Effects of exogenous melatonin on the osmotic regulation and antioxidant capacity of Ginkgo biloba seedlings under salt stress.

We investigated the effects of exogenous melatonin on the osmotic regulation and antioxidant capacity of 4-year-old Ginkgo biloba seedlings under salt stress. There were three treatments, with low (50 mmol·L-1), medium (100 mmol·L-1), and high (200 mmol·L-1) NaCl stress. Leaves were sprayed and the soil was watered with melatonin solution (0, 0.02, 0.1, 0.5 mmol·L-1). The results showed that saline stress significantly inhibited the osmoregulation and antioxidant capacities of G. biloba seedlings. Application of exogenous melatonin at appropriate concentrations (0.02, 0.1 mmol·L-1) under salt stress could promote plant growth, reduce the rate of electrolyte leakage, decrease the content of flavonoids and malonic dialdehyde, and enhance peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in leaves. High concentration (0.5 mmol·L-1) of exogenous melatonin would aggravate the oxidative and osmotic stresses. The 0.02 and 0.1 mmol·L-1 exogenous melatonin alleviated osmotic stress and oxidative stress in G. biloba seedlings under salt stress, while the 0.02 mmol·L-1 exogenous melatonin treatment had the best effect on NaCl stress alleviation. Ground diameter, branch width, branch length, electrolyte leakage rate, superoxide dismutase activity, and flavonoids content could be used as the key indices for rapid identification of the degree of salt stress in G. biloba seedlings.

Two new supramolecular Ag(I) coordination polymers: luminescent properties and treatment activity on glioblastoma.

Two new Ag(I) coordination polymers, namely [Ag(bpp)]·0.5 n(1,5-NDSA)·n(H2O) (1) and [Ag2(bpp)2]n·n(2,7-NDSA)·2 n(H2O)·n(CH3CN) (2) (Na2(1,5-NDSA) = sodium 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate dibasic, Na2(2,7-NDSA) = sodium 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate dibasic, bpp is 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), were generated via the solution evaporation method under room temperature. Moreover, the solids of these two compounds display strong luminescence emission at RT. And the application values of the compounds against the glioblastoma treatment were determined, and the corresponding mechanism was simultaneously tested. The analysis of CCK-8 was first implemented and the glioblastoma viability was measured. The real-time RT-PCR was next performed, and the signaling pathway activation of VEGF in glioblastoma cells was tested after treating by the above compound.

MicroRNA expression profile in Lampetra morii upon Vibrio anguillarum infection and miR-4561 characterization targeting lip.

As a critical evolutionary pivot between invertebrates and vertebrates, lampreys provide rich genetic information. Lamprey immune protein (LIP) is a key immune regulator. MicroRNAs, well-conserved in the response to immunological stress, remain understudied in lamprey immunity. We generated a lamprey microRNA expression atlas, using deep sequencing, upon Vibrio anguillarum infection. Using comparative methods, we found that miR-4561 potentially regulates innate immunity via interaction with lip. We found a sequence in the 3'-UTR region of LIP mRNA complementary to the miR-4561 seed region; miR-4561 expression was negatively correlated with LIP. During V. anguillarum infection, miR-4561 inhibited LIP expression and bacterial clearance. Notably, LIP expression in supraneural body cells was necessary for the Gram-negative immune response. Additionally, we observed that overexpression of miR-4561 induced apoptosis in embryonic cells, suggesting a role in embryonic development. Collectively, we show lamprey microRNAs may significantly affect gene regulation and provide new insights on LIP-mediated immune regulation.

Luo Tong Formula Alleviates Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats Through Micro-200b Target.

Aim: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes (DM). Luo Tong formula (LTF) exerts protective effects against DR in rats, but its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats injected with streptozotocin (STZ) were used as an experimental diabetes model. LTF or calcium dobesilate (CaD) was administered to diabetic rats via gastric gavage. After the 12 weeks of treatment, blood and tissue samples were collected to determine serum glucose and retinal structure. Blood samples were collected for blood glucose and hemorheology analysis. Gene or protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and/or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: DM rats exhibits significantly increased blood retinal-barrier (BRB) breakdown and VEGF/VEGFR expression in the retina, and decreased miR-200b and tight junction ZO-1/Occludin/ Claudin-5 genes expression, as well as Ang-1/Tie-2 expressions in the retina compared to normal control group. LTF treatment significantly moderated histological abnormalities in diabetic rats, independent of blood glucose level; improved some hemorrheological parameters; decreased the expressions of VEGF/VEGFR and BRB breakdown, significantly increased PEDF and tight junction proteins ZO-1/Occludin, as well as increased retinal miR-200b expression compared to non-treatment diabetic rats. Moreover, LTF prevented the reduction in Ang-1/Tie-2 expression. Conclusions: LTF treatment ameliorated DR through its repair vascular and attenuate vascular leakage. A mechanism involving miR-200b may contribute to benefit effects.

Genome-wide transcriptome and proteome profiles indicate an active role of alternative splicing during de-etiolation of maize seedlings.

MAIN CONCLUSION: AS events affect genes encoding protein domain composition and make the single gene produce more proteins with a certain number of genes to satisfy the establishment of photosynthesis during de-etiolation. The drastic switch from skotomorphogenic to photomorphogenic development is an excellent system to elucidate rapid developmental responses to environmental stimuli in plants. To decipher the effects of different light wavelengths on de-etiolation, we illuminated etiolated maize seedlings with blue, red, blue-red mixed and white light, respectively. We found that blue light alone has the strongest effect on photomorphogenesis and that this effect can be attributed to the higher number and expression levels of photosynthesis and chlorosynthesis proteins. Deep sequencing-based transcriptome analysis revealed gene expression changes under different light treatments and a genome-wide alteration in alternative splicing (AS) profiles. We discovered 41,188 novel transcript isoforms for annotated genes, which increases the percentage of multi-exon genes with AS to 63% in maize. We provide peptide support for all defined types of AS, especially retained introns. Further in silico prediction revealed that 58.2% of retained introns have changes in domains compared with their most similar annotated protein isoform. This suggests that AS acts as a protein function switch allowing rapid light response through the addition or removal of functional domains. The richness of novel transcripts and protein isoforms also demonstrates the potential and importance of integrating proteomics into genome annotation in maize.

Lamprey: an important animal model of evolution and disease research.

Lamprey is one representative of the extant jawless vertebrates, known as "living fossils", with a history of more than 500 million years. The ancient lamprey has attracted the attention of many scholars due to its unique functional characteristics and evolutionary status. In terms of immune system, the lamprey has adaptive immune system and immune molecules different from those of jawed vertebrates. Based on the evolutionary status, lamprey is an important developmental and evolutionary animal model for analyses of evolutionary conservation and derivative characteristics of vertebrates. Lamprey pallium provides an evolutionary blueprint for mammalian cerebral cortex. In disease research, lamprey has provided various results as a pathological model of spinal cord injury and biliary atresia. In this review, the life cycle, immune molecules, developmental evolution and physiological structure of lamprey are presented in details in reference with relevant reports from China and abroad. We believe that in-depth studies of lamprey could promote an effective outcome(s) in the research on genetics of animal development and biomedicine.

Traditional chinese medicine for diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat diabetic complications including diabetic retinopathy for many years. OBJECTIVES: This review was performed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of TCM for treating non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: Retrieval from 7 electronic databases was conducted to determine eligible trials published until March 1, 2018. Randomized controlled trials of NPDR that comparing compound Chinese medicine containing the therapeutic method of activating blood and remove stasis versus controls were included for analysis. Primary outcomes were progression of retinopathy. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, mean defect of visual field, micro-aneurysms, hemorrhage areas, exudates, capillary nonperfusion areas, hemorheological indicators, oscillatory potentials (Ops), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and adverse events. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Results expressing as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MD) were analyzed with a fixed- or random- effect model. I statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 33 trials and 3373 participants were included. Findings revealed that no included studies reported the progression of retinopathy. Compared with conventional medicine, TCM was significantly better at improving visual acuity (MD, -0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.16 to -0.05) and Ops (MD, -4.68, 95% CI -8.51 to -0.85), and reducing the mean defect of visual field (MD, -1.43; 95%CI, -2.17 to -0.68), micro-aneurysms (MD, -4.51; 95% CI, -6.23 to -2.79), hemorrhage areas (MD, -0.62; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.19), plasma viscosity (MD, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.00), and HbA1c (MD, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.03). Compared with placebo, TCM was also associated with a decline in the number of microaneurysms (MD, -4.35; 95% CI, -6.25 to -2.45), exudates (MD, -0.17; 95% CI -0.31 to -0.03), capillary nonperfusion areas (MD, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.04), and HbA1c (MD, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.44 to -0.32). Compared with blank groups, TCM was superior at decreasing the mean defect of visual field (MD, -0.87; 95% CI -0.95 to -0.79) and the numbers of micro-aneurysms (MD, -3.35; 95% CI, -4.73 to -1.97). Adverse events were also assessed. CONCLUSION: Activating blood compound Chinese herbal medicine could help to improve visual acuity, micro-aneurysms and HbA1c. Further trials are needed to provide more reliable evidence.

Identification, recombinant expression and immunological study of Lja-SHP2 in Lampetra japonica.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 of higher vertebrates, encoded by ptpn11 gene, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of tyrosine phosphorylation site, and plays regulatory roles in various signaling pathways by cooperating with other protein tyrosine kinase. Previous studies have shown that SHP2 plays an important role in the activation and signal transduction of T and B cells in higher vertebrates. To study the role of a SHP2 homologous molecule of lampreys (Lja-SHP2) in immune response, we cloned and expressed the open reading frame sequence of Lja-SHP2 gene in prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli and the rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody was prepared. Lampetra japonica were immunized with mixed bacteria, and the mRNA and protein of Lja-SHP2 in immune-related cells and tissues were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting after immunization. The Lja-SHP2 mRNA and protein were not significantly affected in leukocytes and supraneural myeloid bodies, but up-regulated significantly in gill tissues (P<0.05) after challenged by mixed bacteria, which indicated that Lja-SHP2 mainly participates in the immune response of gill tissues after mixed bacteria stimulation. To further investigate whether Lja-SHP2 level was affected in three lymphocyte subsets, the B-cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and T-cell mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were employed to boost the immune response in L. japonica. LPS immune stimulation increased Lja-SHP2 in leucocytes significantly compared with the control group, and but had a marginal effect on Lja-SHP2 expression in gills and supraneural myeloid bodies. PHA immune stimulation could up-regulate Lja-SHP2 level in leukocytes, gill tissues and supraneural myeloid bodies. The change of Lja-SHP2 was especially dramatical in leukocytes, which was about 2.5 times higher than that in the control group, suggesting that Lja-SHP2 is involved in the lamprey immune response mediated by PHA. Consistent with the previous finding that PHA could induce the activation of VLRA+ lymphocytes, our results showed that Lja-SHP2 might be included in the immune response of VLRA+ lymphocytes mediated by PHA in gills. This research will benefit exploring the functions of Lja-SHP2 in the immune response of lamprey and will provide clues for understanding the phylogenesis of SHP2 molecular family, and its roles in the early occurrence and evolution of adaptive immune system in higher vertebrates.

Luo Tong formula attenuates retinal inflammation in diabetic rats via inhibition of the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes and remains the leading cause of blindness in adults. Retinal inflammation is playing a crucial role in the development of DR, and targeting inflammatory mediators is a promising strategy for controlling DR. Here, we investigated compound Chinese medicine Luo Tong formula (LTF) alleviated retinal inflammatory responses in a STZ-induced diabetic rat model. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, streptozotocin-induced diabetic, LTF-treated diabetic, and calcium dobesilate (CaD)-treated diabetic rats. Blood samples were collected for blood glucose examination. Hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were conducted for light microscopy observations. Retinal cell apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL assay. Proteins expression was quantified by Western blotting and/or immunohistochemistry, and gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Diabetic rats showed significant increases in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and the phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38-MAPK)/p38 MAPK ratio compared to control rats. LTF treatment significantly improved both retinal and pancreatic pathological injury, LTF treatment also inhibited inducible the p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and NF-κB activation and decreased the subsequent induction of the retinal expression of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1ß, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 compared to diabetic rats. LTF also exhibited a protective effect on islet function. CONCLUSIONS: LTF before the onset of DR can alleviate retinal pathological injury, LTF may play an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting p38-MAPK and then inhibiting NF-κB pathway. But further studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.Trial registration This is an animal experiment, trial registration is not necessary.

IL-18 induced IL-23/IL-17 expression impairs Aß clearance in cultured THP-1 and BV2 cells.

Recent studies have provided overwhelming evidence of the involvement of microglia-related molecular networks in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's diseases (AD). The potential involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-18, IL-23 and IL-17 on amyloid (Aß) clearance is still unclear. In this study, we addressed that there might be a net relationship among IL-18, IL-23, and IL-17 and they can affect Aß clearance in cultured macrophage/microglia cells. In human macrophage cell line THP-1, Aß42 incubation could increase the expression of IL-18, IL-23 and IL-17 in a concentration dependent manner. THP-1 cell could clear Aß42 in the culture medium time-dependently, but its capacity of Aß clearance was impaired by IL-18, IL-23 or IL-17 treatment. Similarly, the capacity of the microglia cell line BV2 to clear Aß42 was impaired by IL-18, IL-23 or IL-17 treatment. In co-cultures of BV2 with APP/PS1 neuron, Aß was efficiently cleared by BV2 cell, but Aß clearance was impaired by IL-18, IL-23 or IL-17 treatment. The effects of IL-18, IL-23 and IL-17 could be blocked by their corresponding neutralizing antibodies. In addition, the inhibitory effects of IL-18 were blocked by IL-23 or IL-17 neutralizing antibodies while the inhibitory effects of IL-23 were blocked by IL-17 neutralizing antibodies. Our study provides evidences showing that amyloid induced IL-18/IL-23/IL-17 axis could impair macrophage and microglia-mediated Aß clearance. Thus, IL-18/IL-23/IL-17 axis might be a therapeutic target in AD.

Innate Lymphoid Cells: A Link between the Nervous System and Microbiota in Intestinal Networks.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a novel family of innate immune cells that act as key coordinators of intestinal mucosal surface immune defense and are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and barrier integrity by responding to locally produced effector cytokines or direct recognition of exogenous or endogenous danger patterns. ILCs are also involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many studies have demonstrated the occurrence of crosstalk between ILCs and intestinal microbiota, and ILCs have recently been shown to be connected to the enteric nervous system (ENS). Thus, ILCs may act as a key link between the nervous system and microbiota in intestinal networks. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of the ILCs in the intestinal tract (particularly in the context of IBD) and discuss the relationship between ILCs and the microbiota/ENS.

TRPC6 mRNA levels in peripheral leucocytes of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) 6 inhibits Aß in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse brain and improves the behavioral performance. AIMS: To evaluate the association of TRPC6 expression in peripheral leucocytes from AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and to explore its potential value in early diagnosis of AD. METHODS: TRPC6 mRNA levels in peripheral leucocytes were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The Spearman correlation test was used to ascertain the associations between TRPC6 and the scores of MMSE, ADL, CSDD, CDR. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic potential of TRPC6 for AD and MCI. RESULTS: There were 108 CE, 136 MCI, 164 Con and 60 PD in the study. The expression of TRPC6 mRNA level in peripheral leucocytes was significantly lower: 1) in patients with AD and MCI compared to Con; 2) in AD compared to MCI; 3) in hospitalized AD compared to AD from communities. There was a significantly positive correlation between TRPC6 mRNA and MMSE score (p = .001, R = 0.327). Significantly inverse correlations were found between TRPC6 and CDR score (p < 0.001, R = -0.303) as well as between TRPC6 and ADL score (p = .001, R = -0.342) for all AD. The area under curve of ROC was 0.881 for the classification of AD, and 0.706 for the classification of MCI, respectively. CONCLUSION: TRPC6 expression is inversely correlated with cognitive performance of AD. TRPC6 in peripheral leucocytes may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of AD.

Inhibiting effect of CO2 on the oxidative combustion thermodynamics of coal.

A thermal analysis experiment was conducted in O2/N2/CO2 and O2/N2 atmospheres (O2 concentrations were 21, 14, 8, and CO2 concentrations were 0, 39, 46, 52) to investigate the thermal behavior of coal oxidation and combustion. Results demonstrated that an elevated CO2 concentration or decreased O2 concentration had a delaying effect on the thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves; moreover, the characteristic temperatures were substantially augmented. When the O2 concentration was 21 vol%, the total heat released by coals A (highly volatile bituminous coal) and B (anthracite coal) decreased by 5.8% and 4.1%, respectively, after CO2 addition. The comprehensive combustion performance index was also lowered. The DSC curve can be divided into two exothermic peaks, and the ratio of the peak 1 to peak 2 areas decreased with the addition of CO2, which indicated that CO2 inhibited the oxidation of the active functional groups of coal structures. Apparent activation energy in O2/CO2/N2 was less than that in O2/N2.

Increased frequency of AMP-activated protein kinase-positive spinal motor neurons after sciatic nerve injury in a mouse model.

The role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the regulation of energy metabolism and the control of skeletal muscle regeneration post injury has been described previously. It remains unknown whether this metabolic sensor plays a role in the mechanism of axonal regeneration post injury. In this study, we used a sciatic nerve crushed mouse model to detect the expression of AMPK in sciatic nerve and spinal motor neurons at 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after injury by immunofluorescence staining. Electrophysiological and histopathological studies were used to confirm the nerve injury and regeneration. Our results showed that frequency of AMPK-positive spinal motor neurons was significantly higher on day 7 after sciatic nerve crush (SNC) and peaked on day 14. No expression of AMPK was detected in axons of the sciatic nerve before and after the injury. Taken together, our study suggested a possible role of AMPK in the mechanism of motor nerve regeneration after injury.

Association of neck circumference and cognitive impairment among Chinese elderly.

Objectives: To investigate the association between neck circumference (NC) and cognitive impairment and interactions between relevant variables to the risk of cognitive impairment. Methods: A population-based survey was conducted among elderly inhabitants aged 60 years and over from a community in Shanghai suburb. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations and log likelihood ratio tests to examine interactions. Results: Cognitive impairment was identified in 269 (10.8%) subjects from 2,500 participants. Higher BMI (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.11-2.16), higher WHR (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.07-1.95), and higher total cholesterol (TC) (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.09-2.13) were significantly associated with the increased risk of cognitive impairment. Significant interactions were observed between TC and a few other relevant variables, respectively. Conclusions: NC was associated with the high risk of cognitive impairment. Additive effects of NC with TC on cognitive impairment were observed.

Different intervention strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in China: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Different strategies are increasingly used for early intervention in prediabetes in China, but the effects of these strategies on incident diabetes have not yet been confirmed. The aim of the present study was to assess systematically the effects of different strategies for preventing diabetes, aimed at Chinese people with prediabetes. Seven electronic databases were searched to identify eligible trials published from inception to September 20, 2016. Randomized controlled trials with a minimum follow-up duration of 6 months were included. Standard pairwise meta-analysis with a random-effects model and network meta-analysis with a frequentist framework were performed. A total of 63 studies, including 11 intervention strategies, were included. Compared with placebo, all strategies, except for lipid-affecting drugs and sitagliptin, reduced the rate of incident diabetes with different levels of effectiveness, ranging from 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12, 0.27) to 0.39 (95% CI 0.20, 0.75). Ranking probability analysis indicated that metformin and ß-cell-stimulating drugs reduced the risk of diabetes most, with probabilities of 87.4% and 81%, respectively. Ethnicity and cultural factors should be considered for diabetes prevention. Most of the included trials were of poor methodological quality, however, and the results should be interpreted with caution.

Lamprey: a model for vertebrate evolutionary research.

Lampreys belong to the superclass Cyclostomata and represent the most ancient group of vertebrates. Existing for over 360 million years, they are known as living fossils due to their many evolutionally conserved features. They are not only a keystone species for studying the origin and evolution of vertebrates, but also one of the best models for researching vertebrate embryonic development and organ differentiation. From the perspective of genetic information, the lamprey genome remains primitive compared with that of other higher vertebrates, and possesses abundant functional genes. Through scientific and technological progress, scientists have conducted in-depth studies on the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems of lampreys. Such research has significance for understanding and revealing the origin and evolution of vertebrates, and could contribute to a greater understanding of human diseases and treatments. This review presents the current progress and significance of lamprey research.

Research progress of the structure and function of NF-κB and IκB in different animal groups.

The mammalian nuclear transcription factors NF-κB (Nuclear factor of kappa B) family plays a central role in the immune system, and participates in immune response, tumorigenesis and apoptosis by regulating the genes involved in the development and survival of lymphocytes. Inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) is an inhibitor of NF-κB, which keeps NF-κB in inactive state. When cells are stimulated by external signals, activated IκB is phosphated after a series of signal transmission, and then releases the NF-κB heterodimers that migrate into the nucleus and regulate gene expression. As an important functional protein, they exist in both higher animals and lower animals, and exhibit conserved functions. In this review, we summarize the investigation about NF-κB and IκB in several representative animals from invertebrates to vertebrates, in order to approach a more comprehensive and provide references for related researches.

[The anti-tumor mechanisms in long-lived rodents].

Rodents, including the nude mice with congenital aplasia of the thymus, cancer-resistant naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and blind mole rat (Spalax galili), are important model organisms that are widely used in biomedical research. The aging process is closely related to cancer incidence in mammals and the aging degree is positively correlated with the risk of cancer. Since rodents account for 40% of mammals, study of the unique antitumor mechanism in long-lived rodents is very important. Replicative senescence is anti-tumor mechanism that prevalently exist in rodents, however, unique anti-tumor mechanisms have been found in naked mole-rats and blind mole-rats. The cancer resistance of Spalax galili is mediated by cell-released IFN-ß which activates p53 and Rb signaling pathway and the cells undergoes concerted cell death while that of Heterocephalus glaber is mediated by high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA) which causes contact inhibition. In addition, highly expressed pro-cell-death and anti-inflammation related genes are found in the genome of both naked mole-rats and blind mole-rats. In this review, we summarize the anti-tumor mechanisms in both Heterocephalus glaber and Spalax galili, which may provide information for related research.

[Application progress of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in the treatment of HIV-1 infection].

The goal of gene therapy is to introduce foreign genes into human target cells in a certain way to correct or compensate diseases caused by defective or abnormal genes. Therefore, gene therapy has great practical significance in studying the treatment of persistent or latent HIV-1 infection. At present, the existing methods of gene therapy have some major defects such as limited target site recognition and high frequency of off-targets. The latest research showed that the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) /CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) system from bacteria and archaea has been successfully reformed to a targeted genome editing tool. Thus, how to achieve the goal of treating HIV-1 infection by modifying targeted HIV-1 virus genome effectively using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has become a current research focus. Here we review the latest achievements worldwide and briefly introduce applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, including CCR5 gene editing, removal of HIV-1 virus and activation of HIV-1 virus, in order to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of HIV-1 infection.