Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the genetic networks regulating oil differential production in oil crops.

BACKGROUND: Plants differ more than threefold in seed oil contents (SOCs). Soybean (Glycine max), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), rapeseed (Brassica napus), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) are four important oil crops with markedly different SOCs and fatty acid compositions. RESULTS: Compared to grain crops like maize and rice, expanded acyl-lipid metabolism genes and relatively higher expression levels of genes involved in seed oil synthesis (SOS) in the oil crops contributed to the oil accumulation in seeds. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomics on oil crops with two different SOC materials. In common, DIHYDROLIPOAMIDE DEHYDROGENASE, STEAROYL-ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN DESATURASE, PHOSPHOLIPID:DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE, and oil-body protein genes were both differentially expressed between the high- and low-oil materials of each crop. By comparing functional components of SOS networks, we found that the strong correlations between genes in "glycolysis/gluconeogenesis" and "fatty acid synthesis" were conserved in both grain and oil crops, with PYRUVATE KINASE being the common factor affecting starch and lipid accumulation. Network alignment also found a conserved clique among oil crops affecting seed oil accumulation, which has been validated in Arabidopsis. Differently, secondary and protein metabolism affected oil synthesis to different degrees in different crops, and high SOC was due to less competition of the same precursors. The comparison of Arabidopsis mutants and wild type showed that CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE 9, the conserved regulator we identified, was a factor resulting in different relative contents of lignins to oil in seeds. The interconnection of lipids and proteins was common but in different ways among crops, which partly led to differential oil production. CONCLUSIONS: This study goes beyond the observations made in studies of individual species to provide new insights into which genes and networks may be fundamental to seed oil accumulation from a multispecies perspective.

GoSTR, a negative modulator of stem trichome formation in cotton.

Trichomes, the outward projection of plant epidermal tissue, provide an effective defense against stress and insect pests. Although numerous genes have been identified to be involved in trichome development, the molecular mechanism for trichome cell fate determination is not well enunciated. Here, we reported GoSTR functions as a master repressor for stem trichome formation, which was isolated by map-based cloning based on a large F2 segregating population derived from a cross between TM-1 (pubescent stem) and J220 (smooth stem). Sequence alignment revealed a critical G-to-T point mutation in GoSTR's coding region that converted codon 2 from GCA (Alanine) to TCA (Serine). This mutation occurred between the majority of Gossypium hirsutum with pubescent stem (GG-haplotype) and G. barbadense with glabrous stem (TT-haplotype). Silencing of GoSTR in J220 and Hai7124 via virus-induced gene silencing resulted in the pubescent stems but no visible change in leaf trichomes, suggesting stem trichomes and leaf trichomes are genetically distinct. Yeast two-hybrid assay and luciferase complementation imaging assay showed GoSTR interacts with GoHD1 and GoHOX3, two key regulators of trichome development. Comparative transcriptomic analysis further indicated that many transcription factors such as GhMYB109, GhTTG1, and GhMYC1/GhDEL65 which function as positive regulators of trichomes were significantly upregulated in the stem from the GoSTR-silencing plant. Taken together, these results indicate that GoSTR functions as an essential negative modulator of stem trichomes and its transcripts will greatly repress trichome cell differentiation and growth. This study provided valuable insights for plant epidermal hair initiation and differentiation research.

Comprehensive Overview of Controlled Fabrication of Multifunctional Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots and Exploring Applications.

In recent years, carbon dots (CDs) have garnered increasing attention due to their simple preparation methods, versatile performances, and wide-ranging applications. CDs can manifest various optical, physical, and chemical properties including quantum yield (QY), emission wavelength (Em), solid-state fluorescence (SSF), room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), material-specific responsivity, pH sensitivity, anti-oxidation and oxidation, and biocompatibility. These properties can be effectively regulated through precise control of the CD preparation process, rendering them suitable for diverse applications. However, the lack of consideration given to the precise control of each feature of CDs during the preparation process poses a challenge in obtaining the requisite features for various applications. This paper is to analyze existing research and present novel concepts and ideas for creating CDs with different distinct features and applications. The synthesis methods of CDs are discussed in the first section, followed by a comprehensive overview of the important properties of CDs and the modification strategy. Subsequently, the application of CDs and their requisite properties are reviewed. Finally, the paper outlines the current challenges in controlling CDs properties and their applications, discusses potential solutions, and offers suggestions for future research.

Duplicate mutations of GhCYP450 lead to the production of ms5m6 male sterile line in cotton.

KEY MESSAGE: The duplicated male sterile genes ms5m6 in cotton were map-based cloned and validated by the virus-induced gene silencing assays. Duplicate mutations of the GhCYP450 gene encoding a cytochrome P450 protein are responsible for the male sterility in cotton. The utilization of male sterility in cotton plays a vital role in improving yield and fiber quality. A complete male sterile line (ms5ms6) has been extensively used to develop hybrid cotton worldwide. Using Zhongkang-A (ZK-A) developed by transferring Bt and ms5ms6 genes into the commercial cultivar Zhongmiansuo 12, the duplicate genes were map-based cloned and confirmed via the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. The duplicate mutations of GhCYP450 genes encoding a cytochrome P450 protein were responsible for producing male sterility in ms5ms6 in cotton. Sequence alignment showed that GhCYP450-Dt in ZK-A differed in two critical aspects from the fertile wild-type TM-1: GhCYP450-Dt has three amino acid (D98E, E168K, G198R) changes in the coding region and a 7-bp (GGAAAAA) insertion in the promoter domain; GhCYP450-At appears to be premature termination of GhCYP450 translation. Further morphological observation and cytological examination of GhCYP450-silenced plants induced by VIGS exhibited shorter filaments and no mature pollen grains. These results indicate that GhCYP450 is essential for pollen exine formation and pollen development for male fertility. Investigating the mechanisms of ms5ms6 male sterility will deepen our understanding of the development and utilization of heterosis.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the regulation network for fiber strength in cotton.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effect of secondary cell wall (SCW) thickness and microcrystalline cellulose content (MCC) on mature fiber strength (FS) and reveal through comparative transcriptome analysis the molecular regulation network governing FS in cotton. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of two parent varieties, Prema with elite FS and 86-1 with weak fiber, revealed significant difference in the SCW but not in MCC. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed during SCW thickening (20 DPA) are highly related to FS; in particular, up-regulated genes such as UDPG, CESA2, and NAC83 were important in SCW thickening, likely contributing to higher FS. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed the common up-regulated genes to be enriched in carbon metabolism and terms relating to the cell wall. CONCLUSIONS: We developed two recombinant inbred lines with elite FS, selected from the filial generation of Prema and 86-1. By comparing transcriptomic data, we revealed the gene expression network governing SCW thickness in mature fiber. Our results provide solid insights into the relationship of the SCW and FS.

The influence of evaporation from porous concrete on air temperature and humidity.

Porous concrete is increasingly being used as a more sustainable surfacing alternative to asphalt and other impermeable materials. This is because, not only does it provide source control of stormwater, but it also has the potential to help mitigate the urban heat island effect through the process of evaporative cooling. This experimental investigation examines how evaporation from these systems is affected by the availability of water within the porous concrete and the influence this has on the surrounding environment, particularly in terms of air temperature and humidity. The effect of a dual layer porous concrete on evaporation rates is also assessed, which is important because the dual layer system is a relatively new development that is now being used in many parts of the world. It was found that both evaporation rate and evaporative cooling were strongly influenced by water availability near the upper surface of the porous concrete and under these conditions significant air temperature reductions can be achieved. It was also found that having a dual layered porous concrete system did not have a considerable effect on evaporation rates in this study, probably because of the relatively large thickness of the upper layer.

Evaluating the Antioxidants, Whitening and Antiaging Properties of Rice Protein Hydrolysates.

Plant-derived protein hydrolysates have potential applications in nutrition. Rice protein hydrolysates (RPHs), an excellent source of proteins, have attracted attention for the development of cosmeceuticals. However, few studies have reported the potential application of RPH in analysis, and this study examined their antioxidant activities and the inhibitory activities of skin aging enzymes. The results indicated that the total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations were 2.06 ± 0.13 mg gallic acid equivalent/g RPHs and 25.96 ± 0.52 µg quercetin equivalent/g RPHs, respectively. RPHs demonstrated dose-dependent activity for scavenging free radicals from 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 42.58 ± 2.1 mg/g RPHs] and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (IC50 = 2.11 ± 0.88 mg/g RPHs), dose-dependent reduction capacity (6.95 ± 1.40 mg vitamin C equivalent/g RPHs) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (473 µmol Trolox equivalent/g RPHs). The concentrations of the RPH solution required to achieve 50% inhibition of hyaluronidase and tyrosinase activities were determined to be 8.91 and 107.6 mg/mL, respectively. This study demonstrated that RPHs have antioxidant, antihyaluronidase, and antityrosinase activities for future cosmetic applications.

Comparison of achieved and predicted crown movement in adults after 4 first premolar extraction treatment with Invisalign.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we compared achieved and predicted crown movements of maxillary and mandibular first molars, canines, and central incisors in adults after 4 first premolar extraction treatment with Invisalign. METHODS: Seventeen adult patients who received 4 first premolar extraction treatment with Invisalign and completed the first series of aligners were included. Superimposition of pretreatment and actual posttreatment dental models was acquired using registrations of pretreatment and posttreatment craniofacial models on the basis of bone surfaces and registrations of craniofacial and dental models on the basis of dental crown surfaces, respectively. Superimposition of pretreatment and predicted posttreatment models was acquired from ClinCheck software. Achieved and predicted 3-dimensional crown movements of maxillary and mandibular first molars, canines, and central incisors were then compared using the paired t test. RESULTS: Relative to predicted changes, first molars achieved greater mesial displacement, mesial tipping, and buccal inclination in both the maxilla and mandible, greater intrusion in the maxilla, and greater mesial-lingual rotation and less constriction in the mandible. Canines achieved greater distal tipping in both the maxilla and mandible, less retraction in the maxilla, and greater lingual inclination and extrusion in the mandible. Central incisors achieved greater distal tipping and lingual inclination and extrusion in both the maxilla and mandible and less retraction in the maxilla. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth crown movements were not fully achieved as predicted following Invisalign treatment. Differences focused on mesial tipping, buccal inclination, mesial displacement, and intrusion of the first molars, as well as distal tipping, lingual inclination, insufficient retraction, and intrusion of the canines and central incisors.

Analysis of correlation of 3-dimensional lip vermilion morphology and dentoskeletal forms in young Chinese adults on the basis of sex and skeletal patterns.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this research was to evaluate the correlation between 3-dimensional (3D) lip vermilion (LV) morphology and skeletal patterns as well as incisor measurements in young Chinese adults. METHODS: In all, 240 young adults were enrolled; these included 80 patients each with skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusions, respectively. Each sagittal skeletal pattern included 40 male and 40 female subjects. Twenty-two 3D LV measurements were obtained from 3D facial scans. Skeletal and incisor measurements were evaluated on lateral cephalograms. Correlation and regression analysis were performed between soft and hard tissue measurements. RESULTS: Six of 22 LV measurements showed significant differences between male and female subjects. The 3D LV morphology showed significant differences with respect to different skeletal patterns and sex. Adults with skeletal Class III malocclusion tended to have thinner upper vermilion and fuller lower vermilion than subjects with skeletal Class II and III malocclusion. The mandibular plane angle negatively correlated with the upper-lower vermilion midsagittal curve length and surface area ratio in adults with skeletal Class I and II malocclusion, yet the vertical facial skeletal type showed no correlation in adults with skeletal Class III malocclusion. The vermilion angle, central bow angle, vermilion height, vermilion midsagittal curve length, vermilion height and width ratio, and vermilion surface area showed a significant correlation with incisor measurements. Regression analysis found that the ANB angle was an important factor affecting the upper and lower vermilion midsagittal curve length and surface area ratio. Further, the vermilion height and height and width ratio were closely correlated with the interincisal (U1/L1) angle, whereas the central bow angle was closely correlated with the maxillary incisor torque. CONCLUSIONS: Most LV morphology variables were correlated to skeletal patterns and incisor measurements. Skeletal Class III malocclusion showed significant differences in vermilion morphology. Both the sagittal and vertical skeletal pattern have effects on vermilion proportion. The incisor torque was closely correlated to vermilion shape and central bow angle and might influence the vermilion esthetics. However, the proportion of the upper and lower vermilion was mainly affected by the ANB angle.

Neurological Involvement in Patients With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The neurological involvement associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) can be life threatening. However, the specific characteristics of pSS-related neurological involvement remain obscure. This study aimed at determining the clinical characteristics of this neurological involvement in patients with pSS. METHODS: The clinical data of 205 patients with pSS who were admitted to our department between January 2015 and June 2017 were studied. Characteristics and laboratory findings of pSS patients with neurological abnormalities were compared with pSS patients without. RESULTS: Forty of the 205 patients with pSS exhibited neurological abnormalities (19.51%); of these, 13 patients exhibited central nervous system (CNS) involvement only, 20 patients exhibited peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement only, and 7 patients exhibited both, yielding a total of 20 (9.76%) patients with CNS involvement and 27 (13.17%) patients with PNS involvement. The titers of anti-Sjögren's syndrome type A (SSA) antibodies were significant higher while the presence of anti-Sjögren's syndrome type B (SSB) antibodies was significant lower in patients with vs. without neurological involvement. Similar results were found in patients with CNS involvement. No significant differences between patients with and without neurological involvement were found for the other clinical parameters examined. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological involvement in patients with pSS is common and needs to be carefully evaluated. Patients with pSS with a high titer of anti-SSA and low presence of anti-SSB antibodies might have a relatively high risk of developing neurological involvement. Future studies should focus on identifying biomarkers that may aid in the early diagnosis of neurological involvement in patients with pSS.

Genomic signatures and candidate genes of lint yield and fibre quality improvement in Upland cotton in Xinjiang.

Xinjiang has been the largest and highest yield cotton production region not only in China, but also in the world. Improvements in Upland cotton cultivars in Xinjiang have occurred via pedigree selection and/or crossing of elite alleles from the former Soviet Union and other cotton producing regions of China. But it is unclear how genomic constitutions from foundation parents have been selected and inherited. Here, we deep-sequenced seven historic foundation parents, comprising four cultivars introduced from the former Soviet Union (108Ф, C1470, 611Б and KK1543) and three from United States and Africa (DPL15, STV2B and UGDM), and re-sequenced sixty-nine Xinjiang modern cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis of more than 2 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms allowed their classification two groups, suggesting that Xinjiang Upland cotton cultivars were not only spawned from 108Ф, C1470, 611Б and KK1543, but also had a close kinship with DPL15, STV2B and UGDM. Notably, identity-by-descent (IBD) tracking demonstrated that the former Soviet Union cultivars have made a huge contribution to modern cultivar improvement in Xinjiang. A total of 156 selective sweeps were identified. Among them, apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor gene (GhAATF1) and mitochondrial transcription termination factor family protein gene (GhmTERF1) were highly involved in the determination of lint percentage. Additionally, the auxin response factor gene (GhARF3) located in inherited IBD segments from 108Ф and 611Б was highly correlated with fibre quality. These results provide an insight into the genomics of artificial selection for improving cotton production and facilitate next-generation precision breeding of cotton and other crops.

Magnetic ionic liquids: interactions with bacterial cells, behavior in aqueous suspension, and broader applications.

Previously, we demonstrated capture and concentration of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica ser. Typhimurium using magnetic ionic liquids (MILs), followed by rapid isothermal detection of captured cells via recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). Here, we report work intended to explore the broader potential of MILs as novel pre-analytical capture reagents in food safety and related applications. Specifically, we evaluated the capacity of the ([P66614+][Ni(hfacac)3-]) ("Ni(II)") MIL to bind a wider range of human pathogens using a panel of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolates, including a "deep rough" strain of S. Minnesota. We extended this exploration further to include other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae of food safety and clinical or agricultural significance. Both the Ni(II) MIL and the ([P66614+][Dy(hfacac)4-]) ("Dy(III)") MIL were evaluated for their effects on cell viability and structure-function relationships behind observed antimicrobial activities of the Dy(III) MIL were determined. Next, we used flow imaging microscopy (FIM) of Ni(II) MIL dispersions made in model liquid media to examine the impact of increasing ionic complexity on MIL droplet properties as a first step towards understanding the impact of suspension medium properties on MIL dispersion behavior. Finally, we used FIM to examine interactions between the Ni(II) MIL and Serratia marcescens, providing insights into how the MIL may act to capture and concentrate Gram-negative bacteria in aqueous samples, including food suspensions. Together, our results provide further characterization of bacteria-MIL interactions and support the broader utility of the Ni(II) MIL as a cell-friendly capture reagent for sample preparation prior to cultural or molecular analyses. Graphical abstract.

RhoA/ROCK Pathway Activation is Regulated by AT1 Receptor and Participates in Smooth Muscle Migration and Dedifferentiation via Promoting Actin Cytoskeleton Polymerization.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Rho GTPases signaling on Ang II-mediated cell migration and dedifferentiation in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) and an Ang II-infusion mouse model. METHODS: Cells were pretreated with different inhibitors or Ang II. Cell migration was detected by Wound healing and Transwell assay. Mice were treated with Ad-RhoA-shRNA virus or Irbesartan or fasudil and then infused with Ang II. RESULTS: Ang II treatment induced HA-VSMCs migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner and reduced the expression of VSMC contractile proteins. These effects were significantly suppressed by the inhibition of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor), RhoA, and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Furthermore, Ang II treatment promoted the activation of RhoA and ROCK, which was reduced by AT1 receptor inhibition. Meanwhile, Ang II treatment induced F-actin polymerization, which was inhibited after ROCK inhibition. In mice, Ang II infusion increased VSMC migration into the neointima and reduced VSMC differentiation proteins levels, and these effects were shown to be dependent on AT1 receptor and RhoA/ROCK pathway. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a novel mechanism by which Ang II regulates RhoA/ROCK signaling and actin polymerization via AT1 receptor and then affects VSMC dedifferentiation.

Multifractal vector optical fields.

We introduce the concept of multifractal into vector optical fields (VOFs). We propose, design and generate new fractal VOFs-multifractal VOFs (MF-VOFs), in which multifractal structure and VOF act as the lattice and the base, respectively. We generate two kinds of MF-VOFs experimentally and explore their focusing behaviors. We also investigate the self-healing and information recovering abilities of MF-VOFs, comparing with those of single-fractal VOFs (SF-VOFs) when their lattices are composed of the same hierarchy of fractal geometries. The results show that MF-VOFs have better self-healing and information recovering abilities than that of traditional SF-VOFs, meaning that MF-VOFs have better ability to resist the information loss during the focusing and imaging processes. These properties may find potential applications in information transmission, optical communication, and so on.

Presence of Bacillus coagulans spores and vegetative cells in rat intestine and feces and their physiological effects.

This study was aimed to investigate the presence of Bacillus coagulans vegetative cells in the intestine and fecal samples in rats fed B. coagulans spores as well as to estimate the ratios of spores and vegetative cells in these samples. A two-step process has been developed to enumerate B. coagulans in different mixed bacterial samples, specifically (1) observation of yellow ring formation on modified GYEA medium upon incubation at 55°C, (2) microscopic examination of spore formation after 7 d of incubation. Our results have demonstrated the presence of vegetative cells in the intestinal and fecal samples in rats fed B. coagulans spores. The ratios of B. coagulans spores and vegetative cells in cecal fluid, colonic content, and feces were approximately 2:8, 2:8, and 4:6, respectively. The existence of B. coagulans vegetative cells improved the intestinal milieu through an elevated short-chain fatty acid concentrations, higher fecal moisture, and lower fecal pH.

ROCK inhibitors alleviate myofibroblast transdifferentiation and vascular remodeling via decreasing TGFß1-mediated RhoGDI expression.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) on TGFß1-mediated vascular adventitia myofibroblast transdifferentiation and on the inhibition of ROCK inhibitors. Myofibroblast transdifferentiation and vascular remodeling model were induced by TGFß1 in vitro and by balloon injury in vivo. H&E (Hematoxylin & Eosin) and PSR (Picrosirius Red) staining were used to observe vascular morphology while immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to measure protein expression. Fasudil treatment reduced the expression of TGFß1, RhoGDI1, and RhoGDI2 in addition to vascular remodeling in the rat balloon injury model. TGFß1 induced the expression of α-SMA, TGFßRI, phospho-TGFßRI, RhoGDI1, RhoGDI2, and collagen secretion in human aortic adventitial fibroblasts (HAAFs). These effects were diminished after treatment with Y27632. Suppressing both RhoGDI1 and RhoGDI2 expression also blocked TGFß1-induced α-SMA expression and collagen secretion in HAAFs. Moreover, TGFßR inhibition blocked TGFß1-mediated collagen secretion and the expression of α-SMA, RhoGDI1, and RhoGDI2. These data suggested that ROCK inhibitors alleviate myofibroblast transdifferentiation and vascular remodeling by decreasing TGFß1-mediated expression of RhoGDI.

Biomarkers in VSMC phenotypic modulation and vascular remodeling.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are not terminally differentiated and can change their phenotype in response to environmental cues. Phenotype switching of VSMCs to less differentiated forms has led to an underestimation of their role in the development of vascular remodeling and many vascular diseases in both humans and animal models of this disease. In recent studies, many factors, such as microRNAs, matrix metalloproteinases, integrins, oxidative stress, autophagy, have been shown to play important roles in the mechanisms of VSMC phenotypic switch and vascular remodeling. This review highlights the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of VSMC phenotypic modulation in vascular remodeling. In this review, we want to provide effective molecular targets and opportunities for the future development of new therapeutics to regulate vascular remodeling diseases.

Distinct Roles For ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the Regulation of Oxldl-Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study used Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) isoform-selective suppression or a ROCK inhibitor to analyze the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in regulating endothelial dysfunction triggered by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). METHODS: ROCK1 or ROCK2 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA). HUVECs were pretreated with 30 µM Y27632 (pan ROCK inhibitor) for 30 min before exposure to 200 µg/mL oxLDL for an additional 24 h. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated by the TUNEL assay. Protein expression and phosphorylation were assessed by Western blot analysis. The morphology of total and phosphorylated vimentin (p-vimentin) and the co-localization of vimentin with vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) were detected by the immunofluorescence assay. The adhesion of promonocytic U937 cells to HUVECs was observed by light microscopy. RESULTS: ROCK2 suppression or Y27632 treatment, rather than ROCK1 deletion, effectively reduced endothelial cell apoptosis and preserved cell survival. ROCK2 suppression exhibited improved vimentin and p-vimentin cytoskeleton stability and decreased vimentin cleavage by attenuating caspase-3 activity. In addition, increased p-vimentin expression induced by oxLDL was significantly inhibited by ROCK2 deletion or Y27632 treatment. In contrast, ROCK1 suppression showed no obvious effects on the vimentin cytoskeleton, but significantly regulated the expression of adhesion molecules. Endothelial ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 expression induced by oxLDL was obviously inhibited by ROCK1 suppression or Y27632 treatment. Moreover, the expression of ICAM-1 induced by oxLDL could also be reduced by ROCK2 suppression. Furthermore, ROCK2 deficiency or Y27632 treatment inhibited the redistribution of adhesion molecules and their co-localization with vimentin caused by oxLDL. These effects resulted in the significant inhibition of monocyte-endothelial adhesion induced by oxLDL. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the novel concept that ROCK1 is involved in oxLDL-induced cell adhesion by regulating adhesion molecule expression, whereas ROCK2 is required for both endothelial apoptosis and adhesion by regulating both the vimentin cytoskeleton and adhesion molecules. Consequently, ROCK1 and ROCK2 have distinct roles in the regulation of oxLDL-mediated endothelial dysfunction.