Previous studies have shown that astrocytes can transfer healthy mitochondria to dopaminergic (DA) neurons, which may serve as an intrinsic neuroprotective mechanism in Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 Show more
Previous studies have shown that astrocytes can transfer healthy mitochondria to dopaminergic (DA) neurons, which may serve as an intrinsic neuroprotective mechanism in Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 G2019S is the most common pathogenic mutation associated with PD. In this study, we explored whether mitochondrial transfer is influenced by genetic and environmental factors and whether dysfunction in this process is one of the mechanisms of the pathogenic LRRK2 G2019S mutation. DA neurons and astrocytes were differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells generated from the peripheral blood of a healthy individual and a PD patient carrying the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. A coculture system of astrocytes and DA neurons was established to explore the pathogenic mechanisms of LRRK2 G2019S. Exposure to the environmental toxin rotenone impaired mitochondrial transfer from astrocytes to DA neurons. Compared with the co-culture system from the healthy participant, the co-culture system harboring the LRRK2 G2019S mutation experienced more pronounced damage. Specifically, STX17 was colocalized with the mitochondrial outer membrane marker TOM20, and its knockdown caused damage to mitochondrial transfer. Drp1 interacted with STX17. LRRK2 G2019S-mutant astrocytes exhibited markedly increased phosphorylation of Drp1 at Ser616 upon rotenone exposure. Moreover, the degree of colocalization of STX17 with TOM20 decreased. The Drp1 phosphorylation inhibitor DUSP6 restored the colocalization of STX17 and TOM20, as well as the mitochondrial transfer efficiency and neuronal survival. The impairment of mitochondrial transfer is a potential pathogenic mechanism associated with LRRK2 G2019S mutation. The molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial transfer were observed to occur through a Drp1-STX17-dependent pathway. Notably, inhibitors for Drp1 Ser616 phosphorylation may offer neuroprotection through mitigating mitochondrial transfer impairments. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of PD and the development of new therapeutic targets. Show less
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most intractable complication of diabetes. Despite decades of research, accurate diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic drugs are still elusive. Abnormal copper Show more
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most intractable complication of diabetes. Despite decades of research, accurate diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic drugs are still elusive. Abnormal copper metabolism is also implicated in diabetes and its complications. This study aims to identify copper metabolism-related biomarkers and potential drugs for DN. DN datasets and copper metabolism-related genes (CMGs) were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and GeneCards. Differentially expressed CMGs (DE-CMGs) were identified using the limma package and the Venn algorithm. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed to identify candidate hub genes. The single gene with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve > 0.7 was identified as a potential diagnostic biomarker of DN. Finally, these biomarkers were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in high-glucose-treated human proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. These validated hub genes were used to construct a combined prediction model, confirmed by additional GSE30528 and GSE30529 datasets. The correlation analysis between the expression level of the hub genes and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was carried out. Additionally, immune cell infiltration and potential target drugs were investigated for these biomarkers. Five hub genes associated with copper metabolism, namely CD36, CCL2, CASP3, LPL, and APOC3, were identified as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of DN. Utilizing multiple biomarkers enhanced diagnostic accuracy and specificity. CD36, CCL2, and CASP3 correlated negatively with eGFR levels, while LPL and APOC3 correlated positively. Additionally, these hub genes were significantly linked to various immune cell types, including macrophages M1 and M2, T cells, gamma delta resting dendritic cells, neutrophils, and NK cells. Furthermore, 15 agents targeting these biomarkers were retrieved from the DrugBank database. Our study identified key genes possibly related to copper metabolism in the pathological mechanism of DN that could serve as novel targets for the diagnosis and therapy of DN. Show less
Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer Show more
Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer and its clinical implications. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were employed to detect RNA and protein expression, respectively. Colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were conducted for cell functional analysis. A xenograft mouse model assay was performed to analyze tumor tumorigenesis in vivo. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to analyze the association of METTL3 and DLG2. DLG2 was underexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Elevating DLG2 levels significantly suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Additionally, DLG2 overexpression led to the deactivation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. In vivo, DLG2 overexpression was shown to reduce tumor formation. We also discovered that METTL3 destabilized DLG2 mRNA through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Moreover, lowering DLG2 expression mitigated the effects of METTL3 silencing on cervical cancer cell malignancy. DLG2 acted as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. The METTL3-dependent regulation of DLG2 mRNA stability could be a critical factor in cervical cancer progression. Show less
Endothelial lipase (LIPG), a member of the triglyceride lipase family, plays an essential role in human diseases and lipid metabolism. However, its function in goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition Show more
Endothelial lipase (LIPG), a member of the triglyceride lipase family, plays an essential role in human diseases and lipid metabolism. However, its function in goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the LIPG gene in IMF deposition by knocking down and overexpressing it in goat intramuscular preadipocytes. We successfully cloned the full-length LIPG gene, which spans 2,131 bp, including a 94 bp 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), a 1,503 bp coding sequence (CDS), and a 534 bp 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Tissue expression profiles showed that LIPG is expressed in the heart, liver, spleen, Kidney, longest dorsal muscle, and small intestine tissues of goats. LIPG knockdown significantly inhibited both the proliferation of intramuscular preadipocytes and lipid deposition. Moreover, LIPG knockdown markedly decreased mRNA expression of FASN, LPL, CPT1A, CPT1B, FABP3, while increasing the mRNA expression of ATGL, ACOX1, FADS1, and ELOVL6. These findings were further corroborated through LIPG overexpression experiments. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified 1695 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the negative control (NC) and LIPG knockdown (Si-LIPG) groups, with KEGG pathway analysis revealing significant enrichment in the PPAR signaling pathway. Additionally, LIPG knockdown significantly upregulated the expression of both mRNA and protein levels of PPARα. The PPARα agonist WY14643 was able to reverse the enhanced lipid deposition induced by LIPG overexpression. In conclusion, our study highlights a key role for LIPG in the regulation of goat intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and lipid deposition, potentially through the PPARα signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing IMF deposition and suggest potential strategies for improving goat meat quality. Show less
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known f Show more
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known for minimally invasive biomarkers are scarce. Here, we analyzed 1,345 human plasma proteins using proteome-wide association studies, identifying 78 proteins significantly associated with PC risk. Of these, four proteins (ROR1, FN1, APOA5, and ABO) showed the most substantial causal link to PC, confirmed through Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses. Data from two clinical cohorts further demonstrated that FN1 and ABO were notably overexpressed in both blood and tumor samples from PC patients, compared to healthy controls or para-tumor tissues. Additionally, elevated FN1 and ABO levels correlated with shorter median survival in patients. Multiple drugs targeting FN1 or ROR1 are available or in clinical trials. These findings suggest that plasma protein FN1 associated with PC holds potential as both prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Show less
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant complication following radiotherapy for brain tumors, leading to neurocognitive deficits and other neurological impairments. This study aims to i Show more
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant complication following radiotherapy for brain tumors, leading to neurocognitive deficits and other neurological impairments. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RIBI by utilizing advanced proteomic techniques to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying RIBI. A rat model of RIBI was established and subjected to whole-brain irradiation (30 Gy). Tandem mass tagging (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics, combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry, was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the brain tissues of irradiated rats. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to identify the biological processes and pathways involved. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify key hub proteins. A total of 35 DEPs were identified, including PHLDA3, APOE and CPE. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the DEPs were mainly involved in lipid transport, cell adhesion, and metabolic processes. KEGG analysis highlighted the enrichment of pathways related to metabolism, tight junctions, and PPAR signaling. APOE was identified as a key hub protein through PPI network analysis, indicating its potential role in RIBI pathophysiology. Immunohistochemistry further validated the increased expression of PHLDA3, APOE, and CPE in the brain tissue of irradiated rats. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of RIBI by identifying key proteins and their associated pathways. The findings suggest that these proteins, particularly APOE and PHLDA3, could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clinical intervention in RIBI. These results not only enhance our understanding of RIBI's molecular pathology but also open new avenues for the development of targeted therapies to mitigate radiation-induced neurotoxicity. Show less
Traumatic defects or non-union fractures presents a substantial challenge in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaPs) Show more
Traumatic defects or non-union fractures presents a substantial challenge in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaPs) such as dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrate (DCPA) are commonly employed for bone repair, their inadequate cellular immune responses significantly impede sustained degradation and optimal osteogenesis. In this study, drawing inspiration from the key structure of an acidic non-collagenous protein-CaP complex (ANCPs-CaP) essential for natural bone formation, we prepared biomimetic mineralized dibasic calcium phosphate (MDCPA). This preparation utilized plant-derived non-collagenous protein Zein as the organic template and acidic artificial saliva as the mineralization medium. Physicochemical property analysis revealed that MDCPA is a complex of Zein and DCPA, which mimics the composite of the natural ANCP-CaP. Moreover, MDCPA exhibited enhanced biodegradability and osteogenic potential. Mechanistic insight revealed that MDCPA can be phagocytized and degraded by macrophages via the FCγRIII receptor, leading to the release of interleukin 27 (IL-27), which promotes osteogenic differentiation by osteoimmunomodulation. The critical role of IL-27 in osteogenesis is further confirmed using IL-27 gene knockout mice. Additionally, MDCPA demonstrates effective healing of critical-sized defects in rat cranial bones within only 4 w, providing a promising basis and valuable insights for critical-sized bone defects regeneration. Show less
Disrupting liver immune homeostasis drives inflammation. Recent evidence shifts immunoregulatory focus to hepatocytes, though the mechanisms remain poorly defined. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a critica Show more
Disrupting liver immune homeostasis drives inflammation. Recent evidence shifts immunoregulatory focus to hepatocytes, though the mechanisms remain poorly defined. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a critical homeostasis regulator, but its function in liver immune homeostasis is unknown. We aimed to clarify the role of hepatocyte FoxO1 in liver immune homeostasis and inflammation. Human liver FoxO1 expression and its association with inflammation were analyzed in patients with various inflammation-related liver diseases. Hepatocyte-specific Foxo1 knockout (FoxO1 △hepa ) mice were established. Hepatocyte-specific gene interference was employed in alcoholic hepatitis and hepatic schistosomiasis murine models. Transcriptomic, single-cell RNA sequencing, and CUT&Tag analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Hepatocyte FoxO1 levels in human inflammatory livers declined prevalently and were inversely correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Around 15-18 weeks after birth, FoxO1 △hepa mice exhibited mild spontaneous hepatic inflammation with natural killer T (NKT) cell and neutrophil accumulation. NKT cell depletion in FoxO1 △hepa mice with alcoholic hepatitis or hepatic schistosomiasis (HS) significantly reduced neutrophil accumulation and protected against liver inflammation and damage. Mechanistically, FoxO1 promoted retinoic acid synthesis to induce hepatocyte CD1d expression, which is necessary for regulating NKT cell apoptosis. Innovatively, decreased JMJD1C expression in hepatocytes caused histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation at the Foxo1 promoter, repressing its transcription and disrupting local immune homeostasis. Our findings uncover a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for hepatocyte-based control of liver inflammation, in which hepatocyte FoxO1 maintained by JMJD1C restrains local NKT cells and neutrophils via CD1d induction, providing promising targets for inflammatory liver diseases. Show less
Telomere length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging, but its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. We estimated TL in whole-genome sequencing data from 35,014 Alzheimer's Diseas Show more
Telomere length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging, but its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. We estimated TL in whole-genome sequencing data from 35,014 Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project participants using TelSeq, which after quality control yielded a dataset including 6,973 persons of European ancestry (EA), 4,188 African Americans (AA), 4,005 Caribbean Hispanics (CH), and 4,170 Native American Hispanics (NAH). TL was log-transformed, adjusted for age and blood cell counts, and z-scaled. Scaled TL was dichotomized into long and short groups according to the median. An AD GWAS for the interaction of TL with variants having a minor allele count >20 was performed in each ancestry group using logistic regression models including SNP and TL main effects and a SNP×TL interaction term. AD risk was associated with shorter TL (β = -0.18, We identified variants that significantly impact AD risk through their interaction with TL, suggesting that TL maintenance pathways may be central to AD pathogenesis. Show less
Pentadecanoic acid (PEA), an odd-chain fatty acid derived from diet by the gut microbiome, has garnered increasing attention for its systemic health-promoting properties. Its potential role in bladder Show more
Pentadecanoic acid (PEA), an odd-chain fatty acid derived from diet by the gut microbiome, has garnered increasing attention for its systemic health-promoting properties. Its potential role in bladder cancer (BC) occurrence and invasion, however, remains unclear. Large-scale cohorts' analyses were performed to assess the association between dietary PEA and BC occurrence and invasion. In vitro and in vivo experiments, including EJ and T24 BC cell assays and a BBN-induced mouse model, were conducted to experimentally assess the impact of PEA on BC. Serum proteomics, gut microbiome, and targeted fecal lipidomics analyses were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Dietary PEA was negatively associated with BC occurrence and invasion in cohort analyses. PEA suppressed EJ and T24 BC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, while inhibiting BC development in a BBN-induced mouse model. In vivo serum proteomics identified differentially expressed lipid-related proteins (e.g., Apoe and Apob) following PEA treatment, implicating its modulation of lipid metabolism pathways. Considering the essential role of the gut-bladder axis, the gut microbiome analysis exhibited that PEA markedly altered bacteria (e.g., g_Alistipes) and fungi (e.g., o_Erysiphales, g_Teberdinia, and g_Gibberella), with concomitant lipid metabolism changes. Furthermore, targeted fecal lipidomics demonstrated the shifts in key lipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) involved in essential lipid clusters, suggesting regulation by gut microbiome linked to BC development. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PEA mitigates BC by reshaping the gut microbiome and modulating lipid metabolism, providing new insights into its molecular and therapeutic potential. Show less
Wei Zhang, Na Li · 2025 · Frontiers in psychiatry · Frontiers · added 2026-04-24
Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) exhibit a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the specific mechanisms linking heart failure (HF) and BD remain poorly understood. This st Show more
Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) exhibit a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the specific mechanisms linking heart failure (HF) and BD remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify common potential diagnostic biomarkers associated with both conditions. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed separately in HF (GSE57338) and BD (GSE5389) datasets. Key module genes for each condition were identified through co-expression network analysis and intersected with DEGs to pinpoint candidate genes. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and expression validation were employed to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and drug predictions were also conducted. Clinical validation of biomarker expression was performed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A total of 44 candidate genes were identified as being associated with both HF and BD. Six potential diagnostic biomarkers ( This study preliminarily explored the common molecular mechanisms between HF and BD, and identified 6 potential biomarkers for early detection, providing a solid theoretical basis for future research on HF and BD. Show less
This study aimed to explore the career adaptability status of cardiovascular specialist nurses (CSNs) through latent profile analysis (LPA), identify distinct subgroups and their demographic features, Show more
This study aimed to explore the career adaptability status of cardiovascular specialist nurses (CSNs) through latent profile analysis (LPA), identify distinct subgroups and their demographic features, and determine factors influencing different adaptability categories. CSNs play a vital role in treating and rehabilitating patients with cardiovascular conditions. However, the existing literature offers limited insights into the career adaptability of CSNs in China. A multicenter, cross-sectional survey involving 659 Chinese CSNs was conducted. LPA was utilized to classify career adaptability profiles based on responses to the Career Adaptation Abilities Scale Short Form (CAAS-SF). Influencing factors were assessed using the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II (CWEQ-II) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Differences among identified profiles were analyzed through ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression to explore relevant socio-demographic characteristics and influencing variables. A four-profile model provided the best fit, identifying groups labeled as “high adaptability” (Class 4, These findings provide evidence to assist nursing administrators in developing training programs to enhance CSNs’ career adaptability. The variables identified as associated with profile membership may enable more tailored training strategies. Show less
Autoantibodies hold promise for diagnosing lung cancer. However, their effectiveness in early-stage detection needs improvement. In this study, we investigated novel IgG and IgM autoantibodies for det Show more
Autoantibodies hold promise for diagnosing lung cancer. However, their effectiveness in early-stage detection needs improvement. In this study, we investigated novel IgG and IgM autoantibodies for detecting early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (Early-LUAD) by employing a multi-step approach, including Human Proteome Microarray (HuProtTM) discovery, focused microarray verification, and ELISA validation, on 1246 individuals consisting of 634 patients with Early-LUAD (stage 0-I), 280 patients with benign lung disease (BLD), and 332 normal healthy controls (NHCs). HuProtTM selected 417 IgG/IgM candidates, and focused microarray further verified 55 significantly elevated IgG/IgM autoantibodies targeting 32 tumor-associated antigens in Early-LUAD compared to BLD/NHC/BLD+NHC. A novel panel of 10 autoantibodies (ELAVL4-IgM, GDA-IgM, GIMAP4-IgM, GIMAP4-IgG, MGMT-IgM, UCHL1-IgM, DCTPP1-IgM, KCMF1-IgM, UCHL1-IgG, and WWP2-IgM) demonstrated a sensitivity of 70.5% and a specificity of 77.0% or 80.0% for distinguishing Early-LUAD from BLD or NHC in ELISA validation. Positive predictive values for distinguishing Early-LUAD from BLD with nodules ≤ 8 mm, 9-20 mm, and > 20 mm significantly increased from 47.27%, 52.00%, and 62.90% [low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) alone] to 79.17%, 71.13%, and 87.88% (10-autoantibody panel combined with LDCT), respectively. The combined risk score (CRS), based on the 10-autoantibody panel, sex, and imaging maximum diameter, effectively stratified the risk for Early-LUAD. Individuals with 10 ≤ CRS ≤ 25 and CRS > 25 indicated a higher risk of Early-LUAD compared to the reference (CRS < 10), with adjusted odds ratios of 5.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18-8.76] and 9.05 (95% CI: 5.40-15.15), respectively. This novel panel of IgG and IgM autoantibodies offers a complementary approach to LDCT in distinguishing Early-LUAD from benign nodules. Show less
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer (BC), characterized by limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. Aberrant FGFR signaling has been implic Show more
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer (BC), characterized by limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. Aberrant FGFR signaling has been implicated in TNBC; however, the therapeutic potential of targeting FGFRs for TNBC treatment remains unclear. This study investigated the anti-cancer activity of the selective pan-FGFR inhibitor Erdafitinib and its underlying mechanisms using both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that Erdafitinib suppressed TNBC tumorigenicity by promoting FGFR1/4 degradation, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing DNA damage, and ultimately triggering cell death. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Erdafitinib facilitated FGFR1/4 degradation through ubiquitination, enhanced interaction between TRIM25 and FGFR1/4, and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Furthermore, RNA-seq data from the TCGA and GEO databases, along with paired tumor tissues from TNBC patients, indicated that FGFR4 was significantly upregulated in TNBC. Notably, co-knockdown of FGFR1 and FGFR4 induced cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells, highlighting the therapeutic relevance of FGFR1/4 degradation by Erdafitinib in TNBC. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer efficacy of Erdafitinib, supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for TNBC. Show less
This study integrated the the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratio in a low protein diet on the meat quality in Tibetan sheep. A total of 90 weaned Tibetan sheep, 2 months old with initial weight of 15.37 Show more
This study integrated the the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratio in a low protein diet on the meat quality in Tibetan sheep. A total of 90 weaned Tibetan sheep, 2 months old with initial weight of 15.37 ± 0.92 kg were randomly divided into 3 treatments, which were supplemented with Lys/Met ratio at 3 (LP-H), 2 (LP-M), and 1 (LP-L) in the basal diet (10 % crude protein), respectively. After slaughter (150 days of age), the growth performances and meat quality of longissimus dorsi muscle were evaluated. The LP-L group showed significantly higher final body weight compared to the LP-M group (P < 0.05). Serum albumin and total protein levels were significantly higher in the LP-L group than in the LP-H group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, meat from the LP-L group had significantly higher protein, calcium, and vitamin E content compared to the LP-M group (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 3,479 differentially expressed genes enriched in pathways related to muscle growth, energy metabolism, and signaling transduction. Metabolomic analysis identified 771 differential metabolites, significantly enriched in ABC transporters, beta-alanine metabolism, and taste transduction pathways. Integrated analysis highlighted the upregulation of the ABCD4 gene and L-valine metabolite in the LP-L group, contributing to improved phenotypic traits. These findings provide molecular insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratios on Tibetan sheep meat quality and offer a basis for developing nutritional strategies to enhance premium meat production. Show less
This study aimed to investigate the effects of perioperative esketamine on postoperative depression and pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy. 135 patients undegoing laparoscopic Show more
This study aimed to investigate the effects of perioperative esketamine on postoperative depression and pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy. 135 patients undegoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy were recruited and randomly allocated to three groups. Finally, a total of 127 patients were selected into the statistical analysis, with the final grouping information as follows: sufentanil group (S1, n = 44), sufentanil combined with 0.25 mg/kg esketamine group (SK1, n = 42) and sufentanil combined with 0.5 mg/kg esketamine group (SK2,n = 41) intraoperatively, then postoperative analgesia was maintained with sufentanil (2 µg/kg) via patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) in all groups, while a 1 mg/kg dose of esketamine was added to the PCIA regimen for patients in groups SK1 and SK2. The peripheral blood serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) scores, visual analogue scale(VAS) scores and the number of PCIA button pressed times in perioperative period were collected. Meanwhile, the postoperative adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, respiratory depression and hallucinations were collected and compared between the three groups. Relative to preoperative baseline levels, BDNF and 5-HT levels decreased at the 1th day(1d) post surgery in all groups(P < 0.05), and then followed by a gradual increase thereafter. Compared with S1 group, the SK1 and SK2 group showed significantly higher serum BDNF and 5-HT levels at 1d, 2d and 5d after operation (P < 0.05), and revealed even higher at 1d and 2d after operation in SK2 group(P < 0.05). The HAM-D scores at 1d, 2d and 5d post operation were significantly reduced in SK1 and SK2 group (P < 0.05) compared to S1 group, and decreased even lower at 1d and 2d postoperative in SK2 group(P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found among three groups at 1d before and the 7d after operation. Simultaneously, the VAS scores decreased significantly in SK1 and SK2 group at the 1th hour(1 h), 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.05), and the PCIA button pressed times were also significantly reduced in SK1 and SK2 group (P < 0.05) during the postoperative 48 h. Furthermore, the SK1 and SK2 group showed the lower dosage of remifentanil during the surgery(P < 0.05). However, the postoperative adverse effects had no statistical differences among the three groups. The combined intraoperative and postoperative administration of esketamine was effective in alleviating postoperative depression and pain, without increasing adverse effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy. Moreover, the 0.5 mg/kg dosage intraoperatively may have the better alleviation property of depression-related indicators. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at www.chictr.org.cn (registration date: October 31, 2022; registration number: ChiCTR2200065198). Show less
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in Show more
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in breast cancer remains largely unexplored. We applied an advanced biosensor approach to detect the D-2HG levels in breast cancer samples. We then investigated the biological functions of D-2HG through multiple in vitro and in vivo assays. A joint MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq strategy was used to identify the target genes regulated by D-2HG-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m We found that D-2HG accumulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exerting oncogenic effects both in vitro and in vivo by promoting TNBC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, D-2HG enhanced global m Our study unveils a previously unrecognized role for D-2HG-mediated RNA modification in TNBC progression and targeting the D-2HG/FTO/m Show less
The deficiency of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, causes fatty liver. However, its underlying mechanism and physiological significance are not fully understood. Show more
The deficiency of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, causes fatty liver. However, its underlying mechanism and physiological significance are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) mediates lipid metabolic remodeling and promotes progressive triglyceride accumulation against metabolic injury in adult FBP1-deficient liver. Inducible liver-specific deletion of Fbp1 gene caused progressive hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis, with a marked increase in hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) as well as a decrease in plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Notably, FBP1 deficiency resulted in a persistent activation of ChREBP and its target genes involved in glycolysis, lipogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation, even under fasting conditions. Furthermore, liver-specific ChREBP disruption could markedly restore the phenotypes of enhanced DNL and triglyceride accumulation in FBP1-deficient liver but exacerbated its hepatomegaly and liver injury, which was associated with remarkable energy deficit, impaired mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation, and increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis revealed a robust elevation of phosphoenolpyruvate, phosphoglycerates, phospholipids, and ceramides caused by ChREBP deletion in FBP1-deficient liver. Put together, these results suggest that overactivation of ChREBP pathway mediates liver metabolic remodeling in the absence of FBP1, which contributes to the pathogenesis of progressive hepatic steatosis and provides a protection against liver injury. Thus, our findings point to a beneficial role of ChREBP in metabolic remodeling in the context of excessive gluconeogenic intermediates. Show less
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective po Show more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of orlistat (ORL), a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, in a murine TBI model. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses demonstrated that ORL significantly attenuated TBI-induced neurological damage. Microglial depletion experiments revealed that ORL's neuroprotective effects were largely mediated through microglial modulation. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that ORL suppressed microglial activation, phagocytosis, and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified upregulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in a TBI-induced microglial subpopulation. Molecular docking predicted ORL-LPL binding, suggesting direct enzymatic inhibition. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed ORL's modulation of microglial metabolic pathways and inflammatory responses. Our findings position ORL as a promising repurposed therapeutic for TBI through its novel mechanism of targeting microglial LPL-mediated neuroinflammation. Show less
The chimeric cytokine IC7Fc conveys the metabolic signaling properties of the glycoprotein 130 receptor cytokines interleukin-6 and ciliary neurotrophic factor via membrane-bound signaling. IC7Fc was Show more
The chimeric cytokine IC7Fc conveys the metabolic signaling properties of the glycoprotein 130 receptor cytokines interleukin-6 and ciliary neurotrophic factor via membrane-bound signaling. IC7Fc was previously shown to slow the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and here, we demonstrate its effect on atherosclerotic development. In APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, an atherosclerosis-prone model with a humanized lipoprotein metabolism, IC7Fc markedly lowered plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. This was mechanistically explained by an inhibition of de novo lipogenesis in the liver, increased synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol, and down-regulated apolipoprotein B synthesis, which resulted in decreased cholesterol secretion in very low-density lipoprotein particles. As a consequence, IC7Fc treatment considerably reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation and vascular inflammation compared with current antihyperlipidemic therapy. In conclusion, IC7Fc is a promising pharmacological treatment for cardiometabolic diseases targeting hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Show less
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) exhibit complex genotype-phenotype associations that frequently result in inconclusive variant interpretations, contributing to suboptimal diagnostic yields (~ 40%) Show more
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) exhibit complex genotype-phenotype associations that frequently result in inconclusive variant interpretations, contributing to suboptimal diagnostic yields (~ 40%). Koolen-de Vries syndrome (KdVS), an autosomal dominant NDD caused by KANSL1 haploinsufficiency, exemplifies this diagnostic challenge with its multisystem manifestations and lack of systematic genotype-phenotype associations. To address this gap, we constructed a comprehensive KdVS genotype-phenotype repository by systematically integrating all molecularly confirmed cases from global literature. Comprehensive phenotypic analysis revealed that core KdVS features include developmental delay/intellectual disability, characteristic craniofacial dysmorphism, hypotonia, and multisystem abnormalities. Phenotypic association analysis identified 249 significant correlations, demonstrating that KdVS clinical manifestations are highly interconnected rather than representing isolated features, such as the association between strabismus and hydrocephalus (OR = 14.26). Application of this repository to screen a Chinese rare disease cohort identified 53 KANSL1 variants. Among these, one de novo nonsense variant (NM₀₀₁₁₉₃₄₆₆.2: c.902T > G, p.Leu301Ter) was classified as pathogenic in a Chinese boy with classic KdVS features. The remaining 52 variants were categorized as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), approximately half of which were absent from gnomAD databases. Each VUS was comprehensively annotated with detailed clinical profiles to facilitate phenotype-driven reinterpretation. In conclusion, this study establishes KdVS as a highly interconnected multisystem disorder and demonstrates that deep phenotypic association analysis enhanced genetic diagnosis. This disease-specific repository approach provides a scalable framework for improving molecular diagnostics across rare NDDs. 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
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug Show more
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug discovery, it is crucial to utilize effective molecular feature representations for predicting molecular properties and designing ligands with high binding affinity to targets. However, designing an effective multi-task and self-supervised strategy remains a significant challenge for the pretraining framework. In this study, a multi-task self-supervised deep learning framework is proposed, MTSSMol, which utilizes ≈10 million unlabeled drug-like molecules for pretraining to identify potential inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). During the pretraining of MTSSMol, molecular representations are learned through a graph neural networks (GNNs) encoder. A multi-task self-supervised pretraining strategy is proposed to fully capture the structural and chemical knowledge of molecules. Extensive computational tests on 27 datasets demonstrate that MTSSMol exhibits exceptional performance in predicting molecular properties across different domains. Moreover, MTSSMol's capability is validated to identify potential inhibitors of FGFR1 through molecular docking using RoseTTAFold All-Atom (RFAA) and molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, MTSSMol provides an effective algorithmic framework for enhancing molecular representation learning and identifying potential drug candidates, offering a valuable tool to accelerate drug discovery processes. All of the codes are freely available online at https:// github.com/zhaoqi106/MTSSMol. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive system malignancy accompanied by peritoneal metastasis occurring in 7% of cases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoted the progression of CRC wher Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive system malignancy accompanied by peritoneal metastasis occurring in 7% of cases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoted the progression of CRC whereas its function in peritoneal metastasis was incompletely understood. Here, we found that METTL3 was upregulated in peritoneal metastasis tissues of CRC patients compared with CRC tissues. By sequencing the mRNA of above tissues, we discovered that METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulated the downstream target Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease linked to oxidative stress and lipid imbalance, remains a major cardiovascular threat. Traditional herbs Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctori Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease linked to oxidative stress and lipid imbalance, remains a major cardiovascular threat. Traditional herbs Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius exhibit multi-target anti-AS potential, yet their compositional complexity limits clinical translation. This study aimed to systematically identify core anti-AS components from these herbs and enhance their anti-AS efficacy via machine learning-aided screening and nanotechnology-driven codelivery. We initially pioneered a machine learning-aided hybrid strategy integrating network pharmacology and quantitative activity relationship (QSAR) modeling to identify four core anti-AS polyphenols (i.e., salvianic acid A, salvianolic acid B, protocatechuic acid, and hydroxysafflor yellow A). Subsequently, a quaternary metal-phenolic network (SSPH-MPN) was engineered for plaque-targeted codelivery, optimized via the median-effect principle for achieving a synergistic effect based on ROS scavenging efficacy. The optimized SSPH-MPN was characterized by a series of studies, including molecular dynamics simulations, UV, DLS, TEM, FTIR, XPS, and ICP-MS. The anti-AS effect of the optimized SSPH-MPN was evaluated by monitoring oxidative status (ROS levels, antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, T-AOC), inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), lipid metabolism (DiI-oxLDL uptake, cholesterol efflux, blood lipid levels, lipid accumulation), and plaque areas. The results demonstrated that the optimized SSPH-MPN showed great efficiency in inhibiting lipid uptake and accumulation, and mediating cholesterol efflux in RAW 264.7 cells, and exhibited improved lipid metabolism, attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation, thus acquired diminished plaque area in apoE Show less
Liver and lung are the most common metastatic sites in colorectal cancer (CRC), where the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of CRC. Understanding the Show more
Liver and lung are the most common metastatic sites in colorectal cancer (CRC), where the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of CRC. Understanding the interactions between various types of cells in the TME can suggest innovative therapeutic strategies. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and clinical samples, fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19, rodent FGF15) is found to mediate a significant interaction between CRC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), activating the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)-to-CAFs differentiation. In various CRC metastatic mouse models, it is shown that FGF15 has a more pronounced effect on liver metastasis compared to pulmonary metastasis. More importantly, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are also identified from the RNA-Seq dataset upon the activation of HSCs by FGF19 and compared the DEGs in matched primary and metastatic mRNA samples from patients with CRC liver metastasis (CRCLM), it is found that the ANGPTL4 gene is significantly associated with HSCs activation. Different mouse models also demonstrated the impact of the FGF19/ANGPTL4 axis on the severity of CRCLM. Importantly, disruption of this axis significantly inhibits CRCLM in vivo. This study is among the first to demonstrate the impact of the FGF19/ANGPTL4 axis on CRCLM, offering a novel therapeutic strategy. Show less
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a poor prognosis and limited responsiveness to conventional therapies, presenting a substantial therapeutic challenge. Although chemotherapy remains the cornersto Show more
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a poor prognosis and limited responsiveness to conventional therapies, presenting a substantial therapeutic challenge. Although chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of systemic treatment, options become scarce once frontline therapies fail. While targeted therapies and immunotherapies have emerged as potential alternatives, their efficacy in pancreatic cancer is not well established. As research advances, exploring the tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) of pancreatic cancer is crucial and holds significant potential for developing novel treatment strategies.We report a case of a pancreatic cancer patient who, after the failure of frontline and second-line treatments, was treated with a pioneering combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy to modulate the unique TiME. The targeted agent, surufatinib, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1-3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R). The immunotherapy agent, toripalimab, is an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Remarkably, the patient benefitted from this regimen, exhibiting stable disease, improved clinical symptoms, and prolonged progression-free survival. This case highlights the potential of personalized therapy in treating pancreatic cancer, particularly in patients with distinctive features of the TiME that may predict favorable responses to immunotherapy. Personalized strategies that consider the spatial structure and composition of the TiME may offer a promising avenue for achieving long-term progression-free survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Show less
DHX36 plays a crucial role in regulating transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes through its interaction with G-quadruplexes (G4s). The mechanisms by which DHX36 regulates G4s vary across d Show more
DHX36 plays a crucial role in regulating transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes through its interaction with G-quadruplexes (G4s). The mechanisms by which DHX36 regulates G4s vary across different cell types and physiological conditions. Oocyte-specific conditional knockout (CKO) mice were utilized to study the impact of DHX36 deficiency on female fertility. The results show that the CKO mice exhibit severely impaired hormone response, ovulation, and complete infertility. The CKO germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes display large nucleoli, aberrant chromatin configuration, decreased chromatin accessibility, disturbed transcriptome, and inhibited meiosis progression. Following fertilization, the embryos derived from the CKO oocytes arrest at the zygote or 2-cell stage. Notably, we observed inadequate rRNA transcription in growing GV oocytes, as well as insufficient pre-rRNA processing and translation activity in fully-grown GV oocytes. Using a G4 probe and antibody, we found increased G4s formation at the chromatin and cytoplasm of CKO GV oocytes; these G4s mainly originate from the rDNA and pre-rRNA. Furthermore, the distribution of DHX36 was found to be spatiotemporally synchronized with that of pre-rRNA and G4s in early mouse embryos. In vitro experiments confirmed that DHX36 directly binds with pre-rRNA through the RHAU-specific motif (RSM). Overexpression of DHX36 could partially alleviate the pre-rRNA accumulation in fully-grown CKO oocytes. In conclusion, this study highlights the physiological significance of DHX36 in maintaining female fertility, underscoring its critical role in rRNA homeostasis and chromatin configuration through G4-unwinding mechanism in mouse oocytes. Show less