SORBS2-Mediated inhibition of malignant behaviors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through TIMP3.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by high invasiveness and poor prognosis. The role of Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 2 (SORBS2) in ESCC remains largely unexplored. METHODS: The expression levels of SORBS2 in ESCC were detected using RNA-seq and proteomics data. The biological functions of SORBS2 in ESCC were investigated through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The mechanism of SORBS2 was explored using RIP-seq technology, which identified the key downstream molecule metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3). The interaction between SORBS2 and TIMP3, including specific binding sites, was validated through RIP-qPCR and RNA pull-down assays. The impact of altered SORBS2 expression in ESCC on HUVECs was assessed using endothelial tube formation assays. RESULTS: SORBS2 expression was significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues, and its decreased expression was associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of SORBS2 in ESCC cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SORBS2 bound to the 3' UTR of TIMP3 mRNA, enhancing its stability and thereby regulating TIMP3 expression. Rescue experiments demonstrated that increased TIMP3 expression could reverse the promotive effects of SORBS2 knockdown on ESCC, confirming TIMP3 as a critical downstream molecule of SORBS2. Furthermore, downregulation of SORBS2 in ESCC cells was associated with activation of HUVEC functions, whereas upregulation of TIMP3 could reverse this effect. The SORBS2/TIMP3 axis may exert tumor suppressive effects by influencing extracellular matrix degradation. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that SORBS2 inhibits ESCC tumor progression by regulating extracellular matrix degradation through TIMP3, providing a potential therapeutic target for future treatment interventions.

Shrub ecosystem structure in response to anthropogenic climate change: A global synthesis.

Anthropogenic warming is predicted to alter ecological boundaries in energy-limited shrub ecosystems. Yet we still lack a sound understanding of the structural changes that shrub ecosystems are undergoing on a global scale and the factors driving them. To that end, here we collected studies of shrub dynamics from 227 sites worldwide to conduct a quantitative review, including the rate of advancing shrubline (their upslope shift), the rates of shrub cover and recruitment changes. Our results revealed that shrub expanded (e.g. shrubline shifts, shrub cover and recruitment increase) at the vast majority of sites (84 %); in contrast, they remained stable in 10 % of sites and descended at just 6 % of them. The mean global shift rate of shrubline was 1.22 m/year, being significantly faster in subarctic (> 60°N) than temperate (< 60°N) regions, and likewise more quickly in wet (total annual precipitation >400 mm) than dry (total annual precipitation <400 mm) areas; the annual change rates of shrub cover and recruitment increased by 0.89 % and 2.02 %. Shrubs communities have expanded rapidly in response to ongoing climate warming. The combination of autumn precipitation and winter temperature largely contributed to the general shift rates of shrubline, while the shrub cover and recruitment were mainly affected by summer temperature and precipitation in both spring and autumn. Furthermore, the site-specific pace of their expansion probably depends on a combination of local climatic and non-climatic drivers (such as fine-scale environmental conditions, disturbance, their interactions, and dispersal limitation). The increase of shrub distribution may alter the function and albedo of the ecosystems at high-latitude and -elevation regions, resulting in the feedback on climate.

A novel mRNA multi-epitope vaccine of Acinetobacter baumannii based on multi-target protein design in immunoinformatic approach.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacillus prevalent in nature, capable of thriving under various environmental conditions. As an opportunistic pathogen, it frequently causes nosocomial infections such as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and pneumonia, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality in clinical settings. Consequently, developing novel vaccines against Acinetobacter baumannii is of utmost importance. In our study, we identified 10 highly conserved antigenic proteins from the NCBI and UniProt databases for epitope mapping. We subsequently screened and selected 8 CTL, HTL, and LBL epitopes, integrating them into three distinct vaccines constructed with adjuvants. Following comprehensive evaluations of immunological and physicochemical parameters, we conducted molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to assess the efficacy and stability of these vaccines. Our findings indicate that all three multi-epitope mRNA vaccines designed against Acinetobacter baumannii are promising; however, further animal studies are required to confirm their reliability and effectiveness.

Comparative Evaluation of Micellization and Cellular Uptake of ß-Carotene Affected by Flavonoids.

Based on in vitro digestion, micellar synthesis, and Caco-2 cell model, this study investigated the effects of typical flavonoids in citrus (naringenin, naringin, hesperetin, hesperidin, quercetin, and rutin) at different doses on the micellization and cellular uptake of ß-carotene. In in vitro digestion, low-dose flavonoids enhanced ß-carotene bioaccesssibility by regulating the stability and dispersibility of the intestinal medium, particularly quercetin, which significantly increased the bioaccessibility by 44.6% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, naringenin, hesperetin, hesperidin, and quercetin enhanced the micellar incorporation rate of ß-carotene; however, naringin and rutin exhibited an opposite effect, particularly naringin, which significantly reduced it by 71.3% (p < 0.05). This phenomenon could be attributed to the high solubility of naringin and rutin in micelles, resulting in a competitive inhibitory effect on ß-carotene. Besides, all treatments significantly enhanced ß-carotene cellular uptake (p < 0.05) by promoting the expression of scavenger receptor class B type I and Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1.

Swimming training attenuates doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy by targeting the mir-17-3p/KEAP1/NRF2 axis.

Doxorubicin (DOX), as a first-line anticancer drug, is widely used in the treatment of various cancers. However, its clinical application is restricted due to its severe cardiac toxicity. Previous studies have indicated exercise training can alleviate the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our research has discovered, post-exercise, an elevated expression level of mir-17-3p, but in DIC its level decreases. Therefore, we further studied the effect of exercise mir-17-3p axis on DIC. In vivo, we simulated DIC mouse model, followed by an intervention using swimming and adenovirus to inhibit mir-17-3p. We found that inhibition of mir-17-3p can weaken the protection of exercise against DIC, presenting as weakened heart function. Besides, the levels of Malondialdehyde and Fe2+ in the cardiac tissue increased, along with diminished glutathione peroxidase 4 and Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 levels, and a decline in the concentration of glutathione, causing an increase in ferroptosis. Moreover, in vitro, we used dual-luciferase assay to confirm that Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) can be a target gene of mir-17-3p. We used Keap1/NFE2 Like BZIP Transcription Factor 2 (NRF2) inhibitor brusatol and Stimulator of Interferon Response CGAMP Interactor 1 (STING) agonist SR-717 to verify the mir-17-3p/KEAP1 axis can affect the Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (CGAS)/STING pathway, leading to further ferroptosis in DIC. This manifested as a reduction in ferroptosis. In summary, our research suggests swimming training enhances the levels of mir-17-3p, thereby activating the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway, and weakening the CGAS/STING pathway, improving ferroptosis in DIC.

Design of Cryptococcus neoformans multi-epitope vaccine based on immunoinformatics method.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a widely distributed opportunistic pathogenic fungus. While C. neoformans commonly infects immunocompromised individuals, it can also affect those who are immunocompetent. Transmission of C. neoformans primarily occurs through the respiratory tract, leading to the development of meningitis. The mortality rate of Cryptococcal meningitis is high, and treatment options are limited. Cryptococcus neoformans infections pose a significant public health threat and currently lack targeted and effective response strategies. This study aimed to screen T lymphocyte (cytotoxic T lymphocyte and helper T lymphocyte) and B lymphocyte epitopes derived from four C. neoformans antigens and develop two multi-epitope vaccines by combining them with various adjuvants. Molecular docking results demonstrated that the vaccines bind stably to Toll-like receptor 4 ( and induce innate immunity. The credibility of the molecular docking results was validated through subsequent molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the results of immune simulation analyses underscored the multi-epitope vaccine's capability to effectively induce robust humoral and cellular immune responses within the host organism. These two vaccines have demonstrated theoretical efficacy against C. neoformans infection as indicated by computer analysis. Nevertheless, additional experimental validation is essential to substantiate the protective efficacy of the vaccines.

A multi-epitope Cryptococcus neoformans vaccine covering the most common A and D phenotypes was designed using bioinformatics methods.

Effects of Iodinated Contrast-enhanced CT on Urinary Iodine Levels in Postoperative Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

AIMS: This study aims to observe the fluctuating urine iodine levels in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) following iodinated contrastenhanced computed tomography (eCT) scans. BACKGROUND: The presence of iodine in iodinated contrast agents (ICAs) can impede the effectiveness of radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) and diagnostic scans in individuals diagnosed with DTC, as it can engage in competitive interactions with 131I. According to established guidelines, it is recommended to postpone RAIT for a period of three to four months in individuals who have had prior exposure to ICAS. The measurement of spot urine iodine concentration is a valuable indicator for assessing the overall iodine content throughout the body. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify the optimal timing for administering postoperative RAIT in DTC patients. METHODS: At various time points after surgery, a cohort of 467 random urine samples (126 male samples, 341 female samples, age (45±12 years)) was obtained from 269 DTC patients. The samples were analyzed for urinary iodine and urinary creatinine levels, and the urinary iodine/urine creatinine ratio (I/Cr) was computed. All samples were divided into two groups according to whether eCT before operation: the non-enhanced CT (eCT-) group and the enhanced CT (eCT+) group. The urine samples in the eCT- group were categorized into four subgroups according to the duration of strict low iodine diet (LID): (eCT-I+) no LID; (eCT-I-2W) 2 weeks of LID; (eCT-I-4W) 4 weeks of LID; and (eCT-I-6W) 6 weeks of LID. The last three groups were merged into the eCT- and effective LID group (eCT- I-). The urine samples from the eCT+ group were categorized into five subgroups: (0.5M eCT+)0.5 month after eCT+; (1M eCT+)1 month after eCT+; (2M eCT+) 2 months after eCT+; (3M eCT+) 3 months after eCT+; (≥4M eCT+) ≥4 months after eCT+. In addition, the patients within 2 months after eCT+ were divided into 2 groups according to their LID: no effective LID group (eCT+ I+) and effective LID group (eCT+ I-). Utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U rank sum tests, the differences in I/Cr between groups were compared. RESULTS: In the eCT-group, the I/Cr ratios of eCT-I-2W, eCT-I-4W, and eCT-I-6W were significantly lower than those of eCT-I+ (χ2 values: 4.607.99, all P 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in I/Cr between eCT-I-2W, eCT- I-4W, and eCT-I-6W (2 values: 0.591.31, all P > 0.05). Significantly higher I/Cr values were observed in 0.5M eCT+ and 1M eCT+ than in eCT-I+ (χ2 values: 3.22 and 2.18, respectively, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in I/Cr between 2M eCT+ and eCT-I+ (χ2 = 0.76, P = 0.447). The I/Cr rations of 3M eCT+, ≥4M eCT+ were not significantly different with eCT-I- (χ2 values: 1.76; 0.58; all P > 0.05). However, they were considerably lower than eCT-I+ (χ2 values: 7.03; 5.22; all P<0.05). The I/Cr for patients who underwent eCT within two months (eCT+ I-, eCT+ I+) did not differ significantly (χ2 = 1.79, P = 0.073). CONCLUSION: For patients who are considering receiving radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) following a diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), it is recommended that the interval between RAIT treatment and enhanced computed tomography [eCT] scans be conducted at least three months.

Case report: Propylthiouracil-induced serious side effect: Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis or IgA vasculitis?

INTRODUCTION: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare disease characterized by the inflammation and destruction of small blood vessels and circulating ANCAs. Drugs such as antithyroid drugs (ATDs), especially propylthiouracil (PTU), have been used for the production of ANCAs and cause the development of drug-induced AAV. The pathogenesis of this disease is unclear but could be related to the physiological processes affecting the degradation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). At present, PTU is widely used in patients with Graves' disease (GD) who are preparing for pregnancy and whose condition has not been controlled. Once drug-induced AAV has occurred with important organ damage, considering NETs have a significant role in the immune system, whether the cessation of drugs could stop the progression of organ damage is unclear, and a consensus regarding standard treatment has not been established. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this case report, a female patient who planned pregnancy was hospitalized with multiple joint pain, impaired renal function, and hematuria. Immunofluorescence of the renal biopsy demonstrated spherical and diffuse mesangial distribution of IgA (3+). Autoimmune serology demonstrated positivity for autoantibodies against p-ANCA and an anti-MPO titer 74.72 RU/mL. DIAGNOSIS: She was diagnosed with PTU-induced p-ANCA-associated and IgA-associated vasculitis (IgAV). INTERVENTIONS: The patient accepted low doses of glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive therapy and RAI treatment. OUTCOMES: Both her kidney function and thyroid function remained were on the mend. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that this type of patient needs to fully consider their pregnancy preparation needs, suspend pregnancy when a small chance of GD remission is indicated, and avoid the use of drugs with reproductive toxicity and other serious adverse events. The multidisciplinary combination therapy of low-dose glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants combined with iodine radiotherapy is one reasonable scheme. At the same time, it is necessary to eliminate the organ damage caused by other reasons. This report provides a clinical treatment basis for patients with drug-induced vasculitis manifestations who cannot receive an accurate diagnosis.

Microbiota in lymph nodes of cattle harvested in a Canadian meat processing plant.

Lymph nodes (LN) harboring bacteria, when being incorporated into ground beef, may impact the microbial safety and quality of such products. We tested two main foodborne pathogens Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and profiled the microbiota in LNs (n = 160) of cattle harvested at a Canadian abattoir, by conventional plating methods, PCR, and high throughput sequencing. LNs at two anatomical locations, subiliac and popliteal from 80 cattle were included. All cattle had bacteria detected in popliteal and/or subiliac LNs with the maximum bacterial load of 5.4 and 2.8 log10CFU/g in popliteal and subiliac LNs, respectively. Neither Salmonella nor STEC was found in LNs although STEC was detected in a significant percentage of samples from beef hides (50.6 %) by plating and/or PCR. Both 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenome sequencing found the predominance of Escherichia (13-34.6 % among bacterial community), Clostridium (12.6-20.6 %) and Streptococcus (9.7-10 %) in popliteal LNs. Metagenomic sequencing was able to identify the predominant taxa at species level with E. coli (13 %), Clostridium perfringens (11.1 %) and Streptococcus uberis (6 %) predominant in LNs. Low prevalence/abundance of Salmonella was found by metagenomic sequencing. In conclusion, the relatively high bacterial load and diversity in LNs may affect the shelf life of ground beef and high relative abundance of E. coli would warrant further monitoring.

Regulations of Citrus Pectin Oligosaccharide on Cholesterol Metabolism: Insights from Integrative Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.

(1) Background: Recently, academic studies are demonstrating that the cholesterol-lowering effects of pectin oligosaccharides (POSs) are correlated to intestinal flora. However, the mechanisms of POS on cholesterol metabolisms are limited, and the observations of intestinal flora are lacking integrative analyses. (2) Aim and methods: To reveal the regulatory mechanisms of POS on cholesterol metabolism via an integrative analysis of the gut microbiota, the changes in gut microbiota structure and metabolite composition after POS addition were investigated using Illumina MiSeq sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics through in vitro gut microbiota fermentation. (3) Results: The composition of fecal gut flora was adjusted positively by POS. POS increased the abundances of the cholesterol-related bacterial groups Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while it decreased conditional pathogenic Escherichia coli and Enterococcus, showing good prebiotic activities. POS changed the composition of gut microbiota fermentation metabolites (P24), causing significant changes in 221 species of fermentation metabolites in a non-targeted metabolomics analysis and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids. The abundances of four types of cholesterol metabolism-related metabolites (adenosine monophosphate, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, guanosine and butyrate) were significantly higher in the P24 group than those in the control group without POS addition. (4) Conclusion: The abovementioned results may explain the hypocholesterolemic effects of POS and promotion effects on cholesterol efflux of P24. These findings indicated that the potential regulatory mechanisms of citrus POS on cholesterol metabolism are modulated by cholesterol-related gut microbiota and specific metabolites.

Hsp47 promotes biogenesis of multi-subunit neuroreceptors in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) deficiency is an important contributing factor to neurological and metabolic diseases. However, how the proteostasis network orchestrates the folding and assembly of multi-subunit membrane proteins is poorly understood. Previous proteomics studies identified Hsp47 (Gene: SERPINH1), a heat shock protein in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen, as the most enriched interacting chaperone for gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. Here, we show that Hsp47 enhances the functional surface expression of GABAA receptors in rat neurons and human HEK293T cells. Furthermore, molecular mechanism study demonstrates that Hsp47 acts after BiP (Gene: HSPA5) and preferentially binds the folded conformation of GABAA receptors without inducing the unfolded protein response in HEK293T cells. Therefore, Hsp47 promotes the subunit-subunit interaction, the receptor assembly process, and the anterograde trafficking of GABAA receptors. Overexpressing Hsp47 is sufficient to correct the surface expression and function of epilepsy-associated GABAA receptor variants in HEK293T cells. Hsp47 also promotes the surface trafficking of other Cys-loop receptors, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and serotonin type 3 receptors in HEK293T cells. Therefore, in addition to its known function as a collagen chaperone, this work establishes that Hsp47 plays a critical and general role in the maturation of multi-subunit Cys-loop neuroreceptors.

S-containing molecular markers of dissolved organic carbon attributing to riverine dissolved methane production across different land uses.

The emission of methane (CH4) from streams and rivers contributes significantly to its global inventory. The production of CH4 is traditionally considered as a strictly anaerobic process. Recent investigations observed a "CH4 paradox" in oxic waters, suggesting the occurrence of oxic methane production (OMP). Human activities promoted dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in streams and rivers, providing significant substrates for CH4 production. However, the underlying DOC molecular markers of CH4 production in river systems are not well known. The identification of these markers will help to reveal the mechanism of methanogenesis. Here, Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry and other high-quality DOC characterization, ecosystem metabolism, and in-situ net CH4 production rate were employed to investigate molecular markers attributing to riverine dissolved CH4 production across different land uses. We show that endogenous CH4 production supports CH4 oversaturation and positively correlates with DOC concentrations and gross primary production. Furthermore, sulfur (S)-containing molecules, particularly S-aliphatics and S-peptides, and fatty acid-like compounds (e.g., acetate homologs) are characterized as markers of water-column aerobic and anaerobic CH4 production. Watershed characterization, including riverine discharge, allochthonous DOC input, turnover, as well as autochthonous DOC, affects the CH4 production. Our study helps to understand riverine aerobic or anaerobic CH4 production relating to DOC molecular characteristics across different land uses.

Development and identification of a novel wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum disomic substitution line DS5Ag(5D) with new genes conferring resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust.

BACKGROUND: Powdery mildew (caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt)) and leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt)) are prevalent diseases in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Thinopyrum ponticum (2n = 10x = 70, EeEeEbEbExExStStStSt) contains genes that confer high levels of resistance to these diseases. RESULTS: An elite wheat-Th. ponticum disomic substitution line, DS5Ag(5D), was developed in the Bainong Aikang 58 (AK58) background. The line was assessed using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), oligo-nucleotide probe multiplex (ONPM) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular markers. Twenty eight chromosome-specific molecular markers were identified for the alien chromosome, and 22 of them were co-dominant. Additionally, SNP markers from the wheat 660 K SNP chip were utilized to confirm chromosome identification and they provide molecular tools for tagging the chromosome in concern. The substitution line demonstrated high levels of resistance to powdery mildew throughout its growth period and to leaf rust at the adult stage. Based on the resistance evaluation of five F5 populations between the substitution lines and wheat genotypes with different levels of sensitivity to the two diseases. Results showed that the resistance genes located on 5Ag confered stable resistance against both diseases across different backgrounds. Resistance spectrum analysis combined with diagnostic marker detection of known resistance genes of Th. ponticum revealed that 5Ag contained two novel genes, Pm5Ag and Lr5Ag, which conferred resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a novel wheat-Th. ponticum disomic substitution line DS5Ag(5D) was successfully developed. The Th. ponticum chromosome 5Ag contain new resistance genes for powdery mildew and leaf rust. Chromosomic-specific molecular markers were generated and they can be used to track the 5Ag chromosome fragments. Consequently, this study provides new elite germplasm resources and molecular markers to facilitate the breeding of wheat varieties that is resistant to powdery mildew and leaf rust.

Marine sponge-derived alkaloid inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a genetically heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is extremely aggressive and has an intermediate to high malignancy. Some patients still experience treatment failure, relapse, or resistance to rituximab, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further research on new agents for the treatment of DLBCL. AP-48 is an aaptamine alkaloid analog with potent anti-tumor effects that originates from marine natural products. In this study, we found that AP-48 exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity in DLBCL cell lines. Flow cytometry showed that AP-48 induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in SU-DHL-4 and Farage cells and in the S phase in WSU-DLCL-2 cells. AP-48 also accelerated apoptosis via the caspase-3-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Further experiments demonstrated that AP-48 exerted its anti-DLBCL effects through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and that the PI3K agonist YS49 partially alleviated the inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis induced by AP-48. Finally, in a tumor xenograft model, AP-48 inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in tumor tissues, indicating its therapeutic potential in DLBCL.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Identified a Novel Mutation in the N-Terminal Domain of KIF5A in Chinese Patients with Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive damage to both upper and lower motor neurons. Genetic factors are known to play a crucial role in ALS, as genetic studies not only advance our comprehension of disease mechanisms but also help unravel the complex phenotypes exhibited by patients. To gain further insights into the genetic landscape of ALS in the Chinese population and explore genotype-phenotype correlations among individuals, we conducted whole-genome sequencing to screen genes in 34 Chinese familial ALS (FALS) probands lacking the most common ALS-associated genes. Within this cohort, we identified a rare heterozygous missense mutation in the N-terminal domain of KIF5A (c.86A>G) in one of the probands. This finding is significant as mutations in the KIF5A gene have been implicated in ALS in European cohorts since 2018, predominantly characterized by C-terminal mutations. Analysis of the clinical phenotype within this familial lineage revealed a delayed onset of symptoms, an extended survival duration, and initial manifestations in both upper limbs. These observations underscore the clinical heterogeneity observed in ALS patients harboring KIF5A mutations. In conclusion, our study contributes to the growing body of evidence linking KIF5A to ALS and enhances our understanding of the intricate genetic landscape of this disease.

Transfection of entomopathogenic Metarhizium species with a mycovirus confers hypervirulence against two lepidopteran pests.

Although most known viruses infecting fungi pathogenic to higher eukaryotes are asymptomatic or reduce the virulence of their host fungi, those that confer hypervirulence to entomopathogenic fungus still need to be explored. Here, we identified and studied a novel mycovirus in Metarhizium flavoviride, isolated from small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus). Based on molecular analysis, we tentatively designated the mycovirus as Metarhizium flavoviride partitivirus 1 (MfPV1), a species in genus Gammapartitivirus, family Partitiviridae. MfPV1 has two double-stranded RNAs as its genome, 1,775 and 1,575 bp in size respectively, encapsidated in isometric particles. When we transfected commercial strains of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium pingshaense with MfPV1, conidiation was significantly enhanced (t test; P-value < 0. 01), and the significantly higher mortality rates of the larvae of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), two important lepidopteran pests were found in virus-transfected strains (ANOVA; P-value < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that transcript levels of pathogenesis-related genes in MfPV1-infected M. anisopliae were obviously altered, suggesting increased production of metarhizium adhesin-like protein, hydrolyzed protein, and destruxin synthetase. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism whereby MfPV1 enhances the expression of pathogenesis-related genes and virulence of Metarhizium to lepidopteran pests. This study presents experimental evidence that the transfection of other entomopathogenic fungal species with a mycovirus can confer significant hypervirulence and provides a good example that mycoviruses could be used as a synergistic agent to enhance the biocontrol activity of entomopathogenic fungi.

Plasma-Free Blood as a Potential Alternative to Whole Blood for Transcriptomic Analysis.

RNA sequencing (RNAseq) technology has become increasingly important in precision medicine and clinical diagnostics, and emerged as a powerful tool for identifying protein-coding genes, performing differential gene analysis, and inferring immune cell composition. Human peripheral blood samples are widely used for RNAseq, providing valuable insights into individual biomolecular information. Blood samples can be classified as whole blood (WB), plasma, serum, and remaining sediment samples, including plasma-free blood (PFB) and serum-free blood (SFB) samples that are generally considered less useful byproducts during the processes of plasma and serum separation, respectively. However, the feasibility of using PFB and SFB samples for transcriptome analysis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the suitability of employing PFB or SFB samples as an alternative RNA source in transcriptomic analysis. We performed a comparative analysis of WB, PFB, and SFB samples for different applications. Our results revealed that PFB samples exhibit greater similarity to WB samples than SFB samples in terms of protein-coding gene expression patterns, detection of differentially expressed genes, and immunological characterizations, suggesting that PFB can serve as a viable alternative to WB for transcriptomic analysis. Our study contributes to the optimization of blood sample utilization and the advancement of precision medicine research. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-023-00121-1.

Genomic-wide analysis reveals seven in absentia genes regulating grain development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Seven in absentia proteins, which contain a conserved SINA domain, are involved in regulating various aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and development, especially in response to environmental stresses. However, it is unclear whether TaSINA family members are involved in regulating grain development until now. In this study, the expression pattern, genomic polymorphism, and relationship with grain-related traits were analyzed for all TaSINA members. Most of the TaSINA genes identified showed higher expression levels in young wheat spikes or grains than other organs. The genomic polymorphism analysis revealed that at least 62 TaSINA genes had different haplotypes, where the haplotypes of five genes were significantly correlated with grain-related traits. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers were developed to confirm the single nucleotide polymorphisms in TaSINA101 and TaSINA109 among the five selected genes in a set of 292 wheat accessions. The TaSINA101-Hap II and TaSINA109-Hap II haplotypes had higher grain weight and width compared to TaSINA101-Hap I and TaSINA109-Hap I in at least three environments, respectively. The qRT-PCR assays revealed that TaSINA101 was highly expressed in the palea shell, seed coat, and embryo in young wheat grains. The TaSINA101 protein was unevenly distributed in the nucleus when transiently expressed in the protoplast of wheat. Three homozygous TaSINA101 transgenic lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.) showed higher grain weight and size compared to the wild type. These findings provide valuable insight into the biological function and elite haplotype of TaSINA family genes in wheat grain development at a genomic-wide level.

U3 snoRNA inter-regulates with DDX21 in the perichromosomal region to control mitosis.

U3 snoRNA is essential for ribosome biogenesis during interphase. Upon mitotic onset, the nucleolus disassembles and U3 snoRNA relocates to the perichromosomal region (PR) to be considered as a chromosome passenger. Whether U3 controls mitosis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that U3 snoRNA is required for mitotic progression. We identified DDX21 as the predominant U3-binding protein during mitosis and confirmed that U3 snoRNA colocalizes with DDX21 in the PR. DDX21 knockdown induces mitotic catastrophe and similar mitotic defects caused by U3 snoRNA depletion. Interestingly, the uniform PR distribution of U3 snoRNA and DDX21 is interdependent. DDX21 functions in mitosis depending on its PR localization. Mechanistically, U3 snoRNA regulates DDX21 PR localization through maintaining its mobility. Moreover, Cy5-U3 snoRNA downsizes the fibrous condensates of His-DDX21 at proper molecular ratios in vitro. This work highlights the importance of the equilibrium between U3 snoRNA and DDX21 in PR formation and reveals the potential relationship between the PR assembly and mitotic regulation.

Poly(ferrocenylsilane)-Based Redox-Active Artificial Organelles for Biomimetic Cascade Reactions.

Artificial organelles serve as functional counterparts to natural organelles, which are primarily employed to artificially replicate, restore, or enhance cellular functions. While most artificial organelles exhibit basic functions, we diverge from this norm by utilizing poly(ferrocenylmethylethylthiocarboxypropylsilane) microcapsules (PFC MCs) to construct multifunctional artificial organelles through water/oil interfacial self-assembly. Within these PFC MCs, enzymatic cascades are induced through active molecular exchange across the membrane to mimic the functions of enzymes in mitochondria. We harness the inherent redox properties of the PFC polymer, which forms the membrane, to facilitate in-situ redox reactions similar to those supported by the inner membrane of natural mitochondria. Subsequent studies have demonstrated the interaction between PFC MCs and living cell including extended lifespans within various cell types. We anticipate that functional PFC MCs have the potential to serve as innovative platforms for organelle mimics capable of executing specific cellular functions.