SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4: Crucial regulators of the EMT in cancer.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of cell transformation under certain physiological and pathological states in which epithelial cells are transformed into mesenchymal cells with fibroblast-like properties, which confers upon them the increased invasion and migration capabilities of cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4 (Sox4) protein coordinates EMT-related pathways and EMT-related transcription factors, thereby regulating the EMT process. The focus of this review is to evaluate recent advances regarding the role of Sox4 protein in the cancer EMT. First, we provide an overview of the general background of Sox4 (structure and function) and the EMT in cancer. Next, we introduce the interactions between Sox4 protein and various factors during cancer EMT. Finally, we suggest directions for future investigations. In general, the information compiled in this paper should serve as a comprehensive repository of information on the subject matter and contribute to the design of other research and future efforts to develop therapeutic strategies that target the Sox4 protein.

Cyclophilin a signaling induces pericyte-associated blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: The potential roles and mechanisms of pericytes in maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, which would be helpful for the development of therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), remain unclear. We sought to provide evidence on the potential role of pericytes in BBB disruption and possible involvement and mechanism of CypA signaling in both cultured pericytes and SAH models. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-three adult male C57B6J mice weighing 22 to 30 g, 29 CypA-/- mice, 30 CypA+/+ (flox/flox) mice, and 30 male neonatal C57B6J mice were used to investigate the time course of CypA expression in pericytes after SAH, the intrinsic function and mechanism of CypA in pericytes, and whether the known receptor CD147 mediates these effects. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated both intracellular CypA and CypA secretion increased after SAH and could activate CD147 receptor and downstream NF-κB pathway to induce MMP9 expression and proteolytic functions for degradation of endothelium tight junction proteins and basal membranes. CypA served as autocrine or paracrine ligand for its receptor, CD147. Although CypA could be endocytosed by pericytes, specific endocytosis inhibitor chlorpromazine did not have any effect on MMP9 activation. However, specific knockdown of CD147 could reverse the harmful effects of CypA expression in pericytes on the BBB integrity after SAH. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated for the first time that CypA mediated the harmful effects of pericytes on BBB disruption after SAH, which potentially mediated by CD147/NF-κB/MMP9 signal, and junction protein degradation in the brain. By targeting CypA and pericytes, this study may provide new insights on the management of SAH patients.

Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 Suppresses Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Glioma Cells Via Downregulating MiR-92b.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells remain unelucidated. A recent study has revealed that microRNA-92b (miR-92b) inhibits apoptosis of glioma cells via downregulating DKK3. Notably, long noncoding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is predicted to have a possible interaction with miR-92b. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify whether NEAT1 affects glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis via regulating miR-92b. METHODS: The expression of NEAT1 was compared between glioma tissues and adjacent tissues as well as between glioma cells and normal astrocytes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Glioma cell proliferation was determined by using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and glioma cell apoptosis was determined by using the flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of NEAT1 was low in glioma tissues and cells compared to the normal ones. Overexpression of NEAT1 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of glioma cell lines (U-87 MG and U251). The interaction between NEAT1 and miR-92b was confirmed using RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down assay, and luciferase reporter assay. Importantly, the tumor suppressor function of overexpressing NEAT1 was achieved by downregulating miR-92b and subsequently upregulating DKK3. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that NEAT1 acts as a tumor suppressor in glioma cells, which provides a novel target in overcoming glioma growth.

Endogenous hydrogen sulphide attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation by suppressing the P2X7 receptor after intracerebral haemorrhage in rats.

BACKGROUND: Emerging studies have demonstrated the important physiological and pathophysiological roles of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as a gasotransmitter for NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-associated neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. However, the effects of H2S on neuroinflammation after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), especially on the NLRP3 inflammasome, remain unknown. METHODS: We employed a Sprague-Dawley rat of collagenase-induced ICH in the present study. The time course of H2S content and the spatial expression of cystathionine-ß-synthase (CBS) after ICH, the effects of endogenous and exogenous H2S after ICH, the effects of endogenous and exogenous H2S on NLRP3 inflammasome activation under P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) overexpression after ICH, and the involvement of the P2X7R in the mechanism by which microglia-derived H2S prevented NLRP3 inflammasome activation were investigated. RESULTS: We found ICH induced significant downregulation of endogenous H2S production in the brain, which may be the result of decreasing in CBS, the predominant cerebral H2S-generating enzyme. Administration of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a CBS-specific agonist, or sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a classical exogenous H2S donor, not only restored brain and plasma H2S content but also attenuated brain oedema, microglial accumulation and neurological deficits at 1 day post-ICH by inhibiting the P2X7R/NLRP3 inflammasome cascade. Endogenous H2S production, which was derived mainly by microglia and above treatments, was verified by adenovirus-overexpressed P2X7R and in vitro primary microglia studies. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated endogenous H2S synthesis was impaired after ICH, which plays a pivotal role in the P2X7R/NLRP3 inflammasome-associated neuroinflammatory response in the pathogenesis of secondary brain injury. Maintaining appropriate H2S concentrations in the central nervous system may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for managing post-ICH secondary brain injury and associated neurological deficits.

Evolution of passing network in the Soccer World Cups 2010-2022.

This study investigates the evolution of passing networks (PN) at both team and player levels in the FIFA World Cups (WC) from 2010 to 2022. Analyzing 256 matches (7328 player observations) using a multiple-camera tracking system across four WCs, we considered six playing positions: goalkeeper (n = 521), central defender (n = 1192), fullback (n = 1223), midfielder (n = 2039), winger (n = 1320), and central forward (n = 1033). We used 17 network metrics and considered contextual variables such as team formation, and team ranking. Linear mixed-effect models analyzed differences in team and player PN parameters by year and team strength. Results showed a shift from possession-play to direct-play from the 2010 to 2018 WCs, with possession-play returning in 2022. Specifically, high- and low-quality teams significantly decreased their density, average degree (AD), modularity, and average path length in 2018 (p < 0.05). High-quality teams showed increased density, AD, and average weighted degree in 2022 (p < 0.05). Midfielders and central forwards exhibited significantly lower centrality parameters, whereas central defenders and goalkeepers showed increased centrality parameters (p < 0.05). This study highlights the evolutionary trends of passing relationships from a network analysis perspective over twelve years, providing insights into the changing dynamics of team interactions and positional prominence in elite soccer.

Multifunctional Two-Dimensional Bi2Se3 nanodisks as a Non-Inflammatory photothermal agent for glioma treatment.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has gained widespread attention due to its significant advantages, such as noninvasiveness and ability to perform laser localization. However, PTT usually reaches temperatures exceeding 50 °C, which causes tumor coagulation necrosis and unfavorable inflammatory reactions, ultimately decreasing its efficacy. In this study, multifunctional two-dimensional Bi2Se3 nanodisks were synthesized as noninflammatory photothermal agents for glioma therapy. The Bi2Se3 nanodisks showed high photothermal stability and biocompatibility and no apparent toxicology. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the Bi2Se3 nanodisks effectively ablated gliomas at relatively low concentrations and inhibited tumor proliferation and migration. Moreover, the multienzymatic activity of the Bi2Se3 nanodisks inhibited the PTT-induced inflammatory response through their high ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Finally, the Bi2Se3 nanodisks demonstrated computed tomography capabilities for integrating diagnosis and treatment. These findings suggest that multifunctional Bi2Se3 nanodisk nanozymes can enable more effective cancer therapy and noninflammatory PTT.

Aloe-emodin from Sanhua Decoction inhibits neuroinflammation by regulating microglia polarization after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) triggers a cascade of events that lead to early brain injury (EBI), which contributes to poor outcomes and appears within 3 days after SAH initiation. EBI involves multiple process including neuronal death, blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury and inflammation response. Microglia are cluster of immune cells originating in the brain which respond to SAH by changing their states and releasing inflammatory molecules through various signaling pathways. M0, M1, M2 are three states of microglia represent resting state, promoting inflammation state, and anti-inflammation state respectively, which can be modulated by pharmacological strategies. AIM OF THE STUDY: After identified potential active ingredients and targets of Sanhua Decoction (SHD) for SAH, we selected aloe-emodin (AE) as a potential ingredient modulating microglia activation states. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molecular mechanisms, targets and pathways of SHD were reveal by network pharmacology technique. The effects of AE on SAH were evaluated in vivo by assessing neurological deficits, neuronal apoptosis and BBB integrity in a mouse SAH model. Furthermore, BV-2 cells were used to examine the effects of AE on microglial polarization. The influence of AE on microglia transformation was measured by Iba-1, TNF-α, CD68, Arg-1 and CD206 staining. The signal pathways of neuronal apoptosis and microglia polarization was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Network pharmacology identified potential active ingredients and targets of SHD for SAH. And AE is one of the active ingredients. We also confirmed that AE via NF-κB and PKA/CREB pathway inhibited the microglia activation and promoted transformation from M1 phenotype to M2 at EBI stage after SAH. CONCLUSIONS: AE, as one ingredient of SHD, can alleviate the inflammatory response and protecting neurons from SAH-induced injury. AE has potential value for treating SAH-induced nerve injury and is expected to be applied in clinical practice.

Edaravone dexborneol attenuates oxidative stress in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage via Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) serves as a disease characterized by high incidence rate, which is exceedingly prevalent and severe. Presently, there is no unambiguous or efficacious intervention for the neurological impairment following SAH. Administering multi-targeted neuroprotective agents to reduce oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation caused by early brain injury (EBI) has been demonstrated to improve neurological function and prognosis following SAH. Edaravone dexborneol (EDB), a novel multi targeted neuroprotective medication, combines four parts edaravone (EDA) with 1 part (+)-borneol in proportion. Clinical trials conducted in China have revealed during 2 days of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), early administration of EDB leads to improved therapeutic outcomes compared to treatment in EDA monotherapy. Currently, there is no clear evidence that EDB can effectively treat SAH, therefore, our study aims to investigate its potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms on EBI after SAH. Method: We used the intravascular threading method to establish a mouse model of SAH to explore whether EDA and EDB could produce anti-OS and anti-apoptosis effects. Behavioral assessment of mice was conducted using the balance beam experiment and the modified Garcia scoring system. Neuronal damage due to OS and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway were detected through techniques of immunofluorescence, Western blotting, spectrophotometry. The group of EDA and EDB were injected intraperitoneally for 72 h after SAH. Results: The experiment results indicated that EDB lead to remarkably positive results by significantly enhancing neurological function, reducing blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury, and effectively inhibiting neuronal apoptosis after SAH. Further examination indicated EDB significantly reduced the expression of Keap1 and increased the expression of Nrf2, and it inhibited MDA, and enhanced SOD activity after SAH. These outcomes surpassed the effectiveness observed in EDA monotherapy. However, the application of ML385 reversed the anti-OS effects of EDB and EDA. Conclusion: Our experimental findings indicated that EDB could activate Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to reduce OS damage, thereby protecting neurological function and enhancing behavioral abilities after SAH. These outcomes could facilitate the creation of new approaches for the clinical management of SAH.

Sustainable, super-stable thermochromic material by coupling hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a green thermochromic material in energy-saving buildings, anti-counterfeiting, and data security fields. However, the high lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of HPC, around 42 °C (higher than the human thermal comfort temperature), limits its thermochromic sensitivity, poor stability, and short lifespan. Herein, we developed a durable, high-performance cellulose-based thermochromic composite with a lower LCST and easy preparation capability by combining HPC with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). In such thermochromic cellulose, CMC constructs a hydrophilic skeleton to enable uniform dispersion of HPC, and functions as a stronger competitor to attract the water molecules compared to HPC, both of which trigger high thermochromic sensitivity and low LCST (just 32.5 °C) of our CMC/HPC. In addition, CMC/HPC shows superior stability, such as 100-day working capability and 60-time recyclability. This advancement marks a significant step forward in creating sustainable, efficient thermochromic materials, offering new opportunities for energy conservation in the building.

Exploring the impact of professional soccer substitute players on physical and technical performance.

BACKGROUND: Substitutions are generally used to promote the match performance of the whole team. This study aimed to analyze the performance of substitute players and explore the performance difference among substitute players, completed players, and replaced players across each position. METHODS: Chinese Super Soccer League (CSL) matches in the season 2018 including 5871 individual observation from 395 professional soccer players were analyzed by establishing linear mixed models to quantify the performance difference among substitute players (SP) (n = 1,071), entire match players (EMP) (n = 3,454), and replaced players (RP) (n = 1,346), and then separately for each position (central defenders, fullbacks, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and attackers). RESULTS: The results show SP display higher high intensity distance and sprint distance significantly (p < 0.05) relative to playing time than RP and EMP. SP in offensive positions (attackers, wide midfielders) showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) passing and organizing performance such as passes, ball control, short passes, and long passes than RP or EMP. The scoring performances of central midfielders of SP including goals, shots, and shots on target are significantly higher (p < 0.05) than RP or EMP. Central defenders of SP showed higher shot blocks and pass blocks (p < 0.05) while lower passing and organizing performance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Depending on different playing positions, substitute players could indeed improve physical and technical performance related to scoring, passing, and defending as offensive substitute players can boost organizing performance and substitute defenders enhance defending performance. These could help coaches better understand substitute players' influence on match performance and optimize the substitution tactic.

The molecular mechanism of γ-aminobutyric acid against AD: the role of CEBPα/circAPLP2/miR-671-5p in regulating CNTN1/2 expression.

The expression levels of the synaptic-related proteins contactin 1/2 (CNTN1/2) are down-regulated in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism has not been clarified. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered a biologically active ingredient in food. Our previous research revealed that GABA can regulate CEBPα expression in Aß-treated U251 cells. However, it is uncertain whether GABA can antagonize the pathogenesis of AD. Whether GABA can inhibit the reduction in CNTN1/2 expression by regulating CEBPα/circAPLP2/miR-671-5p in the AD brain remains unclear yet. Here, we demonstrate that GABA could attenuate the deposition of Aß in the brain and ameliorate cognitive impairments in AD model mice. The expressions of CEBPα, circAPLP2, and CNTN1/2 were decreased and that of miR-671-5p was increased in AD model mouse brains and Aß-induced SH-SY5Y cells. These alterations were partly reversed by GABA. The CNTN1/2 expression was down-regulated and up-regulated in SH-SY5Y cells treated with miR-671-5p mimics and miR-671-5p inhibitors, respectively. The results from the luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-671-5p could bind to the 3'-untranslated region of circAPLP2. The silencing of circAPLP2 with the siRNA duplex caused an up-regulation of miR-671-5p and a down-regulation of CNTN1/2 in SH-SY5Y cells. The silencing of CEBPα with the siRNA duplex caused a down-regulation of circAPLP2 or CNTN1/2 and an up-regulation of miR-671-5p. In conclusion, GABA may decrease the deposition of Aß in the brain, inhibit the down-regulation of CNTN1/2 expression, and ameliorate the cognitive deficits of AD model mice. The CEBPα/circAPLP2/miR-671-5p pathway plays a role in regulating CNTN1/2 expression by GABA in AD.

Chitosan-salvianolic acid B coating on the surface of nickel-titanium alloy inhibits proliferation of smooth muscle cells and promote endothelialization.

Introduction: Intracranial stents are of paramount importance in managing cerebrovascular disorders. Nevertheless, the currently employed drug-eluting stents, although effective in decreasing in-stent restenosis, might impede the re-endothelialization process within blood vessels, potentially leading to prolonged thrombosis development and restenosis over time. Methods: This study aims to construct a multifunctional bioactive coating to enhance the biocompatibility of the stents. Salvianolic acid B (SALB), a bioactive compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza, exhibits potential for improving cardiovascular health. We utilized dopamine as the base and adhered chitosan-coated SALB microspheres onto nickel-titanium alloy flat plates, resulting in a multifunctional drug coating. Results: By encapsulating SALB within chitosan, the release period of SALB was effectively prolonged, as evidenced by the in vitro drug release curve showing sustained release over 28 days. The interaction between the drug coating and blood was examined through experiments on water contact angle, clotting time, and protein adsorption. Cellular experiments showed that the drug coating stimulates the proliferation, adhesion, and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Discussion: These findings indicate its potential to promote re-endothelialization. In addition, the bioactive coating effectively suppressed smooth muscle cells proliferation, adhesion, and migration, potentially reducing the occurrence of neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis. These findings emphasize the exceptional biocompatibility of the newly developed bioactive coating and demonstrate its potential clinical application as an innovative strategy to improve stent therapy efficacy. Thus, this coating holds great promise for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease.

The influence of removing home advantage on the Chinese Football Super League.

BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season Chinese Super League (CSL) was held in neutral venues, this study aims to analyse the impact of removing home advantage (HA) in CSL. METHOD: 240 games of the CSL 2019 season (home and away double round-robin system) and 160 games of the 2020 season (in neutral venues) were analysed. 27 technical and tactical performance indicators were involved as dependent variables. A multiple linear regression model was established to analyse the influence of removing HA on the performance indicators. RESULTS: After moving from home stadium to neutral venue in 2020 season, goal, shot, shot on target, shot from outside box, shot from inside box, shot on target from inside box, corner kick, key pass, cross, breakthrough, tackle decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while yellow card and foul increased steeply (p < 0.05). Comparing with playing away match, in neutral venue, free kicks and pass accuracy enhanced radically (p < 0.05), while tackle, clearance and block shot dropped noticeably (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: When removing HA and playing in the neutral venue, teams' performance dropped significantly. This study confirmed the positive impact of HA on the teams' performance and may help elite football teams make proper playing strategies regarding different match locations.

Overcoming Basal Autophagy, Kangai Injection Enhances Cisplatin Cytotoxicity by Regulating FOXO3a-Dependent Autophagic Cell Death and Apoptosis in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549/DDP Cells.

Cisplatin resistance is one of the major obstacles in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Kangai injection (KAI), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been used in tumors as adjuvant treatment, but its exact antitumor mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we first demonstrated that cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells showed a higher level of basal autophagy in response to cisplatin treatment with increasing autophagic protein expression levels of Beclin 1, p62, and LC3 compared to cisplatin-sensitive A549/DDP cells; then, we assessed the antitumor effect of KAI in cisplatin-resistant lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells. Our results showed that KAI exhibited direct cytotoxic and chemosensitizing effects in A549/DDP cells. Combining KAI with cisplatin promoted A549/DDP cell apoptosis, which was confirmed by cell cycle arrest, condensed nuclear chromatin, annexin V fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V-FITC/PI) staining, and apoptosis-related protein expression. In addition, combining KAI with cisplatin induced autophagic cell death in A549/DDP cells with a high level of basal autophagy, as indicated by an increase in LC3 spot count, an accumulation of Beclin 1 and LC3 II, and reduced p62 protein expression. We also found that the apoptosis and autophagic cell death induced by cotreatment of KAI and cisplatin in A549/DDP cells were FOXO3a-dependent as indicated by decreased p-FOXO3a expression and increased FOXO3a nuclear localization, respectively. Furthermore, the FOXO3a gene knockdown assay further confirmed that KAI enhanced cisplatin cytotoxicity in A549/DDP cells with a high level of basal autophagy by inducing apoptosis and autophagic cell death in a FOXO3a-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the combination of KAI and cisplatin might support the potential clinical treatment as a novel strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance.

Clinical effectiveness of nimodipine for the prevention of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: In clinical practice, nimodipine is used to control cerebral vasospasm (CVS), which is one of the major causes of severe disability and mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, the exact efficacy of nimodipine use for patients with aSAH is still controversial due to the lack of sufficient and up-to-date evidence. Methods: In this meta-analysis, the latest databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and OVID-Medline were comprehensively searched for retrieving all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of nimodipine in patients with aSAH. The primary outcome was a poor outcome, and the secondary outcomes were mortality and cerebral vasospasm (CVS). After detailed statistical analysis of different outcome variables, further evidence quality evaluation and recommendation grade assessment were carried out. Results: Approximately 13 RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 1,727 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that a poor outcome was significantly reduced in the nimodipine group [RR, 0.69 (0.60-0.78); I2 = 29%]. Moreover, nimodipine also dramatically decreased the mortality [RR, 0.50 (0.32-0.78); I2 = 62%] and the incidence of CVS [RR, 0.68 (0.46-0.99); I2 = 57%]. Remarkably, we found a poor outcome and mortality were both significantly lower among patients with aSAH, with the mean age < 50 than that mean age ≥ 50 by subgroup analysis. Furthermore, the evidence grading of a poor outcome and its age subgroup in this study was assessed as high. Conclusion: Nimodipine can significantly reduce the incidence of a poor outcome, mortality, and CVS in patients with aSAH. Moreover, we strongly recommend that patients with aSAH, especially those younger than 50 years old, should use nimodipine as early as possible in order to achieve a better clinical outcome, whether oral medication or endovascular direct medication. Systematic review registration: www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd, identifier: CRD42022334619.

Lipocalin-2-Mediated Insufficient Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Remyelination for White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via SCL22A17 Receptor/Early Growth Response Protein 1 Signaling.

Insufficient remyelination due to impaired oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and maturation is strongly associated with irreversible white matter injury (WMI) and neurological deficits. We analyzed whole transcriptome expression to elucidate the potential role and underlying mechanism of action of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in OPC differentiation and WMI and identified the receptor SCL22A17 and downstream transcription factor early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) as the key signals contributing to LCN2-mediated insufficient OPC remyelination. In LCN-knockdown and OPC EGR1 conditional-knockout mice, we discovered enhanced OPC differentiation in developing and injured white matter (WM); consistent with this, the specific inactivation of LCN2/SCl22A17/EGR1 signaling promoted remyelination and neurological recovery in both atypical, acute WMI due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and typical, chronic WMI due to multiple sclerosis. This potentially represents a novel strategy to enhance differentiation and remyelination in patients with white matter injury.

Chicken Heat Shock Protein 70 Is an Essential Host Protein for Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Infection In Vitro.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection causes pathogenicity and mortality in chickens, leading to huge economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Studies of host-virus interaction can help us to better understand the viral pathogenicity. As a highly conservative host factor, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is observed to be involved in numerous viral infections. However, there is little information about the role of chicken Hsp70 (cHsp70) in IBDV infection. In the present study, the increased expression of cHsp70 was observed during IBDV-infected DF-1 cells. Further studies revealed that Hsp70 had similar locations with the viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and the result of pull-down assay showed the direct interaction between cHsp70 with dsRNA, viral proteins (vp)2 and 3, indicating that maybe cHsp70 participates in the formation of the replication and transcription complex. Furthermore, overexpression of cHsp70 promoted IBDV production and knockdown of cHsp70 using small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and reducedviral production, implying the necessity of cHsp70 in IBDV infection. These results reveal that cHsp70 is essential for IBDV infection in DF-1 cells, suggesting that targeting cHsp70 may be applied as an antiviral strategy.

Down-Regulating the Expression of miRNA-21 Inhibits the Glucose Metabolism of A549/DDP Cells and Promotes Cell Death Through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α Pathway.

miRNA-21 is a single-stranded non-coding RNA that is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells. It participates in tumor cell proliferation, metabolism, metastasis, and drug resistance. Here, we tested the potential mechanism of miRNA-21 in cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung cancer A549/DDP (human lung adenocarcinoma drug-resistant cell line) cells. A549 and A549/DDP RNAs were sequenced to show that miRNA-21 was highly expressed in the latter, and this was verified by qRT-PCR. In addition, we found that miRNA-21 combined with cisplatin can significantly inhibit glycolysis and glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme protein expression in A549/DDP cells. We also found that miRNA-21 combined with cisplatin can promote A549/DDP cell death. Further investigations showed that miRNA-21 combined with cisplatin caused excessive inactivation of the pI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway in cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells. Hence, reduction of the expression of miRNA-21 in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy may effectively improve the therapeutic effect on patients with non-small cell lung cancer, and this may provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of this disease.

MAP4K4 induces early blood-brain barrier damage in a murine subarachnoid hemorrhage model.

Sterile-20-like mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) is expressed in endothelial cells and activates inflammatory vascular damage. Endothelial cells are important components of the blood-brain barrier. To investigate whether MAP4K4 plays a role in the pathophysiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage, we evaluated the time-course expression of MAP4K4 after subarachnoid hemorrhage. A subarachnoid hemorrhage model was established using the intravascular perforation method. The model mice were assigned to four groups: MAP4K4 recombinant protein, scramble small interfering RNA, and MAP4K4 small interfering RNA were delivered by intracerebroventricular injection, while PF-06260933, a small-molecule inhibitor of MAP4K4, was administrated orally. Neurological score assessments, brain water assessments, Evans blue extravasation, immunofluorescence, western blot assay, and gelatin zymography were performed to analyze neurological outcomes and mechanisms of vascular damage. MAP4K4 expression was elevated in the cortex at 24 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and colocalized with endothelial markers. MAP4K4 recombinant protein aggravated neurological impairment, brain edema, and blood-brain barrier damage; upregulated the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-p65) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9); and degraded tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and claudin 5). Injection with MAP4K4 small interfering RNA reversed these effects. Furthermore, administration of the MAP4K4 inhibitor PF-06260933 reduced blood-brain barrier damage in mice, promoted the recovery of neurological function, and reduced p-p65 and MMP9 protein expression. Taken together, the results further illustrate that MAP4K4 causes early blood-brain barrier damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mechanism can be confirmed by inhibiting the MAP4K4/NF-κB/MMP9 pathway. All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (No. 2018002) on January 15, 2018.

Deferoxamine Counteracts Cisplatin Resistance in A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Increasing Vulnerability to Glutamine Deprivation-Induced Cell Death.

Glutamine, like glucose, is a major nutrient consumed by cancer cells, yet these cells undergo glutamine starvation in the cores of tumors, forcing them to evolve adaptive metabolic responses. Pharmacologically targeting glutamine metabolism or withdrawal has been exploited for therapeutic purposes, but does not always induce cancer cell death. The mechanism by which cancer cells adapt to resist glutamine starvation in cisplatin-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) also remains uncertain. Here, we report the potential metabolic vulnerabilities of A549/DDP (drug-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines) cells, which were more easily killed by the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) during glutamine deprivation than their parental cisplatin-sensitive A549 cells. We demonstrate that phenotype resistance to cisplatin is accompanied by adaptive responses during glutamine deprivation partly via higher levels of autophagic activity and apoptosis resistance characteristics. Moreover, this adaptation could be explained by sustained glucose instead of glutamine-dominant complex II-dependent oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Further investigation revealed that cisplatin-resistant cells sustain OXPHOS partly via iron metabolism reprogramming during glutamine deprivation. This reprogramming might be responsible for mitochondrial iron-sulfur [Fe-S] cluster biogenesis, which has become an "Achilles' heel," rendering cancer cells vulnerable to DFO-induced autophagic cell death and apoptosis through c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Finally, in vivo studies using xenograft mouse models also confirmed the growth-slowing effect of DFO. In summary, we have elucidated the adaptive responses of cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells, which balanced stability and plasticity to overcome metabolic reprogramming and permitted them to survive under stress induced by chemotherapy or glutamine starvation. In addition, for the first time, we show that suppressing the growth of cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells via iron chelator-induced autophagic cell death and apoptosis was possible with DFO treatment. These findings provide a solid basis for targeting mitochondria iron metabolism in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC for therapeutic purposes, and it is plausible to consider that DFO facilitates in the improvement of treatment responses in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC patients.