Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by lipid accumulation and immune cell infiltration in arterial walls. Macrophages contribute by internalizing oxidized low-density lipoprotein, Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by lipid accumulation and immune cell infiltration in arterial walls. Macrophages contribute by internalizing oxidized low-density lipoprotein, forming foam cells, and driving inflammation. The ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates immune and inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis. This study investigated the protective role of TRIM31 (tripartite motif-containing 31), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in macrophage lipid metabolism and inflammation through selective regulation of LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1). Transcriptomic profiling, macrophage-specific TRIM31 was selectively upregulated in macrophages under oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulation and in atherosclerosis plaques. Trim31 deficiency exacerbated plaque burden, foam cell formation, and inflammatory signaling (n=8 per group). Single-cell analysis revealed enrichment of lipid transport and inflammatory pathways in Trim31-deficient plaques. LOX-1 was identified as a key TRIM31 substrate. TRIM31 promoted K48-linked ubiquitination of LOX-1 at lysine 12, facilitating its degradation. The atheroprotective effects of Trim31 were abolished in TRIM31, an inducible, macrophage-enriched protective factor in atherosclerosis, restricts foam cell formation and inflammation by targeting LOX-1 for proteasomal degradation. These findings position TRIM31 as a promising therapeutic target for macrophage-driven atherogenesis. Show less
Most brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lack microglia and thus immune function. Microglia-like cells (MGCs) can be differentiated from iPSCs, while the characte Show more
Most brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lack microglia and thus immune function. Microglia-like cells (MGCs) can be differentiated from iPSCs, while the characteristics of isogenic MGC-containing brain organoids in modeling neurodegeneration and cell-cell communications have not been well investigated. In this study, iPSC-derived MGCs are co-cultured with isogenic forebrain cortical organoids (iFCo), which are stimulated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) of brain organoids differentiated from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient-derived iPSCs (APOE ε4/ε4 and presenilin 1). The AD EV-stimulated co-culture organoids are treated with EVs from healthy MGCs or co-culture. Differential responses of the co-cultured organoids and the MGCs to AD EVs are demonstrated. The co-cultured organoids mitigated pro-inflammatory gene expressions. EVs from healthy MGCs or co-culture reduced the expression of IL-12β, iNOS, TREM2, and CASS4, which are associated with neural inflammation and degeneration, as well as showed regulation on genes involved in microglial activation and carbon metabolism. AD EV cargo analysis by proteomics and microRNA-sequencing revealed APOE and APP proteins and microRNAs regulated pathways such as mitophagy. This study paves the way for understanding the role of microglia and brain organoids in modeling neural degeneration and the development of EV-based cell-free therapeutics for AD treatment. Show less
Congo Red (CR) is the histochemical staining sensor used to diagnose amyloid tissue deposition in current clinical practice. Its characteristic aryl azo linkage is generally considered to be chemicall Show more
Congo Red (CR) is the histochemical staining sensor used to diagnose amyloid tissue deposition in current clinical practice. Its characteristic aryl azo linkage is generally considered to be chemically stable. Here, we discovered by serendipity that neutral borate buffer can activate the inert azo bond in CR to covalently modify amyloid proteins at ambient temperature. Such chemistry allowed us to develop a covalent amyloid sensor to image, enrich, and proteotype amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) tissue. We first pinpointed the boronic acid in borate buffer triggers such amyloid bioconjugation and found that ultraviolet-light-induced azo Show less
Tianpei Ma, Xin Chen, Qingwen Zhao+19 more · 2026 · The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences · Oxford University Press · added 2026-04-24
Cognitive impairment is a significant health concern in aging populations, but the interplay between biological aging, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study examine Show more
Cognitive impairment is a significant health concern in aging populations, but the interplay between biological aging, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study examined whether accelerated biological aging is associated with cognitive impairment, whether lifestyle modifies this association, and how genetic background influences these relationships in Chinese older adults. In this cross-sectional study (2022-2023), 7033 participants from southwestern China were included. Accelerated biological aging was calculated as the residual difference between biological age (based on 10 biomarkers) and chronological age. Lifestyle was assessed via a composite index (smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, sleep). Cognitive function was measured using the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE), and genetic risk was evaluated through polygenic scores and APOE ε4 status. Linear and logistic regression models assessed associations between accelerated aging and cognition. Accelerated biological aging was associated with lower MMSE scores ( β = -0.243, 95% CI: -0.354, -0.133) and higher cognitive impairment prevalence (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.040, 1.158). An unhealthy lifestyle exacerbated cognitive impairment in biologically older individuals (RERI = 0.25). Those with both accelerated aging and unhealthy lifestyle had the lowest MMSE scores ( β = -1.424, 95% CI: -1.846, -1.003) and highest odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.467, 95% CI: 1.194, 1.803). These effects were consistent across all genetic background subgroups. Accelerated aging was associated with lower cognitive function, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles, regardless of genetic susceptibility. This highlights lifestyle modification as a potential intervention target for aging-related cognitive impairment. Show less
The Tetradium ruticarpum (E)-Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Z) herb pair is a well-known herbal formulation with multiple beneficial cardiovascular pharmacological activities. Therefore, E and Z are pote Show more
The Tetradium ruticarpum (E)-Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Z) herb pair is a well-known herbal formulation with multiple beneficial cardiovascular pharmacological activities. Therefore, E and Z are potentially natural products for Atherosclerosis (AS). However, it is not clear whether E and Z work synergistically in the treatment of AS and which of their components is responsible. This study was to determine the synergistic effect of E and Z in the treatment of AS, to identify the active ingredient combination (AIC) that exerts the action of the original formula and to determine its molecular mechanism. First, the combined effects of E and Z were assessed in an ApoE Show less
Atherosclerosis, a key pathological basis of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, is closely associated with aging and endothelial cell senescence. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating endothelial Show more
Atherosclerosis, a key pathological basis of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, is closely associated with aging and endothelial cell senescence. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating endothelial cell senescence and atherosclerosis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we discovered that miR-375-3p expression was significantly elevated in the serum of both aged and atherosclerotic mice. Overexpression of miR-375-3p induced endothelial cell senescence, evidenced by increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, upregulation of p15, IL6, and IL8, and inhibited cell colony formation. In vivo inhibition of miR-375-3p in ApoE Show less
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is considered a potential risk factor for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI); however, clinical evidence remains conflicting and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Am Show more
Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is considered a potential risk factor for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI); however, clinical evidence remains conflicting and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Amyloid-β (Aβ) progressively accumulates post-stroke and may drive PSCI pathogenesis. This study aims to investigate whether APOE4 worsens cognitive outcomes after ischemic stroke, with particular emphasis on its impact on Aβ pathology. We established a reproducible ischemic stroke model using the photothrombotic occlusion method in humanized APOE3- and APOE4-targeted replacement mice. Cognitive function was evaluated 28 days post-stroke by novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Subsequently, infarct volume was quantified using Nissl staining, while immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess neuronal loss, microglial activation and Aβ deposition in the peri-infarct region and ipsilateral hippocampus. Compared to APOE3 stroke mice, APOE4 stroke mice exhibited exacerbated cognitive deficits, alongside larger infarcts, greater neuronal loss, and heightened neuroinflammation. Critically, APOE4 stroke mice also showed significantly increased Aβ deposition. Correlation analyses revealed that the extent of Aβ accumulation in the hippocampal CA1 region was negatively correlated with cognitive performance. Additionally, Aβ deposition was positively correlated with microglial activation and neuronal loss. These findings suggest that APOE4 serves as an adverse risk factor for PSCI, potentially facilitating its progression through the elevation of Aβ accumulation, thereby providing a novel target for precise intervention. Show less
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity Show more
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity to heightened chemosensitivity, the underlying nanobio-interfacial mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) exhibits significantly enhanced antitumor and antimetastatic efficacy in obese breast tumor-bearing mice compared to normal controls. Mechanistic investigations reveal that obesity confers PLD with prolonged systemic circulation and improved tumor accumulation. Notably, preincubation of PLD with plasma from obese mice reduces macrophage uptake while promoting internalization by breast cancer cells compared to that from normal mice. Genetic ablation of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in obese mice abolishes obesity-associated improvements in PLD blood circulation, tumor accumulation, and uptake by cancer cells. Conversely, supplementation with recombinant ApoE restores these effects in ApoE-deficient mice and potentiates PLD's antitumor efficacy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate obesity-induced ApoE as a pivotal regulator of the protein corona that actively enhances tumor-targeted delivery of PLD, which offers a rational strategy for engineering protein-corona-mediated tumor-targeted nanomedicines. Show less
Precise identification of vulnerable plaque (VAP) is essential for the prevention of acute cardiovascular diseases, yet current molecular probes are hampered by poor VAP lesion penetration and high ba Show more
Precise identification of vulnerable plaque (VAP) is essential for the prevention of acute cardiovascular diseases, yet current molecular probes are hampered by poor VAP lesion penetration and high background. Here, the innate tropism of circulating inflammatory monocytes for VAP, and their differentiation-driven expression of legumain (Lgmn) in response to the VAP microenvironment is exploited. A monocyte differentiation-activated fluorescent (MDAF) probe is conceived that hitchhikes monocytes to precisely migrate to VAP and is activated by Lgmn during monocyte differentiation. This activation triggers in situ self-assembly, resulting in spatiotemporally controlled aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence signals, and turning the monocyte itself into an on-site "scout" that reports plaque instability. In Apoe Show less
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a liver-derived soluble marker of inflammation whose levels can predict the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and therapeutic efficacy of statins. Intriguingly Show more
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a liver-derived soluble marker of inflammation whose levels can predict the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and therapeutic efficacy of statins. Intriguingly, however, CRP is not considered as a mediator of atherosclerosis based primarily on studies examining chow diet (CD)-fed mice. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of CRP in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis, which models a more prevalent scenario in the real world, and to clarify its impact on Atorvastatin treatment. Apoe-sufficient or -deficient mice with or without Crp knockout were fed with CD, HFD, or methionine- and choline-deficient diet, or subjected to carotid artery ligation or Atorvastatin treatment. Hepatic, vascular, and metabolic indexes were then analyzed. The effects of CRP on lipid droplet formation were examined by cellular assays. Knockout of Crp in Apoe-deficient mice does not affect the progression of atherosclerosis under CD feeding, but significantly reduces plaque burden under HFD feeding. The pro-atherosclerotic effects of Crp are not due to direct modulation of vascular inflammation, but appear to be the result of enhanced lipid accumulation in the liver and the ensuing aggravation of hyperlipidemia. Mechanistically, Crp enhances hepatic lipid accumulation by upregulating Cidea to promote the formation of enlarged lipid droplets in hepatocytes. We further show that the therapeutic efficacy of Atorvastatin on HFD-induced atherosclerosis in Apoe-deficient mice is largely dependent on Crp. Our findings identify a previously unrecognized role of CRP in enhancing hepatic lipid accumulation under stresses induced by dietary or genetic factors, which underlies its secondary impact on atherosclerosis and determines the therapeutic efficacy of Atorvastatin. Show less
Aging and age-related diseases share convergent pathways at the proteome level. Here, using plasma proteomics and machine learning, we developed organismal and ten organ-specific aging clocks in the U Show more
Aging and age-related diseases share convergent pathways at the proteome level. Here, using plasma proteomics and machine learning, we developed organismal and ten organ-specific aging clocks in the UK Biobank (n = 43,616) and validated their high accuracy in cohorts from China (n = 3,977) and the USA (n = 800; cross-cohort r = 0.98 and 0.93). Accelerated organ aging predicted disease onset, progression and mortality beyond clinical and genetic risk factors, with brain aging being most strongly linked to mortality. Organ aging reflected both genetic and environmental determinants: brain aging was associated with lifestyle, the GABBR1 and ECM1 genes, and brain structure. Distinct organ-specific pathogenic pathways were identified, with the brain and artery clocks linking synaptic loss, vascular dysfunction and glial activation to cognitive decline and dementia. The brain aging clock further stratified Alzheimer's disease risk across APOE haplotypes, and a super-youthful brain appears to confer resilience to APOE4. Together, proteomic organ aging clocks provide a biologically interpretable framework for tracking aging and disease risk across diverse populations. Show less
Foam cell formation has traditionally been attributed to macrophages; however, emerging evidence highlights vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as another significant contributor. Here, we found that Show more
Foam cell formation has traditionally been attributed to macrophages; however, emerging evidence highlights vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as another significant contributor. Here, we found that TMEM41B is significantly upregulated in VSMCs of both human atherosclerotic (AS) lesions and murine models. Silencing TMEM41B in VSMCs of apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE Show less
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to atherosclerotic foam cell formation, but mechanisms regulating their phenotypic switching and programmed cell death remain unclear. O-GlcNAcylation, Show more
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to atherosclerotic foam cell formation, but mechanisms regulating their phenotypic switching and programmed cell death remain unclear. O-GlcNAcylation, a nutrient-sensitive post-translational modification implicated in vascular calcification, lacks defined roles in VSMC foam cell biology. Inducible smooth muscle-specific Ogt knockout mice on an Apoe OGT expression and global O-GlcNAcylation were reduced in VSMCs during atherogenic progression. Ogt deletion in VSMCs promoted foam cell formation with enhanced lipid accumulation but paradoxically reduced atherosclerotic lesion area concurrent with increased intraplaque cell death. Both genetic and pharmacological OGT inhibition recapitulated this duality in vitro, simultaneously accelerating lipid accumulation while triggering PANoptosis, as evidenced by concurrent activation of cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated MLKL, and cleaved GSDMD. Individual inhibition of apoptosis, necroptosis, or pyroptosis provided only partial rescue. OGT acts as a dual regulator of VSMC fate, attenuating plaque burden through PANoptosis induction while promoting foam cell formation, revealing its complex role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and suggesting context-dependent therapeutic implications. Show less
Wenyu Gao, Hao Chen, Fangyu Lin+7 more · 2026 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and has high recurrence rate. Although fibronectin domain-containing protein 1 (FNDC1) is implicated in GC progression, its molecular me Show more
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths and has high recurrence rate. Although fibronectin domain-containing protein 1 (FNDC1) is implicated in GC progression, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Multi-omics analyses (TCGA, GEO datasets) were used to assess FNDC1 expression and clinical correlation. In vitro (cell proliferation, invasion, EMT markers) and in vivo (xenograft) experiments, combined with molecular assays (Co-IP, WB, ChIP), explored FNDC1's function and mechanism. FNDC1 was significantly upregulated in GC, correlating with advanced clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. Knockdown of FNDC1 suppressed GC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by inhibiting EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mechanistically, FNDC1 competitively bound the WD5 domain (residues 224-254) of Gβ2, disrupting Gβγ-Dvl1 interaction. This prevented Dvl1 degradation, promoted Axin1 ubiquitination, and destabilized the β-catenin-destruction complex (GSK3 β-APC-Axin1), leading to β-catenin accumulation and Wnt pathway activation. FNDC1 drives GC malignancy by targeting the Gβ2-Dvl1 axis to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting FNDC1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Show less
Defective Wnt/β-catenin signaling is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus validating this pathway as a therapeutic target for AD. ISX9 is a potent agonist of the Show more
Defective Wnt/β-catenin signaling is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus validating this pathway as a therapeutic target for AD. ISX9 is a potent agonist of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, it remains unknown whether ISX9 exerts anti-AD effects by enhancing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We therefore explored the neuroprotective potential of ISX9 using both hippocampal neuron-derived HT22 cells and 5×FAD transgenic mouse model of AD. In HT22 cells, we employed the SuperTOPFlash reporter gene, Co-IP and Western blot assays to investigate the mechanism by which ISX9 activates the Wnt signaling pathway. The effects of ISX9 on the biological behavior of HT22 cells were further evaluated through MTT, BrdU and IF staining. To study the therapeutic effect of ISX9 on AD, six-month-old 5×FAD transgenic mice were randomly divided into four groups: WT, WT/ISX9, AD and AD/ISX9. The mice were intraperitoneally injected with ISX9 or vehicle at an interval of one day for 2 months. Behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the cognitive and learning abilities of mice, while the expression levels of Aβ peptides, Tau-related proteins, neuroinflammatory factors, blood-brain barrier (BBB)-related proteins and the components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling were investigated. Our results demonstrated that ISX9 potently activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by promoting the association of LRP6 with AXIN1, and increased the viability and proliferation of hippocampal cells. At the behavioral level, ISX9 improved learning and memory abilities in 5×FAD mice, and ameliorated hippocampal neuronal damage. Furthermore, ISX9 treatment effectively reduced the expression of Aβ peptides, total Tau, and phosphorylated Tau (S404) proteins in the AD mice. Mechanistically, ISX9 exhibited its neuroprotective effects, activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via potentiating the interaction of LRP6 with AXIN1, upregulating the expression of BBB-related proteins and downregulating neuroinflammatory factors in AD mice. Our findings indicate that ISX9 potently activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and confers cognitive protection in hippocampal cells and AD mice. This compound may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD. Show less
The causal links between gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and chronic rhinosinusitis are unclear. A Mendelian randomization study used data from the MiBioGen consortium (211 microbiota taxa, n Show more
The causal links between gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and chronic rhinosinusitis are unclear. A Mendelian randomization study used data from the MiBioGen consortium (211 microbiota taxa, n = 18,340), genome-wide association studies of 91 inflammatory cytokines, and chronic rhinosinusitis data from the FinnGen consortium. Five microbiota taxa were causally linked to chronic rhinosinusitis. The genera Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group and Victivallis were risk factors, while Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group, Ruminococcus2, and Subdoligranulum were protective. Elevated levels of axin-1, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, interleukin-18 receptor 1, interleukin-1-alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor A increased risk, whereas C-C motif chemokine 19, CD40L receptor, and Fractalkine were protective. The Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group id.11358 increased risk through reduced Fractalkine and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor A levels. The study supports a causal link between Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group id.11358 and chronic rhinosinusitis, mediated by Fractalkine and vascular endothelial growth factor A levels. Show less
To investigate cognitive status in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and its association with lung tissue transcriptomic alterations, and to propose potential lung-brain interaction mechan Show more
To investigate cognitive status in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and its association with lung tissue transcriptomic alterations, and to propose potential lung-brain interaction mechanisms and clinical implications. We enrolled 45 ILD patients and 45 age-matched controls and compared Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) total and subscale scores. Baseline laboratory and pulmonary function characteristics of ILD were summarized. Using lung tissue RNA-seq data from GSE213001 {29 ILD cases [20 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 9 non-IPF], 14 non-diseased controls [NDC], totaling 139 samples}, we performed PCA, differential expression analysis using the limma-voom framework with the duplicate Correlation function to account for within-donor correlations (threshold |log ILD patients showed significantly lower MMSE total scores than healthy controls, with notable declines in attention/calculation and orientation. At the transcriptomic level, PCA clearly separated ILD from NDC, whereas IPF and non-IPF did not form distinct subgroups. Differential analysis identified 1,544 DEGs (1,142 upregulated; 402 downregulated). Enrichment analysis confirmed strong signals for inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. In an exploratory analysis, we also observed enrichment for terms related to nervous system function. The expression trends of several genes previously implicated in neurocognitive contexts, including PSEN1, PSEN2, BACE1, showed a directional concordance with patterns described in neurodegenerative contexts. This study provides preliminary evidence linking ILD to cognitive impairment on screening and identifies intriguing overlaps between lung tissue transcriptomic alterations and pathways relevant to brain function. These convergent observations lend biological plausibility to, and motivate further investigation of, a lung-brain axis hypothesis in ILD. The findings highlight the need to consider cognitive health in ILD management and warrant validation in longitudinal cohorts with detailed neuropsychological phenotyping. Show less
Current in vitro enzyme inhibition assays often involve subjective data analysis based on the researcher's experience. In this study, we developed a multi-dimensional quantitative integration platform Show more
Current in vitro enzyme inhibition assays often involve subjective data analysis based on the researcher's experience. In this study, we developed a multi-dimensional quantitative integration platform (MDQIP) that uses a model to objectively calculate and rank compound activities, addressing the limitations of traditional "experience-driven" evaluations, accelerates the screening and evaluation of potential AChE inhibitors from Red Gastrodia elata, offering a more efficient approach to drug discovery. Ultrafiltration-LC screening identified parishin A as having the most stable binding, with binding degree and recovery rates of 98.85% and 99.39%, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that parishins A and C were the strongest AChE inhibitors, exhibiting stable binding through hydrogen bonds, π-alkyl, and π-π interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these compounds, with binding energies of -82.65 ± 4.24 and - 80.69 ± 4.19 kcal/mol. Enzyme kinetics showed that parishins A and C are mixed-type inhibitors, with IC Show less
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a severe complication of diabetes, is a key risk factor for diabetic foot (DF) that contributes highly to amputation and mortality. The pathogenesis of DPN remain Show more
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a severe complication of diabetes, is a key risk factor for diabetic foot (DF) that contributes highly to amputation and mortality. The pathogenesis of DPN remains unclear and complex, with no effective treatments currently available. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent enzyme, catalyzes the oxidative deamination of critical biogenic amines. The MAO family comprises two subtypes, MAOA and MAOB, which play distinct roles in pathophysiology. In this study, we identified that MAOB but not MAOA is pathologically upregulated in the sciatic nerve (SN) tissues of DPN patients and in the SN/dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues of DPN model mice. Notably, the selective MAOB inhibitor Khellin (Khe) effectively alleviated DPN-like pathology in mice. To explore the mechanistic role of MAOB in DPN, we performed proteomic profiling of DRG tissues from DPN mice and validated the findings using a MAOB-specific knockdown DPN mice model treated with adeno-associated virus (AAV) 8-MAOB-RNAi. Our results demonstrate that Khe targets MAOB to mitigate DPN pathology through HIF-1α/BACE1/Aβ/NLRP3/tau pathway, mediated by Schwann cell/DRG neuron crosstalk. All findings suggest that selective MAOB inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for DPN, with Khe as a potential candidate for clinical translation against this disease. Show less
Junchen Chen, Ming Xu, Yuan Liu+4 more · 2026 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Pathological progression in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) initiates with an early rise in soluble amyloid-β (Aβ), preceding plaque formation and neurodegeneration. However, the molecular event tr Show more
Pathological progression in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) initiates with an early rise in soluble amyloid-β (Aβ), preceding plaque formation and neurodegeneration. However, the molecular event triggering this initial accumulation remains unknown. We report that phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), a consistent biomarker of prodromal sAD, drives Aβ production through a previously unrecognized RNA-binding function. Specifically, PHGDH binds the 3'UTR of Show less
Aging is a "multidimensional engine" of biological dysfunction that can fundamentally reshape the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), This review systematically elaborates on how aging synergistica Show more
Aging is a "multidimensional engine" of biological dysfunction that can fundamentally reshape the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), This review systematically elaborates on how aging synergistically promotes the core pathologies of AD: aging upregulates the activity of β-secretase 1 (BACE1)/γ-secretase, impairs the clearance function of glial cells and meningeal lymphatic drainage, and accelerates Aβ deposition; the imbalance of kinases/phosphatases, dysfunction of molecular chaperones, and aging exosome-mediated propagation of Tau "seeds" facilitate Tau pathology; hyperreactivity of microglia and the transformation of astrocytes to the A1 phenotype form a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) → neuroinflammation vicious cycle; downregulation of synaptic proteins and disintegration of the default mode network lead to cognitive decline. Recent studies have identified that the impaired transition of aging microglia to the disease-associated microglia (DAM) phenotype, peripheral-central aging signal transmission loops (the gut-brain axis, immune-brain axis, and metabolic-brain axis), as well as circadian rhythm/vascular metabolic dysregulation, have emerged as novel intervention targets. Precision strategies targeting aging mechanisms-such as senescent cell clearance, SASP inhibition, epigenetic reprogramming, and biomarker-guided early intervention-provide a new paradigm for blocking the progression of AD. Show less
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), a transmembrane protein widely localized to synaptic vesicles, serves as a key indicator of synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, adeno-ass Show more
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), a transmembrane protein widely localized to synaptic vesicles, serves as a key indicator of synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected by brain stereotactic injection technique to construct SV2A-overexpressing APP/PS1 mice, then the effects of SV2A on amyloid precursor protein (APP) degradation and its molecular mechanism were further explored in vivo or in vitro. Our results demonstrated that SV2A overexpression significantly reduced Aβ plaque deposition in brain tissue of APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistically, SV2A was identified as a novel APP-binding protein that attenuated the amyloidogenic processing of APP by inhibiting its interaction with β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). Furthermore, SV2A overexpression altered the subcellular distribution of APP, shifting its localization away from the endosomal-lysosomal compartments. Collectively, our findings unveil SV2A as a critical regulator of APP metabolism and propose it as a promising therapeutic target for intervening in the early pathological progression of AD. Show less
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms rema Show more
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that cerebral FURIN-deficient mice exhibit cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Lipid droplets (LDs) that are preferentially accumulated in astrocytes correlate with an increase of the LD markers PLIN2 and PLIN3, and conversely a decreased level of autophagic proteins including ATG5, BECN1 and MAP1LC3/LC3 as well as LAMP1. Accordingly, silencing of Show less
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), a subclinical state underlying mild cognitive impairment (MCI), triggers multiple pathological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular demen Show more
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), a subclinical state underlying mild cognitive impairment (MCI), triggers multiple pathological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), including amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau phosphorylation, microglial activation and neural circuit dysfunction. Developing multitarget therapeutics to effectively prevent the transition from MCI to AD and/or VaD remains an urgent challenge. Herein, we engineered a brain-targeted dual-modified PEGylated nanoliposome (LipTM@miR-195), incorporating mannose (MAN) and the trans-activating protein of HIV type 1 (TAT), which encapsulates polyethyleneimine (PEI) complesed microRNA-195 (miR-195). In a CCH rat model, tail-vein administration of LipTM@miR-195 (0.112 mg/kg) efficiently crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB) without detectable side effects. Treatment reversed CCH-induced spatial learning and memory deficits, rescued neural circuit dysfunction, and suppressed elevated APP, BACE1, AT8 and CD68 levels. Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence that LipTM@miR-195 nanoliposome holds therapeutic potential for CCH-induced cognitive impairment, thereby preventing the progression from MCI to AD and/or VaD. Show less
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been found to promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major etiological factors for CMBs and an important risk factor for AD. Ho Show more
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been found to promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major etiological factors for CMBs and an important risk factor for AD. However, the association between HTN-related CMBs and AD pathology remains undetermined. This study aims to identify the relationship between HTN-related CMBs and amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) levels in plasma astrocyte-derived exosomes (ADEs). In total, 88 HTN participants including 30 with deep/infratentorial (D/I) CMBs, 30 with mixed CMBs, and 28 without CMBs were analyzed. Susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed to assess the location, presence, and number of CMBs. ELISA kits for BACE-1 and Aβ42 were employed to evaluate the levels of astrocyte-derived exosomal proteins. The results indicated that plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were reduced in the HTN + D/I CMBs and HTN + Mixed CMBs groups relative to the HTN-CMBs group. Furthermore, the plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly associated with CMBs in patients with HTN. However, no significant differences were found in the plasma ADE levels of BACE-1 among the HTN + D/I CMBs, HTN + Mixed CMBs, and HTN-CMBs groups. The study revealed that reduced plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly associated with CMBs in HTN patients. This finding suggests a potential link between HTN-related CMBs and AD-related amyloid-β pathology, offering novel insights into the mechanisms by which HTN-related CMBs promote AD progression. Show less
Alzheimer's disease, a progressively degenerative neurological disorder, is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. While its precise etiology remains unclear, researchers have identified di Show more
Alzheimer's disease, a progressively degenerative neurological disorder, is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. While its precise etiology remains unclear, researchers have identified diverse pathological characteristics and molecular pathways associated with its progression. Advances in scientific research have increasingly highlighted the crucial role of non-coding RNAs in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. These non-coding RNAs regulate several biological processes critical to the advancement of the disease, offering promising potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease onset, with a particular focus on microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs associated with the disease. The review elucidates the potential pathogenic processes of Alzheimer's disease and provides a detailed description of the synthesis mechanisms of the three aforementioned non-coding RNAs. It comprehensively summarizes the various non-coding RNAs that have been identified to play key regulatory roles in Alzheimer's disease, as well as how these non-coding RNAs influence the disease's progression by regulating gene expression and protein functions. For example, miR-9 targets the UBE4B gene, promoting autophagy-mediated degradation of Tau protein, thereby reducing Tau accumulation and delaying Alzheimer's disease progression. Conversely, the long non-coding RNA BACE1-AS stabilizes BACE1 mRNA, promoting the generation of amyloid-β and accelerating Alzheimer's disease development. Additionally, circular RNAs play significant roles in regulating neuroinflammatory responses. By integrating insights from these regulatory mechanisms, there is potential to discover new therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers for early detection and management of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and non-coding RNAs, potentially paving the way for early detection and novel treatment strategies. Show less
Metabolic reprogramming of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-leucine, isoleucine, and valine-has emerged as a constitutive feature of cancer, extending far beyond their canonical roles in protein syn Show more
Metabolic reprogramming of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-leucine, isoleucine, and valine-has emerged as a constitutive feature of cancer, extending far beyond their canonical roles in protein synthesis and energy provision. In malignancy, these essential amino acids function as pivotal signaling mediators and epigenetic modulators, thereby propelling tumor progression, facilitating immune evasion, and conferring resistance to therapeutic agents. This review delineates how cancer cells subvert branched-chain amino acid metabolism to fuel anabolic processes, activate oncogenic signaling cascades including mTOR and PI3K/AKT, and remodel the tumor microenvironment. A framework is presented to categorize the differential reliance of various cancers on key catabolic enzymes-BCAT1, BCAT2 and BCKDK-underscoring their therapeutic vulnerability. The paradoxical role of BCAAs in modulating anti-tumor immunity is examined alongside the potential of dietary modulation and the development of pharmacological inhibitors targeting this pathway. Concluding perspectives highlight the trajectory for translating these insights into precision oncology, advocating for biomarker-guided and context-specific therapeutic strategies. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases remain refractory to immunotherapy due to a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we conducted a prospective clinical study enrolling 18 p Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases remain refractory to immunotherapy due to a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we conducted a prospective clinical study enrolling 18 patients with microsatellite-stable CRC liver metastases treated with high-dose radiotherapy (RT) followed by anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (RT–ICI). Integrative analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and peripheral immune profiling revealed that RT–ICI therapy reprograms both tumor-intrinsic and immune compartments. RT triggered the emergence of an APOA2⁺ tumor cell state characterized by enhanced lipid metabolic activity and transient elevation of circulating HDL. This metabolic reprogramming, in turn, promoted systemic activation of CETP⁺ M2-like macrophages, a population marked by high LXR/RXR transcriptional activity and enriched expression of immunosuppressive and lipid-processing genes. Despite their expansion, CETP⁺ macrophages localized preferentially to non-irradiated tumor regions, suggesting a distal immunometabolic effect driven by HDL-mediated signaling. Concurrently, combination therapy expanded GZMB⁺ effector T cells and induced a novel population of inflammatory–toxic T cells (IT_T), which exhibited high cytotoxicity and spatial co-localization with CXCL10⁺ macrophages. Ligand–receptor analysis and pseudotime modeling revealed that irradiated tumor cells acted as “in situ vaccines” by enhancing MHC–TCR interactions and promoting T cell differentiation along non-exhausted cytotoxic lineages. Together, these findings reveal a dual mechanism by which RT–ICI therapy enhances local anti-tumor immunity while modulating systemic lipid metabolism and macrophage polarization, offering insights for combinatorial immunotherapy design in immunologically “cold” tumors. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-026-02689-3. Show less