Genome- and epigenome-wide association studies have associated variants and methylation status of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a) to reductions in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholest Show more
Genome- and epigenome-wide association studies have associated variants and methylation status of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a) to reductions in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. We report significant associations between the presence of Loss-of-function SNPs in Show less
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with DNA methylation and lifestyle. The effects of DNA methylation on GDM, and the interaction between DNA methylation and lifestyle factors are not w Show more
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with DNA methylation and lifestyle. The effects of DNA methylation on GDM, and the interaction between DNA methylation and lifestyle factors are not well elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the association between GDM, DNA methylation and lifestyle factors. A nest case-control design was performed. Sociodemographic data, dietary intake and daily physical activity information of pregnant women were collected. Bisulfate pyrosequencing was used to detect the DNA methylation level of PPARGC1A, HLA-DQA1, and ADCY3 genes. The differences of DNA methylation levels between the GDM group and the control group were compared. The correlation between clinical characteristics, dietary, physical activity and DNA methylation level was analyzed. A total of 253 pregnant women were enrolled, of which, 60 participants (GDM: 30; control: 30) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in DNA methylation levels of six methylated sites between the two groups in this study (P > 0.05). Daily intake of potato and poultry were associated with DNA methylation level of the CpG 1 site of the ADCY3 gene in all participants and the control group (P < 0.05). Duration of folic acid intake before pregnancy was correlated with the methylation level of the CpG 1 site of the ADCY3 gene in all participants (r = 0.341, P = 0.04) and the control group (r = 0.431, P = 0.025). Daily oil intake was correlated with the methylation level of CpG 2 (r = 0.627, P = 0.016) and CpG 3 (r = 0.563, P = 0.036) of PPARGC1A in the GDM group. The association between the DNA methylation levels and GDM wasn't validated. There were associations between dietary and DNA methylation in pregnant women. A large-sample-sized and longitudinal study is warranted to further investigate the impacts of lifestyle on DNA methylation. Show less
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent epilepsy episodes. As a non-pharmacological treatment, the ketogenic diet has been widely applied in treating epilepsy. However, t Show more
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent epilepsy episodes. As a non-pharmacological treatment, the ketogenic diet has been widely applied in treating epilepsy. However, the exact therapeutic mechanism of the ketogenic diet for epilepsy remains unclear. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of the ketogenic diet in regulating fatty acid metabolism and activating the ADCY3-initiated cAMP signaling pathway to enhance neuronal inhibition and thereby treat epilepsy. Meta-analysis reveals that the ketogenic diet is superior to the conventional diet in treating epilepsy. Animal experiments demonstrate that the ketogenic diet is more effective than the conventional diet in treating epilepsy, with the best results achieved using the classic ketogenic diet. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identifies six essential genes, among which ADCY3 shows increased expression in the ketogenic diet. In vivo experiments confirm that the activation of the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway by ADCY3 enhances neuronal inhibition and improves epilepsy control. Clinical observations indicate that the ketogenic diet improves patient epilepsy episodes by regulating the ADCY3-initiated cAMP signaling pathway. Show less
Cell excitability and its modulation by hormones and neurotransmitters involve the concerted action of a large repertoire of membrane proteins, especially ion channels. Unique complements of coexpress Show more
Cell excitability and its modulation by hormones and neurotransmitters involve the concerted action of a large repertoire of membrane proteins, especially ion channels. Unique complements of coexpressed ion channels are exquisitely balanced against each other in different excitable cell types, establishing distinct electrical properties that are tailored for diverse physiological contributions, and dysfunction of any component may induce a disease state. A crucial parameter controlling cell excitability is the resting membrane potential (RMP) set by extra- and intracellular concentrations of ions, mainly Na Show less
The tumour suppressor protein PTEN is often down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer. A major protein promoting the lowering of the PTEN protein is WWP2. Polyphenols have been shown to promote the Show more
The tumour suppressor protein PTEN is often down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer. A major protein promoting the lowering of the PTEN protein is WWP2. Polyphenols have been shown to promote the expression of tumour suppressor genes like PTEN. We carry out the study to check for the ability of apigenin to bind with the WWP2 protein using Show less
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in body weight regulation. Pathogenic MC4R variants are the most common cause of monogenic obesity. We have identified 17 MC4R variants in ad Show more
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in body weight regulation. Pathogenic MC4R variants are the most common cause of monogenic obesity. We have identified 17 MC4R variants in adult and pediatric patients with obesity. Here we aimed to functionally characterize these variants by analyzing 4 different aspects of MC4R signaling. In addition, we aimed to analyze the effect of setmelanotide, a potent MC4R agonist, on these MC4R variants. Cell surface expression and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)- or setmelanotide-induced cAMP response, β-arrestin-2 recruitment, and ERK activation were measured in cells expressing either wild type or variant MC4R. We found a large heterogeneity in the function of these variants. We identified variants with a loss of response for all studied MC4R signaling, variants with no cAMP accumulation or ERK activation but normal β-arrestin-2 recruitment, and variants with normal cAMP accumulation and ERK activation but decreased β-arrestin-2 recruitment, indicating disrupted desensitization and signaling mechanisms. Setmelanotide displayed a greater potency and similar efficacy as α-MSH and induced significantly increased maximal cAMP responses of several variants compared to α-MSH. Despite the heterogeneity in functional response, there was no apparent difference in the obesity phenotype in our patients. We show that these obesity-associated MC4R variants affect MC4R signaling differently yet lead to a comparable clinical phenotype. Our results demonstrate the clinical importance of assessing the effect of MC4R variants on a range of molecular signaling mechanisms to determine their association with obesity, which may aid in improving personalized treatment. Show less
Mutations leading to a reduced or loss of function in genes of the leptin-melanocortin system confer a risk for monogenic forms of obesity. Yet, gain of function variants in the melanocortin-4-recepto Show more
Mutations leading to a reduced or loss of function in genes of the leptin-melanocortin system confer a risk for monogenic forms of obesity. Yet, gain of function variants in the melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) gene predispose to a lower BMI. In individuals with reduced body weight, we thus expected mutations leading to an enhanced function in the respective genes, like leptin (LEP) and MC4R. Therefore, we have Sanger sequenced the coding regions of LEP and MC4R in 462 female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and 445 healthy-lean controls. In total, we have observed four and eight variants in LEP and MC4R, respectively. Previous studies showed different functional in vitro effects for the detected frameshift and non-synonymous variants: (1) LEP: reduced/loss of function (p.Val94Met), (2) MC4R: gain of function (p.Val103Ile, p.Ile251Leu), reduced or loss of function (p.Thr112Met, p.Ser127Leu, p.Leu211fsX) and without functional in vitro data (p.Val50Leut). In LEP, the variant p.Val94Met was detected in one patient with AN. For MC4R variants, one patient with AN carried the frameshift variant p.Leu211fsX. One patient with AN was heterozygous for two variants at the MC4R (p.Val103Ile and p.Ser127Leu). All other functionally relevant variants were detected in similar frequencies in patients with AN and lean individuals. Show less
The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) regulates GABA release from agouti-related protein (AgRP) nerve terminals and thus tonically suppresses multiple circuits involved in feeding behavior and energy hom Show more
The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) regulates GABA release from agouti-related protein (AgRP) nerve terminals and thus tonically suppresses multiple circuits involved in feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Here, we examined the role of the MC3R and the melanocortin system in regulating the response to various anorexigenic agents. The genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of the MC3R, or subthreshold doses of an MC4R agonist, improved the dose responsiveness to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) agonists, as assayed by inhibition of food intake and weight loss. An enhanced anorectic response to the acute satiety factors peptide YY (PYY3-36) and cholecystokinin (CCK) and the long-term adipostatic factor leptin demonstrated that increased sensitivity to anorectic agents was a generalized result of MC3R antagonism. We observed enhanced neuronal activation in multiple hypothalamic nuclei using Fos IHC following low-dose liraglutide in MC3R-KO mice (Mc3r-/-), supporting the hypothesis that the MC3R is a negative regulator of circuits that control multiple aspects of feeding behavior. The enhanced anorectic response in Mc3r-/- mice after administration of GLP1 analogs was also independent of the incretin effects and malaise induced by GLP1 receptor (GLP1R) analogs, suggesting that MC3R antagonists or MC4R agonists may have value in enhancing the dose-response range of obesity therapeutics. Show less
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is an important global health challenge, is expanding. One of the main factors in the occurrence of CVD is a high genetic risk. The interaction between genetic risk Show more
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is an important global health challenge, is expanding. One of the main factors in the occurrence of CVD is a high genetic risk. The interaction between genetic risk in CVD and nutrition is debatable. Polyphenols are one of the important dietary components that may have a protective role in people who have a high genetic risk score (GRS) for cardiometabolic risk factors. This study, conducted in overweight and obese women, examines the interaction between polyphenol intake and specific genes (MC4r, Cav-1, and Cry1) related to maintaining body balance and their interaction with cardiometabolic risk factors. This cross-sectional study included 391 women who were overweight or obese, aged 18 to 48 years, with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 kg/m The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age and BMI of women were 36.67 (9.1) years and 30.98 (3.9) kg/m According to our findings, those with a high GRS may have a protective effect on cardiometabolic risk factors by consuming high amounts of polyphenols. Further studies will be necessary in the future to validate this association. Show less
Rare cases of monogenic obesity, which may respond to specific therapeutics, can remain undetected in populations in which polygenic obesity is prevalent. This study examined rare DNA variation in est Show more
Rare cases of monogenic obesity, which may respond to specific therapeutics, can remain undetected in populations in which polygenic obesity is prevalent. This study examined rare DNA variation in established monogenic obesity genes within a community using whole-exome sequence data from 6803 longitudinally studied individuals. Exome data across 15 monogenic obesity genes were analyzed for nonsynonymous variants observed in any child with a maximum BMI z score > 2 (N = 279) but not observed in a child with a maximum BMI z score ≤ 0 (n = 1542) or that occurred in adults in the top 5th percentile of BMI (n = 263) but not in adults below the median BMI (n = 2629). Variants were then functionally analyzed using luciferase assays. The comparisons between cases of obesity and controls identified eight missense variants in six genes: DYRK1B, KSR2, MC4R, NTRK2, PCSK1, and SIM1. Among these, MC4R p.A303P and p.R165G were previously shown to impair MC4R function. Functional analyses of the remaining six variants suggest that KSR2 p.I402F and p.T193I and NTRK2 p.S249Y alter protein function. In addition to MC4R, rare missense variants in KSR2 and NTRK2 may potentially explain the severe obesity observed for the carriers. Show less
The increased prevalence of metabolic diseases in the Arab countries is mainly associated with genetic susceptibility, lifestyle behaviours, such as physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. The obj Show more
The increased prevalence of metabolic diseases in the Arab countries is mainly associated with genetic susceptibility, lifestyle behaviours, such as physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. The objective of this review was to investigate and summarise the findings of the gene-lifestyle interaction studies on metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in Arab populations. Relevant articles were retrieved from a literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar starting at the earliest indexing date through to January 2024. Articles that reported an interaction between gene variants and diet or physical activity were included and excluded if no interaction was investigated or if they were conducted among a non-Arab population. In total, five articles were included in this review. To date, among three out of twenty-two Arab populations, fourteen interactions have been found between the Show less
Functional melanocortin receptor (MCR) genes have been identified in the genomes of early chordates, e.g., the cyclostomata. Whether they appear in the most ancient chordates such as cephalochordate a Show more
Functional melanocortin receptor (MCR) genes have been identified in the genomes of early chordates, e.g., the cyclostomata. Whether they appear in the most ancient chordates such as cephalochordate and urochordata, however, remains unclear due to missing genetic data. Herein, we studied five putative (from NCBI database), sequence-based predicted MCR-like receptors from urochordata and cephalochordate, including Show less
The actions of thyroid hormones (THs) in the central nervous system are relevant to food intake and energy expenditure. TH receptors exhibit high expression in brain areas modulating energy balance, i Show more
The actions of thyroid hormones (THs) in the central nervous system are relevant to food intake and energy expenditure. TH receptors exhibit high expression in brain areas modulating energy balance, including the arcuate, paraventricular (PVN), supraoptic, and ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamic nuclei. To examine the role of THs in the regulation of energy balance via action in specific hypothalamic nuclei of the adult mouse, we performed experiments of conditional inactivation of DIO3, the enzyme responsible for the clearance of THs, in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), and VMH and PVN hypothalamic nuclei. We accomplished DIO3 genetic inactivation via stereotaxic injection of the AAV-cre vector into adult mice homozygous for a "floxed" Dio3 allele. Dio3 inactivation in the LH and VMH of males or females did not result in significant changes in body weight 8 weeks after injection. However, inactivation of Dio3 in the PVN resulted in increased body weight (both fat mass and lean mass) and locomotor activity, and decreased hypothalamic Mc4r expression in male, but not female mice. However, PNV-specific Dio3 KO did not cause hyperphagia. These results suggest local TH action influences MC4R signaling and possibly other PVN-associated circuitries, with consequences for body composition and energy balance endpoints, but not for orexigenic pathways. They also support a regulatory role for PVN Dio3 in the central regulation of energy homeostasis in adult life. Show less
Obesity is a major public health crisis. Multi-specific peptides have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for clinical weight loss. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insuli Show more
Obesity is a major public health crisis. Multi-specific peptides have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for clinical weight loss. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are endogenous incretins that regulate weight through their receptors (R). AMG 133 (maridebart cafraglutide) is a bispecific molecule engineered by conjugating a fully human monoclonal anti-human GIPR antagonist antibody to two GLP-1 analogue agonist peptides using amino acid linkers. Here, we confirm the GIPR antagonist and GLP-1R agonist activities in cell-based systems and report the ability of AMG 133 to reduce body weight and improve metabolic markers in male obese mice and cynomolgus monkeys. In a phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in participants with obesity ( NCT04478708 ), AMG 133 had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile along with pronounced dose-dependent weight loss. In the multiple ascending dose cohorts, weight loss was maintained for up to 150 days after the last dose. These findings support continued clinical evaluation of AMG 133. Show less
The report by Adriaenssens et al. in JCI Insight 22 May 2023 explored the role and property of the neurons that express glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) in the brainstem an Show more
The report by Adriaenssens et al. in JCI Insight 22 May 2023 explored the role and property of the neurons that express glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) in the brainstem and hypothalamus. The chemogenetic activation of the brainstem GIPR neurons and that of the hypothalamic GIPR neurons showed different feeding and behavior responses. The brainstem GIPR neurons projected to the paraventricular hypothalamus and lateral parabrachial nucleus. Fluorescent-labeled, stabilized peptide GIPR agonist (GIPRA), peripherally injected, localized to the area postrema, nucleus tractus solitarius, median eminence and arcuate hypothalamus. This report showed the role of brainstem GIPR neurons in receiving GIPRA to drive the neural circuit to reduce feeding and bodyweight. In this commentary, distinct and possible cooperative roles of the hypothalamic and the brainstem GIPR pathways will also be discussed. Show less
Glycemic and body weight control gained from GLP-1R agonists remains an unmet need for diabetes and obesity treatment, leading to the development of GLP-1R/GIPR co-agonists. An imbalance in GLP-1R/GIP Show more
Glycemic and body weight control gained from GLP-1R agonists remains an unmet need for diabetes and obesity treatment, leading to the development of GLP-1R/GIPR co-agonists. An imbalance in GLP-1R/GIPR agonism may extensively maximize the glucose- and weight-lowering effects. Hence, we prepared a potent and imbalanced GLP-1R/GIPR co-agonist, and refined its action time through a site-specific N-terminal PEGylation strategy. The pharmacological efficacy of these resulting long-acting co-agonists was interrogated both Show less
The glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) decreases body weight via central GIP receptor (GIPR) signaling, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we assessed whether Show more
The glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) decreases body weight via central GIP receptor (GIPR) signaling, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we assessed whether GIP regulates body weight and glucose control via GIPR signaling in cells that express the leptin receptor (Lepr). Hypothalamic, hindbrain, and pancreatic co-expression of Gipr and Lepr was assessed using single cell RNAseq analysis. Mice with deletion of Gipr in Lepr cells were generated and metabolically characterized for alterations in diet-induced obesity (DIO), glucose control and leptin sensitivity. Long-acting single- and dual-agonists at GIPR and GLP-1R were further used to assess drug effects on energy and glucose metabolism in DIO wildtype (WT) and Lepr-Gipr knock-out (KO) mice. Gipr and Lepr show strong co-expression in the pancreas, but not in the hypothalamus and hindbrain. DIO Lepr-Gipr KO mice are indistinguishable from WT controls related to body weight, food intake and diet-induced leptin resistance. Acyl-GIP and the GIPR:GLP-1R co-agonist MAR709 remain fully efficacious to decrease body weight and food intake in DIO Lepr-Gipr KO mice. Consistent with the demonstration that Gipr and Lepr highly co-localize in the endocrine pancreas, including the β-cells, we find the superior glycemic effect of GIPR:GLP-1R co-agonism over single GLP-1R agonism to vanish in Lepr-Gipr KO mice. GIPR signaling in cells/neurons that express the leptin receptor is not implicated in the control of body weight or food intake, but is of crucial importance for the superior glycemic effects of GIPR:GLP-1R co-agonism relative to single GLP-1R agonism. Show less
Bone is a highly dynamic organ that changes with the daily circadian rhythm. During the day, bone resorption is suppressed due to eating, while it increases at night. This circadian rhythm of the skel Show more
Bone is a highly dynamic organ that changes with the daily circadian rhythm. During the day, bone resorption is suppressed due to eating, while it increases at night. This circadian rhythm of the skeleton is regulated by gut hormones. Until now, gut hormones that have been found to affect skeletal homeostasis include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and peptide YY (PYY), which exerts its effects by binding to its cognate receptors (GLP-1R, GLP-2R, GIPR, and Y1R). Several studies have shown that GLP-1, GLP-2, and GIP all inhibit bone resorption, while GIP also promotes bone formation. Notably, PYY has a strong bone resorption-promoting effect. In addition, gut microbiota (GM) plays an important role in maintaining bone homeostasis. This review outlines the roles of GLP-1, GLP-2, GIP, and PYY in bone metabolism and discusses the roles of gut hormones and the GM in regulating bone homeostasis and their potential mechanisms. Show less
Glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is well established as an incretin hormone, boosting glucose-dependent insulin secretion. However, whilst anorectic actions of its sister-incretin gl Show more
Glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is well established as an incretin hormone, boosting glucose-dependent insulin secretion. However, whilst anorectic actions of its sister-incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are well established, a physiological role for GIP in appetite regulation is controversial, despite the superior weight loss seen in preclinical models and humans with GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists compared with GLP-1R agonism alone. We generated a mouse model in which GIP expressing K-cells can be activated through hM3Dq Designer Receptor Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD, GIP-Dq) to explore physiological actions of intestinally-released GIP. In lean mice, Dq-stimulation of GIP expressing cells increased plasma GIP to levels similar to those found postprandially. The increase in GIP was associated with improved glucose tolerance, as expected, but also triggered an unexpected robust inhibition of food intake. Validating that this represented a response to intestinally-released GIP, the suppression of food intake was prevented by injecting mice peripherally or centrally with antagonistic GIPR-antibodies, and was reproduced in an intersectional model utilising Gip-Cre/Villin-Flp to limit Dq transgene expression to K-cells in the intestinal epithelium. The effects of GIP cell activation were maintained in diet induced obese mice, in which chronic K-cell activation reduced food intake and attenuated body weight gain. These studies establish a physiological gut-brain GIP-axis regulating food intake in mice, adding to the multi-faceted metabolic effects of GIP which need to be taken into account when developing GIPR-targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes. Show less
The dual activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing type 2 di Show more
The dual activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Tirzepatide, a dual agonist peptide, has exhibited superior clinical efficacy in glycemic and weight control compared to selective GLP-1R agonists. Nevertheless, the structural basis of Tirzepatide's extended half-life, attributed to an acylation side chain on the parent peptide, raises questions regarding its partial agonistic activity. Employing molecular dynamics simulations, we explored the dynamic processes of peptide-receptor interactions. We uncovered a crucial salt bridge between parent peptide and GLP-1R/GIPR at K20, a feature not discernible in cryo-electron microscopy structures. Building upon these insights, we developed an optimization strategy based on the parent peptide which involved repositioning the acylation side chain. The results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the optimized peptide has twofold to threefold increase in agonistic activity compared to Tirzepatide while maintaining its extended half-life in plasma. This led to the design of BGM0504, which proved to be more effective than its predecessor, Tirzepatide, in both laboratory and animal studies. Show less
In the context of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), dendritic cells (DCs) assume pivotal responsibilities, acting as architects of antigen presentation and conductors of immune checkpoint Show more
In the context of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), dendritic cells (DCs) assume pivotal responsibilities, acting as architects of antigen presentation and conductors of immune checkpoint modulation. In this study, we aimed to identify hub genes associated with DCs in HNSCC and explore their prognostic significance and implications for immunotherapy. Integrated clinical datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC and GSE65858 cohorts underwent meticulous analysis. Employing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we delineated candidate genes pertinent to DCs. Through the application of random survival forest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox's regression, we derived key genes of significance. Lisa (epigenetic Landscape In Silico deletion Analysis and the second descendent of MARGE) highlighted transcription factors, with Dual-luciferase assays confirming their regulatory role. Furthermore, immunotherapeutic sensitivity was assessed utilizing the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion online tool. This study illuminated the functional intricacies of HNSCC DC subsets to tailor innovative therapeutic strategies. We leveraged clinical data from the TCGA-HNSCC and GSE65858 cohorts. We subjected the data to advanced analysis, including WGCNA, which revealed 222 DC-related candidate genes. Following this, a discerning approach utilizing random survival forest analysis and LASSO Cox's regression unveiled seven genes associated with the prognostic impact of DCs, notably Our research may yield a robust DC-based prognostic system for HNSCC; this will aid personalized treatment and improve clinical outcomes as the battle against this challenging cancer continues. Show less
Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) can screen applicable reference genes of species, and reference genes can be used to reduce experimental errors. Sudan grass (
Inorganic phosphorus (Pi) deficiency significantly impacts plant growth, development, and photosynthetic efficiency. This study evaluated 206 rice accessions from a MiniCore population under both Pi-s Show more
Inorganic phosphorus (Pi) deficiency significantly impacts plant growth, development, and photosynthetic efficiency. This study evaluated 206 rice accessions from a MiniCore population under both Pi-sufficient (Pi Show less
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an increasing incidence of inflammatory disorder in the colon mucosa. One of the current research focuses is the alteration of metabolic networks in UC. One of the important Show more
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an increasing incidence of inflammatory disorder in the colon mucosa. One of the current research focuses is the alteration of metabolic networks in UC. One of the important aspects of this metabolic shift is the expression of purine metabolism genes (PMGs) vital for nucleic acid synthesis. Nevertheless, the precise function of PMGs in the pathophysiology of UC is not yet fully known. To this end, this study used state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and approaches to discover and confirm the PMGs involved in UC. All the 114 candidate PMGs were compared for their expression levels. GSEA and GSVA were applied to define the functional and pathway implications of these PMGs. Lasso regression and SVM-RFE approaches were used for the identification of hub genes and to assess the diagnostic potential of eight PMGs in UC classification. The relationship between these critical PMGs and clinical features was also systematically evaluated as well. The expression levels of these eight PMGs were validated using datasets GSE206285 and GSE179285. Using bioinformatics and machine learning, this work seeks to establish the involvement of PMGs in UC. From the LASSO and SVM models, 114 DE PMGs were selected and investigated to build a stable predictive model. Based on these studies, the following genes: IMPDH1, GUK1, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, PDE6B, PNPT1 and PDE4D were suggested as potential biomarkers of UC. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are implicated in the biological processes of particular relevance to immune and inflammatory responses. The study also provided a lot of information on the interaction between immune cells and PMGs indicating that these genes may control some immune-related pathways in UC. Moreover, drug-gene interaction analysis presents potential therapeutic opportunities for potential drug targets which were further confirmed through molecular docking. Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that ADCY4 and PDAZN are involved in PMG-related processes, thus opening new possibilities for treatment. This work reveals eight PMGs closely related to UC and provides new perspectives on possible markers of this inflammatory disease. These findings not only increase the understanding of the pathogenesis of UC but also offer potential for improving the surveillance of disease and its progression. Show less
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a complex and heterogeneous disease that causes infertility and subfertility. However, the molecular mechanism of POF has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show th Show more
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a complex and heterogeneous disease that causes infertility and subfertility. However, the molecular mechanism of POF has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that the loss of adenylyl cyclase III (Adcy3) in female mice leads to POF and a shortened reproductive lifespan. We found that Adcy3 is abundantly expressed in mouse oocytes. Adcy3 knockout mice exhibited the excessive activation of primordial follicles, progressive follicle loss, follicular atresia, and ultimately POF. Mechanistically, we found that mitochondrial oxidative stress in oocytes significantly increased with age in Adcy3-deficient mice and was accompanied by oocyte apoptosis and defective folliculogenesis. In contrast, compared with wild-type female mice, humanized ADCY3 knock-in female mice exhibited improved fertility with age. Collectively, these results reveal that the previously unrecognized Adcy3 signaling pathway is tightly linked to female ovarian aging, providing potential pharmaceutical targets for preventing and treating POF. Show less
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) are transmembrane receptors involved in insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion from the Show more
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) are transmembrane receptors involved in insulin, glucagon and somatostatin secretion from the pancreatic islet. Therapeutic targeting of GLP1R and GIPR restores blood glucose levels in part by influencing beta cell, alpha cell and delta cell function. Despite the importance of the incretin-mimetics for diabetes therapy, our understanding of GLP1R and GIPR expression patterns and signaling within the islet remain incomplete. Here, we present the evidence for GLP1R and GIPR expression in the major islet cell types, before addressing signaling pathway(s) engaged, as well as their influence on cell survival and function. While GLP1R is largely a beta cell-specific marker within the islet, GIPR is expressed in alpha cells, beta cells, and (possibly) delta cells. GLP1R and GIPR engage G Show less
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological condition affecting women of reproductive age, associated with insulin resistance and obesity. PCOS pathogenesis is complex and multifacto Show more
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological condition affecting women of reproductive age, associated with insulin resistance and obesity. PCOS pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. This study aimed to determine and compare genotype and allele frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the apolipoprotein A5 ( This was a case-control study conducted on women with ( Significant and direct associations were detected between PCOS susceptibility and We identified novel alleles and genotypes contributing to the genetic risk of PCOS in the Western Saudi population. Show less