Transcriptome and small RNA analysis unveils novel insights into the C4 gene regulation in sugarcane.

MAIN CONCLUSION: This study reveals miRNA indirect regulation of C4 genes in sugarcane through transcription factors, highlighting potential key regulators like SsHAM3a. C4 photosynthesis is crucial for the high productivity and biomass of sugarcane, however, the miRNA regulation of C4 genes in sugarcane remains elusive. We have identified 384 miRNAs along the leaf gradients, including 293 known miRNAs and 91 novel miRNAs. Among these, 86 unique miRNAs exhibited differential expression patterns, and we identified 3511 potential expressed targets of these differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). Analyses using Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that targets of miRNAs with positive correlations are integral to chlorophyll-related photosynthetic processes. In contrast, negatively correlated pairs are primarily associated with metabolic functions. It is worth noting that no C4 genes were predicted as targets of DEmiRNAs. Our application of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) led to a gene regulatory network (GRN) suggesting miRNAs might indirectly regulate C4 genes via transcription factors (TFs). The GRAS TF SsHAM3a emerged as a potential regulator of C4 genes, targeted by miR171y and miR171am, and exhibiting a negative correlation with miRNA expression along the leaf gradient. This study sheds light on the complex involvement of miRNAs in regulating C4 genes, offering a foundation for future research into enhancing sugarcane's photosynthetic efficiency.

The evolutionary origin and domestication history of goldfish (Carassius auratus).

Goldfish have been subjected to over 1,000 y of intensive domestication and selective breeding. In this report, we describe a high-quality goldfish genome (2n = 100), anchoring 95.75% of contigs into 50 pseudochromosomes. Comparative genomics enabled us to disentangle the two subgenomes that resulted from an ancient hybridization event. Resequencing 185 representative goldfish variants and 16 wild crucian carp revealed the origin of goldfish and identified genomic regions that have been shaped by selective sweeps linked to its domestication. Our comprehensive collection of goldfish varieties enabled us to associate genetic variations with a number of well-known anatomical features, including features that distinguish traditional goldfish clades. Additionally, we identified a tyrosine-protein kinase receptor as a candidate causal gene for the first well-known case of Mendelian inheritance in goldfish-the transparent mutant. The goldfish genome and diversity data offer unique resources to make goldfish a promising model for functional genomics, as well as domestication.

An oriented-collagen scaffold including Wnt5a promotes osteochondral regeneration and cartilage interface integration in a rabbit model.

Articular cartilage regeneration remains a major challenge in orthopedics. Noncanonical Wnt5a is a particularly attractive growth factor in this context; Wnt5a inhibits chondrocyte hypertrophy but maintains chondrogenesis. We designed a novel, vertically oriented-collagen scaffold. The effect of Wnt5a on MSCs and chondrocytes and the therapeutic effects of the Wnt5a/oriented-collagen scaffold in terms of osteochondral repair and cartilage integration were evaluated. In vitro, the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of MSCs and chondrocytes treated with Wnt5a, and the mechanisms thereof, were assessed. mRNA microarray analysis was performed to compare the expression profiles of MSCs before and after Wnt5a treatment. In vivo, full-thickness cylindrical osteochondral defects (4 mm in diameter, 3 mm in depth) were created in the patellar grooves of 24 New Zealand white rabbits and implanted with oriented-collagen scaffolds (n = 8), Wnt5a/oriented-collagen scaffolds (n = 8), or nothing (n = 8). After 6 and 12 weeks, integration and tissue responses were evaluated. The proliferation, migration, chondrogenic differentiation, and extracellular matrix formation of/by MSCs and chondrocytes improved greatly after treatment with Wnt5a. Western blotting showed that the PI3K/AKT/JNK signaling pathway was activated. Microarray analysis revealed that the Wnt5a group exhibited a significant upregulation of the PI3K pathway. Reactome GSEA pathway interaction analysis revealed that such upregulation was associated with collagen and extracellular matrix formation. In vivo, the Wnt5a/oriented-collagen scaffold group exhibited optimal interface integration, cartilage regeneration, and collagenous fiber arrangement, accompanied by significantly increased glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulations in the zones of regeneration and integration, compared to the other groups. Gene expression analysis showed that the levels of mRNAs encoding genes involved in cartilage formation were significantly increased in the Wnt5a/oriented, collagen scaffold group (all P < .05). Wnt5a promoted the proliferation, migration, and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and chondrocytes via the activation of the PI3K/AKT/JNK signaling pathway. The Wnt5a/oriented-collagen constructs enhanced the structure-specific regeneration of hyaline cartilage in a rabbit model and may be a promising treatment for the repair of human cartilage defects.

Microporous acellular extracellular matrix combined with adipose-derived stem cell sheets as a promising tissue patch promoting articular cartilage regeneration and interface integration.

BACKGROUND: Acute or chronic injury of articular cartilage leads to localized destruction. Difficulties with interface integration between the implant and native cartilage tissue can lead to an undesirable outcome. To improve cartilage repair and interface integration, we explored the therapeutic efficacy of microporous acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) combined with adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) sheets. METHODS: Methods for fabricating ASC sheets and microporous acellular ECM were explored before transplanting the constructed ASC sheet/matrix in vivo and in vitro, respectively. After the operation, distal femur samples were collected at 6 and 12 weeks for further analysis. RESULTS: The decellularization process removed 90% of the DNA but retained 82.4% of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and 82.8% of collagen, which are the primary components of cartilage matrix. The acellular matrix/ASC sheet construct treatment in vivo showed better interface integration, cartilage regeneration, and collagenous fiber arrangement, which resembles the native structure. There was a significant increase in GAG and collagen accumulation at the zone of regeneration and integration compared to other groups. Gene expression analysis showed that the mRNA level associated with cartilage formation significantly increased in the acellular matrix/ASC sheet group (p<0.05), which is consistent with the histological analysis. DISCUSSION: ASC sheets promote interface integration between the implant and native tissue. This effect, together with the acellular matrix as a graft, is beneficial for cartilage defect repair, which suggests that acellular matrix/ASC sheet bioengineered cartilage implants may be a better approach for cartilage repair due to their enhanced integration.

IGFBP7 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), a low-affinity IGF binder, may play an important role in bone metabolism. However, its function in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated its effects on osteogenic differentiation. Overexpression of IGFBP7 enhanced the expression of osteo-specific genes and proteins, and IGFBP7 knockdown decreased osteogenesis-specific markers. More mineral deposits and higher alkaline phosphatase activity were observed after the up-regulation of IGFBP7. Moreover, ß-catenin levels were up-regulated by the overexpression of IGFBP7 or the addition of extracellular IGFBP7 protein and were reduced by the depletion of IGFBP7. The increase in osteogenic differentiation due to the overexpression of IGFBP7 was partially decreased by specific Wnt/ß-catenin signaling inhibitors. Using a rat tibial osteotomy model, a sheet of IGFBP7-overexpressing BMSCs improved bone healing, as demonstrated by imaging, biomechanical, and histologic analyses. Taken together, these findings indicate that IGFBP7 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs partly via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.-Zhang, W., Chen, E., Chen, M., Ye, C., Qi, Y., Ding, Q., Li, H., Xue, D., Gao, X., Pan, Z. IGFBP7 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

MicroRNA-133a Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cells Proliferation and Invasion via Targeting IGF-1R.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by repressing translation or cleaving RNA transcripts in a sequence-specific manner. Downregulated microRNAs and their roles in cancer development have attracted much attention. A growing body of evidence showed that microRNA-133a (miR-133a) has inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma. METHODS: MiR-133a expression in human osteosarcoma cell lines and human normal osteoblastic cell line hFOB was investigated by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The role of miR-133a in human osteosarcoma growth and invasion was assessed in cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Then, luciferase reporter assay validated IGF-1R as a downstream and functional target of miR-133a, and functional studies revealed that the anti-tumor effect of miR-133a was probably due to targeting and repressing of IGF-1R expression. RESULTS: MiR-133a was lower expressed in human osteosarcoma cell lines than human normal osteoblastic cell line hFOB and its effect on inhibiting proliferation, invasion and metastasis is mediated by its direct interaction with the IGF-1R. Furthermore, the tumour-suppressive function of miR-133a probably contributed to inhibiting the activation AKT and ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: MiR-133a suppresses osteosarcoma progression and metastasis by targeting IGF-1R in human osteosarcoma cells, providing a novel candidate prognostic factor and a potential anti-metastasis therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.

BMI levels with MS Bone mineral density levels in adults with multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and osteoporosis (OP) affect a substantial proportion of the population. Accumulating evidence suggests that MS patients are at high risk for OP. We performed a meta-analysis to identify risk factors for lowered bone mineral density (BMD) in MS patients. METHODS: We searched for articles within the Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, published up to March 2014, pertaining to associations between MS and BMD. A total of 11 studies was included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The analysis indicated that MS patients have reduced lumbar spine, femur neck, and hip BMD compared with healthy controls (lumbar spine, standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.76, 95% CI: -1.07, -0.45; femur neck, SMD = -0.56, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.29; and hip, SMD = -0.62, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.29). Further subgroup analysis revealed that a disease duration of >7 years, total steroid dose during the disease of >15 g, and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of > 3, increased the risk of reduced BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, but not in the hip. Meta-regression analysis did not explain the heterogeneity in the clinical characteristics or outcome definitions. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that MS patients have reduced overall BMD compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, disease duration (>7 years), total steroid dose (>15 g), and EDSS score (>3) are risk factors for reduced BMD in MS patients.

Cartilage repair using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sheet and MSCs-loaded bilayer PLGA scaffold in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: The integration of regenerated cartilage with surrounding native cartilage is a major challenge for the success of cartilage tissue-engineering strategies. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether incorporation of the power of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sheet to MSCs-loaded bilayer poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds can improve the integration and repair of cartilage defects in a rabbit model. METHODS: Rabbit bone marrow-derived MSCs were cultured and formed cell sheet. Full-thickness cylindrical osteochondral defects (4 mm in diameter, 3 mm in depth) were created in the patellar groove of 18 New Zealand white rabbits and the osteochondral defects were treated with PLGA scaffold (n = 6), PLGA/MSCs (n = 6) or MSC sheet-encapsulated PLGA/MSCs (n = 6). After 6 and 12 weeks, the integration and tissue response were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: The MSC sheet-encapsulated PLGA/MCSs group showed significantly more amounts of hyaline cartilage and higher histological scores than PLGA/MSCs group and PLGA group (P < 0.05). In addition, the MSC sheet-encapsulated PLGA/MCSs group showed the best integration between the repaired cartilage and surrounding normal cartilage and subchondral bone compared to other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The novel method of incorporation of MSC sheet to PLGA/MCSs could enhance the ability of cartilage regeneration and integration between repair cartilage and the surrounding cartilage. Transplantation of autologous MSC sheet combined with traditional strategies or cartilage debris might provide therapeutic opportunities for improving cartilage regeneration and integration in humans.

Mesenchymal stem cell sheet transplantation combined with locally released simvastatin enhances bone formation in a rat tibia osteotomy model.

Nonunion of fractured bones is a common clinical problem for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to investigate the effects of simvastatin locally applied from calcium sulfate (CS) combined with a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sheet on fracture healing. In vitro, the proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs stimulated by simvastatin were investigated. In vivo, an osteotomy model was made in rat tibia, and fractured tibias were treated with CS, CS/simvastatin, CS/MSC sheet or simvastatin-loaded CS with MSC or untreated (control). Tibias were harvested at 2 or 8 weeks and underwent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, x-ray, micro-CT and histological analysis. The expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and vascular endothelial growth factor of simvastatin-induced MSCs increased with the concentrations of the simvastatin, significantly higher than those in the MSCs group. At 2 weeks, the CS/simvastatin/MSC sheet group showed significantly higher expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and vascular endothelial growth factor, with more callus formation around the fracture site compared with the other four groups. At 8 weeks, complete bone union was obtained in the CS/simvastatin/MSC sheet group. By contrast, newly regenerated bone tissue partially bridged the gap in the CS/simvastatin group and the CS/MSC sheet group; the control and CS group showed nonunion of the tibia. These results show that both simvastatin and the MSC sheet contributed to the formation of new bone and that the tibia fracture was completely healed by transplantation of the MSC sheet with locally applied simvastatin. Such MSC sheet with locally applied simvastatin might contribute to the treatment of fractures, bone delayed unions or nonunions in clinical practice.

Combined treatment with platelet-rich plasma and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-overexpressing bone marrow stromal cells supports axonal remyelination in a rat spinal cord hemi-section model.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Combining biologic matrices is becoming a better choice to advance stem cell-based therapies. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic product of concentrated platelets and has been used to promote regeneration of peripheral nerves after injury. We examined whether PRP could induce rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiation in vitro and whether a combination of BMSCs, PRP and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could provide additive therapeutic benefits in vivo after spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: BMSCs and BDNF-secreting BMSCs (BDNF-BMSCs) were cultured with PRP for 7 days and 21 days, respectively, and neurofilament (NF)-200, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) gene levels were assessed. After T10 hemi-section in 102 rats, 15-µL scaffolds (PRP alone, BMSCs, PRP/BMSCs, BDNF-BMSCs or PRP/BDNF-BMSCs) were transplanted into the lesion area, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural studies were performed. RESULTS: The messenger RNA expression of NF-200, GFAP, MAP2 and p70S6K was promoted in BMSCs and BDNF-BMSCs after culture with PRP in vitro. BDNF levels were significantly higher in the injured spinal cord after implantation of BDNF-BMSCs. In the PRP/BDNF-BMSCs group at 8 weeks postoperatively, more GFAP was observed, with less accumulation of astrocytes at the graft-host interface. Rats that received PRP and BDNF-BMSC implants showed enhanced hind limb locomotor performance at 8 weeks postoperatively compared with control animals, with more axonal remyelination. CONCLUSIONS: A combined treatment comprising PRP and BDNF-overexpressing BMSCs produced beneficial effects in rats with regard to functional recovery after SCI through enhancing migration of astrocytes into the transplants and axonal remyelination.

Anti-arthritic effects of crocin in interleukin-1ß-treated articular chondrocytes and cartilage in a rabbit osteoarthritic model.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-1ß-mediated production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a pivotal role in the process of osteoarthritis. Crocin, a pharmacologically active component of Crocus sativus L. (saffron), has been used in Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of crocin on MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 expression in rabbit chondrocytes induced by interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and in an experimental rabbit model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection. METHODS: Chondrocytes isolated from the articular cartilage of 4-week-old rabbits were cultured and passaged. Confluent chondrocytes were treated with various concentrations of crocin in the presence or absence of IL-1ß (10 ng/ml) for 24 h. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting were used to investigate the expression of inducible MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13. In addition, the in-vivo effects of crocin were assessed by morphological and histological analysis. RESULTS: IL-1ß markedly upregulated the expression of MMP-1, -3 and -13 in chondrocytes, and this activation was inhibited by co-incubation with crocin in a dose-dependent manner, in contrast with the control group. Moreover, crocin inhibited IL-1ß-induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa B pathway through suppressing degradation of inhibitory-kappa-B-α. In-vivo investigations showed that crocin ameliorated cartilage degeneration and that expression of the MMP-1, -3 and -13 genes in cartilage was significantly inhibited by crocin. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of crocin may be of potential value in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.

The application of super paramagnetic iron oxide-labeled mesenchymal stem cells in cell-based therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has great potential for tissue regeneration. However, being able to monitor the in vivo behavior of implanted MSCs and understand the fate of these cells is necessary for further development of successful therapies and requires an effective, non-invasive and non-toxic technique for cell tracking. Super paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) is an idea label and tracer of MSCs. MRI can be used to follow SPIO-labeled MSCs and has been proposed as a gold standard for monitoring the in vivo biodistribution and migration of implanted SPIO-labeled MSCs. This review discusses the biological effects of SPIO labeling on MSCs and the therapeutic applications of local or systemic delivery of these labeled cells.

Promotion of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and increase of bone-bonding ability in vivo using urease-treated titanium coated with calcium phosphate and gelatin.

Because of its excellent biocompatibility and low allergenicity, titanium has been widely used for bone replacement and tissue engineering. To produce a desirable composite with enhanced bone response and mechanical strength, in this study bioactive calcium phosphate (CaP) and gelatin composites were coated onto titanium (Ti) via a novel urease technique. The cellular responses to the CaP/gelatin/Ti (CaP/gel/Ti) and bone bonding ability were evaluated with proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti in vitro. The results showed that the optical density values, alkaline phosphatase expression and genes expression of MSCs on CaP/gel/Ti were similar to those on CaP/Ti, yet significantly higher than those on pure Ti (p < 0.05). CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti rods (2 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were also implanted into femoral shaft of rabbits and pure Ti rods served as control (n = 10). Histological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. The histological and SEM observations demonstrated clearly that more new bone formed on the surface of CaP/gel/Ti than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti bonded to the surrounding bone directly with no intervening soft tissue layer. An interfacial layer, containing Ti, Ca and P, was found to form at the interface between bone and the implant on all three groups by EDS analysis. However, the content of Ca, P in the surface of CaP/gel/Ti implants was more than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti modified by the urease method was not only beneficial for MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, but also favorable for bone bonding ability on Ti implants in vivo, suggesting that Ti functionalized with CaP and gelatin might have a great potential in clinical joint replacement or dental implants.

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases and inducible nitric oxide synthase by andrographolide in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of andrographolide on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 3, and 13 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in human articular chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage. METHODS: Passaged chondrocytes were pretreated with or without andrographolide for 2 h, followed by coincubation with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) 1 ng/ml for 24 h. Expression levels of MMP-1, 3, and 13, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and iNOS were evaluated using real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. Nitric oxide (NO) was analyzed using the Griess reaction assay. Involvement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was assessed by Western blotting, transient transfection, and luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Andrographolide tested in these in vitro studies was found be an effective antiarthritic agent, as evidenced by potent inhibition of MMP-1, 3, and 13 and iNOS expression, as well as upregulation of TIMP-1 in IL-1ß-stimulated human articular chondrocytes (p < 0.05). The mechanism of andrographolide's inhibitory effects was mediated by attenuating the activation of NF-κB in human chondrocytes in the presence of IL-1ß. CONCLUSIONS: Andrographolide was a potent inhibitor of the production of inflammatory and catabolic mediators by chondrocytes, suggesting that this natural compound may merit consideration as a therapeutic agent for treating and preventing osteoarthritis.

Articular Cartilage Regeneration via Induced Chondrocyte Autophagy by Sustained Release of Leptin Inhibitor from Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogel through STAT3/REDD1/mTORC1 Cascade.

The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) is closely linked to autophagy abnormalities in articular chondrocytes, the sole mature cell type in healthy cartilage. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanism remains uncertain. Previous research has demonstrated that leptin activates mTORC1 , thereby inhibiting chondrocyte autophagy during the progression of OA. In this study, it is demonstrated that the presence of leptin induces a substantial increase in the expression of STAT3, leading to a notable decrease in REDD1 expression and subsequent phosphorylation of p70S6K, a recognized downstream effector of mTORC1. Conversely, inhibition of leptin yields contrasting effects. Additionally, the potential advantages of utilizing a sustained intra-articular release of a leptin inhibitor (LI) via an injectable, thermosensitive poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA: PLEL) hydrogel delivery system for the purpose of investigating its impact on cartilage repair are explored. The study conducted on LI-loaded PLEL (PLEL@LI) demonstrates remarkable efficacy in inhibiting OA and displays encouraging therapeutic advantages in the restoration of subchondral bone and cartilage. These findings establish a solid foundation for the advancement of a pioneering treatment approach utilizing PLEL@LI for OA.

In Situ Deposition of Drug and Gene Nanoparticles on a Patterned Supramolecular Hydrogel to Construct a Directionally Osteochondral Plug.

The integrated repair of bone and cartilage boasts advantages for osteochondral restoration such as a long-term repair effect and less deterioration compared to repairing cartilage alone. Constructing multifactorial, spatially oriented scaffolds to stimulate osteochondral regeneration, has immense significance. Herein, targeted drugs, namely kartogenin@polydopamine (KGN@PDA) nanoparticles for cartilage repair and miRNA@calcium phosphate (miRNA@CaP) NPs for bone regeneration, were in situ deposited on a patterned supramolecular-assembled 2-ureido-4 [lH]-pyrimidinone (UPy) modified gelation hydrogel film, facilitated by the dynamic and responsive coordination and complexation of metal ions and their ligands. This hydrogel film can be rolled into a cylindrical plug, mimicking the Haversian canal structure of natural bone. The resultant hydrogel demonstrates stable mechanical properties, a self-healing ability, a high capability for reactive oxygen species capture, and controlled release of KGN and miR-26a. In vitro, KGN@PDA and miRNA@CaP promote chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells via the JNK/RUNX1 and GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathways, respectively. In vivo, the osteochondral plug exhibits optimal subchondral bone and cartilage regeneration, evidenced by a significant increase in glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulation in specific zones, along with the successful integration of neocartilage with subchondral bone. This biomaterial delivery approach represents a significant toward improved osteochondral repair.

GSTP1-mediated S-glutathionylation of Pik3r1 is a redox hub that inhibits osteoclastogenesis through regulating autophagic flux.

Glutathione S-transferase P1(GSTP1) is known for its transferase and detoxification activity. Based on disease-phenotype genetic associations, we found that GSTP1 might be associated with bone mineral density through Mendelian randomization analysis. Therefore, this study was performed both in vitro cellular and in vivo mouse model to determine how GSTP1 affects bone homeostasis. In our research, GSTP1 was revealed to upregulate the S-glutathionylation level of Pik3r1 through Cys498 and Cys670, thereby decreasing its phosphorylation, further controlling the alteration of autophagic flux via the Pik3r1-AKT-mTOR axis, and lastly altering osteoclast formation in vitro. In addition, knockdown and overexpression of GSTP1 in vivo also altered bone loss outcomes in the OVX mice model. In general, this study identified a new mechanism by which GSTP1 regulates osteoclastogenesis, and it is evident that the cell fate of osteoclasts is controlled by GSTP1-mediated S-glutathionylation via a redox-autophagy cascade.

A complete gap-free diploid genome in Saccharum complex and the genomic footprints of evolution in the highly polyploid Saccharum genus.

A diploid genome in the Saccharum complex facilitates our understanding of evolution in the highly polyploid Saccharum genus. Here we have generated a complete, gap-free genome assembly of Erianthus rufipilus, a diploid species within the Saccharum complex. The complete assembly revealed that centromere satellite homogenization was accompanied by the insertions of Gypsy retrotransposons, which drove centromere diversification. An overall low rate of gene transcription was observed in the palaeo-duplicated chromosome EruChr05 similar to other grasses, which might be regulated by methylation patterns mediated by homologous 24 nt small RNAs, and potentially mediating the functions of many nucleotide-binding site genes. Sequencing data for 211 accessions in the Saccharum complex indicated that Saccharum probably originated in the trans-Himalayan region from a diploid ancestor (x = 10) around 1.9-2.5 million years ago. Our study provides new insights into the origin and evolution of Saccharum and accelerates translational research in cereal genetics and genomics.

Diploid and tetraploid genomes of Acorus and the evolution of monocots.

Monocots are a major taxon within flowering plants, have unique morphological traits, and show an extraordinary diversity in lifestyle. To improve our understanding of monocot origin and evolution, we generate chromosome-level reference genomes of the diploid Acorus gramineus and the tetraploid Ac. calamus, the only two accepted species from the family Acoraceae, which form a sister lineage to all other monocots. Comparing the genomes of Ac. gramineus and Ac. calamus, we suggest that Ac. gramineus is not a potential diploid progenitor of Ac. calamus, and Ac. calamus is an allotetraploid with two subgenomes A, and B, presenting asymmetric evolution and B subgenome dominance. Both the diploid genome of Ac. gramineus and the subgenomes A and B of Ac. calamus show clear evidence of whole-genome duplication (WGD), but Acoraceae does not seem to share an older WGD that is shared by most other monocots. We reconstruct an ancestral monocot karyotype and gene toolkit, and discuss scenarios that explain the complex history of the Acorus genome. Our analyses show that the ancestors of monocots exhibit mosaic genomic features, likely important for that appeared in early monocot evolution, providing fundamental insights into the origin, evolution, and diversification of monocots.

PI3 Kinase regulation of neural regeneration and muscle hypertrophy after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurotrauma that can lead to life-long disability; to date, no suitable therapeutic strategy exists. Axons do not regenerate after SCI in adult mammals and loss of skeletal muscle mass occurs very rapidly after SCI. Promotion of neurite growth through improving the extracellular environment allows only a limited degree of axon regeneration. The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and its downstream targets ("mammalian target of rapamycin," mTOR, and glycogen synthase kinase-3), which regulate cell growth and proliferation in many tissues, have been suggested to play an important role in regulation of the intrinsic axonal regeneration and muscle hypertrophy. This review is focused on recent progress in our understanding of the PI3K pathway in the modulation of axonal regeneration and muscle hypertrophy after SCI.