partner management, attribution and technology capabilities.

The certification signifies three areas: credibility, capability and visibility. Credibility reflects demonstrated knowledge of affiliate marketing strategy and program management. Capability reflects an understanding of partner relationships, attribution models, reporting and optimization. Visibility reflects opportunities for agency recommendations, preferred partner listings and co-marketing collaboration.

For Perhaps Agency, this status reinforces its expertise in affiliate marketing strategy and publisher partnerships. For growing brands, it means working with an agency that combines experienced program management with access to established affiliate marketing technology, which can help reduce the complexity of launching, managing and scaling a partner program.

About Perhaps: Perhaps Agency is a full-funnel U.S. partner marketing agency, serving as an affiliate marketing agency and influencer marketing agency for emerging and mid-market brands across Apparel, Beauty, Health & Wellness, Home Goods, CPG, DTC and more, including affiliate marketing for Shopify brands, WooCommerce affiliate marketing and affiliate marketing for CPG brands. Perhaps combines affiliate network management, influencer and creator management and Performance PR into a single, integrated partner marketing program. The Perhaps team brings more than two decades of combined affiliate and influencer marketing experience. Learn more at Perhaps.com.

Media Contact

Jen Root, Perhaps, 1 (786) 396-9863, pr@perhaps.com, www.perhaps.com

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