The current clinical pulse lavage technique for flushing fresh osteochondral allografts (OCAs) to remove immunogenic elements from the subchondral bone is ineffective. This study aimed to identify the Show more
The current clinical pulse lavage technique for flushing fresh osteochondral allografts (OCAs) to remove immunogenic elements from the subchondral bone is ineffective. This study aimed to identify the optimal method for removing immunogenic elements from OCAs. We examined five methods for the physical removal of immunogenic elements from OCAs from the femoral condyle of porcine knees. We distributed the OCAs randomly into the following seven groups: (1) control, (2) saline, (3) ultrasound, (4) vortex vibration (VV), (5) low-pulse lavage (LPL), (6) high-pulse lavage (HPL), and (7) high-speed centrifugation (HSC). OCAs were evaluated using weight measurement, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), macroscopic and histological evaluation, DNA quantification, and chondrocyte activity testing. Additionally, the subchondral bone was zoned to assess the bone marrow and nucleated cell contents. One-way ANOVA and paired two-tailed Student's t-test are used for statistical analysis. Histological evaluation and DNA quantification showed no significant reduction in marrow elements compared to the control group after the OCAs were treated with saline, ultrasound, or VV treatments; however, there was a significant reduction in marrow elements after LPL, HPL, and HSC treatments. Furthermore, HSC more effectively reduced the marrow elements of OCAs in the middle and deep zones compared with LPL (p < 0.0001) and HPL (p < 0.0001). Macroscopic evaluation revealed a significant reduction in blood, lipid, and marrow elements in the subchondral bone after HSC. Micro-CT, histological analyses, and chondrocyte viability results showed that HSC did not damage the subchondral bone and cartilage; however, LPL and HPL may damage the subchondral bone. HSC may play an important role in decreasing immunogenicity and therefore potentially increasing the success of OCA transplantation. Show less
Pulmonary neutrophils may play a crucial role in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) following measles virus infection. IL-27 could potentially have a negative regulatory effect on the re Show more
Pulmonary neutrophils may play a crucial role in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) following measles virus infection. IL-27 could potentially have a negative regulatory effect on the release of reactive oxygen species and cytotoxic granules in neutrophils. To investigate the levels of IL-27 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) and analyze the relationship between IL-27 levels and neutrophil proportions. A total of 24 children with PIBO were recruited for the experimental group, while 23 children with bronchial foreign bodies were included in the control group. Bronchoscopic alveolar lavage was performed in both groups. The levels of IL-27 in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportions of neutrophils in BALF were determined by smear staining. The relationship between the levels of IL-27 in BALF and the neutrophil proportions was analyzed by the Pearson test. The levels of IL-27 in BALF were significantly lower in children with PIBO compared to children with bronchial foreign bodies (p<0.05). Additionally, the proportions of neutrophils in BALF were significantly higher in children with PIBO compared to children with bronchial foreign bodies (p<0.05). The levels of IL-27 were negatively correlated with the neutrophil proportions in BALF in children with PIBO (p<0.05), but not in children with bronchial foreign bodies (p>0.05). The present study suggests that a decrease in IL-27 may be associated with an increase in neutrophils in BALF and may contribute to the pathogenesis of PIBO. Show less
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel model for supplying blood to multiple tumors, including gastric cancer (GC), and is a potential target for its treatment. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a potential n Show more
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel model for supplying blood to multiple tumors, including gastric cancer (GC), and is a potential target for its treatment. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a potential natural antitumor substance that inhibits the progression of tumors in many ways. The research aimed to evaluate the impact of DHA on VM formation and its mechanisms. The IC50 of DHA, DHA's effect on proliferation, invasion, and migration in GC cells and VM formation in both cell and animal models were determined through wound healing, MTT, EdU, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Genomics was employed to identify genes related to DHA inhibition of VM formation, and to analyze their relationship to VM formation. qRT‒PCR and western blot (WB) analysis were carried out to analyze the changes in protein and mRNA levels after DHA treatment and the changes in VM-associated protein biomarkers after blocking target gene-related pathways. The mechanism by which DHA inhibits VM in GC was elucidated in vivo. DHA reduced the invasion, proliferation, and migration of GC cells and inhibited VM in cells and in vivo. A total of 220 DEGs were identified in the DHA-treated HGC-27 cells. Among the 146 downregulated genes, fibroblast growth Factor 2 (FGF2) was most closely associated with angiogenesis and VM. The level of FGF2 in GC tissues with VM was markedly greater than in VM lacking tissues. Treatment with DHA or FGFR1 blockade suppressed VM formation and reduced VM-related biomarker proteins. DHA suppressed tumor progression and VM formation by reducing FGF2 in xenograft mouse models. Per our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of DHA on VM, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of GC. Show less
Neurexin-3 (Nrxn3) has been genetically associated with obesity, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of Nrxn3 in the paraventricular Show more
Neurexin-3 (Nrxn3) has been genetically associated with obesity, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of Nrxn3 in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in regulating energy balance and glucose homeostasis. We found that Nrxn3 expression in the PVN was upregulated in response to metabolic stressors, including cold exposure and fasting. Using Cre-loxP technology, we selectively ablated Nrxn3 in CaMKIIα-expressing neurons of the PVN in male mice. This genetic manipulation resulted in marked weight gain attributable to increased adiposity and impaired glucose tolerance, without affecting food intake. Our findings identify PVN CaMKIIα-expressing neurons as a critical locus where Nrxn3 modulates energy balance by regulating adipogenesis and glucose metabolism, independently of appetite. These results reveal a novel neural mechanism potentially linking Nrxn3 dysfunction to obesity pathogenesis, suggesting that targeting PVN Nrxn3-dependent neural pathways may inform new therapeutic approaches for obesity prevention and treatment. Show less
Aromatic caninurine formamase (AFMID) is an enzyme involved in the tryptophan pathway, metabolizing N-formylkynurenine to kynurenine. AFMID had been found significantly downregulated in clear cell ren Show more
Aromatic caninurine formamase (AFMID) is an enzyme involved in the tryptophan pathway, metabolizing N-formylkynurenine to kynurenine. AFMID had been found significantly downregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in both tissue and urine samples. Although ccRCC is characterized by a typical Warburg-like phenotype, mitochondrial dysfunction, and elevated fat deposition, it is unknown whether AFMID plays a role in tumorigenesis and the development of ccRCC. In the present study, AFMID overexpression had inhibitory effects for ccRCC cells, decreasing the rate of cell proliferation. Quantitative proteomics showed that AFMID overexpression altered cellular signaling pathways involved in cell growth and cellular metabolism pathways, including lipid metabolism and inositol phosphate metabolism. Further urine proteomic analysis indicated that cellular function dysfunction with AFMID overexpression could be reflected in the urine. The activity of predicted upregulators DDX58, TREX1, TGFB1, SMARCA4, and TNF in ccRCC cells and urine showed opposing change trends. Potential urinary biomarkers were tentatively discovered and further validated using an independent cohort. The protein panel of APOC3, UMOD, and CILP achieved an AUC value of 0.862 for the training cohort and 0.883 for the validation cohort. The present study is of significance in terms of highlighting various aspects of pathway changes associated with AFMID enzymes, discovering potential specific biomarkers for potential patient diagnosis, and therapeutic targeting. Show less
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a significant global health issue with limited treatment options. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were used to explore the molecular Show more
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a significant global health issue with limited treatment options. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of LIHC development and identify potential targets for therapy. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-related genes was analysed in LIHC samples, and primary cell populations, including natural killer cells, T cells, B cells, myeloid cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and hepatocytes, were identified. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and tumour tissues revealed significant changes in gene expression in various cell populations. PPAR activity was evaluated using the 'AUCell' R software, which indicated higher scores in the normal versus the malignant hepatocytes. Furthermore, the DEGs showed significant enrichment of pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism, cell development, differentiation and inflammation. A prognostic model was then constructed using 8 PPARs-related genes, including FABP5, LPL, ACAA1, PPARD, FABP4, PLIN1, HMGCS2 and CYP7A1, identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-Cox regression analysis, and validated in the TCGA-LIHC, ICGI-LIRI and GSE14520 datasets. Patients with low-risk scores had better prognosis in all cohorts. Based on the expression of the eight model genes, two clusters of patients were identified by ConsensusCluster analysis. We also predicted small-molecule drugs targeting the model genes, and identified perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, triflumizole and perfluorononanoic acid as potential candidates. Finally, wound healing assay confirmed that PPARD can promote the migration of liver cancer cells. Overall, our study offers novel perspectives on the molecular mechanisms of LIHC and potential areas for therapeutic intervention, which may facilitate the development of more effective treatment regimens. Show less
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in renal function. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is one of the main causes of AKI with the underlying mecha Show more
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in renal function. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is one of the main causes of AKI with the underlying mechanism incompletely clarified. The liver X receptors (LXRs), including LXRα and LXRβ, are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It has been shown that LXRs play an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, cholesterol efflux, and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of LXRs in RIRI. We determined the effects of LXR activation on renal function and histological changes in a mouse RIRI model and a cellular model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Show less
GPCR-G protein signaling from endosomes plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. However, the mechanism by which endosomal G protein signaling is terminated remains la Show more
GPCR-G protein signaling from endosomes plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. However, the mechanism by which endosomal G protein signaling is terminated remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms involved in terminating the signaling of Gα subunits from endosomes. Through structural analysis and cell-based assays, we have discovered that SNX25, a protein that targets endosomes via its PXA or PXC domain, interacts with regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins (including RGS2, RGS4, RGS8, and RGS17) in a redox-regulated manner. The interaction between SNX25 and these RGS proteins enhances their GTPase-accelerating activity towards Gα Show less
Egg-laying is an important trait in chickens, and it is affected by many factors, such as hormones regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and precursors synthesized by the liver. Recent studies Show more
Egg-laying is an important trait in chickens, and it is affected by many factors, such as hormones regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and precursors synthesized by the liver. Recent studies showed that gut microbiota was associated with egg-laying, however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We comprehensively analyzed the host transcriptome, gut microbiota, and metabolome in broiler breeder hens during the pre-laying, peak-laying, and late-laying periods. The transcriptome analysis of the tissues related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-liver (HPL) axis revealed dynamic gene expression during egg-laying periods. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (i.e., PENK, NPY, AVP, PRL, RLN3, and FST) from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland were involved in female gonadal development, hormone secretion, response to endogenous stimulus, liver development, and amide metabolism. In liver, DEGs (i.e., FABP3, VTG1, LPL, APOA5, APOV1, and RBP5) were enriched in efferocytosis, sphingolipid metabolism, amide, and peptide biosynthesis. Alpha and beta diversity changed significantly in cecum microbiota during different laying periods. The abundance of Firmicutes was decreased and the abundance of Bacteroidota was increased during the peak-laying period. Functional analysis showed that the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, amino acids, purine, and steroid hormones was altered during laying. The metabolome analysis from cecal contents showed that amino acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis changed during laying. Integrated analysis of the cecal microbiota and metabolites showed the genus Megasphaera was involved in amino acid metabolism, which included 3-phenyllatic acid, quinic acid, caffeic acid, and folic acid, and the genus Hungatella participated in steroid hormone biosynthesis through its strong correlation with estradiol. These results explored the dynamic changes in tissues related to the HPL axis and cecal microbiota and provided new insights into the interaction between the host and microbiota during egg-laying in chickens. Show less
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) functions as a crucial neuroendocrine G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the central nervous system of mammals, displaying agonist-independent constitutive activity th Show more
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) functions as a crucial neuroendocrine G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the central nervous system of mammals, displaying agonist-independent constitutive activity that is mainly determined by its N-terminal domain. We previously reported that zebrafish MC4R exhibited a much higher basal cAMP level in comparison to mammalian MC4Rs. However, the functional evolution of constitutive activities in chordate MC4Rs remains to be elucidated. Here we cloned and compared the constitutive activities of MC4Rs from nine vertebrate species and showed that the additive action of the N-terminus with the extracellular region or transmembrane domain exhibited a combined pharmacological effect on the MC4R constitutive activity. In addition, we demonstrated that four residues of F149, Q156, V163, and K164 of the second intracellular loop played a vital role in determining MC4R constitutive activity. This study provided novel insights into functional evolution and identified a key motif essential for constitutive modulation of MC4R signaling. Show less
Koolen-De Vries syndrome (KdVS, OMIM: 612452), also known as 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome, is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. In the study, we analyze of clinical phenotype and gene variatio Show more
Koolen-De Vries syndrome (KdVS, OMIM: 612452), also known as 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome, is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. In the study, we analyze of clinical phenotype and gene variation of a child with Koolen-De Vries syndrome, review the literature to improve the understanding of the disease. The patient is a male, aged 1 month and 3 days. The patient has poor airway development, difficulty weaning from respiratory support, seizures, and recurrent low granulocyte counts. High-throughput sequencing showed a heterozygous mutation NM₀₀₁₁₉₃₄₆₆.1: c.1574₁₅₇₈del (P.525HFS *24) in the KANSL1 gene of the proband, which was considered a new mutation since neither of his parents carried this mutation based on Sanger sequencing results. Combining clinical features and genetic results, the proband was diagnosed as KdVS. The patient was in good condition after receiving bronchoscopy and laser interventional therapy, meeting the criteria for discharge. Follow-up for 1 year and 6 months indicated that the patient's physical signs were normal and there was no recurrence. According to literature review, KdVS is a multi-organ disease characterized by feeding difficulties, seizures, characteristic facial features, dysplasia of the respiratory system and cardiac abnormalities. In this study, laryngeal malacia accounted for 23.2% of the clinical manifestations of KdVS patients, limb convulsions/seizures accounted for 62.5%, and cardiac development defects accounted for 23.5%. The disease was rare in China and had a variety of clinical manifestations. The summary of reported cases can enable doctors to have more understanding of the disease. The new mutations enrich the KANSL1 gene mutation spectrum. Show less
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) has demonstrated remarkable therapeutic effects in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Identifying prognostic bio Show more
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) has demonstrated remarkable therapeutic effects in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Identifying prognostic biomarkers can enhance the clinical efficacy of relapsed or refractory patients. We profiled 737 plasma proteins from 159 pre-treatment and on-treatment plasma samples of 63 ALK-positive NSCLC patients using data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). The consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify subtypes with distinct biological features. A plasma-based prognostic model was constructed using the LASSO-Cox method. We performed the Mfuzz analysis to classify the patterns of longitudinal changes in plasma proteins during treatment. 52 baseline plasma samples from another independent ALK-TKI treatment cohort were collected to validate the potential prognostic markers using ELISA. We identified three subtypes of ALK-positive NSCLC with distinct biological features and clinical efficacy. Patients in subgroup 1 exhibited activated humoral immunity and inflammatory responses, increased expression of positive acute-phase response proteins, and the worst prognosis. Then we constructed and verified a prognostic model that predicts the efficacy of ALK-TKI therapy using the expression levels of five plasma proteins (SERPINA4, ATRN, APOA4, TF, and MYOC) at baseline. Next, we explored the longitudinal changes in plasma protein expression during treatment and identified four distinct change patterns (Clusters 1-4). The longitudinal changes of acute-phase proteins during treatment can reflect the treatment status and tumor progression of patients. Finally, we validated the prognostic efficacy of baseline plasma CRP, SAA1, AHSG, SERPINA4, and TF in another independent NSCLC cohort undergoing ALK-TKI treatment. This study contributes to the search for prognostic and drug-resistance biomarkers in plasma samples for ALK-TKI therapy and provides new insights into the mechanism of drug resistance and the selection of follow-up treatment. Show less
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, involves complex interactions among metabolic alterations, inflammatory mediators, and host responses. This study utilized a bidirectional Mendelian randomization Show more
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, involves complex interactions among metabolic alterations, inflammatory mediators, and host responses. This study utilized a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the causal relationships between 1400 metabolites and sepsis, and the mediating role of inflammatory factors. We identified 36 metabolites significantly associated with sepsis (p < 0.05), with AXIN1, FGF-19, FGF-23, IL-4, and OSM showing an inverse association, suggesting a protective role, while IL-2 exhibited a positive correlation, indicating a potential risk factor. Among these metabolites, Piperine and 9-Hydroxystearate demonstrated particularly interesting protective effects against sepsis. Piperine's protective effect was mediated through its interaction with AXIN1, contributing to a 16.296% reduction in sepsis risk. This suggests a potential pathway where Piperine influences sepsis outcomes by modulating AXIN1 levels. 9-Hydroxystearate also exhibited a protective role against sepsis, mediated through its positive association with FGF-19 and negative association with IL-2, contributing 9.436% and 12.565%, respectively, to its protective effect. Experimental validation confirmed significantly elevated IL-2 levels and reduced FGF-19, AXIN1, piperine, and 9-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid levels in sepsis patients compared to healthy controls. Piperine levels positively correlated with AXIN1, while 9-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid levels negatively correlated with IL-2 and positively correlated with FGF-19, supporting the Mendelian randomization findings. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of sepsis, highlighting the unique roles and contributions of specific metabolites and their interactions with inflammatory mediators. This study enhances our understanding of sepsis pathophysiology and opens avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions and biomarker development for sepsis management. However, further research is essential to validate these pathways across diverse populations and fully explore the roles of these metabolites in sepsis. Show less
First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on the muscle composition, digestion, lipid metabolism, and stress resistance, and their related gene expressio Show more
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on the muscle composition, digestion, lipid metabolism, and stress resistance, and their related gene expression, of juvenile tilapia ( Show less
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by cognitive impairment. The disruption of autophagosome-lysosome function has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer Show more
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by cognitive impairment. The disruption of autophagosome-lysosome function has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is a widely used organophosphorus flame retardant that has the potential to cause neuronal damage. We found that TDCIPP significantly increased the expression of β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), presenilin-1 (PS1) and Aβ42. Proteomic studies with TMT labeling revealed changes in the profiles of N2a-APPswe cells after exposure to TDCIPP. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses revealed that lysosomal proteins were dysregulated in N2a-APPswe cells after treatment with TDCIPP. The LC3, P62, CTSD, and LAMP1 levels were increased after TDCIPP exposure, and dysregulated protein expression was validated by Western blotting. The exposure to TDCIPP led to the accumulation of autophagosomes, and this phenomenon was enhanced in the presence of chloroquine (CQ). Our results revealed for the first time that TDCIPP could be a potential environmental risk factor for AD development. The inhibition of autophagosome-lysosome fusion may have a significant impact on the generation of Aβ1-42 in response to TDCIPP. Show less
Fatty liver syndrome (FLS) is a prevalent nutritional and metabolic disease that mainly occurs in caged laying hens, causing substantial losses in the poultry industry. The study was carried out to ex Show more
Fatty liver syndrome (FLS) is a prevalent nutritional and metabolic disease that mainly occurs in caged laying hens, causing substantial losses in the poultry industry. The study was carried out to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of betaine on early FLS. There were three groups: Con group (basal diet), FLS group (Dexamethasone injection + basal diet) and betaine group (Dexamethasone injection + basal diet with 8 g/kg betaine). Birds in FLS and betaine groups were treated with subcutaneous dexamethasone injection once a day at a dosage of 4.50 mg/kg body weight for 7 days. The results revealed that DXM treatment significantly increased the liver index, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TBIL), total biliary acid (TBA), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and glucose (GLU) ( Dexamethasone treatment could establish the early FLS model in laying hens with hepatic lipid accumulation and no inflammation, which could be attenuated by dietary betaine addition. Show less
The aberrant expression of methyltransferase Set7/9 plays a role in various diseases. However, the contribution of Set7/9 in ischemic stroke remains unclear. Here, we show ischemic injury results in a Show more
The aberrant expression of methyltransferase Set7/9 plays a role in various diseases. However, the contribution of Set7/9 in ischemic stroke remains unclear. Here, we show ischemic injury results in a rapid elevation of Set7/9, which is accompanied by the downregulation of Sirt5, a deacetylase reported to protect against injury. Proteomic analysis identifies the decrease of chromobox homolog 1 (Cbx1) in knockdown Set7/9 neurons. Mechanistically, Set7/9 promotes the binding of Cbx1 to H3K9me2/3 and forms a transcription repressor complex at the Sirt5 promoter, ultimately repressing Sirt5 transcription. Thus, the deacetylation of Sirt5 substrate, glutaminase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate and ammonia, is decreased, promoting glutaminase expression and triggering excitotoxicity. Blocking Set7/9 eliminates H3K9me2/3 from the Sirt5 promoter and normalizes Sirt5 expression and Set7/9 knockout efficiently ameliorates brain ischemic injury by reducing the accumulation of ammonia and glutamate in a Sirt5-dependent manner. Collectively, the Set7/9-Sirt5 axis may be a promising epigenetic therapeutic target. Show less
He Hao, Mingdong Yao, Ying Wang+6 more · 2024 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Cell phase engineering can significantly impact protein synthesis and cell size, potentially enhancing the production of lipophilic products. This study investigated the impact of G1 phase extension o Show more
Cell phase engineering can significantly impact protein synthesis and cell size, potentially enhancing the production of lipophilic products. This study investigated the impact of G1 phase extension on resource allocation, metabolic functions, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in yeast, along with the potential for enhancing the production of lipophilic compounds. In brief, the regulation of the G1 phase was achieved by deleting Show less
In order to comprehend the molecular basis of growth, nutrient composition, and color pigmentation in oysters, comparative proteome and metabolome analyses of two selectively bred oyster strains with Show more
In order to comprehend the molecular basis of growth, nutrient composition, and color pigmentation in oysters, comparative proteome and metabolome analyses of two selectively bred oyster strains with contrasting growth rate and shell color were used in this study. A total of 289 proteins and 224 metabolites were identified differentially expressed between the two strains. We identified a series of specifically enriched functional clusters implicated in protein biosynthesis (RPL4, MRPS7, and CARS), fatty acid metabolism (ACSL5, PEX3, ACOXI, CPTIA, FABP6, and HSD17B12), energy metabolism (FH, PPP1R7, CLAM2, and RGN), cell proliferation (MYB, NFYC, DOHH, TOP2a, SMARCA5, and SMARCC2), material transport (ABCB1, ABCB8, VPS16, and VPS33a), and pigmentation (RDH7, RDH13, Retsat, COX15, and Cyp3a9). Integrated proteome and metabolome analyses indicate that fast-growing strain utilize energy-efficient mechanisms of ATP generation while promoting protein and polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis, activating the cell cycle to increase cell proliferation and thus promoting their biomass increase. These results uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying growth regulation, nutrition quality, and pigmentation and provided candidate biomarkers for molecular breeding in oysters. SIGNIFICANCE: Rapid growth has always been the primary breeding objective to increase the production profits of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), while favorable nutritional quality and beautiful color add commercial value. In recent years, proteomic and metabolomic techniques have been widely used in marine organisms, although these techniques are seldom utilized to study oyster growth and development. In this study, two C. gigas strains with contrasted phenotypes in growth and shell color provided an ideal model for unraveling the molecular basis of growth and nutrient composition through a comparison of the proteome and metabolome. Since proteins and metabolites are the critical undertakers and the end products of cellular regulatory processes, identifying the differentially expressed proteins and metabolites would allow for discovering biomarkers and pathways that were implicated in cell growth, proliferation, and other critical functions. This work provides valuable resources in assistance with molecular breeding of oyster strains with superior production traits of fast-growth and high-quality nutrient value. Show less
Inactivating mutations of Foxp3, the master regulator of regulatory T cell development and function, lead to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome in mice and Show more
Inactivating mutations of Foxp3, the master regulator of regulatory T cell development and function, lead to immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome in mice and humans. IPEX is a fatal autoimmune disease, with allogeneic stem cell transplant being the only available therapy. In this study, we report that a single dose of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-IL-27 to young mice with naturally occurring Foxp3 mutation (Scurfy mice) substantially ameliorates clinical symptoms, including growth retardation and early fatality. Correspondingly, AAV-IL-27 gene therapy significantly prevented naive T cell activation, as manifested by downregulation of CD62L and upregulation of CD44, and immunopathology typical of IPEX. Because IL-27 is known to induce IL-10, a key effector molecule of regulatory T cells, we evaluated the contribution of IL-10 induction by crossing IL-10-null allele to Scurfy mice. Although IL-10 deficiency does not affect the survival of Scurfy mice, it largely abrogated the therapeutic effect of AAV-IL-27. Our study revealed a major role for IL-10 in AAV-IL-27 gene therapy and demonstrated that IPEX is amenable to gene therapy. Show less
Dyslipidemia has been established as a potential risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in several observational studies. Statins and novel lipid-modifying agents are being explored for their po Show more
Dyslipidemia has been established as a potential risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in several observational studies. Statins and novel lipid-modifying agents are being explored for their potential in VTE prevention, encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Nonetheless, conclusive evidence supporting the effectiveness remains uncertain. Without definitive proof, the current recommendation of lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) for preventing VTE, either primarily or secondarily, is not support. An investigation into the impact of 8 classes of LLDs on VTE was conducted using a drug-target Mendelian randomization approach. The drug categories examined included 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), apolipoprotein B, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, Niemann-Pick C1-like 1, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), angiopoietin-like 3, apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. Leveraging genetic variants situated proximate to or within drug-target genes linked with low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, we acted as proxies for LLDs. The UK Biobank study was the source of data on VTE, PE, and DVT of lower extremities (LEDVT). We employed the inverse-variance weighted method for the core analysis in Mendelian randomization, complemented by sensitivity analysis to investigate horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Employing genetic proxies to inhibit HMGCR revealed a notable correlation with reduced LEDVT risk (odds ratio [OR]: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.992-0.998, P = .002), VTE (OR: 0.994, 95% CI: 0.988-1.000, P = .033), but a no significant association with PE (OR: 1.000, 95% CI: 0.994-1.002, P = .246). The suppression of APOB was linked with an elevated risk of experiencing LEDVT (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.004, P = .006), VTE (OR: 1.005, 95% CI: 1.002-1.007, P < .001), and PE (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.004, P = .031). Similarly, the activation of LPL was associated with increased risks for VTE (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001-1.005, P = .003) and PE (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.002-1.005, P < .001). Additionally, the inhibition of APOC3 was linked to a higher DVT risk (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.004, P = .038). Research has shown that HMGCR, out of 8 lipid-lowering drug-targets evaluated, exhibited a significant correlation with VTE and LEDVT, highlighting its potential as an effective target for the treatment or prevention of these conditions. In contrast, APOB, LPL, and APOC3 each contribute to an increased risk of VTE, PE, and LEDVT in various degrees, pharmacovigilance for VTE, PE, and LEDVT risk among users of APOB inhibitors, LPL activation, and APOC3 inhibitors may be warranted. Show less
Balanced lipid metabolism can improve the growth performance and meat quality of livestock. The m6A methylation-related genes METTL3 and FTO play important roles in animal lipid metabolism; however, t Show more
Balanced lipid metabolism can improve the growth performance and meat quality of livestock. The m6A methylation-related genes METTL3 and FTO play important roles in animal lipid metabolism; however, the mechanism through which they regulate lipid metabolism in sheep is unclear. We established lipid deposition models of hepatocytes and preadipocytes in Hu sheep. In the hepatocyte lipid deposition model, the genes expression levels of FABP4, Accα, ATGL and METTL3, METTL14, and FTO-were significantly up-regulated after lipid deposition (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that lipid deposition had a significant effect on MAPK, steroid biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway in hepatocytes. The m6A methylation level decreased but the difference was not significant after METTL3 interference, and the expression levels of FABP4 and ATGL increased significantly (P < 0.05); the m6A methylation level significantly increased following METTL3 overexpression, and LPL and ATGL expression levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), indicating that overexpression of METTL3 inhibited the expression of lipid deposition-related genes in a m6A-dependent manner. The m6A methylation level was significantly increased, ATGL expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and LPL, FABP4, and Accα expression was not significantly changed following FTO interference (P > 0.05); the m6A methylation level was significantly decreased after FTO overexpression, and LPL, FABP4, and ATGL expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05), indicating that FTO overexpression increased the expression of lipid deposition-related genes in a m6A-dependent manner. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that m6A methylation modification mainly regulated lipid metabolism through triglyceride metabolism, adipocytokine signaling, MAPK signaling, and fat digestion and absorption in hepatocytes. In the lipid deposition model of preadipocytes, the regulation of gene expression is the same as that in hepatocytes. METTL3 significantly inhibited the expression of lipid deposition-related genes, whereas FTO overexpression promoted lipid deposition. Our study provides a theoretical basis and reference for accurately regulating animal lipid deposition by mastering METTL3 and FTO genes to promote high-quality animal husbandry. Show less
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major cellular component in the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to exhibit protumorigenic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study ai Show more
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major cellular component in the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to exhibit protumorigenic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to delve into the mechanisms underlying the tumor-promoting effects of CAFs in HCC. Small RNA sequencing was conducted to screen differential expressed microRNAs in exosomes derived from CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs). The miR-92a-3p expression was then measured using reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR in CAFs, NFs, CAFs-derived exosomes (CAFs-Exo), and NF-derived exosomes (NFs-Exo). Compared to NFs or NF-Exo, CAFs and CAFs-Exo significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and stemness. Additionally, compared to NFs or NF-Exo, miR-92a-3p level was notably higher in CAFs and CAFs-Exo, respectively. Exosomal miR-92a-3p was found to enhance HCC cell proliferation, migration, and stemness. Meanwhile, AXIN1 was targeted by miR-92a-3p. Exosomal miR-92a-3p could activate β-catenin/CD44 signaling in HCC cells by inhibiting AXIN1 messenger RNA. Furthermore, in vivo studies verified that exosomal miR-92a-3p notably promoted tumor growth and stemness through targeting AXIN1/β-catenin axis. Collectively, CAFs secreted exosomal miR-92a-3p was capable of promoting growth and stemness in HCC through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by suppressing AXIN1. Therefore, targeting CAFs-derived miR-92a-3p may be a potential strategy for treating HCC. Show less
Genetic variants in melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes are strongly associated with childhood obesity. This study aims to identify and functionally characterize MC Show more
Genetic variants in melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes are strongly associated with childhood obesity. This study aims to identify and functionally characterize MC3R and MC4R variants in an Asian cohort of children with severe early-onset obesity. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to screen for MC3R and MC4R coding variants in 488 Asian children with severe early-onset obesity (body mass index for age ≥97th percentile). Functionality of the identified variants were determined via measurement of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations and luciferase activity. Four MC3R and 2 MC4R heterozygous nonsynonymous rare variants were detected. There were 3 novel variants: MC3R c.151G > C (p.Val51Leu), MC4R c.127C > A (p.Gln43Lys), and MC4R c.272T > G (p.Met91Arg), and 3 previously reported variants: MC3R c.127G > A (p.Glu43Lys), MC3R c.97G > A (p.Ala33Thr), and MC3R c.437T > A (p.Ile146Asn). Both MC3R c.127G > A (p.Glu43Lys) and MC4R c.272T > G (p.Met91Arg) variants demonstrated defective downstream cAMP signaling activity. The MC4R c.127C > A (p.Gln43Lys) variant showed reduced cAMP signaling activity at low substrate concentration but the signaling activity was restored at high substrate concentration. The MC3R c.151G > C (p.Val51Leu) variant did not show a significant reduction in cAMP signaling activity compared to wild-type (WT) MC3R. Coexpression studies of the WT and variant MC3R/MC4R showed that the heterozygous variants did not exhibit dominant negative effect. Our functional assays demonstrated that MC3R c.127G > A (p.Glu43Lys) and MC4R c.272T > G (p.Met91Arg) variants might predispose individuals to early-onset obesity, and further studies are needed to establish the causative effect of these variants in the pathogenesis of obesity. Show less
Magnesium phosphate bone cements (MPC) have been recognized as a viable alternative for bone defect repair due to their high mechanical strength and biodegradability. However, their poor porosity and Show more
Magnesium phosphate bone cements (MPC) have been recognized as a viable alternative for bone defect repair due to their high mechanical strength and biodegradability. However, their poor porosity and permeability limit osteogenic cell ingrowth and vascularization, which is critical for bone regeneration. In the current study, we constructed a novel hierarchically-porous magnesium phosphate bone cement by incorporating extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking electrospun silk fibroin (SF) nanofibers. The SF-embedded MPC (SM) exhibited a heterogeneous and hierarchical structure, which effectively facilitated the rapid infiltration of oxygen and nutrients as well as cell ingrowth. Besides, the SF fibers improved the mechanical properties of MPC and neutralized the highly alkaline environment caused by excess magnesium oxide. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) adhered excellently on SM, as illustrated by formation of more pseudopodia. CCK8 assay showed that SM promoted early proliferation of BMSCs. Our study also verified that SM increased the expression of OPN, RUNX2 and BMP2, suggesting enhanced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. We screened for osteogenesis-related pathways, including FAK signaing, Wnt signaling and Notch signaling, and found that SM aided in the process of bone regeneration by suppressing the Notch signaling pathway, proved by the downregulation of NICD1, Hes1 and Hey2. In addition, using a bone defect model of rat calvaria, the study revealed that SM exhibited enhanced osteogenesis, bone ingrowth and vascularization compared with MPC alone. No adverse effect was found after implantation of SM Show less
In this study, we aimed to identify the hub genes responsible for increased vascular endothelial cell permeability. We applied the weighted Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to mine dataset GSE17 Show more
In this study, we aimed to identify the hub genes responsible for increased vascular endothelial cell permeability. We applied the weighted Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to mine dataset GSE178331 and ob-tained the most relevant high-throughput sequenced genes for an increased permeability of vascular endothelial cells due to inflammation. We constructed two weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) networks, and the differential expression of high-throughput sequenced genes related to endothelial cell permeability were screened from the GEO database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the differential genes. Their degree values were obtained from the topological properties of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of differential genes, and the hub genes associated with an increased endothelial cell permeability were analyzed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting techniques were used to detect the presence of these hub genes in TNF-α induced mRNA and the protein expression in endothelial cells. In total, 1,475 differential genes were mainly enriched in the cell adhesion and TNF-α signaling pathway. With TNF-α inducing an increase in the endothelial cell permeability and significantly increasing mRNA and protein expression levels, we identified three hub genes, namely PTGS2, ICAM1, and SNAI1. There was a significant difference in the high-dose TNF-α group and in the low-dose TNF-α group compared to the control group, in the endothelial cell permeability experiment (p = 0.008 vs. p = 0.02). Measurement of mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2, ICAM1, and SNAI1 by western blotting analysis showed that there was a significant impact on TNF-α and that there was a significant dose-dependent relationship (p < 0.05 vs. p < 0.01). The three hub genes identified through bioinformatics analyses in the present study may serve as biomarkers of increased vascular endothelial cell permeability. The findings offer valuable insights into the progress and mechanism of vascular endothelial cell permeability. Show less