USP53 activated by H3K27 acetylation regulates cell viability, apoptosis and metabolism in esophageal carcinoma via the AMPK signaling pathway.

Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, despite an overall decline in the incidence of new cases. However, knowledge of gene expression signatures for risk and prognosis stratification of ESCA is inadequate. Thus, identifying novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCA might improve its prognosis and treatment. The current study investigated the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 53 (USP53), a member of the USP family that exhibits deubiquitinating activity, in ESCA and showed that USP53 is downregulated in ESCA tissues, indicating poor prognosis. USP53 suppresses the proliferation and growth of ESCA cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas its knockdown exerts opposite effects. AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor reverses the effects of USP53 knockdown. USP53 also inhibits glycolysis, oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics. H3K27 acetylation increases USP53 expression by binding to its promoter region. Our study reveals that USP53 is activated by H3K27 acetylation and suppresses ESCA progression by regulating cell growth and metabolism. USP53 is therefore a promising target for ESCA treatment.

Templating synthesis of Fe2O3 hollow spheres modified with Ag nanoparticles as superior anode for lithium ion batteries.

Ag-Fe2O3 hollow spheres are synthesized by using Ag@C core-shell matrix as sacrificial templates. The morphologies and structures of the as-prepared samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction energy dispersive, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. In contrast to Fe2O3 hollow spheres, Ag-Fe2O3 hollow spheres exhibit much higher electrochemical performances. The Ag-Fe2O3 composites exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 1030.9 mA h g-1 and retain a high capacity of 953.2 mA h g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 after 200 cycles. Furthermore, Ag-Fe2O3 electrode can maintain a stable capacity of 678 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 250 cycles. Rate performance of Ag-Fe2O3 electrode exhibits a high capacity of 650.8 mA h g-1 even at 5 A g-1. These excellent performances can be attributed to the decoration of Ag particles which will enhance conductivity and accelerate electrochemical reaction kinetics. Moreover, the hollow structure and the constructing particles with nanosize will benefit to accommodate huge volume change and stabilize the structure.