We report herein a phase Ib trial to determine the safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of erdafitinib, a pan-FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with fulvestrant and palbociclib in patients with Show more
We report herein a phase Ib trial to determine the safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of erdafitinib, a pan-FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with fulvestrant and palbociclib in patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancers (NCT03238196). Thirteen patients were enrolled on the escalation phase in a traditional 3 + 3 trial design to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Subsequently, 22 patients were treated at the established MTD during the expansion phase. All patients had received prior treatment with cyclin-dependent kinase-4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy, and 29 showed FGFR pathway alterations in their tumors. The MTD of erdafitinib was 6 mg taken orally once daily when combined with palbociclib and fulvestrant. The triple combination showed clinically manageable tolerability. Most common adverse events were neutropenia, likely attributable to palbociclib, and oral mucositis and hyperphosphatemia, attributable to erdafitinib. Three patients showed a partial response, one of them lasting more than 2.5 years, despite lacking detectable FGFR1 to FGFR4 somatic alterations. FGFR1 amplification was not associated with response to FGFR inhibition, but high FGFR1 protein expression, measured by IHC, correlated with longer progression-free survival within the FGFR1-amplified cohort. There was no correlation between FGFR1 copy number and FGFR1 protein levels in specimens from metastatic sites, potentially highlighting the need for a more recent metastatic tumor biopsy for biomarker evaluation. The trial endpoint was met establishing the MTD of erdafitinib at 6 mg. Whereas the triplet regimen may pose tolerability challenges, alterative doublets with selective FGFR1 inhibitors in patients with FGFR1-dependent tumors, possibly administered in sequence, are worthy of further investigation. Show less
One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic Show more
One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adenylate cyclase 3 ( In the 12-week HIIT program, a total of 237 Chinese Han college students with non-regular exercise habits were recruited, and these volunteers participated in the training three times a week. Baseline and after the HIIT program, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured, respectively. DNA was extracted from the white blood cells of volunteers and genotyping was carried out. The PLINK v1.09 software was used to conduct quality control screening on the obtained SNPs, and a linear regression model was constructed to analyze the association between (1) Through the analysis of Illumina CGA chip scanning, a total of 22 SNPs of the (1) The implementation of a 12-week HIIT regimen can significantly enhance the blood lipid status of college students. (2) The locus rs2241759 of the Show less
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) describes a range of cognitive impairments associated with surgery and anaesthesia, often driven by neuroinflammation. This study explored a novel adult mou Show more
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) describes a range of cognitive impairments associated with surgery and anaesthesia, often driven by neuroinflammation. This study explored a novel adult mouse model, in which preoperative subclinical infection, induced by low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with surgery, led to cognitive dysfunction in adult mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were treated with 0.75 mg/kg LPS two hours before undergoing tibial fracture fixation or appendicectomy. Spontaneous activity and anxiety-like behaviours were tested by open field test. Cognitive outcomes were evaluated using the novel object recognition test and morris water maze. Inflammatory markers and synaptic proteins in the hippocampus were analysed through ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blot, while proteomics provided deeper insights into molecular changes. We found that preoperative LPS sensitised the immune system, leading to heightened neuroinflammation and microglial activation after surgery. This was accompanied by memory and learning impairments. Key synaptic proteins, including PSD-95, GAP-43, SYN and mature BDNF, were significantly reduced, indicating disrupted synaptic function. Proteomics revealed changes in pathways related to immune responses, synaptic organisation, and energy metabolism, providing a potential molecular basis for these cognitive deficits. This study provided a practical adult mouse model for PND, demonstrating that low-dose LPS followed by surgery induced an inflammatory response, leading to postoperative impairments in learning and memory. Show less
Twenty types of GABAergic interneurons form intricate networks to fine-tune neural circuits in the brain. Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) and somatostatin-positive (SST+) interneurons, which are the two la Show more
Twenty types of GABAergic interneurons form intricate networks to fine-tune neural circuits in the brain. Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) and somatostatin-positive (SST+) interneurons, which are the two largest populations of neocortical interneurons, innervate the soma and/or proximal dendrites, and distal dendrites of pyramidal neurons, respectively. Using PV- and SST-specific knockout mouse models, we show that PV+ interneurons require FGFR2, which responds to FGF7, to drive PV+ inhibitory presynaptic maturation on perisomatic regions of Layer V pyramidal neurons. In contrast, SST+ interneurons rely on both FGFR1 and FGFR2, which respond to FGF10 or FGF22, to promote SST+ inhibitory presynaptic maturation on distal dendrites of pyramidal neurons in cortical Layer I. Mechanistically, FGF-FGFR signaling sustains VGAT protein levels in interneurons through PP2A and Akt pathways. Together, these findings demonstrate that distinct FGF ligand-receptor combinations regulate inhibitory presynaptic differentiation by PV+ and SST+ interneurons, contributing to the formation of compartment-specific synaptic patterns. Show less
Foam cells derived from macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. While phytosterols (PS) have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering and anti-in Show more
Foam cells derived from macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. While phytosterols (PS) have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties, their impact on foam cells remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of PS on foam cell formation, inflammatory responses, and lipid metabolism using both single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional assays. scRNA-seq of aortic tissue from Show less
The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, coordinating metabolic stress responses, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional programs. Its dysfunc Show more
The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, coordinating metabolic stress responses, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional programs. Its dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of complex modern diseases, spanning neurodegeneration, metabolic syndromes, and chronic inflammatory conditions. This review examines the pathway's role as an integrative hub and its potential as a therapeutic target. We synthesize current mechanistic evidence from molecular, cellular, and preclinical studies to elucidate the pathway's operational logic and the consequences of its dysregulation. The analysis is structured around key disease paradigms-including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cardiovascular injury, stroke, and chronic kidney disease-to dissect its tissue-specific pathophysiological impacts. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis operates through a core positive feedback loop: AMPK activation elevates NAD+, thereby activating SIRT1, which in turn deacetylates and activates PGC-1α to drive mitochondrial biogenesis and function, further reinforcing SIRT1 activity. Disruption of this cascade manifests in disease-specific mechanisms: promoting Aβ production via BACE1/γ-secretase in Alzheimer's; impairing α-synuclein clearance in Parkinson's; disrupting GLUT4 translocation and insulin signaling in diabetes; exacerbating oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiovascular and neuronal injury; and accelerating fibrosis and sustained inflammation in renal and pulmonary diseases via NLRP3 and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway represents a cornerstone target at the intersection of metabolism, aging, and disease. Current therapeutic strategies-including pharmacological activators (e.g., metformin, SRT1720), natural compounds (e.g., resveratrol), lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise, caloric restriction), and emerging technologies (e.g., gene editing, exosomal miRNAs)-offer multidimensional avenues for intervention. Future research must prioritize elucidating tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms, such as AMPK isoform diversity and PGC-1α interactome dynamics, to enable precision therapeutics and successful clinical translation for a range of complex disorders. Show less
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a substantial global threat. SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins (NSPs) are essential for impeding the host replication mechanism while Show more
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a substantial global threat. SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins (NSPs) are essential for impeding the host replication mechanism while also assisting in the production and organization of new viral components. However, NSPs are not incorporated into viral particles, and their subsequent fate within host cells remains poorly understood. Additionally, their role in viral pathogenesis requires further investigation. This study aimed to discover the ultimate fate of NSP6 in host cells and to elucidate its role in viral pathogenesis. We investigated the effects of NSP6 on cell death and explored the underlying mechanism; moreover, we examined the degradation mechanism of NSP6 in human cells, along with analysing its correlation with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity in patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). NSP6 was demonstrated to induce cell death. Specifically, NSP6 interacted with EI24 autophagy-associated transmembrane protein (EI24) to increase intracellular Ca This study reveals that KLHL22-mediated ubiquitination controls NSP6 stability and that NSP6 induces autophagic cell death via calcium overload, highlighting its cytotoxic role and suggesting therapeutic strategies that target calcium signaling or promote NSP6 degradation as potential interventions against COVID-19. Show less
The common variant PNPLA3-I148M, globally, is the most significant genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease. However, it is unclear precisely how I148M drives disease risk. Using human hepatoma cel Show more
The common variant PNPLA3-I148M, globally, is the most significant genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease. However, it is unclear precisely how I148M drives disease risk. Using human hepatoma cells expressing endogenous I148M, we find that the variant impairs cellular secretion of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the scaffolding protein of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). This is not due to loss-of-function of wild-type PNPLA3. Expression of human I148M in primary hepatocytes and mice also hinders VLDL secretion. Lipidomic profiling reveals a shift from polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine to polyunsaturated triglycerides in I148M cells, reducing membrane fluidity and, concomitantly, VLDL biogenesis. ApoB secretion is substantially rescued in I148M cells overexpressing ABHD5/CGI-58, an I148M-binding partner that normally activates ATGL/PNPLA2-mediated triglyceride lipolysis. Conversely, knocking down CGI-58 or PNPLA2 mimics I148M. We propose that I148M is a neomorph that exacerbates fatty liver risk by simultaneously impeding two major CGI-58-dependent pathways for liver triglyceride clearance: lipolysis and secretion. Show less
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major health threats to humans. Researchers have proposed numerous deep learning-based methods for the automatic analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG), achieving e Show more
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major health threats to humans. Researchers have proposed numerous deep learning-based methods for the automatic analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG), achieving encouraging results. However, many existing methods are limited to task-specific model training and require retraining or full fine-tuning when confronted with a new ECG classification task, thus lacking flexibility in clinical applications. In this study, we propose a Task-Adaptive Classification method for ECG (TAC-ECG) based on cross-modal contrastive learning and low-rank convolutional adapters. TAC-ECG comprises two main phases. In the first phase, inspired by the Contrastive Language-Image Pre-training, we design the Contrastive ECG-Text Pre-training (CETP) to pre-train a robust ECG encoder. In the second phase, the pre-trained ECG encoder is frozen and integrated with a lightweight plug-in, the Low-Rank Convolutional Adapter (LRC-Adapter), forming an extensible ECG classification model. The frozen encoder extracts more discriminative features from the ECG signal, while the LRC-Adapter enables task-specific adaptation. For diverse ECG classification tasks, TAC-ECG only requires training the LRC-Adapter. This mechanism enables TAC-ECG to efficiently perform different ECG classification tasks, significantly reducing resource consumption and deployment costs in multi-tasking scenarios compared to traditional fully fine-tuned methods. We conducted extensive experiments using six different network architectures as ECG encoders. Specifically, we performed ECG classification experiments on four datasets: CPSC2018, Cinc2017, PTB-XL, and Chapman, targeting 9-category, 3-category, 5-category, and 4-category classifications respectively. The TAC-ECG achieved highly competitive results using only approximately 3% of the trainable parameters and approximately 25% of the total parameters compared to the fully fine-tuned method. These results demonstrates the effectiveness and practicality of the TAC-ECG method. The TAC-ECG offers a flexible and efficient method for ECG classification, enabling rapid adaptation to diverse tasks and enhancing clinical diagnostic practicality. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality while diabetes is a recognized risk factor for CRC. Here we report that tirzepatide (TZP), a novel polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 re Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality while diabetes is a recognized risk factor for CRC. Here we report that tirzepatide (TZP), a novel polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GIPR/GLP-1R) agonist for the treatment of diabetes, has a role in attenuating CRC growth. TZP significantly inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation promoted apoptosis in vitro and induced durable tumor regression in vivo under hyperglycemic and nonhyperglycemic conditions across multiple murine cancer models. As glucose metabolism is known to critically regulate colon cancer progression, spatial metabolomics results revealed that glucose metabolites are robustly reduced in the colon cancer regions of the TZP-treated mice. TZP inhibited glucose uptake and destabilized hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) with reduced expression and activity of the rate-limiting enzymes 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) and phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK-1). These effects contributed to the downregulation of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. TZP also delayed tumor development in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model accompanied by HIF-1α mediated PFKFB3-PFK-1 inhibition. Therefore, the study provides strong evidence that glycolysis-blocking TZP, besides its application in treating type 2 diabetes, has the potential for preclinical studies as a therapy for colorectal cancer used either as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer therapies. Show less
To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 HTG patients and 100 age-matched controls with normal triglyceride levels from the physica Show more
To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 HTG patients and 100 age-matched controls with normal triglyceride levels from the physical examination cohort at Guangzhou 11th People's Hospital (January-December 2023) The observation group showed significant differences in genotype frequencies of Show less
Thyroid cancer pathogenesis involves complex interactions between genetic predisposition and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. The causal relationships between inflammatory gene variants and Show more
Thyroid cancer pathogenesis involves complex interactions between genetic predisposition and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. The causal relationships between inflammatory gene variants and thyroid cancer risk remain poorly understood, as does the cellular heterogeneity within the tumor ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the causal associations between inflammatory protein genes and thyroid cancer risk, and to characterize the cellular composition and differentiation trajectories within the thyroid cancer microenvironment. We employed a two-pronged approach combining Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). MR analyses were conducted using genetic variants associated with the expression of inflammatory proteins (4EBP1_EIF4EBP1, ADA_ADA, ARTN_ARTN, AXIN1_AXIN1, and Beta-NGF_NGF) as instrumental variables to assess their causal effects on thyroid cancer risk. Multiple MR methods (MR Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted, simple mode, and weighted mode) were used to enhance robustness. For the cellular characterization, scRNA-seq was performed on thyroid cancer samples, followed by dimensionality reduction, clustering analysis, cell type annotation, and pseudotime trajectory inference. MR analyses revealed a significant positive causal association between AXIN1_AXIN1 expression and thyroid cancer risk (weighted median: OR = 1.396, p < 0.05; inverse variance weighted: OR = 1.291, p < 0.05), while ADA_ADA showed protective effects (simple mode: OR = 0.731, p < 0.05). The scRNA-seq analysis identified six major cell populations within the thyroid cancer microenvironment: epithelial cells, T cells, natural killer cells, fibroblasts, stromal cells, and macrophages. Pseudotime analysis revealed distinct differentiation trajectories with natural killer cells and macrophages appearing in early pseudotime, while epithelial cells and fibroblasts demonstrated multiple developmental states. Gene expression profiling identified four distinct cellular states with unique molecular signatures, including immune/inflammatory, stromal, and vascular components. Our findings suggest that inflammatory protein genes, particularly AXIN1, have causal effects on thyroid cancer risk, providing potential targets for risk prediction and intervention. Show less
This study aims to investigate the molecular differences and commonalities between systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. By focusi Show more
This study aims to investigate the molecular differences and commonalities between systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. By focusing on differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways, the investigation seeks to identify unique biomarkers, shared pathways, and potential therapeutic targets for these autoimmune diseases. This study involved 10 patients with SSc and 24 with SLE who did not receive immunosuppressants. RNA-seq data from patients with SSc and SLE were analyzed using DESeq2 to identify differentially expressed genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted and comparative analyses were performed. We identified 2055 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between patients with SSc and controls. Notably, the expression of the shared gene RGS5 was significantly downregulated in both SLE and SSc, with a more pronounced downregulation in SSc. Additionally, the expression of the key transcription factor EGR1 was upregulated in SSc, whereas that of BLK, ITGAM, and IFNG was upregulated in SLE. Network analysis identified hub genes-AP3D1, FTX, USP47, CUX1, ZC3H4, CAND1, INTS1, TRNT1, MTERF1, and SETD1B-that may play critical roles in the progression of both SLE and SSc. These findings suggest that RGS5 could serve as a shared biomarker for vascular dysfunction, while EGR1 and BLK may represent therapeutic targets in SSc and SLE. Overall, this analysis enhances understanding of distinct and overlapping gene expression signatures in SSc and SLE, providing a foundation for future targeted treatment strategies and requiring further validation in larger cohorts. Show less
This study explored latent mental health profiles among adolescents in southwestern China and the association with emotional regulation using the dual-factor model framework. 1,682 junior middle schoo Show more
This study explored latent mental health profiles among adolescents in southwestern China and the association with emotional regulation using the dual-factor model framework. 1,682 junior middle school students completed the LPA revealed three profiles: Troubled (31.51%, high negative symptoms/low well-being), complete mental health (61.30%, low negative symptoms/high well-being), and more troubled (7.19%, severe negative symptoms/extremely low well-being). Cognitive reappraisal positively predicted complete mental health (vs. Troubled; Three distinct profiles emerged, differing from the traditional dual-factor model. Cognitive reappraisal protects mental health, while expressive suppression correlates with poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions promoting cognitive reappraisal. Show less
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative non-invasive therapy for human cancer treatment. The significance of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) has gradually Show more
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative non-invasive therapy for human cancer treatment. The significance of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) has gradually emerged. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prognostic significance and pathogenesis of PDT related genes (PDTRGs)-ARGs in BLCA cases. Based on the BLCA data in TCGA, PDTRGs-ARGs with prognostic value in BLCA patients were screened. Subsequently, the prognostic value and diagnostic performance of all candidate genes were evaluated by univariate Cox regression analysis and ROC curves. Then, GSEA, GSVA and immune microenvironment analysis were conducted based on candidate genes. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of key candidate genes in BLCA patients were initially explored by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 analysis, Transwell Assay and Western Blotting. A total of 5 ARGs-PDTRGs (EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4, JUN, TNFRSF25) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. Survival analysis revealed significant differences in overall survival of the five prognostic biomarkers in the high/low expression groups. ROC curve analysis revealed that the five prognostic biomarkers had strong prognostic predictive ability. QRT-PCR proved that the expression of EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4 and JUN was obviously reduced, while TNFRSF25 was markedly increased in BLCA tissue samples and cell lines. The following research confirmed that FGFR1 inhibited the biological process of T24 cells by activating cGMP-PKG pathway. Five ARGs-PDTRGs (EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4, JUN, TNFRSF25) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. Among them, FGFR1 inhibits the biological process of T24 cells via activating cGMP-PKG pathway. Show less
The differential impact of serum lipids and their targets for lipid modification on cardiometabolic disease risk is debated. This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relations Show more
The differential impact of serum lipids and their targets for lipid modification on cardiometabolic disease risk is debated. This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms. Genetic variants related to lipid profiles and targets for lipid modification were sourced from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Summary data for 10 cardiometabolic diseases were compiled from both discovery and replication data sets. Expression quantitative trait loci data from relevant tissues were employed to evaluate significant lipid-modifying drug targets. Comprehensive analyses including colocalization, mediation, and bioinformatics were conducted to validate the results and investigate potential mediators and mechanisms. Significant causal associations were identified between lipids, lipid-modifying drug targets, and various cardiometabolic diseases. Notably, genetic enhancement of LPL (lipoprotein lipase) was linked to reduced risks of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR] The study substantiates the causal role of lipids in specific cardiometabolic diseases, highlighting LPL as a potent drug target. The effects of LPL are suggested to be influenced by changes in glucose and blood pressure, providing insights into its mechanism of action. Show less
Cholesterol-loaded macrophage foam cells are a key feature of atherosclerotic plaques. Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 2 (ORP2) facilitates the transport of cholesterol from lysosomes to the Show more
Cholesterol-loaded macrophage foam cells are a key feature of atherosclerotic plaques. Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 2 (ORP2) facilitates the transport of cholesterol from lysosomes to the plasma membrane in cultured cell lines. However, the role of ORP2 in macrophages and its involvement in atherosclerosis remain unclear. In this study, we found ORP2 expression was reduced in atherosclerotic vessels and in macrophages exposed to oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). Myeloid-specific human ORP2 overexpression (hORP2 Show less
To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth, disease resistance, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, individual turtles were fed with 0 g/kg (CG), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, Show more
To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth, disease resistance, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, individual turtles were fed with 0 g/kg (CG), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, 2 g/kg, and 4 g/kg TA diets for 98 days. Afterwards, the turtles' disease resistance was tested using Show less
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from Show more
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRLM) remain poorly understood. Here we show that patients with CRLM whose liver metastases (LM) exhibited tumor fibrosis (Fibrosis+ LM) had significantly worse progression-free survival (P = 0.025) and overall survival (P = 0.008). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the tumor microenvironment of the Fibrosis+ LM was characterized by T cells with an exhausted phenotype, macrophages displaying a profibrotic and suppressive phenotype and fibrosis-promoting fibroblasts. Further investigation highlighted the pivotal role of VCAN_eCAF in remodeling the tumor fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment of Fibrosis+ LM, emphasizing potential targetable interactions such as FGF23 or FGF3-FGFR1. Validation through multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics supported these findings. Here we present a comprehensive single-cell atlas of tumor fibrosis in LM, revealing the intricate multicellular environment and molecular features associated with it. These insights deepen our understanding of tumor fibrosis mechanisms and inform improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Show less
The established body of knowledge attests to the pivotal influence of ANGPTL4 on lipid metabolism and vascular biology. Nevertheless, its potential implication in neurodegenerative disease remains to Show more
The established body of knowledge attests to the pivotal influence of ANGPTL4 on lipid metabolism and vascular biology. Nevertheless, its potential implication in neurodegenerative disease remains to be fully characterized. The present investigation delves into the involvement of ANGPTL4 in the pathological progression of PD, both in vitro and in vivo. PD models were induced by intraperitoneal administration of MPTP and LPS in WT and ANGPTL4 The observations unveiled that ANGPTL4 deficiency exacerbated behavioral aberrations, intensified dopaminergic neuron loss, and stimulated microglial activation along with p21-dependent senescence. There was an elevation in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the PD model. Furthermore, the administration of rANGPTL4 protein reversed the observed phenotypes in ANGPTL4 Our findings posit a salutary role for ANGPTL4 in counteracting PD, rendering it a prospective therapeutic target for the development of innovative drugs aimed at treating neuroinflammation-associated neurological diseases, including PD. Show less
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular event Show more
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hospital readmission risk within one year following PCI treatment. Additionally, it seeks to assess the clinical value of Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) in predicting the risk of one-year MACEs and readmission post-PCI. A retrospective study included 1938 patients who underwent PCI treatment from January 2010 to December 2018 at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University. Patient demographics, medications, and biochemical indicators were recorded upon admission, with one-year follow-up post-operation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to establish the relationship between ApoB/ApoA-I levels and MACEs/readmission. Predictive nomograms were constructed to forecast MACEs and readmission, with the accuracy of the nomograms assessed using the concordance index. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the occurrence of MACEs and readmission. We observed a correlation between ApoB/ApoA-I and other lipid indices, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ApoB/ApoA-I is an independent risk factor for MACEs in post-PCI patients (P = 0.038). Within one year, the incidence of MACEs significantly increased in the high-level ApoB/ApoA-I group (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio ≥ 0.824) (P = 0.038), while the increase in readmission incidence within one year was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a nomogram predicting one-year MACEs was established (Concordance Index: 0.668). Subgroup analysis revealed that ApoB/ApoA-I was associated with the occurrence of both MACEs and readmission in male patients, those using CCB/ARB/ACEI, those without multivessel diseases, or those with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio serves as an independent risk factor for one-year MACEs in post-PCI patients and correlates closely with other blood lipid indicators. ApoB/ApoA-I demonstrates significant predictive value for the occurrence of MACEs within one year.Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry: No.ChiCTR22000597-23. Show less
Glioma is a highly aggressive malignancy with no effective treatment. This study investigates the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN) in glioma progression. The U87 human glio Show more
Glioma is a highly aggressive malignancy with no effective treatment. This study investigates the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN) in glioma progression. The U87 human glioma cell line was used to monitor proliferation, invasion, and migration during PTPRN knockdown. The viability, migration, and invasion were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays. Additionally, the expression of proteins associated with the cell cycle was examined using western blotting. The knockdown of PTPRN resulted in a reduction in glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as the expression of cell cycle markers like Show less
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poor Show more
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poorly defined. To address this, we performed circular RNA profiling of endothelial cells under ischemic-like conditions and identified a marked upregulation of a circular RNA, named circATXN1. Functional studies revealed that circATXN1 knockdown modulates endothelial phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Functional studies have shown that knockdown of circATXN1 can regulate the endothelial cell phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Mechanistically, circATXN1 knockdown enhances the demethylase protein ALKBH5 to reduce the RNA methylation level of the key transcription factor SLUG, thereby stabilizing SLUG. In animal models, suppression of circATXN1 enhances angiogenesis and improves recovery following ischemic injury. Here, we show that circATXN1 regulates partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and angiogenesis by controlling SLUG mRNA methylation dynamics, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ischemic disease. Show less
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) complexes with methylosome protein 50 (MEP50) play crucial roles in tumor progress. However, the regulatory mechanism of governing the PRMT5-MEP50 hetero-o Show more
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) complexes with methylosome protein 50 (MEP50) play crucial roles in tumor progress. However, the regulatory mechanism of governing the PRMT5-MEP50 hetero-octameric complex remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that C6orf223, to our knowledge an uncharacterized protein, facilitates PRMT5-MEP50 multiprotein complex assembling, thereby promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and metastasis. C6orf223 forms dimers through disulfide bonds, with its N-terminal arginine-enriched region binding to the C-terminal negatively charged groove of PRMT5, thus stabilizing PRMT5-MEP50 multiprotein and enhancing PRMT5 methyltransferase activity. Consequently, PRMT5-mediated H4R3me2s substantially decreases the expression of the tumor suppressor GATA5, leading to the upregulation of multiple oncogenic target genes including WWTR1, FGFR1, and CLU. Targeting C6orf223 using siRNAs encapsulated in ferritin protein shells effectively suppresses CRC tumor growth and metastasis. Collectively, our findings characterize the role of C6orf223 in facilitating PRMT5-MEP50 hetero-octameric complex assembling and suggest that C6orf223 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC. Show less
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiovascular disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac myosin binding protein C ( Show more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiovascular disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) is the most frequently mutated gene leading to HCM. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from an HCM patient harboring a heterozygous MYBPC3 missense mutation (c.3072C > A; p.S1024R) were reprogrammed via Sendai virus vectors to generate a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line. The iPSC line exhibits normal morphology and karyotype, alongside definitive hallmarks of pluripotency, including trilineage differentiation potential. Show less
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association s Show more
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify genetic variants associated with SGA-induced lipid and BMI changes in Chinese SCZ patients. A longitudinal cohort of Chinese SCZ receiving SGAs was followed for up to 18.7 years (mean = 5.7 years, SD = 3.3 years). We analysed the patients' genotypes (N = 669), lipid profiles, and BMI using 19 316 prescription records and 3 917 to 7 596 metabolic measurements per outcome. Linear mixed models were employed to evaluate seven SGAs' random effects on metabolic changes for each patient, followed by GWAS and gene set analyses with Bonferroni and FDR correction. Five SNPs achieved p-value < 5 × 10 Show less
Cardiac hypertrophy as one of the major predisposing factors for chronic heart failure lacks effective interventions. It has been shown that protein ubiquitination plays an important role in cardiac h Show more
Cardiac hypertrophy as one of the major predisposing factors for chronic heart failure lacks effective interventions. It has been shown that protein ubiquitination plays an important role in cardiac hypertrophy. SMURF2 (SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase 2) is an important member of NEDD4 (neuronal precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4) family of HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases. In this study we investigated the regulatory role of SMURF2 in cardiac hypertrophy. Experiment models were established in mice by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in vivo, as well as in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) by treatment with angiotensin II (Ang II, 1 μM) in vitro. We showed that the expression levels of SMURF2 were significantly elevated in cardiac tissues from patients with cardiac hypertrophy and the two experiment models. In NRCMs, SMURF2 knockdown or treatment with a specific SMURF2 inhibitor heclin (8 μM) significantly inhibited Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, evidenced by reduced mRNA levels of Anp, Bnp and β-Mhc as well as cell surface. Prophylactic or therapeutic administration of heclin (10 mg·kg Show less
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants, often requiring intervention due to potential functional impairment and cosmetic concerns. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrener Show more
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants, often requiring intervention due to potential functional impairment and cosmetic concerns. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor blocker, is the first-line therapy for IH, yet its mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This prospective study investigated the systemic angiogenic protein profile changes in response to propranolol in 14 treatment-naïve IH infants compared to 14 healthy controls using antibody array analysis. We identified twenty-six angiogenic proteins significantly downregulated in pretreatment IH patients compared to healthy controls. After 3 months of propranolol treatment, six proteins including HB-EGF, TGFα, ANGPTL4, Follistatin, Tie-1 and PLGF were significantly upregulated. Bioinformatic enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in key biological processes and signaling pathways, including epithelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis regulation, VEGF signaling, ERBB-EGFR axis, Ras-MAPK, and PI3K-Akt pathways. These results suggest that propranolol treatment is associated with a rebalancing of dysregulated angiogenic proteins in IH, through modulating both pro- and anti-angiogenic factors to rebalance vascular homeostasis. Our study provides novel insights into the systems-level pharmacological actions of propranolol and proposes potential biomarkers for treatment response evaluation. Show less