Browse Articles

Stress granule assembly impairs macrophage efferocytosis to aggravate allergic rhinitis in mice

Abstract Cytoplasmic stress granules (SG) assemble in response to stress-induced translational arrest and are key signaling hubs orchestrating cell fate and regulating various physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of SG formation in the progression of allergic diseases is incompletely understood. Here, by analyzing the nasal tissues of allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse models and AR patients, we find that SGs assemble specifically in the macrophages within the nasal mucosa and promote AR progression by restraining the efferocytotic ability of macrophages, ultimately resulting in reduced Mres generation and IL-10 production. Mechanistically, intracellular m7G-modified Lrp1 mRNA, encoding for a typical efferocytosis receptor, is transported by the m7G reader QKI7 into stress-induced SGs, where Lrp1 mRNA is sequestered away from the translation machinery, ultimately resulting in reduced macrophage efferocytosis. Therefore, SG assembly impairs macrophage efferocytosis and aggravates AR, and the inhibition of SGs bears considerable potential in the targeted therapy.

Research on site selection and capacity determination problem based on improved particle swarm algorithm

Abnormal gut microbiota may cause PD-1 inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity via suppressing regulatory T cells

Study on the adsorption of Pb2+ in aqueous solution by alkali modified wheat bran

Sustainable optimization of high specific surface area Spartina alterniflora biochar for Rhodamine B removal and mechanism

Abstract Managing dye contaminants is a major challenge in modern water governance. This study developed a KOH-activated Spartina alterniflora biochar (KBC) adsorbent for removing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from water. Microscopic analysis validated the presence of an appealing porous structure and surface functionalities that are key for the adsorption of RhB. KBC demonstrated an enormous specific surface area, providing many active sites (3109.67 m2·g−1). Optimal circumstances for eliminating RhB were achieved an impressive 89.77% at a pH level of 7, utilizing a KBC dosage of 100 mg/100 mL over a contact period of 48 h, resulting in a maximum adsorption capacity of 1820.47 mg·g−1. Furthermore, according to the findings, pseudo-second-order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models offered a precise match of the batch experiment results. The combined effects of the KBC pore filling, π–π electron donor–acceptor (π–π EDA), hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions facilitated both physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms, which in turn bolstered the biochar’s superior adsorption capabilities. These results underscore the viability of KBC as a promising candidate for water purification, demonstrating its potential to eliminate RhB from polluted waters for sustainable cleanup efforts effectively and the resource utilization of waste.

The effects of systemic and sustained hypoxia on orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Investigating the efficacy of bioactive compounds from selected plant extracts against Gibberella fujikuroi species complex associated with damping off disease in sweet corn

Abstract Fusarium genera are widespread disease-causing fungi that severely reduce plant productivity and yield quality, particularly in corn. In this study, we investigated the antifungal potential of selected plant extracts against damping-off disease-associated fungi in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata). Fourteen Fusarium isolates were obtained from symptomatic sweet corn plants belonging to five different species, viz. F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides, F. oxysporum, and F. acuminatum. Although all the isolated fungi were pathogenic, F. verticillioides (Fv-A), F. fujikuroi (Ff-A) and F. oxysporum (Fo-W2) were more aggressive showing higher values for infection (%) and infection severity (%) and negatively affected seed germination (%) and other growth variables. Phytochemical analysis for five wildly growing plant species namely; Eruca vesicaria L., Strigosella africana L., Chenopodium album L., Oxalis pes-caprae L. and Ducrosia ismaelis was conducted using GC-MS analysis. The most abundant bioactive compounds in the three selected extracts (E. vesicaria, O. pes-caprae L. and D. ismaelis) were 1-eicosanol, (Z)6,(Z)9-Pentadecadien-1-ol and n-Hexadecanoic acid, and Nonadecane, respectively. Oxacyclotricosan-2-one and D-Homoandrostane from E. vesicaria L.; Vitamin E and Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, methyl ester from O. pes-caprae L. and 7.beta.-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl), alpha-gurjunene from D. ismaelis showed extraordinary molecular docking and dynamic properties including high binding free energy, relatively low inhibition constant (pKi), ligand efficiency, and low torsional energy against three fungal enzymes, namely GH10 xylanase, Plant-type chitinase inhibitors, and Sterol 14-alpha Demethylase. Thus, these bioactive compounds can be listed as potential binders of these target proteins and could be used in designing new fungicides.

Advanced predictive disease modeling in biomedical IoT using the temporal adaptive neural evolutionary algorithm

Effects of acid mine drainage on microbial community development and physicochemical properties of mine contaminated sites in Southwest China

S-adenosylmethionine metabolism buffering is regulated by a decrease in glycine N-methyltransferase via the nuclear ubiquitin–proteasome system

Metabolic homeostasis is essential for survival; however, many studies have focused on the fluctuations of these factors. Furthermore, while metabolic homeostasis depends on the balance between the production and consumption of metabolites, there have been limited investigations into the mechanisms regulating their consumption. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism has diverse functions, including methylation, polyamine biosynthesis, and transsulfuration, making its regulation and control crucial. Recent studies have revealed the feedback regulation of SAM production; however, the mechanisms governing its consumption are still poorly understood. In this study, we focused on the stability of SAM levels in the fat body (FB) of Drosophila , which serves as a functional equivalent of the mammalian liver and adipose tissue, under conditions of SAM shortage, including nutrient deprivation. We found that glycine N-methyltransferase (Gnmt), a major SAM-consuming methyltransferase in the FB, decreased via the nuclear ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), along with the inhibition of SAM synthesis and starvation. The inhibition of Gnmt level reduction by suppression of the nuclear UPS causes starvation tolerance. Thus, the regulation of Gnmt levels through nuclear UPS-mediated reduction helps maintain SAM levels under SAM shortage conditions.

Generating combinatorial diversity via engineered V(D)J-like recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract V(D)J recombination is integral to the development of antibody diversity and proceeds through a complex DNA cleavage and repair process mediated by several proteins, including recombination-activating genes 1 and 2, RAG1 and RAG2. V(D)J recombination occurs in all jawed vertebrates but is absent from evolutionarily distant relatives, including the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As yeast grow quickly and are a platform for antibody display, engineering yeast to undergo V(D)J recombination could expand their applicability for studying antibody development. Therefore, in this work we incorporate RAG1 and RAG2 into yeast and characterize the resulting recombination ability using a split antibiotic resistance assay, demonstrating successful homology-assisted formation of coding joints. By pursuing a variety of strategies, we increase the rate of homology-assisted recombination by over 7000-fold, with the best rates approaching 1% recombination after four days. We further show that our platform can assay the severity of several disease-causing RAG1 mutations. Finally, we use our engineered yeast to simultaneously generate up to three unique fluorescent proteins or two distinct antibody fragments starting from an array of nonfunctional gene fragments, which we believe to be the first-ever generation of genetic and phenotypic diversity solely using random recombination of preexisting DNA in a non-vertebrate cell.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals BMP4-BMPR2 signaling promotes radiation resistance in hematopoietic stem cells following injury

BMAL1 and ARNT enable circadian HIF2α responses in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Circadian disruption enhances cancer risk, and many tumors exhibit disordered circadian gene expression. We show rhythmic gene expression is unexpectedly robust in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The core circadian transcription factor BMAL1 is closely related to ARNT, and we show that BMAL1-HIF2α regulates a subset of HIF2α target genes in ccRCC cells. Depletion of BMAL1 selectively reduces HIF2α chromatin association and target gene expression and reduces ccRCC growth in culture and in xenografts. Analysis of pre-existing data reveals higher BMAL1 in patient-derived xenografts that are sensitive to growth suppression by a HIF2α antagonist (PT2399). BMAL1-HIF2α is more sensitive than ARNT-HIF2α is to suppression by PT2399, and the effectiveness of PT2399 for suppressing xenograft tumor growth in vivo depends on the time of day at which it is delivered. Together, these findings indicate that an alternate HIF2α heterodimer containing the circadian partner BMAL1 influences HIF2α activity, growth, and sensitivity to HIF2α antagonist drugs in ccRCC cells.

Oscillatory Strong Metal‐Support Interaction in Pd/TiO ₂ Under Redox Conditions

Abstract Strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI) plays a crucial role in catalysis, with its encapsulation configuration being highly dependent on the chemical environments. However, the dynamic behavior of SMSI under redox conditions remains insufficiently understood. Here, environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) revealed that SMSI overlayers form stably on the surface of Pd/TiO 2 nanocatalysts under pure O 2 and pure H 2 conditions, and exhibit oscillatory behavior under a redox condition with a 5:1 O 2 /H 2 ratio at 0.05 Pa. Specifically, the outer layer of the SMSI overlayer, characterized primarily by typical oxidative SMSI, undergoes oscillations between formation and retraction near the Pd‐TiO 2 interface. The SMSI oscillations locally modify the morphology of the TiO 2 support, with the SMSI overlayer serving as a temporary reservoir for Ti species to drive the tip growth of the support protrusion. Our work expands the understanding of the dynamic behavior of SMSI under reaction conditions and provides new insights into the solid‐state growth mechanism.

TIGAR regulated by HPV E6 is correlated with disease stage, drug sensitivity, and immune microenvironment in cervical cancer

Lactylation associated biomarkers and immune infiltration in aortic dissection

Abstract Protein lactylation, a novel post-translational modification (PTM), has emerged as a critical factor in disease processes related to glycolysis and immune responses. However, its role in aortic dissection (AD) has yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of protein lactylation in AD and identify key lactylation-related genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers. Transcriptomic data from public databases were analyzed to identify differentially expressed lactylation-related genes in AD. Functional enrichment analyses were performed, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify gene modules associated with AD. Machine learning methods, including LASSO and Random Forest, were employed to identify key diagnostic genes. Experimental validation was performed using human aortic tissues and an AD model. Bioinformatics analysis identified 11 lactylation-related differentially expressed genes (LR-DEGs) in AD. WGCNA and machine learning revealed two optimal feature genes, PGK1 and HMGA1, which were validated in an independent dataset and demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC: PGK1 = 1, HMGA1 = 0.94). Immune infiltration analysis indicated significant correlations between these genes and specific immune cell types, suggesting a role in immune regulation. Experimental validation in human and murine AD tissues confirmed the upregulation of PGK1 and HMGA1. This study underscores the importance of lactylation in the pathogenesis of AD and identifies PGK1 and HMGA1 as key biomarkers related to lactylation. These findings enhance our understanding of the metabolic and immune mechanisms involved in AD, thereby presenting new molecular targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

Downregulation of EAAT-2 impairs chronic neuropathic pain via increasing of plasma glutamate after herpes zoster infection

Abstract Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a debilitating complication of herpes zoster (HZ) with significant impact on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT-2) expression and plasma glutamate concentrations in HZ patients with CNP. This study was conducted with 102 consecutive patients diagnosed with HZ. Participants were divided into two groups: CNP ( n  = 51) and acute pain (ACP, n  = 51). Pain severity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale. Blood samples were collected for genotype analysis, mRNA and protein extraction, and plasma glutamate measurement. EAAT-2 DNA genotyping was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); EAAT-2 mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR; EAAT-2 protein and glutamate levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The EAAT-2 DNA showed no significant difference in CNP and ACP patients. CNP patients exhibited lower EAAT-2 mRNA and protein levels compared to ACP patients. However, plasma glutamate levels were significantly elevated in the CNP patients. A correlation was observed between EAAT-2 protein concentration and plasma glutamate levels in the CNP group. This study demonstrates EAAT-2 mRNA downregulation, reduced EAAT-2 protein concentration, and elevated plasma glutamate levels play roles in CNP following HZ infection. These findings suggests that EAAT-2 may be a relevant target for further investigation in therapeutic development.

Automatic cattle identification system based on color point cloud using hybrid PointNet++ Siamese network

Investigating the potential of oxidative stress-related gene as predictive markers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Uncovering subtype-specific metabolic signatures in breast cancer through multimodal integration, attention-based deep learning, and self-organizing maps

Abstract This study integrates multimodal metabolomic data from three platforms—LC–MS, GC–MS, and NMR—to systematically identify biomarkers distinguishing breast cancer subtypes. A feedforward attention-based deep learning model effectively selected 99 significant metabolites, outperforming traditional static methods in classification performance and biomarker consistency. By combining data from diverse platforms, the approach captured a comprehensive metabolic profile while maintaining biological relevance. Self-organizing map analysis revealed distinct metabolic signatures for each subtype, highlighting critical pathways. Group 1 (ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative) exhibited elevated serine, tyrosine, and 2-aminoadipic acid levels, indicating enhanced amino acid metabolism supporting nucleotide synthesis and redox balance. Group 3 (triple-negative breast cancer) displayed increased TCA cycle intermediates, such as α-ketoglutarate and malate, reflecting a metabolic shift toward energy production and biosynthesis to sustain aggressive proliferation. In Group 4 (HER2-enriched), elevated phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines suggested upregulated mono-unsaturated phospholipid biosynthesis. The study provides a framework for leveraging multimodal data integration, attention-based feature selection, and self-organizing map analysis to identify biologically meaningful biomarkers.