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
The mammalian class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase complex (PtdIns3K) forms two biochemically and functionally distinct subcomplexes including the ATG14-containing complex I (PtdIns3K-C1) and the U Show more
The mammalian class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase complex (PtdIns3K) forms two biochemically and functionally distinct subcomplexes including the ATG14-containing complex I (PtdIns3K-C1) and the UVRAG-containing complex II (PtdIns3K-C2). Both subcomplexes adopt a V-shaped architecture with a BECN1-ATG14 or UVRAG adaptor arm and a PIK3R4/VPS15-PIK3C3/VPS34 catalytic arm. NRBF2 is a pro-autophagic modulator that specifically associates with PtdIns3K-C1 to enhance its kinase activity and promotes macroautophagy/autophagy. How NRBF2 exerts such a positive effect is not fully understood. Here we report that NRBF2 binds to PIK3R4/VPS15 with moderate affinity through a conserved site on its N-terminal MIT domain. The NRBF2-PIK3R4/VPS15 interaction is incompatible with the UVRAG-containing PtdIns3K-C2 because the C2 domain of UVRAG outcompetes NRBF2 for PIK3R4/VPS15 binding. Our crystal structure of the NRBF2 coiled-coil (CC) domain reveals a symmetric homodimer with multiple hydrophobic pairings at the CC interface, which is in distinct contrast to the asymmetric dimer observed in the yeast ortholog Atg38. Mutations in the CC domain that rendered NRBF2 monomeric led to weakened binding to PIK3R4/VPS15 and only partial rescue of autophagy deficiency in 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
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile an Show more
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile analysis (LPA) classifies individuals into distinct subgroups via continuous FoP indicators, boosting classification accuracy by accounting for variable uncertainty. Given FoP's heterogeneity, investigating FoP profiles and their influencing factors in stroke patients is clinically significant for personalized psychological care and improved patient quality of life. A total of 366 stroke patients were selected as study subjects through convenience sampling, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted. FoP was assessed using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF, 2 dimensions, 12 items). Independent variables included demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, the Recurrence Risk Perception Scale for Stroke patients (RRPSS), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ). LPA was performed on the FoP-Q-SF items to identify subgroups. The R3STEP method was used to analyze influencing factors of subgroup membership, and the BCH method was applied to compare differences in distal outcomes across subgroups. Statistical significance was set at The study sample had a mean age of 63.93âŻÂ±âŻ10.58âŻyears, with 70.5% males and 65.0% first-ever stroke patients. Two latent profiles were identified: Low-FoP Adaptive Type (C1, 48.6%) and High-FoP Sustained Type (C2, 51.4%). The R3STEP showed that age 18-59âŻyears (ORâŻ=âŻ0.476, 95%CIâŻ=âŻ0.245-0.924, This study revealed significant heterogeneity in FoP among stroke patients. Age, hypertension comorbidity, excessive recurrence risk perception, MCMQ-confrontation, and MCMQ-avoidance were associated with high FoP. Healthcare providers should prioritize identifying high-risk individuals and develop tailored interventions to reduce FoP and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Show less
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Despite overlapping remodeling features, their disti Show more
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Despite overlapping remodeling features, their distinct mechanisms and therapeutic responses remain unclear. This study integrated genetic, imaging, and proteomic data to identify key mediators underlying ÎČ1-adrenergic receptor blockers (ÎČ1-blockers)-related therapeutic heterogeneity between HHD and HCM. Genetic instruments for ÎČ1-blockers were derived from two genome-wide association studies and integrated with cardiac magnetic resonance radiomic traits and plasma proteomic data from the UK Biobank, along with disease outcomes from FinnGen. A refined two-stage network Mendelian randomization framework with pleiotropy-robust estimators identified mediators of treatment response. To further elucidate their biological and clinical significance, additional analyses were performed, including drug-target profiling, molecular docking, adverse events (AEs) assessment, and drug prediction. We identified three types of imaging features and ten mediator proteins that contributed to therapeutic responses in HHD and HCM. These mediators were categorized as either mediating (aligned with therapeutic outcomes) or suppressing (opposing therapeutic outcomes). Left ventricular regional radial strain acted as a suppressing factor in HHD but a mediating factor in HCM, whereas end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes consistently showed suppressing effects in both. Regional myocardial wall thickness also exerted a suppressing role in HCM. Among protein mediators, APOE, CGREF1, ITGA5, LSP1, NOS3, and NPPB were linked to HHD, whereas DUSP13, ITGA11, NID1, and SERPINA4 were related to HCM. Specifically, APOE, ITGA5, NOS3, NPPB, DUSP13, and ITGA11 acted as mediating factors, while CGREF1, LSP1, NID1, and SERPINA4 served as suppressing ones. These findings remained robust after pleiotropy adjustment and other genetic analyses. Molecular docking revealed interactions between ADRB1, the ÎČ1-blockers target, and downstream proteins, while drug prediction identified eight potential compounds linked to these mediators. Additionally, AE analyses indicated that some targets, such as DUSP13, could both mitigate and aggravate common AEs while contributing to cardiac therapy. This integrative multi-omics analysis revealed distinct imaging and proteomic mechanisms of genetically proxied ÎČ1-blockers in HHD and HCM, providing genetic evidence for differential therapeutic responses and highlighting molecular targets for precision cardiovascular therapy. Show less
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely associated with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Show more
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely associated with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Because MASLD progression poses serious health risks, elucidating the underlying mechanisms is essential to guide early intervention and therapeutic strategies. Proteomic analysis was used to identity high-fat diet (HFD)-induced proteins in mouse liver. Galectin-1 (GAL1) expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry in human liver tissues. Liver-specific GAL1-deficient mice were generated using adeno-associated virus. Mice were fed either a chow diet or an HFD. Functional studies were performed in cell lines using western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and molecular docking analysis. GAL1 expression was elevated in liver tissues from patients with MASLD and in mouse models. Liver-specific GAL1 knockdown alleviated hepatic steatosis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Mechanistically, GAL1 competitively bound to the BRCT domain of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), thereby interfering with its interaction with the WW domain -containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2). Hepatic GAL1 knockdown promoted the PARP1 -WWP2 interaction and subsequently facilitated ubiquitin-dependent degradation of PARP1. This degradation led to increased NAD Hepatic deficiency of GAL1 alleviates hepatic steatosis by enhancing FAO through promotion of ubiquitin-dependent PARP1 degradation, thereby restoring NAD Show less
This study evaluated the efficacy of combining personalized acupuncture with accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (adTMS) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this randomized, double- Show more
This study evaluated the efficacy of combining personalized acupuncture with accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (adTMS) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 120 MCI patients were assigned to a Combined group (personalized acupuncture + active adTMS), a Single Stimulation group (active adTMS + sham acupuncture), or a Placebo group (sham TMS + sham acupuncture). The primary outcome was the change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included P300 latency, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) NAA/Cr ratio, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The Combined group showed a significantly greater improvement in MoCA scores (3.2 ± 1.3 points) compared to the Single Stimulation (1.9 ± 1.2 points; mean difference 1.3, 95 % CI 0.4 to 2.2) and Placebo groups (1.1 ± 1.0 points; mean difference 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2 to 3.0). The Combined group also demonstrated greater reductions in P300 latency and increases in NAA/Cr ratio and serum BDNF levels than the other groups. The combination of personalized acupuncture and adTMS significantly improves cognitive function in MCI patients, supported by positive changes in electrophysiological and metabolic markers. This integrative approach represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy for MCI.Trial registration: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trials Registry (ITMCTR2025000652). Show less
Microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation, driving either detrimental M1 or protective M2 polarization, which critically impacts the outcomes of ischemic stroke. While fibroblast growth factor 20 Show more
Microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation, driving either detrimental M1 or protective M2 polarization, which critically impacts the outcomes of ischemic stroke. While fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20) is established as a neurotrophic factor with neuroprotective properties, its role in regulating microglial polarization remains unclear. This study investigated a novel function of FGF20 in alleviating post-stroke neuroinflammation and its underlying mechanisms. In a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), intracerebroventricular administration of FGF20 significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological function. RT-PCR analysis revealed that FGF20 bidirectionally regulated cytokine expression, suppressing M1-associated markers (CD86, IL-1ÎČ, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α) while enhancing M2-associated markers (IL-10, Arg-1). Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that FGF20 attenuated microglia activation in peri-infarct striatum and hippocampus. In vitro, FGF20 counteracted LPS-induced M1 polarization in primary microglia, downregulated the TLR4/NF-ÎșB pathway, and upregulated TREM2 expression. Notably, while the selective FGFR1 inhibitor PD173074 abolished FGF20-induced TREM2 upregulation, it did not reverse the suppression of TLR4/NF-ÎșB, indicating that these two effects are mediated through distinct regulatory mechanisms. These phenotypic shifts were further confirmed by a reduction in CD32/16 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-ÎșB 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-ÎșB signaling pathway in macrophages, consequently exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Show less
The high global prevalence of anxiety disorders, coupled with the limitations of existing treatments, constitutes a severe public health challenge. Chronic stress, as a core environmental trigger, has Show more
The high global prevalence of anxiety disorders, coupled with the limitations of existing treatments, constitutes a severe public health challenge. Chronic stress, as a core environmental trigger, has garnered increasing attention for its mechanism of mediating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) imbalance through neuroinflammation. BDNF dysregulation may contribute to anxiety disorders, particularly in subtypes with heightened neuroinflammation. The objective of this review is to comprehensively and methodically explores the potential role of the "M1-like microglia-A1-like astrocyte axis (M1-A1 axis)" in linking chronic stress to BDNF dysregulation in anxiety disorders, and to provide a theoretical basis for intervention strategies targeting this axis. By synthesizing recent relevant clinical and preclinical evidence, this review integrates evidence from molecular to systems levels, focusing on the activation mechanisms of neuroinflammation under chronic stress, the crosstalk between glial cells, and their regulatory network on BDNF. Chronic stress is associated with peripheral and central cascades through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and gut microbiota disruption. Within the central nervous system (CNS), stress induces microglial polarization toward the pro-inflammatory microglial subpopulations (hereinafter referred to as M1-like microglia). The signals released by M1-like microglia, such as Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Complement Component 1q (C1q) (ITC), drive astrocytes to transform into the neurotoxic astrocyte states (hereinafter referred to as A1-like astrocyte), forming the "M1-A1 axis". This axis contributes to BDNF dysregulation through the following mechanisms: (1) Release of pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibits BDNF transcription and translation; (2) Induction of astrocytic lactate metabolism disruption, which impairs neuronal energy supply and acidifies the microenvironment, further amplifying inflammation and affecting BDNF expression; (3) Compromise of the blood-brain barrier(BBB)enables peripheral immune cells to penetrate into the CNS, and these cells work in synergy with central glial cells to amplify inflammation. The reduction in BDNF and the imbalance in the ratio of its precursor to mature form ultimately lead to impaired synaptic plasticity in brain regions like the hippocampus (HIP) and amygdala, precipitating anxiety-like behaviors. Existing pharmacological interventions are inadequate to reverse this pathological process. The M1-A1 axis may serve as a key node linking chronic stress to BDNF dysregulation and anxiety disorders. Targeting the phenotypic transformation of glial cells, repairing the BBB, or modulating glial cell metabolism (e.g., lactate shuttle) may represent potential strategies requiring further validation. Future research should focus on the spatiotemporal dynamics of this axis and its clinical translation. 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-ÎșB-mediated inflammatory pathway. HBE cells were treated with LPS (1-100 ng/mL) to induce autophagy dysregulation and inflammation. G-Rg3 (2-16 ΌM) was administered to evaluate its protective effects. Western blotting was used to detect autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, LC3B, p62) and TLR4/NF-ÎșB signaling molecules; ELISA quantified proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ÎČ, 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-ÎșB 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-ÎșB 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
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD Show more
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the effect of CTRP4 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. CTRP4 levels were examined in serum and epicardial adipose tissue (a major PVAT) from patients with CAD. Atherosclerotic lesions were analysed in CTRP4 CTRP4 levels were lower in serum and epicardial adipose tissue of patients with CAD compared to non-CAD controls. CTRP4 knockout promoted atherosclerosis in ApoE Decreased CTRP4 levels in serum and epicardial adipose tissue are associated with CAD in patients. CTRP4 deficiency promotes the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE 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
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic condition with comorbidities beyond the lung (eg, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders), and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are also commo Show more
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic condition with comorbidities beyond the lung (eg, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders), and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are also common. The shared genetic basis of COPD-GI comorbidity and its mediating factors remain unclear. We hypothesized that COPD and GI diseases share pleiotropic genetic architecture implicating lipid-metabolic pathways, with smoking mediating part of the association. We analyzed publicly available European-ancestry GWAS summary statistics for COPD (Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative), 15 GI diseases (FinnGen), and smoking phenotypes (UK Biobank). Genetic correlation was estimated using linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and high-definition likelihood (HDL). Multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) boosted COPD discovery by leveraging genetically correlated GI traits. We integrated locus-to-gene mapping with multi-tissue expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) evidence to prioritize shared loci, genes, and proteins. Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) tested causal directions, and two-step mediation MR evaluated smoking. COPD showed significant genetic correlation with nine GI diseases. We identified six comorbidity-associated loci (three with CADD > 12.37) and 13 unique candidate pleiotropic genes; APOE was supported by proteomic evidence. Enrichment analyses highlighted lipid-metabolism pathways. MR suggested COPD increases risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acute appendicitis, and gastric ulcer, while diverticular disease showed reverse causality toward COPD. Smoking partially mediated the COPD effect on GERD, acute appendicitis, and gastric ulcer. COPD and multiple GI disorders share a distributed pleiotropic genetic basis within the broader systemic comorbidity spectrum of COPD. Multi-omics evidence supports a genomic pulmonary-intestinal axis in which lipid metabolism and smoking-related mechanisms contribute to COPD and GI comorbidity, providing targets for risk stratification and potential intervention. 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
Qiang Li, Zhiqi Liao, Xinyao Hu+26 more · 2026 · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In Show more
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) for treating refractory moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA). In a rabbit IUA model, sub-endometrial injection of IMRCs significantly reduced fibrosis and enhanced endometrial angiogenesis, outperforming uterine perfusion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct pro-angiogenic gene expression profiles between the two delivery routes. In vitro, IMRCs co-cultured with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) markedly enhanced angiogenic potential compared to either cell type alone. Protein array analysis of the co-culture supernatant showed elevated levels of angiogenic factors, with functional assays confirming that inhibition of ANGPTL4, a non-canonical pro-angiogenic mediator, impaired angiogenesis. In a first-in-human, single-center, phase 1 dose-escalation trial involving 18 patients with refractory IUA, high-dose sub-endometrial IMRC injection promoted angiogenesis, reduced uterine scarring, and improved pregnancy outcomes, with no safety concerns observed over 3 years of follow-up. These findings highlight the translational promise of IMRCs as a novel therapeutic strategy for endometrial regeneration in severe IUA. Show less
Shiying Liu, William S Bush, Brian W Kunkle+15 more · 2026 · Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association · Wiley · added 2026-04-24
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is highly heritable; however, its estimated incidence across populations remains unclear. We computed family-based heritability leveraging Alzheimer's Disease Seq Show more
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is highly heritable; however, its estimated incidence across populations remains unclear. We computed family-based heritability leveraging Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project pedigrees from non-Hispanic White (404 pedigrees), non-Hispanic Black (13 pedigrees), Dominican (100 pedigrees), and Dutch isolate (10 pedigrees), with four models incorporating age, sex, apolipoproten E epsilon4 (APOE Δ4), and contributing study using two methods. Heritability estimates varied by method, model, and study populations. Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology (S.A.G.E.) estimates were highest for Dutch isolate (78.3%), followed by non-Hispanic Blacks (39.1%), Dominicans (31.7%), and non-Hispanic Whites (29.1%), adjusted for age and sex. APOE adjustment reduced estimates (4.9% on average), while study adjustment primarily affected groups that included multiple studies. Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR-Eclipse) estimates were higher (45.2% to 80.2%) than S.A.G.E. (20.4% to 80.9%) but behaved in parallel, except for the Dutch isolate. LOAD heritability estimates are dependent on study population and may reflect or indicate differences in LOAD risk by population. Show less
The gastrointestinal system is of particular importance in radiation biodosimetry because of its constant cell renewal and sensitivity to radiation-induced injury. It has been reported that total abdo Show more
The gastrointestinal system is of particular importance in radiation biodosimetry because of its constant cell renewal and sensitivity to radiation-induced injury. It has been reported that total abdominal irradiation causes distant cognitive defects in a mouse model. In this study, we demonstrated that metformin alleviated the cognitive dysfunction caused by total abdominal irradiation. No neuropathological changes were observed in hippocampal tissues in control, irradiated, and irradiated plus metformin-treated groups. However, we found that metformin treatment improved the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the phosphorylation level of cAMP response element-binding in the hippocampus from irradiated mice. Furthermore, our results revealed that metformin treatment reduced the expression of miR-34a-5p, which targets the brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA, in the small intestine, peripheral blood, and hippocampus. More importantly, injection of miR-34a-5p agomir inhibited the enhancement effects of metformin on the cognitive defects induced by total abdominal irradiation, as well as the enhanced expression of BNDF and the phosphorylation level of cAMP response element-binding in the hippocampus. Thus, our results provide alternative strategies for the treatment of total abdominal irradiation-induced distant cognitive impairment using metformin and further confirmed that miR-34a-5p is a potential drug target to reduce the cognitive defects caused by total abdominal irradiation. Show less
This article presents a case of a rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) complicated by spherocytosis in a 74-year-old male. The patient reported progressive fatigue and anemia and had a medical histor Show more
This article presents a case of a rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) complicated by spherocytosis in a 74-year-old male. The patient reported progressive fatigue and anemia and had a medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cerebral infarction. Laboratory tests indicated moderate anemia (hemoglobin 80âŻg/L) and a monoclonal increase in serum IgG. A bone marrow biopsy combined with immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (IgG-Îș type, MYD88 L265P negative). A peripheral blood smear revealed an increase in spherocytes, a positive acidified glycerolysis test (AGLT50), abnormal erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and a negative direct antiglobulin test. Genetic screening for hereditary erythrocyte diseases showed no pathogenic variations. The patient's condition stabilized following targeted therapy with zanubrutinib and rituximab (ZR regimen). This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing dual hematological anomalies, highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, and seeks to explore the potential pathophysiological link between LPL and spherocytosis, offering a reference for diagnosis and treatment in similar clinical scenarios. Show less
Ashen L Vidanage, Tianyu Xu, Zihao Chen+9 more · 2026 · International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, whether hypertension modifies the association between Lp(a) and adverse outcomes in acute Show more
Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, whether hypertension modifies the association between Lp(a) and adverse outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains unclear. We investigated how hypertension status influences the relationship between Lp(a) and all-cause mortality in ADHF. We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study including 2610 patients hospitalized with ADHF. We normalized the distribution of Lp(a) by a logarithmic transformation and assessed the risk of all-cause mortality with Lp(a), using Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Among 2610 patients (39.0% women; mean age, 68.8 years), 1606 (61.5%) had hypertension. Over 4.1 years (median), 1287 deaths occurred. In all patients, log-transformed Lp(a) was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted HR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05-1.39; Increased admission Lp(a) levels were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in ADHF patients with hypertension. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanistic links among Lp(a), hypertension and ADHF. 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
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
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by pathological angiogenesis and plaque instability. Herein, we investigated the role of macrophage-derived CXCL2 in mediating endothelial prog Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by pathological angiogenesis and plaque instability. Herein, we investigated the role of macrophage-derived CXCL2 in mediating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) homing during atherosclerosis progression. Using ApoE-/- mice on a high-fat diet and in vitro co-culture models, we found that infused EPCs exacerbated plaque burden, neovascularization, and matrix degradation. Macrophages were essential for EPC recruitment to plaques. Ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages enhanced EPC angiogenic functions, with transcriptome sequencing identifying CXCL2 as a key upregulated mediator. Functional experiments confirmed CXCL2's critical role. In vivo silencing of CXCL2 attenuated EPC homing, reduced plaque size and lipid accumulation, decreased neovascularization, and stabilized the plaque matrix. Our findings demonstrate that macrophages promote pathological angiogenesis and plaque progression via CXCL2, suggesting that targeting this chemokine could be a novel therapeutic strategy for stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. 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-1ÎČ), 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
Adolescent mental health issues have become a growing public health concern. This study seeks to identify potential profiles of mental health among Chinese adolescents and to detect high-risk groups f Show more
Adolescent mental health issues have become a growing public health concern. This study seeks to identify potential profiles of mental health among Chinese adolescents and to detect high-risk groups for the formulation of targeted intervention strategies based on associated health risk behaviors (HRBs). A cross-sectional study. This study was based on the Monitoring and Intervention Project for Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors among Secondary School Students in Nanjing, involving 9,865 secondary school students as participants. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify mental health (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as sleep quality); categorical variables were analyzed by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, whereas multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between HRBs and distinct mental health profiles. Three profiles of mental health were identified among the adolescents, including "Low-risk Mental Health" (68.03Â %), "Moderate-risk Mental Health" (26.19Â %), and "High-risk Mental Health" (5.78Â %). Compared with the "Low-risk Mental Health" profile, the "Moderate-risk Mental Health" profile was associated with behaviors such as drinking, injury, school bullying, unhealthy diet, internet addiction, physical activity, and outdoor activity time; and the "High-risk Mental Health" profile was associated with smoking, drinking, injury, school bullying, unhealthy diet, internet addiction, and outdoor activity time. Several HRBs are associated with mental health among Chinese adolescents. Healthcare professionals should target these HRBs and implement comprehensive measures to protect adolescent mental health. 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