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1.
Cell ; 187(13): 3319-3337.e18, 2024 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38810645

ABSTRACT

The development of perennial crops holds great promise for sustainable agriculture and food security. However, the evolution of the transition between perenniality and annuality is poorly understood. Here, using two Brassicaceae species, Crucihimalaya himalaica and Erysimum nevadense, as polycarpic perennial models, we reveal that the transition from polycarpic perennial to biennial and annual flowering behavior is a continuum determined by the dosage of three closely related MADS-box genes. Diversification of the expression patterns, functional strengths, and combinations of these genes endows species with the potential to adopt various life-history strategies. Remarkably, we find that a single gene among these three is sufficient to convert winter-annual or annual Brassicaceae plants into polycarpic perennial flowering plants. Our work delineates a genetic basis for the evolution of diverse life-history strategies in plants and lays the groundwork for the generation of diverse perennial Brassicaceae crops in the future.


Subject(s)
Brassicaceae , Flowers , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Brassicaceae/genetics , Brassicaceae/physiology , Crops, Agricultural/genetics , Flowers/genetics , Flowers/physiology , MADS Domain Proteins/genetics , MADS Domain Proteins/metabolism , Phylogeny , Plant Proteins/genetics , Plant Proteins/metabolism , Genome, Plant , Plant Physiological Phenomena , Chromosome Mapping , Mutation
2.
Nat Immunol ; 21(9): 1107-1118, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32788748

ABSTRACT

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the relationship between disease severity and the host immune response is not fully understood. Here we performed single-cell RNA sequencing in peripheral blood samples of 5 healthy donors and 13 patients with COVID-19, including moderate, severe and convalescent cases. Through determining the transcriptional profiles of immune cells, coupled with assembled T cell receptor and B cell receptor sequences, we analyzed the functional properties of immune cells. Most cell types in patients with COVID-19 showed a strong interferon-α response and an overall acute inflammatory response. Moreover, intensive expansion of highly cytotoxic effector T cell subsets, such as CD4+ effector-GNLY (granulysin), CD8+ effector-GNLY and NKT CD160, was associated with convalescence in moderate patients. In severe patients, the immune landscape featured a deranged interferon response, profound immune exhaustion with skewed T cell receptor repertoire and broad T cell expansion. These findings illustrate the dynamic nature of immune responses during disease progression.


Subject(s)
Antigens, CD/metabolism , Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism , Betacoronavirus/immunology , Coronavirus Infections/immunology , Interferon Type I/metabolism , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Antigens, CD/genetics , Antigens, CD/immunology , Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics , Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , COVID-19 , Cohort Studies , Coronavirus Infections/blood , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Female , GPI-Linked Proteins/genetics , GPI-Linked Proteins/immunology , GPI-Linked Proteins/metabolism , Humans , Interferon Type I/genetics , Interferon Type I/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/blood , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , RNA-Seq , Receptors, Immunologic/genetics , Receptors, Immunologic/immunology , SARS-CoV-2 , Severity of Illness Index , Single-Cell Analysis
3.
Immunity ; 53(2): 371-383.e5, 2020 08 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32673566

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous wound healing is associated with the unpleasant sensation of itching. Here we investigated the mechanisms underlying this type of itch, focusing on the contribution of soluble factors released during healing. We found high amounts of interleukin 31 (IL-31) in skin wound tissue during the peak of itch responses. Il31-/- mice lacked wound-induced itch responses. IL-31 was released by dermal conventional type 2 dendritic cells (cDC2s) recruited to wounds and increased itch sensory neuron sensitivity. Transfer of cDC2s isolated from late-stage wounds into healthy skin was sufficient to induce itching in a manner dependent on IL-31 expression. Addition of the cytokine TGF-ß1, which promotes wound healing, to dermal DCs in vitro was sufficient to induce Il31 expression, and Tgfbr1f/f CD11c-Cre mice exhibited reduced scratching and decreased Il31 expression in wounds in vivo. Thus, cDC2s promote itching during skin would healing via a TGF-ß-IL-31 axis with implications for treatment of wound itching.


Subject(s)
Interleukins/metabolism , Langerhans Cells/physiology , Pruritus/pathology , Sensory Receptor Cells/physiology , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Animals , Female , Humans , Interleukins/genetics , Langerhans Cells/transplantation , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Middle Aged , Receptors, Interleukin/metabolism , Skin/cytology , Skin/growth & development , Skin/injuries , TRPV Cation Channels/metabolism , Wound Healing/physiology
4.
Immunity ; 53(3): 685-696.e3, 2020 09 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32783921

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a current world-wide public health threat. However, little is known about its hallmarks compared to other infectious diseases. Here, we report the single-cell transcriptional landscape of longitudinally collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in both COVID-19- and influenza A virus (IAV)-infected patients. We observed increase of plasma cells in both COVID-19 and IAV patients and XIAP associated factor 1 (XAF1)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, and FAS-induced T cell apoptosis in COVID-19 patients. Further analyses revealed distinct signaling pathways activated in COVID-19 (STAT1 and IRF3) versus IAV (STAT3 and NFκB) patients and substantial differences in the expression of key factors. These factors include relatively increase of interleukin (IL)6R and IL6ST expression in COVID-19 patients but similarly increased IL-6 concentrations compared to IAV patients, supporting the clinical observations of increased proinflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients. Thus, we provide the landscape of PBMCs and unveil distinct immune response pathways in COVID-19 and IAV patients.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/immunology , Cytokines/immunology , Influenza, Human/immunology , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Signal Transduction/immunology , Betacoronavirus/immunology , COVID-19 , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2
5.
Nature ; 618(7964): 294-300, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36940729

ABSTRACT

Chiral amines are commonly used in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries1. The strong demand for unnatural chiral amines has driven the development of catalytic asymmetric methods1,2. Although the N-alkylation of aliphatic amines with alkyl halides has been widely adopted for over 100 years, catalyst poisoning and unfettered reactivity have been preventing the development of a catalyst-controlled enantioselective version3-5. Here we report the use of chiral tridentate anionic ligands to enable the copper-catalysed chemoselective and enantioconvergent N-alkylation of aliphatic amines with α-carbonyl alkyl chlorides. This method can directly convert feedstock chemicals, including ammonia and pharmaceutically relevant amines, into unnatural chiral α-amino amides under mild and robust conditions. Excellent enantioselectivity and functional-group tolerance were observed. The power of the method is demonstrated in a number of complex settings, including late-stage functionalization and in the expedited synthesis of diverse amine drug molecules. The current method indicates that multidentate anionic ligands are a general solution for overcoming transition-metal-catalyst poisoning.


Subject(s)
Alkylation , Amines , Catalysis , Copper , Amides/chemistry , Amines/chemistry , Copper/chemistry , Ligands , Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry
6.
Nature ; 584(7819): 120-124, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32454512

ABSTRACT

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1-3, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)4, has spread globally. Countermeasures are needed to treat and prevent further dissemination of the virus. Here we report the isolation of two specific human monoclonal antibodies (termed CA1 and CB6) from a patient convalescing from COVID-19. CA1 and CB6 demonstrated potent SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralization activity in vitro. In addition, CB6 inhibited infection with SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus monkeys in both prophylactic and treatment settings. We also performed structural studies, which revealed that CB6 recognizes an epitope that overlaps with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-binding sites in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain, and thereby interferes with virus-receptor interactions by both steric hindrance and direct competition for interface residues. Our results suggest that CB6 deserves further study as a candidate for translation to the clinic.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Betacoronavirus/immunology , Coronavirus Infections/immunology , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Animals , Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry , Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology , Antibodies, Viral/chemistry , Antibodies, Viral/pharmacology , Betacoronavirus/chemistry , Binding, Competitive , COVID-19 , Cell Line , Chlorocebus aethiops , Crystallization , Crystallography, X-Ray , Female , Humans , In Vitro Techniques , Macaca mulatta/immunology , Macaca mulatta/virology , Male , Models, Molecular , Neutralization Tests , Pandemics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/chemistry , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Protein Binding/drug effects , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/antagonists & inhibitors , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Vero Cells , Viral Load/immunology
7.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(14): e2212476120, 2023 04 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36989306

ABSTRACT

Endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasodilation are linked with adverse cardiovascular events. T lymphocytes expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme catalyzing biosynthesis of the vasorelaxant acetylcholine (ACh), regulate vasodilation and are integral to the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in an inflammatory reflex in mice. Here, we found that human T cell ChAT mRNA expression was induced by T cell activation involving the PI3K signaling cascade. Mechanistically, we identified that ChAT mRNA expression was induced following the attenuation of RE-1 Silencing Transcription factor REST-mediated methylation of the ChAT promoter, and that ChAT mRNA expression levels were up-regulated by GATA3 in human T cells. In functional experiments, T cell-derived ACh increased endothelial nitric oxide-synthase activity, promoted vasorelaxation, and reduced vascular endothelial activation and promoted barrier integrity by a cholinergic mechanism. Further, we observed that survival in a cohort of patients with severe circulatory failure correlated with their relative frequency of ChAT +CD4+ T cells in blood. These findings on ChAT+ human T cells provide a mechanism for cholinergic immune regulation of vascular endothelial function in human inflammation.


Subject(s)
Choline O-Acetyltransferase , T-Lymphocytes , Humans , Mice , Animals , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Choline O-Acetyltransferase/genetics , Choline O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Cholinergic Agents , Acetylcholine/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/metabolism
9.
Cell Mol Life Sci ; 81(1): 179, 2024 Apr 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38602536

ABSTRACT

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently received increasing attention as essential mediators of communication between tumor cells and their microenvironments. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a proangiogenic role in various tumors, especially head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and angiogenesis is closely related to tumor growth and metastasis. This research focused on exploring the mechanisms by which EVs derived from TAMs modulate tumor angiogenesis in HNSCC. Our results indicated that TAMs infiltration correlated positively with microvascular density in HNSCC. Then we collected and identified EVs from TAMs. In the microfluidic chip, TAMs derived EVs significantly enhanced the angiogenic potential of pHUVECs and successfully induced the formation of perfusable blood vessels. qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that EVs from TAMs transferred miR-21-5p to endothelial cells (ECs). And targeting miR-21-5p of TAMs could effectively inhibit TAM-EVs induced angiogenesis. Western blot and tube formation assays showed that miR-21-5p from TAM-EVs downregulated LATS1 and VHL levels but upregulated YAP1 and HIF-1α levels, and the inhibitors of YAP1 and HIF-1α could both reduce the miR-21-5p enhanced angiogenesis in HUVECs. The in vivo experiments further proved that miR-21-5p carried by TAM-EVs promoted the process of tumor angiogenesis via YAP1/HIF-1α axis in HNSCC. Conclusively, TAM-derived EVs transferred miR-21-5p to ECs to target the mRNA of LATS1 and VHL, which inhibited YAP1 phosphorylation and subsequently enhanced YAP1-mediated HIF-1α transcription and reduced VHL-mediated HIF-1α ubiquitination, contributing to angiogenesis in HNSCC. These findings present a novel regulatory mechanism of tumor angiogenesis, and miR-21-5p/YAP1/HIF-1α might be a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.


Subject(s)
Exosomes , Head and Neck Neoplasms , MicroRNAs , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Angiogenesis , Endothelial Cells , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Tumor-Associated Macrophages , Exosomes/metabolism , Animals , Mice
10.
Nano Lett ; 24(15): 4562-4570, 2024 Apr 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38591327

ABSTRACT

Heteroions doped Ag2S nanocrystals (NCs) exhibiting enhanced near-infrared-II emission (NIR-II) hold great promise for glioma diagnosis. Nevertheless, current doped Ag2S NCs paradoxically improved properties via toxic dopants, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes another challenge for orthotopic glioma imaging. Thus, it is urgent to develop biofriendly high-bright Ag2S NCs with active BBB-penetration for glioma-targeted imaging. Herein, bismuth (Bi) was screened to obtain Bi-Ag2S NCs with high absolute PLQY (∼13.3%) for its matched ionic-radius (1.03 Å) with Ag+. The Bi-Ag2S NCs exhibited a higher luminance and deeper penetration (5-6 mm) than clinical indocyanine green. Upon conjugation with lactoferrin, the NCs acquired BBB-crossing and glioma-targeting abilities. Time-dependent NIR-II-imaging demonstrated their effective accumulation in glioma with skull/scalp intact after intravenous injection. Moreover, the toxic-metal-free NCs exhibited negligible toxicity and great biocompatibility. The success of leveraging the ion-radii comparison may unlock the full potential of doped-Ag2S NCs in bioimaging and inspire the development of various doped NIR-II NCs.


Subject(s)
Glioma , Metal Nanoparticles , Humans , Bismuth , Radius , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Skull , Glioma/diagnostic imaging
11.
J Infect Dis ; 229(1): 117-121, 2024 Jan 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37565805

ABSTRACT

Using a prospective, observational cohort study during the post-"dynamic COVID-zero" wave in China, we estimated short-term relative effectiveness against Omicron BA.5 infection of inhaled aerosolized adenovirus type 5-vectored ancestral strain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine as a second booster dose approximately 1 year after homologous boosted primary series of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine compared with no second booster. Participants reported nucleic acid or antigen test results weekly until they tested positive or completed predesignated follow-up. After excluding participants infected <14 days after study entry, relative effectiveness among the 6576 participants was 61% in 18- to 59-year-olds and 38% in ≥60-year-olds and was sustained for 12 weeks.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , Prospective Studies , Vaccine Efficacy , China/epidemiology , Adenoviridae/genetics
12.
Br J Cancer ; 2024 Mar 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38514762

ABSTRACT

In current clinical practice, radiotherapy (RT) is prescribed as a pre-determined total dose divided over daily doses (fractions) given over several weeks. The treatment response is typically assessed months after the end of RT. However, the conventional one-dose-fits-all strategy may not achieve the desired outcome, owing to patient and tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, a treatment strategy that allows for RT dose personalization based on each individual response is preferred. Multiple strategies have been adopted to address this challenge. As an alternative to current known strategies, artificial intelligence (AI)-derived mechanism-independent small data phenotypic medicine (PM) platforms may be utilized for N-of-1 RT personalization. Unlike existing big data approaches, PM does not engage in model refining, training, and validation, and guides treatment by utilizing prospectively collected patient's own small datasets. With PM, clinicians may guide patients' RT dose recommendations using their responses in real-time and potentially avoid over-treatment in good responders and under-treatment in poor responders. In this paper, we discuss the potential of engaging PM to guide clinicians on upfront dose selections and ongoing adaptations during RT, as well as considerations and limitations for implementation. For practicing oncologists, clinical trialists, and researchers, PM can either be implemented as a standalone strategy or in complement with other existing RT personalizations. In addition, PM can either be used for monotherapeutic RT personalization, or in combination with other therapeutics (e.g. chemotherapy, targeted therapy). The potential of N-of-1 RT personalization with drugs will also be presented.

13.
J Hepatol ; 80(6): 928-940, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38336346

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Men are more prone to develop and die from liver fibrosis than women. In this study, we aim to investigate how sex-determining region Y gene (SRY) in hepatocytes promotes liver fibrosis. METHODS: Hepatocyte-specific Sry knock-in (KI), Sry knockout (KO), and Sry KI with platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (Pdgfrα) KO mice were generated. Liver fibrosis was induced in mice by bile duct ligation for 2 weeks or carbon tetrachloride treatment for 6 weeks. In addition, primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and immortalized cell lines were used for in vitro studies and mechanistic investigation. RESULTS: Compared to females, the severity of toxin- or cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis is similarly increased in castrated and uncastrated male mice. Among all Y chromosome-encoded genes, SRY was the most significantly upregulated and consistently increased gene in fibrotic/cirrhotic livers in male patients and in mouse models. Sry KI mice developed exacerbated liver fibrosis, whereas Sry KO mice had alleviated liver fibrosis, compared to age- and sex-matched control mice after bile duct ligation or administration of carbon tetrachloride. Mechanistically, both our in vivo and in vitro studies illustrated that SRY in hepatocytes can transcriptionally regulate Pdgfrα expression, and promote HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1) release and subsequent HSC activation. Pdgfrα KO or treatment with the SRY inhibitor DAX1 in Sry KI mice abolished SRY-induced HMGB1 secretion and liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: SRY is a strong pro-fibrotic factor and accounts for the sex disparity observed in liver fibrosis, suggesting its critical role as a potentially sex-specific therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of the disease. IMPACT AND IMPLICATION: We identified that a male-specific gene, sex-determining region Y gene (SRY), is a strong pro-fibrotic gene that accounts for the sex disparity observed in liver fibrosis. As such, SRY might be an appropriate target for surveillance and treatment of liver fibrosis in a sex-specific manner. Additionally, SRY might be a key player in the sexual dimorphism observed in hepatic pathophysiology more generally.


Subject(s)
Hepatic Stellate Cells , Hepatocytes , Liver Cirrhosis , Mice, Knockout , Sex-Determining Region Y Protein , Animals , Male , Female , Mice , Liver Cirrhosis/genetics , Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism , Liver Cirrhosis/physiopathology , Humans , Hepatocytes/metabolism , Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/genetics , Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/metabolism , Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism , Sex Characteristics , Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/genetics , Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism , Carbon Tetrachloride/toxicity , Carbon Tetrachloride/adverse effects , Cholestasis/genetics , Cholestasis/metabolism , Cholestasis/physiopathology , Disease Models, Animal
14.
Apoptosis ; 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38772991

ABSTRACT

Pyroptosis is a recently discovered process of programmed cell death that is linked with tumor progression and potential treatment strategies. Unlike other forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis or necrosis, pyroptosis is associated with pore-forming proteins gasdermin D (GSDMD), which are cleaved by caspase enzymes to form oligomers. These oligomers are then inserted into the cell surface membrane, causing pores to consequently result in rapid cell death. Pyroptosis, in conjunction with immunotherapy, represents a promising avenue for prognostication and antitumor therapy, providing a more precise direction for disease treatment. To gain deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying pyroptosis in real-time, non-invasive and live cell imaging techniques are urgently needed. Non-invasive imaging techniques can enhance future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases, including different types of tumors. This review article discusses various non-invasive molecular probes for detecting pyroptosis, including genetic reporters and nanomaterials. These strategies can enhance scientists' understanding of pyroptosis and help discover personalized and effective ways to treat inflammatory diseases, particularly tumors.

15.
EMBO J ; 39(3): e102374, 2020 02 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31830314

ABSTRACT

Renewal of integumentary organs occurs cyclically throughout an organism's lifetime, but the mechanism that initiates each cycle remains largely unknown. In a miniature pig model of tooth development that resembles tooth development in humans, the permanent tooth did not begin transitioning from the resting to the initiation stage until the deciduous tooth began to erupt. This eruption released the accumulated mechanical stress inside the mandible. Mechanical stress prevented permanent tooth development by regulating expression and activity of the integrin ß1-ERK1-RUNX2 axis in the surrounding mesenchyme. We observed similar molecular expression patterns in human tooth germs. Importantly, the release of biomechanical stress induced downregulation of RUNX2-wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling in the mesenchyme between the deciduous and permanent tooth and upregulation of Wnt signaling in the epithelium of the permanent tooth, triggering initiation of its development. Consequently, our findings identified biomechanical stress-associated Wnt modulation as a critical initiator of organ renewal, possibly shedding light on the mechanisms of integumentary organ regeneration.


Subject(s)
Down-Regulation , Odontogenesis , Wnt Signaling Pathway , Animals , Biomechanical Phenomena , Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism , Dental Sac/cytology , Dental Sac/metabolism , Humans , Integrin beta1/metabolism , Models, Biological , Primary Cell Culture , Swine , Swine, Miniature
16.
Anal Chem ; 96(22): 9132-9140, 2024 Jun 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38764163

ABSTRACT

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have been considered highly compelling materials for early cancer diagnosis and have aroused a burgeoning fascination among the biomedical sectors. By leveraging the versatile tunable optical properties of AuNRs, herein, we have developed a novel tumor-targeted dual-modal nanoprobe (FFA) that exhibits excellent bioluminescence and photoacoustic imaging performance for early tumor diagnosis. FFA has been synthesized by anchoring the recombinant bioluminescent firefly luciferase protein (Fluc) on the folate-conjugated AuNRs via the PEG linker. TEM images and UV-vis studies confirm the nanorod morphology and successful conjugation of the biomolecules to AuNRs. The nanoprobe FFA relies on the ability of the folate module to target the folate receptor-positive tumor cells actively, and simultaneously, the Fluc module facilitates excellent bioluminescent properties in physiological conditions. The success of chemical engineering in the present study enables stronger bioluminescent signals in the folate receptor-positive cells (Skov3, Hela, and MCF-7) than in folate receptor-negative cells (A549, 293T, MCF-10A, and HepG2). Additionally, the AuNRs induced strong photoacoustic conversion performance, enhancing the resolution of tumor imaging. No apparent toxicity was detected at the cellular and mouse tissue levels, manifesting the biocompatibility nature of the nanoprobe. Prompted by the positive merits of FFA, the in vivo animal studies were performed, and a notable enhancement was observed in the bioluminescent/photoacoustic intensity of the nanoprobe in the tumor region compared to that in the folate-blocking region. Therefore, this synergistic dual-modal bioluminescent and photoacoustic imaging platform holds great potential as a tumor-targeted contrast agent for early tumor diagnosis with high-performance imaging information.


Subject(s)
Contrast Media , Gold , Luminescent Measurements , Nanotubes , Photoacoustic Techniques , Photoacoustic Techniques/methods , Humans , Nanotubes/chemistry , Gold/chemistry , Animals , Contrast Media/chemistry , Mice , Mice, Nude , Optical Imaging , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Female , Luciferases/chemistry , Luciferases/metabolism
17.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun ; 715: 150006, 2024 Jun 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38678786

ABSTRACT

Vascular endothelial cells play a critical role in maintaining the health of blood vessels, but dysfunction can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The impact of arsenite exposure on cardiovascular health is a significant concern due to its potential adverse effects. This study aims to explore how NBR1-mediated autophagy in vascular endothelial cells can protect against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by arsenite. Initially, our observations revealed that arsenite exposure increased oxidative stress and triggered apoptotic cell death in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, treatment with the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK notably reduced arsenite-induced apoptosis. Additionally, arsenite activated the autophagy pathway and enhanced autophagic flux in HUVECs. Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy exacerbated arsenite-induced apoptotic cell death. Our findings also demonstrated the importance of autophagy receptor NBR1 in arsenite-induced cytotoxicity, as it facilitated the recruitment of caspase 8 to autophagosomes for degradation. The protective effect of NBR1 against arsenite-induced apoptosis was compromised when autophagy was inhibited using pharmacological inhibitors or through genetic knockdown of essential autophagy genes. Conversely, overexpression of NBR1 facilitated caspase 8 degradation and reduced apoptotic cell death in arsenite-treated HUVECs. In conclusion, our study highlights the vital role of NBR1-mediated autophagic degradation of caspase 8 in safeguarding vascular endothelial cells from arsenite-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. Targeting this pathway could offer a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate cardiovascular diseases associated with arsenite exposure.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Arsenites , Autophagy , Caspase 8 , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Oxidative Stress , Humans , Arsenites/toxicity , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Apoptosis/drug effects , Autophagy/drug effects , Caspase 8/metabolism , Caspase 8/genetics , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Proteolysis/drug effects , Cells, Cultured
18.
Small ; : e2400667, 2024 Jun 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38837658

ABSTRACT

Herein, a dual-sensitizer prodrug, named pro-THPC, has been designed to function as both a photosensitizer and a sonosensitizer prodrug for precise antitumor combination therapy with minimized skin phototoxicity. Pro-THPC could be activated by glutathione (GSH) to release the dual-sensitizer, THPC, which simultaneously switches on fluorescence emission and combined capabilities of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Pro-THPC is further formulated into nanoparticles (NPs) for water dispersity to enable in vivo applications. In vivo fluorescence imaging shows that the pro-THPC NPs group exhibits a significantly higher tumor-to-normal tissue ratio (T/N) (T/N = 5.2 ± 0.55) compared to the "always on" THPC NPs group (T/N = 2.9 ± 0.47) and the pro-THPC NPs group co-administrated with GSH synthesis inhibitor (buthionine sulfoximine, BSO) (T/N = 3.2 ± 0.63). In addition, the generation of the designed dual-sensitizer's reactive oxygen species (ROS) is effectively confined within the tumor tissues due to the relatively strong correlation between ROS generation and fluorescence emission. In vivo studies further demonstrate the remarkable efficacy of the designed pro-THPC NPs to eradicate tumors through the combination of PDT and SDT while significantly reducing skin phototoxicity.

19.
Small ; : e2310064, 2024 Apr 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38607265

ABSTRACT

Limited by the strong oxidation environment and sluggish reconstruction process in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), designing rapid self-reconstruction with high activity and stability electrocatalysts is crucial to promoting anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzer. Herein, trace Fe/S-modified Ni oxyhydroxide (Fe/S-NiOOH/NF) nanowires are constructed via a simple in situ electrochemical oxidation strategy based on precipitation-dissolution equilibrium. In situ characterization techniques reveal that the successful introduction of Fe and S leads to lattice disorder and boosts favorable hydroxyl capture, accelerating the formation of highly active γ-NiOOH. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have also verified that the incorporation of Fe and S optimizes the electrons redistribution and the d-band center, decreasing the energy barrier of the rate-determining step (*O→*OOH). Benefited from the unique electronic structure and intermediate adsorption, the Fe/S-NiOOH/NF catalyst only requires the overpotential of 345 mV to reach the industrial current density of 1000 mA cm-2 for 120 h. Meanwhile, assembled AEM water electrolyzer (Fe/S-NiOOH//Pt/C-60 °C) can deliver 1000 mA cm-2 at a cell voltage of 2.24 V, operating at the average energy efficiency of 71% for 100 h. In summary, this work presents a rapid self-reconstruction strategy for high-performance AEM electrocatalysts for future hydrogen economy.

20.
J Antimicrob Chemother ; 79(3): 648-655, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38319833

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the efficacy of cefoperazone/sulbactam (CPZ/SUL) in extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales infections and identify factors influencing outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective multicentre study was conducted in Taiwan (January 2015 to December 2020) and examined the efficacy of CPZ/SUL treatment in ESBL-producing Enterobacterales bacteraemia. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using agar dilution; ESBL/AmpC genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction. The primary outcome was clinical success, whereas the secondary outcome was 30-day mortality. Clinical success was defined as the complete resolution of clinical signs and symptoms of K. pneumoniae or E. coli infection, with no evidence of persistent or recurrent bacteraemia. The factors influencing outcomes were identified using a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: CPZ/SUL demonstrated a clinical success rate of 82.7% (91/110) in treating ESBL-producing Enterobacterales bacteraemia, with a 30-day mortality rate of 9.1% (10/110). Among 110 ESBL-producing isolates, a high clinical success rate was observed at an MIC of ≤32/32 mg/L. Multivariate analysis revealed that a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of ≥6 was associated with lower clinical success [odds ratio (OR): 5.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-29.14, P = 0.033]. High Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores (≥6) were significantly associated with increased 30-day mortality (OR: 14.34, 95% CI: 1.45-141.82, P = 0.023). DISCUSSION: CPZ/SUL demonstrated a clinical success rate of 82.7% (91/110) in treating ESBL-producing Enterobacterales bacteraemia. Treatment success was evident when the CPZ and SUL MIC was ≤32/32 mg/L. Comorbidities (CCI ≥6) were associated with lower clinical success, while disease severity (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥6) correlated with higher mortality.


Subject(s)
Bacteremia , Escherichia coli Infections , Gammaproteobacteria , Humans , Escherichia coli , Cefoperazone/therapeutic use , Sulbactam/therapeutic use , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy , Bacteremia/drug therapy
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