N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an endogenous A3 adenosine receptor ligand.

About 150 post-transcriptional RNA modifications have been identified in all kingdoms of life. During RNA catabolism, most modified nucleosides are resistant to degradation and are released into the extracellular space. In this study, we explored the physiological role of these extracellular modified nucleosides and found that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), widely recognized as an epigenetic mark in RNA, acts as a ligand for the human adenosine A3 receptor, for which it has greater affinity than unmodified adenosine. We used structural modeling to define the amino acids required for specific binding of m6A to the human A3 receptor. We also demonstrated that m6A was dynamically released in response to cytotoxic stimuli and facilitated type I allergy in vivo. Our findings implicate m6A as a signaling molecule capable of activating G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and triggering pathophysiological responses, a previously unreported property of RNA modifications.

Inhibition of SIZ1-mediated SUMOylation of HOOKLESS1 promotes light-induced apical hook opening in Arabidopsis.

The apical hook protects cotyledons and the shoot apical meristem from mechanical injuries during seedling emergence from the soil. HOOKLESS1 (HLS1) is a central regulator of apical hook development, as a terminal signal onto which several pathways converge. However, how plants regulate the rapid opening of the apical hook in response to light by modulating HLS1 function remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase SAP AND MIZ1 DOMAIN-CONTAINING LIGASE1 (SIZ1) interacts with HLS1 and mediates its SUMOylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Mutating SUMO attachment sites of HLS1 results in impaired function of HLS1, indicating that HLS1 SUMOylation is essential for its function. SUMOylated HLS1 was more likely to assemble into oligomers, which are the active form of HLS1. During the dark-to-light transition, light induces rapid apical hook opening, concomitantly with a drop in SIZ1 transcript levels, resulting in lower HLS1 SUMOylation. Furthermore, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) directly binds to the SIZ1 promoter and suppresses its transcription. HY5-initiated rapid apical hook opening partially depended on HY5 inhibition of SIZ1 expression. Taken together, our study identifies a function for SIZ1 in apical hook development, providing a dynamic regulatory mechanism linking the post-translational modification of HLS1 during apical hook formation and light-induced apical hook opening.

Pathological mutations promote proteolysis of mitochondrial tRNA-specific 2-thiouridylase 1 (MTU1) via mitochondrial caseinolytic peptidase (CLPP).

MTU1 controls intramitochondrial protein synthesis by catalyzing the 2-thiouridine modification of mitochondrial transfer RNAs (mt-tRNAs). Missense mutations in the MTU1 gene are associated with life-threatening reversible infantile hepatic failure. However, the molecular pathogenesis is not well understood. Here, we investigated 17 mutations associated with this disease, and our results showed that most disease-related mutations are partial loss-of-function mutations, with three mutations being particularly severe. Mutant MTU1 is rapidly degraded by mitochondrial caseinolytic peptidase (CLPP) through a direct interaction with its chaperone protein CLPX. Notably, knockdown of CLPP significantly increased mutant MTU1 protein expression and mt-tRNA 2-thiolation, suggesting that accelerated proteolysis of mutant MTU1 plays a role in disease pathogenesis. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that disease-associated mutations may lead to abnormal intermolecular interactions, thereby impairing MTU1 enzyme activity. Finally, clinical data analysis underscores a significant correlation between patient prognosis and residual 2-thiolation levels, which is partially consistent with the AlphaMissense predictions. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of MTU1-related diseases, offering prospects for modification-based diagnostics and novel therapeutic strategies centered on targeting CLPP.

TRMT10A dysfunction perturbs codon translation of initiator methionine and glutamine and impairs brain functions in mice.

In higher eukaryotes, tRNA methyltransferase 10A (TRMT10A) is responsible for N1-methylguanosine modification at position nine of various cytoplasmic tRNAs. Pathogenic mutations in TRMT10A cause intellectual disability, microcephaly, diabetes, and short stature in humans, and generate cytotoxic tRNA fragments in cultured cells; however, it is not clear how TRMT10A supports codon translation or brain functions. Here, we generated Trmt10a null mice and showed that tRNAGln(CUG) and initiator methionine tRNA levels were universally decreased in various tissues; the same was true in a human cell line lacking TRMT10A. Ribosome profiling of mouse brain revealed that dysfunction of TRMT10A causes ribosome slowdown at the Gln(CAG) codon and increases translation of Atf4 due to higher frequency of leaky scanning of its upstream open reading frames. Broadly speaking, translation of a subset of mRNAs, especially those for neuronal structures, is perturbed in the mutant brain. Despite not showing discernable defects in the pancreas, liver, or kidney, Trmt10a null mice showed lower body weight and smaller hippocampal postsynaptic densities, which is associated with defective synaptic plasticity and memory. Taken together, our study provides mechanistic insight into the roles of TRMT10A in the brain, and exemplifies the importance of universal tRNA modification during translation of specific codons.

Mechanochemical upcycling of spent LiCoO2 to new LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 battery: An atom economy strategy.

The use of strong acids and low atom efficiency in conventional hydrometallurgical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) results in significant secondary wastes and CO2 emissions. Herein, we utilize the waste metal current collectors in spent LIBs to promote atom economy and reduce chemicals consumption in a conversion process of spent Li1-xCoO2 (LCO) → new LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) cathode. Mechanochemical activation is employed to achieve moderate valence reduction of transition metal oxides (Co3+→Co2+,3+) and efficient oxidation of current collector fragments (Al0→Al3+, Cu0→Cu1+,2+), and then due to stored internal energy from ball-milling, the leaching rates of Li, Co, Al, and Cu in the ≤4 mm crushed products uniformly approach 100% with just weak acetic acid. Instead of corrosive precipitation reagents, larger Al fragments (≥4 mm) are used to control the oxidation/reduction potential (ORP) in the aqueous leachate and induce the targeted removal of impurity ions (Cu, Fe). After the upcycling of NCA precursor solution to NCA cathode powders, we demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance of the regenerated NCA cathode and improved environmental impact. Through life cycle assessments, the profit margin of this green upcycling path reaches about 18%, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45%.

EGF-driven EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 promotes rat FSH synthesis and secretion.

The adenopituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which plays a crucial role in regulating the growth, development, and reproductive functions of organisms. Investigating the process of FSH synthesis and secretion can offer valuable insights into potential areas of focus for reproductive research. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a significant paracrine/autocrine factor within the body, and studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate FSH secretion in animals. However, the precise mechanisms that regulate this action are still poorly understood. In this research, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by EGF induces the upregulation of miR-27b-3p and that miR-27b-3p targets and inhibits Foxo1 mRNA expression, resulting in increased FSH synthesis and secretion. In summary, this study elucidates the precise molecular mechanism through which EGF governs the synthesis and secretion of FSH via the EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 pathway.

GnRH-driven FTO-mediated RNA m6A modification promotes gonadotropin synthesis and secretion.

BACKGROUND: Gonadotropin precisely controls mammalian reproductive activities. Systematic analysis of the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications regulate the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropin can be useful for more precise regulation of the animal reproductive process. Previous studies have identified many differential m6A modifications in the GnRH-treated adenohypophysis. However, the molecular mechanism by which m6A modification regulates gonadotropin synthesis and secretion remains unclear. RESULTS: Herein, it was found that GnRH can promote gonadotropin synthesis and secretion by promoting the expression of FTO. Highly expressed FTO binds to Foxp2 mRNA in the nucleus, exerting a demethylation function and reducing m6A modification. After Foxp2 mRNA exits the nucleus, the lack of m6A modification prevents YTHDF3 from binding to it, resulting in increased stability and upregulation of Foxp2 mRNA expression, which activates the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway to promote gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the study reveals the molecular mechanism of GnRH regulating the gonadotropin synthesis and secretion through FTO-mediated m6A modification. The results of this study allow systematic interpretation of the regulatory mechanism of gonadotropin synthesis and secretion in the pituitary at the epigenetic level and provide a theoretical basis for the application of reproductive hormones in the regulation of animal artificial reproduction.

Characteristics and outcomes of immunotherapy-related liver injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma versus other advanced solid tumours.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Immune-related liver injury (irLI) is commonly observed in patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to compare the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of irLI between patients receiving ICIs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vs. other solid tumours. METHODS: Two separate cohorts were included: 375 patients with advanced/unresectable HCC, Child-Pugh A class treated with first-line atezolizumab+bevacizumab from the AB-real study, and a non-HCC cohort including 459 patients treated with first-line ICI therapy from the INVIDIa-2 multicentre study. IrLI was defined as a treatment-related increase of aminotransferase levels after exclusion of alternative aetiologies of liver injury. The incidence of irLI was adjusted for the duration of treatment exposure. RESULTS: In patients with HCC, the incidence of any grade irLI was 11.4% over a median treatment exposure of 4.4 months (95% CI 3.7-5.2) vs. 2.6% in the INVIDIa-2 cohort over a median treatment exposure of 12.4 months (95% CI 11.1-14.0). Exposure-adjusted-incidence of any grade irLI was 22.1 per 100-patient-years in patients with HCC and 2.1 per 100-patient-years in patients with other solid tumours (p <0.001), with median time-to-irLI of 1.4 and 4.7 months, respectively. Among patients who developed irLI, systemic corticosteroids were administered in 16.3% of patients with HCC and 75.0% of those without HCC (p <0.001), and irLI resolution was observed in 72.1% and 58.3%, respectively (p = 0.362). In patients with HCC, rates of hepatic decompensation and treatment discontinuation due to irLI were 7%. Grade 1-2 irLI was associated with improved overall survival only in patients with HCC (hazard ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Despite higher incidence and earlier onset, irLI in patients with HCC is characterised by higher rates of remission and lower requirement for corticosteroid therapy (vs. irLI in other solid tumours), low risk of hepatic decompensation and treatment discontinuation, not negatively affecting oncological outcomes. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Immune-related liver injury (irLI) is common in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but whether irLI is more frequent or it is associated with a worse clinical course in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), compared to other tumours, is not known. Herein, we compared characteristics and outcomes of irLI in two prospective cohorts including patients treated with ICIs for HCC or for other oncological indications. irLI is significantly more common and it occurs earlier in patients with HCC, also after adjustment for duration of treatment exposure. However, outcomes of patients with HCC who developed irLI are not negatively affected in terms of requirement for corticosteroid therapy, hepatic decompensation, treatment discontinuation and overall survival.

Mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction of peripheral immune cells in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells and demyelination of nerves. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MS, as studies have shown abnormalities in mitochondrial activities, metabolism, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels, and mitochondrial morphology in immune cells of individuals with MS. The presence of mitochondrial dysfunctions in immune cells contributes to immunological dysregulation and neurodegeneration in MS. This review provided a comprehensive overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in immune cells associated with MS, focusing on the potential consequences of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming on immune function. Current challenges and future directions in the field of immune-metabolic MS and its potential as a therapeutic target were also discussed.

Extracellular N6 -isopentenyladenosine (i6A) addition induces cotranscriptional i6A incorporation into ribosomal RNAs.

N6 -isopentenyladenosine (i6A), a modified adenosine monomer, is known to induce cell death upon its addition to the culture medium. However, the molecular fate of extracellularly added i6A has yet to be identified. Here we show that i6A addition to cell culture medium results in i6A incorporation into cellular RNA in several cell lines, including the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line FR2-SAS and its parental 5-FU-sensitive cell line SAS. i6A was predominantly incorporated into 18S and 28S rRNAs, and i6A incorporation into total RNA was mostly suppressed by treating these cell lines with an RNA polymerase I (Pol I) inhibitor. i6A was incorporated into RNA even upon inactivation of TRIT1, the only cellular i6A-modifying enzyme. These results indicate that upon cellular uptake of i6A, it is anabolized to be used for Pol I transcription. Interestingly, at lower i6A concentrations, the cytotoxic effect of i6A was substantially more pronounced in FR2-SAS cells than in SAS cells. Moreover, in FR2-SAS cells, i6A treatment decreased the rate of cellular protein synthesis and increased intracellular protein aggregation, and these effects were more pronounced than in SAS cells. Our work provides insights into the molecular fate of extracellularly applied i6A in the context of intracellular nucleic acid anabolism and suggests investigation of i6A as a candidate for a chemotherapy agent against 5-FU-resistant cancer cells.

Highly divergent morphology but a close molecular phylogenetic relationship between two little-known ciliate genera Actinobolina and Papillorhabdos (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Litostomatea) with description of two new species.

Free-living litostomatean ciliates, prominent microeukaryote predators commonly encountered in freshwater and marine habitats, play vital roles in maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycles. Nevertheless, understanding their biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships remains challenging due to insufficient morphological information and molecular data. As a new contribution to this group, three haptorian ciliates, including two new species (Actinobolina bivacuolata sp. nov. and Papillorhabdos foissneri sp. nov.) and the insufficiently described type species, Actinobolina radians, were isolated from wetlands around Lake Weishan, China and investigated by a combination of living morphology, stained preparations, and 18S rRNA gene sequence data. An illustrated key of the valid species within the two genera is provided. In addition, we reveal the phylogenetic positions of these two genera for the first time. Although they differ in all key morphologic characters such as general appearance (ellipsoidal with numerous tentacles vs. cylindrical), extrusomes (stored in tentacles vs. anchored to pellicle), circumoral kinety (present vs. absent), composition of somatic kineties (kinetosome clusters vs. monokinetids), and number of dorsal brush rows (1 vs. 4), they both cluster in a fully supported clade in the phylogenetic tree, which indicates that the biodiversity and additional molecular markers of this group need further exploration.

Benefits of Hepatitis C Viral Eradication: A Real-World Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) increases the risk of liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This nationwide cohort study assessed the effectiveness of viral eradication of CHC. METHODS: The Taiwanese chronic hepatitis C cohort and Taiwan hepatitis C virus (HCV) registry are nationwide HCV registry cohorts incorporating data from 23 and 53 hospitals in Taiwan, respectively. This study included 27,577 individuals from these cohorts that were given a diagnosis of CHC and with data linked to the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients received either pegylated interferon and ribavirin or direct-acting antiviral agent therapy for > 4 weeks for new-onset LC and liver-related events. RESULTS: Among the 27,577 analyzed patients, 25,461 (92.3%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). The mean follow-up duration was 51.2 ± 48.4 months, totaling 118,567 person-years. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) for incident HCC was 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.95, p = 0.052) among noncirrhotic patients without SVR compared with those with SVR and 1.82 (95% CI 1.34-2.48) among cirrhotic patients without SVR. The HR for liver-related events, including HCC and decompensated LC, was 1.70 (95% CI 1.30-2.24) among cirrhotic patients without SVR. Patients with SVR had a lower 10-year cumulative incidence of new-onset HCC than those without SVR did (21.7 vs. 38.7% in patients with LC, p < 0.001; 6.0 vs. 18.4% in patients without LC, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HCV eradication reduced the incidence of HCC in patients with and without LC and reduced the incidence of liver-related events in patients with LC.

Aberrant RNA processing contributes to the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases in trans-mitochondrial mouse model carrying mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) with a pathogenic A2748G mutation.

Mitochondrial tRNAs are indispensable for the intra-mitochondrial translation of genes related to respiratory subunits, and mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes have been identified in various disease patients. However, the molecular mechanism underlying pathogenesis remains unclear due to the lack of animal models. Here, we established a mouse model, designated 'mito-mice tRNALeu(UUR)2748', that carries a pathogenic A2748G mutation in the tRNALeu(UUR) gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The A2748G mutation is orthologous to the human A3302G mutation found in patients with mitochondrial diseases and diabetes. A2748G mtDNA was maternally inherited, equally distributed among tissues in individual mice, and its abundance did not change with age. At the molecular level, A2748G mutation is associated with aberrant processing of precursor mRNA containing tRNALeu(UUR) and mt-ND1, leading to a marked decrease in the steady-levels of ND1 protein and Complex I activity in tissues. Mito-mice tRNALeu(UUR)2748 with ≥50% A2748G mtDNA exhibited age-dependent metabolic defects including hyperglycemia, insulin insensitivity, and hepatic steatosis, resembling symptoms of patients carrying the A3302G mutation. This work demonstrates a valuable mouse model with an inheritable pathological A2748G mutation in mt-tRNALeu(UUR) that shows metabolic syndrome-like phenotypes at high heteroplasmy level. Furthermore, our findings provide molecular basis for understanding A3302G mutation-mediated mitochondrial disorders.

Liver stiffness and spleen stiffness predict distinct liver-related events after hepatitis C eradication with direct-acting antivirals.

BACKGROUND: /Purpose: This study aimed to directly compare the utility of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) at sustained virologic response (SVR) for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-HCC events in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) after direct-acting antiviral therapy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 695 CHC patients who achieved SVR and underwent LS and SS measurements. LS and SS were measured using point shear wave elastography and compared head-to-head. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 29.5 months, 49 (7.1%) patients developed liver-related events (LREs), including 28 HCC and 22 non-HCC events after SVR. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that age, albumin level, and LS (≥ versus <1.46 m/s) at SVR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 5.390; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.349-12.364; p < 0.001), but not SS at SVR, significantly predicted the overall risk of post-SVR LREs (n = 49). Furthermore, age and LS (≥ versus <1.46 m/s) at SVR (aHR: 6.759; 95% CI: 2.317-19.723; p < 0.001), but not SS at SVR, independently predicted the risk of post-SVR incident HCC. In contrast, SS (≥ versus <2.87 m/s) at SVR (aHR: 11.212; 95% CI: 1.564-20.132; p = 0.021) and albumin level, but not LS at SVR, significantly predicted the risk of post-SVR non-HCC events. CONCLUSION: Post-SVR LS better predicts HCC risk. Post-SVR SS helps predict non-HCC risk after antiviral therapy for CHC. LS and SS at SVR provide complementary prognostic information regarding risks of HCC and non-HCC events in the post-SVR setting. Further validation is warranted in larger cohorts.

Single-Cell Transcriptional Profile Construction of Rat Pituitary Glands before and after Sexual Maturation and Identification of Novel Marker Spp1 in Gonadotropes.

The mammalian pituitary gland drives highly conserved physiological processes such as somatic cell growth, pubertal transformation, fertility, and metabolism by secreting a variety of hormones. Recently, single-cell transcriptomics techniques have been used in pituitary gland research. However, more studies have focused on adult pituitary gland tissues from different species or different sexes, and no research has yet resolved cellular differences in pituitary gland tissue before and after sexual maturation. Here, we identified a total of 15 cell clusters and constructed single-cell transcriptional profiles of rats before and after sexual maturation. Furthermore, focusing on the gonadotrope cluster, 106 genes were found to be differentially expressed before and after sexual maturation. It was verified that Spp1, which is specifically expressed in gonadotrope cells, could serve as a novel marker for this cell cluster and has a promotional effect on the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone. The results provide a new resource for further resolving the regulatory mechanism of pituitary gland development and pituitary hormone synthesis and secretion.

Transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal the potential mechanism of seed dormancy release in Amomum tsaoko during warm stratification.

BACKGROUND: In Amomum tsaoko breeding, the low germination rate is the major limitation for their large-scale reproduction. We found that warm stratification was an effective treatment to break the seed dormancy of A. tsaoko prior to sowing and could be an important component of improving breeding programs. The mechanism of seed dormancy release during warm stratification remains unclear. Therefore, we studied the differences between transcripts and proteomes at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of warm stratification, to identify some regulatory genes and functional proteins that may cause seed dormancy release in A. tsaoko and reveal their regulatory mechanism. RESULTS: RNA-seq was performed for the seed dormancy release process, and the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was 3196 in three dormancy release periods. Using TMT-labelling quantitative proteome analysis, a total of 1414 proteins were defined as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Functional enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs and DEPs were mainly involved in signal transduction pathways (MAPK signaling, hormone) and metabolism processes (cell wall, storage and energy reserves), suggesting that these differentially expressed genes and proteins are somehow involved in response to seed dormancy release process, including MAPK, PYR/PYL, PP2C, GID1, GH3, ARF, AUX/IAA, TPS, SPS, and SS. In addition, transcription factors ARF, bHLH, bZIP, MYB, SBP, and WRKY showed differential expression during the warm stratification stage, which may relate to dormancy release. Noteworthy, XTH, EXP, HSP and ASPG proteins may be involved in a complex network to regulate cell division and differentiation, chilling response and the seed germination status in A. tsaoko seed during warm stratification. CONCLUSION: Our transcriptomic and proteomic analysis highlighted specific genes and proteins that warrant further study in fully grasping the precise molecular mechanisms that control the seed dormancy and germination of A. tsaoko. A hypothetical model of the genetic regulatory network provides a theoretical basis for overcoming the physiological dormancy in A. tsaoko in the future.

A Systemic Approach to Isolate, Retrieve, and Characterize Trophoblasts from the Maternal Circulation Using a Centrifugal Microfluidic Disc and a Multiple Single-Cell Retrieval Strategy.

Rare cells in the blood often have rich clinical significance. Although their isolation is highly desirable, this goal remains elusive due to their rarity. This paper presents a systemic approach to isolate and characterize trophoblasts from the maternal circulation. A microfluidic rare cell disc assay (RaCDA) was designed to process an extremely large volume of up to 15 mL of blood in 30 min, depleting red blood cells (RBCs) and RBC-bound white blood cells (WBC) while isolating trophoblasts in the collection chip. To minimize cell loss, on-disc labeling of cells with fluorescent immuno-staining identified the trophoblasts. Retrieval of trophoblasts utilized an optimized strategy in which multiple single cells were retrieved within the same micropipette column, with each cell encapsulated in a fluid volume (50 nL) separated by an air pocket (10 nL). Further, whole-genome amplification (WGA) amplified contents from a few retrieved cells, followed by quality control (QC) on the success of WGA via housekeeping genes. For definitive confirmation of trophoblasts, short-tandem repeat (STR) of the WGA-amplified content was compared against STR from maternal WBC and amniocytes from amniocentesis. Results showed a mean recovery rate (capture efficiency) of 91.0% for spiked cells with a WBC depletion rate of 99.91%. The retrieval efficiency of single target cells of 100% was achieved for up to four single cells retrieved per micropipette column. Comparison of STR signatures revealed that the RaCDA can retrieve trophoblasts from the maternal circulation.

Movements of Ancient Human Endogenous Retroviruses Detected in SOX2-Expressing Cells.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) occupy approximately 8% of the human genome. HERVs, transcribed in early embryos, are epigenetically silenced in somatic cells, except under pathological conditions. HERV-K is thought to protect embryos from exogenous viral infection. However, uncontrolled HERV-K expression in somatic cells has been implicated in several diseases. Here, we show that SOX2, which plays a key role in maintaining the pluripotency of stem cells, is critical for HERV-K LTR5Hs. HERV-K undergoes retrotransposition within producer cells in the absence of Env expression. Furthermore, we identified new HERV-K integration sites in long-term culture of induced pluripotent stem cells that express SOX2. These results suggest that the strict dependence of HERV-K on SOX2 has allowed HERV-K to protect early embryos during evolution while limiting the potentially harmful effects of HERV-K retrotransposition on host genome integrity in these early embryos. IMPORTANCE Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) account for approximately 8% of the human genome; however, the physiological role of HERV-K remains unknown. This study found that HERV-K LTR5Hs and LTR5B were transactivated by SOX2, which is essential for maintaining and reestablishing pluripotency. HERV-K can undergo retrotransposition within producer cells without env expression, and new integration sites may affect cell proliferation. In induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), genomic impairment due to HERV-K retrotransposition has been identified, but it is a rare event. Considering the retention of SOX2-responsive elements in the HERV-K long terminal repeat (LTR) for over 20 million years, we conclude that HERV-K may play important physiological roles in SOX2-expressing cells.

Electro-optic properties of liquid crystal cells with nanowall electrodes.

This work fabricates a nanowall electrode for achieving advanced liquid crystal (LC) devices and improving LC displays. The nanowall electrode consists of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) sheets stacked with nanowalls, and the nanowalls have a height and thickness of 4 µm and 500 nm, respectively. The high aspect ratio (8.0) of the nanowalls sets the nanowall electrode apart from previous electrodes. A flat electrode that comprises only ITO sheets is used to evaluate the nanowall electrode. The LC cell with the nanowall electrode exhibits better electro-optic properties than the LC cell with the flat electrode due to the strong transverse electric field and small subelectrode gap of the nanowall electrode. Especially, the operating voltage (3.7 V) of the nanowall cell is 36% smaller than that (5.8 V) of the flat cell. Therefore, nanowall electrodes have potential in LC lenses, LC antennas, metaverse displays, and digital optics.

Phocaeicola oris sp. nov., an anaerobic bacterium isolated from the saliva of a patient with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

A Gram-stain-negative or -positive, strictly anaerobic, non-spore-forming and pleomorphic bacterium (designated 14-104T) was isolated from the saliva sample of a patient with oral squamous cell carcinoma. It was an acid-tolerant neutralophilic mesophile, growing at between 20 and 40 °C (with optimum growth at 30 °C) and pH between pH 3.0 and 7.0 (with optimum growth at pH 6.0-7.0). It contained anteiso-C15 : 0 and C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The genome size of strain 14-104T was 2.98 Mbp, and the G+C content was 39.6 mol%. It shared <87 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity, <71 % orthologous average nucleotide identity, <76 % average amino acid identity and <68 %% of conserved proteins with its closest relative, Phocaeicola abscessus CCUG 55929T. Reconstruction of phylogenetic and phylogenomic trees revealed that strain 14-104T and P. abscessus CCUG 55929T were clustered as a distinct clade without any other terminal node. The phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses along with physiological and chemotaxonomic data indicated that strain 14-104T represents a novel species in the genus Phocaeicola, for which the name Phocaeicola oris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 14-104T (=BCRC 81305T= NBRC 115041T).