Genetically defined neuron types underlying visuomotor transformation in the superior colliculus.

The superior colliculus (SC) is a conserved midbrain structure that is important for transforming visual and other sensory information into motor actions. Decades of investigations in numerous species have made the SC and its nonmammalian homologue, the optic tectum, one of the best studied structures in the brain, with rich information now available regarding its anatomical organization, its extensive inputs and outputs and its important functions in many reflexive and cognitive behaviours. Excitingly, recent studies using modern genomic and physiological approaches have begun to reveal the diverse neuronal subtypes in the SC, as well as their unique functions in visuomotor transformation. Studies have also started to uncover how subtypes of SC neurons form intricate circuits to mediate visual processing and visually guided behaviours. Here, we review these recent discoveries on the cell types and neuronal circuits underlying visuomotor transformations mediated by the SC. We also highlight the important future directions made possible by these new developments.

Activation of MnO6 Units via an Interfacial Electric Field: Electron Injection into Mn t2g for Rapid and Stable Sodium Ion Storage in CeO2/MnOx.

Manganese-based oxides (MnOx) suffer from sluggish charge diffusion kinetics and poor cycling stability in sodium ion storage. Herein, an interfacial electric field (IEF) in CeO2/MnOx is constructed to obtain high electronic/ionic conductivity and structural stability of MnOx. The as-designed CeO2/MnOx exhibits a remarkable capacity of 397 F g-1 and favorable cyclic stability with 92.13% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles. Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy and partial density of states results reveal that the electrons are substantially injected into the Mn t2g orbitals driven by the formed IEF. Correspondingly, the MnO6 units in MnOx are effectively activated, endowing the CeO2/MnOx with fast charge transfer kinetics and high sodium ion storage capacity. Moreover, In situRaman verifies a remarkably increased structural stability of CeO2/MnOx, which is attributed to the enhanced Mn─O bond strength and efficiently stabilized MnO6 units. Mechanism studies show that the downshift of Mn 3d-band center dramatically increases the Mn 3d-O 2p orbitals overlap, thus inhibiting the Jahn-Teller (J-T) distortion of MnOx during sodium ion insertion/extraction. This work develops an advanced strategy to achieve both fast and sustainable sodium ion storage in metal oxides-based energy materials.

Mn─O Covalency as a Lever for Na⁺ Intercalation Kinetics: The Role of Oxygen Edge-Sharing Co Octahedral Sites in MnO2.

The strategic enhancement of manganese-oxygen (Mn─O) covalency is a promising approach to improve the intercalation kinetics of sodium ions (Na⁺) in manganese dioxide (MnO2). In this study, an augmenting Mn─O covalency in MnO2 by strategically incorporating cobalt at oxygen edge-sharing Co octahedral sites is focused on. Both experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal an increased electron polarization from oxygen to manganese, surpassing that directed toward cobalt, thereby facilitating enhanced electron transfer and strengthening covalency. The synthesized Co-MnO2 material exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance, demonstrating a superior specific capacitance of 388 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and maintaining 97.21% capacity retention after 12000 cycles. Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor constructed using Co-MnO2 achieved a high energy density of 35 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 1000 W kg-1, underscoring the efficacy of this material in practical applications. This work highlights the critical role of transition metal-oxygen interactions in optimizing electrode materials and introduces a robust approach to enhance the functional properties of manganese oxides, thereby advancing high-performance energy storage technologies.

TaNAC1 boosts powdery mildew resistance by phosphorylation-dependent regulation of TaSec1a and TaCAMTA4 via PP2Ac/CDPK20.

The integrity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) production is increasingly jeopardized by the fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), particularly amid the vicissitudes of climate change. Here, we delineated the role of a wheat transcription factor, TaNAC1, which precipitates cellular apoptosis and fortifies resistance against Bgt. Utilizing BiFC, co-immunoprecipitation, protein quantification, luciferase report assays, we determined that cytoplasmic TaNAC1-7A undergoes phosphorylation at the S184/S258 sites by TaCDPK20, facilitating its nuclear translocation. This migration appears to prime further phosphorylation by TaMPK1, thereby enhancing transcriptional regulatory activity. Notably, the apoptotic activity of phosphorylated TaNAC1-7A is negatively modulated by the nuclear protein phosphatase PP2Ac. Furthermore, activation of TaNAC1 phosphorylation initiates transcription of downstream genes TaSec1a and TaCAMTA4, through binding to the C[T/G]T[N7]A[A/C]G nucleic acid motif. Suppression of TaNAC1, TaCDPK20, and TaMPK1 in wheat compromises its resistance to Bgt strain E09, whereas overexpression of TaNAC1 and silencing of PP2Ac markedly elevate resistance levels. Our results reveal the pivotal role of TaNAC1 in basal resistance which is mediated by its effects on homotypic fusion, vacuolar protein sorting, and the expression of defense-related genes. The findings highlight the potential through targeting TaNAC1 and its regulators as a strategy for improving wheat's resistance to fungal pathogens.

Unlocking Spin Gates of Transition Metal Oxides via Strain Stimuli to Augment Potassium Ion Storage.

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are key in electrochemical energy storage, offering cost-effectiveness and a broad potential window. However, their full potential is limited by poor understanding of their slow reaction kinetics and stability issues. This study diverges from conventional complex nano-structuring, concentrating instead on spin-related charge transfer and orbital interactions to enhance the reaction dynamics and stability of TMOs during energy storage processes. We successfully reconfigured the orbital degeneracy and spin-dependent electronic occupancy by disrupting the symmetry of magnetic cobalt (Co) sites through straightforward strain stimuli. The key to this approach lies in the unfilled Co 3d shell, which serves as a spin-dependent regulator for carrier transfer and orbital interactions within the reaction. We observed that the opening of these 'spin gates' occurs during a transition from a symmetric low-spin state to an asymmetric high-spin state, resulting in enhanced reaction kinetics and maintained structural stability. Specifically, the spin-rearranged Al-Co3O4 exhibited a specific capacitance of 1371 F g-1, which is 38 % higher than that of unaltered Co3O4. These results not only shed light on the spin effects in magnetic TMOs but also establish a new paradigm for designing electrochemical energy storage materials with improved efficiency.

Quantum Spin Exchange Interactions Trigger O p Band Broadening for Enhanced Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Performance.

The pressing demand for large-scale energy storage solutions has propelled the development of advanced battery technologies, among which zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are prominent due to their resource abundance, high capacity, and safety in aqueous environments. However, the use of manganese oxide cathodes in ZIBs is challenged by their poor electrical conductivity and structural stability, stemming from the intrinsic properties of MnO2 and the destabilizing effects of ion intercalation. To overcome these limitations, our research delves into atomic-level engineering, emphasizing quantum spin exchange interactions (QSEI). These essential for modifying electronic characteristics, can significantly influence material efficiency and functionality. We demonstrate through density functional theory (DFT) calculations that enhanced QSEI in manganese oxides broadens the O p band, narrows the bandgap, and improves both proton adsorption and electron transport. Empirical evidence is provided through the synthesis of Ru-MnO2 nanosheets, which display a marked increase in energy storage capacity, achieving 314.4 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and maintaining high capacity after 2000 cycles. Our findings underscore the potential of QSEI to enhance the performance of TMO cathodes in ZIBs, pointing to new avenues for advancing battery technology.

Spin Symmetry Breaking-Induced Hubbard Gap Near-Closure in N-Coordinated MnO2 for Enhanced Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Performance.

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), however, their performance is hindered by a substantial Hubbard gap, which limits electron transfer and battery cyclability. Addressing this, we introduce a heteroatom coordination approach, using triethanolamine to induce axial N coordination on Mn centers in MnO2, yielding N-coordinated MnO2 (TEAMO). This approach leverages the change of electronegativity disparity between Mn and ligands (O and N) to disrupt spin symmetry and augment spin polarization. This enhancement leads to the closure of the Hubbard gap, primarily driven by the intensified occupancy of the Mn eg orbitals. The resultant TEAMO exhibit a significant increase in storage capacity, reaching 351 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1. Our findings suggest a viable strategy for optimizing the electronic structure of TMO cathodes, enhancing the potential of ZIBs in energy storage technology.

High Flux and Stability of Cationic Intercalation in Transition-Metal Oxides: Unleashing the Potential of Mn t2g Orbital via Enhanced π-Donation.

Transition-metal oxides (TMOs) often struggle with challenges related to low electronic conductivity and unsatisfactory cyclic stability toward cationic intercalation. In this work, we tackle these issues by exploring an innovative strategy: leveraging heightened π-donation to activate the t2g orbital, thereby enhancing both electron/ion conductivity and structural stability of TMOs. We engineered Ni-doped layered manganese dioxide (Ni-MnO2), which is characterized by a distinctive Ni-O-Mn bridging configuration. Remarkably, Ni-MnO2 presents an impressive capacitance of 317 F g-1 and exhibits a robust cyclic stability, maintaining 81.58% of its original capacity even after 20,000 cycles. Mechanism investigations reveal that the incorporation of Ni-O-Mn configurations stimulates a heightened π-donation effect, which is beneficial to the π-type orbital hybridization involving the O 2p and the t2g orbital of Mn, thereby accelerating charge-transfer kinetics and activating the redox capacity of the t2g orbital. Additionally, the charge redistribution from Ni to the t2g orbital of Mn effectively elevates the low-energy orbital level of Mn, thus mitigating the undesirable Jahn-Teller distortion. This results in a subsequent decrease in the electron occupancy of the π*-antibonding orbital, which promotes an overall enhancement in structural stability. Our findings pave the way for an innovative paradigm in the development of fast and stable electrode materials for intercalation energy storage by activating the low orbitals of the TM center from a molecular orbital perspective.

The prognostic value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in patients with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) can serve as a prognostic marker in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Chinese and English databases were searched to retrieve the included literature. The pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the bivariate model. Moreover, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were calculated using the random effect model. RESULTS: Nine articles comprising 3224 patients with sepsis were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled SEN was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.80), the pooled SPE was 0.78 (95% CI 0.69-0.84), the pooled PLR was 3.29 (95% CI 2.15-5.03), the pooled NLR was 0.35 (95% CI 0.24-0.49), and the pooled DOR was 9.50 (95% CI 4.38-20.59). The AUC under the SROC was 0.82 (95% CI 0.78-0.85) for the prognostic meta-analysis. The pooled HR was 1.10 (95% CI 1.02-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that a high CAR level is associated with increased mortality and a poor prognosis.

An alternative splicing isoform of wheat TaYRG1 resistance protein activates immunity by interacting with dynamin-related proteins.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a commercially important crop and its production is seriously threatened by the fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici West (Pst). Resistance (R) genes are critical factors that facilitate plant immune responses. Here, we report a wheat R gene NB-ARC-LRR ortholog, TaYRG1, that is associated with distinct alternative splicing events in wheat infected by Pst. The native splice variant, TaYRG1.6, encodes internal-motif-deleted polypeptides with the same N- and C-termini as TaYRG1.1, resulting in gain of function. Transient expression of protein variants in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that the NB and ARC domains, and TaYRG1.6 (half LRR domain), stimulate robust elicitor-independent cell death based on a signal peptide, although the activity was negatively modulated by the CC and complete LRR domains. Furthermore, molecular genetic analyses indicated that TaYRG1.6 enhanced resistance to Pst in wheat. Moreover, we provide multiple lines of evidence that TaYRG1.6 interacts with a dynamin-related protein, TaDrp1. Proteome profiling suggested that the TaYRG1.6-TaDrp1-DNM complex in the membrane trafficking systems may trigger cell death by mobilizing lipid and kinase signaling in the endocytosis pathway. Our findings reveal a unique mechanism by which TaYRG1 activates cell death and enhances disease resistance by reconfiguring protein structure through alternative splicing.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Cyclin Gene Family in Brassica rapa.

Cyclins are involved in cell division and proliferation by activating enzymes required for the cell cycle progression. Our genome-wide analysis identified 76 cyclin genes in Brassica rapa, which were divided into nine different types (A-, B-, C-, D-, H-, L-, P-, T-, and SDS-type). Cyclin genes were unevenly scattered on all chromosomes, with a maximum of 10 on A08 and a minimum of 2 on A04. The gene structure and conserved motif analysis showed that the cyclins which belonged to the same type or subgroup have a comparable intron/exon pattern or motif. A total of 14 collinear gene pairs suggested that the B. rapa cyclin genes experienced a mass of segmental duplication. The Ka/Ks analysis revealed that the Brcyclin gene family has undergone an extensive purifying pressure. By analyzing the cis-elements in the promoters, we identified 11 cis-elements and five of them are related to the hormone response. We observed 48 potential miRNAs targeting 44 Brcyclin genes, which highlighted the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of cyclin genes. An association analysis between the leaf size and SNPs in mutants and a transcriptome analysis of two Chinese cabbage-cabbage translocation lines also showed that the Brcyclin gene family was involved in the development of the leaves. The functional characterization of the B. rapa cyclin gene family will provide the foundation for future physiological and genetic studies in the regulation of leaf growth.

Sorghum breeding in the genomic era: opportunities and challenges.

KEY MESSAGE: The importance and potential of the multi-purpose crop sorghum in global food security have not yet been fully exploited, and the integration of the state-of-art genomics and high-throughput technologies into breeding practice is required. Sorghum, a historically vital staple food source and currently the fifth most important major cereal, is emerging as a crop with diverse end-uses as food, feed, fuel and forage and a model for functional genetics and genomics of tropical grasses. Rapid development in high-throughput experimental and data processing technologies has significantly speeded up sorghum genomic researches in the past few years. The genomes of three sorghum lines are available, thousands of genetic stocks accessible and various genetic populations, including NAM, MAGIC, and mutagenised populations released. Functional and comparative genomics have elucidated key genetic loci and genes controlling agronomical and adaptive traits. However, the knowledge gained has far away from being translated into real breeding practices. We argue that the way forward is to take a genome-based approach for tailored designing of sorghum as a multi-functional crop combining excellent agricultural traits for various end uses. In this review, we update the new concepts and innovation systems in crop breeding and summarise recent advances in sorghum genomic researches, especially the genome-wide dissection of variations in genes and alleles for agronomically important traits. Future directions and opportunities for sorghum breeding are highlighted to stimulate discussion amongst sorghum academic and industrial communities.

The analgesic efficacy compared ultrasound-guided continuous transverse abdominis plane block with epidural analgesia following abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: This review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block compared with epidural analgesia (EA) in adults after abdominal surgery. METHODS: The databases PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register were searched from inception to June 2019 for all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the analgesic efficacy of continuous TAP block compared with EA after abdominal surgery. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) were estimates for continuous variables with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data. The pre-specified primary outcome was the dynamic pain scores 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Eight trials including 453 patients (TAP block:224 patients; EA: 229 patients) ultimately met the inclusion criteria and seven trials were included in the meta-analysis. Dynamic pain scores after 24 h were equivalent between TAP block and EA groups (WMD:0.44; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.99; I2 = 91%; p = 0.11). The analysis showed a significant difference between the subgroups according to regularly administering (4 trials; WMD:-0.11; 95% CI: - 0.32 to 0.09; I2 = 0%; p = 0.28) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or not (3 trials; WMD:1.02; 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.96; I2 = 94%; p = 0.03) for adjuvant analgesics postoperatively. The measured time of the urinary catheter removal in the TAP group was significantly shorter (3 trials, WMD:-18.95, 95% CI:-25.22 to - 12.71; I2 = 0%; p < 0.01), as was time to first ambulation postoperatively (4 trials, WMD:-6.61, 95% CI: - 13.03 to - 0.19; I2 = 67%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous TAP block, combined with NSAIDs, can provide non-inferior dynamic analgesia efficacy compared with EA in postoperative pain management after abdominal surgery. In addition, continuous TAP block is associated with fewer postoperative side effects.

In-Plane Highly Dispersed Cu2O Nanoparticles for Seeded Lithium Deposition.

Uncontrollable dendrite growth is one of the major problems that hinders the application of lithium (Li) metal anode in rechargeable Li batteries. Achieving uniform Li deposition is the key to tackle this intractable problem. Herein, we report the highly dispersed Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) in situ anchored on partially reduced graphene oxide via a low-temperature pyrolysis process could serve as seeds for the Li metal deposition. The lithiophilic nature of Cu2O NPs reduces the overpotential of Li nucleation and relieves the electrode polarization, enabling uniform Li nucleation and smooth plating, thus effectively eliminating dendritic and dead Li. As a result, the resulted Li metal electrodes deliver a high Coulombic efficiency of 95.6% after 140 cycles at a current density of 2 mA cm-2 and a prolonged lifespan (800 h at 1 mA cm-2) for the symmetrical cell.

Identification of novel interactors and potential phosphorylation substrates of GsSnRK1 from wild soybean (Glycine soja).

The plant sucrose nonfermenting kinase 1 (SnRK1) kinases play the central roles in the processes of energy balance, hormone perception, stress resistance, metabolism, growth, and development. However, the functions of these kinases are still elusive. In this study, we used GsSnRK1 of wild soybean as bait to perform library-scale screens by the means of yeast two-hybrid to identify its interacting proteins. The putative interactions were verified by yeast retransformation and ß-galactosidase assays, and the selected interactions were further confirmed in planta by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and biochemical Co-IP assays. Protein phosphorylation analyses were carried out by phos-tag assay and anti-phospho-(Ser/Thr) substrate antibodies. Finally, we obtained 24 GsSnRK1 interactors and several putative substrates that can be categorized into SnRK1 regulatory ß subunit, protein modification, biotic and abiotic stress-related, hormone perception and signalling, gene expression regulation, water and nitrogen transport, metabolism, and unknown proteins. Intriguingly, we first discovered that GsSnRK1 interacted with and phosphorylated the components of soybean nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The interactions and potential functions of GsSnRK1 and its associated proteins were extensively discussed and analysed. This work provides plausible clues to elucidate the novel functions of SnRK1 in response to variable environmental, metabolic, and physiological requirements.

Facile Transfer of Reverse Micelles from the Organic to the Aqueous Phase for Mimicking Enzyme Catalysis and Imaging-Guided Cancer Therapy.

Reverse micelles (RMs) with confined water pools have been applied in many fields. However, the water insolubility of RMs seriously limits the scope of their application, especially those needed to operate in aqueous environments. Here, we report the first successful transfer of RMs from the organic phase to water phase without disturbing their confined water pools and hydrophobic alkyl region. This transfer was achieved by virtue of a mild host-guest interaction between the hydrophobic tails of interfacial cross-linked reverse micelles (ICRMs) and the hydrophobic cavity of (2-hydroxypropyl)-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD). Benefitting from the maintained confined water pools and the hydrophobic scaffold, the obtained water-soluble ICRMs served as multifunctional nanoplatforms for enzyme-mimicking catalysis and image-guided cancer therapy, which were impossible for normal RMs lacking water solubility or confined pool-buried water-soluble nanoparticles without a hydrophobic alkyl chain. This mild transfer approach thus surmounts the application obstacle of RMs and opens up new avenues for their application in aqueous environments.

Successful treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy with transvaginal injection of absolute ethanol around the gestation sac via ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the curative effect and complications in cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) patients treated with a transvaginal injection of absolute ethanol (AE) around the gestation sac (GS) under ultrasound guidance. METHODS: This retrospective clinical investigation analyzed 26 CSP patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University in Guilin, Guangxi, China, between January 1, 2018 and January 30, 2019. Outcomes and complications were analyzed following treatment with AE. RESULTS: Out of the entire group, 20 patients were successfully treated with a single AE injection, while the remaining six patients required two or three repeat injections. In 21 patients, the serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) level was reduced to > 50% 1 day after a single AE injection; in 19 patients, the serum ß-hCG level was reduced to > 80% 4 days after a single AE injection. In all patients, the average time for serum ß-hCG to reduce to normal levels (< 3.0 mIU/mL) was 36.50 ± 12.54 days. The overall cure rate of CSP by AE injection was 100%. Average length of hospitalization was 6.73 ± 3.66 days, with Patient 2 having the longest hospitalization at 17 days, and Patient 3 the shortest at 2 days. No adverse effects on hematopoietic, hepatic or renal function were observed in the short term. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that transvaginal injection of AE around the gestation sac under ultrasound guidance had good clinical effects, fewer complications, and merit as a novel treatment for CSP. However, larger multi-center trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.

Can corticosteroids reduce the mortality of patients with severe sepsis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effects of corticosteroids on clinical outcomes of patients with sepsis remains controversial. We aimed to further determine the effectiveness of corticosteroids in reducing mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis by comparison with placebo. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) as well as the Information Sciences Institute (ISI) Web of Science were searched for all controlled studies that compared corticosteroids and placebo in adult patients with severe sepsis. The primary outcome was the mortality 28-day mortality and the secondary outcomes were mortality at longest follow up, occurrence, and reoccurrence of septic shock. RESULTS: A total of 19 trials involving 7035 patients were pooled in our final analyses. No significant heterogeneity was found in any of the outcome measures. Compared with placebo, corticosteroids were associated with a lower 28-day mortality (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98, Z = 2.57, P = 0.01) both in patients having sepsis and in those who developed septic shock (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, Z = 2.19, P = 0.03), while no significant difference was found in mortality with the longest follow up in patients either having sepsis (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-1.00, Z = 1.93, P = 0.05), or occurrence (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.56-1.24, Z = 0.90, P = 0.37) or reoccurrence of septic shock (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16, Z = 1.89, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroids were effective in reducing the 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and in those with septic shock.

Ferroelectric switching of elastin.

Ferroelectricity has long been speculated to have important biological functions, although its very existence in biology has never been firmly established. Here, we present compelling evidence that elastin, the key ECM protein found in connective tissues, is ferroelectric, and we elucidate the molecular mechanism of its switching. Nanoscale piezoresponse force microscopy and macroscopic pyroelectric measurements both show that elastin retains ferroelectricity at 473 K, with polarization on the order of 1 µC/cm(2), whereas coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations predict similar polarization with a Curie temperature of 580 K, which is higher than most synthetic molecular ferroelectrics. The polarization of elastin is found to be intrinsic in tropoelastin at the monomer level, analogous to the unit cell level polarization in classical perovskite ferroelectrics, and it switches via thermally activated cooperative rotation of dipoles. Our study sheds light onto a long-standing question on ferroelectric switching in biology and establishes ferroelectricity as an important biophysical property of proteins. This is a critical first step toward resolving its physiological significance and pathological implications.