Age-related macular degeneration: A disease of extracellular complement amplification.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment in the Western World, and with the aging world population, its incidence is increasing. As of today, for the majority of patients, no treatment exists. Multiple genetic and biochemical studies have shown a strong association with components in the complement system and AMD, and evidence suggests a major role of remodeling of the extracellular matrix underlying the outer blood/retinal barrier. As part of the innate immune system, the complement cascade acts as a first-line defense against pathogens, and upon activation, its amplification loop ensures a strong, rapid, and sustained response. Excessive activation, however, can lead to host tissue damage and cause complement-associated diseases like AMD. AMD patients present with aberrant activation of the alternative pathway, especially in ocular tissues but also on a systemic level. Here, we review the latest findings of complement activation in AMD, and we will discuss in vivo observations made in human tissue, cellular models, the potential synergy of different AMD-associated pathways, and conclude on current clinical trials and the future outlook.

WRKY53 negatively regulates rice cold tolerance at the booting stage by fine-tuning anther gibberellin levels.

Cold tolerance at the booting (CTB) stage is a major factor limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and geographical distribution. A few cold-tolerance genes have been identified, but they either need to be overexpressed to result in CTB or cause yield penalties, limiting their utility for breeding. Here, we characterize the function of the cold-induced transcription factor WRKY53 in rice. The wrky53 mutant displays increased CTB, as determined by higher seed setting. Low temperature is associated with lower gibberellin (GA) contents in anthers in the wild type but not in the wrky53 mutant, which accumulates slightly more GA in its anthers. WRKY53 directly binds to the promoters of GA biosynthesis genes and transcriptionally represses them in anthers. In addition, we uncover a possible mechanism by which GA regulates male fertility: SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1) interacts with and sequesters two critical transcription factors for tapetum development, UNDEVELOPED TAPETUM1 (UDT1), and TAPETUM DEGENERATION RETARDATION (TDR), and GA alleviates the sequestration by SLR1, thus allowing UDT1 and TDR to activate transcription. Finally, knocking out WRKY53 in diverse varieties increases cold tolerance without a yield penalty, leading to a higher yield in rice subjected to cold stress. Together, these findings provide a target for improving CTB in rice.

A Nanofilm-Based Fluorescent Sensor toward Highly Efficient Detection of Ethephon.

Ethephon (ETH) is widely used to promote fruit ripening and improve fruit quality. However, improper use is harmful to human health and to the environmental safety. Therefore, development of the techniques for on-site and at real-time monitoring of ETH is of importance for its safe use. In this work, we developed a nanofilm-based fluorescence film sensor (FFS) and realized highly efficient detection of ETH in vapor phase, where the detection limit (DL) is <0.2 ppb, the response time is less than 10 s, and the interference is almost free. The unusual sensing performance of the sensor was ascribed to the specific binding of the nanofilm to ETH and to its great porosity, which enables efficient adlayer mass transfer, a requirement for high signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, visualization-based qualitative sensing is also realized. The nanofilm, a key component of the sensor, was prepared at the humid air/DMSO interface. The building blocks used were a specially designed fluorescent o-carborane derivative (CB-2CHO) and a cross-linker BTN possessing three acylhydrazine groups. The nanofilm as prepared is flexible, uniform, thickness tunable, and photochemically super stable. We believe our effort not only addresses the challenging issue of on-site and at real-time detection of ETH but also provides another route for developing new FFSs via sensing film innovation.

WRKY53 integrates classic brassinosteroid signaling and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to regulate rice architecture and seed size.

In rice (Oryza sativa) and other plants, plant architecture and seed size are closely related to yield. Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (MAPK kinase kinase 10 [MAPKKK10]-MAPK kinase 4 [MAPKK4]-MAPK6) are two major regulatory pathways that control rice architecture and seed size. However, their possible relationship and crosstalk remain elusive. Here, we show that WRKY53 mediated the crosstalk between BR signaling and the MAPK pathway. Biochemical and genetic assays demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase-2 (GSK2) phosphorylates WRKY53 and lowers its stability, indicating that WRKY53 is a substrate of GSK2 in BR signaling. WRKY53 interacted with BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1(BZR1); they function synergistically to regulate BR-related developmental processes. We also provide genetic evidence showing that WRKY53 functions in a common pathway with the MAPKKK10-MAPKK4-MAPK6 cascade in leaf angle and seed size control, suggesting that WRKY53 is a direct substrate of this pathway. Moreover, GSK2 phosphorylated MAPKK4 to suppress MAPK6 activity, suggesting that GSK2-mediated BR signaling might also regulated MAPK pathway. Together, our results revealed a critical role for WRKY53 and uncovered sophisticated levels of interplay between BR signaling and the MAPK pathway in regulating rice architecture and seed size.

Efficient Removal of Iodine from Water by a Calix[4]pyrrole-Based Nanofilm.

The efficient removal of radioactive iodine from an aqueous solution is largely dependent on the adsorbent materials employed. In this work, we report a calix[4]pyrrole-based nanofilm and its application for the rapid removal of iodine from water. The nanofilm was synthesized through a confined dynamic condensation of tetra hydrazide calix[4]pyrrole with 1,3,5-tri-(4-formylphenyl) aldehyde at the air/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) interface. The thickness of the obtained nanofilm is ∼35 nm, enabling fast mass transfer and a high ratio of accessible binding sites for iodine. The pseudo-second-order rate constant of the nanofilm for iodine is ∼0.061 g g-1 min-1, 3 orders of magnitude higher than most reported adsorbent materials. Flow-through nanofiltration tests demonstrated that the nanofilm has an adsorption capacity of 1.48 g g-1, a high removal efficiency, and good reusability. The mechanism study revealed that the moieties of Schiff base, pyrrole, and aromatic rings play a key role for binding iodine. We believe this work provides not only a new strategy for the efficient removal of radioactive iodine from water but also new ideas for designing efficient iodine adsorbents.

Modeling the Zigzag Curves of Transition Metal Ions' Charge Transition Levels in Crystals.

Predicting the defect levels of transition metal (TM) dopants in the band gap of crystals is critical in determining the charge states of TM dopants and explaining their electronic and optical properties. By analyzing the calculated charge transition levels and the crystal-field strengths of all the 3d-TM ions in several insulators, we demonstrate that the variation trend of the 3d-TM dopants in a crystal is a scaling of the variation of 3d-electron binding energies (ionization potential) of the free TM ions corrected by adding the contribution of the 3d-orbital's crystal-field splitting. We therefore develop a model to predict the relative location of TM ions' defect levels in the band gap from the defect level and crystal-field splitting of a reference TM ion in the host of concern. The model is applied to predict the defect levels of the series of TM ions in ß-Ga2O3 and ZnO, which have moderate to small band gaps, making some of the levels fall into the conduction or valence bands. These results show that the model may serve as a quick reference for related material design and optimization.

Differential expression of FSTL1 and its correlation with the pathological process of periodontitis.

AIMS: This study aimed to elucidate the alterations in Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) and its association with the pathological process of periodontitis. METHODS: This study included 48 patients with periodontitis and 42 healthy controls. The expression level of FSTL1 in the gingiva was determined by RT-qPCR, validated using the dataset GSE16134, and subsequently examined by western blotting. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a single-cell distribution of FSTL1, characteristic of angiogenesis and immune cell infiltration. The expression and distribution of FSTL1, vascular endothelial marker protein CD31 and myeloperoxidase (MPO), the indicator of neutrophil activity, were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). A series of correlation analyses was performed to determine the associations between FSTL1 and clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), and their potential role in angiogenesis (CD31) and neutrophil infiltration (MPO). RESULTS: FSTL1 was significantly upregulated in the gingiva of patients with periodontitis compared to their healthy counterparts. In addition, FSTL1 was positively correlated with the clinical parameters PD (r = .5971, p = .0005) and CAL (r = .6078, p = .0004). Bioinformatic analysis and IHC indicated that high FSTL1 expression was significantly correlated with angiogenesis and neutrophil infiltration in periodontitis. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that FSTL1 could serve as an independent indicator for evaluating the severity of periodontitis (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.9011, p < .0001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated FSTL1 upregulation in periodontitis and its potential contribution to the disease via angiogenesis and neutrophil infiltration.

OsPGL3A encodes a DYW-type pentatricopeptide repeat protein involved in chloroplast RNA processing and regulated chloroplast development.

The chloroplast serves as the primary site of photosynthesis, and its development plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and morphogenesis. The Pentatricopeptide Repeat Sequence (PPR) proteins constitute a vast protein family that function in the post-transcriptional modification of RNA within plant organelles. In this study, we characterized mutant of rice with pale green leaves (pgl3a). The chlorophyll content of pgl3a at the seedling stage was significantly reduced compared to the wild type (WT). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that pgl3a exhibited aberrant chloroplast development compared to the wild type (WT), accompanied by significant alterations in gene expression levels associated with chloroplast development and photosynthesis. The Mutmap analysis revealed that a single base deletionin the coding region of Os03g0136700 in pgl3a. By employing CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing, two homozygous cr-pgl3a mutants were generated and exhibited a similar phenotype to pgl3a, thereby confirming that Os03g0136700 was responsible for pgl3a. Consequently, it was designated as OsPGL3A. OsPGL3A belongs to the DYW-type PPR protein family and is localized in chloroplasts. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the RNA editing efficiency of rps8-182 and rpoC2-4106, and the splicing efficiency of ycf3-1 were significantly decreased in pgl3a mutants compared to WT. Collectively, these results indicate that OsPGL3A plays a crucial role in chloroplast development by regulating the editing and splicing of chloroplast genes in rice. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01468-7.

Paternal preconception alcohol consumption increased Angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in male offspring cerebral arteries via oxidative stress-AT1R pathway.

Alcohol consumption is popular worldwidely and closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. Influences of paternal preconception alcohol consumption on offspring cerebral arteries are largely unknown. Male rats were randomly given alcohol or water before being mated with alcohol-naive females to produce alcohol- and control-sired offspring. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) was tested with a Danish Myo Technology wire myograph, patch-clamp, IONOPTIX, immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR. Alcohol consumption enhanced angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated constriction in male offspring MCA mainly via AT1R. PD123,319 only augmented AngII-induced constriction in control offspring. AngII and Bay K8644 induced stronger intracellular calcium transient in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from MCA of alcohol offspring. L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-Ca2+ ) current at baseline and after AngII-stimulation was higher in VSMCs. Influence of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKC a ) was lower. Caffeine induced stronger constriction and intracellular calcium release in alcohol offspring. Superoxide anion was higher in alcohol MCA than control. Tempol and thenoyltrifluoroacetone alleviated AngII-mediated contractions, while inhibition was significantly higher in alcohol group. The mitochondria were swollen in alcohol MCA. Despite lower Kcnma1 and Prkce expression, many genes expressions were higher in alcohol group. Hypoxia induced reactive oxygen species production and increased AT1R expression in control MCA and rat aorta smooth muscle cell line. In conclusion, this study firstly demonstrated paternal preconception alcohol potentiated AngII-mediated vasoconstriction in offspring MCA via ROS-AT1R. Alcohol consumption increased intracellular calcium via L-Ca2+ channel and endoplasmic reticulum and decreased BKCa function. The present study provided new information for male reproductive health and developmental origin of cerebrovascular diseases.

OsWRKY78 regulates panicle exsertion via gibberellin signaling pathway in rice.

Panicle exsertion is one of the crucial agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa). Shortening of panicle exsertion often leads to panicle enclosure and severely reduces seed production. Gibberellin (GA) plays important roles in regulating panicle exsertion. However, the underlying mechanism and the relative regulatory network remain elusive. Here, we characterized the oswrky78 mutant showing severe panicle enclosure, and found that the defect of oswrky78 is caused by decreased bioactive GA contents. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that OsWRKY78 can directly activate GA biosynthesis and indirectly suppress GA metabolism. Moreover, we found OsWRKY78 can interact with and be phosphorylated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase OsMAPK6, and this phosphorylation can enhance OsWRKY78 stability and is necessary for its biological function. Taken together, these results not only reveal the critical function of OsWRKY78, but also reveal its mechanism via mediating crosstalk between MAPK and the GA signaling pathway in regulating panicle exsertion.

Role of αENaC in root resorption of adjacent teeth due to entirely impacted mandibular third molars.

BACKGROUND: Entirely impacted mandibular third molar (EIM3M) concerns the pathological external root resorption (ERR) of the adjacent mandibular second molar (M2M) and formation of granulation tissue between two molars. The study aimed to clarify the effect of αENaC, a mechano-sensitive molecule, to explore the mechanical mechanism in this scenario. METHODS: The force EIM3M exerted on M2M was proved by finite element analysis. αENaC expressions were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Inflammatory and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules expressions were also detected by real-time PCR. The correlation was analyzed by Spearman's correlation analysis, and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was further exhibited. RESULTS: The force was concentrated in the ERR area. αENaC was upregulated, positively correlated with ERR degree and localized to the fibroblasts in ERR granulation tissues. Moreover, αENaC was respectively and positively associated with elevated TNF-α and N-cadherin in ERR granulation tissues. More importantly, ROC analysis verified αENaC as a novel indication of the incidence of this disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding revealed the force from EIM3M causing ERR of M2M, and elucidated the expression and localization of αENaC and its positive correlation with inflammation, EMT and disease severity, suggesting a novel indication in this disease.

Expression patterns of mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZOs in irreversible pulpitis.

BACKGROUND: Mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZOs have been widely reported to involve inflammation and pain. This study aimed to clarify expression patterns of PIEZOs and their potential relations to irreversible pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal pulp tissues (n = 29) from patients with impacted third molars and inflamed pulp tissues (n = 23) from patients with irreversible pulpitis were collected. Pain levels were assessed using a numerical rating scale. PIEZO expressions were measured using real-time PCR and then confirmed using GEO datasets GSE77459, immunoblot, and immunohistochemistry staining. Correlations of PIEZO mRNA expression with inflammatory markers, pain markers, or clinical pain levels were evaluated using Spearman's correlation analysis. Univariate analysis was conducted to analyze PIEZO expressions based on pain description and clinical examinations of cold test, percussion, palpation, and bite test. RESULTS: Compared with normal pulp tissues, mRNA expression levels of PIEZO1 were significantly increased in inflamed pulp tissues, while PIEZO2 was significantly decreased, which was further confirmed in GSE77459 and on a protein and histological level. The positive correlation of the mRNA expression levels between PIEZO1 and inflammatory markers, as well as between PIEZO2 and pain markers, was verified. PIEZO2 expression was also positively correlated with pain levels. Besides, irreversible pulpitis patients who reported continuous pain and who detected a positive response to cold stimulus exhibited a higher expression level of PIEZO2 in the inflamed pulp tissues. By contrast, patients reporting pain duration of more than one week showed a higher expression level of PIEZO1. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the upregulation of PIEZO1 and the downregulation of PIEZO2 in irreversible pulpitis and revealed the potential relation of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 to inflammation and pain. These findings suggested that PIEZOs might play critical roles in the progression of irreversible pulpitis and paved the way for further investigations aimed at novel therapies of irreversible pulpitis by targeting PIEZOs.

WNT9A Affects Late-Onset Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and 28-Day Survival: Evidence from a Three-Step Multiomics Study.

Late-onset (more than 48 h after ICU admission) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with shorter survival time and higher mortality; however, the underlying molecular targets remain unclear. As the WNT gene family is known to drive inflammation, immunity, and tissue fibrosis, all of which are closely related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of ARDS, we aim to investigate the associations of the WNT family with late-onset ARDS and 28-day survival. Genetic (n = 380), epigenetic (n = 185), transcriptional (n = 160), and protein (n = 300) data of patients with ARDS were extracted from the MEARDS (Molecular Epidemiology of ARDS) cohort. We used sure independence screening to identify late onset-related genetic biomarkers and constructed a genetic score on the basis of eight SNPs, which was associated with risk for late-onset ARDS (odds ratio [OR], 2.72; P = 3.81 × 10-14) and survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; P = 0.008). The associations were further externally validated in the iSPAAR (Identification of SNPs Predisposing to Altered Acute Lung Injury Risk) (ORlate onset, 2.49 [P = 0.006]; HRsurvival, 1.87 [P = 0.045]) and MESSI (Molecular Epidemiology of Severe Sepsis in the ICU) (ORlate onset, 4.12 [P = 0.026]; HRsurvival, 1.45 [P = 0.036]) cohorts. Furthermore, we functionally interrogated the six mapped genes of eight SNPs in the multiomics data and noted associations of WNT9A (WNT family member 9A) in epigenetic (ORlate onset, 2.95 [P = 9.91 × 10-4]; HRsurvival, 1.53 [P = 0.011]) and protein (ORlate onset, 1.42 [P = 0.035]; HRsurvival, 1.38 [P = 0.011]) data. The mediation analysis indicated that the effects of WNT9A on ARDS survival were mediated by late onset (HRindirect, 1.12 [P = 0.014] for genetic data; HRindirect, 1.05 [P = 0.030] for protein data). The essential roles of WNT9A in immunity and fibrosis may explain the different trajectories of recovery and dysfunction between early- and late-onset ARDS, providing clues for ARDS treatment.

Imine Bond-Based Fluorescent Nanofilms toward High-Performance Detection and Efficient Removal of HCl and NH3.

A new kind of imine bond-based fluorescent nanofilm was developed as multifunctional materials for high-performance detection and efficient removal of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and ammonia (NH3). The flexible, uniform, and photochemically stable nanofilms as prepared showed fast (<1 and <0.5 s), sensitive (<150 ppb and <1.5 ppm), and selective response to HCl and NH3, respectively, and the removal efficiencies to HCl and NH3 are 187.5 and 37.5% (w/w), respectively. A reversible earthy-red to green fluorescence color change upon adsorption of NH3 or HCl enabled visualized monitoring of the two gases in the air. Mechanism studies revealed that the adsorption of HCl is a result of hydrogen bond formation between the analyte and the imine groups. Adsorption of NH3, however, is a result of chemical reaction with the pre-adsorbed HCl. The applicability of the detection and removal strategies as developed was further verified by conducting the tests on real-life or simulated scenarios.

A Droplet Method for Synthesis of Multiclass Ultrathin Metal Halides.

2D metal halides have attracted increasing research attention in recent years; however, it is still challenging to synthesize them via liquid-phase methods. Here it is demonstrated that a droplet method is simple and efficient for the synthesis of multiclass 2D metal halides, including trivalent (BiI3 , SbI3 ), divalent (SnI2 , GeI2 ), and monovalent (CuI) ones. In particular, 2D SbI3 is first experimentally achieved, of which the thinnest thickness is ≈6 nm. The nucleation and growth of these metal halide nanosheets are mainly determined by the supersaturation of precursor solutions that are dynamically varying during the solution evaporation. After solution drying, the nanosheets can fall on the surface of many different substrates, which further enables the feasible fabrication of related heterostructures and devices. With SbI3 /WSe2 being a good demonstration, the photoluminescence intensity and photo responsivity of WSe2 is obviously enhanced after interfacing with SbI3 . The work opens a new pathway for 2D metal halides toward widespread investigation and applications.

In vitro fertilization with frozen embryo transfer increased histamine-mediated contractile sensitivity via PKCß in human umbilical vein.

OBJECTIVE: In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) technologies (especially frozen ET) have been widely used, which might affect maternal and fetal health. Information regarding influence of IVF-ET on the vasoconstriction of human umbilical vein (HUV) is limited. This study determined effects of frozen ET on histamine-mediated vascular responses in HUV and related mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: HUVs were collected from frozen ET conceived pregnancy and spontaneously conceived pregnancy (control). Histamine concentration in umbilical plasma was higher in frozen ET group than the control. Histamine-mediated contractile response curve was left-shifted in the frozen ET group when comparing with the control. In isolated HUV rings, H1R showed a critical role in regulating vascular constriction, while H2R played little roles in regulating vessel tone. Iberiotoxin and 4-aminopyridine didn't significantly change histamine-mediated constriction in HUVs. Histamine-induced vasoconstrictions were significantly decreased by nifedipine, KN93, or GF109203X, while the inhibitory effects were significantly greater in the frozen ET group in comparison to the control. The constrictions by Bay K8644, phenylephrine, or PDBu were stronger in frozen ET, respectively. There was a decrease in the protein expressions of H1R and H2R, an increase in protein expressions of BKCaα and PKCß. CONCLUSIONS: Histamine-induced constriction in HUV was mainly via H1R. The increased sensitivity to histamine in HUV following frozen ET cycles were linked to the enhanced PKCß protein expression and function. The new data and findings in this study provide important insight into influences of frozen ET on fetal vessel development and potential influence in long-term.

Simple Approach toward N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Protected Gold Nanoclusters.

Little advance has been made toward developing alternative bottom-up synthetic strategies for N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-stabilized gold nanoclusters, although this unique class of nanomaterials has exhibited exciting properties. We report in this work a simple and straightforward approach toward NHC-ligated gold nanoclusters by using imidazolium salts rather than free carbenes or NHC-coordinated gold complexes (NHC-Au-X, X is counterions) as precursors. Illustrated here is a one-pot and one-step preparation of an NHC-stabilized Au13Br4 cluster that features a distinct molecular formula, surface motifs, and assembling modes via chemical reduction of dpaAu, NaOMe, and FNHCBn·HBr by NaBH4 (Hdpa is dipyridylamine; FNHCBn·HBr is 1,3-dibenzyl-5,6-difluoro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-3-ium bromide). In situ UV-vis and NMR studies have elucidated the base-assisted formation of NHCs from imidazolium salts for the protection of the metal core. This work not only reports a new NHC-ligated superatom that completes the Au13 library, thus facilitating structure-property studies, but also opens the door to explore underlying analogues in a facile and reasonable way.

Emerging role of tumor suppressor p53 in acute and chronic kidney diseases.

p53 is a major regulator of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence. While involvement of p53 in tumorigenesis is well established, recent studies implicate p53 in the initiation and progression of several renal diseases, which is the focus of this review. Ischemic-, aristolochic acid (AA) -, diabetic-, HIV-associated-, obstructive- and podocyte-induced nephropathies are accompanied by activation and/or elevated expression of p53. Studies utilizing chemical or renal-specific inhibition of p53 in mice confirm the pathogenic role of this transcription factor in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. TGF-ß1, NOX, ATM/ATR kinases, Cyclin G, HIPK, MDM2 and certain micro-RNAs are important determinants of renal p53 function in response to trauma. AA, cisplatin or TGF-ß1-mediated ROS generation via NOXs promotes p53 phosphorylation and subsequent tubular dysfunction. p53-SMAD3 transcriptional cooperation downstream of TGF-ß1 orchestrates induction of fibrotic factors, extracellular matrix accumulation and pathogenic renal cell communication. TGF-ß1-induced micro-RNAs (such as mir-192) could facilitate p53 activation, leading to renal hypertrophy and matrix expansion in response to diabetic insults while AA-mediated mir-192 induction regulates p53 dependent epithelial G2/M arrest. The widespread involvement of p53 in tubular maladaptive repair, interstitial fibrosis, and podocyte injury indicate that p53 clinical targeting may hold promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for halting progression of certain acute and chronic renal diseases, which affect hundreds of million people worldwide.

Large-area Free-standing Metalloporphyrin-based Covalent Organic Framework Films by Liquid-air Interfacial Polymerization for Oxygen Electrocatalysis.

Synthesizing large-area free-standing covalent organic framework (COF) films is of vital importance for their applications but is still a big challenge. Herein, we reported the synthesis of large metalloporphyrin-based COF films and their applications for oxygen electrocatalysis. The reaction of meso-benzohydrazide-substituted metal porphyrins with tris-aldehyde linkers afforded free-standing COF films at the liquid-air interface. These films can be scaled up to 3000 cm2 area and display great mechanical stability and structural integrity. Importantly, the Co-porphyrin-based films are efficient for electrocatalytic O2 reduction and evolution reactions. A flexible, all-solid-state Zn-air battery was assembled using the films and showed high performance with a charge-discharge voltage gap of 0.88 V at 1 mA cm-2 and high stability under bent conditions (0° to 180°). This work thus presents a strategy to synthesize functionalized COF films with high quality for uses in flexible electronics.

Supramolecular Adhesives with Extended Tolerance to Extreme Conditions via Water-Modulated Noncovalent Interactions.

Development of supramolecular adhesives with strong tolerance to extreme conditions has emerged as an important research area. In this study, by balancing supramolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding interactions, electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking interactions, and cation-π interactions, we designed and prepared a series of two-component supramolecular adhesives derived from small organic molecules. Highly efficient interfacial adhesion with maximum adhesion strength of ≈10.0 MPa was realized on various surfaces in air, organic solvents, or liquid nitrogen. Owing to balanced supramolecular interactions, water participation prolonged and increased the tolerance of the adhesives in extreme environments. We demonstrate that the combination of imidazole-based ionic liquids and phenols can be applied for various interfacial adhesions, thereby aiding the development of next-generation adhesives capable of adapting to various extreme conditions in a controlled manner.