Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to c Show more
Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to cancer progression remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a lung cancer-specific chimeric RNA KANSL1-ARL17A (chKANSARL) and its circular variant fusion circular RNA KANSL1-ARL17 A (F-circKA), both derived from the fusion gene KANSARL. Functional assays revealed that overexpression of either chKANSARL or F-circKA significantly enhanced lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while their knockdown suppressed these malignant phenotypes. In vivo experiments demonstrated that chKANSARL overexpression accelerated tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. Notably, coexpression experiments uncovered a synergistic regulatory interaction between F-circKA and chKANSARL, amplifying oncogenic effects. Mechanistically, miRNA sequencing and dual-luciferase assays revealed that F-circKA acts as a molecular sponge for miR-6860, thereby derepressing chKANSARL expression. Rescue experiments further validated this regulatory axis, wherein miR-6860 inhibition reversed the tumor-suppressive effects of F-circKA knockdown. Collectively, our study identifies and characterizes a novel F-circKA/miR-6860/chKANSARL regulatory axis, revealing how dual transcriptional outputs from the KANSARL fusion gene can synergistically drive lung cancer progression. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized layer of cooperative regulation between linear and circular fusion RNAs in oncogenesis and provide a new framework for understanding fusion gene-mediated tumorigenesis. Show less
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with metastasis accounting for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The mechanisms of early-stage breast cancer metastasis to regional immune s Show more
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with metastasis accounting for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The mechanisms of early-stage breast cancer metastasis to regional immune sites like lymph nodes remain elusive. Here, we performed an in-depth proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of a substantial series of breast cancer samples, alongside genomic and transcriptomic evaluations. This cohort encompasses 195 specimens: 65 primary breast tumors, their corresponding normal tissues, and metastatic axillary lymph nodes. We offer an overview of the molecular alterations at the transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic levels during lymph node metastasis. Notably, the findings indicate that regional lymph node metastasis is primarily influenced by proteomic and phosphoproteomic alterations, rather than genomic or transcriptomic changes. We found the ANGPTL4 and HMGB1 could serve as the biomarker of lymph node metastasis. Data analysis and cell experiments involving silencing of the alternative splicing factor HNRNPU demonstrated that alternative splicing plays a significant role in modulating protein expression, phosphorylation profiles and cell proliferation. The key phosphorylation sites, including MARCKSL1-S104 and FKBP15-S320, as well as the upstream kinase PRKCB, were identified as playing crucial roles in breast cancer lymph node metastasis. Targeted intervention of the kinase PRKCB resulted in effectively suppressing the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer tumor cells. Immune profiling analysis and experimental validation of breast cancer cell cocultured with CD8+ T cell reveals correlations between phosphorylation of MARCKSL1-S104 and FKBP15-S320 with immune checkpoint PD-L1 expression, and their impact on tumor cell apoptosis, suggesting a potential mechanism of immune evasion in metastasis. This study systematically characterizes the molecular landscape and features of primary breast tumors and their matched metastatic lymph nodes. These insights enhance our understanding of early-stage breast cancer metastasis and may pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder of innate immune dysregulation within the central nervous system. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a micr Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder of innate immune dysregulation within the central nervous system. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a microglial immunoreceptor, has emerged as a pivotal genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, underscoring the critical role of neuroimmune interactions in disease pathogenesis. This review synthesizes recent advances concerning TREM2's modulation of core microglial functions, including phagocytosis, inflammatory signaling, cellular metabolism, and survival, processes that are essential for responding to amyloid-β plaques and neuronal damage. We highlight the TREM2-APOE pathway as a central mechanism driving the disease-associated microglia (DAM) phenotype and examine how loss-of-function mutations such as Show less
Current infant formulas lack the native multilayer structure of breast milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), impacting lipid digestion. In this study, the inner layer material and concentration of the bio Show more
Current infant formulas lack the native multilayer structure of breast milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), impacting lipid digestion. In this study, the inner layer material and concentration of the biomimetic fat globule membrane were optimized by comparing particle size, Zeta-potential and interface protein load. It was found that compared with sodium caseinate (CN) and whey protein (WP), when the lactoferrin (LF) concentration was 2 %, the particle size was lower (277.85 ± 6.15 nm) and Zeta-potential value was higher (19.67 ± 1.27 mv). Using milk phospholipid (MPL) as the outer layer material, when the MPL concentration was 2 %, the emulsion had a smaller particle size (291.33 ± 1.15 nm) and a better stability (10.22 ± 0.62 %). Therefore, the biomimetic multilayer membrane was constructed by electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition of 2 % LF and 2 % MPL. Combining Fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the interaction between LF and MPL molecules in the LF-MPL multilayer structure is primarily a spontaneous, endothermic process driven by hydrophobic forces, exhibited superior stability (except thermal stability) than LF monolayer membrane. The results of in vitro digestion showed that compared with LF, WP and WP-MPL emulsions, LF-MPL emulsions had the highest free fatty acid (FFA) release rate of 69.97 %. LF-MPL enhanced gastric stability and promoted intestinal lipolysis and improved the degree of lipid digestion. In addition, LF-MPL promoted the absorption and utilization of triglyceride (TAG) in cells and animals, and secretion and upregulated lipid absorption genes (FATP4, DGAT1, APOB, APOA4, MTTP). These findings demonstrate that biomimetic LF-MPL multilayers improve lipid digestion, absorption, and bioavailability, providing a theoretical basis for designing more breast milk-like infant formulas. Show less
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial factors in tumor invasiveness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Identifying anoikis-EMT-related genes could be be Show more
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial factors in tumor invasiveness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Identifying anoikis-EMT-related genes could be beneficial for predicting prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficacy in patients with LUAD. This study aims to establish and validate a novel prognostic signature based on anoikis-EMT-related genes for LUAD and to identify the potential biomarkers encapsulated within it. Anoikis-related genes and EMT-related genes were retrieved from the GeneCards and dbEMT 2.0 databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted to define anoikis and EMT levels. Gene expression and clinical information of patients with LUAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to construct a risk score model. Immune correlation and drug sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the association of the risk score with the immune profile and antitumor treatment. Three essential genes in the model were examined for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and for protein levels via the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. LUAD patients demonstrating low Anoikis Potential Index (API) combined with high EMT Potential Index (EPI) exhibited the poorest overall survival (OS). We further constructed a nine-gene prognostic risk model that combines anoikis and EMT. High-risk patients demonstrated significantly shorter survival duration. The clinical-prognostic nomogram accurately predicted outcomes at 1, 3, and 5 years. In addition, patients in low-risk group demonstrated superior immune responses to treatment and were more sensitive to commonly used chemotherapy drugs. Our validation studies confirmed upregulated expression of ANGPTL4, SLC2A1, and BIRC5 in LUAD, observed at both transcriptional and translational levels. The anoikis-EMT-based risk model effectively forecasts both OS and immunotherapy response in LUAD patients, accelerating the identification of groundbreaking molecular biomarkers and prospective molecular targets. Show less
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened data Show more
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened databases to identify the targets of cobalamin and performed intersected with with ischemic stroke-related targets to construct a “drug-target-disease” interaction network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify key biological processes and signaling pathways. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the binding affinity between cobalamin and hub proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes over a 500 ns simulation period. Additionally, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability predictions were made using ADMETlab 3.0 and admetSAR 3.0. A total of 95 therapeutic targets of cobalamin for ischemic stroke were identified. Network analysis and molecular docking highlighted eight core targets—ALB, TIMP1, PLG, FN1, AGT, SERPINE1, APOE, and SPP1—with high binding affinities to cobalamin. GO analysis suggested that cobalamin regulates inflammatory responses, post-translational modifications, complement binding, and lipoprotein particle binding. KEGG analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and inflammation-related signaling as central to its therapeutic effects. Molecular docking showed strong binding to ALB and TIMP1, which was further confirmed by MD simulations, with minimal conformational changes. The PLG-cobalamin complex exhibited more fluctuations. ADME analysis revealed low passive permeability, particularly across the blood–brain barrier, but moderate distribution and high plasma protein binding. This study provides evidence that cobalamin may offer neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke by interacting with key target proteins involved in coagulation, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. The findings highlight the potential of cobalamin as a therapeutic agent, although its limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier may restrict its oral use. Further experimental validation and development of suitable delivery methods are needed to fully realize cobalamin’s potential in stroke therapy. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-41564-6. Show less
Researchers have postulated a link between higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and more favorable outcomes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, there is Show more
Researchers have postulated a link between higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and more favorable outcomes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, there is no clear evidence regarding the causal association between neurotrophins and NPH. To delve deeper into this potential connection, scientists employed a rigorous method known as bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR). This technique was utilized to explore the causal impact of various neurotrophins-such as BDNF, nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), NT-4, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-on the development or progression of NPH. To investigate the causal relationship between five neurotrophin subtypes and NPH, we designed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Our primary approach involved the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. We also conducted reverse causality analysis to ensure robustness. Furthermore, we implemented complementary methods like the weighted median (WM), weighted mode, and MR-Egger to strengthen our findings. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out, and Cochran's Q tests, were employed to validate results, explore heterogeneity and pleiotropy, and pinpoint potential biases. MR analysis of genetic prediction showed no statistical association of neurotrophins on NPH. However, a reverse analysis indicated a causal association between NPH and two neurotrophins: CNTF and GDNF. Specifically, individuals with NPH had a lower risk of CNTF (odds ratio: 0.7963, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.6537 to 0.9701, p = 0.0237) and a slightly reduced risk of GDNF (odds ratio: 0.9576, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.9226 to 0.9940, p = 0.0230). MR-Egger regression showed that pleiotropy did not affect the analysis. In addition, MR-PRESSO detected no outliers, and a leave-one-out analysis verified the robustness of the results. NPH was negatively and causally associated with CNTF and GDNF. Additional research is crucial to uncover the underlying mechanisms and devise strategies, including nutritional guidelines, to prevent NPH. Show less
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, ant Show more
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, but its mechanism of action in PD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of BeG in PD models. An in vitro neuroinflammation model was established using LPS-treated astrocytes. In-vitro studies demonstrated that BeG counteracted LPS-induced astrocyte activation by reducing the expressions of GFAP, inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), and A1 polarization markers. It alleviated ERS (as indicated by reduced levels of GRP78, CHOP) and apoptosis (as shown by changes in Bax, caspase-3) while enhancing Bcl-2. Mechanistically, BeG suppressed LCN2 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, with LCN2 overexpression attenuating its protective effects. In MPTP-treated mice, BeG improved motor function, preserved dopaminergic neurons, and reduced astrocyte activation and A1 polarization. It increased neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) while decreasing inflammation, ER stress and apoptotic markers. The inhibition of the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway was consistently observed in both models, suggesting its central role in BeG's neuroprotective mechanism. These findings suggest that BeG exerts neuroprotective effects in PD by inhibiting the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively inhibiting astrocyte activation-mediated neuroinflammation and ERS. Show less
Growing evidence highlights that long-term orbital flight may lead to structural changes in brains and cognitive impairments in astronauts. However, effective strategies to counteract these effects re Show more
Growing evidence highlights that long-term orbital flight may lead to structural changes in brains and cognitive impairments in astronauts. However, effective strategies to counteract these effects remain limited. Compound Gastrodia elata Formula (CGEF), composed of Gastrodia elata Bl., Polygonatum sibirium Red., and Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf has been shown to improve learning and memory. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of CGEF in attenuating cognitive deficiency induced by simulated weightlessness in mice. A cognitive impairment model was induced in mice using Hindlimb unloading (HU) method. Cognitive function was assessed through Object recognition test (ORT), the Morris water maze (MWM), and the Step-down Test (SDT). Serum and hippocampus levels of inflammatory markers, including Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated using ELISA. Neurotransmitter concentrations in the hippocampus and cortex were measured using LC-MS/MS. While Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) / Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) protein expression signaling pathway in hippocampus was evaluated by western blot. Results showed that CGEF treatment significantly reversed the memory deficits induced by four weeks of HU exposure. Furthermore, CGEF treatment markedly suppressed the production of inflammatory factors. It also assisted in the recovery of neurotransmitter balance and regulated tryptophan metabolism to improve cognitive disorder. Western blotting analysis revealed that CGEF treatment upregulated the expression of Synaptophysin, Postsynaptic density 95 proteins, while also activating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Tropomyosin receptor kinase B pathway. These findings suggest that CGEF has substantial potential for development as an aerospace health product to improve memory decline associated with spaceflight. 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
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atheroscle Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18, USP18, a specific deubiquitinating enzyme, has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Pathological studies were performed utilizing human coronary arteries obtained from the Forensic Medical Examination Center of Guizhou Medical University, in conjunction with the aorta from experimental ApoE knockout mice. The ApoE knockout mice underwent intervention with adenovirus carrying USP18-RNAi and a control adenovirus containing hU6-MCS-CMV-EGFP, after which pathological analyses were conducted. In vitro, THP-1 cells, induced with phorbol ester, were subjected to treatment with si-USP18 or si-NC, followed by exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The expression levels of USP18 and proteins associated with the TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the interaction between USP18 and TAK1, were assessed using Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence techniques.The interaction between USP18 and TAK1 was confirmed using molecular docking techniques, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and immunofluorescence analysis. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of USP18 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism. The expression of USP18 is elevated in early-stage human coronary atherosclerotic plaques but decreases in advanced lesions. Treatment of macrophages derived from THP-1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in reduced USP18 expression. In ApoE USP18 modulates TAK1 to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages, consequently exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction that is closely associated with cholinergic system damage. Estrogen deficiency is a well-est Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction that is closely associated with cholinergic system damage. Estrogen deficiency is a well-established risk factor for AD in women. Osthole (OST), a phytoestrogen with mild, bidirectional regulatory properties, has been proposed as a potential estrogen replacement. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which OST ameliorates cognitive impairment. Cognitive deficits were induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and OST was subsequently administered by oral gavage. Behavioral tests revealed that OST significantly improved learning and memory and reduced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in OVX rats. H&E staining and Nissl staining demonstrated that OST reversed neuronal damage in the hippocampus and cortex. Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining indicated that OST treatment restored the estrogen-cholinergic-NGF axis: E Show less
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) protects human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, focusing on its regulation of aut Show more
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) protects human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, focusing on its regulation of autophagic flux and the TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway. HBE cells were treated with LPS (1-100 ng/mL) to induce autophagy dysregulation and inflammation. G-Rg3 (2-16 μM) was administered to evaluate its protective effects. Western blotting was used to detect autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, LC3B, p62) and TLR4/NF-κB signaling molecules; ELISA quantified proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8); PI staining and flow cytometry analyzed cell death and apoptosis. LPS dose-dependently upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, p62, LC3B-II), with accumulated p62 and LC3B-II indicating impaired clearance of autophagic substrates. Additionally, G-Rg3 inhibited LPS-induced TLR4/NF-κB activation, suppressed proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and attenuated HBE cell apoptosis/necrosis. G-Rg3 mitigates LPS-induced HBE cell injury by dual mechanisms: restoring impaired autophagic flux and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory cascade. These findings identify G-Rg3 as a promising therapeutic agent targeting the crosstalk between autophagy and inflammation in respiratory diseases such as COPD and acute lung injury. Show less
Sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been frequently detected in the environment and human blood. Although OBS exposure has been iden Show more
Sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been frequently detected in the environment and human blood. Although OBS exposure has been identified as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis associated with endothelial dysfunction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) demonstrated that OBS exposure induced oxidative stress, activated the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and triggered NF-κB signaling. Pharmacological inhibition with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant), 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor), and BAY 11-7082 (an inhibitor for NF-κB signaling pathway) revealed a sequential pathogenic cascade, in which oxidative stress acts upstream to initiate ERS and compromise endothelial barrier function, leading to NF-κB activation, which drives inflammatory responses, monocyte adhesion, and impaired endothelial migration. Consistent with these findings, in vivo experiments in ApoE Show less
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs in patients undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgeries, increasing perioperative mortality risk. Although numerous endogenous mediators rel Show more
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs in patients undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgeries, increasing perioperative mortality risk. Although numerous endogenous mediators released during I/R contribute to myocardial damage, their mechanisms require further elucidation. We investigated whether lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, mediates myocardial I/R injury by interacting with cardiac transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). A TRPV1K710N knock-in mouse model was generated by CRISPR/Cas9, introducing a point mutation at K710, the known LPA-binding site on TRPV1. Langendorff perfused isolated hearts from TRPV1K710N and wild-type (WT) mice underwent global I/R injury with or without exogenous LPA (10 μM). Myocardial infarct size, coronary effluent LDH levels, and mitochondrial ultrastructure/function were assessed. Additionally, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were transfected with a pCMV6-entry plasmid carrying TRPV1-K710N or TRPV1-WT for mitochondrial calcium influx and cell viability assays. The V1-Cal peptide (1μM), targeting the K710 region, was applied ex vivo and in vitro to block LPA-TRPV1 interaction. TRPV1K710N hearts exhibited resistance to global I/R injury versus WT hearts, with reduced infarct size (28.3 ± 2.4% vs 39.9 ±2.3%, respectively, P= 0006), lower LDH levels, and attenuated mitochondrial damage. Exogenous LPA exacerbated I/R injury in WT hearts, increasing infarct size (63.7 ± 1.2% vs vehicle: 38.4 ± 2.4%; P <.0001), LDH release, and mitochondrial damage. TRPV1K710N hearts were resistant to LPA-induced injury, with no significant increase in infarct size after LPA treatment. Exogenous LPA induced pronounced swelling in mitochondria isolated from WT hearts, while mitochondria from TRPV1K710N hearts showed resistance to LPA challenge. In H9c2 cells, LPA significantly decreased viability in rTRPV1-WT cells and elevated mitochondrial calcium influx relative to rTRPV1-K710N cells. V1-Cal peptide attenuated LPA-mediated myocardial injury in WT hearts and reduced mitochondrial calcium overload in H9c2 cells. Blockade of the TRPV1 K710 site by K710N mutation or V1-Cal peptide mitigates LPA-mediated myocardial injury and mitochondrial damage/dysfunction in isolated mouse hearts. Targeting the cardiac LPA-TRPV1 interaction represents a promising therapeutic strategy against perioperative myocardial injury. Show less
Impaired synaptic plasticity underlies cognitive impairment as a core pathological substrate. While aerobic exercise represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing synaptic pl Show more
Impaired synaptic plasticity underlies cognitive impairment as a core pathological substrate. While aerobic exercise represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing synaptic plasticity, its precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigated whether aerobic exercise ameliorates synaptic plasticity and synaptic loss in Apolipoprotein E homozygous knockout (APOE Show less
Naringenin (NGN), a flavonoid widely utilized in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, has increasingly become a source of environmental concern. This study systematically evaluated the develo Show more
Naringenin (NGN), a flavonoid widely utilized in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, has increasingly become a source of environmental concern. This study systematically evaluated the developmental toxicity of NGN in zebrafish embryos. Our results showed that NGN exposure caused dose-dependent increases in embryonic mortality and induced a range of developmental malformations, including reduced body length, impaired eye and ear development, and cardiac dysfunction. Behavioral analyses revealed significant deficits in locomotor activity and sensory responses at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L. Molecular assessments via RT-qPCR demonstrated that NGN disrupted the expression of multiple genes critical for cardiac (kcnh2a, kcnh2b, hand2, has2, myh7, tnnt2a), otic (col2a1a, sox9a, sox9b), liver (hhex, leg1.1), visual (gnat1, gnat2), apoptotic (bax, casp9, casp3), and neurodevelopmental (pomca, bdnf, gfap, mbpa, s100b) pathways. Notably, NGN at 10 mg/L inhibited apoptosis and altered liver function, whereas a concentration of 15 mg/L promoted apoptosis, and these results suggest that NGN may interfere with the developmental processes of zebrafish embryos through different mechanisms at low and high concentrations, exhibiting a non-monotonic dose-response relationship. These findings highlight the potential ecological hazards of NGN contamination in aquatic environments, emphasizing the need for stricter management and further research into its long-term and combined effects with other pollutants. Our research offers new perspectives into the molecular and phenotypic mechanisms of NGN toxicity and underscores the importance of comprehensive risk assessment for emerging environmental contaminants. Show less
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is n Show more
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is no effective treatment available. Various modalities of magnetic stimulation have emerged for recovery from spinal cord injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, significantly hindering the application of magnetic stimulation technologies in treating such injuries. This study aims to elucidate these relevant mechanisms by establishing a simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation system. In this study, we established a right hemisection model at T8 in mice and administered continuous simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation targeting the left motor cortex and right L5 nerve root over six weeks. We subsequently utilized a spinal cord dorsal hemisection model to examine regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST). Motor-evoked potential assessments and calcium imaging techniques were employed to explore neural circuit repair. Additionally, we integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches to investigate related mechanisms. The findings indicate that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation effectively restores motor function in the hind limbs, promotes the regeneration of corticospinal tracts in mice with spinal cord injuries, and facilitates the reconstruction of sensorimotor circuits and functions within the spinal cord. Simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation significantly enhances axonal regeneration of the CST following SCI. This effect may be mediated through the activation of the AMPK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, which promotes neurotrophic factor secretion and subsequently induces nerve axon regeneration. This study suggests that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment for impaired gait following SCI. Show less
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT relate Show more
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT related genes, proteins and pathways. We first explored the clinical associations between OA and MTs based on UK Biobank data. Using GWAS statistics for 9 OA subtypes and 51 MTs, we identified both global and regional genetic correlations. Multi-trait GWAS helped revealed credible genes and relevant pathways through various methods. Protein-level analyses were also conducted to identify key proteins. We developed polygenic scores (PGS), machine learning models and drug repurposing strategies were explored to translate these findings into clinical applications. We identified 152 trait pairs with significant associations and 709 local regions linked to OA-MT. Key SNVs like rs13135092 (SLC39A8) and rs34811474 (ANAPC4) were associated with multiple OA-MT pairs. Lipid and glucose metabolism emerged as central pathways, with tissue-specific enrichment analyses revealing key gene clusters in hepatocytes, arteries, and brain regions. Protein-level analyses identified 205 protein subgroups. PGS integrating MTs outperformed model based solely on OA, improving AUC by 17.5%. Causal gene-based models showed strong diagnostic accuracy (average AUC = 0.875 in external cohorts). Drug prediction highlighted fenofibrate as a promising treatment among 71 candidates. This study provides new insights into the genetic links between OA and MTs. We identified genes, proteins, and pathways related to comorbidities, revealing shared mechanisms, highlighting the potential of integrating metabolic factors to improve OA prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that can lead to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that can lead to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a pivotal role in its development and progression, but the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Here, we identify ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1), a ubiquitin-like protein, as a critical regulator of VSMCs plasticity and atherogenesis. In VSMCs stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), UFM1 overexpression markedly attenuated phenotypic switching, restoring contractile features and suppressing synthetic activation, accompanied by reduced proliferation and migration. In contrast, UFM1 knockdown further exacerbated these phenotypic alterations. In ApoE Show less
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, usi Show more
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Show less
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome marked by high incidence and mortality, is currently diagnosed mainly by serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which have high m Show more
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome marked by high incidence and mortality, is currently diagnosed mainly by serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which have high miss rates. This study innovatively proposes using urinary hydrogen peroxide (H Show less
Caloric restriction (CR) improves metabolic health and reduces the risk of aging-related vascular diseases. However, the systematic metabolic reprogramming associated with CR remains unclear. To addre Show more
Caloric restriction (CR) improves metabolic health and reduces the risk of aging-related vascular diseases. However, the systematic metabolic reprogramming associated with CR remains unclear. To address this, we performed multi-tissue metabolomic profiling (liver, heart, and serum) in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice subjected to CR. Metabolomic analyses of the multiple tissues revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was consistently modulated by CR. To explore its relevance in vascular diseases, we performed serum metabolomic profiling in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) infusion in ApoE-/- mice. The level of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (16:0/0:0), a metabolite in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, was elevated during AAA progression and significantly reduced by CR intervention, suggesting its potential as a vascular disease risk factor. Notably, glycerophospholipid metabolism and LPE (16:0) were significantly associated with vascular diseases and aging-related indicators in human multi-omics data, including public transcriptomic and lipidomic, and our serum multi-omics profiling of 76 healthy aged individuals. Collectively, our findings establish glycerophospholipid metabolism and LPE (16:0) as systemic signatures of CR with diagnostic potential. They highlight a crucial link between systemic metabolism and vascular remodeling and remodeling-associated vascular diseases, while also functioning as indicators of systemic aging. Show less
The integrated stress response (ISR) has been implicated in cognitive decline associated with ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of the ISR using the small-molecule ISRI Show more
The integrated stress response (ISR) has been implicated in cognitive decline associated with ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacological inhibition of the ISR using the small-molecule ISRIB has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects in several preclinical models. However, its potential therapeutic value in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) remains largely unexplored. Here, we established a modified permanent bilateral carotid occlusion (2-VO) rat model of VCI and investigated the therapeutic potential of the ISRIB via microinjection in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). VCI rats exhibited elevated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), indicating successful establishment of the model. Behavioral assessments revealed that VCI rats exhibited impaired spatial, working, and recognition memory. Bioinformatic analysis highlighted ISR pathway activation in VCI. Furthermore, elevated phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (p-eIF2α) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) protein levels in the DG confirmed ISR activation in the DG of VCI rats. VCI also reduced neuronal integrity, as evidenced by decreased Nissl body density. ISRIB treatment significantly improved cognitive performance, suppressed ATF4 expression, enhanced puromycin-labeled protein synthesis, and restored phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Notably, ISRIB increased c-fos activation and upregulated synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) expression in the DG of VCI rats, indicating enhanced neuronal activity and synaptic function. Our results indicate that ISR activation contributes to hippocampal-dependent memory impairment in VCI. ISRIB effectively restores synaptic function and cognition, underscoring its therapeutic value and translational potential in treating VCI. Show less
About 20-40% of prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery, and propionate metabolism may contribute to tumor progression. BCR remains a major clinical challenge in PCa, Show more
About 20-40% of prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery, and propionate metabolism may contribute to tumor progression. BCR remains a major clinical challenge in PCa, as current tools based on histopathology and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) fail to capture the molecular heterogeneity driving the disease. While metabolic reprogramming is known to facilitate post-treatment adaptation, the specific role of propionate metabolism in this context remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate propionate metabolism-related genes (PMRGs) to develop a novel prognostic model for the improved early prediction of recurrence. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas-Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD), GSE70770 and 412 PMRGs were employed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCa and control and DEGs2 in BCR and no BCR samples obtained by differential analysis were intersected with PMRGs to get candidate genes. After Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses, biomarkers were identified to construct risk models. Biomarkers including In this study, PMRGs were regarded as biomarkers in PCa for risk model construction, which suggest that propionate metabolism represents a biologically relevant axis in PCa recurrence and may offer a novel framework for biomarker-driven risk assessment. Show less