The comorbid network characteristics of anxiety and depressive symptoms among Chinese college freshmen.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the interplay between anxiety and depressive symptoms in Chinese college freshmen using the causal system perspective (CSP), which differs from the traditional common cause perspective (CCP) by providing an alternative explanation by attributing comorbidity to direct interactions among symptoms. METHODS: A convenience sample of 2,082 Chinese college freshmen (39.51% male, Mage = 18.61) from a normal university completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Network analysis was conducted and evaluated as to centrality, stability, node predictability, and bridging features. Moreover, the moderated network model (MNM) was utilized to detect the moderation effects of gender in the comorbidity network. RESULTS: The network of anxiety and depressive symptoms exhibited stability, characterized by the core symptoms of "restlessness", "lack of energy", and "excessive worry about control", as well as the bridging symptoms of "fearfulness", "sad mood", and "irritability". Notably, the nodes representing "uncontrollable worry" and "difficulty in relaxation" demonstrated the highest predictive power. Gender did not exert any moderating effects on the anxiety and depressive symptom network. CONCLUSION: These results reinforce that certain anxiety or depressive symptoms are more central than others, and thus play a more vital role in the comorbid network. These findings highlight underlying potential targeting symptoms to consider in future interventions.

Effects of supplementing coated methionine in a high plant-protein diet on growth, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of TOR signaling pathway associated genes in gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio.

This study explored the impacts of supplementation of different levels of coated methionine (Met) in a high-plant protein diet on growth, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of genes related to TOR signaling pathway in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibeilo). A high-plant protein diet was formulated and used as a basal diet and supplemented with five different levels of coated Met at 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75%, corresponding to final analyzed Met levels of 0.34, 0.49, 0.64, 0.76, 0.92 and 1.06%. Three replicate groups of fish (initial mean weight, 11.37 ± 0.02 g) (20 fish per replicate) were fed the test diets over a 10-week feeding period. The results indicated that with the increase of coated Met level, the final weight, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate initially boosted and then suppressed, peaking at 0.76% Met level (P< 0.05). Increasing dietary Met level led to significantly increased muscle crude protein content (P< 0.05) and reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity (P< 0.05). Using appropriate dietary Met level led to reduced malondialdehyde concentration in hepatopancreas (P< 0.05), improved superoxide dismutase activity (P< 0.05), and enhanced intestinal amylase and protease activities (P< 0.05). The expression levels of genes associated with muscle protein synthesis such as insulin-like growth factor-1, protein kinase B, target of rapamycin and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein-1 mRNA were significantly regulated, peaking at Met level of 0.76% (P< 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing optimal level of coated Met improved on fish growth, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of TOR pathway related genes in muscle. The optimal dietary Met level was determined to be 0.71% of the diet based on quadratic regression analysis of WG.

Erratum: Publisher Correction: The RNA-binding domain of DCL3 is required for long-distance RNAi signaling.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s42994-023-00124-6.].

The RNA-binding domain of DCL3 is required for long-distance RNAi signaling.

Small RNA (sRNA)-mediated RNA silencing (also known as RNA interference, or RNAi) is a conserved mechanism in eukaryotes that includes RNA degradation, DNA methylation, heterochromatin formation and protein translation repression. In plants, sRNAs can move either cell-to-cell or systemically, thereby acting as mobile silencing signals to trigger noncell autonomous silencing. However, whether and what proteins are also involved in noncell autonomous silencing have not been elucidated. In this study, we utilized a previously reported inducible RNAi plant, PDSi, which can induce systemic silencing of the endogenous PDS gene, and we demonstrated that DCL3 is involved in systemic PDS silencing through its RNA binding activity. We confirmed that the C-terminus of DCL3, including the predicted RNA-binding domain, is capable of binding short RNAs. Mutations affecting RNA binding, but not processing activity, reduced systemic PDS silencing, indicating that DCL3 binding to RNAs is required for the induction of systemic silencing. Cucumber mosaic virus infection assays showed that the RNA-binding activity of DCL3 is required for antiviral RNAi in systemically noninoculated leaves. Our findings demonstrate that DCL3 acts as a signaling agent involved in noncell autonomous silencing and an antiviral effect in addition to its previously known function in the generation of 24-nucleotide sRNAs. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-023-00124-6.

Taste Mechanism of Umami Molecules from Fermented Broad Bean Paste Based on In Silico Analysis and Peptidomics.

In this study, in silico analysis and peptidomics were performed to examine the generation mechanism of the umami taste of fermented broad bean paste (FBBP). Based on the information from peptidomics, a total of 470 free peptides were identified from FBBP, most of which were increased after fermentation. Additionally, the increase of the content of umami peptides, organic acids, and amino acids during fermentation contributed to the perception of umami taste in FBBP. Molecule docking results inferred that these umami molecules were easy to connect with Ser, Glu, His, and Gln in the T1R3 subunit through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction force. The binding sites His145, Gln389, and Glu301 particularly contributed to the formation of the ligand-receptor complexes. The aromatic interaction, hydrogen bond, hydrophilicity, and solvent-accessible surface (SAS) played key roles in the receptor-peptide interaction. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue results showed that EDEDE, DLSESV, SNGDDE, DETL, CDLSD, and TDEE screened from FBBP had umami characteristics and umami-enhancing effects (umami threshold values ranging from 0.131 to 0.394 mmol/L). This work provides new insight into the rapid and efficient screening of novel umami peptides and a deeper understanding of the taste mechanisms of umami molecules from FBBP.

Identification and molecular mechanisms of novel antioxidant peptides from fermented broad bean paste: A combined in silico and in vitro study.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidative and cytoprotective activity of antioxidant peptides from fermented broad bean paste (FBBP) and explore their potential molecular mechanisms using a combined in silico and in vitro approach. Seven novel antioxidant peptides (VSRRFIYYL, SPAIPLP, PVPPPGG, KKDGYWWAKFK, LAWY, LGFMQF, and LPGCP) identified by integrated approaches of peptidomics and in silico bioinformatic analysis were synthesized, exhibiting strong antioxidant potential against in vitro radicals. Molecular docking results suggested that these peptides could form stable hydrogen bonds and solvent-accessible surface with key amino acid residues of Keap1, thus potentially regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway by occupying the Nrf2-binding site on Keap1. Additionally, they exhibited strong cellular antioxidant activity and could protect HepG2 cells from AAPH-induced oxidative injury by reducing reactive oxygen species and MDA accumulation. This study firstly unraveled the molecular mechanisms of antioxidant peptides from FBBP, and provided a new theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of FBBP.

[Corrigendum] Bax inhibitor­1 suppresses early brain injury following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.

Following the publication of the above article, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 6 on p. 2898, the 'SAH' and 'SAH+NC' data panels contained an apparently overlapping section of data, such that these data appeared to have been derived from the same original source, even though they were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments. The authors have examined their original data, and realize that the 'SAH+NC' data panel had inadvertently been selected incorrectly for this figure. In addition, in response to a further query from the reader, the authors wished to point out that the standard deviations in their study were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.0a. The revised version of Fig. 6, now showing the correct data for the 'SAH+NC' experiment, is shown on the next page. The authors can confirm that the errors associated with this figure did not have any significant impact on either the results or the conclusions reported in this study, and all the authors agree with the publication of this Corrigendum. The authors are grateful to the Editor of International Journal of Molecular Medicine for allowing them the opportunity to publish this Corrigendum; furthermore, they apologize to the readership of the Journal for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 2891­2902, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3858].

Wolfberry genome database: integrated genomic datasets for studying molecular biology.

Wolfberry, also known as goji berry or Lycium barbarum, is a highly valued fruit with significant health benefits and nutritional value. For more efficient and comprehensive usage of published L. barbarum genomic data, we established the Wolfberry database. The utility of the Wolfberry Genome Database (WGDB) is highlighted through the Genome browser, which enables the user to explore the L. barbarum genome, browse specific chromosomes, and access gene sequences. Gene annotation features provide comprehensive information about gene functions, locations, expression profiles, pathway involvement, protein domains, and regulatory transcription factors. The transcriptome feature allows the user to explore gene expression patterns using transcripts per kilobase million (TPM) and fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads (FPKM) metrics. The Metabolism pathway page provides insights into metabolic pathways and the involvement of the selected genes. In addition to the database content, we also introduce six analysis tools developed for the WGDB. These tools offer functionalities for gene function prediction, nucleotide and amino acid BLAST analysis, protein domain analysis, GO annotation, and gene expression pattern analysis. The WGDB is freely accessible at https://cosbi7.ee.ncku.edu.tw/Wolfberry/. Overall, WGDB serves as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the genomics and transcriptomics of L. barbarum. Its user-friendly web interface and comprehensive data facilitate the exploration of gene functions, regulatory mechanisms, and metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of wolfberry and its potential applications in agronomy and nutrition.

Enhancing Magnetic Damping under GaAs Band-Edge Photoexcitation in a Co2FeAl/n-GaAs Heterojunction.

The ultrafast manipulation of spin in ferromagnet-semiconductor (FM/SC) heterojunctions is a key issue for advancing spintronics, where magnetic damping and interfacial spin transport often define device efficiency. Leveraging selective optical excitation in semiconductors offers a unique approach to spin manipulation in FM/SC heterojunctions. Herein, we investigated the magnetic dynamics of a Co2FeAl/n-GaAs heterojunction using the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr technique and observed the considerably enhanced magnetic damping of Co2FeAl when GaAs is photoexcited near its band edge. This enhancement is attributed to an enhanced spin-pumping effect facilitated by spin-dependent carrier tunneling and capture within the Co2FeAl layer. Moreover, circularly polarized light excites spin-polarized band-edge photocarriers, further impacting the magnetic damping of Co2FeAl through an additional optical spin-transfer torque on the magnetic moment of Co2FeAl. Our results provide a valuable reference for manipulating spin-pumping and interfacial spin transport in FM/SC heterojunctions, showcasing the advantage of optical control of semiconductor photocarriers for the ultrafast manipulation of magnetic dynamics and interfacial spin transfer.

Major quality regulation network of flavonoid synthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry.

Black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) contains various bioactive metabolites represented by flavonoids, which are quite different among production regions. However, the underlying regulation mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry remains unclear. Presently, we compared the bioactivity of black wolfberry from five production regions. Multi-omics were performed to construct the regulation network associated with the fruit bioactivity. The detailed regulation mechanisms were identified using genetic and molecular methods. Typically, Qinghai (QH) fruit exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The higher medicinal activity of QH fruit was closely associated with the accumulation of eight flavonoids, especially Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K3R) and Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin). Flavonoid biosynthesis was found to be more active in QH fruit, and the upregulation of LrFLS, LrCHS, LrF3H and LrCYP75B1 caused the accumulation of K3R and rutin, leading to high medicinal bioactivities of black wolfberry. Importantly, transcription factor LrMYB94 was found to regulate LrFLS, LrCHS and LrF3H, while LrWRKY32 directly triggered LrCYP75B1 expression. Moreover, LrMYB94 interacted with LrWRKY32 to promote LrWRKY32-regulated LrCYP75B1 expression and rutin synthesis in black wolfberry. Transgenic black wolfberry overexpressing LrMYB94/LrWRKY32 contained higher levels of K3R and rutin, and exhibited high medicinal bioactivities. Importantly, the LrMYB94/LrWRKY32-regulated flavonoid biosynthesis was light-responsive, showing the importance of light intensity for the medicinal quality of black wolfberry. Overall, our results elucidated the regulation mechanisms of K3R and rutin synthesis, providing the basis for the genetic breeding of high-quality black wolfberry.

Changes in Microbial Composition During the Succession of Biological Soil Crusts in Alpine Hulun Buir Sandy Land, China.

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are considered "desert ecosystem engineers" because they play a vital role in the restoration and stability maintenance of deserts, including those cold sandy land ecosystems at high latitudes, which are especially understudied. Microorganisms participate in the formation and succession of biocrusts, contributing to soil properties' improvement and the stability of soil aggregates, and thus vegetation development. Accordingly, understanding the composition and successional characteristics of microorganisms is a prerequisite for analyzing the ecological functions of biocrusts and related applications. Here, the Hulun Buir Sandy Land region in northeastern China-lying at the highest latitude of any sandy land in the country-was selected for study. Through a field investigation and next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq PE300 Platform), our goal was to assess the shifts in diversity and community composition of soil bacteria and fungi across different stages during the succession of biocrusts in this region, and to uncover the main factors involved in shaping their soil microbial community. The results revealed that the nutrient enrichment capacity of biocrusts for available nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total content of water-soluble salt, available potassium, soil organic matter, and available phosphorus was progressively enhanced by the succession of cyanobacterial crusts to lichen crusts and then to moss crusts. In tandem, soil bacterial diversity increased as biocrust succession proceeded but fungal diversity decreased. A total of 32 bacterial phyla and 11 fungal phyla were identified, these also known to occur in other desert ecosystems. Among those taxa, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria significantly increased and decreased, respectively, along the cyanobacterial crust-lichen-moss crust successional gradient. However, for Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria their changed relative abundance was significantly hump-shaped, increasing in the shift from cyanobacterial crust to lichen crust, and then decreasing as lichen crust shifted to moss crust. In this process, the improved soil properties effectively enhanced soil bacterial and fungal community composition. Altogether, these findings broaden our understanding about how soil microbial properties can change during the succession of biocrusts in high-latitude, cold sandy land ecosystems.

Simulation study on creep deformation of the impeller in lead-bismuth eutectic environment through fluid-solid coupling method.

Lead-based reactor is a new type of reactor using liquid lead or lead-bismuth alloy as a coolant. As the core working element of the main pump, the impeller is subjected to a huge load when conveying heavy metal liquids and is highly susceptible to damage. In this study, we used ANSYS and FLUENT software to investigate the stress, deformation, and creep deformation of the nuclear main pump impeller under a liquid lead-bismuth environment by the fluid-solid coupling method. The maximum equivalent force of the impeller was located at the junction of the blade and hub, which was prone to fatigue damage under the action of alternating load. The stress, deformation, and creep characteristics of the impeller blade were observed to generally increase with rotational speed. Particularly, the junction of the blade root and hub exhibited high susceptibility to stress concentration and fatigue damage. At a flow rate of 0.64 m/s and a speed of 690 r/min, the maximum equivalent force was 16.7 MPa, which was lower than the yield strength of 316L stainless steel. Additionally, the maximum deformation was less than 0.63 mm. Over a five-year period, the creep of the impeller ranged from a minimum of 0.228% to a maximum of 0.447%, indicating that the impeller can reliably operate in a liquid lead-bismuth environment for at least five years.

Genomic characteristics of two strains of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST268 isolated from different samples of one patient.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports the whole-genome sequences of two strains of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae ST268 and explores their acquired antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the mobile genetic elements (MGEs). METHODS: Two strains of K. pneumoniae ST268 were isolated from different samples of one patient. Assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility was performed, and then whole-genome sequencing was conducted. Acquired ARGs, insertion sequences, and transposons harboured by the two strains of K. pneumoniae ST268 were identified, and then the genetic contexts associated with the ARGs were analysed systematically. RESULTS: Two strains of K. pneumoniae ST268 were found to carry the 118.6-kb hybrid IncFIIK:IncQ1:repBR1701 plasmid. All the acquired ARGs carried by the IncF plasmid were found to be situated on the 25.3-kb MDR region bracketed by ISKpn19 and IS26, which was widely present in the plasmids in 14 STs of strains in K. pneumoniae but also in IncF plasmids from Shigella flexneri and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. Notably, the IncF plasmids harbouring the 25.3-kb MDR region were geographically distributed mainly in China, and the pKP161637-1/pKP160802-1 in our study was the first report on the IncF plasmid carrying the 25.3-kb MDR region bracketed in K. pneumoniae ST268. CONCLUSIONS: Two strains of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae ST268 with a MDR IncF plasmid were identified in a hospital in China. The ARGs were identified on the 25.3-kb MDR region, bracketed by ISKpn19 and IS26, of the IncF plasmids, which were present not only in the K. pneumoniae but also in the S. flexneri and K. quasipneumoniae.

Metabolite-based genome-wide association studies enable the dissection of the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine in wolfberry (Lycium).

Wolfberry is a plant with medicinal and food values. However, its bioactive ingredients and the corresponding genetic bases have not been determined. Here, we de novo generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for wolfberry, yielding a genome sequence of ~1.77 Gb with contig N50 of 50.55 Mb and 39 224 predicted gene models. A variation map, using 307 re-sequenced accessions, was called based on this genome assembly. Furthermore, the fruit metabolome of these accessions was profiled using 563 annotated metabolites, which separated Lycium barbarum L. and non-L. barbarum L. The flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and nicotinic acid contents were higher in the former than in the latter. A metabolite-based genome-wide association study mapped 156 164 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms corresponding to 340 metabolites. This included 19 219 unique lead single nucleotide polymorphisms in 1517 significant association loci, of which three metabolites, flavonoids, betaine and spermidine, were highlighted. Two candidate genes, LbUGT (evm.TU.chr07.2692) and LbCHS (evm.TU.chr07.2738), with non-synonymous mutations, were associated with the flavonoids content. LbCHS is a structural gene that interacts with a nearby MYB transcription factor (evm.TU.chr07.2726) both in L. barbarum and L. ruthenicum. Thus, these three genes might be involved in the biosynthesis/metabolism of flavonoids. LbSSADH (evm.TU.chr09.627) was identified as possibly participating in betaine biosynthesis/metabolism. Four lycibarbarspermidines (E-G and O) were identified, and only the lycibarbarspermidines O content was higher in L. barbarum varieties than in non-L. barbarum varieties. The evm.TU.chr07.2680 gene associated with lycibarbarspermidines O was annotated as an acetyl-CoA-benzylalcohol acetyltransferase, suggesting that it is a candidate gene for spermidine biosynthesis. These results provide novel insights into the specific metabolite profile of non-L. barbarum L. and the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine biosynthesis/metabolism.

Single source CARS-based multimodal microscopy system for biological tissue imaging [Invited].

A coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)-based multimodality microscopy system was developed using a single Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser source for biological imaging. It provides three complementary and co-registered imaging modalities: CARS, MPM (multiphoton microscopy), and RCM (reflectance confocal microscopy). The imaging speed is about 1 frame-per-second (fps) with a digital resolution of 1024 × 1024 pixels. This microscopy system can provide clear 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional images of ex-vivo biological tissue samples. Its spectral selection initiates vibrational excitation in lipid cells (approximately 2850 cm-1) using two filters on the pump and Stokes beam paths. The excitation can be tuned over a wide spectral range with adjustable spectral filters. The imaging capability of this CARS-based multimodal microscopy system was demonstrated using porcine fat, murine skin, and murine liver tissue samples.

Partial substitution of wheat flour with soybean and gluten powder: impact on flavor characteristics of Pixian Douban-Meju and its quality.

BACKGROUND: In this study, different proportions of soybean flour and gluten flour were used as partial replacements for wheat flour for the fermentation of Pixian Douban-Meju (PXDB). The aim was to study the effects of soybean flour/gluten flour on the quality improvement of PXDB. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group (CT) (0% substitution of wheat flour), substitution of wheat flower with 12.5% soybean flour (the H2 group), 7.5% gluten flour (G2), and 10% gluten flour (G3) improved the amino acid nitrogen content by 3.8%, 5.6%, and 9.4% respectively. The mixtures of wheat flour and gluten flour (G2 or G3) increased the organic acid and free amino acid content. The results of two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS) showed that the amount of key aroma substances increased about sixfold in comparison with the CT group (194.61 g.kg-1 ), achieving 1283.67, 1113.883, and 1160.19 g.kg-1 in the H2, G2, and G3 groups, respectively. There were also more aldehydes and pyrazines in all the substitution groups. Quantitative descriptive analysis indicated that the G3 sample presented the best organoleptic quality with a reddish-brown color and a more mellow aroma than the control sample. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the fermentation of G3 resulted in higher quality PXDB-meju, showing that partial substitution of wheat flour with gluten improved the quality of PXDB. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Association of multiple blood metals and systemic atherosclerosis: A cross-sectional study in the CAD population.

BACKGROUND: Coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is often accompanied by peripheral atherosclerosis, resulting in a higher risk of ischemia and cardiovascular death. Exposure to metals is associated with atherosclerotic plaques at specific sites. However, less is known about the effects of mixed metals on systemic atherosclerotic burden in CAD patients. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of metal mixtures with systemic atherosclerotic burden in a CAD population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 1562 CAD patients from Southwest China was conducted. The levels of 10 blood metals were measured via inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. More than one vessel with a stenosis ≥50% vessel diameter was defined as CAD. Carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis was assessed by using ultrasound, and coronary atherosclerosis was quantified via arterial angiography. Systemic atherosclerosis was scored according to the presence or absence of lesions at the three sites and the total number of lesions. To investigate the combined impacts and interaction effects of metals, Bayesian kernel machine regression was used. Weighted quantile regression was used to identify the contributions of the metals. RESULTS: Significant overall associations of mixed metals with systemic atherosclerotic burden were found. These positive overall associations were mainly driven by Cd, Cu and Pb in systemic atherosclerosis. The main contributing factors were As and Cu for coronary atherosclerosis as well as Cd, Cu and Pb for carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis. Cd and Pb or Cr can interact, and Pb interacts with age, sex and alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: In CAD patients, exposure to combinations of metals was highly positively associated with systemic atherosclerotic burden. These significant trends were more pronounced in the peripheral arteries and carotid arteries. Controlling environmental metal exposure can contribute to reducing systemic atherosclerosis in CAD patients.

Exosomes in lung cancer metastasis, diagnosis, and immunologically relevant advances.

Lung cancer is a chronic wasting disease with insidious onset and long treatment cycle. Exosomes are specialized extracellular vesicles, at first exosomes were considered as a transporter of cellular metabolic wastes, but recently many studies have identified exosomes which contain a variety of biologically active substances that play a role in the regulation of cellular communication and physiological functions. Exosomes play an important role in the development of lung cancer and can promote metastasis through a variety of mechanisms. However, at the same time, researchers have also discovered that immune cells can also inhibit lung cancer through exosomes. In addition, researchers have discovered that some specific miRNAs in exosomes can be used as markers for early diagnosis of lung cancer. Engineering exosomes may be one of the strategies to enhance the clinical translational application of exosomes in the future, for example, strategies such as modifying exosomes to enhance targeting or utilizing exosomes as carriers for drug delivery have been explored. but more studies are needed to verify the safety and efficacy. This article reviews the latest research on exosomes in the field of lung cancer, from the mechanism of lung cancer development, the functions of immune cell-derived exosomes and tumor-derived exosomes, to the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

ERF5.1 modulates carotenoid accumulation by interacting with CCD4.1 in Lycium.

Carotenoids are important natural pigments and have medical and health functions for humans. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4) and ethylene responsive factor (ERF) participate in carotenoid metabolism, but their roles in Lycium have not been discovered. Here, we annotated LbCCDs from the Lycium reference genome and found that LbCCD4.1 expression was significantly correlated with the carotenoid metabolites during Lycium five fruit developmental stages. Over-expression of LbCCD4.1 in NQ's leaves resulted in a series of significantly lower contents of carotenoid metabolites, including ß-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin. Moreover, LbERF5.1, a transcription factor belonging to the ERF family that was located in the nucleus, was isolated. Significant reductions in the carotenoids, especially lutein, violaxanthin and their derivatives, were observed in over-expressing ERF5.1 transgenic NQ's leaves. Over-expression or virus-induced gene silencing of LbERF5.1 in NQ's leaves induced a consistent up- or down-expression, respectively, of LbCCD4.1. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that ERF5.1 interacted with the promoter of CCD4.1 to increase its expression, and LbERF5.1 could bind to any one of the three predicted binding sites in the promoter of LbCCD4.1. A transcriptome analysis of LbERF5.1 and LbCCD4.1 over-expressed lines showed similar global transcript expression, and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, phytoene synthase, lycopene δ-cyclase cytochrome, cytochrome P450-type monooxygenase 97A, cytochrome P450-type monooxygenase 97C, and zeaxanthin epoxidase in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway were differentially expressed. In summary, we uncovered a novel molecular mechanism of carotenoid accumulation that involved an interaction between ERF5.1 and CCD4.1, which may be used to enhance carotenoid in Lycium.