Novel IL-4/HB-EGF-dependent crosstalk between eosinophils and macrophages controls liver regeneration after ischaemia and reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate that eosinophils are recruited into the allograft following orthotopic liver transplantation and protect from ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury. In the current studies, we aim to explore whether their protective function could outlast during liver repair. DESIGN: Eosinophil-deficient mice and adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived eosinophils (bmEos) were employed to investigate the effects of eosinophils on tissue repair and regeneration after hepatic IR injury. Aside from exogenous cytokine or neutralising antibody treatments, mechanistic studies made use of a panel of mouse models of eosinophil-specific IL-4/IL-13-deletion, cell-specific IL-4rα-deletion in liver macrophages and hepatocytes and macrophage-specific deletion of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (hb-egf). RESULT: We observed that eosinophils persisted over a week following hepatic IR injury. Their peak accumulation coincided with that of hepatocyte proliferation. Functional studies showed that eosinophil deficiency was associated with a dramatic delay in liver repair, which was normalised by the adoptive transfer of bmEos. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that eosinophil-derived IL-4, but not IL-13, was critically involved in the reparative function of these cells. The data further revealed a selective role of macrophage-dependent IL-4 signalling in liver regeneration. Eosinophil-derived IL-4 stimulated macrophages to produce HB-EGF. Moreover, macrophage-specific hb-egf deletion impaired hepatocyte regeneration after IR injury. CONCLUSION: Together, these studies uncovered an indispensable role of eosinophils in liver repair after acute injury and identified a novel crosstalk between eosinophils and macrophages through the IL-4/HB-EGF axis.

Ultra-short cell-free DNA fragments enhance cancer early detection in a multi-analyte blood test combining mutation, protein and fragmentomics.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer morbidity and mortality can be reduced if the cancer is detected early. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics emerged as a novel epigenetic biomarker for early cancer detection, however, it is still at its infancy and requires technical improvement. We sought to apply a single-strand DNA sequencing technology, for measuring genetic and fragmentomic features of cfDNA and evaluate the performance in detecting multiple cancers. METHODS: Blood samples of 364 patients from six cancer types (colorectal, esophageal, gastric, liver, lung, and ovarian cancers) and 675 healthy individuals were included in this study. Circulating tumor DNA mutations, cfDNA fragmentomic features and a set of protein biomarkers were assayed. Sensitivity and specificity were reported by cancer types and stages. RESULTS: Circular Ligation Amplification and sequencing (CLAmp-seq), a single-strand DNA sequencing technology, yielded a population of ultra-short fragments (<100 bp) than double-strand DNA preparation protocols and reveals a more significant size difference between cancer and healthy cfDNA fragments (25.84 bp vs. 16.05 bp). Analysis of the subnucleosomal peaks in ultra-short cfDNA fragments indicates that these peaks are regulatory element "footprints" and correlates with gene expression and cancer stages. At 98 % specificity, a prediction model using ctDNA mutations alone showed an overall sensitivity of 46 %; sensitivity reaches 60 % when protein is added, sensitivity further increases to 66 % when fragmentomics is also integrated. More improvements observed for samples representing earlier cancer stages than later ones. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest synergistic properties of protein, genetic and fragmentomics features in the identification of early-stage cancers.

miR-124 and VAMP3 Act Antagonistically in Human Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor that affects developing nerve cells in the fetus, infants, and children. miR-124 is a microRNA (miRNA) enriched in neuronal tissues, and VAMP3 (vesicle-associated membrane protein 3) has been reported to be an miR-124 target, although the relationship between NB and miR-124 or VAMP3 is unknown. Our current work identified that miR-124 levels are high in NB cases and that elevated miR-124 correlates with worse NB outcomes. Conversely, depressed VAMP3 correlates with worse NB outcomes. To investigate the mechanisms by which miR-124 and VAMP3 regulate NB, we altered miR-124 or VAMP3 expression in human NB cells and observed that increased miR-124 and reduced VAMP3 stimulated cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis, while increased VAMP3 had the opposite effects. Genome-wide mRNA expression analyses identified gene and pathway changes which might explain the NB cell phenotypes. Together, our studies suggest that miR-124 and VAMP3 could be potential new markers of NB and targets of NB treatments.

Activation of GCN2 in macrophages promotes white adipose tissue browning and lipolysis under leucine deprivation.

We have previously shown that leucine deprivation stimulates browning and lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT), which helps to treat obesity. Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) significantly influence WAT browning and lipolysis. However, it is unclear whether ATMs are involved in leucine deprivation-induced browning and lipolysis in WAT; the associated signals remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of ATMs and the possible mechanisms involved in WAT browning and lipolysis under leucine-deprivation conditions. In this study, macrophages were depleted in mice by injecting clodronate-liposomes (CLOD) into subcutaneous white adipose tissues. Then, mice lacking general control nonderepressible 2 kinase (GCN2), which is a sensor of amino acid starvation, specifically in Lyz2-expressing cells, were generated to investigate the changes in leucine deprivation-induced WAT browning and lipolysis. We found leucine deprivation decreased the accumulation and changed the polarization of ATMs. Ablation of macrophages by CLOD impaired WAT browning and lipolysis under leucine-deprivation conditions. Mechanistically, leucine deprivation activated GCN2 signals in macrophages. Myeloid-specific abrogation of GCN2 in mice blocked leucine deprivation-induced browning and lipolysis in WAT. Further analyses revealed that GCN2 activation in macrophages reduced the expression of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), resulting in increased norepinephrine (NE) secretion from macrophages to adipocytes, and this resulted in enhanced WAT browning and lipolysis. Moreover, the injection of CL316,243, a ß3-adrenergic receptor agonist, and inhibition of MAOA effectively increased the level of NE, leading to the enhancement of browning and lipolysis of WAT in myeloid GCN2 knockout mice under leucine deprivation. Collectively, our results demonstrate a novel function of GCN2 signals in macrophages, that is, regulating WAT browning and lipolysis under leucine deprivation. Our study provides important hints for possible treatment for obesity.

Ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified: analysis of nine cases with a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian steroid cell tumors (SCTs), not otherwise specified (NOS), are rare, with few large studies. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features, prognosis, and treatment choices for these patients of different age groups. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. We identified nine cases of ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified, confirmed by post-operative histopathological examination, and analyzed clinical features, surgical procedures, and follow up outcomes. We also reviewed cases reports of ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified. RESULTS: A total of nine cases were included. The age range was 9-68 years (mean, 41.89 ± 19.72 years). Clinical features included virilization, amenorrhea, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, isosexual precocious puberty, Cushing's syndrome, and abnormal weight gain with elevated testosterone levels. The follow up interval ranged 5-53 months and no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Ovarian steroid cell tumors covered all age groups, with manifestations of androgen excess. Younger patients appeared to have a more favorable prognosis, which provided more opportunities for these patients to pursue treatment options that will preserve reproductive function.

The role of SPDEF in cancer: promoter or suppressor.

SPDEF, as a member of the ETS transcription factor family, was found to play important roles not only in some normal organs but also in some cancers. Scientists found that the significant increase of SPDEF in some cancers promotes tumor development, while some others found that the expression of SPDEF is lost in some cancers, and the loss of SPDEF is related to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In this review, we summarized the function of SPDEF in normal tissues and its dual behaviors in different cancers, which may become a novel target in the diagnosis and therapy of cancers in the future. Besides, the multi-upstream regulatory mechanism of SPDEF plays different regulatory roles in different tumors, deserving further study. Moreover, there is one research, reporting that SPDEF plays a role in promoting mucus production during viral infection, and this may provide new ideas for future research about virus-associated cancer.

Lower serum selenium concentration associated with anxiety in children.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the role of selenium in anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum selenium concentrations and anxiety disorders and symptoms in children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study utilized data from 831 children participating in the China Jintan Child Cohort Study (mean age = 12.67 years; 46.1% female). Serum selenium samples were collected and anxiety was assessed using the Chinese version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders. Six types of anxiety scores were calculated, including total anxiety, panic/somatic, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, and school phobia. RESULTS: Controlling for covariates, children with lower serum selenium concentrations were more likely to meet clinical cutoffs for total anxiety (OR = 0.992, p < 0.01), panic/somatic disorder (OR = 0.993, p < 0.05), generalized anxiety disorder (OR = 0.990, p < 0.05), social anxiety disorder (OR = 0.991, p < 0.01), and school phobia (OR = 0.989, p < 0.01), but not separation anxiety (OR = 1.000, p > 0.05). Controlling for covariates, lower serum selenium concentrations were also associated with higher continuous total anxiety, generalized anxiety, and school phobia scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum selenium concentrations were associated with higher anxiety. To our knowledge, this was the first study to examine the relationship between serum selenium and anxiety disorders in a sample of children. Results indicate an association between children's micronutrient levels and anxiety disorders. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Improving child nutrition may be a promising strategy to help reduce childhood anxiety.

Natural population re-sequencing detects the genetic basis of local adaptation to low temperature in a woody plant.

KEY MESSAGE: Total of 14 SNPs associated with overwintering-related traits and 75 selective regions were detected. Important candidate genes were identified and a possible network of cold-stress responses in woody plants was proposed. Local adaptation to low temperature is essential for woody plants to against changeable climate and safely survive the winter. To uncover the specific molecular mechanism of low temperature adaptation in woody plants, we sequenced 134 core individuals selected from 494 paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), which naturally distributed in different climate zones and latitudes. The population structure analysis, PCA analysis and neighbor-joining tree analysis indicated that the individuals were classified into three clusters, which showed forceful geographic distribution patterns because of the adaptation to local climate. Using two overwintering phenotypic data collected at high latitudes of 40°N and one bioclimatic variable, genome-phenotype and genome-environment associations, and genome-wide scans were performed. We detected 75 selective regions which possibly undergone temperature selection and identified 14 trait-associated SNPs that corresponded to 16 candidate genes (including LRR-RLK, PP2A, BCS1, etc.). Meanwhile, low temperature adaptation was also supported by other three trait-associated SNPs which exhibiting significant differences in overwintering traits between alleles within three geographic groups. To sum up, a possible network of cold signal perception and responses in woody plants were proposed, including important genes that have been confirmed in previous studies while others could be key potential candidates of woody plants. Overall, our results highlighted the specific and complex molecular mechanism of low temperature adaptation and overwintering of woody plants.

Plasma-derived exosomal miR-15a-5p as a promising diagnostic biomarker for early detection of endometrial carcinoma.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a major cause of death among gynecologic malignancies. To improve early detection of EC in patients, we carried out a large plasma-derived exosomal microRNA (miRNA) studies for diagnostic biomarker discovery in EC. Small RNA sequencing was performed to identify candidate exosomal miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in 56 plasma samples from healthy subjects and EC patients. These miRNA candidates were further validated in 202 independent plasma samples by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), 32 pairs of endometrial tumors and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and matched plasma samples of 12 patients before and after surgery by ddPCR. miR-15a-5p, miR-106b-5p, and miR107 were significantly upregulated in exomes isolated from plasma samples of EC patients compared with healthy subjects. Particularly, miR-15a-5p alone yielded an AUC value of 0.813 to distinguish EC patients with stage I from healthy subjects. The integration of miR-15a-5p and serum tumor markers (CEA and CA125) achieved a higher AUC value of 0.899. There was also a close connection between miR-15a-5p and clinical manifestations in EC patients. Its exosomal expression was not only associated with the depth of muscular infiltration and aggressiveness of EC, but also correlated with levels of reproductive hormones such as TTE and DHEAS. Collectively, plasma-derived exosomal miR-15a-5p is a promising and effective diagnostic biomarker for the early detection of endometrial cancer.

The forensic landscape and the population genetic analyses of Hainan Li based on massively parallel sequencing DNA profiling.

Due to the formation of the Qiongzhou Strait by climate change and marine transition, Hainan island was isolated from the mainland southern China during the Last Glacial Maximum. Hainan island, located at the southernmost part of China and separated from the Leizhou Peninsula by the Qiongzhou Strait, laid on one of the modern human northward migration routes from Southeast Asia to East Asia. The Hlai language-speaking Li minority, the second largest population after Han Chinese in Hainan island, is the direct descendants of the initial migrants in Hainan island and has unique ethnic properties and derived characteristics; however, the forensic-associated studies on Hainan Li population are still insufficient. Hence, 136 Hainan Li individuals were genotyped in this study using the MPS-based ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit (DNA Primer Set A, DPMA) to characterize the forensic genetic polymorphism landscape, and DNA profiles were obtained from 152 different molecular genetic markers (27 autosomal STRs, 24 Y-STRs, 7 X-STRs, and 94 iiSNPs). A total of 419 distinct length variants and 586 repeat sequence sub-variants, with 31 novel alleles (at 17 loci), were identified across the 58 STR loci from the DNA profiles of Hainan Li population. We evaluated the forensic characteristics and efficiencies of DPMA, demonstrating that the STRs and iiSNPs in DPMA were highly polymorphic in Hainan Li population and could be employed in forensic applications. In addition, we set up three datasets, which included the genetic data of (i) iiSNPs (27 populations, 2640 individuals), (ii) Y-STRs (42 populations, 8281 individuals), and (iii) Y haplogroups (123 populations, 4837 individuals) along with the population ancestries and language families, to perform population genetic analyses separately from different perspectives. In conclusion, the phylogenetic analyses indicated that Hainan Li, with a southern East Asia origin and Tai-Kadai language-speaking language, is an isolated population relatively. But the genetic pool of Hainan Li influenced by the limited gene flows from other Tai-Kadai populations and Hainan populations. Furthermore, the establishment of isolated population models will be beneficial to clarify the exquisite population structures and develop specific genetic markers for subpopulations in forensic genetic fields.

Genetic diversity, forensic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the Qiongzhong aborigines residing in the tropical rainforests of Hainan Island via 19 autosomal STRs.

BACKGROUND: The genetic landscape of the Qiongzhong aborigines, who reside in "the Heart of Hainan," is still unclear. The Goldeneye™ DNA ID System 20 A is available for forensic and population genetics applications. AIM: To obtain genetic polymorphisms of 19 autosomal STR loci in the Qiongzhong aborigines, and to explore the genetic relationships with a total of 69,132 people from forty-five populations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Genotype data on 19 autosomal STRs were collected from 724 Qiongzhong aborigines and phylogenetic relationships were conducted by multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS), principal component analysis (PCA) and neighbor-joining (N-J) phylogenetic tree construction. RESULTS: No evidence of deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was identified. A total of 233 distinct alleles were observed with allele frequencies ranging from 0.0007 to 0.5375. The combined power of discrimination (CPD) and combined power of exclusion (CPE) for the 19 autosomal STR loci were 1-8.28 × 10-34 and 0.999999987, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our phylogenetic results demonstrated that (a) the populations of Southeast Asian countries have thorough integrations with southern China in terms of ethnicity and genetics due to long-term cultural and trade exchanges, and (b) based on genetic and linguistic analysis, the Qiongzhong aborigines have a close relationship with Fujian Han Chinese.HighlightsThe STR landscape of Qiongzhong aborigines inhabited in Hainan tropical rainforests was depicted by 19 autosomal STRs.A total of 69,132 people from forty-five populations were selected for a more extensive examination of genetic similarities and differences by multivariate statistical methods (MDS, PCA and N-J tree construction).The genetic analyses indicated that the populations of Southeast Asian countries are very genetically close to southern Chinese populations.From the genetic and linguistic perspective, the Qiongzhong aborigines have a close relationship with Han Chinese from Fujian Province.

iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Golden-Yellow Leaf Mutant in Hybrid Paper Mulberry.

Plant growth and development relies on the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, which takes place in the leaves. Chlorophyll mutant variations are important for studying certain physiological processes, including chlorophyll metabolism, chloroplast biogenesis, and photosynthesis. To uncover the mechanisms of the golden-yellow phenotype of the hybrid paper mulberry plant, this study used physiological, cytological, and iTRAQ-based proteomic analyses to compare the green and golden-yellow leaves of hybrid paper mulberry. Physiological results showed that the mutants of hybrid paper mulberry showed golden-yellow leaves, reduced chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, and increased flavonoid content compared with wild-type plants. Cytological observations revealed defective chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells of the mutants. Results demonstrated that 4766 proteins were identified from the hybrid paper mulberry leaves, of which 168 proteins displayed differential accumulations between the green and mutant leaves. The differentially accumulated proteins were primarily involved in chlorophyll synthesis, carotenoid metabolism, and photosynthesis. In addition, differentially accumulated proteins are associated with ribosome pathways and could enable plants to adapt to environmental conditions by regulating the proteome to reduce the impact of chlorophyll reduction on growth and survival. Altogether, this study provides a better understanding of the formation mechanism of the golden-yellow leaf phenotype by combining proteomic approaches.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the UGT Gene Family and Identification of Flavonoids in Broussonetia papyrifera.

Broussonetia papyrifera is a multifunctional deciduous tree that is both a food and a source of traditional Chinese medicine for both humans and animals. Further analysis of the UGT gene family is of great significance to the utilization of B. papyrifera. The substrates of plant UGT genes include highly diverse and complex chemicals, such as flavonoids and terpenes. In order to deepen our understanding of this family, a comprehensive analysis was performed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 155 BpUGTs were divided into 15 subgroups. A conserved motif analysis showed that BpUGT proteins in the same subgroups possessed similar motif structures. Tandem duplication was the primary driving force for the expansion of the BpUGT gene family. The global promoter analysis indicated that they were associated with complex hormone regulatory networks and the stress response, as well as the synthesis of secondary metabolites. The expression pattern analysis showed that the expression level of BpUGTs in leaves and roots was higher than that in fruits and stems. Next, we determined the composition and content of flavonoids, the main products of the BpUGT reaction. A total of 19 compounds were isolated and analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS in 3 species of Broussonetia including B. kazinoki, B. papyrifera, and B. kazinoki × B. papyrifera, and the number of compounds was different in these 3 species. The total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacities of the three species were analyzed respectively. All assays exhibited the same trend: the hybrid paper mulberry showed a higher total flavonoid content, a higher total phenol content and higher antioxidant activity than the other two species. Overall, our study provides valuable information for understanding the function of BpUGTs in the biosynthesis of flavonoids.

Rev-erbα and Rev-erbß coordinately protect the circadian clock and normal metabolic function.

The nuclear receptor Rev-erbα regulates circadian rhythm and metabolism, but its effects are modest and it has been considered to be a secondary regulator of the cell-autonomous clock. Here we report that depletion of Rev-erbα together with closely related Rev-erbß has dramatic effects on the cell-autonomous clock as well as hepatic lipid metabolism. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts were rendered arrhythmic by depletion of both Rev-erbs. In mouse livers, Rev-erbß mRNA and protein levels oscillate with a diurnal pattern similar to that of Rev-erbα, and both Rev-erbs are recruited to a remarkably similar set of binding sites across the genome, enriched near metabolic genes. Depletion of both Rev-erbs in liver synergistically derepresses several metabolic genes as well as genes that control the positive limb of the molecular clock. Moreover, deficiency of both Rev-erbs causes marked hepatic steatosis, in contrast to relatively subtle changes upon loss of either subtype alone. These findings establish the two Rev-erbs as major regulators of both clock function and metabolism, displaying a level of subtype collaboration that is unusual among nuclear receptors but common among core clock proteins, protecting the organism from major perturbations in circadian and metabolic physiology.

Exosomal let-7d-3p and miR-30d-5p as diagnostic biomarkers for non-invasive screening of cervical cancer and its precursors.

Cervical cancer screening through detection and treatment of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is most successful in cancer prevention. However, the accuracy of the current cervical cancer screening tests is still low. The aim of this study was to develop a more accurate method based on circulating exosomal miRNAs. The miRNA sequencing was performed to identify candidate exosomal miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in 121 plasma samples from healthy volunteers, cervical carcinoma patients, and CIN patients. A panel with eight differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs was identified to distinguish patients in the CIN II+ group (including advanced CIN II patients) from those in the CIN I- group (including CIN I patients and healthy volunteers). Let-7d-3p and miR-30d-5p showed significant difference between cervical tumors and adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.005), exhibited a consistent trend in plasma samples, and were further validated in 203 independent plasma samples. Integrating these two miRNAs yielded an AUC value of 0.828 to distinguish patients in CIN II+ group from those in CIN I- group. Further integrating them into a cytological test-based model resulted in a higher AUC of 0.887, while the AUC value based on the cytological test alone was 0.766. In summary, plasma exosomal miR-30d-5p and let-7d-3p are valuable diagnostic biomarkers for non-invasive screening of cervical cancer and its precursors. Further validation using large sample sizes is required for clinical diagnosis.

Long noncoding RNA XIST enhances ethanol-induced hepatic stellate cells autophagy and activation via miR-29b/HMGB1 axis.

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a prominent driver of liver fibrogenesis, including alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF). Furthermore, autophagy contributes to HSCs activation. This study aims to investigate the role and the mechanisms of long noncoding RNA XIST in regulating HSCs autophagy and activation. Human HSC cells (LX-2) were treated with 100 mmol/L ethanol to mimic HSCs activation. The HSCs activation was evaluated by determining cell viability and protein levels of fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type 1 α1 (CoL1A1). The autophagy was evaluated by measuring autophagy markers Beclin-1 and LC3-II. The interaction among XIST, miR-29b, and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) were analyzed using luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Lentiviruses targeting sh-XIST (LV-sh-XIST) were injected into ALF model mice via tail vein to elucidate the in vivo role of XIST in ALF injury. XIST was upregulated in ethanol-activated LX-2 cells. Furthermore, XIST served as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR-29b to facilitate HMGB1 expression, and thus enhanced ethanol-induced HSCs autophagy and activation. Further in vivo assay showed that downregulation of XIST by LV-sh-XIST alleviated ALF injury in ALF model mice. Collectively, XIST enhances ethanol-induced HSCs autophagy and activation via miR-29b/HMGB1 axis.

Dual Cross-linked Vinyl Vitrimer with Efficient Self-Catalysis Achieving Triple-Shape-Memory Properties.

As an emerging class of dynamic cross-linked network, vitrimers have attracted much attention due to the combination of mechanical advantages of thermosets and recyclability of thermoplastics at an elevated temperature. In particular, most vitrimers with multi-shape memory properties usually involve more than one thermal transition or molecular switch, which might pose a challenge for facile sample fabrication and potentially limits their applications. In pursuit of a more universal and simple route, utilizing commercially available and inexpensive reagents to prepare shape-memory vitrimers with dual cross-linked network from vinyl monomer-derived prepolymers is reported here. Copolymerization of desired vinyl monomers gives prepolymers containing carboxyl and zinc carboxylate groups, which are later converted into vitrimers in a single step by post-curing with diglycidylether of bisphenol A. The Zn2+ ions can not only act as physical crosslinking points through ionic coordination interactions, thus providing the triple-shape-memory properties, but also play the role of catalyst to activate transesterification in the dynamic covalent network. This new self-catalyzed vitrimer has excellent transesterification efficiency, triple-shape-memory properties, and can be sufficiently healed and reprocessed at an elevated temperature. The proposed molecular design of self-catalyzed materials opens a new avenue toward commercially relevant fabrication of high-performance vitrimers with multiple shape-memory properties.

Global Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals the Defense and Response Mechanisms of Jatropha Curcas Seedling under Chilling Stress.

As a promising energy plant for biodiesel, Jatropha curcas is a tropical and subtropical shrub and its growth is affected by one of major abiotic stress, chilling. Therefore, we adopt the phosphoproteomic analysis, physiological measurement and ultrastructure observation to illustrate the responsive mechanism of J. curcas seedling under chilling (4 °C) stress. After chilling for 6 h, 308 significantly changed phosphoproteins were detected. Prolonged the chilling treatment for 24 h, obvious physiological injury can be observed and a total of 332 phosphoproteins were examined to be significantly changed. After recovery (28 °C) for 24 h, 291 phosphoproteins were varied at the phosphorylation level. GO analysis showed that significantly changed phosphoproteins were mainly responsible for cellular protein modification process, transport, cellular component organization and signal transduction at the chilling and recovery periods. On the basis of protein-protein interaction network analysis, phosphorylation of several protein kinases, such as SnRK2, MEKK1, EDR1, CDPK, EIN2, EIN4, PI4K and 14-3-3 were possibly responsible for cross-talk between ABA, Ca2+, ethylene and phosphoinositide mediated signaling pathways. We also highlighted the phosphorylation of HOS1, APX and PIP2 might be associated with response to chilling stress in J. curcas seedling. These results will be valuable for further study from the molecular breeding perspective.

BKCa participates in E2 inducing endometrial adenocarcinoma by activating MEK/ERK pathway.

BACKGROUND: The large-conductance, voltage-gated, calcium (Ca (2+))-activated potassium channel (BKCa) plays an important role in regulating Ca (2+) signaling and cell physiological function, and is aberrantly expressed in some types of cancers. The present study focuses on identifying the oncogenic potential and clinical significance of BKCa in endometrial adenocarcinoma, as well as exploring the mechanistic relevance by 17ß -estradiol (E2) inducing aberrant activation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 via BKCa. METHODS: The expression of BKCa, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were examined by immunohistochemical staining in 263 cases, including 185 primary types I endometrial cancer tissues, 38 atypical endometrial hyperplasia tissues and 40 normal endometrium tissues. Cell growth, cycle, apoptosis rate, migration and invasion was separately tested in Ishikawa cells using siRNA-BKCa and/or E2 treatment, as well as the expression of these interested proteins by western blot analysis. RESULTS: We showed that expression of BKCa is significantly elevated in 185 types I endometrial adenocarcinoma tissues compared to those of the normal endometrium and atypical endometrial hyperplasia tissues. Furthermore, in vitro observations revealed that down-regulation of BKCa expression inhibited cell growth by both enhancing apoptosis and blocking G1/S transition, suppressed cell migration and invasion in Ishakiwa cells, and decreased the expression of p-MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2. Additionally, RNAi-mediated knockdown of BKCa attenuated the increased cellular growth and invasion, as well as the elevated expression of p-MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins, induced by E2 stimulation. More importantly, the aberrant expression of BKCa and p-ERK1/2 were closely related with poor prognostic factors in type I endometrial cancer, and up-regulated expression of p-ERK1/2 was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) and was an independent prognostic factor in type I endometrial cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that BKCa and the key downstream effectors p-ERK1/2 could be involved in important signaling pathways in initiation and development of endometrial adenocarcinoma and may provide a new therapeutic approach for women with endometrial cancer.

The Nuclear Receptor Rev-erbα Regulates Adipose Tissue-specific FGF21 Signaling.

FGF21 is an atypical member of the FGF family that functions as a hormone to regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Here we demonstrate that the actions of FGF21 in mouse adipose tissue, but not in liver, are modulated by the nuclear receptor Rev-erbα, a potent transcriptional repressor. Interrogation of genes induced in the absence of Rev-erbα for Rev-erbα-binding sites identified ßKlotho, an essential coreceptor for FGF21, as a direct target gene of Rev-erbα in white adipose tissue but not liver. Rev-erbα ablation led to the robust elevated expression of ßKlotho. Consequently, the effects of FGF21 were markedly enhanced in the white adipose tissue of mice lacking Rev-erbα. A major Rev-erbα-controlled enhancer at the Klb locus was also bound by the adipocytic transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, which regulates its activity in the opposite direction. These findings establish Rev-erbα as a specific modulator of FGF21 signaling in adipose tissue.