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Edited by Lukas Alfons HuberThioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. TXNIP stability is controlled by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch directly interacts with TXNIP via PPxY motifs of TXNIP. In a previously published study, we have shown that phosphorylation of the PPxY tyrosyl residue switches TXNIP selectivity between different binding partners. Here, we describe that tyrosine-phosphorylated PPxY motifs also bind to SH2 domains of Vav2 and Src with dissociation constants around 10 lM and that phosphorylation is indispensable for these interactions as well. The crystal structure of the complex between a phosphorylated PPxY motif, and the SH2 domain of Vav2 reveals a conserved recognition mechanism.

Background: Dysphagia is a common complication in patients with laryngeal cancer after surgery and radiotherapy.Objectives: To explore the effect of swallowing training administered in combination with nutritional intervention on the nutritional status and quality of life of laryngeal cancer patients with dysphagia after surgery and radiotherapy.Methods: Sixty-six patients with laryngeal cancer who developed dysphagia were randomly divided into control group and intervention group (n = 33 in each group).Patients in both groups received total laryngectomy and prophylactic radiotherapy and were provided routine health counseling and swallowing training. Patients in the intervention group were additionally provided with nutritional intervention. All patients were evaluated using video fluoroscopic swallowing examination (VFSE), Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment on nutritional status (PG-SGA) score, and Quality of Life Questionnaire-core 30 (QLQ-c30) score immediately after radiotherapy and 3 months later.Results: Prior to swallowing training, there was no significant between-group difference with respect to VFSE evaluation, PG-SGA score, or QLQ-c30 score. Both groups showed improvement in these measures at 3 months after radiotherapy; however, the improvement in the intervention group was significantly better than that in the control group. Conclusions:Swallowing training combined with nutritional intervention can improve swallowing function, nutritional status and the quality of life of laryngeal cancer patients with dysphagia after operation and radiotherapy.