Case report: Whole exome sequencing identified a novel mutation (p.Y301H) of MAF in a Chinese family with congenital cataracts.

Background: Congenital cataracts stand as the primary cause of childhood blindness globally, characterized by clouding of the eye's lens at birth or shortly thereafter. Previous investigations have unveiled that a variant in the V-MAF avian musculoaponeurotic-fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog (MAF) gene can result in Ayme-Gripp syndrome and solitary cataract. Notably, MAF mutations have been infrequently reported in recent years. Methods: In this investigation, we recruited a Chinese family with non-syndromic cataracts. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were applied to scrutinize the genetic anomaly within the family. Results: Through whole exome sequencing and subsequent data filtration, a new mutation (NM_005360, c.901T>C/p.Y301H) in the MAF gene was detected. Sanger sequencing validated the presence of this mutation in another affected individual. The p.Y301H mutation, situated in an evolutionarily preserved locus, was not detected in our 200 local control cohorts and various public databases. Additionally, multiple bioinformatic programs predicted that the mutation was deleterious and disrupted the bindings between MAF and its targets. Conclusion: Hence, we have documented a new MAF mutation within a Chinese family exhibiting isolated congenital cataracts. Our study has the potential to broaden the spectrum of MAF mutations, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying cataract formation and facilitating genetic counseling and early diagnosis for congenital cataract patients.

Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in breast cancer with second primary malignancies.

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in breast cancer (BC) with second primary malignancies (SPMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 149 BC patients (149/1419, 10.5 %) ultimately diagnosed with SPMs were included in the study. The following data were evaluated: age, location, the treatment of the first BC, the interval between the first BC and SPMs, the maximum diameter of SPMs, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of SPMs, and SPMs metastases. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of follow-up patients were analyzed. The diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET/CT for SPMs and consistency with the pathological findings were calculated. RESULTS: The most common SPMs of BC was lung cancer (81/149, 54.4 %), particularly early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. There were the shorter maximum diameter of SPMs, the lower SUVmax of SPMs, and the fewer SPMs metastases in the lung cancer group than non-lung cancer group (P<0.001). The OS and PFS of the follow-up patients in the lung cancer group were longer than non-lung cancer group (P<0.001). The SPMs metastases was independent prognostic indicator of OS. The pathological grouping and the SPMs metastases were independent prognostic indicators of PFS. 18F-FDG PET/CT efficacy in diagnosing SPMs in BC patients was high. Compared with the pathological findings, the consistency was good (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Applying 18F-FDG PET/CT in BC patients might be helpful in detecting SPMs and partially predicting patient prognosis, in addition to its primary function in the diagnosis and staging of BC.

The multifaceted role of Fragile X-Related Protein 1 (FXR1) in cellular processes: an updated review on cancer and clinical applications.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) modulate the expression level of several target RNAs (such as mRNAs) post-transcriptionally through interactions with unique binding sites in the 3'-untranslated region. There is mounting information that suggests RBP dysregulation plays a significant role in carcinogenesis. However, the function of FMR1 autosomal homolog 1(FXR1) in malignancies is just beginning to be unveiled. Due to the diversity of their RNA-binding domains and functional adaptability, FXR1 can regulate diverse transcript processing. Changes in FXR1 interaction with RNA networks have been linked to the emergence of cancer, although the theoretical framework defining these alterations in interaction is insufficient. Alteration in FXR1 expression or localization has been linked to the mRNAs of cancer suppressor genes, cancer-causing genes, and genes involved in genomic expression stability. In particular, FXR1-mediated gene regulation involves in several cellular phenomena related to cancer growth, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, senescence, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. FXR1 dysregulation has been implicated in diverse cancer types, suggesting its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. However, the molecular mechanisms and biological effects of FXR1 regulation in cancer have yet to be understood. This review highlights the current knowledge of FXR1 expression and function in various cancer situations, emphasizing its functional variety and complexity. We further address the challenges and opportunities of targeting FXR1 for cancer diagnosis and treatment and propose future directions for FXR1 research in oncology. This work intends to provide an in-depth review of FXR1 as an emerging oncotarget with multiple roles and implications in cancer biology and therapy.

Computer-Aided Multiphoton Microscopy Diagnosis of 5 Different Primary Architecture Subtypes of Meningiomas.

Meningiomas rank among the most common intracranial tumors, and surgery stands as the primary treatment modality for meningiomas. The precise subtyping and diagnosis of meningiomas, both before and during surgery, play a pivotal role in enabling neurosurgeons choose the optimal surgical program. In this study, we utilized multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on 2-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation to identify 5 common meningioma subtypes. The morphological features of these subtypes were depicted using the MPM multichannel mode. Additionally, we developed 2 distinct programs to quantify collagen content and blood vessel density. Furthermore, the lambda mode of the MPM characterized architectural and spectral features, from which 3 quantitative indicators were extracted. Moreover, we employed machine learning to differentiate meningioma subtypes automatically, achieving high classification accuracy. These findings demonstrate the potential of MPM as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for meningioma subtyping and diagnosis, offering improved accuracy and resolution compared with traditional methods.

Systematic review and integrated analysis of prognostic gene signatures for prostate cancer patients.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in men and becoming the second leading cause of cancer fatalities. At present, the lack of effective strategies for prognosis of PC patients is still a problem to be solved. Therefore, it is significant to identify potential gene signatures for PC patients' prognosis. Here, we summarized 71 different prognostic gene signatures for PC and concluded 3 strategies for signature construction after extensive investigation. In addition, 14 genes frequently appeared in 71 different gene signatures, which enriched in mitotic and cell cycle. This review provides extensive understanding and integrated analysis of current prognostic signatures of PC, which may help researchers to construct gene signatures of PC and guide future clinical treatment.

Deciphering the interaction between Twist1 and PPARγ during adipocyte differentiation.

Obesity, a worldwide epidemic in recent years, is mainly due to the uncontrolled development of adipose tissues, which includes adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Adipocyte differentiation is a process involving multiple transcription factor cascades, and the exact mechanism has not yet been defined. As a bHLH transcription factor, Twist1 exerts its activity by forming homo- or heterodimers with other factors. In this study, we showed Twist1 restricts adipogenesis through PPARγ. Expression of various differentiation markers (including PPARγ and adiponectin) and triglyceride-containing lipid droplets were decreased with overexpression of Twist1. Pathway enrichment analysis of RNA-seq data showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) caused by Twist1 overexpression were significantly related to lipolysis and PPARγ signaling. This implicates that Twist1 plays important regulatory roles in these processes. ChIP and dual luciferase assays showed that Twist1 could bind either PPARγ or adiponectin promoter to repress their respective transcription or directly to PPARγ protein to regulate its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, Twist1 directly interacted RXRα, which usually forms heterodimer with PPARγ to regulate adipogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that Twist1 is an inhibitory modulator of adipogenesis and its function is likely through direct interaction with PPARγ protein or its gene promoter.

Automatic and label-free detection of meningioma in dura mater using the combination of multiphoton microscopy and image analysis.

Significance: To prevent meningioma recurrence, it is necessary to detect and remove all corresponding tumors intraoperatively, including those in the adjacent dura mater. Aim: Currently, the removal of meningiomas from the dura mater depends solely on cautious visual identification of lesions by a neurosurgeon. Inspired by the requirements for resection, we propose multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on two-photon-excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation as a histopathological diagnostic paradigm to assist neurosurgeons in achieving precise and complete resection. Approach: Seven fresh normal human dura mater samples and 10 meningioma-infiltrated dura mater samples, collected from 10 patients with meningioma, were acquired for this study. First, multi-channel mode and lambda mode detection were utilized in the MPM to characterize the architectural and spectral features of normal and meningioma-infiltrated dura mater, respectively. Three imaging algorithms were then employed to quantify the architectural differences between the normal and meningioma-infiltrated dura mater through calculations of the collagen content, orientation, and alignment. Finally, MPM was combined with another custom-developed imaging algorithm to locate the meningioma within the dura mater and further delineate the tumor boundary. Results: MPM not only detected meningioma cells in the dura mater but also revealed the morphological and spectral differences between normal and meningioma-infiltrated dura mater, providing quantitative information. Furthermore, combined with a self-developed image-processing algorithm, the precise borders of meningiomas in the dura mater could be accurately delineated. Conclusions: MPM can automatically detect meningiomas in the dura mater label-free. With the development of advanced multiphoton endoscopy, MPM combined with image analysis can provide decision-making support for histopathological diagnosis, as well as offer neurosurgeons more precise intraoperative resection guidance for meningiomas.

A Study on Site Selection for Regional Air Rescue Centers Based on Multi-Objective Jellyfish Search Algorithm.

In recent years, air emergency rescue capabilities have become increasingly important as an indicator of national comprehensive strength and development status. Air emergency rescue performs an indispensable role in addressing social emergencies by virtue of its fast response capabilities and extensive coverage. This vital aspect of emergency response ensures the timely deployment of rescue personnel and resources, enabling efficient operations in diverse and often challenging environments. To enhance regional emergency response capabilities, this paper presents a novel siting model that overcomes the limitation of single-objective approaches by integrating multiple objectives and considering the synergistic effects of network nodes, and the corresponding efficient solving algorithm is designed for this model. First, a multi-objective optimization function is established that fully incorporates the construction cost of the rescue station, response time, and radiation range. A radiation function is developed to evaluate the degree of radiation for each candidate airport. Second, the multi-objective jellyfish search algorithm (MOJS) is employed to search for Pareto optimal solutions of the model using MATLAB tools. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to analyze and verify the site selection for a regional air emergency rescue center in a certain region of China, and ArcGIS tools are used to draw the site selection results separately by prioritizing the construction cost under different numbers of site selection points. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can achieve the desired site selection goals, thus providing a feasible and accurate method for future air emergency rescue station selection problems.

Primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma of the mandible with EWSR1-ATF1 fusion in an adult patient: case report and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: We report our diagnosis of a rare case of primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma in the mandible of a 42-year-old male using next-generation sequencing to detect disease-specific EWSR1-ATF1 fusion. STUDY DESIGN: After the initial cone beam computerized tomography scan and reconstruction, we performed immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis on tissue samples to detect EWSR1 gene rearrangement. For the final diagnosis, we performed next-generation sequencing to detect disease-specific EWSR1-ATF1 fusion. RESULTS: FISH analysis showed approximately 55% of tumor cells with mostly isolated red signals, as well as several split red-green signals, indicating the presence of EWSR1 gene rearrangement. Next-generation sequencing analysis identified an EWSR1 exon9-ATF1 exon4 fusion, a diagnostic biomarker of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH). Based on the findings, we diagnosed primary AFH derived from the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: Next-generation sequencing is a powerful methodology for detecting disease-specific EWSR1-ATF1 fusion and diagnosing primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma.

Characteristics of fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma on 18 F-FDG PET/computed tomography and HRCT.

PURPOSE: To assess the characteristics of fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study with 20 cases in the fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma group; the control group was old fibrotic-foci of the lung with 20 cases. The following 18 F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT features were evaluated: the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax); the tumor-to-background ratios of SUVmax (TBRmax); the long-to-short diameter ratio (L/S); anatomic location; location type; internal characteristics; marginal characteristics and surrounding structures. In the fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma group, a comparison of 18 F-FDG uptake between the metastatic group ( n  = 10) and the non-metastatic group ( n  = 10) was performed. Finally, the comparison of diagnostic accuracy for fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma between 18 F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT was performed. RESULTS: The SUVmax [2.6 (1.7-7.9) vs. 1.0 (0.7-1.4)], TBRmax [2.9 (2.1-9.9) vs. 1.3 (1.2- 1.7)], L/S [2.4 (1.7-3.8) vs. 4.0 (3.2-6.3)], ground-glass opacity (GGO) [13/20 (65.0%) vs. 4/20 (20.0%)], and vessel convergence [7/20 (35.0%) vs. 1/20 (5.0%)] were found to be statistically significant differences between the fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma group and the old fibrotic-foci group ( P  < 0.05). SUVmax [7.9 (4.7-8.8) vs. 1.7 (1.2-2.2)] and TBRmax [9.9 (6.5-11.0) vs. 2.1 (1.6-2.9)] were found to be statistically significant differences between the metastatic group and the non-metastatic group ( P  < 0.05). 18 F-FDG PET/CT showed the higher diagnostic accuracy for fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma than HRCT [95.0% (19/20) vs. 65.0% (13/20), P  < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: The specific characteristics of fibrotic-foci-like lung adenocarcinoma on 18 F-FDG PET/CT and HRCT were high 18 F-FDG uptake, GGO, and vessel convergence, which could be distinguished from old fibrotic-foci of the lung.

Quorum sensing improves the plant growth-promoting ability of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila under saline-alkaline stress by enhancing its environmental adaptability.

Quorum sensing (QS) system has an essential function in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) response to environmental stress and PGPR induction of plant tolerance to saline-alkaline stress. Nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding about how QS influences the growth-promoting effects of PGPR on plants. Stenotrophomonas rhizophila DSM14405T is a PGPR with a QS system, which can secrete diffusible signal factor (DSF), one of the QS signal molecules. In this study, we used the S. rhizophila wild type (WT) and an incompetent DSF production rpfF-knockout mutant strain to explore whether DSF-QS could affect the growth-promoting ability of PGPR in Brassica napus L. By measuring the seed germination rate, plant fresh weight, biomass, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level, and the content of chlorophyll in leaves, we found that DSF was unable to enhance the growth-promoting capacity of ΔrpfF and did not directly assist the plants in tolerating saline-alkaline stress. However, DSF aided S. rhizophila ΔrpfF in resisting stress during its effective period, and QS represents a continuous and precise regulatory mechanism. Altogether, our results show that DSF is helpful to improve the environmental adaptability and survival rate of S. rhizophila, thus indirectly improving the germination rate of seeds and helping plants grow under saline-alkaline stress. In this study, the mechanism of QS enhancing the environmental adaptability of PGPR was studied, which provided a theoretical basis for improving the application of PGPR to help plants better cope with saline-alkaline stress.

PM2.5 promotes apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells via targeting ROS/p38 signaling pathway and thus leads to emphysema in mice.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to uncover the ability of PM2.5 exposure to induce apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells by stimulating excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus activating p38 to result in emphysema in mice. METHODS: Male BALB/c mice with 6-8-week-old were exposed to 200 TPM mg/L PM2.5 for 12 weeks. Lung tissues of mice were harvested after sacrifice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted for observing alveolar structure change. Protein levels of p-p38 and p38, as well as ROS level in mouse liver tissues were determined. A549 cells were exposed to different doses of PM2.5, followed by ROS detection, protein level detection of p-p38 and p38, and apoptosis determination. After transfection of si-p38, protein level of clv-caspase3 and apoptotic rate in PM2.5-exposed A549 cells were assessed. RESULTS: After 12-week exposure to PM2.5, enlarged alveolar space, elevated ROS level in lung tissues and activated p38 were observed in mice. In PM2.5-exposed A549 cells, ROS level, p-p38 expression and apoptotic rate were dose-dependently enhanced. The antioxidant NAC reversed the above changes in PM2.5-exposed A549 cells. Silence of p38 reversed the enhanced clv-claspase3 level and apoptotic rate in PM2.5-exposed A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS: PM2.5 exposure elevates ROS level in lung tissues, and activates p38, thus leading to apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells. PM2.5 finally results in the development of emphysema in mice.

[Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Refractory/Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). METHODS: The clinical data of 80 refractory/relapsed AML patients who received allo-HSCT from December 2013 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including the overall survival (OS) rate, disease-free survival (DFS) rate, relapse rate, incidence of transplant-related mortality (TRM), and the related risk factors were explored. RESULTS: Hematopoietic reconstitution was obtained in all 80 patients after transplantation, the 3-year OS and DFS rates were (48.8±6.3)% and (40.8±6.7)%, respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse and TRM were 33.8% (95%CI: 0.254-0.449) and 15.0%(95%CI: 0.114-0.198), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that non-remission (NR) status before transplantation, DNMT3A R882 mutations and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) had negative effects on OS and DFS. Multivariate analysis indicated that the DNMT3A R882 mutations and grade II-IV aGVHD were independent risk factors for OS (HR=0.253, 95%CI: 0.092-0.695, P=0.008; HR=5.681, 95%CI: 2.101-15.361, P=0.001) and DFS (HR=0.200, 95%CI: 0.071-0.569, P=0.003; HR=7.117, 95%CI: 2.556-19.818, P<0.001). The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 71.4%(95%CI: 0.610-0.836) in genetic high-risk group, which was higher than 23.3%(95%CI: 0.147-0.370) in intermediate-risk group and 23.5%(95%CI: 0.127-0.437) in favorable-risk group (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Allo-HSCT is an effective and safe choice for refractory/relapsed AML patients. DNMT3A R882 mutations and grade II-IV aGVHD are negative prognostic factors of allo-HSCT for refractory/relapsed AML patients.

Bioinformatics analysis of the potential regulatory mechanisms of renal fibrosis and the screening and identification of factors related to human renal fibrosis.

Background: This paper aimed to identify the key genes and potential mechanisms of renal fibrosis, and provide methods of evaluation and new ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of renal fibrosis. Methods: The GSE102515 dataset was searched from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was searched, the differential genes were screened out, and the down-regulated and up-regulated genes were identified. Enrichment analysis of differential genes in the development of renal fibrosis was carried out using the DAVID database, differential genes were analyzed using the STRING database, and Cytoscape software was used for visual processing. Results: Eighteen up-regulated genes and ten down-regulated genes were screened. Differential genes are mainly involved in the integrin-mediated signaling pathway and mitotic sister chromatid binding, etc. We found that the molecular functions (MFs) of the differential genes are phospholipid binding and regulatory region DNA binding, etc. Moreover, the cellular components (CCs) of the differential genes are mainly related to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and nuclei. Screening revealed that ADM, ARRB1, AVPR2, CCR1, MTNR1A, PTH, and S1PR2 were core genes in the interaction network of renal fibrosis risk-related proteins. Conclusions: In this study, the differential genes in the occurrence of renal fibrosis were screened out via dataset analysis. It was found that ADM, ARRB1, AVPR2, CCR1, MTNR1A, PTH, and S1PR2 may be important participants in the development of renal fibrosis, which provides analytical support for the identification of valuable markers of renal fibrosis.

Pseudogenes and Liquid Phase Separation in Epigenetic Expression.

Pseudogenes have been considered as non-functional genes. However, peptides and long non-coding RNAs produced by pseudogenes are expressed in different tumors. Moreover, the dysregulation of pseudogenes is associated with cancer, and their expressions are higher in tumors compared to normal tissues. Recent studies show that pseudogenes can influence the liquid phase condensates formation. Liquid phase separation involves regulating different epigenetic stages, including transcription, chromatin organization, 3D DNA structure, splicing, and post-transcription modifications like m6A. Several membrane-less organelles, formed through the liquid phase separate, are also involved in the epigenetic regulation, and their defects are associated with cancer development. However, the association between pseudogenes and liquid phase separation remains unrevealed. The current study sought to investigate the relationship between pseudogenes and liquid phase separation in cancer development, as well as their therapeutic implications.

18F-FDG PET/CT in Primary Intraosseous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma is a highly malignant but rare tumor within jaws. We reported the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible in a 42-year-old man. 18F-FDG PET/CT identified a cystic lesion in the mandible with irregular annular uptake of 18F-FDG, which has been confirmed as primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma pathologically.

PSMA5 contributes to progression of lung adenocarcinoma in association with the JAK/STAT pathway.

Proteasome dysregulation is a common feature of cancer and a critical risk for tumorigenesis. However, the characteristics of proteasome components in tumor development and metastasis are poorly understood. PSMA5, an α5 subunit of the 20S core proteasome, is associated with the degradation of intracellular proteins. Increasing evidence indicated that it is involved in tumor development, but the underlying mechanism has remained unknown. Here, we show that PSMA5 is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells and clinical LUAD tissues. Moreover, its upregulation is positively associated with lymph node metastasis and the poor prognosis of LUAD patients. PSMA5 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo, induced apoptosis of LUAD cells and sensitized LUAD cells to cisplatin. Furthermore, investigations revealed that PSMA5 overexpression inhibited cell apoptosis by activating the janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway in LUAD cells. In total, our results demonstrate that PSMA5 may function as a prognostic factor in LUAD. In addition, PSMA5 is a promising therapeutic target for LUAD, as its depletion induces cell apoptosis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway.

Identification of a Prognostic Signature Composed of GPI, IL22RA1, CCT6A and SPOCK1 for Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Bioinformatic Analysis of lncRNA-Mediated ceRNA Network and Sample Validation.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality in China and worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) play an essential role in the occurrence and development of LUAD. However, identifying lncRNA-related biomarkers to improve the accuracy of LUAD prognosis remains to be determined. This study downloaded RNA sequence data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified the differential RNAs by bioinformatics. A total of 214 lncRNA, 198 miRNA and 2989 mRNA were differentially identified between LUAD and adjacent nontumor samples. According to the ceRNA hypothesis, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network including 95 protein-coding mRNAs, 7 lncRNAs and 15 miRNAs, and found 24 node genes in this network were significantly associated with the overall survival of LUAD patients. Subsequently, through LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses, a four-gene prognostic signature composed of GPI, IL22RA1, CCT6A and SPOCK1 was developed based on the node genes of the lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network, demonstrating high performance in predicting the survival and chemotherapeutic responses of low- and high-risk LUAD patients. Finally, independent prognostic factors were further analyzed and combined into a well-executed nomogram that showed strong potential for clinical applications. In summary, the data from the current study suggested that the four-gene signature obtained from analysis of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA could serve as a reliable biomarker for LUAD prognosis and evaluation of chemotherapeutic response.

Diffusible signal factor enhances the saline-alkaline resistance and rhizosphere colonization of Stenotrophomonas rhizophila by coordinating optimal metabolism.

Quorum sensing (QS) regulates various physiological processes in a cell density-dependent mode via cell-cell communication. Stenotrophomonas rhizophila DSM14405T having the diffusible signal factor (DSF)-QS system, is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that enables host plants to tolerate saline-alkaline stress. However, the regulatory mechanism of DSF-QS in S. rhizophila is not fully understood. In this study, we used S. rhizophila DSM14405T wild-type (WT) and an incompetent DSF production rpfF-knockout mutant to explore the regulatory role of QS in S. rhizophila growth, stress responses, biofilm formation, and colonization under saline-alkaline stress. We found that a lack of DSF-QS reduces the tolerance of S. rhizosphere ΔrpfF to saline-alkaline stress, with a nearly 25-fold reduction in the ΔrpfF population compared with WT at 24 h under stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that QS helps S. rhizophila WT respond to saline-alkaline stress by enhancing metabolism associated with the cell wall and membrane, oxidative stress response, cell adhesion, secretion systems, efflux pumps, and TonB systems. These metabolic systems enhance penetration defense, Na+ efflux, iron uptake, and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Additionally, the absence of DSF-QS causes overexpression of biofilm-associated genes under the regulation of sigma 54 and other transcriptional regulators. However, greater biofilm formation capacity confers no advantage on S. rhizosphere ΔrpfF in rhizosphere colonization. Altogether, our results show the importance of QS in PGPR growth and colonization; QS gives PGPR a collective adaptive advantage in harsh natural environments.