Developmental pleiotropy of SDP1 from seedling to mature stages in B. napus.

Rapeseed, an important oil crop, relies on robust seedling emergence for optimal yields. Seedling emergence in the field is vulnerable to various factors, among which inadequate self-supply of energy is crucial to limiting seedling growth in early stage. SUGAR-DEPENDENT1 (SDP1) initiates triacylglycerol (TAG) degradation, yet its detailed function has not been determined in B. napus. Here, we focused on the effects of plant growth during whole growth stages and energy mobilization during seedling establishment by mutation in BnSDP1. Protein sequence alignment and haplotypic analysis revealed the conservation of SDP1 among species, with a favorable haplotype enhancing oil content. Investigation of agronomic traits indicated bnsdp1 had a minor impact on vegetative growth and no obvious developmental defects when compared with wild type (WT) across growth stages. The seed oil content was improved by 2.0-2.37% in bnsdp1 lines, with slight reductions in silique length and seed number per silique. Furthermore, bnsdp1 resulted in lower seedling emergence, characterized by a shrunken hypocotyl and poor photosynthetic capacity in the early stages. Additionally, impaired seedling growth, especially in yellow seedlings, was not fully rescued in medium supplemented with exogenous sucrose. The limited lipid turnover in bnsdp1 was accompanied by induced amino acid degradation and PPDK-dependent gluconeogenesis pathway. Analysis of the metabolites in cotyledons revealed active amino acid metabolism and suppressed lipid degradation, consistent with the RNA-seq results. Finally, we proposed strategies for applying BnSDP1 in molecular breeding. Our study provides theoretical guidance for understanding trade-off between oil accumulation and seedling energy mobilization in B. napus.

Kinase CIPK9 integrates glucose and abscisic acid signaling to regulate seed oil metabolism in rapeseed.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus), an important oil crop worldwide, provides large amounts of lipids for human requirements. Calcineurin B-like (CBL)-interacting protein kinase 9 (CIPK9) was reported to regulate seed oil content in the plant. Here, we generated gene-silenced lines through RNA interference biotechnology and loss-of-function mutant bnacipk9 using CRISPR/Cas9 to further study BnaCIPK9 functions in the seed oil metabolism of rapeseeds. We discovered that compared with wild-type (WT) lines, gene-silenced and bnacipk9 lines had substantially different oil contents and fatty acid compositions: seed oil content was improved by 3%-5% and 1%-6% in bnacipk9 lines and gene-silenced lines, respectively; both lines were with increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, hormone and glucose content analyses revealed that compared with WT lines the bnacipk9 lines showed significant differences: in bnacipk9 seeds, indoleacetic acid and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were higher; glucose and sucrose contents were higher with a higher hexose-to-sucrose ratio in bnacipk9 mid-to-late maturation development seeds. Furthermore, the bnacipk9 was less sensitive to glucose and ABA than the WT according to stomatal aperture regulation assays and the expression levels of genes involved in glucose and ABA regulating pathways in rapeseeds. Notably, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), exogenous ABA and glucose imposed on developing seeds revealed the effects of ABA and glucose signaling on seed oil accumulation. Altogether, our results strongly suggest a role of CIPK9 in mediating the interaction between glucose flux and ABA hormone signaling to regulate seed oil metabolism in rapeseed.

Turbulence-resistant free space optical communication via chaotic block-matching and 3D filtering.

In this paper, we propose a chaotic block-matching and three-dimensional (C-BM3D) filtering algorithm to remove the noise and enhance the security in the turbulent channel of free space optical (FSO) communication. We experimentally demonstrate the performance of C-BM3D by comparing it with chaotic non-local means filtering (C-NLM), chaotic Gaussian filtering and chaotic Median filtering based on Log-normal and Gamma-Gamma turbulence models. The results show that the peak signal-to-noise ratios (PSNRs) of C-BM3D in the weak turbulence under Log-normal and Gamma-Gamma models are up to 96.2956 and 93.2853, respectively. The C-BM3D also achieves superior image similarity in Log-normal turbulent channel, with its structural similarity index measures (SSIMs) nearly equal to 1. Additionally, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of C-BM3D ranks the highest, and its bit error rate (BER) improves by at least 15 dB compared to that of the other three algorithms. The experimental results indicate that the C-BM3D can be a good candidate for the next generation of FSO communication in security and turbulence resistance.

Two-stage look-up-table-based 16QAM vector millimeter-wave signal generation and reception.

We propose a two-stage look-up table (LUT) scheme for a photonic 16 quadrature-amplitude-modulation (QAM) millimeter-wave (MMW) communication system. The first-stage LUT is used at the transmitter, which can eliminate complex computational processes and adaptively adjust the precoded amplitude values to achieve optimal performance without being affected by half-wave voltage variations. We have completed a signal transmission below the hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10-3 at the baud rate of 2/4 GBaud for weak turbulence and 2 GBaud for medium turbulence free-space optics (FSO) channel transmission. The second-stage LUT is used for post-compensation at the receiver as a nonlinear scheme that records the average pattern-related distortion of the channel and mitigates transmission impairment through nonlinear post-compensation. With the help of the second-stage LUT, the sensitivity of the optical receiver is improved by 0.15 dB at a baud rate of 2 GBaud for medium turbulence FSO channel transmission. As the baud rate increases to 4 GBaud, the system's bit error ratio (BER) can reach the soft-decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) threshold of 4.2 × 10-2 only after applying the second-stage LUT.

Construction of Prognostic Model and miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network for Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The purpose of this paper was to construct a prognostic model, miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) used data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. In this study, we first downloaded and sorted out the expression matrix containing 19962 mRNA transcripts (including 502 LUSC and 51 normal control (NC) samples) and the expression matrix containing 2205 miRNA transcripts (including 478 LUSC and 45 NC samples) from the TCGA database. We obtained 389 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs), of which 305 were upregulated and 84 down-regulated DE-miRNAs. Next, a total of 7 prognosis-related DE-miRNAs (PDE-miRNAs) were identified by Cox regression analysis, and the prognosis model consisting of three PDE-miRNAs (hsa-miR-4746-5p, hsa-miR-556-3p and hsa-miR-489-3p) was optimized. Then, we drew the survival curves and found that the survival rates of the three PDE-miRNA high and low expression groups and the survival rates of the high-risk and low-risk patients in the prognosis model had significant statistical differences. In addition, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and independent prognostic analysis confirmed that the prognostic model we built has a relatively accurate ability to predict the grouping and prognosis of LUSC patients. Finally, Cox regression analysis were used to construct the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, which showed the regulatory relationship between PDE-miRNAs and targeted mRNAs. Moreover, we constructed the PPI network composed of 145 targeted mRNAs and the subnetwork composed of 10 hub-targeted mRNAs (FCGR3A, IL13, CCR2, PPARGC1A, FCGR3B, ACSL1, PLXNA4, LPL, KAT2B and AOC3), which showed the interaction between targeted mRNAs. The above results indicated that the prognosis model we built can predict LUSC patients relatively accurately. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and the PPI network of targeted mRNAs illustrated the regulatory mechanisms and interactions between RNAs, which were of certain reference significance for us to further understand the molecular pathogenesis of LUSC and for clinical early diagnosis and treatment.

Electrochemiluminescent assay based on Co-MOF and TiO2 for determination of bisphenol A.

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for determining bisphenol A (BPA) was prepared based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Co-MOF. TiO2 is a co-reaction promoter that amplifies the ECL signal in the Ru(bpy)32+-trinpropylamine (TPrA) system. When the electrode is modified with Co-MOF the ECL signal is significantly enhanced. This is because Co-MOF can not only be used as a co-reaction accelerator but also as a carrier to adsorb more luminescent substances. Possible mechanisms for amplifying the original signal through the synergistic action of the two substances are investigated. The ECL strength decreases with increasing concentrations of BPA, and the amount of BPA can be determined by the change in ECL signal strength (ΔI). Under optimal experimental conditions, the linear range of BPA was 2.0 × 10-10 to 2.0 × 10-5 M, with a determination limit of 6.7 × 10-11 M (3σ/m). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the signal for ten consecutive measurements was 1.5%. The sensor can be used to detect BPA in bottled samples with recoveries of 96 to 105%.

Synthesis, Structure and Antibacterial Activity of Two Novel Coordination Polymers Based on N,N'-bis(4-carbozvlbenzvl)-4-aminotoluene and Heterocyclic Ligand against S. aureus.

As the use of antibiotics increases, the increasing resistance of bacteria is the main reason for the reduced efficiency of antibacterial drugs, making the research of new antibacterial materials become new hot spot. In this article, two novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Cd2(L)2(bibp)2]n (1) and [Ni(L)(bib)]n (2), where H2L = N,N'-bis(4-carbozvlbenzvl)-4-aminotoluene, bibp = 4,4'-bis(imidazol-1-yl)biphenyl, and bib = 1,3-bis(1-imidazoly)benzene, have been synthesized under solvothermal and hydrothermal condition. Structural clarification was performed through infrared spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, while thermal analysis and XRD technology were used for the performance assessment of compounds 1 and 2. In addition, antibacterial performance experiments showed that compounds 1 and 2 have certain selectivity in their antibacterial properties and have good antibacterial properties against S. aureus. As the concentration of the compound increases, the inhibitory effect gradually strengthens, and when the concentration of the compound reaches 500 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, the concentration of the S. aureus solution no longer increases and has been completely inhibited.

Functional genomics of Brassica napus: Progresses, challenges, and perspectives.

Brassica napus, commonly known as rapeseed or canola, is a major oil crop contributing over 13% to the stable supply of edible vegetable oil worldwide. Identification and understanding the gene functions in the B. napus genome is crucial for genomic breeding. A group of genes controlling agronomic traits have been successfully cloned through functional genomics studies in B. napus. In this review, we present an overview of the progress made in the functional genomics of B. napus, including the availability of germplasm resources, omics databases and cloned functional genes. Based on the current progress, we also highlight the main challenges and perspectives in this field. The advances in the functional genomics of B. napus contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis underlying the complex agronomic traits in B. napus and will expedite the breeding of high quality, high resistance and high yield in B. napus varieties.

Xanthophyll esterases in association with fibrillins control the stable storage of carotenoids in yellow flowers of rapeseed (Brassica juncea).

Biosynthesis, stabilization, and storage of carotenoids are vital processes in plants that collectively contribute to the vibrant colors observed in flowers and fruits. Despite its importance, the carotenoid storage pathway remains poorly understood and lacks thorough characterization. We identified two homologous genes, BjA02.PC1 and BjB04.PC2, belonging to the esterase/lipase/thioesterase (ELT) family of acyltransferases. We showed that BjPCs in association with fibrillin gene BjFBN1b control the stable storage of carotenoids in yellow flowers of Brassica juncea. Through genetic, high-resolution mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy analyses, we demonstrated that both BjA02.PC1 and BjB04.PC2 can promote the accumulation of esterified xanthophylls, facilitating the formation of carotenoid-enriched plastoglobules (PGs) and ultimately producing yellow pigments in flowers. The elimination of BjPCs led to the redirection of metabolic flux from xanthophyll ester biosynthesis to lipid biosynthesis, resulting in white flowers for B. juncea. Moreover, we genetically verified the function of two fibrillin genes, BjA01.FBN1b and BjB05.FBN1b, in mediating PG formation and demonstrated that xanthophyll esters must be deposited in PGs for stable storage. These findings identified a previously unknown carotenoid storage pathway that is regulated by BjPCs and BjFBN1b, while offering unique opportunities for improving the stability, deposition, and bioavailability of carotenoids.

Hybrid digital-analog FSO fronthaul system with channel-adaptive insertion of analog bandwidth.

With the arrival of the 5th generation mobile network, the number of user devices is increasing exponentially, and thus it is necessary to expand the capacity of transmission systems. In order to further improve the system spectral efficiency on the basis of existing mobile fronthaul devices, we propose a hybrid digital-analog fronthaul transmission system with adaptive insertion of analog bandwidth, which can dynamically change the position of inserted analog bandwidth based on the state information of free space optical (FSO) channel. We consider the effects of atmospheric attenuation and turbulence on the FSO channel and derive an analytical expression for the maximum analog signal bandwidth that can be inserted into the first null of the digital signal spectrum to meet BER requirement of 3.8 × 10-3. Through a comprehensive simulation, it is verified that the analog bandwidth is obtained by this expression can exactly represent the lower bound of the simulation results under weak turbulence condition. The obtained results show that the maximum insertable analog bandwidth beyond the spectral null of the digital signal can reach 10% of the digital signal bandwidth, even in the FSO link with a transmission distance of 0.5 km and attenuation factor of 8 dB/km.

Secure turbulence-resistant coherent free-space optical communications via chaotic region-optimized probabilistic constellation shaping.

We propose a chaotic region-optimized probabilistic constellation shaping (CRPCS) scheme to enhance the security and the resistance to turbulence for free-space optical (FSO) communications. For this approach, a four-dimensional hyperchaotic system generates a pseudorandom sequence to rotate and encrypt the constellation. Constellation distribution of short pseudorandom sequences behaves as the law of a non-uniform character. Grouping long pseudorandom sequences and counting the characteristics of constellation distribution can realize probabilistic constellation shaping with low and fixed redundant information. We demonstrate a 56 Gbyte/s coherent FSO communication system based on log-normal and Gamma-Gamma turbulence models with a key space of 1075. The results show that the optical receiver sensitivity is improved by 0.3-1.1 dB, and the transmission distance is also improved by 3.2%-7.0% in different shaping cases.

Hsa_circ_0008035 Knockdown Inhibits Bladder Cancer Progression through miR-1184/RAP2B Axis.

INTRODUCTION: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are related to the pathogenesis and progression of bladder cancer (BC). This research aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0008035 (circ_0008035) in BC progression. METHODS: Circ_0008035, microRNA (miR)-1,184, and Ras-related protein 2B (RAP2B) levels were examined in BC via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, flow cytometry, caspase-3 assay kit, transwell, and tube formation assays were conducted to estimate the effects of circ_0008035 on the malignant phenotypes of BC tumors. The interaction between RNAs and genes was evaluated via a dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. A xenograft model of BC in nude mice was established to estimate the effect of circ_0008035 in BC in vivo. RESULTS: Circ_0008035 and RAP2B levels were upregulated, while miR-1184 abundance was downregulated in BC tissues and cells. Circ_0008035 knockdown constrained cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis but promoted apoptosis in vitro. And circ_0008035 silencing curbed xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0008035 acted as a miRNA sponge for miR-1184. Circ_0008035 increased RAP2B expression by sponging miR-1184. MiR-1184 downregulation relieved the effects of circ_0008035 knockdown on BC progression. And RAP2B knockdown partly reversed the effects of miR-1184 overexpression on BC progression. CONCLUSION: Circ_0008035-mediated BC progression via regulating the miR-1184/RAP2B axis, providing a potential target for BC treatment.

APT Attack Detection Scheme Based on CK Sketch and DNS Traffic.

In recent years, Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks against sensors have emerged as a prominent security concern. Due to the low level of protection provided by sensors, APT attack organizations are able to develop intrusion schemes that allow them to infiltrate, attack, lurk, spread, and steal information from the target over an extended period of time. Through extensive research on the APT attack process and current defense mechanisms, it has been found that analyzing Domain Name Server (DNS) traffic in the communication control phase is an effective way of detecting APT attacks. However, analyzing APT attacks based on traffic usually involves the detection of a vast amount of DNS traffic, and current data preprocessing methods do not scale down data effectively, leading to low detection efficiency. In previous work, most efforts have been focused on calculating the features of request messages or corresponding messages without considering the association between request messages and corresponding messages. To address these issues, we propose a sketch-based APT attack traffic detection scheme. The scheme leverages the sketch structure to count and compress network traffic, improving the efficiency of APT detection. Our work also analyzes the limitations of traditional sketches in network traffic and proposes an improved sketch scheme. In addition, we propose several effective features for detecting APT attacks. We validate and evaluate our solution using 1,088,280 DNS traffic from a lab network and APT suspicious traffic from netresec and contagio, using eight machine learning models. The experimental results show that for the ExtraTrees model, our solution has a processing time of 0.0638 s and an accuracy of 0.97920, reducing the processing time by approximately 50 times and improving detection accuracy by a small margin compared to a dataset without sketch processing.

Application of a Mixed-Ligand Metal-Organic Framework in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction, Antibacterial Activity and Dye Adsorption.

In this paper, a known mixed-ligand MOF {[Co2(TZMB)2(1,4-bib)0.5(H2O)2]·(H2O)2}n (compound 1) was reproduced, and its potential application potential was explored. It was found that compound 1 had high photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction. After 12 h of illumination, the formation rate of CO, which is the product of CO2 reduction by compound 1, reached 3012.5 µmol/g/h. At the same time, compound 1 has a good antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans), which has potential research value in the medical field. In addition, compound 1 can effectively remove Congo Red from aqueous solutions and achieve the separation of Congo red from mixed dye solutions.

MSI4/FVE is required for accumulation of 24-nt siRNAs and DNA methylation at a subset of target regions of RNA-directed DNA methylation.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark. In plants, de novo DNA methylation occurs mainly through the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. Researchers have previously inferred that a flowering regulator, MULTICOPY SUPPRESSOR OF IRA1 4 (MSI4)/FVE, is involved in non-CG methylation at several RdDM targets, suggesting a role of FVE in RdDM. However, whether and how FVE affects RdDM genome-wide is not known. Here, we report that FVE is required for DNA methylation at thousands of RdDM target regions. In addition, dysfunction of FVE significantly reduces 24-nucleotide siRNA accumulation that is dependent on factors downstream in the RdDM pathway. By using chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq), we show that FVE directly binds to FVE-dependent 24-nucleotide siRNA cluster regions. Our results also indicate that FVE may function in RdDM by physically interacting with RDM15, a downstream factor in the RdDM pathway. Our study has therefore revealed that FVE, by associating with RDM15, directly regulates DNA methylation and siRNA accumulation at a subset of RdDM targets.

Independent dual-single-sideband QPSK signal detection based on a single photodetector.

The two sidebands of the independent dual-single-sideband (dual-SSB) signal can carry different information to achieve higher spectral efficiency. However, the two sidebands of the independent dual-SSB vector signal are received independently. Generally, the receiver divides the signal into two channels. For each channel, we use an optical bandpass filter (OBPF) to select the left sideband (LSB) or right sideband (RSB), respectively. Then a photodetector (PD) is used for photoelectric conversion, followed by subsequent digital signal processing (DSP). To reduce the complexity and cost of the receiver, we propose a new independent dual-SSB vector signal detection scheme based on a single PD combined with conventional DSP. An electric bandpass filter (EBPF) filters out high-frequency components after photoelectric conversion, and then the signal is quadrature demodulated and processed by the DSP algorithm. The LSB and RSB are quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulated with an initial phase difference of π/4. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme performs better bit error rate (BER). For back-to-back (BTB) transmission, the BER of 2-Gbaud independent dual-SSB vector signal (1-Gbuad RSB and 1-Gbaud LSB) can reach the hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10-3 when the input optical power into PD is -20 dBm. For 1-km and 2-km weak turbulence free-space optical (FSO) channel transmission, the BER of 2-Gbaud independent dual-SSB vector signal can reach the HD-FEC threshold when the input optical power into PD is -18.8 and -17 dBm, respectively. For 1-km weak turbulence FSO channel transmission, the BER of 4-, 8-, and 16-Gbuad independent dual-SSB vector signal can reach the HD-FEC threshold when the input optical power into PD is -17.8, -16, and -15 dBm, respectively.

Genetic and multi-omics analyses reveal BnaA07.PAP2In-184-317 as the key gene conferring anthocyanin-based color in Brassica napus flowers.

The molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin-based flower coloration remain unknown in Brassica napus. To identify the key genes and metabolites associated with apricot and pink flower colors, metabolome, BSA-seq, and RNA-seq analyses were conducted on apricot-, pink-, yellow-, and white-flowered F2B. napus. Yellow carotenoids and red anthocyanins were abundant in apricot petals, while colorless carotenoids and red anthocyanins accumulated in pink petals. Most carotenoid genes were not differentially regulated between apricot and yellow or between pink and white petals. Three regulator genes, BnaMYBL2, BnaA07.PAP2, and BnaTT8, and structural genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis were dramatically enhanced in apricot and pink petals in comparison with yellow and white petals. Map-based cloning revealed that BnaA07.PAP2 is responsible for anthocyanin-based flower color and encodes a nucleus-localized protein predominantly expressed in apricot and pink flowers. Two insertions in the promoter region are responsible for the transcriptional activation of BnaA07.PAP2 in flowers. Introducing the BnaA07.PAP2In-184-317 allele broadly activated the expression of anthocyanin-related genes and promoted anthocyanin accumulation in flowers, yielding color change from yellow to apricot. These findings illustrate the genetic basis of anthocyanin-based flower coloration and provide a valuable genetic resource for breeding varieties with novel flower colors in B. napus.

Full-duplex transmission without an uplink light source for a millimeter-wave radio over a free-space optical system.

The radio over free-space optical (RoFSO) system is a promising alternative technique for mobile fronthaul networks such as aerial base stations where fiber link is unavailable to deploy. However, the full-duplex transmission imposes challenges on the design of the RoFSO system due to the additional structural complexity when ease-of-installation is a mandatory request. The interplay between the uplink and downlink for a simplified structure has been less investigated in related works. In this paper, we propose a full-duplex RoFSO transmission system structure in which the uplink light source is physically saved. The optical center carrier of the double-sideband (DSB) modulated signal in the downlink is extracted as the light source for the uplink, and thus the system complexity is reduced. In order to mitigate the permanence degradation of uplink transmission due to the attenuated light source, channel estimation and power pre-compensation are implemented without additional training symbols by utilizing the characteristics of the channel correlation between uplink and downlink and the information independence of optical center carrier in the DSB. The proposed channel estimation algorithm is verified theoretically and experimentally. The results show that the difference between uplink and downlink channel attenuation is -0.7dB. In case of the excessive power compensation and the resulting effects, a power control mechanism is introduced to the power pre-compensation. By using the power pre-compensation mechanism, the bit error rate (BER) can reach 1.58×10-3 and 3.8×10-3, respectively, under the channel conditions of medium turbulence and weak turbulence. Owing to the power control mechanism, the power saving rates of downlink and uplink are up to 78% and 67%.

Cyclophilin A/CD147 signaling induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in chronic allograft dysfunction by regulating p38 MAPK signaling.

OBJECTIVE: Our study was designed to explore the role of Cyclophilin A (CyPA)/CD147 signaling in renal allograft fibrosis and chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat renal transplant model with significant CAD was successfully achieved. Renal allograft tissues and blood samples were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's, and immunohistochemistry staining were performed. Since CD147 is mainly expressed in the renal tubular epithelial cells, human HK-2 cells were used and intervened by specific concentrations of CyPA, and the total protein and mRNA were extracted. Western blot assay and polymerase chain reaction were performed to explore the protein and mRNA expression of CyPA, CD147, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related biomarkers. SiRNA-CD147 and specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK were used to explore the cellular mechanisms involved in the process. RESULTS: We have successfully established and validated a 20-week renal transplant CAD model. We observed significant distributed and expressed CyPA and CD147 in the renal allograft fibrotic tissues. We also found a significant expression of CD147 and EMT-related markers in the HK-2 cells stimulated by CyPA. The CD147 siRNA confirmed the previous in vitro results. The selective inhibition of MAPK suggested the notable role of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the CyP/CD147 signaling involved in renal allograft fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reported the positive relationship of CyPA-CD147 signaling with renal allograft dysfunction. The in vitro study suggested that CyPA-CD147 signaling induce the development of the EMT process by p38 MAPK signaling, thus contributing to renal allograft fibrosis and CAD.

Identification and Fine Mapping of the Candidate Gene Controlling Multi-Inflorescence in Brassica napus.

As a desirable agricultural trait, multi-inflorescence (MI) fulfills the requirement of mechanized harvesting and yield increase in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). However, the genetic mechanism underlying the multi-inflorescence trait remain poorly understood. We previously identified a difference of one pair of dominant genes between the two mapping parental materials. In this study, phenotype and expression analysis indicated that the imbalance of the CLAVATA (CLV)-WUSCHEL (WUS) feedback loop may contribute to the abnormal development of the shoot apical meristem (SAM). BnaMI was fine-mapped to a 55 kb genomic region combining with genotype and phenotype of 5768 BCF1 individuals using a traditional mapping approach. Through comparative and expression analyses, combined with the annotation in Arabidopsis, five genes in this interval were identified as candidate genes. The present findings may provide assistance in functional analysis of the mechanism associated with multi-inflorescence and yield increase in rapeseed.