Dispersion Behavior of a Droplet Impacting a Single Fiber.

The high-gravity reactor, known for its excellent mass transfer capability, plays a crucial role in the carbon capture process. The wire mesh packing serves as the core structure for enhancing mass transfer performance. Understanding the underlying dispersion mechanism requires a thorough exploration of the dynamics of droplet impact on a single fiber. This work aimed to numerically study the process of a droplet impacting a single fiber by applying the volume of fluid method. The effects of initial velocity (u0), initial diameter (D0), impact eccentric distance (e), and impact angle (θ) on the deformation evolution and dispersion characteristics of a droplet impacting a single fiber were systematically studied. Central or vertical impacts can be categorized into four main stages: splitting, merging, stretching, and breaking. Meanwhile, asynchronous breaking, sliding splitting, and oblique stages were observed during eccentric and nonvertical impacts. Subsequently, dimensionless time (t*) and the rate of increase of the gas-liquid interfacial area (η) were introduced to quantitatively analyze the dispersion characteristics postimpact. Increasing the initial velocity, reducing the droplet diameter, minimizing the impact eccentric distance, and maximizing the impact angle all contribute to enhanced dispersion performance. A correlation for the maximum increase rate of the gas-liquid interfacial area of the droplet was proposed, with errors less than ±15%. Finally, the deformation mechanism of droplet impact on a fiber was summarized by analyzing the influences of differential pressure inside and outside the liquid film, as well as gas vortices.

TMEM16C is involved in thermoregulation and protects rodent pups from febrile seizures.

Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common convulsion in infancy and childhood. Considering the limitations of current treatments, it is important to examine the mechanistic cause of FSs. Prompted by a genome-wide association study identifying TMEM16C (also known as ANO3) as a risk factor of FSs, we showed previously that loss of TMEM16C function causes hippocampal neuronal hyperexcitability [Feenstra et al., Nat. Genet. 46, 1274-1282 (2014)]. Our previous study further revealed a reduction in the number of warm-sensitive neurons that increase their action potential firing rate with rising temperature of the brain region harboring these hypothalamic neurons. Whereas central neuronal hyperexcitability has been implicated in FSs, it is unclear whether the maximal temperature reached during fever or the rate of body temperature rise affects FSs. Here we report that mutant rodent pups with TMEM16C eliminated from all or a subset of their central neurons serve as FS models with deficient thermoregulation. Tmem16c knockout (KO) rat pups at postnatal day 10 (P10) are more susceptible to hyperthermia-induced seizures. Moreover, they display a more rapid rise of body temperature upon heat exposure. In addition, conditional knockout (cKO) mouse pups (P11) with TMEM16C deletion from the brain display greater susceptibility of hyperthermia-induced seizures as well as deficiency in thermoregulation. We also found similar phenotypes in P11 cKO mouse pups with TMEM16C deletion from Ptgds-expressing cells, including temperature-sensitive neurons in the preoptic area (POA) of the anterior hypothalamus, the brain region that controls body temperature. These findings suggest that homeostatic thermoregulation plays an important role in FSs.

Cryo-EM structures of the TMEM16A calcium-activated chloride channel.

Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) encoded by TMEM16A control neuronal signalling, smooth muscle contraction, airway and exocrine gland secretion, and rhythmic movements of the gastrointestinal system. To understand how CaCCs mediate and control anion permeation to fulfil these physiological functions, knowledge of the mammalian TMEM16A structure and identification of its pore-lining residues are essential. TMEM16A forms a dimer with two pores. Previous CaCC structural analyses have relied on homology modelling of a homologue (nhTMEM16) from the fungus Nectria haematococca that functions primarily as a lipid scramblase, as well as subnanometre-resolution electron cryo-microscopy. Here we present de novo atomic structures of the transmembrane domains of mouse TMEM16A in nanodiscs and in lauryl maltose neopentyl glycol as determined by single-particle electron cryo-microscopy. These structures reveal the ion permeation pore and represent different functional states. The structure in lauryl maltose neopentyl glycol has one Ca2+ ion resolved within each monomer with a constricted pore; this is likely to correspond to a closed state, because a CaCC with a single Ca2+ occupancy requires membrane depolarization in order to open (C.J.P. et al., manuscript submitted). The structure in nanodiscs has two Ca2+ ions per monomer and its pore is in a closed conformation; this probably reflects channel rundown, which is the gradual loss of channel activity that follows prolonged CaCC activation in 1 mM Ca2+. Our mutagenesis and electrophysiological studies, prompted by analyses of the structures, identified ten residues distributed along the pore that interact with permeant anions and affect anion selectivity, as well as seven pore-lining residues that cluster near pore constrictions and regulate channel gating. Together, these results clarify the basis of CaCC anion conduction.

General and robust covalently linked graphene oxide affinity grids for high-resolution cryo-EM.

Affinity grids have great potential to facilitate rapid preparation of even quite impure samples in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (EM). Yet despite the promising advances of affinity grids over the past decades, no single strategy has demonstrated general utility. Here we chemically functionalize cryo-EM grids coated with mostly one or two layers of graphene oxide to facilitate affinity capture. The protein of interest is tagged using a system that rapidly forms a highly specific covalent bond to its cognate catcher linked to the grid via a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer. Importantly, the spacer keeps particles away from both the air-water interface and the graphene oxide surface, protecting them from potential denaturation and rendering them sufficiently flexible to avoid preferential sample orientation concerns. Furthermore, the PEG spacer successfully reduces nonspecific binding, enabling high-resolution reconstructions from a much cruder lysate sample.

Sonic hedgehog is a regulator of extracellular glutamate levels and epilepsy.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh), both as a mitogen and as a morphogen, plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation during early development. Here, we show that Shh inhibits glutamate transporter activities in neurons, rapidly enhances extracellular glutamate levels, and affects the development of epilepsy. Shh is quickly released in response to epileptic, but not physiological, stimuli. Inhibition of neuronal glutamate transporters by Shh depends on heterotrimeric G protein subunit Gαi and enhances extracellular glutamate levels. Inhibiting Shh signaling greatly reduces epileptiform activities in both cell cultures and hippocampal slices. Moreover, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of Shh signaling markedly suppresses epileptic phenotypes in kindling or pilocarpine models. Our results suggest that Shh contributes to the development of epilepsy and suppression of its signaling prevents the development of the disease. Thus, Shh can act as a modulator of neuronal activity, rapidly regulating glutamate levels and promoting epilepsy.

TRPC Channel Structure and Properties.

TRPC channels are the first identified members in the TRP family. They function as either homo- or heterotetramers regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to numerous physiological or pathological stimuli. TRPC channels are nonselective cation channels permeable to Ca2+. The properties and the functional domains of TRPC channels have been identified by electrophysiological and biochemical methods. However, due to the large size, instability, and flexibility of their complexes, the structures of the members in TRPC family remain unrevealed. More efforts should be made on structure analysis and generating good tools, including specific antibodies, agonist, and antagonist.

Identification of key lncRNAs in colorectal cancer progression based on associated protein-protein interaction analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) was one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies. The molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of CRC remain unclear. Accumulating evidences showed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played key roles in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. Therefore, we aimed to explore the roles of lncRNAs in the progression of CRC. METHODS: In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in CRC by analyzing a cohort of previously published datasets: GSE64857. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were applied to give us insight in the functions of those lncRNAs and mRNAs in CRC. RESULTS: Totally, 46 lncRNAs were identified as differentially expressed between stage II and stage III CRC for the first time screening by microarray. GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs were involved in regulating signal transduction, cell adhesion, cell differentiation, focal adhesion, and cell adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS: We found three lncRNAs (LOC100129973, PGM5-AS1, and TTTY10) widely co-expressed with differentially expressed mRNAs. We also constructed lncRNA-associated PPI in CRC and found that these lncRNAs may be associated with CRC progression. Moreover, we found that high PGM5-AS1 expression levels were associated with worse overall survival in CRC cancer. We believe that this study would provide novel potential therapeutic and prognostic targets for CRC.

Canonical transient receptor potential 3 channels regulate mitochondrial calcium uptake.

Mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis is fundamental to regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production, and cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis. It has been known for decades that isolated mitochondria can take up Ca(2+) from the extramitochondrial solution, but the molecular identity of the Ca(2+) channels involved in this action is largely unknown. Here, we show that a fraction of canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) channels is localized to mitochondria, a significant fraction of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake that relies on extramitochondrial Ca(2+) concentration is TRPC3-dependent, and the up- and down-regulation of TRPC3 expression in the cell influences the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings suggest that TRPC3 channels contribute to mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake. We anticipate our observations may provide insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake and advance understanding of the physiological role of TRPC3.

Establishment of a rat model of severe spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background: Severe intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating subtype of stroke resulting in high mortality and disability. At present, the development of targeted treatments to minimize the high morbidity and mortality is limited partly due to the lack of a severe ICH animal model. In this study, we aimed to establish an accurate severe ICH model in rats and examine the pathological and physiological changes associated with ICH. Methods: A rat model of severe ICH model was established by intrastriatal injection of autologous blood using different blood volumes (ICH 100 µL group, ICH 130 µL group, ICH 160 µL group, ICH 170 µL group, and ICH 180 µL group). The mortality was assessed during the 28-day post-ICH period. Short- and long-term neurological deficits were evaluated using the Longa method, foot fault, falling latency, and Morris water maze tests. Brain water content, hematoma volume, hemoglobin content, and magnetic resonance imaging were assessed to determine the extent of brain injury. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to examine microglial activation and neuronal apoptosis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, lung water content, and western blotting were used to assess lung injury following ICH. Results: The mortality of ICH rats increased significantly with an increase in autologous blood injection. The 28-day mortality in the 100 µL, 130 µL, 160 µL, 170 µL, and 180 µL ICH groups were 5%, 20%, 40%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. A significantly higher 28-day mortality was observed in the ICH 160 µL group compared to the ICH 100 µL group. The ICH 160 µL group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficits, brain edema, hematoma volume, and hemoglobin content compared to the sham group. Compared with the sham operation group, the activation of microglia and neuronal death in ICH 160 µL rats increased. The use of H&E staining and western blotting demonstrated that disruption of the intra-alveolar structure, alveolar edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and cytokines into the lung tissue were more severe in the ICH 160 µL group than the sham group. Conclusions: A severe ICH model in rats was successfully established using an injection of autologous blood at a volume of 160 µL. This model may provide a valuable tool to examine the pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions of severe ICH.

TRPC5 channel is the mediator of neurotrophin-3 in regulating dendritic growth via CaMKIIα in rat hippocampal neurons.

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) plays numerous important roles in the CNS and the elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) is critical for these functions of NT-3. However, the mechanism by which NT-3 induces [Ca(2+)](i) elevation remains largely unknown. Here, we found that transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) 5 protein and TrkC, the NT-3 receptor, exhibited a similar temporal expression in rat hippocampus and cellular colocalization in hippocampal neurons. Stimulation of the neurons by NT-3 induced a nonselective cation conductance and PLCγ-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, which were both blocked when TRPC5, but not TRPC6 channels, were inhibited. Moreover, the Ca(2+) influx through TRPC5 induced by NT-3 inhibited the neuronal dendritic growth through activation of calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) IIα. In contrast, the Ca(2+) influx through TRPC6 induced by NT-4 promoted the dendritic growth. Thus, TRPC5 acts as a novel and specific mediator for NT-3 to regulate dendrite development through CaMKIIα.

Oxidative stress as a bridge between age and stroke: A narrative review.

Stroke is the third most common cause of death globally and a leading cause of disability. The cellular and molecular changes following stroke and causes of neuronal death are not fully understood, and there are few effective treatments currently available. A rapid increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) post stroke can overwhelm antioxidant defenses and trigger a series of pathophysiologic events including the inflammatory response, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, apoptosis, and autophagy, ultimately leading to neuron degeneration and apoptosis. It is thought that beyond a certain age, the ROS accumulation resulting from stroke increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. In the present review, we summarize the role of oxidative stress (OS) as a link between aging and stroke pathogenesis. We also discuss how antioxidants can play a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of stroke by eliminating harmful ROS, delaying aging, and alleviating damage to neurons.

Physiological and transcriptome analysis reveals that prohexadione-calcium promotes rice seedling's development under salt stress by regulating antioxidant processes and photosynthesis.

Prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca) has been proved to play an important role in releasing abiotic stress in plants. However, there is still a lack of research on the mechanism of Pro-Ca alleviating salt stress in rice. To explore the protective effects of Pro-Ca on rice seedlings under salt stress, we investigated the effect of exogenous Pro-Ca on rice seedling under salt stress by conducting the following three treatment experiments: CK (control), S (50 mmol·L-1 NaCl saline solution) and S + Pro-Ca (50 mmol·L-1 NaCl saline solution + 100 mg·L-1 Pro-Ca). The results indicated that Pro-Ca modulated the expression of antioxidant enzyme-related genes (such as SOD2, PXMP2, MPV17, E1.11.1.7). Spraying Pro-Ca under salt stress significantly increased in ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activity by 84.2%, 75.2%, and 3.5% as compared to the salt treatment, as demonstrated by an example of a 24-hour treatment. Malondialdehyde level in Pro-Ca was also dramatically decreased by 5.8%. Moreover, spraying Pro-Ca under salt stress regulated the expression of photosynthesis genes (such as PsbS, PsbD) and chlorophyll metabolism genes (heml, PPD). Compared to salt stress treatment, spraying Pro-Ca under salt stress significantly increased in net photosynthetic rate by 167.2%. In addition, when rice shoots were sprayed with Pro-Ca under salt stress, the Na+ concentration was considerably reduced by 17.1% compared to salt treatment. In conclusion, Pro-Ca regulates antioxidant mechanisms and photosynthesis to aid in the growth of rice seedlings under salt stress.

Inhibition of CARM1-Mediated Methylation of ACSL4 Promotes Ferroptosis in Colorectal Cancer.

Ferroptosis, which is caused by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides, is an emerging form of regulated cell death and is considered a potential target for cancer therapy. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying ferroptosis remain unclear. This study defines a distinctive role of ferroptosis. Inhibition of CARM1 can increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis inducers in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, it is found that ACSL4 is methylated by CARM1 at arginine 339 (R339). Furthermore, ACSL4 R339 methylation promotes RNF25 binding to ACSL4, which contributes to the ubiquitylation of ACSL4. The blockade of CARM1 facilitates ferroptosis and effectively enhances ferroptosis-associated cancer immunotherapy. Overall, this study demonstrates that CARM1 is a critical contributor to ferroptosis resistance and highlights CARM1 as a candidate therapeutic target for improving the effects of ferroptosis-based antitumor therapy.

Identification of a drug binding pocket in TMEM16F calcium-activated ion channel and lipid scramblase.

The dual functions of TMEM16F as Ca2+-activated ion channel and lipid scramblase raise intriguing questions regarding their molecular basis. Intrigued by the ability of the FDA-approved drug niclosamide to inhibit TMEM16F-dependent syncytia formation induced by SARS-CoV-2, we examined cryo-EM structures of TMEM16F with or without bound niclosamide or 1PBC, a known blocker of TMEM16A Ca2+-activated Cl- channel. Here, we report evidence for a lipid scrambling pathway along a groove harboring a lipid trail outside the ion permeation pore. This groove contains the binding pocket for niclosamide and 1PBC. Mutations of two residues in this groove specifically affect lipid scrambling. Whereas mutations of some residues in the binding pocket of niclosamide and 1PBC reduce their inhibition of TMEM16F-mediated Ca2+ influx and PS exposure, other mutations preferentially affect the ability of niclosamide and/or 1PBC to inhibit TMEM16F-mediated PS exposure, providing further support for separate pathways for ion permeation and lipid scrambling.

SETDB1 Methylates MCT1 Promoting Tumor Progression by Enhancing the Lactate Shuttle.

MCT1 is a critical protein found in monocarboxylate transporters that plays a significant role in regulating the lactate shuttle. However, the post-transcriptional modifications that regulate MCT1 are not clearly identified. In this study, it is reported that SETDB1 interacts with MCT1, leading to its stabilization. These findings reveal a novel post-translational modification of MCT1, in which SETDB1 methylation occurs at K473 in vitro and in vivo. This methylation inhibits the interaction between MCT1 and Tollip, which blocks Tollip-mediated autophagic degradation of MCT1. Furthermore, MCT1 K473 tri-methylation promotes tumor glycolysis and M2-like polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer (CRC), which enhances the lactate shuttle. In clinical studies, MCT1 K473 tri-methylation is found to be upregulated and positively correlated with tumor progression and overall survival in CRC. This discovery suggests that SETDB1-mediated tri-methylation at K473 is a vital regulatory mechanism for lactate shuttle and tumor progression. Additionally, MCT1 K473 methylation may be a potential prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target for CRC.

YAP1 induces invadopodia formation by transcriptionally activating TIAM1 through enhancer in breast cancer.

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a central component of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumor metastasis; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Invadopodia are actin-rich protrusions containing multiple proteases and have been widely reported to promote cell invasiveness by degrading the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we report that YAP1 induces invadopodia formation and promotes tumor metastasis in breast cancer cells. We also identify TIAM1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, as a target of the YAP1-TEAD4 complex. Our results demonstrate that YAP1 could promote TEAD4 binding to the enhancer region of TIAM1, which activates TIAM1 expression, subsequently increasing RAC1 activity and inducing invadopodia formation. These findings reveal the functional role of Hippo signaling in the regulation of invadopodia and provide potential molecular targets for preventing tumor metastasis in breast cancer.

DAB2IP suppresses tumor malignancy by inhibiting GRP75-driven p53 ubiquitination in colon cancer.

Increasing evidence has shown that DAB2IP acts as a tumor suppressor and plays an inhibitory role in many signals associated with tumorigenesis. However, the underlying mechanism of this function remains unclear. Our study shows that DAB2IP was positively associated with a good prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and wild-type p53 expression. An in vitro assay showed that DAB2IP elicited potent tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting cell invasiveness and colony formation and promoting cell apoptosis in wild-type p53 colon cancer cells. In addition, DAB2IP improved the stability of wild-type p53 by inhibiting its degradation in a ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent manner. Using mass spectrometry profiling, we revealed that DAB2IP and p53 interacted with the ubiquitin ligase-related protein GRP75. Mechanistically, DAB2IP is competitively bound to GRP75, thus reducing GRP75-driven p53 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, the Ras-GAP domain was required for the DAB2IP-GRP75 interaction and DAB2IP-mediated p53 ubiquitination. Finally, animal experiments revealed that DAB2IP inhibited tumor progression in vivo. In conclusion, our study presents a novel function of DAB2IP in GRP75-driven wild-type p53 degradation, providing new insight into DAB2IP-induced tumor suppression and a novel molecular interpretation of the p53 pathway.

Physiological response of soybean leaves to uniconazole under waterlogging stress at R1 stage.

Waterlogging is a major limiting factor in global crop production and seriously endangers growth and yield improvement in low-lying, rainfed regions. Soybean is an important economic crop affected by waterlogging stress. The current study investigates the effects of waterlogging stress on the leaf physiology and yield of two soybean varieties (Kenfeng 14, waterlogging-tolerant and Kenfeng 16, waterlogging-sensitive) and the mitigation effect of uniconazole (S3307) in promoting growth and productivity under waterlogging conditions. The results showed that waterlogging stress increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as AsA and GSH. Furthermore, the content of MDA and H2O2 increased significantly, indicating oxidative stress and O2-· production rate also improved, and the increase in the waterlogging-sensitive variety Kenfeng 16 was greater than that of the waterlogging-tolerant variety Kenfeng 14. Spraying S3307, however, increased the activities of antioxidants such as SOD, POD, CAT, and APX. GR, MDHAR, and DHAR increased the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants, effectively inhibited the increase of MDA, H2O2 content, and O2-· production rate, and alleviated the loss of yield factors caused by waterlogging stress. The waterlogging-tolerant variety Kenfeng 14 recovered better than the waterlogging-sensitive variety Kenfeng 16. In summary, S3307 ameliorated the effects of waterlogging stress on the physiological characteristics of soybean leaves and improved yield as a result of improved antioxidant defense mechanisms that impeded lipid peroxidation. Thus, S3307 could decelerate the damages caused by waterlogging stress to some extent.

Identification of a conserved drug binding pocket in TMEM16 proteins.

The TMEM16 family of calcium-activated membrane proteins includes ten mammalian paralogs (TMEM16A-K) playing distinct physiological roles with some implicated in cancer and airway diseases. Their modulators with therapeutic potential include 1PBC, a potent inhibitor with anti-tumoral properties, and the FDA-approved drug niclosamide that targets TMEM16F to inhibit syncytia formation induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of TMEM16F associated with 1PBC and niclosamide, revealing that both molecules bind the same drug binding pocket. We functionally and computationally validate this binding pocket in TMEM16A as well as TMEM16F, thereby showing that drug modulation also involves residues that are not conserved between TMEM16A and TMEM16F. This study establishes a much-needed structural framework for the development of more potent and more specific drug molecules targeting TMEM16 proteins.

Albumin Reduces Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis via the ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Albumin has been regarded as a potent antioxidant with free radical scavenging activities. Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis are responsible for its highly damaging effects on brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Here, the present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of albumin against early brain injury after ICH and the potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to intrastriatal injection of autologous blood to induce ICH. Human serum albumin was given by intravenous injection 1 h after ICH. U0126, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and ML385, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), were intraperitoneally administered 1 h before ICH induction. Short- and long-term neurobehavioral tests, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, oxidative stress evaluations, and apoptosis measurements were performed. RESULTS: Endogenous expression of albumin (peaked at 5 days) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1, peaked at 24 h) was increased after ICH compared with the sham group. Albumin and HO-1 were colocalized with neurons. Compared with vehicle, albumin treatment significantly improved short- and long-term neurobehavioral deficits and reduced oxidative stress and neuronal death at 72 h after ICH. Moreover, albumin treatment significantly promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2; increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2; and downregulated the expression of Romo1 and Bax. U0126 and ML385 abolished the treatment effects of albumin on behavior and protein levels after ICH. CONCLUSIONS: Albumin attenuated oxidative stress-related neuronal death may in part via the ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway after ICH in rats. Our study suggests that albumin may be a novel therapeutic method to ameliorate brain injury after ICH.