Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to c Show more
Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to cancer progression remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a lung cancer-specific chimeric RNA KANSL1-ARL17A (chKANSARL) and its circular variant fusion circular RNA KANSL1-ARL17 A (F-circKA), both derived from the fusion gene KANSARL. Functional assays revealed that overexpression of either chKANSARL or F-circKA significantly enhanced lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while their knockdown suppressed these malignant phenotypes. In vivo experiments demonstrated that chKANSARL overexpression accelerated tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. Notably, coexpression experiments uncovered a synergistic regulatory interaction between F-circKA and chKANSARL, amplifying oncogenic effects. Mechanistically, miRNA sequencing and dual-luciferase assays revealed that F-circKA acts as a molecular sponge for miR-6860, thereby derepressing chKANSARL expression. Rescue experiments further validated this regulatory axis, wherein miR-6860 inhibition reversed the tumor-suppressive effects of F-circKA knockdown. Collectively, our study identifies and characterizes a novel F-circKA/miR-6860/chKANSARL regulatory axis, revealing how dual transcriptional outputs from the KANSARL fusion gene can synergistically drive lung cancer progression. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized layer of cooperative regulation between linear and circular fusion RNAs in oncogenesis and provide a new framework for understanding fusion gene-mediated tumorigenesis. Show less
Sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been frequently detected in the environment and human blood. Although OBS exposure has been iden Show more
Sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been frequently detected in the environment and human blood. Although OBS exposure has been identified as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis associated with endothelial dysfunction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) demonstrated that OBS exposure induced oxidative stress, activated the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and triggered NF-κB signaling. Pharmacological inhibition with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant), 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor), and BAY 11-7082 (an inhibitor for NF-κB signaling pathway) revealed a sequential pathogenic cascade, in which oxidative stress acts upstream to initiate ERS and compromise endothelial barrier function, leading to NF-κB activation, which drives inflammatory responses, monocyte adhesion, and impaired endothelial migration. Consistent with these findings, in vivo experiments in ApoE Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder of innate immune dysregulation within the central nervous system. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a micr Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder of innate immune dysregulation within the central nervous system. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a microglial immunoreceptor, has emerged as a pivotal genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, underscoring the critical role of neuroimmune interactions in disease pathogenesis. This review synthesizes recent advances concerning TREM2's modulation of core microglial functions, including phagocytosis, inflammatory signaling, cellular metabolism, and survival, processes that are essential for responding to amyloid-β plaques and neuronal damage. We highlight the TREM2-APOE pathway as a central mechanism driving the disease-associated microglia (DAM) phenotype and examine how loss-of-function mutations such as Show less
The mammalian class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase complex (PtdIns3K) forms two biochemically and functionally distinct subcomplexes including the ATG14-containing complex I (PtdIns3K-C1) and the U Show more
The mammalian class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase complex (PtdIns3K) forms two biochemically and functionally distinct subcomplexes including the ATG14-containing complex I (PtdIns3K-C1) and the UVRAG-containing complex II (PtdIns3K-C2). Both subcomplexes adopt a V-shaped architecture with a BECN1-ATG14 or UVRAG adaptor arm and a PIK3R4/VPS15-PIK3C3/VPS34 catalytic arm. NRBF2 is a pro-autophagic modulator that specifically associates with PtdIns3K-C1 to enhance its kinase activity and promotes macroautophagy/autophagy. How NRBF2 exerts such a positive effect is not fully understood. Here we report that NRBF2 binds to PIK3R4/VPS15 with moderate affinity through a conserved site on its N-terminal MIT domain. The NRBF2-PIK3R4/VPS15 interaction is incompatible with the UVRAG-containing PtdIns3K-C2 because the C2 domain of UVRAG outcompetes NRBF2 for PIK3R4/VPS15 binding. Our crystal structure of the NRBF2 coiled-coil (CC) domain reveals a symmetric homodimer with multiple hydrophobic pairings at the CC interface, which is in distinct contrast to the asymmetric dimer observed in the yeast ortholog Atg38. Mutations in the CC domain that rendered NRBF2 monomeric led to weakened binding to PIK3R4/VPS15 and only partial rescue of autophagy deficiency in Show less
Residual cardiovascular risk persists in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are met. Excess apolipoprotein B (apo Show more
Residual cardiovascular risk persists in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are met. Excess apolipoprotein B (apoB), defined as measured apoB minus LDL-C-predicted apoB, may capture atherogenic particle burden beyond LDL-C, but its prognostic value for long-term mortality in secondary prevention remains uncertain. We conducted a pooled analysis of two nationwide Chinese cohorts (CIN-II and RED-CARPET) comprising 68,616 statin-treated CAD patients. Excess apoB was calculated using an internal reference population (triglycerides ≤ 1.0 mmol/L). Associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox models, with adjustment for clinical covariates including nutritional status. External validation was performed in 13,702 participants from the UK Biobank. Over a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 10,835 deaths occurred (5,090 cardiovascular). Each 1-standard deviation (15.4 mg/dL) increase in excess apoB was associated with a 12% higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18) and a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.15-1.34). Patients in the highest excess apoB quartile (≥ 11.5 mg/dL) had significantly worse survival. Notably, these associations persisted consistently across all achieved LDL-C strata (< 2.0 to > 4.0 mmol/L). These findings were robustly confirmed in the external validation cohort. Excess apoB is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in statin-treated CAD patients, even among those with well-controlled LDL-C. Its incorporation into risk assessment could improve prognostic stratification and guide personalized management in secondary prevention. CIN-II: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05050877 (Retrospectively registered, 21 September 2021); RED-CARPET: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000039901 (Prospectively registered, 14 November 2020). The UK Biobank study is covered by generic ethical approval from the NHS National Research Ethics Service (Ref: 99231). Show less
Our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms that drive the regeneration of damaged axons after a spinal cord injury is still limited. Microtubules are core components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton Show more
Our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms that drive the regeneration of damaged axons after a spinal cord injury is still limited. Microtubules are core components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton and are essential for axonal growth, in part because their stability is governed by post-translational modifications in mature neurons. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and its receptor (GIPR) are expressed in multiple extra-pancreatic tissues, suggesting biological functions beyond classical endocrine signaling; however, their roles in neuronal cytoskeletal regulation are not well defined. Here, we investigated the effects of GIP in cultured cortical neurons. GIP enhanced microtubule stability and increased the number of axons crossing an inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) border. Mechanistically, GIP promoted microtubule acetylation via α-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 (αTAT1), the major acetyltransferase for α-tubulin, by suppressing αTAT1 ubiquitination and thereby reducing its proteasomal degradation in inhibitory environments. Although the upstream mechanism remains to be determined, this study provides the first evidence that GIP/GIPR signaling modulates microtubule dynamics, highlighting a potential strategy to re-activate neuronal growth machinery after injury. Show less
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened data Show more
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened databases to identify the targets of cobalamin and performed intersected with with ischemic stroke-related targets to construct a “drug-target-disease” interaction network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify key biological processes and signaling pathways. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the binding affinity between cobalamin and hub proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes over a 500 ns simulation period. Additionally, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability predictions were made using ADMETlab 3.0 and admetSAR 3.0. A total of 95 therapeutic targets of cobalamin for ischemic stroke were identified. Network analysis and molecular docking highlighted eight core targets—ALB, TIMP1, PLG, FN1, AGT, SERPINE1, APOE, and SPP1—with high binding affinities to cobalamin. GO analysis suggested that cobalamin regulates inflammatory responses, post-translational modifications, complement binding, and lipoprotein particle binding. KEGG analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and inflammation-related signaling as central to its therapeutic effects. Molecular docking showed strong binding to ALB and TIMP1, which was further confirmed by MD simulations, with minimal conformational changes. The PLG-cobalamin complex exhibited more fluctuations. ADME analysis revealed low passive permeability, particularly across the blood–brain barrier, but moderate distribution and high plasma protein binding. This study provides evidence that cobalamin may offer neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke by interacting with key target proteins involved in coagulation, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. The findings highlight the potential of cobalamin as a therapeutic agent, although its limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier may restrict its oral use. Further experimental validation and development of suitable delivery methods are needed to fully realize cobalamin’s potential in stroke therapy. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-41564-6. Show less
Researchers have postulated a link between higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and more favorable outcomes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, there is Show more
Researchers have postulated a link between higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and more favorable outcomes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, there is no clear evidence regarding the causal association between neurotrophins and NPH. To delve deeper into this potential connection, scientists employed a rigorous method known as bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR). This technique was utilized to explore the causal impact of various neurotrophins-such as BDNF, nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), NT-4, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-on the development or progression of NPH. To investigate the causal relationship between five neurotrophin subtypes and NPH, we designed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Our primary approach involved the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. We also conducted reverse causality analysis to ensure robustness. Furthermore, we implemented complementary methods like the weighted median (WM), weighted mode, and MR-Egger to strengthen our findings. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out, and Cochran's Q tests, were employed to validate results, explore heterogeneity and pleiotropy, and pinpoint potential biases. MR analysis of genetic prediction showed no statistical association of neurotrophins on NPH. However, a reverse analysis indicated a causal association between NPH and two neurotrophins: CNTF and GDNF. Specifically, individuals with NPH had a lower risk of CNTF (odds ratio: 0.7963, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.6537 to 0.9701, p = 0.0237) and a slightly reduced risk of GDNF (odds ratio: 0.9576, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.9226 to 0.9940, p = 0.0230). MR-Egger regression showed that pleiotropy did not affect the analysis. In addition, MR-PRESSO detected no outliers, and a leave-one-out analysis verified the robustness of the results. NPH was negatively and causally associated with CNTF and GDNF. Additional research is crucial to uncover the underlying mechanisms and devise strategies, including nutritional guidelines, to prevent NPH. Show less
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial factors in tumor invasiveness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Identifying anoikis-EMT-related genes could be be Show more
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial factors in tumor invasiveness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Identifying anoikis-EMT-related genes could be beneficial for predicting prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficacy in patients with LUAD. This study aims to establish and validate a novel prognostic signature based on anoikis-EMT-related genes for LUAD and to identify the potential biomarkers encapsulated within it. Anoikis-related genes and EMT-related genes were retrieved from the GeneCards and dbEMT 2.0 databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted to define anoikis and EMT levels. Gene expression and clinical information of patients with LUAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to construct a risk score model. Immune correlation and drug sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the association of the risk score with the immune profile and antitumor treatment. Three essential genes in the model were examined for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and for protein levels via the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. LUAD patients demonstrating low Anoikis Potential Index (API) combined with high EMT Potential Index (EPI) exhibited the poorest overall survival (OS). We further constructed a nine-gene prognostic risk model that combines anoikis and EMT. High-risk patients demonstrated significantly shorter survival duration. The clinical-prognostic nomogram accurately predicted outcomes at 1, 3, and 5 years. In addition, patients in low-risk group demonstrated superior immune responses to treatment and were more sensitive to commonly used chemotherapy drugs. Our validation studies confirmed upregulated expression of ANGPTL4, SLC2A1, and BIRC5 in LUAD, observed at both transcriptional and translational levels. The anoikis-EMT-based risk model effectively forecasts both OS and immunotherapy response in LUAD patients, accelerating the identification of groundbreaking molecular biomarkers and prospective molecular targets. Show less
The ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) is a novel comprehensive indicator related to dyslipidemia. However, the association between UHR and coronary artery disease (CAD) Show more
The ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) is a novel comprehensive indicator related to dyslipidemia. However, the association between UHR and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. After matching based on age and gender propensity scores, 2124 subjects were included and divided into the CKD group (708 cases) and the non-CKD group (1416 cases). The predictive performance of UHR for CAD was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), and the independent association between UHR and the risk of CAD onset was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. The correlation and dose-response relationship between the ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) and the risk of CAD were analyzed using LOESS fitting and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. After matching, the multiple lipid-related indices (Triglycerides (TG), Remnant Cholesterol (RC), Atherogenic Index (AI), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), Lipoprotein Composite Index (LCI), Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (TG/HDL-C), Total Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (TC/HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C), UHR) in the CKD group were significantly higher than those in the non-CKD group. The AUC analysis showed that HDL-C, AIP, TG/HDL-C, and UHR had strong predictive performance in the overall cohort and the non-CKD group, while in the CKD group, HDL-C, AI, and TC/HDL-C are better predictive indicators. After adjusting for all confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis revealed that HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-1 (APOA-1), and the APOA-1/APOB ratio were independent protective factors for CAD in the entire cohort. Among them, the protective effect of HDL-C was the most stable (overall population aOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.17-0.39, p < 0.001), and it was significantly in both the CKD (aOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40, p < 0.001) and non-CKD subgroups (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.52, p < 0.001). In CKD, UHR is significantly correlated with CAD (aOR = 6.23, 95% CI: 1.89-20.60, p = 0.003), and the association was more significant in the non-CKD group (aOR = 15.15, 95% CI: 4.20-54.72, p < 0.001). CKD status significantly modified the association between UHR and CAD (P for interaction = 0.015). LOESS fitting suggested that UHR was positively correlated with the probability of CAD occurrence (the correlation was more significant at low UHR, and it slowed down when UHR > 0.5, r = 0.2, p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). RCS analysis confirmed a significant nonlinear association between UHR and CAD (overall P < 0.001, nonlinear P = 0.002), and the risk of CAD increased when UHR was > 0.41 in CKD patients. UHR is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, with higher adjusted OR values and more significant independent risk effects in non-CKD populations. Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atheroscle Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18, USP18, a specific deubiquitinating enzyme, has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Pathological studies were performed utilizing human coronary arteries obtained from the Forensic Medical Examination Center of Guizhou Medical University, in conjunction with the aorta from experimental ApoE knockout mice. The ApoE knockout mice underwent intervention with adenovirus carrying USP18-RNAi and a control adenovirus containing hU6-MCS-CMV-EGFP, after which pathological analyses were conducted. In vitro, THP-1 cells, induced with phorbol ester, were subjected to treatment with si-USP18 or si-NC, followed by exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The expression levels of USP18 and proteins associated with the TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the interaction between USP18 and TAK1, were assessed using Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence techniques.The interaction between USP18 and TAK1 was confirmed using molecular docking techniques, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and immunofluorescence analysis. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of USP18 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism. The expression of USP18 is elevated in early-stage human coronary atherosclerotic plaques but decreases in advanced lesions. Treatment of macrophages derived from THP-1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in reduced USP18 expression. In ApoE USP18 modulates TAK1 to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages, consequently exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Show less
This study evaluated the efficacy of combining personalized acupuncture with accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (adTMS) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this randomized, double- Show more
This study evaluated the efficacy of combining personalized acupuncture with accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (adTMS) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 120 MCI patients were assigned to a Combined group (personalized acupuncture + active adTMS), a Single Stimulation group (active adTMS + sham acupuncture), or a Placebo group (sham TMS + sham acupuncture). The primary outcome was the change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included P300 latency, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) NAA/Cr ratio, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The Combined group showed a significantly greater improvement in MoCA scores (3.2 ± 1.3 points) compared to the Single Stimulation (1.9 ± 1.2 points; mean difference 1.3, 95 % CI 0.4 to 2.2) and Placebo groups (1.1 ± 1.0 points; mean difference 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2 to 3.0). The Combined group also demonstrated greater reductions in P300 latency and increases in NAA/Cr ratio and serum BDNF levels than the other groups. The combination of personalized acupuncture and adTMS significantly improves cognitive function in MCI patients, supported by positive changes in electrophysiological and metabolic markers. This integrative approach represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy for MCI.Trial registration: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trials Registry (ITMCTR2025000652). Show less
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) protects human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, focusing on its regulation of aut Show more
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) protects human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, focusing on its regulation of autophagic flux and the TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway. HBE cells were treated with LPS (1-100 ng/mL) to induce autophagy dysregulation and inflammation. G-Rg3 (2-16 μM) was administered to evaluate its protective effects. Western blotting was used to detect autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, LC3B, p62) and TLR4/NF-κB signaling molecules; ELISA quantified proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8); PI staining and flow cytometry analyzed cell death and apoptosis. LPS dose-dependently upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, p62, LC3B-II), with accumulated p62 and LC3B-II indicating impaired clearance of autophagic substrates. Additionally, G-Rg3 inhibited LPS-induced TLR4/NF-κB activation, suppressed proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and attenuated HBE cell apoptosis/necrosis. G-Rg3 mitigates LPS-induced HBE cell injury by dual mechanisms: restoring impaired autophagic flux and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory cascade. These findings identify G-Rg3 as a promising therapeutic agent targeting the crosstalk between autophagy and inflammation in respiratory diseases such as COPD and acute lung injury. Show less
Prednisone is used clinically during pregnancy. This study investigates whether prenatal prednisone exposure (PPE) affects susceptibility to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associate Show more
Prednisone is used clinically during pregnancy. This study investigates whether prenatal prednisone exposure (PPE) affects susceptibility to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in adult offspring and explores underlying mechanisms. Pregnant Kunming mice were administered prednisone (0.25 or 1 mg/kg; PPE-L or PPE-H) or vehicle control (5% carboxymethyl cellulose; Ctrl) by daily gavage from gestational days 0-18. Offspring were assessed metabolically, histologically, and via RNA-Seq. Primary hepatocytes were treated with fatty acids with or without the epigenetic inhibitors to evaluate Nr1h3 expression and lipid deposition. Offspring body weight was similar in PPE-L vs Ctrl, but was reduced in PPE-H group followed by delayed growth. After 6-week HFD feeding, PPE-L offspring showed mild metabolic issues, while PPE-H males exhibited significant glucose/lipid disorders and hepatic steatosis compared to controls. RNA-Seq showed upregulation of hepatic lipid pathways in the PPE-H male offspring when challenged by HFD. The liver X receptor alpha (LXRα)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) signaling pathway and the expression of genes involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis were increased in PPE-H offspring under HFD. A485 significantly downregulated the expression of Nr1h3 in primary hepatocytes from male PPE-H offspring and alleviated lipid deposition in these hepatocytes treated with fatty acids. The H3K27ac level in the Nr1h3 promoter in the PPE-H offspring's liver was significantly upregulated. PPE-L impairs offspring glucose/lipid homeostasis, whereas PPE-H increase MAFLD risk of the offspring by epigenetic programming of the hepatic LXRα-SREBP1 pathway, especially in the males. Show less
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In Show more
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) for treating refractory moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA). In a rabbit IUA model, sub-endometrial injection of IMRCs significantly reduced fibrosis and enhanced endometrial angiogenesis, outperforming uterine perfusion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct pro-angiogenic gene expression profiles between the two delivery routes. In vitro, IMRCs co-cultured with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) markedly enhanced angiogenic potential compared to either cell type alone. Protein array analysis of the co-culture supernatant showed elevated levels of angiogenic factors, with functional assays confirming that inhibition of ANGPTL4, a non-canonical pro-angiogenic mediator, impaired angiogenesis. In a first-in-human, single-center, phase 1 dose-escalation trial involving 18 patients with refractory IUA, high-dose sub-endometrial IMRC injection promoted angiogenesis, reduced uterine scarring, and improved pregnancy outcomes, with no safety concerns observed over 3 years of follow-up. These findings highlight the translational promise of IMRCs as a novel therapeutic strategy for endometrial regeneration in severe IUA. Show less
Aging worsens Alzheimer's disease (AD) peripheral metabolism and central pathology, yet few interventions are effective when started late. Methionine restriction (MR) induces the hepatokine FGF21 and Show more
Aging worsens Alzheimer's disease (AD) peripheral metabolism and central pathology, yet few interventions are effective when started late. Methionine restriction (MR) induces the hepatokine FGF21 and may protect brain function, but its efficacy and mechanisms when started late are unclear. Fourteen-month-old male APP/PS1 mice received 17 weeks of MR (0.17% methionine); behavioral, histological, and molecular assays were performed and hippocampal FGFR1 was knocked down by adeno-associated virus. Late-life MR improved peripheral glucose/lipid profiles, reduced Aβ deposition, preserved synaptic markers, and suppressed neuroinflammation. MR-induced hepatic FGF21 and brain FGFR1-AMPKα signaling to inhibit NFκB; hippocampal FGFR1 knockdown abolished MR's neuroprotective effects while leaving peripheral metabolic changes intact. Even when initiated in late life, MR robustly reduces AD pathology via the hepatic FGF21-brain FGFR1 axis, independent of peripheral metabolic changes. These preclinical findings position MR and FGF21-FGFR1 axis as actionable late-life intervention targets with potential for clinical translation. Show less
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is highly heritable; however, its estimated incidence across populations remains unclear. We computed family-based heritability leveraging Alzheimer's Disease Seq Show more
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is highly heritable; however, its estimated incidence across populations remains unclear. We computed family-based heritability leveraging Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project pedigrees from non-Hispanic White (404 pedigrees), non-Hispanic Black (13 pedigrees), Dominican (100 pedigrees), and Dutch isolate (10 pedigrees), with four models incorporating age, sex, apolipoproten E epsilon4 (APOE ε4), and contributing study using two methods. Heritability estimates varied by method, model, and study populations. Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology (S.A.G.E.) estimates were highest for Dutch isolate (78.3%), followed by non-Hispanic Blacks (39.1%), Dominicans (31.7%), and non-Hispanic Whites (29.1%), adjusted for age and sex. APOE adjustment reduced estimates (4.9% on average), while study adjustment primarily affected groups that included multiple studies. Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR-Eclipse) estimates were higher (45.2% to 80.2%) than S.A.G.E. (20.4% to 80.9%) but behaved in parallel, except for the Dutch isolate. LOAD heritability estimates are dependent on study population and may reflect or indicate differences in LOAD risk by population. Show less
Impaired synaptic plasticity underlies cognitive impairment as a core pathological substrate. While aerobic exercise represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing synaptic pl Show more
Impaired synaptic plasticity underlies cognitive impairment as a core pathological substrate. While aerobic exercise represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing synaptic plasticity, its precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigated whether aerobic exercise ameliorates synaptic plasticity and synaptic loss in Apolipoprotein E homozygous knockout (APOE Show less
Naringenin (NGN), a flavonoid widely utilized in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, has increasingly become a source of environmental concern. This study systematically evaluated the develo Show more
Naringenin (NGN), a flavonoid widely utilized in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, has increasingly become a source of environmental concern. This study systematically evaluated the developmental toxicity of NGN in zebrafish embryos. Our results showed that NGN exposure caused dose-dependent increases in embryonic mortality and induced a range of developmental malformations, including reduced body length, impaired eye and ear development, and cardiac dysfunction. Behavioral analyses revealed significant deficits in locomotor activity and sensory responses at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L. Molecular assessments via RT-qPCR demonstrated that NGN disrupted the expression of multiple genes critical for cardiac (kcnh2a, kcnh2b, hand2, has2, myh7, tnnt2a), otic (col2a1a, sox9a, sox9b), liver (hhex, leg1.1), visual (gnat1, gnat2), apoptotic (bax, casp9, casp3), and neurodevelopmental (pomca, bdnf, gfap, mbpa, s100b) pathways. Notably, NGN at 10 mg/L inhibited apoptosis and altered liver function, whereas a concentration of 15 mg/L promoted apoptosis, and these results suggest that NGN may interfere with the developmental processes of zebrafish embryos through different mechanisms at low and high concentrations, exhibiting a non-monotonic dose-response relationship. These findings highlight the potential ecological hazards of NGN contamination in aquatic environments, emphasizing the need for stricter management and further research into its long-term and combined effects with other pollutants. Our research offers new perspectives into the molecular and phenotypic mechanisms of NGN toxicity and underscores the importance of comprehensive risk assessment for emerging environmental contaminants. Show less
Caloric restriction (CR) improves metabolic health and reduces the risk of aging-related vascular diseases. However, the systematic metabolic reprogramming associated with CR remains unclear. To addre Show more
Caloric restriction (CR) improves metabolic health and reduces the risk of aging-related vascular diseases. However, the systematic metabolic reprogramming associated with CR remains unclear. To address this, we performed multi-tissue metabolomic profiling (liver, heart, and serum) in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice subjected to CR. Metabolomic analyses of the multiple tissues revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was consistently modulated by CR. To explore its relevance in vascular diseases, we performed serum metabolomic profiling in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) infusion in ApoE-/- mice. The level of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (16:0/0:0), a metabolite in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, was elevated during AAA progression and significantly reduced by CR intervention, suggesting its potential as a vascular disease risk factor. Notably, glycerophospholipid metabolism and LPE (16:0) were significantly associated with vascular diseases and aging-related indicators in human multi-omics data, including public transcriptomic and lipidomic, and our serum multi-omics profiling of 76 healthy aged individuals. Collectively, our findings establish glycerophospholipid metabolism and LPE (16:0) as systemic signatures of CR with diagnostic potential. They highlight a crucial link between systemic metabolism and vascular remodeling and remodeling-associated vascular diseases, while also functioning as indicators of systemic aging. Show less
Postmenopausal metabolic syndrome and its associated liver injury have attracted considerable research interest, yet their underlying mechanisms and treatment strategies remain insufficiently elucidat Show more
Postmenopausal metabolic syndrome and its associated liver injury have attracted considerable research interest, yet their underlying mechanisms and treatment strategies remain insufficiently elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between aberrant lipid metabolism and hepatic injury in ovariectomized (OVX) females and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ingenol (Ing), a natural diterpenoid, via the SIRT1-LXRα signaling pathway. Data from 3047 females in NHANES (2017-2020) were analyzed to compare serum triglyceride (TG) and liver injury markers between OVX and non-OVX women. An OVX mouse model was established to examine hepatic lipid metabolism and SIRT1 expression. Molecular docking, dual luciferase assays, and SIRT1 silencing were performed to evaluate Ing-SIRT1 binding and regulation. HepG2 cells were used to assess Ing's effects on lipid levels and expression of LXRα, CYP39A1, CPT1, and ACOX1. In vivo studies in OVX mice confirmed the therapeutic effects of Ing and further investigated its mechanism via the SIRT1-LXRα pathway. NHANES data indicated that OVX women had significantly higher serum TG levels and more severe liver injury. OVX mice exhibited downregulated SIRT1 expression and disrupted lipid homeostasis. Ing showed high binding affinity to SIRT1, outperforming several known agonists. In HepG2 cells, Ing reduced intracellular TG and total cholesterol (TC), while upregulating LXRα, CYP39A1, CPT1, and ACOX1. In OVX mice, Ing treatment notably attenuated weight gain, reduced TG and TC levels, and ameliorated liver histopathological damage. These effects were mediated through the SIRT1-LXRα pathway. Ing effectively mitigates OVX-induced liver injury by activating SIRT1 and modulating downstream LXRα-mediated lipid metabolic pathways. These results support Ing as a promising therapeutic candidate for liver injury in postmenopausal or OVX women. Show less
Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a category of sight-threatening diseases with different pathological causes. Transcriptomic analysis of patients with AU revealed a highly oxidative stress profile as well a Show more
Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a category of sight-threatening diseases with different pathological causes. Transcriptomic analysis of patients with AU revealed a highly oxidative stress profile as well as an up-regulated Show less
Glycolysis-derived lactate serves as a substrate for lysine lactylation, an epigenetic modification playing critical transcriptional regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases. Endothelial inflammation Show more
Glycolysis-derived lactate serves as a substrate for lysine lactylation, an epigenetic modification playing critical transcriptional regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases. Endothelial inflammation, characterized by upregulated glycolysis, initiates atherosclerosis, yet the contribution of histone lactylation remains undefined. Although narciclasine exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its impact on endothelial inflammation in atherosclerosis is unknown. Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis predicted narciclasine as an inhibitor of oscillatory shear stress and TNF-α-induced endothelial inflammation. In vitro, treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 20 nM narciclasine significantly suppressed ox-LDL-induced expression of VCAM1, ICAM1, SELE, and CCL2, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inhibited monocyte adhesion and migration. In vivo, administration of narciclasine (0.02 mg/kg) attenuated carotid artery endothelial inflammation and macrophage infiltration, consequently reducing early atherogenesis in partial carotid ligation model in ApoE Show less
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is n Show more
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is no effective treatment available. Various modalities of magnetic stimulation have emerged for recovery from spinal cord injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, significantly hindering the application of magnetic stimulation technologies in treating such injuries. This study aims to elucidate these relevant mechanisms by establishing a simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation system. In this study, we established a right hemisection model at T8 in mice and administered continuous simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation targeting the left motor cortex and right L5 nerve root over six weeks. We subsequently utilized a spinal cord dorsal hemisection model to examine regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST). Motor-evoked potential assessments and calcium imaging techniques were employed to explore neural circuit repair. Additionally, we integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches to investigate related mechanisms. The findings indicate that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation effectively restores motor function in the hind limbs, promotes the regeneration of corticospinal tracts in mice with spinal cord injuries, and facilitates the reconstruction of sensorimotor circuits and functions within the spinal cord. Simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation significantly enhances axonal regeneration of the CST following SCI. This effect may be mediated through the activation of the AMPK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, which promotes neurotrophic factor secretion and subsequently induces nerve axon regeneration. This study suggests that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment for impaired gait following SCI. Show less
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, usi Show more
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Show less
Yiqi Huoxue Granule (YQHX), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, is extensively utilized for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases. However, its active constituents and molecular mech Show more
Yiqi Huoxue Granule (YQHX), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, is extensively utilized for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases. However, its active constituents and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We utilized a systematic methodology to identify bioavailable compounds in vivo and predict and validate the principal targets and pathways responsible for their anti-atherosclerotic actions. Serum pharmacochemistry utilizing UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS was employed to identify the bioavailable compounds of YQHX. An integrated methodology combining network pharmacology and molecular docking was implemented to predict its potential targets and mechanisms against atherosclerosis, which were subsequently verified experimentally in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE We identified 36 absorbable compounds in the serum of rats following YQHX administration, and 252 potential therapeutic targets were predicted. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified 10 hub targets, which are IL-6, TNF, EGFR, TP53, AKT, STAT3, SRC, CTNNB1, TLR4, and MMP-9. Enrichment analyses indicated that these targets are primarily involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, with significant enrichment in the PI3K-Akt and SRC signaling pathways. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between the proteins EGFR, SRC, and AKT and their respective compounds. In ApoE This study systematically identified the bioactive compounds of YQHX and demonstrated its multi-target anti-atherosclerotic effect, which involved the enhancement of lipid metabolism and suppression of inflammation, mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of the SRC/AKT signaling pathway. Show less
About 20-40% of prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery, and propionate metabolism may contribute to tumor progression. BCR remains a major clinical challenge in PCa, Show more
About 20-40% of prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery, and propionate metabolism may contribute to tumor progression. BCR remains a major clinical challenge in PCa, as current tools based on histopathology and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) fail to capture the molecular heterogeneity driving the disease. While metabolic reprogramming is known to facilitate post-treatment adaptation, the specific role of propionate metabolism in this context remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate propionate metabolism-related genes (PMRGs) to develop a novel prognostic model for the improved early prediction of recurrence. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas-Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD), GSE70770 and 412 PMRGs were employed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCa and control and DEGs2 in BCR and no BCR samples obtained by differential analysis were intersected with PMRGs to get candidate genes. After Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses, biomarkers were identified to construct risk models. Biomarkers including In this study, PMRGs were regarded as biomarkers in PCa for risk model construction, which suggest that propionate metabolism represents a biologically relevant axis in PCa recurrence and may offer a novel framework for biomarker-driven risk assessment. Show less