High-Performance Red Transparent Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes via Fully Solution-Processed MXene/Ag NWs Top Electrode.

The integration of high-performance transparent top electrodes with the functional layers of transparent quantum dot light-emitting diodes (T-QLEDs) poses a notable challenge. This study presents a composite transparent top electrode composed of MXene and Ag NWs. The composite electrode demonstrates exceptional transparency (84.6% at 620 nm) and low sheet resistance (16.07 Ω sq-1), rendering it suitable for integration into T-QLEDs. The inclusion of MXene nanosheets in the composite electrode serves a dual role: adjusting the work function to enhance electron injection efficiency and enhancing the interface between Ag NWs and the emissive layer, thereby mitigating the common issue of interfacial resistance in conventional transparent electrodes. This strategic amalgamation results in notable improvements in device performance, yielding a maximum current efficiency of 23.12 cd A-1, an external quantum efficiency of 13.98%, and a brightness of 21,015 cd m-2. These performance metrics surpass those achieved by T-LEDs employing pristine Ag NW electrodes. This study offers valuable insights into T-QLED device advancement and provides a promising approach for transparent electrode fabrication in optoelectronic applications.

Two-Dimensional (2D) Conductive Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films: The Preparation and Applications in Electrochemistry.

Two-dimensional conductive MOF thin films have attracted attention due to their rich pore structure and unique electrical properties, and their applications in many fields, including batteries, sensing, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, etc. This paper discusses several preparation methods for 2D conductive MOF thin films. And the applications of 2D conductive MOF thin films are summarized. In addition, the current challenges in the preparation of 2D conductive MOF thin films and the great potential in practical applications are discussed.

Continuously tunable ultrasonic focusing by Moiré metalenses.

Tunable ultrasonic focusing holds great significance in both medicine and engineering. Recent advancements in metalenses have introduced approaches for tunable acoustic focusing, but their complex configurations and limited tuning range remain challenges. Here, acoustic Moiré metalenses (AMMs) are proposed to achieve continuously tunable ultrasonic focusing in water. Two cascading metasurfaces that can function as Moiré diffractive elements make up the AMM. By mutually rotating the metasurface, the focal point of the AMM can be continuously tuned in a large range. The focal length can be adjusted continuously from ∼14.3λ0to ∼50λ0for the axial focusing. We further show that the well-designed AMM can achieve the continuously tunable lateral focusing, with the deflection angle of the focal point being tunable between approximately -40°,40°. Both simulation and experimental results confirm the excellent tunable focusing performances of the AMMs. The proposed AMMs with continuously tunable focusing capability may have potential applications in ultrasonic imaging and ultrasound treatment.

Ambient Synthesis of Vanadium-based Prussian Blue Analogues Nanocubes for High-performance and Durable Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries with Eutectic Electrolytes.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been widely studied in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to the characteristics of large specific surface area, open aperture, and straightforward synthesis. In this work, vanadium-based PBA nanocubes were firstly prepared using a mild in-situ conversion strategy at room temperature without the protection of noble gas. Benefiting from the multiple-redox active sites of V3+/V4+, V4+/V5+ and Fe2+/Fe3+, the cathode exhibited an excellent discharge specific capacity of 200 mA h g-1 in AZIBs, which is much higher than those of other metal-based PBAs nanocubes. To further improve the long-term cycling stability of the V-PBA cathode, a high concentration water-in-salt electrolyte (4.5 M ZnSO4 + 3 M Zn(OTf)2), and a water-based eutectic electrolyte (5.55 M glucose + 3 M Zn(OTf)2) were designed to successfully inhibit the dissolution of vanadium and improve the deposition of Zn2+ onto the zinc anode. More importantly, the assembled AZIBs maintained 55% of their highest discharge specific capacity even after 10000 cycles at 10 A g-1 with superior rate capability. This study provides a new strategy for the preparation of pure PBA nanostructures and a new direction for enhancing the long-term cycling stability of PBA-based AZIBs at high current densities for industrialization prospects.

Association of M2 macrophages with EMT in glioma identified through combination of multi-omics and machine learning.

Background: The incidence of glioma, a prevalent brain malignancy, is increasing, particularly among the elderly population. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical importance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gliomas and its association with malignancy and prognosis. Background: The incidence of glioma, particularly among elderly individuals, is on the rise. The malignancy of glioma is determined not only by the oncogenic properties of tumor cells but also by the composition of the tumor microenvironment, which includes immune system macrophages. The prevalence of M2-type macrophages typically fosters tumor progression, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our study explored the clinical importance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gliomas and its association with malignancy and prognosis. Methods: Our study used the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) algorithm to classify different levels of EMT activation based on the transcriptomic and multi-omics data. Machine learning (ML) and single-cell analysis were integrated into our model for comprehensive analysis. A predictive model was constructed and in vitro experiments were performed to validate our findings. Results: Our study classified 1,641 samples into two clusters based on EMT activation: the EMT-hot group and the EMT-cold group. The EMT-hot group had elevated copy number loss, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and a poorer survival rate. Conversely, the EMT-cold group showed a better survival rate, likely attributed to lower stromal and immune cell scores, as well as decreased expression of human leukocyte antigen-related genes. Driving genes were identified through weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and dimensionality reduction techniques. These genes were then utilized in the construction of a prognostic model using ML and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Furthermore, the impact of the core genes identified through single-cell analysis on glioma prognosis was examined. Conclusion: Our research underscores the efficacy of our model in predicting glioma prognosis and elucidates the connection between the M2 macrophages and EMT. Additionally, core genes such as LY96, C1QB, LGALS1, CSPG5, S100A8, and CHGB were identified as pivotal for mediating the occurrence of EMT induced by M2 macrophages.

Identification of Metabolites in Muscles of Lueyang Black-Bone Chickens: A Comparative Analysis of Caged and Cage-Free Rearing Modes Using Untargeted Metabolomic Techniques.

The Lueyang black-bone chicken is a specific native chicken strain in China. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different rearing systems on the meat quality of Lueyang black-bone chickens. Six hundred Lueyang black-bone hens were randomly divided into two groups at 7 weeks of age and raised in cage and cage-free systems for 20 weeks. The carcass yield, meat quality, and total metabolites were measured in both the leg and breast muscles. By comparison, the carcass yield of hens in the cage-free (CF) group (1.26 ± 0.09 kg) was significantly lower than that in the caged rearing (CR) group (1.52 ± 0.15 kg). However, the shear force of leg muscles in the CF group (27.98 ± 2.43 N) was significantly greater than that in the CR group (24.15 ± 1.93 N). In addition, six samples from each group were randomly selected and their metabolites were detected by the non-targeted metabolomics technique. Among these metabolites, 408 and 354 significantly differentially abundant metabolites were identified in breast and leg muscles, which were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. We found that the levels of 19 phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines, were significantly greater in the CF group than in the CR group. Additionally, the contents of eight unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid were dramatically greater in the CF group than in the caged group. The accumulation of 4-hydroxy-proline, glutamate, and adenosine 3'-monophosphate (AMP) was enhanced in the CF group. Moreover, many more volatile organic compounds were identified in the muscles of the cage-free group, enhancing the flavor of the chicken meat. In conclusion, the cage-free rearing mode facilitates the accumulation of nutrients and flavor substances in the chicken meat and is a better rearing system for Lueyang black-bone chickens.

Thiosalicylic-Acid-Mediated Coordination Structure of Nickel Center via Thermodynamic Modulation for Aqueous Ni-Zn Batteries.

Uniquely functional nanocomplexes with rich coordination environments are critical in energy storage. However, the construction of structurally versatile nanocomplexes remains challenging. In this study, a nickel-based complex with structural variations is designed via thermodynamic modulation using a dual-ligand synthesis strategy. A nickel-based nanomaterial (NiSA-SSA-160) with a large specific surface area is synthesized around the competing coordination of the host and guest molecules that differ in terms of the chemical properties of the O and S elements. Concurrently, the coordination environment of NiSA-SSA-160 is investigated via X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The thiol functional groups synergistically induced an electron-rich Ni structure, thus increasing the electron density of the central atom. The electrochemical performance of an assembled NiSA-SSA-160//Zn@CC battery is shown to improve significantly, with a maximum energy density of 0.54 mWh cm-2 and a peak power density of 49.49 mW cm-2. This study provides a new perspective regarding coordination transformations and offers an idea for the design of functionally rich nanomaterials.

Knockdown of trem2 promotes proinflammatory microglia and inhibits glioma progression via the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways.

BACKGROUND: In the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (trem2) is widely considered to be a crucial molecule on tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs). Multiple studies have shown that trem2 may function as an immune checkpoint in various malignant tumors, mediating tumor immune evasion. However, its specific molecular mechanisms, especially in glioma, remain elusive. METHODS: Lentivirus was transfected to establish cells with stable knockdown of trem2. A Transwell system was used for segregated coculture of glioma cells and microglia. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to measure the expression levels of target proteins. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of cells were detected by colony formation, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and transwell assays. The cell cycle, apoptosis rate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of cells were assessed using flow cytometry assays. The comet assay and tube formation assay were used to detect DNA damage in glioma cells and angiogenesis activity, respectively. Gl261 cell lines and C57BL/6 mice were used to construct the glioma orthotopic transplantation tumor model. RESULTS: Trem2 was highly overexpressed in glioma TAMs. Knocking down trem2 in microglia suppressed the growth and angiogenesis activity of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, knockdown of trem2 in microglia promoted proinflammatory microglia and inhibited anti-inflammatory microglia by activating jak2/stat1 and inhibiting the NF-κB p50 signaling pathway. The proinflammatory microglia produced high concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and high levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, and caused further DNA damage and promoted the apoptosis rate of tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that trem2 in microglia plays a significant role in the TIME of gliomas. Knockdown of trem2 in microglia might help to improve the efficiency of inhibiting glioma growth and delaying tumor progression and provide new ideas for further treatment of glioma.

Neutrophils in glioma microenvironment: from immune function to immunotherapy.

Glioma is a malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, effective treatment options for gliomas are still lacking. Neutrophils, as an important member of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are widely distributed in circulation. Recently, the discovery of cranial-meningeal channels and intracranial lymphatic vessels has provided new insights into the origins of neutrophils in the CNS. Neutrophils in the brain may originate more from the skull and adjacent vertebral bone marrow. They cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) under the action of chemokines and enter the brain parenchyma, subsequently migrating to the glioma TME and undergoing phenotypic changes upon contact with tumor cells. Under glycolytic metabolism model, neutrophils show complex and dual functions in different stages of cancer progression, including participation in the malignant progression, immune suppression, and anti-tumor effects of gliomas. Additionally, neutrophils in the TME interact with other immune cells, playing a crucial role in cancer immunotherapy. Targeting neutrophils may be a novel generation of immunotherapy and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of neutrophils infiltrating the central nervous system from the external environment, detailing the origin, functions, classifications, and targeted therapies of neutrophils in the context of glioma.

Case report: a case report of excision of giant lipoma in the posterior neck.

Lipomas, benign tumors originating from the anomalous proliferation of adipocytes, predominantly emerge in regions rich in adipose tissue. However, their presence in the head and neck areas remains rare, constituting approximately 13% of all diagnosed lipoma cases. This study presents a case involving a substantial subcutaneous lipoma located at the posterior neck, measuring about 20 cm × 19 cm × 10 cm. The patient presented with swelling and pain in the back of the neck. And the considerable dimensions of this lipoma significantly impacted the patient's quality of life and aesthetic appearance. Concurrently, the patient exhibited symptoms indicative of degenerative cervical spine disease and cervical disc herniation. After admission, a comprehensive examination, including ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, was conducted. Given the clinical complexity, the decision for surgical intervention was deemed essential. The surgical strategy entailed a meticulous total excision of the tumor through an incision made in the posterior cross-neck, coupled with the strategic removal of excess skin. To facilitate wound healing, postoperative management included the use of negative pressure drainage. Pathological examination conclusively identified the mass as a lipoma. Postoperative follow-ups indicated successful recovery, as evidenced by the restoration of the neck's aesthetic contour and the complete resolution of the previously observed restrictions in sagittal neck movement.

The mechanism of extracellular CypB promotes glioblastoma adaptation to glutamine deprivation microenvironment.

Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiform (GBM), is a type of glioma with a high degree of malignancy and rapid growth rate. It is highly dependent on glutamine (Gln) metabolism during proliferation and lags in neoangiogenesis, leading to extensive Gln depletion in the core region of GBM. Gln-derived glutamate is used to synthesize the antioxidant Glutathione (GSH). We demonstrated that GSH levels are also reduced in Gln deficiency, leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The ROS production induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the proteins in the ER are secreted into the extracellular medium. We collected GBM cell supernatants cultured with or without Gln medium; the core and peripheral regions of human GBM tumor tissues. Proteomic analysis was used to screen out the target-secreted protein CypB. We demonstrated that the extracellular CypB expression is associated with Gln deprivation. Then, we verified that GBM can promote the glycolytic pathway by activating HIF-1α to upregulate the expression of GLUT1 and LDHA. Meanwhile, the DRP1 was activated, increasing mitochondrial fission, thus inhibiting mitochondrial function. To explore the specific mechanism of its regulation, we constructed a si-CD147 knockout model and added human recombinant CypB protein to verify that extracellular CypB influenced the expression of downstream p-AKT through its cell membrane receptor CD147 binding. Moreover, we confirmed that p-AKT could upregulate HIF-1α and DRP1. Finally, we observed that extracellular CypB can bind to the CD147 receptor, activate p-AKT, upregulate HIF-1α and DRP1 in order to promote glycolysis while inhibiting mitochondrial function to adapt to the Gln-deprived microenvironment.

SOX9 Promotes Collagen VI Secretion by Upregulating PCOLCE in Neurofibroma.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by NF1 gene mutations. Patients with NF1 often have complications with tumors, such as neurofibroma. In order to investigate the pathogenesis of human neurofibroma, a systematic comparison of protein expression levels between Schwann cell-like sNF96.2 cells, which originated from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), and normal Schwann cells was performed using 4-D label-free proteomic analysis. In addition, the expression levels and localization of dysregulated proteins were confirmed using a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) transcriptomic dataset, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence labeling. The effects of SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) in the neurofibroma and surrounding microenvironment were evaluated in vivo using a tumor transplantation model. The present study observed that SOX9 and procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer (PCOLCE) were significantly altered. NF1 mutation promoted the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of SOX9 in neurofibromas. SOX9 increased collagen VI secretions by enhancing the activation of PCOLCE in neurofibroma cells. These findings might provide new perspectives on the pathophysiological significance of SOX9 in neurofibromas and elucidate a novel molecular mechanism underlying neurofibromas.

Streamlined synthesis of superstructure Ni-benzimidazole MOFs: Glucose electrochemical analysis.

The design and synthesis of efficient electrochemical sensors are crucial transformation technologies in electrochemistry. We successfully synthesize a three-dimensional Ni-metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructured material with a superior architecture using benzimidazole and nickel nitrate as precursors at room temperature which is being applied in glucose electrochemical sensors. The reaction mechanism of M-6 during glucose detection is thoroughly studied using various characterization techniques, such as in situ Raman spectroscopy, in situ ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, synchrotron radiography, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The research findings demonstrate that the M-6 material exhibits high sensitivity for glucose detection, with a sensitivity of 2199.88 mA M-1 cm-2. This study provides an important reference for designing more efficient electrochemical reaction systems and optimizing material performance. Furthermore, the superstructural design offers new ideas and possibilities for the development and application of similar materials.

Bisphenol A: Unveiling Its Role in Glioma Progression and Tumor Growth.

Gliomas represent the most common and lethal category of primary brain tumors. Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely recognized endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in the progression of cancer. Despite its established links to various cancers, the association between BPA and glioma progression remains to be clearly defined. This study aimed to shed light on the impact of BPA on glioma cell proliferation and overall tumor progression. Our results demonstrate that BPA significantly accelerates glioma cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BPA has been found to enhance the invasive and migratory capabilities of glioma cells, potentially promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics within these tumors. Employing bioinformatics approaches, we devised a risk assessment model to gauge the potential glioma hazards associated with BPA exposure. Our comprehensive analysis revealed that BPA not only facilitates glioma invasion and migration but also inhibits apoptotic processes. In summary, our study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which BPA may promote tumorigenesis in gliomas, contributing to the understanding of its broader implications in oncology.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms and prognostic targets of Biochanin A in glioblastoma via integrated computational analysis and in vitro experiments.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor and is characterized by a poor prognosis and high recurrence and mortality rates. Biochanin A (BCA) exhibits promising clinical anti-tumor effects. In this study, we aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanisms by which BCA acts against GBM. Network pharmacology was employed to identify overlapping target genes between BCA and GBM. Differentially expressed genes from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) database were visualized using VolcaNose. Interactions among these overlapping genes were analyzed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.1. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Survival analyses for these genes were performed using the GEPIA2 database. The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database was used to study the correlations between key prognostic genes. Molecular docking was confirmed using the DockThor database and visualized with PyMol software. Cell viability was assessed via the CCK-8 assay, apoptosis and the cell cycle stages were examined using flow cytometry, and protein expression was detected using western blotting. In all, 63 genes were initially identified as potential targets for BCA in treating GBM. Enrichment analysis suggested that the pharmacological mechanisms of BCA primarily involved cell cycle inhibition, induction of cell apoptosis, and immune regulation. Based on these findings, AKT1, EGFR, CASP3, and MMP9 were preliminarily predicted as key prognostic target genes for BCA in GBM treatment. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis suggested stable binding of BCA to the target protein. In vitro experiments revealed the efficacy of BCA in inhibiting GBM, with an IC50 value of 98.37 ± 2.21 µM. BCA inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle of GBM cells. Furthermore, the anti-tumor effects of BCA on U251 cells were linked to the regulation of the target protein. We utilized integrated bioinformatics analyses to predict targets and confirmed through experiments that BCA possesses remarkable anti-tumor activities. We present a novel approach for multi-target treatment of GBM using BCA.

Record high external quantum efficiency of 20% achieved in fully solution-processed quantum dot light-emitting diodes based on hole-conductive metal oxides.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been widely used as a hole injection material in quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). However, it degrades the organic materials and electrodes in QLEDs due to its strong hydroscopicity and acidity. Although hole-conductive metal oxides have a great potential to solve this disadvantage, it is still a challenge to achieve efficient and stable QLEDs by using these solution-processed metal oxides. Herein, the state-of-the-art QLEDs fabricated by using hole-conductive MoOx QDs are achieved. The α-phase MoOx QDs exhibit a monodispersed size distribution with clear and regular crystal lattices, corresponding to high-quality nanocrystals. Meanwhile, the MoOx film owns an excellent transmittance, suitable valence band, good morphology and impressive hole-conductivity, demonstrating that the MoOx film could be used as a hole injection layer in QLEDs. Moreover, the rigid and flexible red QLEDs made by MoOx exhibit peak external quantum efficiencies of over 20%, representing a new record for the hole-conductive metal oxide based QLEDs. Most importantly, the MoOx QDs afford their QLEDs with a longer T95 lifetime than these devices made by PEDOT:PSS. As a result, we believe that the MoOx QDs could be used as efficient and stable hole injection materials used in QLEDs.

Composites of (NH2)-MIL-53(Al) and CBB as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall electrochemical water splitting in all pH solutions.

Electrochemical water splitting is one of the most active areas of energy research, yet the benchmark electrocatalysts used for this area are based on expensive noble metals and transition metals, thus mainly reactions in alkaline solution. MOFs and halide perovskite are novel electrochemical catalysts but unstable in water basically. Here we report a study on composites of (NH2)-MIL-53(Al) MOFs and CBB halide perovskite (Cs3Bi2Br9), which exhibit obvious activity for overall electrochemical water splitting for long-term stability with little deactivation after 10 h in all pH solutions.

Enhancing Zn2+ Storage Performance by Constructing the Interfaces Between VO2 and Co-N-C Layers.

Vanadium oxides have aroused attention as cathode materials in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their low cost and high safety. However, low ion diffusion and vanadium dissolution often lead to capacity decay and deteriorating stability during cycling. Herein, vanadium dioxides (VO2) nanobelts are coated with a single-atom cobalt dispersed N-doped carbon (Co-N-C) layer via a facile calcination strategy to form Co-N-C layer coated VO2 nanobelts (VO2@Co-N-C NBs) for cathodes in AZIBs. Various in-/ex situ characterizations demonstrate the interfaces between VO2 layers and Co-N-C layers can protect the VO2 NBs from collapsing, increase ion diffusion, and enhance the Zn2+ storage performance. Additional density functional theory (DFT) simulations demonstrate that Co─O─V bonds between VO2 and Co-N-C layers can enhance interfacial Zn2+ storage. Moreover, the VO2@Co-N-C NBs provided an ultrahigh capacity (418.7 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1), outstanding long-term stability (over 8000 cycles at 20 A g-1), and superior rate performance.

Innate immune response restarts adaptive immune response in tumors.

The imbalance of immune response plays a crucial role in the development of diseases, including glioblastoma. It is essential to comprehend how the innate immune system detects tumors and pathogens. Endosomal and cytoplasmic sensors can identify diverse cancer cell antigens, triggering the production of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This, in turn, stimulates interferon stimulating genes, enhancing the presentation of cancer antigens, and promoting T cell recognition and destruction of cancer cells. While RNA and DNA sensing of tumors and pathogens typically involve different receptors and adapters, their interaction can activate adaptive immune response mechanisms. This review highlights the similarity in RNA and DNA sensing mechanisms in the innate immunity of both tumors and pathogens. The aim is to enhance the anti-tumor innate immune response, identify regions of the tumor that are not responsive to treatment, and explore new targets to improve the response to conventional tumor therapy and immunotherapy.

Exploring the Role of the Plant Actin Cytoskeleton: From Signaling to Cellular Functions.

The plant actin cytoskeleton is characterized by the basic properties of dynamic array, which plays a central role in numerous conserved processes that are required for diverse cellular functions. Here, we focus on how actins and actin-related proteins (ARPs), which represent two classical branches of a greatly diverse superfamily of ATPases, are involved in fundamental functions underlying signal regulation of plant growth and development. Moreover, we review the structure, assembly dynamics, and biological functions of filamentous actin (F-actin) from a molecular perspective. The various accessory proteins known as actin-binding proteins (ABPs) partner with F-actin to finely tune actin dynamics, often in response to various cell signaling pathways. Our understanding of the significance of the actin cytoskeleton in vital cellular activities has been furthered by comparison of conserved functions of actin filaments across different species combined with advanced microscopic techniques and experimental methods. We discuss the current model of the plant actin cytoskeleton, followed by examples of the signaling mechanisms under the supervision of F-actin related to cell morphogenesis, polar growth, and cytoplasmic streaming. Determination of the theoretical basis of how the cytoskeleton works is important in itself and is beneficial to future applications aimed at improving crop biomass and production efficiency.