DGW1, encoding an hnRNP-like RNA binding protein, positively regulates grain size and weight by interacting with GW6 mRNA.

Grain size and weight determine rice yield. Although numerous genes and pathways involved in regulating grain size have been identified, our knowledge of post-transcriptional control of grain size remains elusive. In this study, we characterize a rice mutant, decreased grain width and weight 1 (dgw1), which produces small grains. We show that DGW1 encodes a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family protein and preferentially expresses in developing panicles, positively regulating grain size by promoting cell expansion in spikelet hulls. Overexpression of DGW1 increases grain weight and grain numbers, leading to a significant rise in rice grain yield. We further demonstrate that DGW1 functions in grain size regulation by directly binding to the mRNA of Grain Width 6 (GW6), a critical grain size regulator in rice. Overexpression of GW6 restored the grain size phenotype of DGW1-knockout plants. DGW1 interacts with two oligouridylate binding proteins (OsUBP1a and OsUBP1b), which also bind the GW6 mRNA. In addition, the second RRM domain of DGW1 is indispensable for its mediated protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions. In summary, our findings identify a new regulatory module of DGW1-GW6 that regulates rice grain size and weight, providing important insights into the function of hnRNP-like proteins in the regulation of grain size.

Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on intracranial pressure in mechanically ventilated dogs under hyperbaric oxygenation.

Mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been advocated as an essential life support for critical patients. However, its side effect, which is demonstrated by an elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) under normobaric (NBO2) conditions, is potentially detrimental to patients. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy, on the other hand, is frequently applied for the same group of patients, and its efficacy is shown by maintaining a higher PaO2 and a reduced ICP. Our study investigated the effect of HBO2 and NBO2 on ICP with or without PEEP ventilation on healthy dogs by comparing cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) and concluded that the elevation of PEEP resulted in a significant increase of ICP (CSFP) under both conditions (p < 0.05). HBO2 leads to a lower ICP increase compared to the NBO2 group. Under the same level of PEEP, the joint use of PEEP and HBO2 is safe and highly practical in clinical medicine.