Proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer identifies biological insights and subtype-specific therapeutic strategies.

We performed comprehensive proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) using paired tumors and adjacent lung tissues from 112 treatment-naive patients who underwent surgical resection. Integrated multi-omics analysis illustrated cancer biology downstream of genetic aberrations and highlighted oncogenic roles of FAT1 mutation, RB1 deletion, and chromosome 5q loss. Two prognostic biomarkers, HMGB3 and CASP10, were identified. Overexpression of HMGB3 promoted SCLC cell migration via transcriptional regulation of cell junction-related genes. Immune landscape characterization revealed an association between ZFHX3 mutation and high immune infiltration and underscored a potential immunosuppressive role of elevated DNA damage response activity via inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway. Multi-omics clustering identified four subtypes with subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Cell line and patient-derived xenograft-based drug tests validated the specific therapeutic responses predicted by multi-omics subtyping. This study provides a valuable resource as well as insights to better understand SCLC biology and improve clinical practice.

Regulation of LRRK2 mRNA stability by ATIC and its substrate AICAR through ARE-mediated mRNA decay in Parkinson's disease.

Mutations in LRRK2 are the most common genetic causes of Parkinson's disease (PD). While the enzymatic activity of LRRK2 has been linked to PD, previous work has also provided support for an important role of elevated LRRK2 protein levels, independent of enzymatic activity, in PD pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of LRRK2 protein levels remain unclear. Here, we identify a role for the purine biosynthesis pathway enzyme ATIC in the regulation of LRRK2 levels and toxicity. AICAr, the precursor of ATIC substrate, regulates LRRK2 levels in a cell-type-specific manner in vitro and in mouse tissue. AICAr regulates LRRK2 levels through AUF1-mediated mRNA decay. Upon AICAr treatment, the RNA binding protein AUF1 is recruited to the AU-rich elements (ARE) of LRRK2 mRNA leading to the recruitment of the decapping enzyme complex DCP1/2 and decay of LRRK2 mRNA. AICAr suppresses LRRK2 expression and rescues LRRK2-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in PD Drosophila and mouse models. Together, this study provides insight into a novel regulatory mechanism of LRRK2 protein levels and function via LRRK2 mRNA decay that is distinct from LRRK2 enzymatic functions.

African swine fever virus pB318L, a trans-geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase, negatively regulates cGAS-STING and IFNAR-JAK-STAT signaling pathways.

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, hemorrhagic, and severe infectious disease caused by the ASF virus (ASFV). ASFV has evolved multiple strategies to escape host antiviral immune responses. Here, we reported that ASFV pB318L, a trans-geranylgeranyl-diphosphate synthase, reduced the expression of type I interferon (IFN-I) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Mechanically, pB318L not only interacted with STING to reduce the translocation of STING from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus but also interacted with IFN receptors to reduce the interaction of IFNAR1/TYK2 and IFNAR2/JAK1. Of note, ASFV with interruption of B318L gene (ASFV-intB318L) infected PAMs produces more IFN-I and ISGs than that in PAMs infected with its parental ASFV HLJ/18 at the late stage of infection. Consistently, the pathogenicity of ASFV-intB318L is attenuated in piglets compared with its parental virus. Taken together, our data reveal that B318L gene may partially affect ASFV pathogenicity by reducing the production of IFN-I and ISGs. This study provides a clue to design antiviral agents or live attenuated vaccines to prevent and control ASF.

Genetic basis of pregnancy-associated decreased platelet counts and gestational thrombocytopenia.

ABSTRACT: Platelet count reduction occurs throughout pregnancy, with 5% to 12% of pregnant women being diagnosed with gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), characterized by a more marked decrease in platelet count during pregnancy. However, the underlying biological mechanism behind these phenomena remains unclear. Here, we used sequencing data from noninvasive prenatal testing of 100 186 Chinese pregnant individuals and conducted, to our knowledge, the hitherto largest-scale genome-wide association studies on platelet counts during 5 periods of pregnancy (the first, second, and third trimesters, delivery, and the postpartum period) as well as 2 GT statuses (GT platelet count < 150 × 109/L and severe GT platelet count < 100 × 109/L). Our analysis revealed 138 genome-wide significant loci, explaining 10.4% to 12.1% of the observed variation. Interestingly, we identified previously unknown changes in genetic effects on platelet counts during pregnancy for variants present in PEAR1 and CBL, with PEAR1 variants specifically associated with a faster decline in platelet counts. Furthermore, we found that variants present in PEAR1 and TUBB1 increased susceptibility to GT and severe GT. Our study provides insight into the genetic basis of platelet counts and GT in pregnancy, highlighting the critical role of PEAR1 in decreasing platelet counts during pregnancy and the occurrence of GT. Those with pregnancies carrying specific variants associated with declining platelet counts may experience a more pronounced decrease, thereby elevating the risk of GT. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigation into the biological mechanisms and causal implications of GT.

Correction: An aquatic virus exploits the IL6-STAT3-HSP90 signaling axis to promote viral entry.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011320.].

An aquatic virus exploits the IL6-STAT3-HSP90 signaling axis to promote viral entry.

Viral seasonality in the aquaculture industry is an important scientific issue for decades. While the molecular mechanisms underpinning the temperature-dependent pathogenesis of aquatic viral diseases remain largely unknown. Here we report that temperature-dependent activation of IL6-STAT3 signaling was exploited by grass carp reovirus (GCRV) to promote viral entry via increasing the expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Deploying GCRV infection as a model system, we discovered that GCRV induces the IL6-STAT3-HSP90 signaling activation to achieve temperature-dependent viral entry. Further biochemical and microscopic analyses revealed that the major capsid protein VP7 of GCRV interacted with HSP90 and relevant membrane-associated proteins to boost viral entry. Accordingly, exogenous expression of either IL6, HSP90, or VP7 in cells increased GCRV entry in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, other viruses (e.g., koi herpesvirus, Rhabdovirus carpio, Chinese giant salamander iridovirus) infecting ectothermic vertebrates have evolved a similar mechanism to promote their infection. This work delineates a molecular mechanism by which an aquatic viral pathogen exploits the host temperature-related immune response to promote its entry and replication, instructing us on new ways to develop targeted preventives and therapeutics for aquaculture viral diseases.

IL-37 Attenuates Platelet Activation and Thrombosis Through IL-1R8 Pathway.

BACKGROUND: IL-37 (interleukin-37), a natural suppressor of innate inflammatory and immune responses, is increased in patients with myocardial infarction. Platelets play an important role in the progress of myocardial infarction, but the direct effects of IL-37 on platelet activation and thrombosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms, still remain unclear. METHODS: We evaluated the direct effects of IL-37 on agonists-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation, as well as revealed the underlying mechanisms using platelet-specific IL-1R8 (IL-1 receptor 8)-deficient mice. Using myocardial infarct model, we explored the effects of IL-37 on microvascular obstruction and myocardial injury. RESULTS: IL-37 directly inhibited agonists-induced platelet aggregation, dense granule ATP release, P-selectin exposure, integrin αIIbß3 activation, platelet spreading, and clot retraction. IL-37 inhibited thrombus formation in vivo in a FeCl3-injured mesenteric arteriole thrombosis mouse model and ex vivo in a microfluidic whole-blood perfusion assay. Mechanistic studies using platelet-specific IL-1R8-deficient mice revealed that IL-37 bound to platelet IL-1R8 and IL-18Rα, and IL-1R8 deficiency impaired the inhibitory effects of IL-37 on platelet activation. Using PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog)-specific inhibitor and PTEN-deficient platelets, we found that IL-37 combined with IL-1R8 to enhance PTEN activity, inhibit Akt (protein kinase B), mitogen-activated protein kinases, and spleen tyrosine kinase pathways, as well as decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species to regulate platelet activation. Exogenous IL-37 injection suppressed microvascular thrombosis to protect against myocardial injury in wild-type mice but not in platelet-specific IL-1R8-deficient mice after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary. Finally, a negative correlation between plasma IL-37 concentration and platelet aggregation was observed in patients with myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: IL-37 directly attenuated platelet activation, thrombus formation, and myocardial injury via IL-1R8 receptor. Accumulated IL-37 in plasma inhibited platelet activation to ameliorate atherothrombosis and infarction expansion, and thus may have therapeutic advantages as potential antiplatelet drugs.

The temporal protein signature analyses of developing human deciduous molar tooth germ.

The tooth serves as an exemplary model for developmental studies, encompassing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell differentiation. The essential factors and pathways identified in tooth development will help understand the natural development process and the malformations of mineralized tissues such as skeleton. The time-dependent proteomic changes were investigated through the proteomics of healthy human molars during embryonic stages, ranging from the cap-to-early bell stage. A comprehensive analysis revealed 713 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) exhibiting five distinct temporal expression patterns. Through the application of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 24 potential driver proteins of tooth development were screened, including CHID1, RAP1GDS1, HAPLN3, AKAP12, WLS, GSS, DDAH1, CLSTN1, AFM, RBP1, AGO1, SET, HMGB2, HMGB1, ANP32A, SPON1, FREM1, C8B, PRPS2, FCHO2, PPP1R12A, GPALPP1, U2AF2, and RCC2. Then, the proteomics and transcriptomics expression patterns of these proteins were further compared, complemented by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). In summary, this study not only offers a wealth of information regarding the molecular intricacies of human embryonic epithelial and mesenchymal cell differentiation but also serves as an invaluable resource for future mechanistic inquiries into tooth development.

Homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 cause fertilization failure and male infertility in humans and mice.

Total fertilization failure (TFF) can occur during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, even following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Various male or female factors could contribute to TFF. Increasing evidence suggested that genetic variations in PLCZ1, which encodes 1-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase zeta-1 (PLCζ), is involved in oocyte activation and is a key male factor in TFF. In the present study, we explored the genetic variants in male individuals that led to TFF. A total of 54 couples with TFF or poor fertilization (fertilization rate < 20%) were screened, and 21 couples were determined to have a male infertility factor by the mouse oocyte activation test. Whole-exome sequencing of these 21 male individuals identified three homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 (actin like 9) in three individuals. ACTL9 variations led to abnormal ultrastructure of the perinuclear theca (PT), and PLCζ was absent in the head and present in the neck of the mutant sperm, which contributed to failed normal calcium oscillations in oocytes and subsequent TFF. The key roles of ACTL9 in the PT structure and TFF after ICSI were further confirmed in an Actl9-mutated mouse model. Furthermore, assisted oocyte activation by calcium ionophore exposure successfully overcame TFF and achieved live births in a couple with an ACTL9 variant. These findings identified the role of ACTL9 in the PT structure and the correct localization of PLCζ. The results also provide a genetic marker and a therapeutic option for individuals who have undergone ICSI without successful fertilization.

Bi-allelic mutations of DNAH10 cause primary male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice.

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF)-induced asthenoteratozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility. Previous studies have identified several MMAF-associated genes, highlighting the condition's genetic heterogeneity. To further define the genetic causes underlying MMAF, we performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 643 Chinese MMAF-affected men. Bi-allelic DNAH10 variants were identified in five individuals with MMAF from four unrelated families. These variants were either rare or absent in public population genome databases and were predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatics tools. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses of the spermatozoa obtained from men harboring bi-allelic DNAH10 variants revealed striking flagellar defects with the absence of inner dynein arms (IDAs). DNAH10 encodes an axonemal IDA heavy chain component that is predominantly expressed in the testes. Immunostaining analysis indicated that DNAH10 localized to the entire sperm flagellum of control spermatozoa. In contrast, spermatozoa from the men harboring bi-allelic DNAH10 variants exhibited an absence or markedly reduced staining intensity of DNAH10 and other IDA components, including DNAH2 and DNAH6. Furthermore, the phenotypes were recapitulated in mouse models lacking Dnah10 or expressing a disease-associated variant, confirming the involvement of DNAH10 in human MMAF. Altogether, our findings in humans and mice demonstrate that DNAH10 is essential for sperm flagellar assembly and that deleterious bi-allelic DNAH10 variants can cause male infertility with MMAF. These findings will provide guidance for genetic counseling and insights into the diagnosis of MMAF-associated asthenoteratozoospermia.

Exosome detection via the ultrafast-isolation system: EXODUS.

Exosomes have shown great potential in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. However, current isolation approaches are burdensome and suffer from low speed, yield and purity, limiting basic research and clinical applications. Here, we describe an efficient exosome detection method via the ultrafast-isolation system (EXODUS) that allows automated label-free purification of exosomes from varied biofluids. We obtained the ultra-efficient purification of exosomes by negative pressure oscillation and double coupled harmonic oscillator-enabled membrane vibration. Our two coupled oscillators generate dual-frequency transverse waves on the membranes, enabling EXODUS to outperform other isolation techniques in speed, purity and yield. We demonstrated EXODUS by purifying exosomes from urine samples of 113 patients and validated the practical relevance in exosomal RNA profiling with the high-resolution capability and high-throughput analysis.

Deletion of African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) H240R Gene Attenuates the Virulence of ASFV by Enhancing NLRP3-Mediated Inflammatory Responses.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious infectious disease of domestic pigs and wild boars caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), with a mortality rate of up to 100%. In order to replicate efficiently in macrophages and monocytes, ASFV has evolved multiple strategies to evade host antiviral responses. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ASFV-encoded proteins execute immune evasion are not fully understood. In this study, we found that ASFV pH240R strongly inhibits transcription, maturation, and secretion of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Importantly, pH240R not only targeted NF-κB signaling but also impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In this mechanism, pH240R interacted with NF-kappa-B essential modulator (NEMO), a component of inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK) complex and subsequently reduced phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. In addition, pH240R bonded to NLRP3 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, resulting in reduced IL-1ß production. As expected, infection with H240R-deficient ASFV (ASFV-ΔH240R) induced more inflammatory cytokine expression both in vitro and in vivo than its parental ASFV HLJ/18 strain. Consistently, H240R deficiency reduced the viral pathogenicity in pigs compared with its parental strain. These findings reveal that the H240R gene is an essential virulence factor, and deletion of the H240R gene affects the pathogenicity of ASFV HLJ/18 by enhancing antiviral inflammatory responses, which provides insights for ASFV immune evasion mechanisms and development of attenuated live vaccines and drugs for prevention and control of ASF. IMPORTANCE African swine fever (ASF), caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious and acute hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic pigs, with a high mortality approaching 100%. ASFV has spread rapidly worldwide and caused huge economic losses and ecological consequences. However, the pathogenesis and immune evasion mechanisms of ASFV are not fully understood, which limits the development of safe and effective ASF attenuated live vaccines. Therefore, investigations are urgently needed to identify virulence factors that are responsible for escaping the host antiviral innate immune responses and provide a new target for development of ASFV live-attenuated vaccine. In this study, we determined that the H240R gene is an essential virulence factor, and its depletion affects the pathogenicity of ASFV by enhancing NLRP3-mediated inflammatory responses, which provides theoretical support for the development of an ASFV attenuated live vaccine.

Deleterious variants in X-linked RHOXF1 cause male infertility with oligo- and azoospermia.

Oligozoospermia and azoospermia are two common phenotypes of male infertility characterized by massive sperm defects owing to failure of spermatogenesis. The deleterious impact of candidate variants with male infertility is to be explored. In our study, we identified three hemizygous missense variants (c.388G>A: p.V130M, c.272C>T: p.A91V, and c.467C>T: p.A156V) and one hemizygous nonsense variant (c.478C>T: p.R160X) in the Rhox homeobox family member 1 gene (RHOXF1) in four unrelated cases from a cohort of 1201 infertile Chinese men with oligo- and azoospermia using whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. RHOXF1 was absent in the testicular biopsy of one patient (c.388G>A: p.V130M) whose histological analysis showed a phenotype of Sertoli cell-only syndrome. In vitro experiments indicated that RHOXF1 mutations significantly reduced the content of RHOXF1 protein in HEK293T cells. Specifically, the p.V130M, p.A156V, and p.R160X mutants of RHOXF1 also led to increased RHOXF1 accumulation in cytoplasmic particles. Luciferase assays revealed that p.V130M and p.R160X mutants may disrupt downstream spermatogenesis by perturbing the regulation of doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) promoter activity. Furthermore, ICSI treatment could be beneficial in the context of oligozoospermia caused by RHOXF1 mutations. In conclusion, our findings collectively identified mutated RHOXF1 to be a disease-causing X-linked gene in human oligo- and azoospermia.

Optically synchronized unidirectional optical amplifier-based coherent optical fiber links.

We report on the realization of a unidirectional transmission-based bidirectional erbium-doped fiber amplifier (UTB-EDFA) for the coherent optical fiber links. By applying an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) between the two unidirectional EDFA (Ui-EDFA) paths, the annoying uncorrelated phase noise between the two paths can be largely suppressed. Promisingly, we can independently optimize the gains of the UTB-EDFAs for bidirectional transmissions, resulting in higher net gain acquired compared with the conventional single-path bidirectional EDFA (SPBA)-based ones. We demonstrate that the fractional frequency instability of the UTB-EDFA-based scheme can be decreased by 26.3% over the most asymmetrical 100 km two-way optical frequency comparison (TWC) system compared with the SPBA-based ones and, more importantly, can acquire higher net gain for unevenly distributed sub-links over ultra-long fiber links, such as 1000 km, by independently optimizing the gains. This technique paves the way for the applications of large-scale fiber networks.

Joint time and frequency transfer through one International Telecommunication Union 100 GHz wavelength division multiplexing channel with commercial devices.

We proposed a joint time and frequency transfer scheme over a single International Telecommunication Union 100 GHz wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) channel using a normal commercial WDM device and commercial offset WDM device. A standard 100 GHz WDM channel is divided into three sub-channels with a frequency interval of more than 20 GHz for a time and frequency transfer, which could help to avoid the interference among time, frequency, and data signals in other WDM channels. A joint high-precision time and frequency transfer is, therefore, able to be performed with data transmission over WDM optical communication links without extra requirements on devices. A joint time and frequency transfer in a single 100 GHz WDM channel is experimentally demonstrated over a 60 km fiber link with the communication data transmission in the adjacent channels. The stability of the time transfer can be better than 15 ps at 1 s, and the stability of the frequency transfer can be better than 2.7×10-14 at 1 s, while the bit error rates of the adjacent channels are at the same level as the separate transmission.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of pterostilbene nano drugs in dry eye models.

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial dysfunction of the tear film and ocular surface, with etiology involving inflammation and oxidative stress on the ocular surface. Pterostilbene (PS) is a secondary metabolite extracted from plants, which possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its application is limited by light instability and very poor water solubility. We modified fat-soluble PS into a biparental pterostilbene-glutaric anhydride-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (PS-GA-RGD) nanomedicine by prodrug ligation of functional peptides. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of PS-GA-RGD on dry eye disease in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated good long-term biocompatibility of PS-GA-RGD through rabbit eye stimulation test. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce murine macrophages RAW 264.7 to establish an inflammation and oxidative stress model. In this model, PS-GA-RGD effectively reduced the production of ROS and 8-OHdG, enhancing the expression of antioxidant factor Nrf2 and antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1. In addition, the expression of NF-κB inflammatory pathway significantly increased in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, while PS-GA-RGD could significantly reduce this pathway. Hypertonic saline was utilized to establish a hypertonic model of human corneal epithelial cells. PS-GA-RGD was found to significantly reduce the production of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasomes in this model, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to PS. Experimental dry eye animal models were co-induced with subcutaneous injection of scopolamine and an intelligently controlled environmental system. We demonstrated that PS-GA-RGD nano drugs can prevent and reduce corneal epithelial cell defects and apoptosis, protect conjunctival goblet cells, and have an excellent anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, we demonstrated that RGD sequence in PS-GA-RGD can enhance cellular uptake, corneal retention, and penetration, thereby increasing their bioavailability and efficacy by a cell uptake assay and rabbit corneal drug retention experiment. Overall, this study highlights the potential of PS-GA-RGD nanomedicines in the treatment of dry eyes.

Prevalence and risk factors of fatigue and its association with quality of life among patients with chronic pancreatitis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a debilitating symptom found in various chronic diseases and is associated with more severe symptoms and worse quality of life (QoL). However, this symptom has not been adequately addressed in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and there have been no studies on fatigue in patients with CP. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China. Data on the patients' sociodemographic, disease, and therapeutic characteristics were collected. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20. QoL was assessed utilizing the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer of QoL questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Sleep quality, anxiety and depression, and pain was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese patients with CP was 35.51 % (87/245). Multivariate analysis showed that steatorrhea (OR = 2.638, 95 % CI: 1.117-6.234), history of smoking (OR = 4.627, 95 % CI: 1.202-17.802), history of endoscopic treatment (OR = 0.419, 95 % CI: 0.185-0.950), depression (OR = 5.924, 95 % CI: 2.462-14.255), and sleep disorder (OR = 6.184, 95 % CI: 2.543-15.034) were influencing factors for the presence of fatigue. The scores for global health and all functional dimensions in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 significantly decreased, whereas the scores for all symptom dimensions significantly increased in patients with fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that Fatigue is a common symptom and has a negative impact on the QoL of patients with CP. Steatorrhea, smoking history, endoscopic treatment, depression, and sleep disorders were associated with fatigue.

Myotubularin functions through actomyosin to interact with the Hippo pathway.

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved developmental pathway that controls organ size by integrating diverse regulatory inputs, including actomyosin-mediated cytoskeletal tension. Despite established connections between the actomyosin cytoskeleton and the Hippo pathway, the upstream regulation of actomyosin in the Hippo pathway is less defined. Here, we identify the phosphoinositide-3-phosphatase Myotubularin (Mtm) as a novel upstream regulator of actomyosin that functions synergistically with the Hippo pathway during growth control. Mechanistically, Mtm regulates membrane phospholipid PI(3)P dynamics, which, in turn, modulates actomyosin activity through Rab11-mediated vesicular trafficking. We reveal PI(3)P dynamics as a novel mode of upstream regulation of actomyosin and establish Rab11-mediated vesicular trafficking as a functional link between membrane lipid dynamics and actomyosin activation in the context of growth control. Our study also shows that MTMR2, the human counterpart of Drosophila Mtm, has conserved functions in regulating actomyosin activity and tissue growth, providing new insights into the molecular basis of MTMR2-related peripheral nerve myelination and human disorders.

Performance of the Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay with a digital reader for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this multicenter study was to compare the diagnostic performance of lateral flow assay (LFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the Dynamiker Aspergillus Galactomannan levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples for I. METHODS: We registered 310 clinically suspected Aspergillus infection patients from December 2021 to February 2023 and classified them into subgroups as the "IA group" and "non-IA group" based on the latest EORTC/MSG guidelines. The immunoassays were analyzed by LFA and ELISA respectively. RESULTS: Galactomannan was examined using LFA, and serum and BALF samples demonstrated sensitivities of 82.57% and 89.47%, specificities of 90.76% and 92.00%, PPVs of 89.11% and 96.23%, and NPVs of 85.04% and 79.31%, respectively. Galactomannan was observed using two assays in serum and BALF samples and showed PPAs of 95.11% and 93.33%, NPAs of 89.19% and 96.30%, and TPAs of 92.47% and 94.25%, respectively. The ROC curve demonstrated that LFA had optimum diagnostic value when the index value (I value) = 0.5, the sensitivity was 84.94%, and the specificity was 90.97%. CONCLUSION: Compared to the ELISA method, the LFA has shown excellent performance for the diagnosis of IA in serum and BALF sample and can be used as an assay for the early diagnosis of patients with IA. The dynamic change in galactomannan levels may be useful for assessing treatment response.

IL-6/STAT3 axis is hijacked by GCRV to facilitate viral replication via suppressing type â IFN signaling.

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infections and hemorrhagic disease (GCHD) outbreaks are typically seasonally periodic and temperature-dependent, yet the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we depicted that temperature-dependent IL-6/STAT3 axis was exploited by GCRV to facilitate viral replication via suppressing type Ⅰ IFN signaling. Combined multi-omics analysis and qPCR identified IL-6, STAT3, and IRF3 as potential effector molecules mediating GCRV infection. Deploying GCRV challenge at 18 °C and 28 °C as models of resistant and permissive infections and switched to the corresponding temperatures as temperature stress models, we illustrated that IL-6 and STAT3 expression, genome level of GCRV, and phosphorylation of STAT3 were temperature dependent and regulated by temperature stress. Further research revealed that activating IL-6/STAT3 axis enhanced GCRV replication and suppressed the expression of IFNs, whereas blocking the axis impaired viral replication. Mechanistically, grass carp STAT3 inhibited IRF3 nuclear translocation via interacting with it, thus down-regulating IFNs expression, restraining transcriptional activation of the IFN promoter, and facilitating GCRV replication. Overall, our work sheds light on an immune evasion mechanism whereby GCRV facilitates viral replication by hijacking IL-6/STAT3 axis to down-regulate IFNs expression, thus providing a valuable reference for targeted prevention and therapy of GCRV.