Uncovering the power of neurofeedback: a meta-analysis of its effectiveness in treating major depressive disorders.

Neurofeedback, a non-invasive intervention, has been increasingly used as a potential treatment for major depressive disorders. However, the effectiveness of neurofeedback in alleviating depressive symptoms remains uncertain. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment for major depressive disorders. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 22 studies investigating the effects of neurofeedback interventions on depression symptoms, neurophysiological outcomes, and neuropsychological function. Our analysis included the calculation of Hedges' g effect sizes and explored various moderators like intervention settings, study designs, and demographics. Our findings revealed that neurofeedback intervention had a significant impact on depression symptoms (Hedges' g = -0.600) and neurophysiological outcomes (Hedges' g = -0.726). We also observed a moderate effect size for neurofeedback intervention on neuropsychological function (Hedges' g = -0.418). As expected, we observed that longer intervention length was associated with better outcomes for depressive symptoms (ß = -4.36, P < 0.001) and neuropsychological function (ß = -2.89, P = 0.003). Surprisingly, we found that shorter neurofeedback sessions were associated with improvements in neurophysiological outcomes (ß = 3.34, P < 0.001). Our meta-analysis provides compelling evidence that neurofeedback holds promising potential as a non-pharmacological intervention option for effectively improving depressive symptoms, neurophysiological outcomes, and neuropsychological function in individuals with major depressive disorders.

Trajectories of Perceived Parental Psychological Control and the Longitudinal Associations with Chinese Adolescents' School Adjustment across High School Years.

Past research supports the detrimental effects of parental psychological control on adolescent school adjustment in both emotional and academic domains. However, how psychological control changes during adolescence, and how such developmental course is related to adolescent psychological well-being and academic functioning are unclear. The direction of effects between parenting and child behaviors is also inconclusive. This 3-year longitudinal study addressed these research gaps by using five waves of survey data on 710 Chinese adolescents of high school ages (Mean age at T1 = 15.54 years, SD = 0.45, 50% males). Using latent growth curve models and latent class growth analysis, the majority of adolescents (about 63%) reported gradual increases of parental psychological control in the first 2 years of high school but a slight decline afterwards, while the other 37% perceived low and stable levels. Results from parallel latent growth modeling suggested that trajectories of psychological control were positively related to developmental trends of internalizing problems (i.e., depression and anxiety) and maladaptive academic functioning, but negatively associated with the trajectory of adaptive academic functioning, as indexed by intercept-intercept and slope-slope associations. The random-intercept cross-lagged models further revealed that psychological control was predictive of adolescent anxiety and lower adaptive academic functioning, and bidirectionally associated with maladaptive academic-related beliefs and behaviors at the within-person level. Taken together, these findings highlight the crucial role of parental psychological control on adolescent school adjustment in the Chinese cultural context and support the reciprocal model of parent-child interactions.

Targeting SOX13 inhibits assembly of respiratory chain supercomplexes to overcome ferroptosis resistance in gastric cancer.

Therapeutic resistance represents a bottleneck to treatment in advanced gastric cancer (GC). Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death and is associated with anti-cancer therapeutic efficacy. Further investigations are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Ferroptosis-resistant GC cell lines are constructed. Dysregulated mRNAs between ferroptosis-resistant and parental cell lines are identified. The expression of SOX13/SCAF1 is manipulated in GC cell lines where relevant biological and molecular analyses are performed. Molecular docking and computational screening are performed to screen potential inhibitors of SOX13. We show that SOX13 boosts protein remodeling of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes by directly transactivating SCAF1. This leads to increased supercomplexes (SCs) assembly, mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial energetics and chemo- and immune-resistance. Zanamivir, reverts the ferroptosis-resistant phenotype via directly targeting SOX13 and promoting TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of SOX13. Here we show, SOX13/SCAF1 are important in ferroptosis-resistance, and targeting SOX13 with zanamivir has therapeutic potential.

Psychometric properties of a Mandarin Chinese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 among Chinese adolescents.

In the present study, we explored the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 among adolescents residing in the Chinese mainland. Exploratory factor analysis in Study 1 (N = 790; 396 girls, 394 boys) supported the unidimensionality of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 among Chinese adolescents. Internal consistency reliability was upheld via McDonald's omega. Convergent validity was supported by its moderate-to-strong relationships with body satisfaction, functionality satisfaction, self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect, while its small-to-moderate correlation with social desirability provided somewhat weaker discriminant validity support. Criterion-related validity was upheld by its inverse correlation with eating disorder symptomatology and positive correlation with intuitive eating. It explained unique variance in self-esteem (for girls and boys), eating disorder symptomatology (for girls), and intuitive eating (for boys) beyond age, body satisfaction, and functionality satisfaction, providing incremental validity evidence. A subsample of 134 girls and 114 boys completed the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 again after three months, and test-retest reliability was upheld. The confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 (N = 337; 192 girls, 145 boys) replicated the unidimensional structure and supported measurement invariance across gender. Collectively, the present study supported the unidimensionality, reliability, and validity of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2's scores among Chinese adolescents.

Exploring phenotypic overlap across schizotypy and autism spectrum conditions in American and Chinese young adults.

Competing theories have been proposed to explain the considerable overlap in social-cognitive features and risk factors across schizotypy and autism spectrum conditions (ASCs). Six previous factor analyses have been reported in the literature, yet all have major limitations; evidence for the clear superiority of any of the competing theories is insufficient and warrants further investigation. The primary aim of the present research was to identify dimensions that cut across schizotypy and ASCs while addressing limitations of past research. Data were collected from three independent samples (n = 1006, 544, and 2469) in the U.S. and China using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales. Exploratory factor analyses in Sample 1 identified an interpretable three-factor structure, which was replicated in Samples 2 and 3 using confirmatory factor analyses. We found consistent evidence for three dimensions (Aberrant Salience, Asociality, and Concrete Thinking) underlying schizotypy and ASCs. This three-dimension model is consistent with a common vulnerability model of schizotypy and ASCs. Implications of these findings for the schizotypy and ASCs literature are discussed.

Oxidative Dehydroxycyclization of Catechols with o-Mercaptoanilines to Access 1-Hydroxyphenothiazines.

The protocol of aerobic oxidative dehydroxycyclization installed in the synthesis of rarely studied 1-hydroxyphenothiazines from catechols and o-mercaptoanilines is presented. Utilizing a natural renewable low-toxicity gallic acid as an organocatalyst, this established transformation proceeded smoothly in an aqueous ethanol solution under mild conditions with good functional group compatibility and up to a 94% isolated yield. This protocol is also characterized by its operational simple workup involving only recrystallization, revealing its sustainability and synthetic practicability.

Dampened motivation in schizophrenia: evidence from a novel effort-based decision-making task in social scenarios.

Apathy represents a significant manifestation of negative symptoms within individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) and exerts a profound impact on their social relationships. However, the specific implications of this motivational deficit in social scenarios have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to examine effort-based decision-making in social scenarios and its relation to apathy symptoms in SCZ patients. We initially recruited a group of 50 healthy participants (16 males) to assess the validity of the paradigm. Subsequently, we recruited 45 individuals diagnosed with SCZ (24 males) and 49 demographically-matched healthy controls (HC, 25 males) for the main study. The Mock Job Interview Task was developed to measure effort-based decision-making in social scenarios. The proportion of hard-task choice and a range of subjective ratings were obtained to examine potential between-group differences. SCZ patients were less likely than HC to choose the hard task with strict interviewers, and this group difference was significant when the hard-task reward value was medium and high. More severe apathy symptoms were significantly correlated with an overall reduced likelihood of making a hard-task choice. When dividing the jobs into two categories based on the levels of social engagement needed, SCZ patients were less willing to expend effort to pursue a potential offer for jobs requiring higher social engagement. Our findings indicated impaired effort-based decision-making in SCZ can be generalized from the monetary/nonsocial to a more ecologically social dimension. Our findings affirm the critical role of aberrant effort allocation on negative symptoms, and may facilitate the development of targeted clinical interventions.

Circ0087385 promotes DNA damage in benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung cancer development by upregulating CYP1A1.

Increasing environmental genotoxic chemicals have been shown to induce epigenetic alterations. However, the interaction between genetics and epigenetics in chemical carcinogenesis is still not fully understood. Here, we constructed an in vitro human lung carcinogenesis model (16HBE-T) by treating human bronchial epithelial cells with a typical significant carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). We identified a novel circular RNA, circ0087385, which was overexpressed in 16HBE-T and human lung cancer cell lines, as well as in lung cancer tissues and serum exosomes from lung cancer patients. The upregulated circ0087385 after exposure to BaP promoted DNA damage in the early stage of chemical carcinogenesis and affected the cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis of the malignantly transformed cells. Overexpression of circ0087385 enhanced the expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), which is crucial for metabolically activating BaP. Interfering with circ0087385 or CYP1A1 reduced the levels of ultimate carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE) and BPDE-DNA adducts. Interfering with CYP1A1 partially reversed the DNA damage induced by high expression of circ0087385, as well as decreased the level of BPDE and BPDE-DNA adducts. These findings provide novel insights into the interaction between epigenetics and genetics in chemical carcinogenesis which are crucial for understanding the epigenetic and genetic toxicity of chemicals.

Diminished hedonic capacity in social activities as a mediator of the link between dysfunctional behavioral activation system and depressive symptoms.

Background: Adolescence is a crucial period for the development of depression, and previous studies have suggested that the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) plays a significant role. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of anhedonia in the relationship between BAS and depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents. Method: A total of 1,023 high-school students aged 15-18 years participated in the study, with 916 continuing their participation three months later. All participants completed the Behavioral Inhibition System/Activation System (BIS/BAS) scale, Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T). Pathway model analysis was performed to examine the concurrent and prospective mediating effects of anhedonia and the potential moderating effect of sex. Result: Anhedonia in the domains of social activities, hobbies and sensory experiences significantly mediated the cross-sectional relationship between BAS and depressive level three months later. Furthermore, the beta-value of the mediating effect of social activities was significantly higher than that of the other domains of hedonic capacity cross-sectionally and longitudinally. However, sex showed no significant moderating effect. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of hedonic capacity, especially within the social domain, in the development of depressive symptoms. These findings contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of depressive disorders.

m6A-Mediated Upregulation of lncRNA CHASERR Promotes the Progression of Glioma by Modulating the miR-6893-3p/TRIM14 Axis.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumor progression and are dysregulated in glioma. However, the functional roles of lncRNAs in glioma remain largely unknown. In this study, we utilized the TCGA (the Cancer Genome Atlas database) and GEPIA2 (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2) databases and observed the overexpression of lncRNA CHASERR in glioma tissues. We subsequently investigated this phenomenon in glioma cell lines. The effects of lncRNA CHASERR on glioma proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, the regulatory mechanisms among PTEN/p-Akt/mTOR and Wnt/ß-catenin, lncRNA CHASERR, Micro-RNA-6893-3p(miR-6893-3p), and tripartite motif containing14 (TRIM14) were investigated via bioinformatics analyses, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot (WB), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), dual luciferase reporter assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and RNA sequencing assays. RIP and RT-qRCR were used to analyze the regulatory effect of N6-methyladenosine(m6A) on the aberrantly expressed lncRNA CHASERR. High lncRNA CHASERR expression was observed in glioma tissues and was associated with unfavorable prognosis in glioma patients. Further functional assays showed that lncRNA CHASERR regulates glioma growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, lncRNA CHASERR sponged miR-6893-3p to upregulate TRIM14 expression, thereby facilitating glioma progression. Additionally, the activation of PTEN/p-Akt/mTOR and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways by lncRNA CHASERR, miR-6893-3p, and TRIM14 was found to regulate glioma progression. Moreover, the upregulation of lncRNA CHASERR was observed in response to N6-methyladenosine modification, which was facilitated by METTL3/YTHDF1-mediated RNA transcripts. This study elucidates the m6A/lncRNACHASERR/miR-6893-3p/TRIM14 pathway that contributes to glioma progression and underscores the potential of lncRNA CHASERR as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for glioma.

Unraveling the link between childhood maltreatment and depression: Insights from the role of ventral striatum and middle cingulate cortex in hedonic experience and emotion regulation.

Childhood maltreatment is an established risk factor for psychopathology. However, it remains unclear how childhood traumatic events relate to mental health problems and how the brain is involved. This study examined the serial mediation effect of brain morphological alterations and emotion-/reward-related functions on linking the relationship from maltreatment to depression. We recruited 156 healthy adolescents and young adults and an additional sample of 31 adolescents with major depressive disorder for assessment of childhood maltreatment, depressive symptoms, cognitive reappraisal and anticipatory/consummatory pleasure. Structural MRI data were acquired to identify maltreatment-related cortical and subcortical morphological differences. The mediation models suggested that emotional maltreatment of abuse and neglect, was respectively associated with increased gray matter volume in the ventral striatum and greater thickness in the middle cingulate cortex. These structural alterations were further related to reduced anticipatory pleasure and disrupted cognitive reappraisal, which contributed to more severe depressive symptoms among healthy individuals. The above mediating effects were not replicated in our clinical group partly due to the small sample size. Preventative interventions can target emotional and reward systems to foster resilience and reduce the likelihood of future psychiatric disorders among individuals with a history of maltreatment.

TMEM64 aggravates the malignant phenotype of glioma by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Transmembrane protein 64 (TMEM64), a member of the family of transmembrane protein, is an α-helical membrane protein. Its precise role in various types of tumors, including glioma, is unclear. This study used immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques to show that TMEM64 expression was significantly higher in glioma cells and tissues compared to normal cells and tissues, respectively. Additionally, a correlation between high TMEM64 expression and higher grade as well as a worse prognosis was found. TMEM64 enhanced cell proliferation and tumorigenicity while inhibiting glioma cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, according to loss- and gain-of-function studies. Mechanistically, it was discovered that TMEM64 increased the malignant phenotype of gliomas by accelerating the translocation of ß-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, thereby activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Stimulation with the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway activator CHIR-99021 successfully reversed the malignant phenotype of glioma; however, these effects were inhibited upon TMEM64 silencing. Stimulation with the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor XAV-939 successfully rescued the malignant phenotype of glioma, which was promoted upon TMEM64 overexpression. Our results provide that TMEM64 as a novel prognostic biomarker and a potential treatment target for glioma.

Cancer-derived non-coding RNAs endow tumor microenvironment with immunosuppressive properties.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have attracted extensive attention due to their vital roles in tumorigenesis and progression, especially in the immunotherapy resistance. Tumor immunotherapy resistance is a crucial factor hindering the efficacy of tumor treatments, which can be largely attributed to the immunosuppressive properties of tumor microenvironment. Current studies have revealed that cancer-derived ncRNAs are involved in the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) through multiple ways. They not only promote the expression of immune checkpoint ligands (e.g., PD-L1, CD47, Gal-9, and CD276) on cancer cell surfaces, but also enhance the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines (e.g., TGF-ß, IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, and chemokines). Cancer-derived ncRNAs could also be transferred into surrounding immune-related cells through extracellular vesicles, thereby inhibiting the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, restraining the DC-mediated antigen presentation, inducing the immunosuppressive phenotype transformation of TAMs and CAFs, and enhancing the immunosuppressive functions of Tregs and MDSCs. Herein, we summarize the roles of cancer-derived ncRNAs in regulating TIME formation and further explore their potential applications as prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets, which will help us to address the TIME-mediated immunotherapy resistance in the future. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.

Therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from hepatocyte-growth-factor-overexpressing adipose mesenchymal stem cells on liver injury.

Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (ADMSC-Exo) are a new strategy for the treatment of liver injury. However, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert therapeutic effects mainly by secreting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Therefore, we investigated the role of exosomes derived from ADMSC that overexpress HGF (ADMSCHGF-Exo) on liver injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: ADMSCs were isolated from young BALB/c female mice. Then exosomes derived from ADMSC transfecting negative control (ADMSCNC-Exo) and HGF overexpression (ADMSCHGF-Exo) were isolated and identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), flow cytometry, western blot, transmission electron microscope and Nanosight particle tracking analysis. These exosomes were injected into male mice via tail vein after inducing liver injury by administering 40% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-olive oil twice a week (3 mL/kg, subcutaneously) for 6 weeks. Liver injury and liver collagen fiber accumulation were determined by histopathological analysis. Then, the levels of serum liver function indexes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin), hepatocyte-specific markers (albumin, cytokeratin-18 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α), hepatic fibrosis-related proteins (α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I) and Rho GTPase (cell division cycle 42 and ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qPCR. RESULTS: ADMSCs were identified by high expression of CD105 and CD44 molecules and low expression of CD45 and CD34. ADMSCs-Exo, ADMSCNC-Exo and ADMSCHGF-Exo transfected cells had similar expression of exosome-specific membrane proteins (CD63, CD81 and CD9). Mice with CCl4-induced liver injury exhibited abnormal serum liver function indexes, altered expression of hepatocyte-specific markers, hepatic fibrosis-related proteins and Rho GTPase protein as well as histopathological changes and collagen fiber accumulation in the liver. These changes were reversed by ADMSC-Exo, ADMSCNC-Exo and ADMSCHGF-Exo administration with ADMSCHGF-Exo displaying the most significant impact. CONCLUSIONS: ADMSCHGF-Exo exerted a hepatoprotective effect in mice with experimental liver injury by alleviating hepatic fibrosis and restoring liver function.

Long non-coding RNAs mediate the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and circulating biomarkers of systemic inflammation.

Although short-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with systemic inflammation, the effect of lncRNA on these association remains unknown. This study aims to investigate whether the plasma lncRNA mediate the effect of short-term PM2.5 exposure on systemic inflammation. In this cross-sectional study, plasma Clara cell protein 16 (CC16), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lncRNA expression levels were measured in 161 adults between March and April in 2018 in Shijiazhuang, China. PM2.5 concentrations were estimated 0-3 days prior to the examination date and the moving averages were calculated. Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the associations between PM2.5, the four biomarkers and lncRNA expression levels. Mediation analyses were performed to explore the potential roles of lncRNA expression in these associations. The median concentration of PM2.5 ranged from 39.65 to 60.91 mg/m3 across different lag days. The most significant effects on IL-6 and TNF-α per interquartile range increase in PM2.5 were observed at lag 0-3 days, with increases of 0.70 pg/mL (95% CI: 0.33, 1.07) and 0.21 pg/mL (95% CI: 0.06, 0.36), respectively. While the associations between PM2.5 and IL-8 (0.68 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.02) and CC16 (3.86 ng/mL, 95% CI: 1.60, 6.13) were stronger at lag 0 day. Interestingly, a negative association between PM2.5 and the expression of four novel lncRNAs (lnc-ACAD11-1:1, lnc-PRICKLE1-4:1, lnc-GPR39-7:2, and lnc-MTRNR2L12-3:6) were observed at each lag days. Furthermore, these lncRNAs mediated the effects of PM2.5 on the four biomarkers, with proportions of mediation ranged from 2.27% (95% CI: 1.19%, 9.82%) for CC16 to 35.60% (95% CI: 17.16%, 175.45%) for IL-6. Our findings suggested that plasma lncRNA expression mediat the acute effects of PM2.5 exposure on systematic inflammation. These highlight a need to consider circulating lncRNA expression as biomarkers to reduce health risks associated with PM2.5.

Exploring psychological and psychosocial correlates of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide in college students using network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide are a serious health concern in young people. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the correlates and risk factors for suicidality. However, it remains unclear the complex interplay between different factors and which factors are most saliently associated with NSSI and suicide risk and should be targeted for interventions. METHODS: This study utilized network analysis to examine the interrelationship between NSSI, suicide and a variety of psychological (e.g., depression, psychotic-like experiences) and psychosocial (e.g., childhood maltreatment, family dysfunction, being bullied and social support) correlates in a sample of Chinese first year college students (n = 2328). RESULTS: The severity of depressive symptoms was the only factor connected to both NSSI and suicide. Other psychiatric factors like psychotic experiences could only act in an indirect way via the bridging effect of depression. Emotional abuse, compared with other forms of childhood adversities, was found to be the most influential maltreatment form associated with suicidal ideation and attempts. Finally, social support showed the potential to lower the risk of self-injury and suicide in young people. LIMITATIONS: Only a subset of risk and resilience factors of NSSI and suicide were included. Causal inference was impossible due to the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlighted the importance of identifying risk groups with mental illnesses or negative childhood events, and providing additional support during the key time of transitioning into higher education.

Aspirin increases the efficacy of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and reversing epithelial­mesenchymal transition.

Gemcitabine is regarded as a standard medication for patients with pancreatic cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of aspirin (ASA) on the efficacy of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer and the potential mechanism. The SW1990 and BxPC-3 human pancreatic cell lines were treated with 2 mmol/l ASA and/or 1 mg/l gemcitabine. The effects of the treatments were tested on the viability, migration and invasion of the cells using MTT, wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. In addition, cell apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI and the western blotting of Bax and Bcl-2. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins and activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were also assessed using western blotting. The results reveal that ASA increased the efficacy of gemcitabine in reducing the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and increasing their apoptosis. These effects are associated with inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and the reversal of EMT. Thus, the combined use of ASA and gemcitabine is suggested to be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Circ_0089282 inhibits carbon black nanoparticle-induced DNA damage by promoting DNA repair protein in the lung.

Inhalation of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) can impair lung tissue and cause DNA damage, but the epigenetic mechanism responsible for these effects is still unclear. We explored the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in DNA damage induced by CBNPs in the lung. Human bronchial epithelial cell lines (16HBE and BEAS-2B) were treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 µg/ml CBNPs for 24, 48, and 72 h, and BALB/c mice were exposed to 8 and 80 µg/d CBNPs for 14 days to establish in vitro and vivo models of CBNP exposure, respectively. We found that CBNPs caused DNA double-strand breaks in the lung. Using high-throughput sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR to identify CBNP-related circRNAs, we identified a novel circRNA (circ_0089282) that was overexpressed in the CBNP-exposed group. We used gain-/loss-of-function approaches, RNA pulldown assays, and silver staining to explore the regulatory function of circ_0089282 and its interactions with targeted proteins. We found that circ_0089282 interference could increase CBNP-induced DNA damage, whereas overexpression resulted in the opposite. Circ_0089282 could directly bind to the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein and positively regulate downstream DNA repair protein DNA ligase 4 (LIG4) through FUS. This regulatory effect of circRNA on DNA damage via promotion of LIG4 illustrated the interactions between genetics and epigenetics in toxicology.