Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), as ubiquitous emerging contaminants, present undercharacterized neuropsychiatric hazards through environmental exposure. This investigation employs c Show more
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), as ubiquitous emerging contaminants, present undercharacterized neuropsychiatric hazards through environmental exposure. This investigation employs convergent multi-omics strategies - integrating toxicogenomic discovery, disease-associated genomic mapping, and transcriptomic profiling - to elucidate mechanistic linkages between PPCPs bioactivity and depressive pathogenesis. Through systematic analysis of Nanjing's aquatic chemical burden (prioritizing dimenhydrinate, ibuprofen, padimate-O, caffeine, and roxithromycin), we identified 3073 conserved molecular targets bridging PPCPs toxicity and depression etiology via Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and GeneCards interrogation. Functional ontology revealed dysregulated pathways encompassing lipidomic remodeling, IL-17-mediated neuroinflammation, and synaptic transmission deficits. Ensembled machine learning algorithms (Lasso regression, XGBoost, random forest) converged on seven high-fidelity candidate biomarkers (HSPA8, CBX1, CD59, CHAF1A, CUX1, ID2, RPL3) demonstrating stress-adaptive, chromatin regulatory, and immunomodulatory functions. Molecular docking predicted strong binding affinities between PPCPs and depression-related proteins, notably dimenhydrinate with CHAF1A (- 6.1 kcal/mol) and HSPA8 (- 6.1 kcal/mol), suggesting multi-target modulation. This work proposes a computational framework to map molecular interactions between specific PPCPs and depression-associated pathways. Candidate targets highlight testable hypotheses for future experimental validation. These findings suggest selected PPCPs with neuroactive properties may warrant further investigation as environmental modifiers of depression risk. Show less
With the advancement of genomic technologies, precision lifestyle interventions tailored to individual genetic backgrounds have emerged as a novel approach for preventing and managing chronic diseases Show more
With the advancement of genomic technologies, precision lifestyle interventions tailored to individual genetic backgrounds have emerged as a novel approach for preventing and managing chronic diseases such as obesity. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting obese or overweight populations have found that individuals with different genotypes exhibit varying responses to the same lifestyle intervention (gene-lifestyle intervention interactions). To date, more than 20 genes, including Show less
Recent advances in human blastoids have opened new avenues for modeling early human development and implantation. Human blastoids can be generated in large numbers, making them well-suited for high-th Show more
Recent advances in human blastoids have opened new avenues for modeling early human development and implantation. Human blastoids can be generated in large numbers, making them well-suited for high-throughput screening. However, automated methods for evaluating and characterizing blastoid morphology are lacking. We developed a deep-learning model-deepBlastoid-for automated classification of live human blastoids using only brightfield images. The model processes 273.6 images per second with an average accuracy of 87%, which is further improved to 97% by integrating a Confidence Rate metric. deepBlastoid outperformed human experts in throughput while matching accuracy in blastoid classification. We demonstrated the utility of the model in two use cases: (i) systematic assessment of the effect of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on blastoid formation and (ii) evaluating the impact of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on blastoid formation. The evaluation results of deepBlastoid using over 10,000 images were consistent with the known drug effects and showed subtle but significant effects that might have been overlooked in manual assessments. The publicly available deepBlastoid model enables researchers to train customized models based on their imaging and protocols, providing an efficient, automated tool for blastoid classification with broad applications in research, drug screening, and Show less
Cold stress poses a significant challenge to pig farming in northern China, leading to reduced productivity and, in severe cases, even mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying cold resistance in Show more
Cold stress poses a significant challenge to pig farming in northern China, leading to reduced productivity and, in severe cases, even mortality. However, the mechanisms underlying cold resistance in pigs are not well understood. To explore the genetic mechanism of cold resistance in pigs under low-temperature conditions, the cold-tolerant Hezuo pig was selected as a model. DIA proteomics analysis was performed on liver tissues from Hezuo pigs after 24 h of exposure to low-temperature treatments. The results showed that approximately 149 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) were detected (95 up-regulated and 54 down-regulated). GO analysis showed that these DAPs were mainly associated with lipid metabolism, vesicle fusion, and membrane function. KEGG analysis showed that these DAPs were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism-related pathways such as cholesterol metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption. Comprehensive analysis identified APOA4, APOA2, SREBF2, ATP23, STX2, USO1, ETFA, RAB11FIP1, ETNPPL, and SGMS1 as potential key proteins involved in cold resistance mechanisms. The mRNA expression of the genes for two key candidate proteins (APOA4 and SREBF2), which are involved in lipid metabolism, was analyzed using qRT-PCR, revealing a significant up-regulation after low-temperature treatment. These findings provide significant insights into the mechanisms of cold resistance in animals and may serve as candidate markers for further studies on cold tolerance. SIGNIFICANCE: Cold resistance is one of the key traits in pigs and involves multiple complex coordinated regulatory mechanisms. However, its genetic mechanisms are not completely understood. In this study, a DIA proteomics approach was used to identify proteins and pathways associated with cold resistance in the liver of low-temperature-treated Hezuo pigs. These findings offer novel candidate proteins and key pathways for investigating the molecular mechanisms of cold resistance in Hezuo pigs, providing a base for further elucidating the mechanisms of cold tolerance in pigs. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents significant challenges due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms and the limited efficacy of single-target therapies. In this study, we investigated the potential of Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents significant challenges due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms and the limited efficacy of single-target therapies. In this study, we investigated the potential of chlorogenic acid (CHA), a multifunctional natural active compound, in AD therapy by developing a trifunctional nanocarrier (MC-H/R/si). CHA was effectively conjugated with iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MIL/Fe-100) through chelation interaction. The resulting nanocomplex (MC) not only enhances the bioavailability of CHA but also facilitates a synergistic antioxidant effect between CHA and MIL/Fe-100. Importantly, CHA can chelate Zn Show less
The functional and pharmacological significance of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) in psychiatric and neurological disorders is well elucidated. However, the roles of DRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remai Show more
The functional and pharmacological significance of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) in psychiatric and neurological disorders is well elucidated. However, the roles of DRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. This study observes a significant upregulation of DRD4 expression in clinical samples, which is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. In vitro, overexpression of DRD4 causes a constitutive activation of β-Arrestin2/PP2A/AKT independent of dopamine. Interestingly, this classical signaling pathway is not associated with the phenotype of DRD4-promoted migration and invasion in CRC cells. Instead, DRD4 interacts with transforming growth factor beta receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2) to activate Smad2 phosphorylation and promote Smad2/Smad4 complex nucleus translocation. Then, SNAI1 and JAG1 are transcriptionally activated to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhance the metastatic potential of CRC. Notably, the COOH-terminal domain is identified as the key intracellular region for the pro-metastatic roles of DRD4. Furthermore, treatment with a TGFBR1 inhibitor combined with a BMP inhibitor effectively counteracts the pro-metastatic effects induced by DRD4 both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, these findings uncover an unconventional role for DRD4 beyond its classic function as a neurotransmitter receptor. The intracellular signaling of DRD4 interacting with TGFBR1 can be targeted pharmacologically for CRC therapy. Show less
Fibrotic remodeling of nucleus pulposus (NP) leads to structural and mechanical anomalies of intervertebral discs that prone to degeneration, leading to low back pain incidence and disability. Emergen Show more
Fibrotic remodeling of nucleus pulposus (NP) leads to structural and mechanical anomalies of intervertebral discs that prone to degeneration, leading to low back pain incidence and disability. Emergence of fibroblastic cells in disc degeneration has been reported, yet their nature and origin remain elusive. In this study, we performed an integrative analysis of multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets to interrogate the cellular heterogeneity and fibroblast-like entities in degenerative human NP specimens. We found that disc degeneration severity is associated with an enrichment of fibrocyte phenotype, characterized by CD45 and collagen I dual positivity, and expression of myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin. Refined clustering and classification distinguished the fibrocyte-like populations as subtypes in the NP cells - and immunocytes-clusters, expressing disc degeneration markers HTRA1 and ANGPTL4 and genes related to response to TGF-β. In injury-induced mouse disc degeneration model, fibrocytes were found recruited into the NP undergoing fibrosis and adopted a myofibroblast phenotype. Depleting the fibrocytes in CD11b-DTR mice in which myeloid-derived lineages were ablated by diphtheria toxin could markedly attenuate fibrous modeling and myofibroblast formation in the NP of the degenerative discs, and prevent disc height loss and histomorphological abnormalities. Marker analysis supports that disc degeneration progression is dependent on a function of CD45 Show less
The transcription factor carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) activates genes of glucose, fructose, and lipid metabolism in response to carbohydrate feeding. Integrated transcriptomi Show more
The transcription factor carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) activates genes of glucose, fructose, and lipid metabolism in response to carbohydrate feeding. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses in rats with GalNac-siRNA-mediated suppression of ChREBP expression in liver reveal other ChREBP functions. GalNac-siChREBP treatment reduces expression of genes involved in coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, with lowering of CoA and short-chain acyl-CoA levels. Despite suppression of pyruvate kinase, pyruvate levels are maintained, possibly via increased expression of pyruvate and amino acid transporters. In addition, expression of multiple anaplerotic enzymes is decreased by GalNac-siChREBP treatment, affecting TCA cycle intermediates. Finally, GalNAc-siChREBP treatment suppresses late steps in purine and NAD synthesis, with increases in precursors and lowering of end products in both pathways. In sum, our study reveals functions of ChREBP beyond its canonical roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to include regulation of substrate transport, mitochondrial function, and energy balance. Show less
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarke Show more
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarkers to guide treatment, with C-reactive protein and alpha-fetoprotein in immunotherapy (CRAFITY) scores and cytokine levels representing promising candidates. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential biomarkers of anlotinib plus TQB2450 in patients with advanced HCC. This study was a single-arm, phase Ib trial. Twenty-five patients with advanced HCC were enrolled. Patients received an intravenous infusion of TQB2450 (1200 mg, on Day 1) and oral administration of anlotinib (initiated at 10 mg, once a day, from Day 1 to Day 14), which was repeated every 3 weeks. Blood was collected at baseline for serum cytokine analysis. After a median follow-up of 41.80 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 5.49 months, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 8.94 months. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 22 patients, with grade ⩾3 TRAEs observed in 12 patients. Patients who achieved clinical benefit (CB) had higher baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels than non-CB patients (median, 227.97 vs 129.26 pg/ml, Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising efficacy with manageable safety in advanced HCC. Elevated serum BDNF levels might serve as a potential positive prognostic marker and, together with ECOG score, may help complement the CRAFITY score in identifying subgroups that could benefit from ICIs and antiangiogenic therapy. Show less
Obesity-induced metabolic inflammation is a key driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with immune dysregulation, particularly among lymphocytes, contributing to early disease pathology. To explore t Show more
Obesity-induced metabolic inflammation is a key driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with immune dysregulation, particularly among lymphocytes, contributing to early disease pathology. To explore the role of apolipoprotein A4 (Apoa4) in regulating immune cell metabolism and function, we establish high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) models using wild-type and Show less
An acute increase of lipids in the upper small intestine (USI) of rodents and humans triggers lipid-sensing pathways to reduce food intake. However, USI lipid sensing does not reduce feeding in high-f Show more
An acute increase of lipids in the upper small intestine (USI) of rodents and humans triggers lipid-sensing pathways to reduce food intake. However, USI lipid sensing does not reduce feeding in high-fat (HF) fed conditions, and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that HF feeding in male rats impaired USI lipid infusion to stimulate glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion and decrease refeeding, and the defects of USI lipid sensing were restored by metformin. Next, we found that infusion of GIP receptor (GIPR) agonist in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), but not mediobasal hypothalamus or area postrema, resulted in decreased refeeding in chow-fed rats. The anorectic effect of NTS GIPR agonist remained intact in HF rats and was inhibited by a genetic knockdown of GIPR. Finally, an inhibition of NTS GIPR also negated the ability of USI lipid sensing with metformin to decrease refeeding despite an increase in plasma GIP levels in HF rats. Thus, USI lipid sensing in HF rats is enhanced by metformin to trigger an endocrine GIP to NTS GIPR axis to reduce food intake, thereby unveiling small intestinal lipid-sensing pathways as potential targets to enhance GIP action and reduce weight in obesity. High-fat (HF) feeding in rats impairs upper small intestine (USI) lipid sensing to increase plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) levels and reduce feeding. Metformin enhances USI lipids to increase GIP and reduce feeding in HF-fed rats. GIP activates the GIP receptor (GIPR) in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), which reduces food intake in HF-fed rats. GIPR in the NTS is required for small intestinal lipids with metformin to reduce feeding. Show less
This study aimed to analyse the relationship of the blood lipid profile and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with osteoporosis and osteopenia and to explore the predictive value of the combined application of the Show more
This study aimed to analyse the relationship of the blood lipid profile and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with osteoporosis and osteopenia and to explore the predictive value of the combined application of these biomarkers in osteoporosis and osteopenia. Data from 276 patients treated in the orthopaedics department were retrospectively analysed. Their general information was collected, and the relationships among the blood lipid profile, IL-6 with bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) were analysed. Patients were categorized based on their T scores for intergroup comparisons. Finally, the diagnostic efficiency of lipid metabolism markers and IL-6 for osteoporosis and osteopenia was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. (1) In both males and females, a negative relationship was observed between BMD and several biomarkers, including total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids (FFAs), and IL-6. Additionally, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) was negatively correlated with BMD only in females, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was positively correlated with BMD only in males. (2) FFAs and IL-6 were positively correlated with β-CrossLaps peptide in males. However, for females, TC, ApoB, LDL-C, and IL-6 were negatively correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D. FFAs, IL-6, and age were negatively correlated with osteocalcin in males and females. (3) According to the T scores for the lumbar spine, the TC, ApoA1, ApoB, HDL-C, LDL-C, FFA, and IL-6 levels in the osteoporosis group and the TC, ApoB, LDL-C, and FFA levels in the osteopenia group were significantly greater than those in the normal bone mass group. Additionally, the osteoporosis group presented substantially higher levels of ApoA1, FFAs, and IL-6 than the osteopenia group. (4) IL-6 was positively correlated with FFAs, while a negative correlation was observed with TC, ApoA1, ApoB, HDL-C, and LDL-C. (5) The ROC curve revealed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) of TC, FFAs, IL-6, ApoA1, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio for predicting osteoporosis or osteopenia were 0.634, 0.713, 0.670, 0.628, and 0.516, respectively, whereas the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and ApoA1 was 0.846, and the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was 0.842. In the sex stratification analysis, in males, the AUCs of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio for the prediction of osteoporosis or osteopenia were 0.596, 0.688, 0.739, and 0.539, respectively. In contrast, the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was 0.838. In females, the AUCs of TC, FFAs, IL-6, ApoA1, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio for predicting osteoporosis or osteopenia were 0.620, 0.728, 0.653, 0.611, and 0.502, respectively, whereas the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and ApoA1 was 0.841, and the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was 0.828. The levels of TC, FFAs, IL-6, ApoA1, and ApoB could contribute to changes in bone metabolism, moreover, FFAs could induce an increase in IL-6 further aggravating bone mass loss and leading to osteoporosis. Based on the comparison of the AUC results, the combination of TC, FFAs, and IL-6 with ApoA1 or the ApoA1/ApoB ratio can better predict osteoporosis or osteopenia in patients, and the diagnostic efficiency is significantly better than that of any individual indicator. The regulation of blood lipid levels should become a new target for clinicians to treat osteoporosis and osteopenia. Show less
Accelerated population aging and rising incidence of bone defects have intensified the need for advanced bone regeneration strategies. While tissue-engineered scaffolds fabricated via 3D printing offe Show more
Accelerated population aging and rising incidence of bone defects have intensified the need for advanced bone regeneration strategies. While tissue-engineered scaffolds fabricated via 3D printing offer promising alternatives to conventional grafts, most techniques fail to replicate the multi-scale fibrous architecture of native bone extracellular matrix, limiting their biofunctionality. To address this, we developed a hybrid manufacturing strategy integrating low-temperature thermally induced phase separation with extrusion-based 3D printing of polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds. By optimizing solvent ratios (THF: DMF = 3:1) and freezing temperatures (-196 °C-4 °C), we produced scaffolds with tunable micro-nano fibrous surfaces and macroporous structures. Key findings revealed that scaffolds processed at -196 °C (PLA-196) exhibited the highest porosity (pore size: 6.01 ± 2.06 μm), superior hydrophilicity, and enhanced compressive modulus. These scaffolds significantly promoted BMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation via activation of Show less
Biomarker profiling from biofluids such as blood are widely measured in clinical research, using for example Olink proteomics panels. One such research focus area is cardiovascular disease (CVD), for Show more
Biomarker profiling from biofluids such as blood are widely measured in clinical research, using for example Olink proteomics panels. One such research focus area is cardiovascular disease (CVD), for which chronic sleep restriction (SR) is a risk factor. However, it remains unclear whether blood levels of commonly measured CVD biomarkers are sensitive to acute dynamic factors such as SR, physical exercise (PEx), and time of day. In this crossover design, 16 normal-weight, healthy men underwent three highly standardized in-lab nights of SR (4.25 h/night) and normal sleep (NS, 8.5 h/night) in randomized order, with 88 CVD blood protein biomarkers quantified using the Olink technology (and selected validation using ELISA) in the morning, evening, and immediately before and repeatedly after 30 min of high-intensity exercise. We found significant time-of-day-dependent changes in several CVD biomarkers. Whereas several proteins were exercise-induced across sleep conditions (such as the canonical exerkines IL- 6 and BDNF), exercise-induced proteomic dynamics differed in response to recurrent SR, compared with following NS. Moreover, SR compared with NS resulted in a biomarker profile previously associated with increased prospective risk of several CVDs across large-scale cohorts (such as higher circulating levels of IL-27 and LGALS9). Our findings highlight how dynamic physiology can modulate CVD biomarker levels. These results also underscore the need to consider sleep duration as a key determinant of cardiovascular health-an emphasis reflected in recent American Heart Association guidelines. Further studies in women, older individuals, and patients with prior CVD, and across different chronotypes and dietary schedules are warranted. Show less
Homologous recombination repair (HRR) is crucial for maintaining genomic stability by repairing DNA damage. Despite its importance, HRR's role in cancer progression is not fully elucidated. Here, this Show more
Homologous recombination repair (HRR) is crucial for maintaining genomic stability by repairing DNA damage. Despite its importance, HRR's role in cancer progression is not fully elucidated. Here, this work shows that nuclear-localized branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) acts as a modulator of HRR, promoting cell resistance against DNA damage-inducing therapy in breast cancer. Mechanistically, this work demonstrates that BCKDK is localized in the nucleus and phosphorylates RNF8 at Ser157, preventing the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of RAD51, thereby facilitating HRR-mediated DNA repair under replication stress. Notably, aberrant expression of the BCKDK/p-RNF8/RAD51 axis correlates with breast cancer progression and poor patient survival. Furthermore, this work identifies a small molecule inhibitor of BCKDK, GSK180736A, that disrupts its HRR function and exhibits strong tumor suppression when combined with DNA damage-inducing drugs. Collectively, this study reveals a new role of BCKDK in regulating HRR, independent of its metabolic function, presenting it as a potential therapeutic target and predictive biomarker in breast cancer. Show less
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia an Show more
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, hallmark features of type 2 diabetes. While SEC16 homologue B (SEC16B), an endoplasmic reticulum export factor, has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and lipid metabolism, its role in glucose regulation remains poorly defined. This study aims to investigate SEC16B's contribution to glucose homeostasis by systematically dissecting its conserved physiological mechanisms across species. To interrogate SEC16B's role, we combined Drosophila genetics (RNA interference-mediated dSec16 knockdown) with murine models (Sec16b deletion) under standard or high-fat diet conditions. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests assessed glucose homeostasis. Mechanistic insights into beta cell dysfunction were derived from immunostaining, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays and RNA-seq profiling of murine pancreatic islets. Both disruption of dSec16 in Drosophila and Sec16b deletion in mice triggered glucose intolerance under standard diet conditions, recapitulating conserved metabolic dysfunction. In addition, Sec16b loss impaired glycaemic control in mice fed a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, Sec16b deficiency impairs insulin secretion by downregulating cholinergic signalling and compromising intracellular Ca Our study reveals SEC16B, a genome-wide association study-identified obesity risk gene, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of glucose homeostasis. By linking SEC16B to cholinergic-driven insulin secretion and calcium dynamics, we resolve a mechanistic gap in beta cell dysfunction and metabolic disease. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying glucose homeostasis and may enhance our understanding of potential treatments for metabolic diseases. Show less
Interleukin-27 receptor alpha (IL27RA), a key subunit of the interleukin-27 receptor, plays an essential role in T cell-mediated immunity. However, its relevance in breast cancer and response to immun Show more
Interleukin-27 receptor alpha (IL27RA), a key subunit of the interleukin-27 receptor, plays an essential role in T cell-mediated immunity. However, its relevance in breast cancer and response to immunotherapy remains unexplored. We integrated bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data from TCGA, GEO, and scRNA-seq datasets to analyze IL27RA expression, prognosis, immune infiltration, and treatment response. TIDE and immune checkpoint-treated clinical cohorts were used to assess immunotherapy responsiveness. Chemotherapy sensitivity was predicted using GDSC data, and IL27RA protein expression was validated by Western blot. IL27RA was downregulated in breast cancer but high expression correlated with favorable survival. It was primarily expressed in T cells, particularly CD8⁺ subsets, and associated with enriched immune infiltration and elevated checkpoint gene expression. IL27RA high-expression patients showed lower TIDE scores, better outcomes in ICI-treated cohorts, and higher sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. IL27RA is a potential immune biomarker that reflects an inflamed tumor microenvironment and predicts benefit from immunotherapy and chemotherapy in breast cancer. These findings provide novel insights into immune-based stratification using single-cell transcriptomic data. Show less
Graphical Abstract Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates peripheral tissue triglyceride (TG) uptake. Hepatic ANGPTL3 (A3) and ANGPTL8 (A8) form a complex and inhibit LPL activity in the white adipose tiss Show more
Graphical Abstract Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates peripheral tissue triglyceride (TG) uptake. Hepatic ANGPTL3 (A3) and ANGPTL8 (A8) form a complex and inhibit LPL activity in the white adipose tissue (WAT) via systematic circulation. ANGPTL4 (A4) is expressed in WAT and inhibits LPL activity locally. Feeding increases hepatic A8 expression and increases its inhibition for WAT LPL activity together with A3, while feeding suppresses WAT A4 expression and releases its inhibition on LPL. At room temperature, the feeding-suppressed A4 overrides the feeding-increased A3/A8, resulting in increased LPL activity in WAT by food intake. Browning improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and increases postprandial A8 expression. The feeding-increased A3/A8 overrides the feeding-suppressed A4, resulting in suppressed LPL activity in WAT by food intake. This reprogrammed LPL regulation plays an important role in reprogramming TG metabolism during adipose tissue browning. Show less
Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, and the Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a key therapeutic target in its treatment. This study employs Show more
Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, and the Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a key therapeutic target in its treatment. This study employs molecular dynamics simulations and binding energy analysis to investigate the binding interactions between BACE1 and four selected small molecules: CNP520, D9W, NB641, and NB360. The binding model analysis indicates that the binding of BACE1 with four molecules are stable, except the loop regions show significant fluctuation. The binding free energy analyses reveal that NB360 exhibits the highest binding affinity with BACE1, surpassing other molecules (CNP520, D9W, and NB641). Detailed energy component assessments highlight the critical roles of electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces in the binding process. Furthermore, residue contribution analysis identifies key amino acids influencing the binding process across all systems. Hydrogen bond analysis reveals a limited number of bonds between BACE1 and each small molecule, highlighting the importance of structural modifications to enable more stable hydrogen bonds. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of potential Alzheimer's disease therapeutics, guiding the way for improved drug design and the development of effective treatments targeting BACE1. Show less
DHAV-3 is one of the main causative agents of duck viral hepatitis (DVH), an acute and highly lethal infectious disease in duck industry. However, the understanding of the pathogenesis of this virus i Show more
DHAV-3 is one of the main causative agents of duck viral hepatitis (DVH), an acute and highly lethal infectious disease in duck industry. However, the understanding of the pathogenesis of this virus in ducklings is limited. To dissect the molecular characteristics associated with pathobiology of ducklings to DHAV-3, we applied single-cell RNA-sequencing approach to profile the transcriptome of 1.4 million cells from 14 livers of DHAV-3 susceptible (S) and resistant (R) ducklings during viral infection and 4 uninfected healthy controls. We found that infected S ducks exhibited the activation of type I and II interferon pathways with elevated expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) compared to infected R ducks and healthy controls. DHAV-3 promoted proinflammatory phenotype and inhibited the cell apoptosis pathway of Kupffer cells of S ducks. Furthermore, we observed the elevated expression of host factor PLAC8 in S ducks and validated its ability to facilitate the infection of DHAV-3. We identified significant dysregulation of various genes in complement and coagulation cascades in hepatocytes2 exclusive to S ducks, together with over-secretion of ANGPTL4 from endothelial cells in S ducks which is confirmed to promote cellular migration, suggesting etiology of coagulopathic complications in ducks with severe DVH. Collectively, this study provides a rich resource for understanding the inflammatory immune signatures and cell communications underlying the pathogenesis of DHAV-3 infection, which may accelerate the development of better diagnostic methods and strategies for controlling this disease. Show less
The existing evidence regarding the impact of tamoxifen on lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins remains inconsistent. Therefore, this updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to Show more
The existing evidence regarding the impact of tamoxifen on lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins remains inconsistent. Therefore, this updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to enhance the quality of evidence concerning the effects of tamoxifen on these lipid parameters. Eligible RCTs published up to October 2024 were meticulously selected through a comprehensive search. A meta-analysis was then performed using a random-effects model, and results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Findings from the random-effects model revealed an increase in ApoA-I (WMD: 15.22 mg/dL, 95% CI: 6.43-24.01, P = 0.001), alongside decreases in ApoB (WMD: -9.33 mg/dL, 95% CI: -15.46 to -3.19, P = 0.003) and lipoprotein(a) (WMD: -3.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -5.78 to -0.91, P = 0.007) levels following tamoxifen treatment in women. Subgroup analyses indicated a more significant reduction in lipoprotein(a) levels in RCTs with a duration of ≤24 weeks (WMD: -3.65 mg/dL) and in studies using tamoxifen doses of ≥20 mg/day (WMD: -4.53 mg/dL). This meta-analysis provides evidence that tamoxifen leads to a decrease in lipoprotein(a) levels, along with reductions in ApoB and increases in ApoA-I among women. Show less
Despite the increasing approval and ongoing clinical trials of FGFR-targeted therapies, accurately detecting FGFR fusions remains a challenge due to limited research, low incidence rates, complex fusi Show more
Despite the increasing approval and ongoing clinical trials of FGFR-targeted therapies, accurately detecting FGFR fusions remains a challenge due to limited research, low incidence rates, complex fusion partner distribution, and unique kinase domain distribution. We conducted a multicenter study to comprehensively profile FGFR fusions in the largest Chinese pan-cancer cohort to date, comprising 118 FGFR fusions from 114 individuals. Both DNA- and RNA-based sequencing approaches were utilized to reveal novel and fundamental features of FGFR fusion. Our research reveals an incidence rate of 0.96% for FGFR rearrangements within this Chinese cohort, including a high incidence rate of FGFR fusions (40%) in parotid gland carcinoma. However, this is based on a small sample size of 5 tumors and should be interpreted cautiously pending validation in larger cohorts. We also uncovered distinct breakpoint distribution patterns across various FGFR rearrangements. For example, a primary breakpoint in intron17 of FGFR2 was predominant (21/22), while FGFR1/3 breakpoints displayed substantial diversity. For the first time, we identified "hot" breakpoints in FGFR1 intron17, exon18, and FGFR3's 3' untranslated region. These findings underline the importance of incorporating these regions in targeted sequencing to ensure comprehensive detection of FGFR1/3 fusions. Notably, we observed a predilection for intrachromosomal distribution in common FGFR1/2/3 fusions. In contrast, most novel fusions (12/15) exhibited an interchromosomal distribution pattern, indicating variations in the fusion formation mechanism. Importantly, our study demonstrates the substantial incremental value of RNA-NGS or other orthogonal methods in confirming the functionality of FGFR rearrangements initially identified by DNA sequencing. In our cohort, 46% (6/13) of rare FGFR1/2/3 fusions lacked detectable RNA transcripts; however, this does not definitively indicate non-functionality as factors such as low RNA quality, expression below detection limits, or nonsense-mediated decay may contribute. Therefore, RNA-based validation is critical for accurately identifying potentially targetable FGFR fusions and guiding therapy. Our findings offer critical novel insights into functional FGFR fusions and bear considerable clinical implications for identifying individuals whose tumors are most likely to respond favorably to FGFR-targeted therapies. Show less
Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. However, its underlying pathogenesis and mechanisms driving metastasis remain poorly understood. Here, we i Show more
Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. However, its underlying pathogenesis and mechanisms driving metastasis remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a novel super-enhancer-associated long noncoding RNA (SE-lncRNA), Zinc Finger MIZ-Type Containing 1 Antisense RNA 1 (ZMIZ1-AS1), which is highly expressed in osteosarcoma and promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, the m⁶A demethylase ALKBH5 post-transcriptionally stabilized ZMIZ1-AS1 through m⁶A demethylation. Furthermore, ZMIZ1-AS1 directly bound to the RNA-binding protein Polypyrimidine Tract Binding Protein 1 (PTBP1), facilitating the translocation of PTBP1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The relocalized PTBP1 then bound to and stabilized fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) mRNA. In nude mouse models, ZMIZ1-AS1 overexpression promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis. Notably, combined inhibition of ALKBH5 (using ALKBH5-IN-5) and FGFR1 (using BGJ398/infigratinib) synergistically suppressed ZMIZ1-AS1-driven oncogenesis in vivo. Our study establishes the ALKBH5/ZMIZ1-AS1/PTBP1/FGFR1 signaling axis as a key driver of osteosarcoma progression and a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
The deer antler is a fully regenerable and the fastest-growing osseous organ. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel member of the non-coding RNA family, has significant research potential and crucial roles Show more
The deer antler is a fully regenerable and the fastest-growing osseous organ. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel member of the non-coding RNA family, has significant research potential and crucial roles in biological processes. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms of circRNA505 on antler chondrocytes. Functional experiments demonstrated that m5C-modified circRNA505 inhibits antler chondrocyte proliferation, enhances osteogenic differentiation, and facilitates cellular glycolysis. Mechanistically, dual luciferase and AGO2-RIP assays revealed a direct binding relationship between circRNA505, miR-127, and p53. Rescue assays further showed that circRNA505 affects cell proliferation and differentiation through the miR-127/p53 axis. Meanwhile, RNA Antisense Purification (RAP) screening and analysis of related proteins binding to circRNA505 demonstrated that circRNA505 binds to LDHA and increases the level of LDHA phosphorylation through FGFR1 to promote cellular glycolysis by FISH-IF, RIP, and Western blot experiments. Additionally, Me-RIP assays confirmed the m5C methylation modification of circRNA505. NSUN2 mediates the m5C modification of circRNA505, affecting its stability, while the m5C reader ALYREF promotes the nuclear export of circRNA505 in an ALYREF-dependent manner. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying rapid antler development. Show less
Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), also known as mitogenactivated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP-3), was considered as a functional candidate gene for white fat accumulation in mice. H Show more
Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), also known as mitogenactivated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP-3), was considered as a functional candidate gene for white fat accumulation in mice. However, the physiological function of the DUSP6 gene on white adipocyte adipogenesis in farm animals remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of DUSP6 on porcine subcutaneous preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. We first make clear that the patterns of DUSP6 expression is associated with fat contents in porcine fat deposition related tissues. Porcine subcutaneous preadipocytes were isolated and induced to differentiation. Small interfering RNAs were applied to deplete DUSP6. MTT assay, CCK-8 analysis, Oil Red O staining, triglyceride determination and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were applied to study the regulatory role of DUSP6 during adipocyte adipogenesis in pigs. We found that the expression levels of DUSP6 were significantly higher in backfat and longissimus dorsi tissues from fat-type pigs than in those from lean-type pigs. Consistently, the significantly induced expression of DUSP6 was also observed in differentiated adipocytes. In addition, knockdown of DUSP6 greatly inhibited preadipocytes proliferation, through the decreased cell viability and downregulated mRNA expressions of cell proliferation-associated genes, including PCNA, CDK1, CDK2. Furthermore, knockdown of DUSP6 significantly inhibited preadipocytes differentiation, as evidenced by markedly reduced lipid droplet formation, attenuated triglyceride accumulation and downregulated expression levels of adipogenic transcription masters (PPARγ, C/EBPβ, FASN and FABP4) in DUSP6 knockdown cells. Our results demonstrate that DUSP6 is required for white adipocyte adipogenesis in pigs. Show less
Meng Xiong, Renjie Luo, Zhijiao Zhang+4 more · 2025 · Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] · Springer · added 2026-04-24
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Sepsis-induced ARDS involves excessive inflammatory responses, which are modulate Show more
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Sepsis-induced ARDS involves excessive inflammatory responses, which are modulated by macrophages. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of Recombinant Mouse IL-27 Protein on macrophage ferroptosis and polarization, as well as its impact on sepsis-induced ARDS. A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model was established using wild-type (WT) or IL27R In vitro, IL-27 alone did not alter the expression of proteins linked to the ferroptosis pathway or macrophage polarization. Contrastingly, the combination of IL-27 with LPS further amplified LPS-induced alterations in the ferroptosis pathway, thereby promoting macrophage M1 polarization and inhibiting M2 polarization. Additionally, IL-27 + LPS increased ROS levels in macrophages. A sepsis-induced ARDS mouse model was then established via CLP. In vivo, IL-27 exacerbated CLP-induced lung injury in WT mice. Additionally, it decreased the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4) and increased those of Ptgs2 in the lung tissue of septic mice. Besides, GSH and SOD levels in lung tissue were also reduced. Moreover, IL-27 also promoted M1 polarization and inhibited M2 polarization in macrophages. In IL27R Oltipraz may alleviate ARDS-related lung injury by up-regulating Nrf2 expression and concurrently inhibiting macrophage ferroptosis. Show less
Altered levels of human plasma metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the causality between metabolites and the disease was not well described. We performe Show more
Altered levels of human plasma metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the causality between metabolites and the disease was not well described. We performed a bidirectional metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the potential causal relationships between 871 plasma metabolites and BD. We used DrugBank and ChEMBL to evaluate whether related metabolites are potential therapeutic targets. Finally, Bayesian colocalization analysis was performed to identify shared genomic loci BD and identified metabolites. Our MR results showed that six metabolites were significantly associated with a reduced risk of BD, including arachidonate (20:4n6) (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95) and sphingomyelin (d18:2/24:1, d18:1/24:2) (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96), while five metabolites were significantly associated with an increased risk of BD, including 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPE (16:0/18:2) (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.13). However, our reverse MR analysis showed that BD was not associated with the levels of any metabolite. Additionally, the leave-one-out analysis revealed SNPs within chromosome 11 loci harboring MYRF, FADS1, and FADS2 as ones with the potential to influence partial causal effects. Druggability evaluation showed that 10 of the BD-related metabolites, such as sphingomyelin and cytidine, have been targeted by pharmacologic intervention. Colocalization analysis highlighted one colocalized region (chromosome 11q12) shared by 11 metabolites and BD and pointed to some genes as possible players, including FADS1, FADS2, FADS3, and SYT7. Our study supported a causal role of plasma metabolites in the susceptibility to BD, and the identified metabolites may provide a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of BD. Show less
In retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), preventing avascular dysplasia may be more critical than inhibiting abnormal neovascularization. While hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are implicated in angiogene Show more
In retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), preventing avascular dysplasia may be more critical than inhibiting abnormal neovascularization. While hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are implicated in angiogenesis, their role in preventing ROP remains unclear. Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model and hyperoxic cell model were used in this study. Immunofluorescence, western blot, ELISA, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and flow cytometry were applied to assess the effects of hyperoxia on the astrocytes. Co-culture of astrocytes with retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) was used to observe the effects of astrocyte inactivation on the RMECs. Overexpression of HIFs in astrocytes was used to investigate the mechanism. The OIR model revealed a decreased number of retinal astrocytes and the expression of dystrophin and R-cadherin in hyperoxic environments (P12), which was reversed after room air rearing (P17-P21), with an upward trend in RMECs (P21). In vitro hyperoxia induced significant apoptosis in astrocytes at 24 h. Moreover, the expression of angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF and ANGPTL4), vascular stabilization, and development-related factors (Laminin-β2, Dystrophin, R-cadherin) was decreased. Co-culture of astrocytes and RMECs yielded similar conclusions, with astrocyte inactivation decreasing the tube-forming capacity of RMECs. Overexpression of HIFs in astrocytes promoted the expression of VEGF, ANGPTL4, and Laminin-β2 under hyperoxic conditions. Emphatically, HIF-1α was more effective than HIF-2α in promoting the expression of integrin β1, dystrophin, and R-cadherin. Overexpression of HIFs in astrocytes reverses hyperoxia-induced retinal astrocyte inactivation and retinal vascular structural disruption and dysplasia. Strikingly, HIF-1α is a more suitable therapeutic target for ROP prevention than HIF-2α. Show less
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease for which no pharmacological interventions have yet been developed. This investigation focused on identifying protein-based therapeutic targe Show more
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease for which no pharmacological interventions have yet been developed. This investigation focused on identifying protein-based therapeutic targets and assessing how proteins mediate the interplay between modifiable risk factors and AAA development. Causal inferences between plasma proteins and AAA were drawn using 2-sample Mendelian randomization, followed by comprehensive sensitivity testing, colocalization, and replication efforts. Further analyses included database interrogation, single-cell RNA data analysis, enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction networks, and immunohistochemistry to map the tissue-specific expression of these proteins, their expression within AAA tissues, and their biological roles. Mediation Mendelian randomization was employed to evaluate the mediating effects of AAA-related proteins on the associations between AAA and 3 risk factors: hypertension, smoking, and obesity. A total of 43 proteins were identified as having causal links to AAA. Colocalization analysis pinpointed 13 proteins with strong evidence of colocalization with AAA. Of these, the causal involvement of 10 proteins was substantiated by external validation data. Consistent evidence for PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), IL6R (interleukin-6R), ECM1 (extracellular matrix protein 1), and ANGPTL4 (angiopoietin-related protein 4) was further validated through tissue immunohistochemistry and blood data. Moreover, Mendelian randomization analysis identified 10 proteins as mediators of the influence of hypertension, smoking, and obesity on AAA development. This analysis identifies 4 proteins (PCSK9, IL6R, ECM1, and ANGPTL4) as high-priority therapeutic targets for AAA and emphasizes the intermediary role of plasma proteins in linking hypertension, smoking, obesity, and AAA. Further investigations are needed to clarify the specific roles of these proteins in AAA pathology. Show less