Novel mutation in EFEMP1 identified from two Chinese POAG families differentially activated endoplasmic reticulum stress markers and induced glaucoma in mouse.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified two independent families diagnosed as POAG from the China with a novel EFEMP1 variant (Exon3, c.175A>C p.Met59Leu); Three previously reported variants c.1160G>A p.R387Q, c.1189T>C p.Y397H, and c.1429C>T p.R477C in EFEPM1 from 55 sporadic POAG individuals were also identified. The variant c.175A>C p.Met59Leu co-segregated with the disease phenotype within the families. Immunoprecipitation and western blot assays showed that all three EFEMP1 mutants (p.Met59Leu, pArg140Trp, pArg345Trp) increased intracellular protein aggregations, and pMet59Leu and pArg140Arg also enhanced their extracellular proteins secretion, compared to WT in HEK293T. The differential regulations to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers ATF4, GPR78/94, and CHOP, and differential phosphorylation activations to CREB at Ser133, AKT at Ser473, p44/42 at Thr202/Tyr204, and STAT3 at Tyr705, were also detected among the mutants and WT. Finally, we revealed a significant increment of intraocular pressure and obvious reduction of RGC cells at the sixth week following intravitreal injection of adenovirus 5 (Ad5) expressing in pMet59Leu compared to WT and GFP controls. Together, variant c.175A>C p.Met59Leu in EFEMP1 is pathogenic and different mutants in EFEMP1 triggered distinct signaling pathways, explaining the reason of mutation-dependent disease phenotypes of EFEMP1.

NDUFV1 attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by improving mitochondrial homeostasis.

Impaired mitochondrial function and dysregulated energy metabolism have been shown to be involved in the pathological progression of kidney diseases such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and diabetic nephropathy. Hence, improving mitochondrial function is a promising strategy for treating renal dysfunction. NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit V1 (NDUFV1) is an important subunit of mitochondrial complex I. In the present study, we found that NDUFV1 was reduced in kidneys of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) mice. Meanwhile, renal I/R induced kidney dysfunction as evidenced by increases in BUN and serum creatinine, severe injury of proximal renal tubules, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. All these detrimental outcomes were attenuated by increased expression of NDUFV1 in kidneys. Moreover, knockdown of Ndufv1 aggravated cell insults induced by H2 O2 in TCMK-1 cells, which further confirmed the renoprotective roles of NDUFV1. Mechanistically, NDUFV1 improved the integrity and function of mitochondria, leading to reduced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Overall, our data indicate that NDUFV1 has an ability to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis in AKI, suggesting therapies by targeting mitochondria are useful approaches for dealing with mitochondrial dysfunction associated renal diseases such as AKI.

Identification of two variants in PAX3 and FBN1 in a Chinese family with Waardenburg and Marfan syndrome via whole exome sequencing.

Both Warrensburg (WS) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) can impair the vision. Here, we recruited a Chinese family consisting of two WS affected individuals (II:1 and III:3) and five MFS affected individuals( I:1, II:2, III:1, III:2, and III:5) as well as one suspected MFS individual (II:4). Using whole exome sequencing (WES) and subsequent PCR-Sanger sequencing, we identified one novel heterozygous variant NM_000438 (PAX3) c.208 T > C, (p.Cys70Arg) from individuals with WS and one previous reported variant NM_000138 (FBN1) c.2740 T > A, (p.Cys914Ser) from individuals with MFS and co-segregated with the diseases. Real-time PCR and Western blot assay showed that, compared to their wild-type, both mRNAs and proteins of  PAX3 and FBN1 mutants reduced in HKE293T cells. Together, our study identified two disease-causing variants in a same Chinese family with WS and MFS, and confirmed their damaged effects on their genes' expression. Therefore, those findings expand the mutation spectrum of PAX3 and provide a new perspective for the potential therapy.

Longitudinal in vivo evaluation of retinal ganglion cell complex layer and dendrites in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), induced by the immunization of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), is related to human MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Neuroinflammation and demyelination of the optic nerve can lead to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and axonal damage in MOGAD. Here, we aimed to evaluate the structural changes in RGCs longitudinally by in vivo imaging in mice with RGCs expressing yellow fluorescent protein along the course of EAE. Successful induction of EAE was confirmed by the neurological function scores and histology analyses. The changes in the thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) layer and RGC survival and dendrites were monitored longitudinally along the course of EAE. Before the onset of EAE, there were no significant changes in the number and morphology of RGCs and the thickness of the GCC layer as compared to the mice without EAE induction. After the onset of EAE, the thickness of the GCC layer and the RGC number and dendritic network all gradually decreased along the course of EAE. Notably, dendritic shrinkage could be detected earlier than the thinning of the GCC layer. In summary, this study delineated the longitudinal profile of RGC structural changes in EAE mice, providing an assessment platform for monitoring outcomes of RGC treatments.

PRPF31 interacts with PRPH2 confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization.

Both PRPF31 and PRPH2 are the causative genes for retinitis pigmentosa. And both of them are associated with the balance of rhodopsin. In this study, we aim to investigate the co-expression and interaction of PRPF31 and PRPH2. We used PRPF31-eGFP, PRPF31-3xFlag and PRPH2-mCherry vectors were transfected into HEK293T and APRE-19 cells. Immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used for gene expression validation and protein interaction. Immunofluorescence staining assay was used to test the co-localization analysis of PRPF31 and PRPH2. Co-IP experiments showed that PRPF31 could be pulled down with an anti-PRPH2 antibody. There was co-localization between PRPF31 and PRPH2 in HEK293T, APRE-19 and mouse retina. The Co-IP and co-localization experiments suggest that PRPF31 interacted with PRPH2.

Phase Transition and Band Gap Regulation by Halogen Substituents on the Organic Cation in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Semiconductors.

In the last decade, hybrid materials have received widespread attention. In particular, hybrid lead halide perovskite-type semiconductors are very attractive owing to their great flexibility in band gap engineering. Here, by using precise molecular modifications, three one-dimensional perovskite-type semiconductor materials are designed and obtained: [Me3 PCH2 X][PbBr3 ] (X=H, F, and Cl for compounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The introduction of a heavier halogen atom (F or Cl) to [Me4 P]+ increases the potential energy barrier required for the tumbling motion of the cation, hence achieving the transformation of the phase transition temperature from low temperature (192 K) to room temperature (285 K) and high temperature (402.3 K). Moreover, the optical band gaps reveal a broadening trend with 3.176 eV, 3.215 eV, and 3.376 eV along the H→F→Cl series, which is attributed to the formation of the structural distortion.

Phosphonium-Based One-Dimensional Perovskite with Switchable Dielectric Behaviors and Phase Transitions.

The one-dimensional (1D) ABX3-type perovskite [(CH3)3PCH2F]CdCl2Br (1) has been obtained on the basis of the design of an organic-inorganic hybrid. Strikingly, it experiences sequential phase transitions at around 295 and 336 K, respectively. Given the noticeable steplike dielectric anomalies in the vicinity of 295 K, 1 is identified as a promising dielectric-switchable material. According to the single-crystal structure analysis, the order-to-disorder transformation of the [(CH3)3PCH2F]+ cation is the main reason for the phase transitions and the change of space group from the orthorhombic Pnma (No. 62) to the hexagonal P63/m (No. 176). This design of a perovskite structure will inspire more advances in the ever-growing field of switchable functional materials.

Dopamine D4 receptor protected against hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction via PI3K /eNOS pathway.

Hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction is generally believed to be the basis of diabetic vascular complications. Dopamine receptors is known to play an important protective role in diabetes. However, the protective effect of dopamine receptors against hyperglycemia-induced endothelial damage in diabetic rats is still unknown. In the present study, we established a cell model of hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction by treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with high glucose. MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays results showed that high glucose treatment significantly reduced the cell viability and down-regulated dopamine D4 receptor. Pre-treatment with PD168077, a specific D4 receptor agonist, greatly improved endothelial cell viability and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) eliminated the protective effect of D4 receptor against endothelial injury. More importantly, the expression level of D4 receptor was also dramatically down-regulated in the arterial endothelium of rats with streptozotocin-(STZ)-induced diabetes, and the STZ-induced impairment of acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was reversed by activation of D4 receptor. In conclusion, our results indicated that dopamine D4 receptor protected against hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction via the PI3K/eNOS pathway, which may provide a novel strategy in the treatment of diabetes.

Whole exome sequencing reveals novel EYS mutations in Chinese patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa.

Purpose: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) belongs to a group of inherited retinal diseases with high genetic heterogeneity. This study aimed at identifying the disease-causing variants in patients with autosomal recessive RP. Methods: Three RP families with autosomal recessive inheritance and 139 sporadic RP patients were included. Complete ophthalmic examinations were conducted in all the study subjects. DNA samples were extracted from patients' peripheral blood for whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis. Direct Sanger sequencing was conducted for validating the identified mutations and cosegregation pattern in the RP families. Results: One novel (c.7492G>C:p.Ala2498Pro and c.8422C>T:p.Ala2808Thr) and one reported (c.8012T>A:p.Leu2671X and 6416G>A:p.Cys2139Tyr) pair of compound heterozygous mutations, as well as one reported compound homozygous mutation (c.6416G>A:p.Cys2139Tyr/c.8012T>A:p.Leu2671X), were identified in the EYS gene from three families with autosomal recessive RP. All the mutations were cosegregated with the RP phenotype in the RP families. For the sporadic RP patients, seven novel and seven reported EYS variants were identified in 19 patients, including two novel frameshift (c.8301dupT:p.Asp2767fs and c.9437_9440del:p.Glu3146fs), three novel missense (c.8297G>C:p.Gly2766Ala, c.9052T>C:p.Trp3018Arg, and c.8907T>G:p.Cys2969Trp), and one nonsense (c.490C>T:p.Arg164X) variants. All the novel mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Most of the variants were located at the C-terminus of the EYS protein. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that all detected variants were damaging or possibly damaging. Conclusions: This study identified eight novel EYS variants and expanded the spectrum of EYS mutations in Chinese RP patients.

Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor (Anti-PLA2R) Antibody in Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: A Single-Center Observational Study in China.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to observe the concentration of serum anti-PLA2R antibody in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients and analyze its relationship with clinical and laboratory parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS We treated 72 patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy diagnosed by renal biopsy; all these patients who presented nephrotic syndrome were enrolled for investigation, and then underwent combination therapy with prednisone and cyclosporine A for 6 months. We collected data on 24-h total proteinuria (TUpro), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), and serum albumin (Alb) levels before and after immunosuppressive treatment. Serum anti-PLA2R antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Fifty-six out of 72 IMN patients presented positive serum anti-PLA2R antibody. The titer of anti-PLA2R antibody was significantly correlated with both TUpro and serum Alb levels of pre- and post-therapeutic values in IMN (P<0.05), but did not have a relationship with Ccr (P>0.05). In comparison with the anti-PLA2R antibody-negative group, there were significantly higher TUpro and lower Alb levels in the anti-PLA2R antibody-positive group (P<0.05). However, Ccr was comparatively lower in the anti-PLA2R antibody-positive group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There were 24 patients with negative anti-PLA2R antibody and 14 patients had complete remission in the positive anti-PLA2R antibody group, while anti-PLA2R antibody of all 14 patients became negative. Eight out of 16 patients without anti-PLA2R antibody went into complete remission. CONCLUSIONS Serum anti-PLA2R antibody, as determined by non-invasive technique, is a specific biomarker for diagnosis of IMN. Our results suggest that serum anti-PLA2R antibody has great potential to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment, as well as prognosis determination, in IMN patients.

[Screening of serum susceptibility biomarkers in patients with mild liver function abnormalities based on non-targeted metabolomics].

In the present study,non-targeted metabolomics technique was used to screen potentially susceptibility biomarkers in patients with mild liver function abnormalities during long-term use of Chinese herbal compound. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,we collected 7 cases of patients with abnormal liver function during the period of complete taking Chinese herbal medicine( 60 days),and 18 cases of patients with normal liver function in re-examination from the reproductive medicine center in our hospital. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-Q-TOF/MS~E) technique combined with Progenesis QI software was used to analyze the differential biomarkers in serum of patients with wild liver function abnormalities and normal liver function. 11 potential biomarkers such as bilirubin,pantothenic acid,hippuric acid,sphingomyelin,palmitic acid,and oleic acid were tentatively identified. Metabolic disorders in patients with herbal-induced mild liver abnormality were mainly related to two pathways: pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism. It could provide a reference for the early warning of mild liver function abnormalities of patients that may be caused by long-term use of Chinese medicine compound in clinical application,and will lay a foundation for further understanding the endogenous substance changes in different levels of liver injury.

Profiling and characterization of microRNAs responding to sodium butyrate treatment in A549 cells.

Butyrate inhibits growth of lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. Here we profiled miRNAs that responded to sodium butyrate(NaB) stimulation in A549 cells, a non-small cell lung cancer cell line, using microarray. We found 33 up-regulated microRNAs and 22 down-regulated microRNAs (log2 ≥1.5 folds, P-value <0.05). The expression of miR-3935, miR-574-3p, and miR-494-3p was confirmed by realtime qPCR. Then,we explored their potential targets of miR-3935 and miR-494-3p using long noncoding RNA(LncRNA) microarray. Using cell expressing negative microRNA as control, we found 103 up-regulated transcripts (including 69 mRNA and 34 LncRNA), and 36 down-regulated transcripts (including 34 mRNAs and 2 LncRNA), in miR-3935 over-expressing A549 cells; 128 up-regulated transcripts (121 mRNAs, 7 LncRNAs) and 180 down-regulated transcripts (169 mRNAs, 11 LncRNAs) in mir-494-3p, respectively (log2 Fold change ≥ 1 & P < 0.05). The expression of RNF115, NTRK3, SLC39A6, and USB1 was confirmed with qPCR. Immunoblotting was adopted to detect RNF115 expression in miR-3935 overexpressed A549 cells. Then, using a luciferase reporter assay system, we found that miR-3935 overexpression significantly decreased 3UTR of RNF115 mediated luciferase expression .In addition, we also observed that the proliferation and migration of A549 cells was obviously prevented by miR-3935 overexpression. Finally, we showed miR-3935 and miR-494-3p induced interferon stimulated gene 15(ISG15) expression through activating its promoter transcription. Together, we profiled microRNAs that responded to NaB treatment and characterized their biological functions in A549 cells. Those results provided new clue for the future treatment of non small cell lung cancer.

The distribution and partitioning of trace metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) and metalloid (As) in the Beijiang River.

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As varied quite differently in the water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediment along the middle reach of the Beijiang River in southern China. The total concentrations of trace metals and As in the water column were significantly affected by the concentration of SPM, while the metals and As in the sediment were mainly influenced by fine particle component, OM and Fe/Mn/Al. The partitioning coefficient of trace metals and As in the water column generally appeared in the following order: Pb > Cd > Cu > Zn > As. Accordingly, approximately 67.9% of Pb migrated with SPM in the river because of its higher particle reactivity, while the SPM-bound Cu, Zn, and As were approximately 43.4, 37.3, and 26.7%, respectively. The fractions of Cd in the dissolved and particulate phases were almost the same. Sediment resuspension and deposition in the Beijiang River were considered as important factors controlling the concentrations of dissolved Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As in the bottom of the water column.

High-performance oxygen reduction catalyst derived from porous, nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets.

A facile, self-foaming strategy is reported to synthesize porous, nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (N-CNSs) as a metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Benefiting from the synergistic functions of N-induced active sites, a highly specific surface area and continuous structure, the optimal N-CNS catalyst exhibits Pt-like ORR activity (positive onset potential of ∼0 V versus Ag/AgCl and limiting current density of 5 mA cm(-2)) through a four-electron transfer process in alkaline media with excellent cycle stability and methanol tolerance. This work not only provides a promising metal-free ORR catalyst but also opens up a new path for designing carbon-based materials towards broad applications.

Liquid Metal Memory.

Storage systems are vital components of electronic devices, while significant challenges persist in achieving flexible memory due to the limitations of existing storage methodologies. Inspired by the polarization and depolarization mechanisms in the human brain, here a novel class of storage principles is proposed and achieve a fully flexible memory through introducing the oxidation and deoxidation behaviors of liquid metals. Specifically, reversible electrochemical oxidation is utilized to modulate the overall conductivity of the target liquid metals, creating a substantial 11-order resistance difference for binary data storage. To obtain the best storage performance, systematic optimizations of multiple parameters are conducted. Conceptual experiments demonstrate the memory's stability under extreme deformations (100% stretching, 180° bending, 360° twisting). Further tests reveal that the memory performs better when its unit size gets smaller, warranting superior integrability. Finally, a complete storage system achieves remarkable performance metrics, including rapid storage speed (>33 Hz), long data retention capacity (>43200 s), and stable repeatable operation (>3500 cycles). This groundbreaking method not only overcomes the inherent rigidity limitations of existing electronic storage units but also opens new possibilities for innovating neuromorphic devices, offering fundamental and practical avenues for future applications in soft robotics, wearable electronics, and bio-inspired artificial intelligence systems.

Magnetic and injectable Fe-doped liquid metals for controlled movement and photothermal/electromagnetic therapy.

As a multifunctional material, gallium-based liquid metal (LM) mixtures with metal particles dispersed in the LM environment display many excellent and intriguing properties. In this study, biomaterials were prepared by mixing Fe particles with LM for easily manageable photothermal or electromagnetic therapy and evaluated. Clinically, the fabricated 5%Fe/LM sample was injectable and radiopaque, which allowed its smooth delivery through a syringe to the target tissues, where it could help achieve clear imaging under CT. Meanwhile, because of the loading of Fe particles, the 5%Fe/LM possessed a magnetic property, implying a high manipulation capability. According to the experiments, the capsule containing 5%Fe/LM when placed in an isolated pig large intestine could move as desired to the designated position through an external magnet. Further, the biosafety and low toxicity of the 5%Fe/LM were confirmed by cytotoxicity tests in vitro, and the temperature changes at the interface between the 5%Fe/LM and intestinal tissue after near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation were determined through theoretical modeling and numerical simulation data analysis. Due to the excellent photothermal and magnetothermal effects of LM, the temperature of the 5%Fe/LM injected into the rabbit abdominal cavity could significantly increase under NIR laser or alternating magnetic field (AMF) administration. As a novel functional biomaterial, the 5%Fe/LM exhibited promising potential for designated position movement and photothermal or magnetothermal therapy in the near future.

Disentangling sources and transformation mechanisms of nitrogen, sulfate, and carbon in water of a Karst Critical Zone.

In the Karst Critical Zone (KCZ), mining and urbanization activities produce multiple pollutants, posing a threat to the vital groundwater and surface water resources essential for drinking and irrigation. Despite their importance, the interactions between these pollutants in the intricate hydrology and land use of the KCZ remain poorly understood. In this study, we unraveled the transformation mechanisms and sources of nitrogen, sulfate, and carbon using multiple isotopes and the MixSIAR model, following hydrology and surface analyses conducted in spatial modelling with ArcGIS. Our results revealed frequent exchange between groundwater and surface water, as evidenced by the analysis of δD-H2O and δ18O-H2O. Nitrification predominantly occurred in surface water, although denitrification also made a minor contribution. Inorganic nitrogen in both groundwater and surface water primarily originated from soil nitrogen (48 % and 49 %, respectively). Sewage and manure were secondary sources of inorganic nitrogen in surface water, accounting for 41 % in urban and 38 % in mining areas. Notably, inorganic sulfur oxidation displayed significant spatial disparities between urban and mining areas, rendering groundwater more susceptible to sulfur pollution compared to surface water. The frequent interchange between groundwater and surface water posed a higher pollution risk to groundwater. Furthermore, the primary sources of CO2 and HCO3- in both groundwater and surface water were water­carbonate reactions and soil respiration. Sulfide oxidation was found to enhance carbonate dissolution, leading to increased CO2 release from carbonate dissolution in the KCZ. These findings enhance our understanding of the transformation mechanisms and interactions of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in groundwater and surface water. This knowledge is invaluable for accurately controlling and treating water pollution in the KCZ.

Shuxuening Injection Inhibits Apoptosis and Reduces Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats through PI3K/AKT Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the main components and potential mechanism of Shuxuening Injection (SXNI) in the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) through network pharmacology and in vivo research. METHODS: The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and PharmMapper databases were used to extract and evaluate the effective components of Ginkgo biloba leaves, the main component of SXNI. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and GeneCards databases were searched for disease targets and obtain the drug target and disease target intersections. The active ingredient-target network was built using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. The STRING database, Metascape online platform, and R language were used to obtain the key targets and signaling pathways of the anti-MIRI effects of SXNI. In order to verify the therapeutic effect of different concentrations of SXNI on MIRI in rats, 60 rats were first divided into 5 groups according to random number table method: the sham operation group, the model group, SXNI low-dose (3.68 mg/kg), medium-dose (7.35 mg/kg), and high-dose (14.7 mg/kg) groups, with 12 rats in each group. Then, another 60 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the sham operation group, the model group, SXNI group (14.7 mg/kg), SXNI+LY294002 group, and LY294002 group, with 12 rats in each group. The drug was then administered intraperitoneally at body weight for 14 days. The main biological processes were validated using in vivo testing. Evans blue/triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) double staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of SXNI in MIRI rats. RESULTS: Eleven core targets and 30 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were selected. Among these, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) pathway was closely related to SXNI treatment of MIRI. In vivo experiments showed that SXNI reduced the myocardial infarction area in the model group, improved rat heart pathological damage, and reduced the cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate (all P<0.01). After SXNI treatment, the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios as well as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein expression in cardiomyocytes were increased, while the Bax and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression levels were decreased (all P<0.05). LY294002 partially reversed the protective effect of SXNI on MIRI. CONCLUSION: SXNI protects against MIRI by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Multi-stimulus perception and visualization by an intelligent liquid metal-elastomer architecture.

Multi-stimulus responsive soft materials with integrated functionalities are elementary blocks for building soft intelligent systems, but their rational design remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate an intelligent soft architecture sensitized by magnetized liquid metal droplets that are dispersed in a highly stretchable elastomer network. The supercooled liquid metal droplets serve as microscopic latent heat reservoirs, and their controllable solidification releases localized thermal energy/information flows for enabling programmable visualization and display. This allows the perception of a variety of information-encoded contact (mechanical pressing, stretching, and torsion) and noncontact (magnetic field) stimuli as well as the visualization of dynamic phase transition and stress evolution processes, via thermal and/or thermochromic imaging. The liquid metal-elastomer architecture offers a generic platform for designing soft intelligent sensing, display, and information encryption systems.

Dysfunction of duplicated pair rice histone acetyltransferases causes segregation distortion and an interspecific reproductive barrier.

Postzygotic reproductive isolation, which results in the irreversible divergence of species, is commonly accompanied by hybrid sterility, necrosis/weakness, or lethality in the F1 or other offspring generations. Here we show that the loss of function of HWS1 and HWS2, a couple of duplicated paralogs, together confer complete interspecific incompatibility between Asian and African rice. Both of these non-Mendelian determinants encode the putative Esa1-associated factor 6 (EAF6) protein, which functions as a characteristic subunit of the histone H4 acetyltransferase complex regulating transcriptional activation via genome-wide histone modification. The proliferating tapetum and inappropriate polar nuclei arrangement cause defective pollen and seeds in F2 hybrid offspring due to the recombinant HWS1/2-mediated misregulation of vitamin (biotin and thiamine) metabolism and lipid synthesis. Evolutionary analysis of HWS1/2 suggests that this gene pair has undergone incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and multiple gene duplication events during speciation. Our findings have not only uncovered a pair of speciation genes that control hybrid breakdown but also illustrate a passive mechanism that could be scaled up and used in the guidance and optimization of hybrid breeding applications for distant hybridization.