Endocytic FgEde1 regulates virulence and autophagy in Fusarium graminearum.

Endocytosis plays critical roles in cellular processes, including nutrient uptake and signal transduction. Ede1 is an endocytic scaffolding protein that contributes to endocytic site initiation and maturation in yeast. However, the functions of Ede1 in phytopathogenic fungi are not known. Here, we identified functions of FgEde1 (FGSG_05182) in Fusarium graminearum. Deletion of FgEde1 resulted in defects in hyphal growth, conidiation and ascospore development. The FgEde1 deletion mutant showed reduced deoxynivalenol (DON) production and virulence in wheat. Furthermore, the FgEde1 deletion mutant also exhibited increased resistance to osmotic and oxidative stress as well as cell-wall perturbing agents. Importantly, deletion of FgEde1 increased the severity of autophagy in hyphae. Taken together, these results reveal that FgEde1 is involved in hyphal growth, asexual and sexual reproduction, virulence, stress responses, and autophagy in F. graminearum.

Deep resequencing reveals allelic variation in Sesamum indicum.

BACKGROUND: Characterization of genome-wide patterns of allelic variation and linkage disequilibrium can be used to detect reliable phenotype-genotype associations and signatures of molecular selection. However, the use of Sesamum indicum germplasm for breeding is limited by the lack of polymorphism data. RESULTS: Here we describe the massively parallel resequencing of 29 sesame strains from 12 countries at a depth of ≥ 13-fold coverage for each of the samples tested. We detected an average of 127,347 SNPs, 17,961 small InDels, and 9,266 structural variants per sample. The population SNP rate, population diversity (π) and Watterson's estimator of segregating sites (θw) were estimated at 8.6 × 10⁻³, 2.5 × 10⁻³ and 3.0 × 10⁻³ bp⁻¹, respectively. Of these SNPs, 23.2% were located within coding regions. Polymorphism patterns were nonrandom among gene families, with genes mediating interactions with the biotic or abiotic environment exhibiting high levels of polymorphism. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay distance was estimated at 150 kb, with no distinct structure observed in the population. Phylogenetic relationships between each of the 29 sesame strains were consistent with the hypothesis of sesame originating on the Indian subcontinent. In addition, we proposed novel roles for adenylate isopentenyltransferase (ITP) genes in determining the number of flowers per leaf axil of sesame by mediating zeatin biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first report of genome-wide patterns of genetic variation in sesame. The high LD distance and abundant polymorphisms described here increase our understanding of the forces shaping population-wide sequence variation in sesame and will be a valuable resource for future gene-phenotype and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Malignant melanoma complicated with cataract and secondary glaucoma: A case report.

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in adults. For patients presenting with cataracts and glaucoma, it is recommended to assess whether an intraocular lesion is present as the primary cause. The present study describes the case of a 52-year-old man with primary intraocular malignant melanoma. The patient experienced painless vision loss in the right eye for 1 year, with recent onset of eye swelling and pain in the week prior to seeking medical attention. A slit-lamp examination revealed a shallow anterior chamber in the right eye, a visibly opaque lens and a faint reflection of the tumor surface in the vitreous humor. In addition, the intraocular pressure of this eye was >60 mmHg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large tumor behind the lens measuring 16×18×14 mm. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. No BRCA-associated protein-1 somatic mutation was detected, whereas germline mutations of MutL protein homolog 1, RAD54 like, and SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a, member 4 were identified. Extensive systemic examination excluded the possibility that the tumors originated from another part of the body. The present case report highlights the crucial role of slit-lamp examination in the detection of ocular tumors. It is advocated that for patients presenting with cataracts, attention should be paid to the possibility of intraocular tumors. Meticulous slit-lamp microscopy may reveal a reflection of the surface of a malignant melanoma, preventing misdiagnosis.

A highly susceptible hACE2-transgenic mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 research.

Several animal models have been used to assist the development of vaccines and therapeutics since the COVID-19 outbreak. Due to the lack of binding affinity of mouse angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) to the S protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), increasing the susceptibility of mice to SARS-CoV-2 infection was considered in several ways. Here, we generated a COVID-19 mouse model expressing human ACE2 (hACE2) under the control of the CAG promoter. Overexpression of hACE2 did not pose a significant effect on weight growth. After SARS-CoV-2 inoculation, mice showed obvious viral replication and production of inflammation within 7 days, with a gradual decrease in body weight until death. Virological testing found that the virus can replicate in the respiratory system, small intestine, and brain. Additionally, this mouse model was applied to compare two antibody drug candidates, the anti-RBD antibody (MW06) and the mouse CD24-conjugated anti-RBD antibody (mCD24-MW06). Differences in antiviral effects between these two antibodies can be demonstrated in this mouse model when a challenge dose that invalidates the anti-RBD antibody treatment was used. This study provided a new mouse model for studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and evaluating potential interventions.

Development of highly effective LCB1-based lipopeptides targeting the spike receptor-binding motif of SARS-CoV-2.

LCB1 is a computationally designed 56-mer miniprotein targeting the spike (S) receptor-binding motif of SARS-CoV- 2 with high potent activity (Science, 2020; Cell host microbe, 2021); however, recent studies have demonstrated that emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are highly resistant to LCB1's inhibition. In this study, we first identified a truncated peptide termed LCB1v8, which maintained the high antiviral potency. Then, a group of lipopeptides were generated by modifying LCB1v8 with diverse lipids, and of two lipopeptides, the C-terminally stearicacid-conjugtaed LCB1v17 and cholesterol-conjugated LCB1v18, were highly effective in inhibiting both S protein-pseudovirus and authentic SARS-CoV-2 infections. We further showed that LCB1-based inhibitors had similar α-helicity and thermostability in structure and bound to the target-mimic RBD protein with high affinity, and the lipopeptides exhibited greatly enhanced binding with the viral and cellular membranes, improved inhibitory activities against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, LCB1v18 was validated with high preventive and therapeutic efficacies in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge. In conclusion, our studies have provided important information for understanding the structure and activity relationship (SAR) of LCB1 inhibitor and would guide the future development of novel antivirals.

5-Chloro-1H-indole-3-carb-oxy-lic acid.

In the title compound, C(9)H(6)ClNO(2), the carboxyl group is twisted from the indole ring system by 9.00 (8)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the dimers into (001) sheets. Aromatic π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.7185 (12) A °] are also observed.

[Two new sequence type isolates of Bacillus anthracis by multilocus sequence typing].

OBJECTIVE: To define the sequence type (ST) isolates of Bacillus anthracis by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). METHODS: Fragments of seven housekeeping genes (glpF, gmk, ilvD, pta, pur, pycA, and tpi) were amplified by PCR using the standard primers as described on the website for MLST of Bacillus and the sequences were compared with existing allele sequences on the MLST website. RESULTS: Two novel allele combinations of the seven loci were found in two isolates 17003-14 and 17003-32. CONCLUSION: Two novel ST isolates of B. anthracis were identified by this study and confirmed by the MLST website, and the pubMLST ids were id-1053 and id-1054.

A Dual Role of Complement Activation in the Development of Fulminant Hepatic Failure Induced by Murine-Beta-Coronavirus Infection.

With the epidemic of betacoronavirus increasing frequently, it poses a great threat to human public health. Therefore, the research on the pathogenic mechanism of betacoronavirus is becoming greatly important. Murine hepatitis virus strain-3 (MHV-3) is a strain of betacoronavirus which cause tissue damage especially fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in mice, and is commonly used to establish models of acute liver injury. Recently, MHV-3-infected mice have also been introduced to a mouse model of COVID-19 that does not require a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility. FHF induced by MHV-3 is a type of severe liver damage imbalanced by regenerative hepatocellular activity, which is related to numerous factors. The complement system plays an important role in host defense and inflammation and is involved in first-line immunity and/or pathogenesis of severe organ disorders. In this study, we investigated the role of aberrant complement activation in MHV-3 infection-induced FHF by strategies that use C3-deficient mice and intervene in the complement system. Our results showed that mice deficient in C3 had more severe liver damage, a higher viral load in the liver and higher serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than wild-type controls. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with C3aR antagonist or anti-C5aR antibody reduced liver damage, viral load, and serum IFN-γ concentration compared with the control group. These findings indicated that complement system acts as a double-edged sword during acute MHV-3 infection. However, its dysregulated activation leads to sustained inflammatory responses and induces extensive liver damage. Collectively, by investigating the role of complement activation in MHV-3 infection, we can further understand the pathogenic mechanism of betacoronavirus, and appropriate regulation of immune responses by fine-tuning complement activation may be an intervention for the treatment of diseases induced by betacoronavirus infection.

Re-burying Artificially Exposed Surface of Viral Subunit Vaccines Through Oligomerization Enhances Vaccine Efficacy.

Viral subunit vaccines often suffer low efficacy. We recently showed that when taken out of the context of whole virus particles, recombinant subunit vaccines contain artificially exposed surface regions that are non-neutralizing and reduce their efficacy, and thus these regions need to be re-buried in vaccine design. Here we used the envelope protein domain III (EDIII) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a subunit vaccine candidate, to further validate this important concept for subunit vaccine designs. We constructed monomeric EDIII, dimeric EDIII via a linear space, dimeric EDIII via an Fc tag, and trimeric EDIII via a foldon tag. Compared to monomeric EDIII or linearly linked dimeric EDIII, tightly packed EDIII oligomers via the Fc or foldon tag induce higher neutralizing antibody titers in mice and also protect mice more effectively from lethal JEV challenge. Structural analyses demonstrate that part of the artificially exposed surface areas on recombinant EDIII becomes re-buried in Fc or foldon-mediated oligomers. This study further establishes the artificially exposed surfaces as an intrinsic limitation of subunit vaccines, and suggests that re-burying these surfaces through tightly packed oligomerization is a convenient and effective approach to overcome this limitation.

Exosomal Vaccine Loading T Cell Epitope Peptides of SARS-CoV-2 Induces Robust CD8+ T Cell Response in HLA-A Transgenic Mice.

Purpose: Current vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus mainly induce neutralizing antibodies but overlook the T cell responses. This study aims to generate an exosomal vaccine carrying T cell epitope peptides of SARS-CoV-2 for the induction of CD8+ T cell response. Methods: Thirty-one peptides presented by HLA-A0201 molecule were conjugated to the DMPE-PEG-NHS molecules, and mixed with DSPE-PEG to form the peptide-PEG-lipid micelles, then fused with exosomes to generate the exosomal vaccine, followed by purification using size-exclusion chromatography and validation by Western blotting, liquid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) test and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the exosomal vaccine was mixed with Poly (I:C) adjuvant and subcutaneously administered for three times into the hybrid mice of HLA-A0201/DR1 transgenic mice with wild-type mice. Then, the epitope-specific T cell responses were detected by ex vivo ELISPOT assay and intracellular cytokine staining. Results: The exosomal vaccine was purified from the Peak 2 fraction of FPLC and injected into the hybrid mice for three times. The IFN-γ spot forming units and the frequencies of IFN-γ+/CD8+ T cells were 10-82-fold and 13-65-fold, respectively, higher in the exosomal vaccine group compared to the Poly (I:C) control group, without visible organ toxicity. In comparison with the peptides cocktail vaccine generated in our recent work, the exosomal vaccine induced significantly stronger T cell response. Conclusion: Exosomal vaccine loading T cell epitope peptides of SARS-CoV-2 virus was initially generated without pre-modification for both peptides and exosomes, and elicited robust CD8+ T cell response in HLA-A transgenic mice.

A glucose-like metabolite deficient in diabetes inhibits cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2.

The severity and mortality of COVID-19 are associated with pre-existing medical comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. However, the underlying causes for increased susceptibility to viral infection in patients with diabetes is not fully understood. Here we identify several small-molecule metabolites from human blood with effective antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, one of which, 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (1,5-AG), is associated with diabetes mellitus. The serum 1,5-AG level is significantly lower in patients with diabetes. In vitro, the level of SARS-CoV-2 replication is higher in the presence of serum from patients with diabetes than from healthy individuals and this is counteracted by supplementation of 1,5-AG to the serum from patients. Diabetic (db/db) mice undergo SARS-CoV-2 infection accompanied by much higher viral loads and more severe respiratory tissue damage when compared to wild-type mice. Sustained supplementation of 1,5-AG in diabetic mice reduces SARS-CoV-2 loads and disease severity to similar levels in nondiabetic mice. Mechanistically, 1,5-AG directly binds the S2 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, thereby interrupting spike-mediated virus-host membrane fusion. Our results reveal a mechanism that contributes to COVID-19 pathogenesis in the diabetic population and suggest that 1,5-AG supplementation may be beneficial to diabetic patients against severe COVID-19.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies against Omicron-included SARS-CoV-2 variants induced by vaccination.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant shows substantial resistance to neutralization by infection- and vaccination-induced antibodies, highlighting the demands for research on the continuing discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Here, we developed a panel of bnAbs against Omicron and other variants of concern (VOCs) elicited by vaccination of adenovirus-vectored COVID-19 vaccine (Ad5-nCoV). We also investigated the human longitudinal antibody responses following vaccination and demonstrated how the bnAbs evolved over time. A monoclonal antibody (mAb), named ZWD12, exhibited potent and broad neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Kappa, Delta, and Omicron by blocking the spike protein binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and provided complete protection in the challenged prophylactic and therapeutic K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. We defined the ZWD12 epitope by determining its structure in complex with the spike (S) protein via cryo-electron microscopy. This study affords the potential to develop broadly therapeutic mAb drugs and suggests that the RBD epitope bound by ZWD12 is a rational target for the design of a broad spectrum of vaccines.

Development of oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose-based hydrogel enabling unique mechanical, transparent and photochromic properties for contact lenses.

With the development of smart devices, higher requirements are put forward for the stimuli-responsive materials. Stimuli-hydrogels as one kind of stimuli-responsive materials with hydrophilicity, demonstrate huge potential in developing intelligent devices for biomedical application. On this basis, we herein report that a sample method was devised to develop a novel composite hydrogel mainly based on oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose and allyl co-polymer. Subsequently, a series of tests toward this oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose-based hydrogel due to its structure and performance was applied. Here, the oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose molecular chains were used as biomacromolecule templates to form Schiff base, borate and hydrogen bonds to obtain unique mechanical properties (fast recovery with almost no-hysteresis and remarkable compressive capacity), while a double bond functionalized spirooxazine (allyl spirooxazine derivative) was applied to endow photo- and pH sensitivity to the oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose-based transparent hydrogel (T% = 93%) substrate. Furthermore, the oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose-based hydrogel did exhibit good pH environment adaptability and noncytotoxicity in vitro test. Based on the advanced characteristics, the designed oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose-based hydrogel has potential applications prospect in the development of safe, fashionable and pH- detectable contact lenses, thereby providing a new strategy for the development of smart, stylish contact lenses.

LytR plays a role in normal septum formation and contributes to full virulence in Streptococcus suis.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major zoonotic pathogen and is also responsible for variety of diseases in swine. LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) family proteins affect the biofilm formation and virulence of some Gram-positive bacteria, but we know nothing about their roles in S. suis. In this study, we constructed the LytR mutant and its revertant strains by natural transformation and verified them by PCR and western blot. We explored the effects of LytR on the cell morphology of S. suis. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed that the mutant strain displayed aberrant septum placement with no obvious differences in capsular thickness. Crystal violet staining and laser-scanning confocal microscopy both revealed that LytR contributes to the biofilm formation of S. suis. The LytR mutant strain had reduced survival in whole human blood and was more sensitive to killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Furthermore, in a mouse infection model, the LytR mutant strain also exhibited significantly attenuated virulence and was more easily cleared in the blood. These results indicate that the LytR protein is involved in septum placement, biofilm formation and required for full virulence of S. suis during infection.

Staphylococcus aureus N-terminus formylated δ-toxin tends to form amyloid fibrils, while the deformylated δ-toxin tends to form functional oligomer complexes.

The community-associated Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (CA-MRSA) is highly virulent and has become a major focus of public health professionals. Phenol-soluble modulins (PSM) are key factors in its increased virulence. δ-Toxin belongs to PSM family and has copious secretion in many S. aureus strains. In addition, δ-toxin exists in the S. aureus culture supernatant as both N-terminus formylated δ-toxin (fδ-toxin) and deformylated δ-toxin (dfδ-toxin) groups. Although δ-toxin has been studied for more than 70 years, its functions remain unclear. We isolated and purified PSMs from the supernatant of S. aureus MW2, and found fibrils and oligomers aggregates by Size Exclusion Chromatography. After analyzing PSM aggregates and using peptide simulations, we found that the difference in the monomer structure of fδ-toxin and dfδ-toxin might ultimately lead to differences in the aggregation ability: fδ-toxin and dfδ-toxin tend to form fibrils and oligomers respectively. Of note, we found that fδ-toxin fibrils enhanced the stability of biofilms, while dfδ-toxin oligomers promoted their dispersal. Additionally, oligomeric dfδ-toxin combined with PSMα to form a complex with enhanced functionality. Due to the different aggregation capabilities and functions of fδ-toxin and dfδ-toxin, we speculate that they may be involved in the regulation of physiological activities of S. aureus. Moreover, the dfδ-toxin oligomer not only provides a new form of complex in the study of PSMα, but also has significance as a reference in oligomer research pertaining to some human amyloid diseases.

Cone beam CT-based measurement of the accessory mental foramina in the Chinese Han population.

Anatomical data of accessory mental foramina (AMFs) were investigated in a Chinese Han population using cone beam CT (CBCT). A retrospective analysis was performed on 527 selected sets of CBCT images. The average frequency and diameter of AMFs, the diameter of the ipsilateral mental foramen (MF), and the center distance and relative position between the AMFs and MF were measured and calculated by three professional dentists. Among the 527 patients, AMFs were identified in 36 cases (frequency 6.83%), of which 68.75% of AMFs were larger than 1 mm. The mean diameters of the AMFs and the ipsilateral MF were 1.32±0.61 mm and 3.26±0.90 mm, respectively. The average distance from the AMFs to the alveolar ridge crest (ARC) was 15.05±3.50 mm, and the average distance to the mandibular plane was 15.87±3.64 mm. The positions of the AMFs relative to the MF varied widely. The AMFs were mostly positioned distal-inferior to the ipsilateral MF and under the mandibular second premolars. Nutrient foramina around the MFs were distinguished from AMFs. The reference plane for measuring AMFs was suggested to be the mandibular plane to increase the repeatability and accuracy of the experiment. Standard planes were proposed to determine the relative position between AMFs and the MFs. Based on our results, we propose that for implant surgeries, the safety region of 2 mm above the MFs should be reevaluated. CBCT examination is recommended before the operation to identify important anatomical structures around the MF region and their variations and set the safety distance on an individual basis.

[Analysis of human tibio-femoral joint relative kinematics based on 3D image registration].

This study sought to quantify normal human tibio-femoral joint kinematics in vivo. An eligible volunteer (a man in good health) was recruited, and a technical method of 3D image registration and coordinate transformation was used. The 3D point cloud models of his knee-flexion were illustrated by computed tomography. By use of the technique for 3D image registration, different models of several positions of knee-flexion were aligned to the same coordinate system. As for each model of the knee, the object coordinates of femur and tibia were built on the same location and direction in comparison with individual femur and tibia. Consequently, the error of constructing the object coordinate system in various coordinate systems can be avoided. Meanwhile, improved orthogonal coordinates systems were built on femur, tibia and patella. After orthogonal coordinates were built on each part of the knee, the Euler angle coordinate transformation was applied to acquire the data of the knee relative kinematics. Additionally, the data was proved to be effective, compared with that of recent literatures. With this method, arbitrary reference coordinates, or any alternative reference mode could be used in reconstruction of knee 3D kinematics images on a computer, and be applied in the kinematical analysis of other human joints or bones.

[Establishment and evaluation of array-ELISA for detection of enterotoxins from Staphylococcus aureus].

Objective To accurately and rapidly detect and type five classical Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) by array-ELISA using a combination of a chip and ELISA. Methods SEs were prepared by prokaryotic expression and affinity chromatography. Hybridoma cells were injected intraperitoneally into mice to prepare ascites. A monoclonal antibody was obtained by ascites purification. The sensitivity and specificity of the antibody were evaluated by ELISA. The antibody was printed in one cell, and the sensitivity and specificity of array-ELISA were evaluated. Results Except for the detection limit of Staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC) being 10 ng/mL, 0.0001 ng/mL SEs could be detected by array-ELISA in PBS. The detection limit was 0.001-10 ng/mL for SEs in milk. The specificity was 100% in both PBS and milk. No cross reaction was observed between SEs. Additionally, no cross reaction was observed between SEB and botulinum toxin. Conclusion Array-ELISA has been successfully established, and it can simultaneously detect and discriminate five classical SEs within one sample sensitively and specifically.

[Withdrawal symptoms of ethanol are ameliorated by thymopentin in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of thymopentin (TP5) on the choice of ethanol and ameliorating withdrawal symptoms (anxiety) of ethanol in mice. METHODS: Mice were administered ethanol (v/v) in schedular fashion: 5% (1 week), 10% (1 week) and 15% (4 weeks), followed with the free choice between ethanol and water. Ethanol/(ethanol+water)x100% [E/(E+W)x100%] was measured as an index of ethanol selection. Light-dark box test and elevated plus maze test were chosen for the assessment of anxiety pre-drug and post-drug. After TP5 [0.2 mg/(kgxd), 0.4 mg/(kgxd)], i.p. or saline (vehicle control), i.p. for 14 days, the procedure was repeated. RESULT: (1) E/(E+W)x100%: the post-drug values of TP5 (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg) were lower significantly than the pre-drug values. (2) Light-dark box test: the post-drug values of number of entries and time spent in the light chamber of TP5 (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg) were more than the pre-drug values themselves and the post-drug value of saline. (3) Elevated plus maze test: the post-drug values of time spent on open arms of TP5 (0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg) were more than the pre-drug values themselves and the post-drug value of salineìand the post-drug values of time spent on close arms of TP5 were less than the pre-drug values. CONCLUSION: TP5 could decrease the uptake of ethanol and ameliorate anxious behavior associated with ethanol withdrawal in mice.

The Relationship between the Hydrophilicity and Surface Chemical Composition Microphase Separation Structure of Multicomponent Silicone Hydrogels.

Three series of multicomponent silicone hydrogels were prepared by the copolymerization of two hydrophobic silicon monomers bis(trimethylsilyloxy) methylsilylpropyl glycerol methacrylate (SiMA) and tris(trimethylsiloxy) 3-methacryloxypropylsilane (TRIS) with three hydrophilic monomers. The surface hydrophilicity of the silicone hydrogels was characterized by contact angle measurements, and an interesting phenomenon was found that the silicone hydrogels made from less hydrophobic monomer SiMA possess more hydrophobic surfaces than those made from TRIS. The surface properties such as morphology and elemental composition of the silicone hydrogels were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis, and their relationships with the surface hydrophilicity were investigated in details. The results show neither the surface morphology nor the elemental composition has obvious impact on the surface hydrophilicity. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging revealed that SiMA hydrogel had a more significant phase separation structure, which also made its surface uneven: a lot of tiny holes were observed on the surface. This surface phase separation structure made SiMA hydrogel more difficult to be wetted by water or PBS buffer, i.e., more hydrophobic than TRIS hydrogel. On the basis of these results, we propose that the phase separation structure as well as the nature of silicon monomers might be the fundamental reasons of surface hydrophilicity. These results could help to design a silicone hydrogel with better surface properties and wider application.