AAV1-hOTOF gene therapy for autosomal recessive deafness 9: a single-arm trial.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive deafness 9, caused by mutations of the OTOF gene, is characterised by congenital or prelingual, severe-to-complete, bilateral hearing loss. However, no pharmacological treatment is currently available for congenital deafness. In this Article, we report the safety and efficacy of gene therapy with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 1 carrying a human OTOF transgene (AAV1-hOTOF) as a treatment for children with autosomal recessive deafness 9. METHODS: This single-arm, single-centre trial enrolled children (aged 1-18 years) with severe-to-complete hearing loss and confirmed mutations in both alleles of OTOF, and without bilateral cochlear implants. A single injection of AAV1-hOTOF was administered into the cochlea through the round window. The primary endpoint was dose-limiting toxicity at 6 weeks after injection. Auditory function and speech were assessed by appropriate auditory perception evaluation tools. All analyses were done according to the intention-to-treat principle. This trial is registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200063181, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Oct 19, 2022, and June 9, 2023, we screened 425 participants for eligibility and enrolled six children for AAV1-hOTOF gene therapy (one received a dose of 9 × 1011 vector genomes [vg] and five received 1·5 × 1012 vg). All participants completed follow-up visits up to week 26. No dose-limiting toxicity or serious adverse events occurred. In total, 48 adverse events were observed; 46 (96%) were grade 1-2 and two (4%) were grade 3 (decreased neutrophil count in one participant). Five children had hearing recovery, shown by a 40-57 dB reduction in the average auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds at 0·5-4·0 kHz. In the participant who received the 9 × 1011 vg dose, the average ABR threshold was improved from greater than 95 dB at baseline to 68 dB at 4 weeks, 53 dB at 13 weeks, and 45 dB at 26 weeks. In those who received 1·5 × 1012 AAV1-hOTOF, the average ABR thresholds changed from greater than 95 dB at baseline to 48 dB, 38 dB, 40 dB, and 55 dB in four children with hearing recovery at 26 weeks. Speech perception was improved in participants who had hearing recovery. INTERPRETATION: AAV1-hOTOF gene therapy is safe and efficacious as a novel treatment for children with autosomal recessive deafness 9. FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key R&D Program of China, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, and Shanghai Refreshgene Therapeutics.

Avapritinib efficacy in primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with elevated PDGFRA expression: Insights from a PDX model study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (PHNEC) is a rare and aggressive tumor with high recurrence rates. Surgical resection remains the only therapeutic strategy. The effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for PHNEC remains unclear due to limited research. METHODS: We employed immunohistochemical staining to diagnose PHNEC and assess the expression of eight tyrosine kinase receptors in tumor tissues, including VEGFRs, PDGFRA, EGFR, FGFRs et al. A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was established using PHNEC tumor tissues to test the efficacy of TKIs. PDX mice bearing tumors were treated with Avapritinib, an FDA-approved PDGFRA-targeting drug, at a daily oral dose of 10 mg/kg for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of PHNEC with positive expression of Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM/CD56), Synaptophysin (Syn), and Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR-2), and negative expression of Hep (Hepatocyte Paraffin 1), a biomarker for Hepatocellular carcinoma. Notably, PDGFRA was significantly overexpressed in PHNEC tumor tissues compared to other tyrosine kinases. Avapritinib treatment significantly reduced tumor growth in PDX mice by 73.9 % (p = 0.008). Additionally, Avapritinib treatment led to a marked decrease in PDGFRA and Ki-67 expression, suggesting that it inhibits tumor cell proliferation by suppressing PDGFRA. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PDGFRA is a potential therapeutic target for PHNEC, and its inhibition with Avapritinib may offer clinical benefits to patients with this rare malignancy.

P2X7 receptor is required for the ototoxicity caused by aminoglycoside in developing cochlear hair cells.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGAs) are widely used in life-threatening infections, but they accumulate in cochlear hair cells (HCs) and result in hearing loss. Increases in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations and P2X7 receptor expression were observed after neomycin treatment. Here, we demonstrated that P2X7 receptor, which is a non-selective cation channel that is activated by high ATP concentrations, may participate in the process through which AGAs enter hair cells. Using transgenic knockout mice, we found that P2X7 receptor deficiency protects HCs against neomycin-induced injury in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, we used fluorescent gentamicin-Fluor 594 to study the uptake of AGAs and found fluorescence labeling in wild-type mice but not in P2rx7-/- mice in vitro. In addition, knocking-out P2rx7 did not significantly alter the HC count and auditory signal transduction, but it did inhibit mitochondria-dependent oxidative stress and apoptosis in the cochlea after neomycin exposure. We thus conclude that the P2X7 receptor may be linked to the entry of AGAs into HCs and is likely to be a therapeutic target for auditory HC protection.

Prognostic implications of alpha-fetoprotein and C-reactive protein elevation in hepatocellular carcinoma following resection (PACE): a large cohort study of 2770 patients.

BACKGROUND: Routine clinical staging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incorporates liver function, general health, and tumor morphology. Further refinement of prognostic assessments and treatment decisions may benefit from the inclusion of tumor biological marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and systemic inflammation indicator C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: Data from a multicenter cohort of 2770 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy were analyzed. We developed the PACE risk score (Prognostic implications of AFP and CRP Elevation) after initially assessing preoperative AFP and CRP's prognostic value. Subgroup analyzes were performed in BCLC cohorts A and B using multivariable Cox analysis to evaluate the prognostic stratification ability of the PACE risk score and its complementary utility for BCLC staging. RESULTS: Preoperative AFP ≥ 400ng/mL and CRP ≥ 10 mg/L emerged as independent predictors of poorer prognosis in HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy, leading to the creation of the PACE risk score. PACE risk score stratified patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups with cumulative 5-year overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of 59.6%/44.9%, 43.9%/38.4%, and 20.6%/18.0% respectively (all P < 0.001). Increased PACE risk scores correlated significantly with early recurrence and extrahepatic metastases frequency (all P < 0.001). The multivariable analysis identified intermediate and high-risk PACE scores as independently correlating with poor postoperative OS and RFS. Furthermore, the PACE risk score proficiently stratified the prognosis of BCLC stages A and B patients, with multivariable analyses demonstrating it as an independent prognostic determinant for both stages. CONCLUSION: The PACE risk score serves as an effective tool for postoperative risk stratification, potentially supplementing the BCLC staging system.

A humanized murine model, demonstrating dominant progressive hearing loss caused by a novel KCNQ4 mutation (p.G228D) from a large Chinese family.

The pathogenic variants in KCNQ4 cause DFNA2 nonsyndromic hearing loss. However, the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations between KCNQ4 and hearing is limited. Here, we identified a novel KCNQ4 mutation p.G228D from a Chinese family, including heterozygotes characterized by high-frequency hearing loss that is progressive across all frequencies and homozygotes with more severe hearing loss. We constructed a novel murine model with humanized homologous Kcnq4 mutation. The heterozygotes had mid-frequency and high-frequency hearing loss at 4 weeks, and moved toward all frequencies hearing loss at 12 weeks, while the homozygotes had severe-to-profound hearing loss at 8 weeks. The degeneration of outer hair cells (OHCs) was observed from basal to apical turn of cochlea. The reduced K+ currents and depolarized resting potentials were revealed in OHCs. Remarkably, we observed the loss of inner hair cells (IHCs) in the region corresponding to the frequency above 32 kHz at 8-12 weeks. The results suggest the degeneration of OHCs and IHCs may contribute to high-frequency hearing loss in DFNA2 over time. Our findings broaden the variants of KCNQ4 and provide a novel mouse model of progressive hearing loss, which contributes to an understanding of pathogenic mechanism and eventually treatment of DFNA2 progressive hearing loss.

The crosstalk between the Notch, Wnt, and SHH signaling pathways in regulating the proliferation and regeneration of sensory progenitor cells in the mouse cochlea.

Sensory hair cells (HCs) are highly susceptible to damage by noise, ototoxic drugs, and aging. Although HCs cannot be spontaneously regenerated in adult mammals, previous studies have shown that signaling pathways are involved in HC regeneration in the damaged mouse cochlea. Here, we used a Notch antagonist (DAPT), a Wnt agonist (QS11), and recombinant Sonic hedgehog (SHH) protein to investigate their concerted actions underlying HC regeneration in the mouse cochlea after neomycin-induced damage both in vivo and in vitro. With DAPT, the numbers of HCs increased, and supporting cell (SC) proliferation was seen in both the intact and damaged cochlear sensory epithelia, while these numbers were unchanged in the presence of QS11. When simultaneously treated with DAPT and QS11, the number of HCs increased dramatically, and much greater SC proliferation was seen in the cochlear epithelium. In transgenic mice with both Notch1 conditional knockout and ß-catenin over-expression, cochlear SC proliferation and HC regeneration were more obvious than in either Notch1 knockout or ß-catenin over-expressing mice separately. When cochleae were treated with DAPT, QS11, and SHH together, SC proliferation was even greater, and this proliferation was seen in both the HC region and the greater epithelial ridge. High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed genes between all groups, and the results showed that the SHH and Wnt signaling pathways are involved in SC proliferation. Our study suggests that co-regulation of the Notch, Wnt, and SHH signaling pathways promotes extensive cell proliferation and regeneration in the mouse cochlea.

Mutations in TUBB8 and Human Oocyte Meiotic Arrest.

Background Human reproduction depends on the fusion of a mature oocyte with a sperm cell to form a fertilized egg. The genetic events that lead to the arrest of human oocyte maturation are unknown. Methods We sequenced the exomes of five members of a four-generation family, three of whom had infertility due to oocyte meiosis I arrest. We performed Sanger sequencing of a candidate gene, TUBB8, in DNA samples from these members, additional family members, and members of 23 other affected families. The expression of TUBB8 and all other ß-tubulin isotypes was assessed in human oocytes, early embryos, sperm cells, and several somatic tissues by means of a quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay. We evaluated the effect of the TUBB8 mutations on the assembly of the heterodimer consisting of one α-tubulin polypeptide and one ß-tubulin polypeptide (α/ß-tubulin heterodimer) in vitro, on microtubule architecture in HeLa cells, on microtubule dynamics in yeast cells, and on spindle assembly in mouse and human oocytes. Results We identified seven mutations in the primate-specific gene TUBB8 that were responsible for oocyte meiosis I arrest in 7 of the 24 families. TUBB8 expression is unique to oocytes and the early embryo, in which this gene accounts for almost all the expressed ß-tubulin. The mutations affect chaperone-dependent folding and assembly of the α/ß-tubulin heterodimer, disrupt microtubule behavior on expression in cultured cells, alter microtubule dynamics in vivo, and cause catastrophic spindle-assembly defects and maturation arrest on expression in mouse and human oocytes. Conclusions TUBB8 mutations have dominant-negative effects that disrupt microtubule behavior and oocyte meiotic spindle assembly and maturation, causing female infertility. (Funded by the National Basic Research Program of China and others.).

Diagnosis, Intervention, and Prevention of Genetic Hearing Loss.

It is estimated that at least 50% of congenital or childhood hearing loss is attributable to genetic causes. In non-syndromic hearing loss, which accounts for 70% of genetic hearing loss, approximately 80% of cases are autosomal recessive, 15% autosomal dominant, and 1-2% mitochondrial or X-linked. In addition, 30% of genetic hearing loss is syndromic. The genetic causes of hearing loss are highly heterogeneous. So far, more than 140 deafness-related genes have been discovered. Studies on those genes tremendously increased our understanding of the inner ear functions at the molecular level. It also offers important information for the patients and allows personalized and accurate genetic counseling. In many cases, genetic diagnosis of hearing loss can help to avoid unnecessary and costly clinical testing, offer prognostic information, and guide future medical management. On the other hand, a variety of gene therapeutic approaches have been developed aiming to relieve or converse the hearing loss due to genetic causes. Prevention of genetic hearing loss is feasible through prepregnancy and prenatal genetic diagnosis and counseling.

Mutation screening of Chinese Treacher Collins syndrome patients identified novel TCOF1 mutations.

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) (OMIM 154500) is a rare congenital craniofacial disorder with an autosomal dominant manner of inheritance in most cases. To date, three pathogenic genes (TCOF1, POLR1D and POLR1C) have been identified. In this study, we conducted mutational analysis on Chinese TCS patients to reveal a mutational spectrum of known causative genes and show phenotype-genotype data to provide more information for gene counselling and future studies on the pathogenesis of TCS. Twenty-two TCS patients were recruited from two tertiary referral centres, and Sanger sequencing for the coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of TCOF1, POLR1D and POLR1C was performed. For patients without small variants, further copy number variations (CNVs) analysis was conducted using high-density SNP array platforms. The Sanger sequencing overall mutation detection rate was as high as 86.3% (19/22) for our cohort. Fifteen TCOF1 pathogenic variants, including ten novel mutations, were identified in nineteen patients. No causative mutations in POLR1D and POLR1C genes and no CNVs mutations were detected. A suspected autosomal dominant inheritance case that implies germinal mosaicism was described. Our study confirmed that TCOF1 was the main disease-causing gene for the Chinese TCS population and revealed its mutation spectrum. We also addressed the need for more studies of mosaicism in TCS cases, which could explain the mechanism of autosomal dominant inheritance in TCS cases and benefit the prevention of TCS.

Extensive Supporting Cell Proliferation and Mitotic Hair Cell Generation by In Vivo Genetic Reprogramming in the Neonatal Mouse Cochlea.

UNLABELLED: The generation of hair cells (HCs) from the differentiation of proliferating supporting cells (SCs) appears to be an ideal approach for replacing lost HCs in the cochlea and is promising for restoring hearing after damage to the organ of Corti. We show here that extensive proliferation of SCs followed by mitotic HC generation is achieved through a genetic reprogramming process involving the activation of ß-catenin to upregulate Wnt signaling, the deletion of Notch1 to downregulate Notch signaling, and the overexpression of Atoh1 in Sox2(+) SCs in neonatal mouse cochleae. We used RNA sequencing to compare the transcripts of the cochleae from control mice and from mice with ß-catenin activation, Notch1 deletion, and ß-catenin activation combined with Notch1 deletion in Sox2(+) SCs. We identified the genes involved in the proliferation and transdifferentiation process that are either controlled by individual signaling pathways or by the combination of Wnt and Notch signaling. Moreover, the proliferation of SCs induced by Notch1 deletion disappears after deleting ß-catenin in Notch1 knock-out Sox2(+) cells, which further demonstrates that Notch signaling is an upstream and negative regulator of Wnt signaling. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We show here that the extensive proliferation of supporting cells (SCs) and the subsequent mitotic hair cell (HC) generation is achieved through a genetic reprogramming process involving activation of ß-catenin to upregulate Wnt signaling, deletion of Notch1 to downregulate Notch signaling, and overexpression of Atoh1 in Sox2(+) SCs in neonatal mice cochleae. By comparing the transcripts of the cochleae among controls, ß-catenin activation, Notch1 deletion, and ß-catenin activation combined with Notch1 deletion group, we identified multiple genes involved in the proliferation and transdifferentiation process that are either controlled by individual signaling pathways or by the combination of Wnt and Notch signaling. This provides a better understanding of the mechanisms behind mitotic HC generation and might provide new approaches to stimulating mitotic HC regeneration.

Genetic analysis of radiation-specific biomarkers in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the gene expression profiles of radiation-sensitive (RS) and radiation-resistant (RR) sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and to identify prognostic markers for the radiation reaction of SNSCC. We first examined the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RS and RR SNSCC tissues by analyzing clinical samples with GeneChip Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 (HTA 2.0).To understand the functional significance of the molecular changes, we examined the DEGs with Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analyses to identify the core genes. The expression of several core genes (CCND2, COL5A2, GADD45B, and THBS2) was confirmed with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in a larger series of tissues. We identified 208 DEGs, of which 76 were upregulated and 132 downregulated in the RS tissues relative to the RR tissues. The DEGs were mainly involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, the cell adhesion molecule signaling pathway, and the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction signaling pathway. RT-qPCR confirmed that the CCND2, COL5A2, GADD45B, and THBS2 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the RS and RR tissues, consistent with the GeneChip data. These results extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the sensitivity of SNSCC to radiation. The DEGs are involved in the differential response to radiation therapy and the dysregulated core genes identified in this study can be used to predict radiation sensitivity in SNSCC.

Massively Parallel Sequencing of a Chinese Family with DFNA9 Identified a Novel Missense Mutation in the LCCL Domain of COCH.

DFNA9 is a late-onset, progressive, autosomal dominantly inherited sensorineural hearing loss with vestibular dysfunction, which is caused by mutations in the COCH (coagulation factor C homology) gene. In this study, we investigated a Chinese family segregating autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. We identified a missense mutation c.T275A p.V92D in the LCCL domain of COCH cosegregating with the disease and absent in 100 normal hearing controls. This mutation leads to substitution of the hydrophobic valine to an acidic amino acid aspartic acid. Our data enriched the mutation spectrum of DFNA9 and implied the importance for mutation screening of COCH in age related hearing loss with vestibular dysfunctions.

Identification of a novel compound heterozygous mutation in PTPRQ in a DFNB84 family with prelingual sensorineural hearing impairment.

With a prevalence of 0.1 %, hearing loss is among the most common sensory impairments and affects several million people around the world. Identification of deafness-related genes or loci may facilitate basic research and clinical translational research of the disorder. The PTPRQ gene encodes protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Q, which is required for the formation of shaft connectors and the normal maturation and development of hair bundles in the mammalian cochlea. Here, we present the genetic and molecular characteristics of a Kazakh family with an autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment, DFNB84. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified two mutations that together form a novel compound heterozygous mutation in PTPRQ. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the affected members inherited both the c.16_17insT (L8fsX18) and c.2714delA (E909fsX922) mutations. Both mutations lead to a frameshift and a truncated form of the protein. The novel compound heterozygous mutation co-segregated with hearing loss in this family, and neither of the two mutations was found in 200 healthy Kazakh controls or in any of the public databases. In the study, we identified novel mutations in PTPRQ responsible for DFNB84. This is the third report of PTPRQ mutations involved in deafness and the first report of familial deafness in China. The identification of novel mutations in PTPRQ presented here further confirms the essential role of PTPRQ in hearing development and auditory function. Our data provide additional molecular information for establishing a better genotype-phenotype understanding of DFNB84.

Spatially varying relationships between land-cover change and driving factors at multiple sampling scales.

Modeling the relationships between environment, human activity, and natural conditions is very important for understanding human-environment interactions. This study aims at examining how these relationships vary over spatial sampling scales and investigating the spatially varying relationships between land-cover changes and driving factors, as well as the variations in the relationships at different sampling scales in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, P.R. China. Regular sampling methods are used first to generate eight sets of data points at different scales, and then the values for land-cover changes and the factors are extracted for these data points. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) model is applied to analyze the relationships between land-cover changes and the factors at different sampling scales. The results indicate that the influences of the factors (e.g. the signs, significances, and values of coefficients) change greatly over different sampling scales; similarly, for different types of land-cover changes, the contributions of the factors also vary. Generally, roads, rivers, and lakes contribute greatly to land-cover changes, while villages, temples, and elevations contribute less. A possible reason is that the densities of roads, rivers, and lakes is much greater than those of villages and temples, and the populations in temples and villages are too small to have much effect on land-cover changes. The results demonstrate that the sampling scales have an important influence on the relationships between land-cover change and the factors.

A novel intronic TCOF1 pathogenic variant in a Chinese family with Treacher Collins syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS; OMIM 154500) is a craniofacial developmental disorder. METHODS: To investigate the genetic features of a four-generation Chinese family with TCS, clinical examinations, hearing tests, computed tomography, whole-exome sequencing (WES), Sanger sequencing, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and the Minigene assay were performed. RESULTS: The probands, an 11-year-old male and his cousin exhibited typical clinical manifestations of TCS including conductive hearing loss, downward slanting palpebral fissures, and mandibular hypoplasia. Computed tomography revealed bilateral fusion of the anterior and posterior stapedial crura and malformation of the long crura of the incus. WES of both patients revealed a novel heterozygous intronic variant, i.e., c.4342 + 5_4342 + 8delGTGA (NM_001371623.1) in TCOF1. Minigene expression analysis revealed that the c.4342 + 5_4342 + 8delGTGA variant in TCOF1 caused a partial deletion of exon 24 (c.4115_4342del: p.Gly1373_Arg1448del), which was predicted to yield a truncated protein. The deletion was further confirmed via RT-PCR and sequencing of DNA from proband blood cells. A heterozygous variant in the POLR1C gene (NM_203290; exon6; c.525delG) was found almost co-segregated with the TCOF1 pathogenic variant. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we identified a heterozygous TCOF1 splicing variant c.4342 + 5_4342 + 8delGTGA (splicing) in a Chinese TSC family with ossicular chain malformations and facial anomalies. Our findings broadened the spectrum of TCS variants and will facilitate diagnostics and prognostic predictions.

Genetic variation and molecular profiling of congenital malformations of the female genital tract based on whole-genome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Congenital malformations of the female genital tract (CM-FGT) are characterized by abnormal development of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, often accompanied by malformations in the urinary system, bones and hearing. However, no definitive pathogenic genes and molecular genetic causes have been identified. METHODS: We present the largest whole-genome sequencing study of CM-FGT to date, analyzing 590 individuals in China: 95 patients, 442 case-controls, and 53 familial controls. RESULTS: Among the patients, 5.3% carried known CM-FGT-related variants. Pedigree and case-control analyses in two dimensions of coding and non-coding regulatory regions revealed seven novel de novo copy number variations, 12 rare single-nucleotide variations, and 10 rare 3' untranslated region (UTR) mutations in genes related to CM-FGT, particularly highlighting ASH1L as a pathogenic gene. Single-cell sequencing data showed that the majority of CM-FGT-related risk genes are spatiotemporally specifically expressed early in uterus development. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study identified novel variants related to CM-FGT, particularly highlighting ASH1L as a pathogenic gene. The findings provide insights into the genetic variants underlying CM-FGT, with single-cell sequencing data revealing spatiotemporal specific expression patterns of key risk genes early in uterine development. This study significantly advances the understanding of CM-FGT etiology and genetic landscape, offering new opportunities for prenatal screening.

Single-cell atlas of healthy vocal folds and cellular function in the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

The vocal fold is an architecturally complex organ comprising a heterogeneous mixture of various layers of individual epithelial and mesenchymal cell lineages. Here we performed single-cell RNA sequencing profiling of 5836 cells from the vocal folds of adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Combined with immunostaining, we generated a spatial and transcriptional map of the vocal fold cells and characterized the subpopulations of epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. We also identified a novel epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-associated epithelial cell subset that was mainly found in the basal epithelial layers. We further confirmed that this subset acts as intermediate cells with similar genetic features to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we present the complex intracellular communication network involved homeostasis using CellChat analysis. These studies define the cellular and molecular framework of the biology and pathology of the VF mucosa and reveal the functional importance of developmental pathways in pathological states in cancer.

Bilateral gene therapy in children with autosomal recessive deafness 9: single-arm trial results.

Gene therapy is a promising approach for hereditary deafness. We recently showed that unilateral AAV1-hOTOF gene therapy with dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 1 carrying human OTOF transgene is safe and associated with functional improvements in patients with autosomal recessive deafness 9 (DFNB9). The protocol was subsequently amended and approved to allow bilateral gene therapy administration. Here we report an interim analysis of the single-arm trial investigating the safety and efficacy of binaural therapy in five pediatric patients with DFNB9. The primary endpoint was dose-limiting toxicity at 6 weeks, and the secondary endpoint included safety (adverse events) and efficacy (auditory function and speech perception). No dose-limiting toxicity or serious adverse event occurred. A total of 36 adverse events occurred. The most common adverse events were increased lymphocyte counts (6 out of 36) and increased cholesterol levels (6 out of 36). All patients had bilateral hearing restoration. The average auditory brainstem response threshold in the right (left) ear was >95 dB (>95 dB) in all patients at baseline, and the average auditory brainstem response threshold in the right (left) ear was restored to 58 dB (58 dB) in patient 1, 75 dB (85 dB) in patient 2, 55 dB (50 dB) in patient 3 at 26 weeks, and 75 dB (78 dB) in patient 4 and 63 dB (63 dB) in patient 5 at 13 weeks. The speech perception and the capability of sound source localization were restored in all five patients. These results provide preliminary insights on the safety and efficacy of binaural AAV gene therapy for hereditary deafness. The trial is ongoing with longer follow-up to confirm the safety and efficacy findings. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry registration: ChiCTR2200063181 .

A novel insertional mutation in the connexin 46 (gap junction alpha 3) gene associated with autosomal dominant congenital cataract in a Chinese family.

PURPOSE: To identify the genetic defect associated with autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) in a Chinese family, in which 11 individuals across four generations are affected with coralliform cataract. METHODS: Exome sequencing was performed in two of the ADCC-affected family members to scan for potential genetic defects. Sanger sequencing was used to verify these defects in the whole family. RESULTS: By combining whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, the genetic defect was revealed to be a insertion of a cytosine after coding nucleotide 1,361 (1361insC) in the gap junction alpha 3 (GJA3) gene, causing a frameshift at codon 397 (p.Ala397Glyfs×71). This frameshift mutation cosegregates with the ADCC-affected pedigree members, but is absent in unaffected relatives and 100 normal individuals. CONCLUSIONS: A 1361 insC mutation in the C-terminus of GJA3 is found to be associated with autosomal dominant congenital coralliform cataract. This finding is similar to that of a previous publication, thus providing further evidence that the GJA3 C-terminal domain is also its mutation area, and further expanding the mutation spectrum of GJA3 in association with congenital cataract.

Quantifying the spatial nonstationary response of influencing factors on ecosystem health based on the geographical weighted regression (GWR) model: an example in Inner Mongolia, China, from 1995 to 2020.

The identification of ecosystem health and its influencing factors is crucial to the sustainable management of ecosystems and ecosystem restoration. Although numerous studies on ecosystem health have been carried out from different perspectives, few studies have systematically investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity between ecosystem health and its influencing factors. Considering this gap, the spatial relationships between ecosystem health and its factors concerning climate, socioeconomic, and natural resource endowment at the county level were estimated based on a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The spatiotemporal distribution pattern and driving mechanism of ecosystem health were systematically analysed. The results showed the following: (1) the ecosystem health level in Inner Mongolia spatially increases from northwest to southeast, displaying notable global spatial autocorrelation and local spatial aggregation. (2) The factors influencing ecosystem health exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. Annual average precipitation (AMP) and biodiversity (BI) are positively correlated with ecosystem health, and annual average temperature (AMT) and land use intensity (LUI) are estimated to be negatively correlated with ecosystem health. (3) Annual average precipitation (AMP) significantly improves ecosystem health, whereas annual average temperature (AMT) significantly worsens eco-health in the eastern and northern regions. LUI negatively impacts ecosystem health in western counties (such as Alxa, Ordos, and Baynnur). This study contributes to extending our understanding of ecosystem health depending on spatial scale and can inform decision-makers about how to control various influencing factors to improve the local ecology under local conditions. Finally, this study also proposes some relevant policy suggestions and provides effective ecosystem preservation and management support in Inner Mongolia.