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1.
Cell ; 186(4): 850-863.e16, 2023 02 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36803605

ABSTRACT

It is unknown whether pangolins, the most trafficked mammals, play a role in the zoonotic transmission of bat coronaviruses. We report the circulation of a novel MERS-like coronavirus in Malayan pangolins, named Manis javanica HKU4-related coronavirus (MjHKU4r-CoV). Among 86 animals, four tested positive by pan-CoV PCR, and seven tested seropositive (11 and 12.8%). Four nearly identical (99.9%) genome sequences were obtained, and one virus was isolated (MjHKU4r-CoV-1). This virus utilizes human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (hDPP4) as a receptor and host proteases for cell infection, which is enhanced by a furin cleavage site that is absent in all known bat HKU4r-CoVs. The MjHKU4r-CoV-1 spike shows higher binding affinity for hDPP4, and MjHKU4r-CoV-1 has a wider host range than bat HKU4-CoV. MjHKU4r-CoV-1 is infectious and pathogenic in human airways and intestinal organs and in hDPP4-transgenic mice. Our study highlights the importance of pangolins as reservoir hosts of coronaviruses poised for human disease emergence.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , Coronavirus , Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 , Pangolins , Animals , Humans , Mice , Chiroptera , Coronavirus Infections/veterinary , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/genetics , Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/metabolism , Endopeptidases/metabolism , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/genetics , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/metabolism , Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism , Receptors, Virus/metabolism , Virus Internalization , Coronavirus/physiology
2.
Nat Immunol ; 19(3): 279-290, 2018 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29434353

ABSTRACT

Deletion of master regulators of the B cell lineage reprograms B cells into T cells. Here we found that the transcription factor Hoxb5, which is expressed in uncommitted hematopoietic progenitor cells but is not present in cells committed to the B cell or T cell lineage, was able to reprogram pro-pre-B cells into functional early T cell lineage progenitors. This reprogramming started in the bone marrow and was completed in the thymus and gave rise to T lymphocytes with transcriptomes, hierarchical differentiation, tissue distribution and immunological functions that closely resembled those of their natural counterparts. Hoxb5 repressed B cell 'master genes', activated regulators of T cells and regulated crucial chromatin modifiers in pro-pre-B cells and ultimately drove the B cell fate-to-T cell fate conversion. Our results provide a de novo paradigm for the generation of functional T cells through reprogramming in vivo.


Subject(s)
B-Lymphocytes/cytology , Cell Lineage/immunology , Cellular Reprogramming/immunology , Homeodomain Proteins/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/cytology , Animals , Cell Differentiation , Cell Lineage/genetics , Cellular Reprogramming/genetics , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred NOD , Mice, SCID , Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid/cytology
3.
Nat Immunol ; 19(9): 1036, 2018 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29915300

ABSTRACT

In the version of this article initially published, some identification of the supplementary information was incorrect. The items originally called Supplementary Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 should be Source Data Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, respectively; those originally called Supplementary Tables 6, 7 and 8 should be Supplementary Tables 1, 2 and 3, respectively; and those originally called Source Data Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 should be Supplementary Tables 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively. The errors have been corrected in the HTML version of the article.

4.
Nature ; 629(8012): 597-602, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38658762

ABSTRACT

Hydroformylation is an industrial process for the production of aldehydes from alkenes1,2. Regioselective hydroformylation of propene to high-value n-butanal is particularly important, owing to a wide range of bulk applications of n-butanal in the manufacture of various necessities in human daily life3. Supported rhodium (Rh) hydroformylation catalysts, which often excel in catalyst recyclability, ease of separation and adaptability for continuous-flow processes, have been greatly exploited4. Nonetheless, they usually consist of rotationally flexible and sterically unconstrained Rh hydride dicarbonyl centres, only affording limited regioselectivity to n-butanal5-8. Here we show that proper encapsulation of Rh species comprising Rh(I)-gem-dicarbonyl centres within a MEL zeolite framework allows the breaking of the above model. The optimized catalyst exhibits more than 99% regioselectivity to n-butanal and more than 99% selectivity to aldehydes at a product formation turnover frequency (TOF) of 6,500 h-1, surpassing the performance of all heterogeneous and most homogeneous catalysts developed so far. Our comprehensive studies show that the zeolite framework can act as a scaffold to steer the reaction pathway of the intermediates confined in the space between the zeolite framework and Rh centres towards the exclusive formation of n-butanal.

5.
Mol Cell ; 82(17): 3166-3177.e5, 2022 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35905736

ABSTRACT

Rifampicin (RIF), the frontline drug against M. tuberculosis, is completely ineffective against M. abscessus, partially due to the presence of an ADP-ribosyltransferase (Arr) that inactivates RIF. Using RNA-seq, we show that exposure of M. abscessus to sublethal doses of RIF and Rifabutin (RBT), a close analog of RIF, results in an ∼25-fold upregulation of Mab_helR in laboratory and clinical isolates. An isogenic deletion in Mab_helR results in RIF/RBT hypersensitivity, and overexpression of Mab_helR confers RIF tolerance in M. tuberculosis. We demonstrate an increased HelR-RNAP association in RIF-exposed bacteria and a MabHelR-mediated dissociation of RNAP from stalled initiation complexes in vitro. Finally, we show that the tip of the PCh-loop of Mab_helR, present in proximity to RIF, is critical for conferring RIF resistance but dispensable for dissociation of stalled RNAP complexes, suggesting that HelR-mediated RIF resistance requires a step in addition to displacement of RIF-stalled RNAP.


Subject(s)
Mycobacterium abscessus , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Rifamycins , Tuberculosis , DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics , Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics , Humans , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics , Rifabutin/pharmacology , Rifampin/pharmacology , Rifamycins/pharmacology , Tuberculosis/microbiology
6.
Nat Immunol ; 17(5): 495-504, 2016 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27019227

ABSTRACT

Aberrant nucleic acids generated during viral replication are the main trigger for antiviral immunity, and mutations that disrupt nucleic acid metabolism can lead to autoinflammatory disorders. Here we investigated the etiology of X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder (XLPDR), a primary immunodeficiency with autoinflammatory features. We discovered that XLPDR is caused by an intronic mutation that disrupts the expression of POLA1, which encodes the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase-α. Unexpectedly, POLA1 deficiency resulted in increased production of type I interferons. This enzyme is necessary for the synthesis of RNA:DNA primers during DNA replication and, strikingly, we found that POLA1 is also required for the synthesis of cytosolic RNA:DNA, which directly modulates interferon activation. Together this work identifies POLA1 as a critical regulator of the type I interferon response.


Subject(s)
DNA Polymerase I/metabolism , DNA/biosynthesis , Interferon Type I/metabolism , RNA/biosynthesis , Base Sequence , Cells, Cultured , Cytosol/metabolism , DNA/genetics , DNA Polymerase I/genetics , Family Health , Female , Fibroblasts/cytology , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/metabolism , HEK293 Cells , HeLa Cells , Humans , Immunoblotting , Male , Microscopy, Confocal , Mutation , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Pedigree , Pigmentation Disorders/genetics , Pigmentation Disorders/metabolism , RNA/genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
7.
Nature ; 601(7891): 118-124, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34912121

ABSTRACT

The skin serves as a physical barrier and an immunological interface that protects the body from the external environment1-3. Aberrant activation of immune cells can induce common skin autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, which are often characterized by bilateral symmetric lesions in certain anatomic regions of the body4-6. Understanding what orchestrates the activities of cutaneous immune cells at an organ level is necessary for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here we identify subsets of dermal fibroblasts that are responsible for driving patterned autoimmune activity, by using a robust mouse model of vitiligo that is based on the activation of endogenous auto-reactive CD8+ T cells that target epidermal melanocytes. Using a combination of single-cell analysis of skin samples from patients with vitiligo, cell-type-specific genetic knockouts and engraftment experiments, we find that among multiple interferon-γ (IFNγ)-responsive cell types in vitiligo-affected skin, dermal fibroblasts are uniquely required to recruit and activate CD8+ cytotoxic T cells through secreted chemokines. Anatomically distinct human dermal fibroblasts exhibit intrinsic differences in the expression of chemokines in response to IFNγ. In mouse models of vitiligo, regional IFNγ-resistant fibroblasts determine the autoimmune pattern of depigmentation in the skin. Our study identifies anatomically distinct fibroblasts with permissive or repressive IFNγ responses as the key determinant of body-level patterns of lesions in vitiligo, and highlights mesenchymal subpopulations as therapeutic targets for treating autoimmune diseases.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Autoimmune Diseases/pathology , Fibroblasts/immunology , Skin/immunology , Skin/pathology , Vitiligo/immunology , Vitiligo/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Chemokine CXCL10/immunology , Chemokine CXCL9/immunology , Child , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Fibroblasts/pathology , Humans , Interferon-gamma/immunology , Male , Melanocytes/immunology , Melanocytes/pathology , Mice , Middle Aged , Paracrine Communication , RNA-Seq , Single-Cell Analysis , Stromal Cells/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology , Young Adult
8.
Plant Cell ; 36(5): 1868-1891, 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38299382

ABSTRACT

Carotenoids are essential for photosynthesis and photoprotection. Plants must evolve multifaceted regulatory mechanisms to control carotenoid biosynthesis. However, the regulatory mechanisms and the regulators conserved among plant species remain elusive. Phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyzes the highly regulated step of carotenogenesis and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) acts as a hub to interact with GGPP-utilizing enzymes for the synthesis of specific downstream isoprenoids. Here, we report a function of Nudix hydrolase 23 (NUDX23), a Nudix domain-containing protein, in post-translational regulation of PSY and GGPPS for carotenoid biosynthesis. NUDX23 expresses highly in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. Overexpression of NUDX23 significantly increases PSY and GGPPS protein levels and carotenoid production, whereas knockout of NUDX23 dramatically reduces their abundances and carotenoid accumulation in Arabidopsis. NUDX23 regulates carotenoid biosynthesis via direct interactions with PSY and GGPPS in chloroplasts, which enhances PSY and GGPPS protein stability in a large PSY-GGPPS enzyme complex. NUDX23 was found to co-migrate with PSY and GGPPS proteins and to be required for the enzyme complex assembly. Our findings uncover a regulatory mechanism underlying carotenoid biosynthesis in plants and offer promising genetic tools for developing carotenoid-enriched food crops.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis Proteins , Arabidopsis , Carotenoids , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Carotenoids/metabolism , Arabidopsis/genetics , Arabidopsis/metabolism , Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism , Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics , Nudix Hydrolases , Chloroplasts/metabolism , Geranylgeranyl-Diphosphate Geranylgeranyltransferase/metabolism , Geranylgeranyl-Diphosphate Geranylgeranyltransferase/genetics , Farnesyltranstransferase/metabolism , Farnesyltranstransferase/genetics , Pyrophosphatases/metabolism , Pyrophosphatases/genetics , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , Plants, Genetically Modified , Plant Leaves/metabolism , Plant Leaves/genetics
9.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 121(18): e2400200121, 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38662550

ABSTRACT

Traditional metallic glasses (MGs), based on one or two principal elements, are notoriously known for their lack of tensile ductility at room temperature. Here, we developed a multiprincipal element MG (MPEMG), which exhibits a gigapascal yield strength, significant strain hardening that almost doubles its yield strength, and 2% uniform tensile ductility at room temperature. These remarkable properties stem from the heterogeneous amorphous structure of our MPEMG, which is composed of atoms with significant size mismatch but similar atomic fractions. In sharp contrast to traditional MGs, shear banding in our glass triggers local elemental segregation and subsequent ordering, which transforms shear softening to hardening, hence resulting in shear-band self-halting and extensive plastic flows. Our findings reveal a promising pathway to design stronger, more ductile glasses that can be applied in a wide range of technological fields.

10.
PLoS Pathog ; 20(1): e1011918, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38241414

ABSTRACT

Bacterial persister cells, a sub-population of dormant phenotypic variants highly tolerant to antibiotics, present a significant challenge for infection control. Investigating the mechanisms of antibiotic persistence is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Here, we found a significant association between tolerance frequency and previous infection history in bovine mastitis. Previous S. aureus infection led to S. aureus tolerance to killing by rifampicin in subsequent infection in vivo and in vitro. Actually, the activation of trained immunity contributed to rifampicin persistence of S. aureus in secondary infection, where it reduced the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment and increased disease severity. Mechanically, we found that S. aureus persistence was mediated by the accumulation of fumarate provoked by trained immunity. Combination therapy with metformin and rifampicin promoted eradication of persisters and improved the severity of recurrent S. aureus infection. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the relationship between trained immunity and S. aureus persistence, while providing proof of concept that trained immunity is a therapeutic target in recurrent bacterial infections involving persistent pathogens.


Subject(s)
Staphylococcal Infections , Staphylococcus aureus , Animals , Female , Cattle , Staphylococcus aureus/physiology , Rifampin/pharmacology , Rifampin/therapeutic use , Trained Immunity , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy , Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology , Bacteria
11.
Chem Rev ; 124(6): 3608-3643, 2024 Mar 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38498933

ABSTRACT

The rapid advancement of intelligent manufacturing technology has enabled electronic equipment to achieve synergistic design and programmable optimization through computer-aided engineering. Three-dimensional (3D) printing, with the unique characteristics of near-net-shape forming and mold-free fabrication, serves as an effective medium for the materialization of digital designs into usable devices. This methodology is particularly applicable to gas sensors, where performance can be collaboratively optimized by the tailored design of each internal module including composition, microstructure, and architecture. Meanwhile, diverse 3D printing technologies can realize modularized fabrication according to the application requirements. The integration of artificial intelligence software systems further facilitates the output of precise and dependable signals. Simultaneously, the self-learning capabilities of the system also promote programmable optimization for the hardware, fostering continuous improvement of gas sensors for dynamic environments. This review investigates the latest studies on 3D-printed gas sensor devices and relevant components, elucidating the technical features and advantages of different 3D printing processes. A general testing framework for the performance evaluation of customized gas sensors is proposed. Additionally, it highlights the superiority and challenges of programmable and modularized gas sensors, providing a comprehensive reference for material adjustments, structure design, and process modifications for advanced gas sensor devices.

12.
PLoS Genet ; 19(12): e1011060, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38055757

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium abscessus is intrinsically resistant to antibiotics effective against other pathogenic mycobacteria largely due to the drug-induced expression of genes that confer resistance. WhiB7 is a major hub controlling the induction of resistance to ribosome-targeting antibiotics. It activates the expression of >100 genes, 7 of which are known determinants of drug resistance; the function of most genes within the regulon is however unknown, but some conceivably encode additional mechanisms of resistance. Furthermore, the hierarchy of gene expression within the regulon, if any, is poorly understood. In the present work we have identified 56 WhiB7 binding sites using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (CHIP-Seq) which accounts for the WhiB7-dependent upregulation of 72 genes, and find that M. abscessus WhiB7 functions exclusively as a transcriptional activator at promoters recognized by σA/σB. We have investigated the role of 18 WhiB7 regulated genes in drug resistance. Our results suggest that while some genes within the regulon (eg. erm41, hflX, eis2 and the ABCFs) play a major role in resistance, others make smaller contributions (eg. MAB_4324c and MAB_1409c) and the observed hypersensitivity ΔMabwhiB7 is a cumulative effect of these individual contributions. Moreover, our CHIP-Seq data implicate additional roles of WhiB7 induced genes beyond antibiotic resistance. Finally, we identify a σH-dependent network in aminoglycoside and tigecycline resistance which is induced upon drug exposure and is further activated by WhiB7 demonstrating the existence of a crosstalk between components of the WhiB7-dependent and -independent circuits.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Mycobacterium abscessus , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Mycobacterium abscessus/genetics , Mycobacterium abscessus/metabolism , Tigecycline/pharmacology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
13.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(25): e2301439120, 2023 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37307482

ABSTRACT

Catalysts with a refined electronic structure are highly desirable for promoting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and reduce the charge overpotentials for lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries. However, bridging the orbital interactions inside the catalyst with external orbital coupling between catalysts and intermediates for reinforcing OER catalytic activities remains a grand challenge. Herein, we report a cascaded orbital-oriented hybridization, namely alloying hybridization in intermetallic Pd3Pb followed by intermolecular orbital hybridization between low-energy Pd atom and reaction intermediates, for greatly enhancing the OER electrocatalytic activity in Li-O2 battery. The oriented orbital hybridization in two axes between Pb and Pd first lowers the d band energy level of Pd atoms in the intermetallic Pd3Pb; during the charging process, the low-lying 4dxz/yz and 4dz2 orbital of the Pd further hybridizes with 2π* and 5σ orbitals of lithium superoxide (LiO2) (key reaction intermediate), eventually leading to lower energy levels of antibonding and, thus, weakened orbital interaction toward LiO2. As a consequence, the cascaded orbital-oriented hybridization in intermetallic Pd3Pb considerably decreases the activation energy and accelerates the OER kinetics. The Pd3Pb-based Li-O2 batteries exhibit a low OER overpotential of 0.45 V and superior cycle stability of 175 cycles at a fixed capacity of 1,000 mAh g-1, which is among the best in the reported catalysts. The present work opens up a way for designing sophisticated Li-O2 batteries at the orbital level.

14.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(21): e2220315120, 2023 05 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37186847

ABSTRACT

The unsatisfactory catalytic activity of nanozymes owing to their inefficient electron transfer (ET) is the major challenge in biomimetic catalysis-related biomedical applications. Inspired by the photoelectron transfers in natural photoenzymes, we herein report a photonanozyme of single-atom Ru anchored on metal-organic frameworks (UiO-67-Ru) for achieving photoenhanced peroxidase (POD)-like activity. We demonstrate that the atomically dispersed Ru sites can realize high photoelectric conversion efficiency, superior POD-like activity (7.0-fold photoactivity enhancement relative to that of UiO-67), and good catalytic specificity. Both in situ experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that photoelectrons follow the cofactor-mediated ET process of enzymes to promote the production of active intermediates and the release of products, demonstrating more favorable thermodynamics and kinetics in H2O2 reduction. Taking advantage of the unique interaction of the Zr-O-P bond, we establish a UiO-67-Ru-based immunoassay platform for the photoenhanced detection of organophosphorus pesticides.


Subject(s)
Hydrogen Peroxide , Pesticides , Biomimetics , Organophosphorus Compounds , Oxidation-Reduction , Catalysis
15.
J Virol ; 98(4): e0013924, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38501663

ABSTRACT

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a novel porcine enteric coronavirus, and the broad interspecies infection of SADS-CoV poses a potential threat to human health. This study provides experimental evidence to dissect the roles of distinct domains within the SADS-CoV spike S1 subunit in cellular entry. Specifically, we expressed the S1 and its subdomains, S1A and S1B. Cell binding and invasion inhibition assays revealed a preference for the S1B subdomain in binding to the receptors on the cell surface, and this unknown receptor is not utilized by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Nanoparticle display demonstrated hemagglutination of erythrocytes from pigs, humans, and mice, linking the S1A subdomain to the binding of sialic acid (Sia) involved in virus attachment. We successfully rescued GFP-labeled SADS-CoV (rSADS-GFP) from a recombinant cDNA clone to track viral infection. Antisera raised against S1, S1A, or S1B contained highly potent neutralizing antibodies, with anti-S1B showing better efficiency in neutralizing rSADS-GFP infection compared to anti-S1A. Furthermore, depletion of heparan sulfate (HS) by heparinase treatment or pre-incubation of rSADS-GFP with HS or constituent monosaccharides could inhibit SADS-CoV entry. Finally, we demonstrated that active furin cleavage of S glycoprotein and the presence of type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) are essential for SADS-CoV infection. These combined observations suggest that the wide cell tropism of SADS-CoV may be related to the distribution of Sia or HS on the cell surface, whereas the S1B contains the main protein receptor binding site. Specific host proteases also play important roles in facilitating SADS-CoV entry.IMPORTANCESwine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a novel pathogen infecting piglet, and its unique genetic evolution characteristics and broad species tropism suggest the potential for cross-species transmission. The virus enters cells through its spike (S) glycoprotein. In this study, we identify the receptor binding domain on the C-terminal part of the S1 subunit (S1B) of SADS-CoV, whereas the sugar-binding domain located at the S1 N-terminal part of S1 (S1A). Sialic acid, heparan sulfate, and specific host proteases play essential roles in viral attachment and entry. The dissection of SADS-CoV S1 subunit's functional domains and identification of cellular entry cofactors will help to explore the receptors used by SADS-CoV, which may contribute to exploring the mechanisms behind cross-species transmission and host tropism.


Subject(s)
Alphacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Animals , Humans , Mice , Alphacoronavirus/chemistry , Alphacoronavirus/physiology , Coronavirus Infections/veterinary , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Heparitin Sulfate , N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism , Peptide Hydrolases , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Swine
16.
Nat Mater ; 23(1): 52-57, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38052935

ABSTRACT

Although metallic nanostructures have been attracting tremendous research interest in nanoscience and nanotechnologies, it is known that environmental attacks, such as surface oxidation, can easily initiate cracking on the surface of metals, thus deteriorating their overall functional/structural properties1-3. In sharp contrast, here we report that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to ~14% at room temperature, which outperform bulk metallic glasses, metallic glass nanowires and many other superelastic metals hitherto reported. Through in situ experiments and atomistic simulations, we reveal that the physical mechanisms underpinning the observed superelasticity can be attributed to the formation of a percolating oxide network in metallic glass nanotubes, which not only restricts atomic-scale plastic events during loading but also leads to the recovery of elastic rigidity on unloading. Our discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimensional metallic glasses can result in unique properties for applications in nanodevices.

17.
Hum Genomics ; 18(1): 60, 2024 Jun 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38858783

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have revealed a significant association between impaired kidney function and certain mental disorders, particularly bipolar disorder (BIP) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the evidence regarding shared genetics and causality is limited due to residual confounding and reverse causation. METHODS: In this study, we conducted a large-scale genome-wide cross-trait association study to investigate the genetic overlap between 5 kidney function biomarkers (eGFRcrea, eGFRcys, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum urate, and UACR) and 2 mental disorders (MDD, BIP). Summary-level data of European ancestry were extracted from UK Biobank, Chronic Kidney Disease Genetics Consortium, and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. RESULTS: Using LD score regression, we found moderate but significant genetic correlations between kidney function biomarker traits on BIP and MDD. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 1 to 19 independent significant loci that were found shared among 10 pairs of 5 kidney function biomarkers traits and 2 mental disorders. Among them, 3 novel genes: SUFU, IBSP, and PTPRJ, were also identified in transcriptome-wide association study analysis (TWAS), most of which were observed in the nervous and digestive systems (FDR < 0.05). Pathway analysis showed the immune system could play a role between kidney function biomarkers and mental disorders. Bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis suggested a potential causal relationship of kidney function biomarkers on BIP and MDD. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the study demonstrated that both BIP and MDD shared genetic architecture with kidney function biomarkers, providing new insights into their genetic architectures and suggesting that larger GWASs are warranted.


Subject(s)
Bipolar Disorder , Depressive Disorder, Major , Genome-Wide Association Study , Humans , Depressive Disorder, Major/genetics , Depressive Disorder, Major/pathology , Bipolar Disorder/genetics , Bipolar Disorder/pathology , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics , Kidney/physiopathology , Kidney/pathology , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Biomarkers/blood , Glomerular Filtration Rate/genetics , Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics , Uric Acid/blood
18.
Nat Chem Biol ; 19(1): 81-90, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36302896

ABSTRACT

The TRPV3 channel plays vital roles in skin physiology. Dysfunction of TRPV3 causes skin diseases, including Olmsted syndrome. However, the lack of potent and selective inhibitors impedes the validation of TRPV3 as a therapeutic target. In this study, we identified Trpvicin as a potent and subtype-selective inhibitor of TRPV3. Trpvicin exhibits pharmacological potential in the inhibition of itch and hair loss in mouse models. Cryogenic electron microscopy structures of TRPV3 and the pathogenic G573S mutant complexed with Trpvicin reveal detailed ligand-binding sites, suggesting that Trpvicin inhibits the TRPV3 channel by stabilizing it in a closed state. Our G573S mutant structures demonstrate that the mutation causes a dilated pore, generating constitutive opening activity. Trpvicin accesses additional binding sites inside the central cavity of the G573S mutant to remodel the channel symmetry and block the channel. Together, our results provide mechanistic insights into the inhibition of TRPV3 by Trpvicin and support TRPV3-related drug development.


Subject(s)
TRPV Cation Channels , Mice , Animals , TRPV Cation Channels/genetics , TRPV Cation Channels/chemistry , Mutation , Binding Sites
19.
FASEB J ; 38(13): e23766, 2024 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38967214

ABSTRACT

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota may account for pathobiology in simple fatty liver (SFL), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrotic progression, and transformation to MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASH-HCC). The aim of the present study is to investigate gut dysbiosis in this progression. Fecal microbial rRNA-16S sequencing, absolute quantification, histopathologic, and biochemical tests were performed in mice fed high fat/calorie diet plus high fructose and glucose in drinking water (HFCD-HF/G) or control diet (CD) for 2, 16 weeks, or 14 months. Histopathologic examination verified an early stage of SFL, MASH, fibrotic, or MASH-HCC progression with disturbance of lipid metabolism, liver injury, and impaired gut mucosal barrier as indicated by loss of occludin in ileum mucosa. Gut dysbiosis occurred as early as 2 weeks with reduced α diversity, expansion of Kineothrix, Lactococcus, Akkermansia; and shrinkage in Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, etc., at a genus level. Dysbiosis was found as early as MAHS initiation, and was much more profound through the MASH-fibrotic and oncogenic progression. Moreover, the expansion of specific species, such as Lactobacillus johnsonii and Kineothrix alysoides, was confirmed by an optimized method for absolute quantification. Dynamic alterations of gut microbiota were characterized in three stages of early SFL, MASH, and its HCC transformation. The findings suggest that the extent of dysbiosis was accompanied with MASH progression and its transformation to HCC, and the shrinking or emerging of specific microbial species may account at least in part for pathologic, metabolic, and immunologic alterations in fibrogenic progression and malignant transition in the liver.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Dysbiosis , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Liver Neoplasms , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Animals , Mice , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology , Liver Neoplasms/metabolism , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/microbiology , Liver Neoplasms/etiology , Dysbiosis/microbiology , Male , Fatty Liver/metabolism , Fatty Liver/pathology , Fatty Liver/microbiology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Disease Models, Animal , Disease Progression , Lipid Metabolism , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology
20.
J Immunol ; 211(5): 885-894, 2023 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37486211

ABSTRACT

IFN-γ is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a controversial role in regulatory T cell (Treg) activity. In this study, we sought to understand how IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) signaling affects donor Tregs following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT), a potentially curative therapy for leukemia. We show that IFN-γR signaling inhibits Treg expansion and conversion of conventional T cells (Tcons) to peripheral Tregs in both mice and humans. Mice receiving IFN-γR-deficient allo-HCT showed markedly reduced graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects, a trend associated with increased frequencies of Tregs, compared with recipients of wild-type allo-HCT. In mice receiving Treg-depleted allo-HCT, IFN-γR deficiency-induced peripheral Treg conversion was effective in preventing persistent GVHD while minimally affecting GVL effects. Thus, impairing IFN-γR signaling in Tcons may offer a promising strategy for achieving GVL effects without refractory GVHD. Similarly, in a human PBMC-induced xenogeneic GVHD model, significant inhibition of GVHD and an increase in donor Tregs were observed in mice cotransferred with human CD4 T cells that were deleted of IFN-γR1 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, providing proof-of-concept support for using IFN-γR-deficient T cells in clinical allo-HCT.


Subject(s)
Graft vs Host Disease , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Leukemia , Mice , Humans , Animals , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory , Transplantation, Homologous , Leukocytes, Mononuclear , Mice, Knockout
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