Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals MYOF-Enriched Monocyte/Macrophage Subcluster as a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Sepsis.

This research utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to map the immune cell landscape in sepsis, revealing 28 distinct cell clusters and categorizing them into nine major types. Delving into the monocyte/macrophage subclusters, 12 unique subclusters are identified and pathway enrichment analyses are conducted using KEGG and GO, discovering enriched pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation and antigen processing. Further GSVA and AUCell assessments show varied activation of interferon pathways, especially in subclusters 4 and 11. The clinical correlation analysis reveals genes significantly linked to survival outcomes. Additionally, cellular differentiation in these subclusters is explored. Building on these insights, the differential gene expression within these subclusters is specifically scrutinized, which reveal MYOF as a key gene with elevated expression levels in the survivor group. This finding is further supported by in-depth pathway enrichment analysis and the examination of cellular differentiation trajectories, where MYOF's role became evident in the context of immune response regulation and sepsis progression. Validating the role of the MYOF gene in sepsis, a dose-dependent response to LPS in THP-1 cells and C57 mice is observed. Finally, inter-cellular communications are analyzed, particularly focusing on the MYOF+Mono/Macro subcluster, which indicates a pivotal role in immune regulation and potential therapeutic targeting.

Integrative analysis of microbiota and metabolomics in chromium-exposed silkworm (Bombyx mori) midguts based on 16S rDNA sequencing and LC/MS metabolomics.

The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem integral to host wellbeing, is modulated by environmental triggers, including exposure to heavy metals such as chromium. This study aims to comprehensively explore chromium-induced gut microbiota and metabolomic shifts in the quintessential lepidopteran model organism, the silkworm (Bombyx mori). The research deployed 16S rDNA sequence analysis and LC/MS metabolomics in its experimental design, encompassing a control group alongside low (12 g/kg) and high (24 g/kg) feeding chromium dosing regimens. Considerable heterogeneity in microbial diversity resulted between groups. Weissella emerged as potentially resilient to chromium stress, while elevated Propionibacterium was noted in the high chromium treatment group. Differential analysis tools LEfSe and random forest estimation identified key species like like Cupriavidus and unspecified Myxococcales, offering potential avenues for bioremediation. An examination of gut functionality revealed alterations in the KEGG pathways correlated with biosynthesis and degradation, suggesting an adaptive metabolic response to chromium-mediated stress. Further results indicated consequential fallout in the context of metabolomic alterations. These included an uptick in histidine and dihydropyrimidine levels under moderate-dose exposure and a surge of gentisic acid with high-dose chromium exposure. These are critical players in diverse biological processes ranging from energy metabolism and stress response to immune regulation and antioxidative mechanisms. Correlative analyses between bacterial abundance and metabolites mapped noteworthy relationships between marker bacterial species, such as Weissella and Pelomonas, and specific metabolites, emphasizing their roles in enzyme regulation, synaptic processes, and lipid metabolism. Probiotic bacteria showed robust correlations with metabolites implicated in stress response, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant processes. Our study reaffirms the intricate ties between gut microbiota and metabolite profiles and decodes some systemic adaptations under heavy-metal stress. It provides valuable insights into ecological and toxicological aspects of chromium exposure that can potentially influence silkworm resilience.

Identification through machine learning of potential immune- related gene biomarkers associated with immune cell infiltration in myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the potential role of immune-related genes (IRGs) and immune cells in myocardial infarction (MI) and establish a nomogram model for diagnosing myocardial infarction. METHODS: Raw and processed gene expression profiling datasets were archived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed immune-related genes (DIRGs), which were screened out by four machine learning algorithms-partial least squares (PLS), random forest model (RF), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine model (SVM) were used in the diagnosis of MI. RESULTS: The six key DIRGs (PTGER2, LGR6, IL17B, IL13RA1, CCL4, and ADM) were identified by the intersection of the minimal root mean square error (RMSE) of four machine learning algorithms, which were screened out to establish the nomogram model to predict the incidence of MI by using the rms package. The nomogram model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy and better potential clinical utility. The relative distribution of 22 types of immune cells was evaluated using cell type identification, which was done by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm. The distribution of four types of immune cells, such as plasma cells, T cells follicular helper, Mast cells resting, and neutrophils, was significantly upregulated in MI, while five types of immune cell dispersion, T cells CD4 naive, macrophages M1, macrophages M2, dendritic cells resting, and mast cells activated in MI patients, were significantly downregulated in MI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that IRGs were correlated with MI, suggesting that immune cells may be potential therapeutic targets of immunotherapy in MI.

Research on the emissions from industrial products exported from Guangdong Province-an input-output model analysis.

This study uses an input-output model to analyze the wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste emissions in Guangdong's industrial exports from 2004 to 2015; the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) is used to analyze the factors influencing such pollution. The results reveal that embodied emissions of waste gas and solid waste in Guangdong's export trade are increasing, while the increase in wastewater emissions is not apparent. The Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) is used to analyze the influencing factors of pollution, specifically, the structural, scale, and technical effects. We discovered that emissions of the top five industries account for about 80% of total emissions and the wastewater emissions' technical effect has more impact; however, it is difficult for this technical effect in terms of embodied waste gas and solid waste to offset the scale and structural effects' impacts. Moreover, the trends and factors influencing various industries' pollution emissions differ. This study proposes that when the government carries out environmental pollution control measures, they should consider the embodied pollution caused by products from foreign trade and focus on treating industries with severe pollution. Simultaneously, the pollution controlling measures of different industries should also vary.

Forensic Research Progress on Postural Asphyxia.

In recent years, the increase in the number of cases of postural asphyxia has gradually attracted the attention and discussion of forensic scientists domestically and internationally, but a systematic, comprehensive and recognized expert consensus and identification standard has not been established at home and abroad. This paper reviews the case characteristics, occurrence, mechanism of death, and identification criteria of postural asphyxia, to provide reference for future research.

Metabolite Changes in Orange Dead Leaf Butterfly Kallima inachus during Ontogeny and Diapause.

Holometabolism is a form of insect development which includes four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and imago (or adult). The developmental change of whole body in metabolite levels of holometabolous insects are usually ignored and lack study. Diapause is an alternative life-history strategy that can occur during the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages in holometabolous insects. Kallima inachus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is a holometabolous and adult diapausing butterfly. This study was intended to analyze metabolic changes in K. inachus during ontogeny and diapause through a non-targeted UPLC-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) based metabolomics analysis. A variety of glycerophospholipids (11), amino acid and its derivatives (16), and fatty acyls (nine) are crucial to the stage development of K. inachus. 2-Keto-6-acetamidocaproate, N-phenylacetylglycine, Cinnabarinic acid, 2-(Formylamino) benzoic acid, L-histidine, L-glutamate, and L-glutamine play a potentially important role in transition of successive stages (larva to pupa and pupa to adult). We observed adjustments associated with active metabolism, including an accumulation of glycerophospholipids and carbohydrates and a degradation of lipids, as well as amino acid and its derivatives shifts, suggesting significantly changed in energy utilization and management when entering into adult diapause. Alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and ferroptosis were first found to be associated with diapause in adults through pathway analyses. Our study lays the foundation for a systematic study of the developmental mechanism of holometabolous insects and metabolic basis of adult diapause in butterflies.

Upregulation of CCNB2 and Its Perspective Mechanisms in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke and All Subtypes of Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Study.

Cyclin B2 (CCNB2) belongs to type B cell cycle family protein, which is located on chromosome 15q22, and it binds to cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) to regulate their activities. In this study, 103 high-throughput datasets related to all subtypes of lung cancer (LC) and cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) with the data of CCNB2 expression were collected. The analysis of standard mean deviation (SMD) and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) reflecting expression status demonstrated significant up-regulation of CCNB2 in LC and CIS (Lung adenocarcinoma: SMD = 1.40, 95%CI [0.98-1.83], SROC = 0.92, 95%CI [0.89-0.94]. Lung squamous cell carcinoma: SMD = 2.56, 95%CI [1.64-3.48]. SROC = 0.97, 95%CI [0.95-0.98]. Lung small cell carcinoma: SMD = 3.01, 95%CI [2.01-4.01]. SROC = 0.98, 95%CI [0.97-0.99]. CIS: SMD = 0.29, 95%CI [0.05-0.53], SROC = 0.68, 95%CI [0.63-0.71]). Simultaneously, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis indicated that CCNB2 is the hub molecule of crossed high-expressed genes in CIS and LC. Through Multiscale embedded gene co-expression network analysis (MEGENA), a gene module of CIS including 76 genes was obtained and function enrichment analysis of the CCNB2 module genes implied that CCNB2 may participate in the processes in the formation of CIS and tissue damage caused by CIS, such as "cell cycle," "protein kinase activity," and "glycosphingolipid biosynthesis." Afterward, via single-cell RNA-seq analysis, CCNB2 was found up-regulated on GABAergic neurons in brain organoids as well as T cells expressing proliferative molecules in LUAD. Concurrently, the expression of CCNB2 distributed similarly to TOP2A as a module marker of cell proliferation in cell cluster. These findings can help in the field of the pathogenesis of LC-related CIS and neuron repair after CIS damage.

Clinical assessment and molecular mechanism of the upregulation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases remain ranked first worldwide. Myocardial infarction (MI) is the central cause of death from cardiovascular diseases, seriously endangering human health. The clinical implication of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) remains contradictory, and its mechanism is still unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to elucidate the clinical value and molecular mechanism of TLR2 in MI. METHODS: All high-throughput datasets and eligible literature were screened, and the expression levels of TLR2 were collected from the MI. The integrated expression level of TLR2 was displayed by calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (sROC). The related TLR2 genes were sent for pathway analyses by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome (KEGG), and disease ontology (DO). Single-cell RNA-seq was applied to ascertain the molecular mechanism of TLR2 in MI. RESULTS: Nine microarrays and four reported data were available to calculate the comprehensive expression level of TLR2 in MI, including 325 cases of MI and 306 cases of controls. The SMD was 2.55 (95% CI = 1.35-3.75), and the AUC was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.72-0.79), indicating the upregulation of TLR2 in MI. The related TLR2 genes were primarily enriched in the pathways of atherosclerosis, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and arteriosclerosis, suggesting the clinical role of TLR2 in the progression of MI. Afterward, TLR2 was upregulated in myeloid cells in MI. CONCLUSIONS: TLR2 may have a crucial role in progressing from coronary atherosclerosis to MI. The upregulation of TLR2 may have a favorable screening value for MI.

[Effects of density on growth and gene transcription characteristics of Rehmannia glutinosa].

The present study analyzed the effects of planting density on the development, quality, and gene transcription characte-ristics of Rehmannia glutinosa using 85-5 and J9 as materials with three planting densities of 5 000, 25 000, and 50 000 plants/Mu(1 Mu≈667 m~2). The agronomic characteristics of leaves and tuberous roots, the content of catalpol and acteoside, and the changes of gene expression were determined. The results showed that the leaf size, the diameter of tuberous root, leaf biomass, tuberous root number, and tuberous root biomass per plant at low density were significantly higher than those of medium and high densities. The content of catalpol and acteoside in leaves was higher at high density. The content of catalpol in tuberous roots was higher at low density, and the change trend was similar to that in leaves, while the content of acteoside in tuberous roots was higher at high density. Transcriptome analysis found that about 1/2 of the expansin genes could change regularly in response to density treatment, which was rela-ted to the development of tuberous roots. The change trend of the gene expression of multiple catalytic enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of catalpol and acteoside was consistent with that of their content, which was presumedly involved in the accumulation and regulation of density-responsive medicinal components. Based on the analysis of the development, medicinal components, and gene expression characteristics of R. glutinosa at different densities, this study is expected to provide an important basis for regulating the quality and yield of medicinal materials of R. glutinosa by managing the planting density.

[Identification and expression analysis of NRT1 family genes in Rehmannia glutinosa].

NRT1 family proteins play an important roles for absorbing and transporting of nitrate in different plants. In order to identify the NRT1 family genes of Rehmannia glutinosa, this study used 11 NRT1 homologous proteins of Arabidopsis as probe sequences and aligned with the transcriptome data of R. glutinosa by using NCBI BLASTN software. Resulting there were 18 NRT1 proteins were identified in R. glutinosa. On basis of this, a series of the molecular characteristics of R. glutinosa NRT1 proteins including the conserved domains, the transmembrane structure, the subcellular location and phylogenetic features were in detail analyzed. At same time, it were systematically analyzed that the temporal and spatial expression patterns and characteristics of R. glutinosa NRT1 family genes in response to different stress factors. The results indicated that 18 R. glutinosa NRT1 family genes with the length of coding region from 1 260 bp to 1 806 bp, encoded proteins ranging from 419 to 601 amino acids, and all of they owned the domains of typical peptide transporter with 7 to 12 transmembrane domains. These R. glutinosa NRT1 family proteins mostly were found to locate on cellular plasma membrane, and belonged to the hydrophobic proteins. Furthermore, the evolutionary analysis found that the 18 R. glutinosa NRT1 protein family could be divided into two subfamilies, of which 14 NRT1 family genes might occur the positive selection, and 4 genes occur the passivation selection during the evolution process of R. glutinosa. In addition the expression analysis showed that 18 R. glutinosa NRT1 family genes have the distinct expression patterns in different tissues of R. glutinosa, and their expression levels were also obvious difference in response to various stress. These findings infield that 18 R. glutinosa NRT1 family proteins might have obviously different functional roles in nitrate transport of R. glutinosa. In conclusion, this study lays a solid theoretical foundation for clarifying the absorption and transport molecular mechanism of N element during R. glutinosa growth and development, and at same time for deeply studying the molecular function of R. glutinosa NRT1 proteins in absorption and transport of nitrate.

Integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis reveals the roles of miRNAs in the replanting benefit of Achyranthes bidentata roots.

The yield and quality of the medicinal plant Achyranthes bidentata can be increased when it is replanted into a field cultivated previously with the same crop, however, fundamental aspects of its biology (so-called "replanting benefit") still remain to be elucidated. miRNAs are sRNA molecules involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plant biological processes. Here, 267 conserved and 36 novel miRNAs were identified in A. bidentata roots. We compared the miRNA content of the roots (R1) from first-year planting with that of the roots (R2) of second-year replanting, and screened 21 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs. Based on in silico functional analysis, integrated miRNA-mRNA datasets allowed the identification of 10 miRNA-target family modules, which might participate in the benefit. The expression profiles of the miRNA-target modules were potentially correlated with the presence of the replanting benefit. The indication was that the miRNA-responsive continuous monoculture could reprogram miRNA-mRNA expression patterns, which possibly promote the root growth and development, enhance its transport activity and strengthen its tolerance to various stresses, thereby improving A. bidentata productivity as observed in the replanting benefit. Our study provides basic data for further research on the molecular mechanisms of the benefit in A. bidentata.

Congenital Short-Bowel Syndrome Is Associated With a Novel Deletion Mutation in the CLMP Gene: Mutations in CLMP Caused CSBS.

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and novel mutation in the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor-like membrane protein (CLMP) gene in a Chinese family with congenital short bowel syndrome (CSBS). Methods: We collected clinical data from a Chinese family with inherited CSBS, and performed whole exon sequencing of the children and their parents. The pathogenic sites of candidate genes were targeted, and the detected exon deletions were verified by quantitative PCR. Results: Two siblings in this family presented with bilious vomiting, and were diagnosed with CSBS on laparotomy. Two siblings and their parents underwent complete exome sequencing of the peripheral blood. Both children had CLMP gene exons 3-5 homozygous deletion mutation, while the parents had a heterozygous mutation. Conclusion: This study identified a novel mutation of the CLMP gene in a Chinese family with CSBS. Identification of this mutation can help with genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of CSBS.

Ultraviolet C lasing at 263 nm from Ba2LaF7:Yb3+,Tm3+ upconversion nanocrystal microcavities.

It is a daunting challenge to realize ultraviolet C (UVC) lasing (i.e., has a wavelength range from 200 to 275 nm) from upconversion nanocrystals due to their low upconversion efficiency. Here, we fabricate Ba2LaF7:Yb3+(90mol%), Tm3+(5mol%) upconversion nanocrystals from amorphous borosilicate glass to support emission at ∼263nm under 980 nm ns laser excitation. The excitation threshold can be further reduced from ∼130 to ∼26.5mJ/cm2 by using a cylindrical microcavity. We also found that the growth of defect-free Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals with a high concentration of codoping Yb3+ and Tm3+ ions inside high optical damage threshold borosilicate glass is the key to achieving room-temperature UVC upconversion lasing under high-intensity excitation.

Identification and Expression Profile Analysis of Chemosensory Genes From the Antennal Transcriptome of Bamboo Locust (Ceracris kiangsu).

Studies of chemosensory genes are key to a better understanding of intra- and interspecific communications between insects and their environment and provide opportunities for developing environmentally friendly pesticides to target pest species. The bamboo locust Ceracris kiangsu Tsai (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is one of the most important bamboo leaf-eating insects in southern China. However, the genes underlying olfactory sensation are lacking in the bamboo locust. In this study, the transcriptomes of male and female C. kiangsu antennae were sequenced and analyzed. A total of 125 chemosensory genes, including 91 odorant receptors (ORs), 13 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 13 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), six chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and two sensory neuron membrane proteins, were identified based on sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses. The expression patterns of all candidate genes on the antennae of males and females, maxillary palps, tarsi, wings, and thoraxes-abdomens were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR. The analyses demonstrated that most genes are highly expressed in the antennae, and 35 ORs, 7 IRs, 10 OBPs, and 1 CSP exhibit significantly male-biased expression patterns, indicating their potential functions in mating behavior and the recognition of female sex pheromones. In addition to the antennal-predominant genes, some were abundant in the maxillary palps and some in the non-olfactory tissues, suggesting their different functions in the olfactory system of C. kiangsu. Our research offers an extensive resource for investigating the chemoreception mechanism of C. kiangsu. Further studies of olfactory function will provide comprehensive methods and original strategies for integrated pest management.

NLRC3 silencing accelerates the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cell via IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation.

Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat family with a caspase activation and recruitment domain 3 (NLRC3) participates in both immunity and cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the role of NLRC3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms. We collected human liver tissues from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), HCC, and adjacent normal tissues to characterize the pattern of NLRC3 expression by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Then, we used the HCC cell line, HuH-7, transfected with small interfering RNA to silence the NLRC3 expression. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, scratch assay, and transwell invasion assay were used for assessing proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were conducted to assess cell apoptosis. The expression of NLRC3 was reduced in human HCC tissues, compared with normal liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis tissues. After knocking down of NLRC3, the proliferation, migration, and invasion were increased in HuH-7 cells. And flow cytometry and TUNEL assay showed that HuH-7 cell apoptosis was suppressed after NLRC3 knockdown. As for the underlying mechanisms, knockdown of NLRC3 in HuH-7 cells was associated with the activation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway under interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulation. NLRC3 expression was downregulated in human HCC tissues. NLRC3 silencing in HuH-7 cells can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation induced by IL-6 may be the underlying mechanism for HCC when NLRC3 expression is silenced. And the invasion of HuH-7 cells was partially suppressed by the STAT3 specific inhibitor (cryptotanshinone). Therefore, NLRC3 may play a significant role in HCC and might be a therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

Bacterial Communities and Virulence Associated with Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from Different Pinus spp.

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease, is a destructive threat to pine forests. The role of bacteria associated with B. xylophilus in pine wilt disease has attracted widespread attention. This study investigated variation in bacterial communities and the virulence of surface-sterilized B. xylophilus from different Pinus spp. The predominant culturable bacteria of nematodes from different pines were Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas. Biolog EcoPlate analysis showed that metabolic diversity of bacteria in B. xylophilus from P. massoniana was the highest, followed by P. thunbergii and P. densiflora. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that bacterial diversity and community structure in nematodes from the different pine species varied, and the dominant bacteria were Stenotrophomonas and Elizabethkingia. The virulence determination of B. xylophilus showed that the nematodes from P. massoniana had the greatest virulence, followed by the nematodes from P. thunbergii and P. densiflora. After the nematodes were inoculated onto P. thunbergii, the relative abundance of the predominant bacteria changed greatly, and some new bacterial species emerged. Meanwhile, the virulence of all the nematode isolates increased after passage through P. thunbergii. These inferred that some bacteria associated with B. xylophilus isolated from different pine species might be helpful to adjust the PWN's parasitic adaptability.

UBE3A-mediated PTPA ubiquitination and degradation regulate PP2A activity and dendritic spine morphology.

Deficiency in the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A leads to the neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS), while additional dosage of UBE3A is linked to autism spectrum disorder. The mechanisms underlying the downstream effects of UBE3A gain or loss of function in these neurodevelopmental disorders are still not well understood, and effective treatments are lacking. Here, using stable-isotope labeling of amino acids in mammals and ubiquitination assays, we identify PTPA, an activator of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), as a bona fide ubiquitin ligase substrate of UBE3A. Maternal loss of Ube3a (Ube3am-/p+) increased PTPA level, promoted PP2A holoenzyme assembly, and elevated PP2A activity, while maternal 15q11-13 duplication containing Ube3a down-regulated PTPA level and lowered PP2A activity. Reducing PTPA level in vivo restored the defects in dendritic spine maturation in Ube3am-/p+ mice. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of PP2A activity with the small molecule LB-100 alleviated both reduction in excitatory synaptic transmission and motor impairment in Ube3am-/p+ mice. Together, our results implicate a critical role of UBE3A-PTPA-PP2A signaling in the pathogenesis of UBE3A-related disorders and suggest that PP2A-based drugs could be potential therapeutic candidates for treatment of UBE3A-related disorders.

Targeting KPNB1 overcomes TRAIL resistance by regulating DR5, Mcl-1 and FLIP in glioblastoma cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a cytokine with potential anticancer effect, but innate and adaptive TRAIL resistance in majority of cancers limit its clinical application. Karyopherin ß1 (KPNB1) inhibition in cancer cells has been reported to abrogate the nuclear import of TRAIL receptor DR5 and facilitate its localization on the cell surface ready for TRAIL stimulation. However, our study reveals a more complicated mechanism. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of KPNB1 potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis selectively in glioblastoma cells mainly by unfolded protein response (UPR). First, it augmented ATF4-mediated DR5 expression and promoted the assembly of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Second, it freed Bax and Bak from Mcl-1. Third, it downregulated FLIPL and FLIPS, inhibitors of caspase-8 cleavage, partly through upregulating ATF4-induced 4E-BP1 expression and disrupting the cap-dependent translation initiation. Meanwhile, KPNB1 inhibition-induced undesirable autophagy and accelerated cleaved caspase-8 clearance. Inhibition of autophagic flux maintained cleaved caspase-8 and aggravated apoptosis induced by KPNB1 inhibitor plus TRAIL, which were abolished by caspase-8 inhibitor. These results unveil new molecular mechanism for optimizing TRAIL-directed therapeutic efficacy against cancer.

[Study on herbal textual evolution and flavonoids and their pharmacological of Spatholobi Caulis].

Spatholobi Caulis, the vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus and widely used in China and Southeast Asian nations, has the effects on nourishing the blood and promoting blood flow, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and invigorating the nerves. Through consulting the herbal textual and local chronicles, we summarized the original textual research and medicinal evolution on Spatholobi Caulis to analyze the changes of varieties in different historical periods. Further, the major active ingredient in Spatholobi Caulis was discussed. According to the literature to date, 60 flavonoids compounds have been isolated and could be divided into isoflavones, dihydroflavones, flavanols, dihydroflavonols, procyaninides, chalcones, pterocarpans, isoflavanols, isoflavanones and aurone according to their molecular structures. These indicative ingredients in Spatholobi Caulis showed pharmacological activities on regulation of the blood system, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-virus, anti-bacteria and inhibition of melanin deposition. This review will provide reference and basis for the sustainable use of resources and industry development on Spatholobi Caulis.

The root transcriptome of Achyranthes bidentata and the identification of the genes involved in the replanting benefit.

KEY MESSAGE: The transcriptome profiling in replanting roots revealed that expression pattern changes of key genes promoted important metabolism pathways, antioxidant and pathogen defense systems, adjusted phytohormone signaling and inhibited lignin biosynthesis. The yield of the medicinal plant Achyranthes bidentata could be significantly increased when replanted into a field cultivated previously for the same crop, but the biological basis of this so-called "replanting benefit" is unknown. Here, the RNA-seq technique was used to identify candidate genes responsible for the benefit. The analysis of RNA-seq libraries prepared from mRNA extracted from the roots of first year planting (normal growth, NG) and second year replanting (consecutive monoculture, CM) yielded about 40.22 GB sequencing data. After de novo assembly, 87,256 unigenes were generated with an average length of 1060 bp. Among these unigenes, 55,604 were annotated with public databases, and 52,346 encoding sequences and 2881 transcription factors were identified. A contrast between the NG and CM libraries resulted in a set of 3899 differentially transcribed genes (DTGs). The DTGs related to the replanting benefit and their expression profiles were further analyzed by bioinformatics and qRT-PCR approaches. The major differences between the NG and CM transcriptomes included genes encoding products involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, glutathione metabolism and antioxidant defense, in aspects of the plant/pathogen interaction, phytohormone signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The indication was that replanting material enjoyed a stronger level of defense systems, a balance regulation of hormone signals and a suppression of lignin formation, thereby promoting root growth and development. The study provides considerable significant insights for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the replanting benefit and suggests their possible application in developing methods to reinforce the effects in medicinal plants.