Cell-type-specific optogenetic fMRI on basal forebrain reveals functional network basis of behavioral preference.

The basal forebrain (BF) is a complex structure that plays key roles in regulating various brain functions. However, it remains unclear how cholinergic and non-cholinergic BF neurons modulate large-scale functional networks and their relevance in intrinsic and extrinsic behaviors. With an optimized awake mouse optogenetic fMRI approach, we revealed that optogenetic stimulation of four BF neuron types evoked distinct cell-type-specific whole-brain BOLD activations, which could be attributed to BF-originated low-dimensional structural networks. Additionally, optogenetic activation of VGLUT2, ChAT, and PV neurons in the BF modulated the preference for locomotion, exploration, and grooming, respectively. Furthermore, we uncovered the functional network basis of the above BF-modulated behavioral preference through a decoding model linking the BF-modulated BOLD activation, low-dimensional structural networks, and behavioral preference. To summarize, we decoded the functional network basis of differential behavioral preferences with cell-type-specific optogenetic fMRI on the BF and provided an avenue for investigating mouse behaviors from a whole-brain view.

Sustained oral intake of nano-iron oxide perturbs the gut-liver axis.

Nanomaterial have shown excellent properties in the food industry. Although iron oxides are often considered safe and widely used as food additives, the toxicity of nano­iron oxide remains unclear. Here we established a subchronic exposure mouse model by gavage, tested the biodistribution of nano­iron oxide, and explored the mechanism of liver injury caused by it through disturbance of the gut-liver axis. Oral intake of nano­iron oxide will likely disrupt the small intestinal epithelial barrier, induce hepatic lipid metabolism disorders through the gut-liver axis, and cause hepatic damage accompanied with hepatic iron deposition. Nano­iron oxide mainly caused hepatic lipid metabolism disorder by perturbing glycerophospholipid metabolism and the sphingolipid metabolism pathways, with the total abundance of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) tending to decrease while that of triglyceride tended to increase, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The imbalanced lipid homeostasis could cause damage via membrane disruption, lipid accumulation, and lipotoxicity. This data provides information about the subchronic toxicity of nano­iron oxide, highlights the importance of gut-liver axis in the hepatotoxicity.

The potential for nanomaterial toxicity affecting the male reproductive system.

With the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials offer great advantages in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products, and show promise for biomedical applications. However, with these new products, nanomaterial pollutants may enter the human body to cause adverse health effects, including hazards to the male reproductive system. Nanomaterials can enter the body through inhalation, oral exposure, or intravenous injection, and reach the testis via the blood, penetrate the Sertoli cell barrier, and directly or indirectly elicit toxicopathological changes to the testicles. These may then trigger hormone disorders, inhibit spermatogenic cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis, ultimately leading to a decrease in sperm motility and number, ultimately diminishing male reproductive capacity. This review will discuss the toxicological effects of nanomaterials on the male reproductive system, including inflammation, the impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis), lipid peroxidation, and free ion release relevant to germ cells, Sertoli cell tight junctions, and the gonadal endocrine system. This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.

Surface structure change properties: Auto-soft bionic fibrous membrane in reducing postoperative adhesion.

Peritoneal adhesion is the most common adverse effect following abdominal surgery or inflammation. The occurrence in clinical trials has been successfully reduced using barriers. However, the shortcomings of frequently used adhesion barriers, such as rapid degradation rate of gel barrier and inadequate operation ability of solid barrier, cannot be ignored. In this study, a fibrous membrane with an ECM-like structure was prepared. The adhesion properties were reduced significantly by changing the surface structure. The fibrous membrane caused less inflammatory response and much less peripheral adhesion and intestinal obstruction compared to the casting film and the commercial film with smooth surface, though with the same components. Because of the auto-soft bionic structure and similarity in the mechanical modulus of the tissues, the fibrous membrane was more flexible when it adhered to the tissues, showed excellent effectiveness and biocompatibility. In addition to the rat and miniature pig models, a randomized, placebo-controlled, and multicenter clinical pilot study with 150 patients confirmed that because of its flexibility, biodegradability, and similarity to mechanical modulus and structure with tissues involved, the fibrous membrane served as a favorable implant for preventing post-operation adhesion.

Identification and characterization of mammaglobin-A epitope in heterogenous breast cancers for enhancing tumor-targeting therapy.

Although targeted therapy has been extensively investigated for breast cancers, a molecular target with broad application is currently unavailable due to the high heterogeneity of these cancers. Mammaglobin-A (Mam-A), which is overexpressed in most breast carcinomas, has been proposed as a promising target. However, the lack of specific targeting moieties due to uncertain binding epitopes hampers further translational study. Here, seven potential epitopes of Mam-A were disclosed, and a unique epitope was then identified in most types of breast cancers, despite the genotypic heterogeneity. With phage display technology, the epitope was determined to be N-terminal amino acids 42-51 of Mam-A (N42-51). Then, the N42-51 epitope-specific monoclonal antibody, mAb785, was conjugated to poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic agents, thereby enhancing the drug uptake and therapeutic efficacy in different genotypes of breast cancers. The computer simulation of the N42-51 epitope and the mAb785 structures, as well as their interactions, further revealed the specific targeting mechanism of the mAb785-conjugated nanoparticles to breast cancers.

Correction to: MicroRNA in vivo precipitation identifies miR-151-3p as a computational unpredictable miRNA to target Stat3 and inhibits innate IL-6 production.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Dual-Functional Esophageal Stent Coating Composed of Paclitaxel-Loaded Electrospun Membrane and Protective Film.

There is a high need for covered esophageal stents as part of the palliative treatment for patients suffering from esophageal obstruction, a common symptom of esophageal cancer. This paper describes the development of a soft and flexible multi-functional bilayer membrane carrying paclitaxel, and the use of solution-casting and electrospinning to form this material into an esophageal stent coating. FDA-approved materials and established methods were used to shorten the certification process. A protective layer consisting of a polycaprolactone casting film and an electrospunpoly(lactide-coglycolide)/polycaprolactone/gelatin membrane was employed as a functional layer to enhance the material's hydrophilicity and cytocompatibility, as well as to control drug delivery behaviors. In vitro cytocompatibility indicated that cancer cells adhered and grew better than normal cells when competing for attachment on the surface of fibrous membranes. Cytotoxicity comparisons of paclitaxel-loaded membranes with various paclitaxel concentrations and corresponding paclitaxel solutions indicated that cancer cells were more sensitive than normal cells, and the controlled delivery of paclitaxel from drug-loaded membranes could maintain a sustained antitumor effect and cause less damage to normal cells. Animal experiments showed that the bilayered membrane increased the concentration of drug aggregation at the tumor, achieved efficient antitumor effects and reduced the side-effects of PTX. Bilayered membranes could be a promising stent coating to relieve dysphagia and improve the quality of life for esophageal cancer patients.

Myometrial Cells Stimulate Self-Renewal of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem-Like Cells Through WNT5A/ß-Catenin Signaling.

Human endometrium undergoes cycles of proliferation and differentiation throughout the reproductive years of women. The endometrial stem/progenitor cells contribute to this regenerative process. They lie in the basalis layer of the endometrium next to the myometrium. We hypothesized that human myometrial cells provide niche signals regulating the activities of endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (eMSCs). In vitro coculture of myometrial cells enhanced the colony-forming and self-renewal ability of eMSCs. The cocultured eMSCs retained their multipotent characteristic and exhibited a greater total cell output when compared with medium alone culture. The expression of active ß-catenin in eMSCs increased significantly after coculture with myometrial cells, suggesting activation of WNT/ß-catenin signaling. Secretory factors in spent medium from myometrial cell culture produced the same stimulatory effects on eMSCs. The involvement of WNT/ß-catenin signaling in self-renewal of eMSCs was confirmed with the use of WNT activator (Wnt3A conditioned medium) and WNT inhibitors (XAV939 and inhibitor of Wnt Production-2 [IWP-2]). The myometrial cells expressed more WNT5A than other WNT ligands. Recombinant WNT5A stimulated whereas anti-WNT5A antibody suppressed the colony formation, self-renewal, and T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcriptional activities of eMSCs. Moreover, eMSCs expressed FZD4 and LRP5. WNT5A is known to activate the canonical WNT signaling in the presence of these receptor components. WNT antagonist, DKK1, binds to LRP5/6. Consistently, DKK1 treatment nullified the stimulatory effect of myometrial cell coculture. In conclusion, our findings show that the myometrial cells are niche components of eMSCs, modulating the self-renewal activity of eMSCs by WNT5A-dependent activation of WNT/ß-catenin signaling. Stem Cells 2019;37:1455-1466.

IP-10 and RANTES as biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether IP-10 and RANTES plasma levels can be used in diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). METHODS: Plasma levels of cytokines/chemokines were measured using a Bio-Plex® multiplex cytokine assay system in a cohort containing 457 clinically suspected PTB patients including a training set (n = 41)and two independent test sets A (n = 242) and B (n = 174). RESULTS: Plasma levels of IP-10 and RANTES were significantly higher in PTB patients than healthy controls' in both training and independent test sets (P < 0.05). Compared with other combinations, the combination of IP-10 and RANTES had the best performance with an AUC of 1.0 in training set. The performance characteristic of this model was successfully validated in independent test set A although this combination only resulted in a slightly improvement of AUC value in independent test set B. Plasma IP-10 and RANTES levels were weakly and positively correlated with blood glucose concentrations. Moreover, IP-10 levels were positively correlated with CRP and ESR in PTB patients. Furthermore, in response to therapy, both IP-10 and RANTES levels significantly decreased over the period of 6 months (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, combination of IP-10 and RANTES could be potentially used as diagnostic and monitoring biomarker in PTB management.

MicroRNA in vivo precipitation identifies miR-151-3p as a computational unpredictable miRNA to target Stat3 and inhibits innate IL-6 production.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as important regulators in the immune response and inflammation. Several approaches have been reported to computationally predict miRNAs and their potential targets. However, there are still many miRNA-target interactions that are unpredictable by using the current computational algorithms. We established a miRNA in vivo precipitation method (miRIP) to identify unpredictable miRNAs with definite targets in these cells. Because Stat3 is a well-known transcription factor involved in innate immunity and inflammation, we utilized the miRIP method to identify miRNAs that bind Stat3 mRNA in macrophages. Among the captured miRNAs, miR-151-3p was confirmed to interact with Stat3 mRNA 3'-UTR and downregulate the Stat3 protein levels. LPS stimulation decreased miR-151-3p expression, thereby increasing IL-6 production. Therefore, we found that miR-151-3p inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 production by targeting Stat3. These data further confirmed miRIP as an efficient method to identify unpredictable miRNAs and explore miRNAs-mediated regulation in innate immunity and inflammation.

Decreased functional connectivity and disrupted neural network in the prefrontal cortex of affective disorders: A resting-state fNIRS study.

BACKGROUND: Affective disorders (AD) have been conceptualized as neural network-level diseases. In this study, we utilized functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the spontaneous hemodynamic activities in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the AD patients with or without medications. METHODS: 42 optical channels were applied to cover the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), which constitute one of the most important affective networks of the brain. We performed resting-state measurements on 28 patients who were diagnosed as having AD and 30 healthy controls (HC). Raw fNIRS data were preprocessed with independent component analysis (ICA) and a band-pass filter to remove artifacts and physiological noise. RESULTS: By systematically analyzing the intra-regional, intrahemispheric, and interhemispheric connectivities based on the spontaneous oscillations of Δ[HbO], our results indicated that patients with AD exhibited significantly reduced intra-regional and symmetrically interhemispheric connectivities in the PFC when compared to HC. More specifically, relative to HC, AD patients showed significantly lower locally functional connectivity in the right IFG, and poor long-distance connectivity between bilateral IFG. In addition, AD patients without medication presented more disrupted cortical organizations in the PFC, and the severity of self-reported symptoms of depression was negatively correlated with the strength of intra-regional and symmetrically interhemispheric connectivity in the PFC. LIMITATIONS: Regarding the measuring technique, fNIRS has restricted measurement depth and spatial resolution. During the study, the subgroups of AD, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar, comorbidity, or non-comorbidity, dosage of psychotropic drugs, as well as different types of pharmacological responses were not distinguished and systematically compared. Furthermore, due to the limitation of the research design, it was still not very clear how pharmacological treatment affected the resting state cortical organization of the prefrontal lobe, and the degree of the effect in patients with AD. CONCLUSION: These results strongly supported that RSFC measured by fNIRS could be a useful and powerful way of delineating the neuropathology of AD.

Circular RNA circMTO1 acts as the sponge of microRNA-9 to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Noncoding RNAs play important roles in cancer biology, providing potential targets for cancer intervention. As a new class of endogenous noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recently identified in cell development and function, and certain types of pathological responses, generally acting as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge to regulate gene expression. Identifying the deregulated circRNAs and their roles in cancer has attracted much attention. However, the expression profile and function of circRNAs in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be investigated. Here, we analyzed the expression profile of human circRNAs in HCC tissues and identified circMTO1 (mitochondrial translation optimization 1 homologue; hsa_circRNA_0007874/hsa_circRNA_104135) as one circRNA significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues. HCC patients with low circMTO1 expression had shortened survival. By using a biotin-labeled circMTO1 probe to perform RNA in vivo precipitation in HCC cells, we identified miR-9 as the circMTO1-associated miRNA. Furthermore, silencing of circMTO1 in HCC could down-regulate p21, the target of oncogenic miR-9, resulting in the promotion of HCC cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, the tumor-promoting effect of circMTO1 silencing was blocked by miR9 inhibitor. Intratumoral administration of cholesterol-conjugated circMTO1 small interfering RNA promoted tumor growth in HCC-bearing mice in vivo. CONCLUSION: circMTO1 suppresses HCC progression by acting as the sponge of oncogenic miR-9 to promote p21 expression, suggesting that circMTO1 is a potential target in HCC treatment. The decrease of circMTO1 in HCC tissues may serve as a prognosis predictor for poor survival of patients. (Hepatology 2017;66:1151-1164).

A novel and simple preparative method for uniform-sized PLGA microspheres: Preliminary application in antitubercular drug delivery.

Particle size has been demonstrated as a key parameter influencing the phagocytosis of drug-loaded PLGA microspheres (MS) by the target cells. However, the current preparative methods were either insufficient in controlling the homogeneity of the produced MS, or requires sophisticated and costly equipment. This study aimed to explore a simple and economical method for uniform PLGA MS preparation. Based on the heterogeneous emulsification of routine mechanical stirring, we designed an adjuvant strategy to enhance the homogeneity of MS. By using glass beads as adjutant, the dispersion produced during mechanical stirring was much more homogeneous in the solution. The particles produced were much smaller and the size distribution was much narrower as compared with those produced using the routine mechanical stirring method under the same condition. After enrichment by selective centrifugation, about 60% of the particles of similar size were obtained, providing further evidence for the efficiency of the novel method in controlling particle homogeneity. Further, the method was applied to prepare rifampicin-loaded PLGA MS of the optimized size for macrophage uptake. The functional evaluation showed that the prepared PLGA MS could efficiently deliver an antitubercular drug into macrophages and maintain a higher intracellular concentration by controlled release, suggesting the potential application of the method in PLGA MS-based drug delivery. Collectively, the study provided a simple and economical method for preparing uniform-sized PLGA MS with potential of widespread applications.