Integrative analysis of transcriptome and target metabolites uncovering flavonoid biosynthesis regulation of changing petal colors in Nymphaea 'Feitian 2'.

BACKGROUND: Nymphaea (waterlily) is known for its rich colors and role as an important aquatic ornamental plant globally. Nymphaea atrans and some hybrids, including N. 'Feitian 2,' are more appealing due to the gradual color change of their petals at different flower developmental stages. The petals of N. 'Feitian 2' gradually change color from light blue-purple to deep rose-red throughout flowering. The mechanism of the phenomenon remains unclear. RESULTS: In this work, flavonoids in the petals of N. 'Feitian 2' at six flowering stages were examined to identify the influence of flavonoid components on flower color changes. Additionally, six cDNA libraries of N. 'Feitian 2' over two blooming stages were developed, and the transcriptome was sequenced to identify the molecular mechanism governing petal color changes. As a result, 18 flavonoid metabolites were identified, including five anthocyanins and 13 flavonols. Anthocyanin accumulation during flower development is the primary driver of petal color change. A total of 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were uncovered, and these DEGs were significantly positively correlated with anthocyanin accumulation. Six structural genes were ultimately focused on, as their expression levels varied significantly across different flowering stages. Moreover, 104 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were uncovered, and three MYBs associated with flavonoid biosynthesis were screened. The RT-qPCR results were generally aligned with high-throughput sequencing results. CONCLUSIONS: This research offers a foundation to clarify the mechanisms underlying changes in the petal color of waterlilies.

Norditerpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum refractum var. circinatum as autophagy inducers.

A total of twenty-two diterpenoid alkaloids, including ten unprecedented ones, namely refractines C-L, were isolated from the roots of Aconitum refractum (Finet et Gagnep.) Hand.-Mazz. Refractine C was the first example of a natural diterpenoid alkaloid wherein C-19 is linked to N position by an oxaziridine ring. Refractine L was a rare glycosidic diterpenoid alkaloid with fructofuranoside. Most of the isolated compounds obtained from a previous study were screened for their anti-inflammatory and myocardial protective activities. The autophagy-inducing effects of some of these compounds on RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated by assessing the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II/LC3-I). Results revealed that some compounds exerted varying levels of inhibitory effects on the proliferative activity of RAW 264.7 cells.

Carbene-Catalyzed [4+2] Cycloaddition of Cyclobutenones and Isatins for Quick Access to Chiral Chlorine-Containing Spirocyclic δ-Lactones.

Here we report a carbene-catalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of cyclobutenones with isatins for the quick and efficient synthesis of spirocyclic δ-lactones bearing a chiral chlorine. A broad range of substrates with various substitution patterns proceed smoothly in this reaction, with the spirooxindole δ-lactone products afforded in generally good to excellent yields and optical purities under mild reaction conditions.

Dynamic Arabidopsis P5CS filament facilitates substrate channelling.

In plants, the rapid accumulation of proline is a common response to combat abiotic stress1-7. Delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) is a rate-limiting enzyme in proline synthesis, catalysing the initial two-step conversion from glutamate to proline8. Here we determine the first structure of plant P5CS. Our results show that Arabidopsis thaliana P5CS1 (AtP5CS1) and P5CS2 (AtP5CS2) can form enzymatic filaments in a substrate-sensitive manner. The destruction of AtP5CS filaments by mutagenesis leads to a significant reduction in enzymatic activity. Furthermore, separate activity tests on two domains reveal that filament-based substrate channelling is essential for maintaining the high catalytic efficiency of AtP5CS. Our study demonstrates the unique mechanism for the efficient catalysis of AtP5CS, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying plant proline metabolism and stress response.

Rag-GTPase-TFEB/TFE3 axis controls B cell mitochondrial fitness and humoral immunity independent of mTORC1.

During the humoral immune response, B cells undergo rapid metabolic reprogramming with a high demand for nutrients, which are vital to sustain the formation of the germinal centers (GCs). Rag-GTPases sense amino acid availability to modulate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and suppress transcription factor EB (TFEB) and transcription factor enhancer 3 (TFE3), members of the microphthalmia (MiT/TFE) family of HLH-leucine zipper transcription factors. However, how Rag-GTPases coordinate amino acid sensing, mTORC1 activation, and TFEB/TFE3 activity in humoral immunity remains undefined. Here, we show that B cell-intrinsic Rag-GTPases are critical for the development and activation of B cells. RagA/RagB deficient B cells fail to form GCs, produce antibodies, and generate plasmablasts in both T-dependent (TD) and T-independent (TI) humoral immune responses. Deletion of RagA/RagB in GC B cells leads to abnormal dark zone (DZ) to light zone (LZ) ratio and reduced affinity maturation. Mechanistically, the Rag-GTPase complex constrains TFEB/TFE3 activity to prevent mitophagy dysregulation and maintain mitochondrial fitness in B cells, which are independent of canonical mTORC1 activation. TFEB/TFE3 deletion restores B cell development, GC formation in Peyer's patches and TI humoral immunity, but not TD humoral immunity in the absence of Rag-GTPases. Collectively, our data establish Rag-GTPase-TFEB/TFE3 axis as an mTORC1 independent mechanism to coordinating nutrient sensing and mitochondrial metabolism in B cells.

Transcription-related metabolic regulation in grafted lemon seedlings under magnesium deficiency stress.

Magnesium is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth, and plays a pivotal role in plant development and metabolism. Soil magnesium deficiency is evident in citrus production, which ultimately leads to failure of normal plant growth and development, as well as decreased productivity. Citrus is mainly propagated by grafting, so it is necessary to fully understand the different regulatory mechanisms of rootstock and scion response to magnesium deficiency. Here, we characterized the differences in morphological alterations, physiological metabolism and differential gene expression between trifoliate orange rootstocks and lemon scions under normal and magnesium-deficient conditions, revealing the different responses of rootstocks and scions to magnesium deficiency. The transcriptomic data showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in 14 and 4 metabolic pathways in leaves and roots, respectively, after magnesium deficiency treatment. And the magnesium transport-related genes MHX and MRS2 may respond to magnesium deficiency stress. In addition, magnesium deficiency may affect plant growth by affecting POD, SOD, and CAT enzyme activity, as well as altering the levels of hormones such as IAA, ABA, GA3, JA, and SA, and the expression of related responsive genes. In conclusion, our research suggests that the leaves of lemon grafted onto trifoliate orange were more significantly affected than the roots under magnesium-deficient conditions, further indicating that the metabolic imbalance of scion lemon leaves was more severe.

Four new species of Cystolepiota (Agaricaceae, Agaricales) from northeastern China.

Cystolepiota is a tiny lepiotaceous fungi. During our 3 years fieldwork, we found four new species of Cystolepiota from northeastern China. A phylogenetic study of a combined dataset of ITS+nrLSU+rpb2+tef1-α revealed that Cystolepiota changbaishanensis and Cystolepiota hetieri are sister clades; Cystolepiota hongshiensis belongs to Cystolepiota seminuda complex; Cystolepiota luteosquamulosa formed a clade not closely related with any other; Cystolepiota nivalis and Cystolepiota sp. (HMJAU68235) formed a sister clade. All new species are provided with descriptions, photos of the basidiomata, and colored illustrations of the microstructures. A key for the identification of Cystolepiota species from China is also presented.

Deep learning assists detection of esophageal cancer and precursor lesions in a prospective, randomized controlled study.

Endoscopy is the primary modality for detecting asymptomatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and precancerous lesions. Improving detection rate remains challenging. We developed a system based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for detecting esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions [high-risk esophageal lesions (HrELs)] and validated its efficacy in improving HrEL detection rate in clinical practice (trial registration ChiCTR2100044126 at www.chictr.org.cn). Between April 2021 and March 2022, 3117 patients ≥50 years old were consecutively recruited from Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang Province, and randomly assigned 1:1 to an experimental group (CNN-assisted endoscopy) or a control group (unassisted endoscopy) based on block randomization. The primary endpoint was the HrEL detection rate. In the intention-to-treat population, the HrEL detection rate [28 of 1556 (1.8%)] was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group [14 of 1561 (0.9%), P = 0.029], and the experimental group detection rate was twice that of the control group. Similar findings were observed between the experimental and control groups [28 of 1524 (1.9%) versus 13 of 1534 (0.9%), respectively; P = 0.021]. The system's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting HrELs were 89.7, 98.5, and 98.2%, respectively. No adverse events occurred. The proposed system thus improved HrEL detection rate during endoscopy and was safe. Deep learning assistance may enhance early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer and may become a useful tool for esophageal cancer screening.

B-Cell Lymphoma With Prominent Presentation of Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature.

Lactic acidosis is a rare but severe complication of B-cell lymphoma, often associated with rapid disease progression and poor prognosis. We present a case of a 60-year-old male admitted with fever, splenomegaly, hemophagocytic tendencies, and lactic acidosis. The patient underwent several dialysis sessions before bone marrow flow cytometry finally confirmed B-cell lymphoma. However, hyperlactatemia persisted and recurred. The case underscores the challenges in diagnosing lymphomas with atypical presentations and emphasizes the critical role of timely bone marrow analysis. Additionally, the paper discusses the association between B-cell lymphoma and lactic acidosis, highlighting the importance of early recognition and intervention.

Upregulation of Nrf2 signaling: A key molecular mechanism of Baicalin's neuroprotective action against diabetes-induced cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetes-associated cognitive impairment (DCI) is a prevalent complication of diabetes. However, there is a lack of viable strategies for preventing and treating DCI. This study aims to explore the efficacy of baicalin (Bai) in attenuating DCI and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: GK rats fed a high-fat and high-glucose diet were utilized to investigate the therapeutic potential of Bai. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying Bai's neuro-protective effects, co-cultured BV2/HT22 cells were established under high-glucose (HG) stimulation. The modes of action of Bai were subsequently confirmed in vivo using the DCI model in db/db mice. KEY RESULTS: Bai restored cognitive and spatial memory and attenuated neuron loss, along with reducing expressions of Aß and phosphorylated Tau protein in diabetic GK rats. At the cellular level, Bai exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against HG stimulation. These effects were associated with the upregulation of Nrf2 and supressed Keap1 levels. Consistent with these in vitro findings, similar mechanisms were observed in db/db mice. The significant neuroprotective effects of Bai were abolished when co-administered with ATRA, a Nrf2 blocker, in db/db mice, confirming that KEAP1-Nrf2 signaling pathway was responsible for the observed effect. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Bai demonstrates a great therapeutic potential for attenuating DCI. The antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory actions of Bai were mediated through the KEAP1-Nrf2 axis. These findings advance our understanding of potential treatment approaches for DCI, a common complication associated with diabetes.

Suppression of mercury methylation in soil and methylmercury accumulation in rice by dissolved organic matter derived from sulfur-rich rape straw.

Straw amendment significantly enhances mercury (Hg) methylation and subsequent methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in Hg-contaminated paddy fields by releasing dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study comprehensively investigates the regulatory mechanisms of DOM and its different molecular weights derived from sulfur-rich rape straw (RaDOM) and composted rape straw (CRaDOM) applied in the rice-filling stage on soil MeHg production and subsequent bioaccumulation in rice grains. The results indicated that the amendment of RaDOM and CRaDOM significantly reduced soil MeHg content by 42.40-62.42%. This reduction can be attributed to several factors, including the suppression of Hg-methylating bacteria in soil, the supply of sulfate from RaDOM and CRaDOM, and the increase in the humification, molecular weight, and humic-like fractions of soil DOM. Additionally, adding RaDOM increased the MeHg bioaccumulation factor in roots by 27.55% while inhibiting MeHg transportation by 12.24% and ultimately reducing MeHg content in grains by 21.24% compared to the control group. Similarly, CRaDOM enhanced MeHg accumulation by 25.19%, suppressed MeHg transportation by 39.65%, and reduced MeHg levels in the grains by 27.94%. The assimilation of sulfate derived from RaDOM and CRaDOM into glutathione may be responsible for the increased retention of MeHg in the roots. Over the three days, there was a significant decrease in soil MeHg content as the molecular weight of RaDOM increased; conversely, altering the molecular weight of CRaDOM demonstrated an inverse trend. However, this pattern was not observed after 12 days. Applying sulfur-rich rape DOM can help mitigate MeHg accumulation in paddy fields by regulating the quality of soil DOM, sulfur cycling, and Hg-methylating bacteria.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of lycoctonine derivatives with cardiotonic and calcium channels inhibitory activities.

In our previous study, a screening of a variety of lycotonine-type diterpenoid alkaloids were screened for cardiotonic activity revealed that lycoctonine had moderate cardiac effect. In this study, a series of structurally diverse of lycoctonine were synthesized by modifying on B-ring, D-ring, E-ring, F-ring, N-atom or salt formation on lycoctonine skeleton. We evaluated the cardiotonic activity of the derivatives by isolated frog heart, aiming to identify some compounds with significantly enhanced cardiac effects, among which compound 27 with a N-isobutyl group emerged as the most promising cardiotonic candidate. Furthermore, the cardiotonic mechanism of compound 27 was preliminarily investigated. The result suggested that the cardiotonic effect of compound 27 is related to calcium channels. Patch clamp technique confirmed that the compound 27 had inhibitory effects on CaV1.2 and CaV3.2, with inhibition rates of 78.52 % ± 2.26 % and 79.05 % ± 1.59 % at the concentration of 50 µM, respectively. Subsequently, the protective effect of 27 on H9c2 cells injury induced by cobalt chloride was tested. In addition, compound 27 can alleviate CoCl2-induced myocardial injury by alleviating calcium overload. These findings suggest that compound 27 was a new structural derived from lycoctonine, which may serve as a new lead compound for the treatment of heart failure.

The Ginkgo biloba microRNA160-ERF4 module participates in terpene trilactone biosynthesis.

Terpene trilactones (TTLs) are important secondary metabolites in ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba); however, their biosynthesis gene regulatory network remains unclear. Here, we isolated a G. biloba ethylene response factors 4 (GbERF4) involved in TTL synthesis. Overexpression of GbERF4 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) significantly increased terpenoid content and upregulated the expression of key enzyme genes (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS), 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS), acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase (AACT), and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS)) in the terpenoid pathway in tobacco, suggesting that GbERF4 functions in regulating the synthesis of terpenoids. The expression pattern analysis and previous microRNA (miRNA) sequencing showed that gb-miR160 negatively regulates the biosynthesis of TTLs. Transgenic experiments showed that overexpression of gb-miR160 could significantly inhibit the accumulation of terpenoids in tobacco. Targeted inhibition and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that gb-miR160 targets and negatively regulates GbERF4. Transient overexpression of GbERF4 increased TTL content in G. biloba, and further transcriptome analysis revealed that DXS, HMGS, CYPs, and transcription factor genes were upregulated. In addition, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that GbERF4 could bind to the promoters of the HMGS1, AACT1, DXS1, levopimaradiene synthase (LPS2), and GGPPS2 genes in the TTL biosynthesis pathway and activate their expression. In summary, this study investigated the molecular mechanism of the gb-miR160-GbERF4 regulatory module in regulating the synthesis of TTLs. It provides information for enriching the understanding of the regulatory network of TTL biosynthesis and offers important gene resources for the genetic improvement of G. biloba with high contents of TTLs.

Dissolved organic matter influences the indigenous bacterial community and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biodegradation in soils.

In polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated soils, bioremediation is superior to other strategies owing to its low cost and environmental friendliness. However, dissolved organic matter (DOM) and indigenous bacterial communities can affect the efficiency of PAH-degrading bacteria (PDB). This study found that exogenous PDB (C1) including the genera Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Comamonas, decreased the bacterial diversity of Alfisol, Ultisol, Inceptisol, and Mollisol, and DOM enhanced the diffusion of PDB and the bioavailability of PAH. In addition, bacteria preferred to ingest low molecular weight DOM fractions, and the abundances of lipid-like and protein-like substances decreased by 0.12-3.03 % and 1.73-4.60 %. The DOM fractions had a more marked influence on the indigenous bacteria than the exogenous PDB, and PDB dominated the PAH biodegradation process in the soils. More COO functional groups promoted the utilization of higher molecular weight-related homologue fractions by bacteria, and lower molecular weight fractions carrying more CH2 functional groups declined during biodegradation. This study investigated the variations in bacterial communities during biodegradation and revealed the effects of DOM fractions on biodegradation in PAH-contaminated soils at the molecular level. These results will promote the development of bioremediation strategies for organics-contaminated soil and provide guidance for prediction models of soil biodegradation kinetics.

The nutrient-sensing Rag-GTPase complex in B cells controls humoral immunity via TFEB/TFE3-dependent mitochondrial fitness.

During the humoral immune response, B cells undergo rapid metabolic reprogramming with a high demand for nutrients, which are vital to sustain the formation of the germinal centers (GCs). Rag-GTPases sense amino acid availability to modulate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and suppress transcription factor EB (TFEB) and transcription factor enhancer 3 (TFE3), members of the microphthalmia (MiT/TFE) family of HLH-leucine zipper transcription factors. However, how Rag-GTPases coordinate amino acid sensing, mTORC1 activation, and TFEB/TFE3 activity in humoral immunity remains undefined. Here, we show that B cell-intrinsic Rag-GTPases are critical for the development and activation of B cells. RagA/RagB deficient B cells fail to form GCs, produce antibodies, and generate plasmablasts in both T-dependent (TD) and T-independent (TI) humoral immune responses. Deletion of RagA/RagB in GC B cells leads to abnormal dark zone (DZ) to light zone (LZ) ratio and reduced affinity maturation. Mechanistically, the Rag-GTPase complex constrains TFEB/TFE3 activity to prevent mitophagy dysregulation and maintain mitochondrial fitness in B cells, which are independent of canonical mTORC1 activation. TFEB/TFE3 deletion restores B cell development, GC formation in Peyer's patches and TI humoral immunity, but not TD humoral immunity in the absence of Rag-GTPases. Collectively, our data establish Rag-GTPase-TFEB/TFE3 pathway as an mTORC1 independent mechanism to coordinating nutrient sensing and mitochondrial metabolism in B cells.

Cloning and functional analysis of Gb4CL1 and Gb4CL2 from Ginkgo biloba.

4-Coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) gene plays vital roles in plant growth and development, especially the regulation of lignin metabolism and flavonoid synthesis. To investigate the potential function of 4CL in the lignin biosynthesis of Ginkgo biloba, this study identified two 4CL genes, Gb4CL1 and Gb4CL2, from G. biloba genome. Based on the phylogenetic tree analysis, Gb4CL1 and Gb4CL2 protein were classified into Class I, which has been confirmed to be involved in lignin biosynthesis. Therefore, it can be inferred that these two genes may also participate in lignin metabolism. The tissue-specific expression patterns of these two genes revealed that Gb4CL1 was highly expressed in microstrobilus, whereas Gb4CL2 was abundant in immature leaves. The onion transient expression assay indicated that Gb4CL1 was predominantly localized in the nucleus, indicating its potential involvement in nuclear functions, while Gb4CL2 was observed in the cell wall, suggesting its role in cell wall-related processes. Phytohormone response analysis revealed that the expression of both genes was upregulated in response to indole acetic acid, while methyl jasmonate suppressed it, gibberellin exhibited opposite effects on these genes. Furthermore, Gb4CL1 and Gb4CL2 expressed in all tissues containing lignin that showed a positive correlation with lignin content. Thus, these findings suggest that Gb4CL1 and Gb4CL2 are likely involved in lignin biosynthesis. Gb4CL1 and Gb4CL2 target proteins were successfully induced in Escherichia coli BL21 with molecular weights of 85.5 and 89.2 kDa, proving the integrity of target proteins. Our findings provided a basis for revealing that Gb4CL participated in lignin synthesis in G. biloba.

A revision of the genus Eurymesosa Breuning, 1938 (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Mesosini).

A taxonomic revision and redescription of the genus Eurymesosa Breuning, 1938 are presented, including a key to species. Three of the five currently accepted species are considered valid: Eurymesosaventralis (Pascoe, 1865), Eurymesosaallapsa (Pascoe, 1866) and Eurymesosaziranzhiyi Yamasako & Lin, 2016. Three junior synonyms are proposed for E.ventralis: Eurymesosaalbostictica Breuning, 1962, syn. nov., Eurymesosaaffinis Breuning, 1970, syn. nov., and Eurymesosamultinigromaculata Breuning, 1974, syn. nov. Additionally, E.allapsa (Pascoe, 1866) is resurrected from synonyms of E.ventralis. Females of E.allapsa and E.ziranzhiyi Yamasako & Lin, 2016 are described for the first time.

Remediation potential of an immobilized microbial consortium with corn straw as a carrier in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contaminated soil.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in soils and threaten human health seriously. The immobilized microorganisms (IM) technique is an effective and environmentally sound approach for remediating PAH-contaminated soil. However, the knowledge of the remedial efficiency and the way IM operates using natural organic materials as carriers in complex soil environments is limited. In this study, we loaded a functional microbial consortium on corn straw to analyze the effect of IM on PAH concentration and explore the potential remediation mechanisms of IM in PAH-contaminated soil. The findings revealed that the removal rate of total PAHs in the soil was 88.25% with the application of IM after 20 days, which was 39.25% higher than the control treatment, suggesting that IM could more easily degrade PAHs in soil. The findings from high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR revealed that the addition of IM altered the bacterial community structure and key components of the bacterial network, enhanced cooperative relationships among bacteria, and increased the abundance of bacteria and functional gene copies such as nidA and nahAc in the soil, ultimately facilitating the degradation of PAHs in the soil. This study enhances our understanding of the potential applications of IM for the treatment of PAH-contaminated soil.

PP2A catalytic subunit alpha is critically required for CD8+ T cell homeostasis and anti-bacterial responses.

While the functions of tyrosine phosphatases in T cell biology have been extensively studied, our knowledge on the contribution of serine/threonine phosphatases in T cells remains poor. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is one of the most abundantly expressed serine/threonine phosphatases. It is important in thymocyte development and CD4+ T cell differentiation. Utilizing a genetic model in which its catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PP2A Cα) is deleted in T cells, we investigated its contribution to CD8+ T cell homeostasis and effector functions. Our results demonstrate that T cell intrinsic PP2A Cα is critically required for CD8+ T cell homeostasis in secondary lymphoid organs and intestinal mucosal site. Importantly, PP2A Cα deficient CD8+ T cells exhibit reduced proliferation and survival. CD8+ T cell anti-bacterial response is strictly dependent on PP2A Cα. Expression of Bcl2 transgene rescues CD8+ T cell homeostasis in spleens, but not in intestinal mucosal site, nor does it restore the defective anti-bacterial responses. Finally, proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses reveal potential targets dependent on PP2A Cα, including mTORC1 and AKT. Thus, PP2A Cα is a key modulator of CD8+ T cell homeostasis and effector functions.

Competitive encapsulation of multiple heavy metals by magnesium potassium phosphate cement: Hydration characteristics and leaching toxicity properties.

Magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) is increasingly used in the solidification/stabilization (SS) of heavy metal (HM) pollutants. However, research on composite HM pollutants remains limited. In this study, four heavy metals (Pb/Zn/Cu/Cd) were individually and simultaneously introduced into MKPC systems with different magnesium/phosphorus (M/P) molar ratios. The introduction of HMs altered the extent of hydration and morphology of MgKPO4·6H2O. Among the MKPC pastes, those with M/P = 2 and 3 had the highest HM solidification efficiency and strength, respectively. The HM solidification efficiency of all specimens exceeded 99 %. In samples with M/P = 3, the codoping of four HMs slightly increased the M/P ratio, thereby increasing MgKPO4·6H2O content and enhancing strength. Pb could generate additional low-solubility precipitates, such as PbHPO4, Pb3 (PO4)2, Pb5 (OH) (PO4)3, and Pb (OH)2, which easily accumulated in pores and were encapsulated by MgKPO4·6H2O, leading to the highest solidification efficiency of Pb by MKPC. Pb and Cu could also form the composite phosphate products Pb2Cu (PO4)3 (OH)·4H2O, thus promoting the S/S effect of Cu. Therefore, the use of MKPC with M/P ratio of 2-3 for the S/S of complex pollutants containing Pb and Cu is a promising approach.