Exploring the Mechanism of CircRNA-vgll3 in Osteogenically Differentiated Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective:To explore the mechanism of circRNA-vgll3 in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods:BMSCs cells were transfected with circRNA-vgll3,and divided into circRNA-vgll3 high-level group,circRNA-vgll3 low-level group,and negative control group(circRNA-vgll3 not transfected)according to the amount of transfection.The proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs osteoblasts in each group were analyzed,and the alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity,type I collagen gray value,bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels were detected.Results:The circRNA-vgll3 low-level group had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of BMSCs osteoblasts,and the apoptosis rate of the circRNA-vgll3 low-level group was significantly higher than that of the circRNA-vgll3 high-level group(P<0.05);ALP activity,type I collagen gray value,BMP-2,Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels in the high-level circRNA-vgll3 group were significantly higher than those in the low-level circRNA-vgll3 group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Overexpression of circRNA-vgll3 can promote the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs,while low expression of circRNA-vgll3 can inhibit the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs.The main mechanism of action is that circRNA-vgll3 can affect osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Runx2 protein.

Electronic structure engineering in organic thermoelectric materials

Electronic structures, which play a key role in determining electrical and optical properties of π-conjugated organic materials, have attracted tremendous interest. Efficient thermoelectric (TE) conversion of organic materials has rigorous requirements on electronic structures. Recently, the rational design and precise modulation of electronic structures have exhibited great potential in exploring state-of-the-art organic TE materials. This review focuses on the regulation of electronic structures of organic materials toward efficient TE conversion. First, we present the basic knowledge regarding electronic structures and the requirements for efficient TE conversion of organic materials, followed by a brief introduction of commonly used methods for electronic structure characterization. Next, we highlight the key strategies of electronic structure engineering for high-performance organic TE materials. Finally, an overview of the electronic structure engineering of organic TE materials, along with current challenges and future research directions, are provided.

High-efficiency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of chrysanthemum via vacuum infiltration of internode

Leaf disc transformation is one of the traditional methods that are now widely used in chrysanthemum with highly economical and ornamental value in world flower production,but it depends on plant genotypes and is time consuming and complicated.In addition,the transformation success rate of this method is low,generally ranging from 0.1%to 6.25%.Therefore,a highly efficient transformation system is needed.In this study,we are the first to establish a high-efficient chrysanthemum Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system via vacuum infiltration.Chrysanthemum stem internode explants were used as research material and CmLEC1 was used as a reporter gene.After approximately 3 months of culture and selection,the positive transgenic plants were obtained.Additionally,the positive probability was about 42%.The transformation efficiency was up to 37.7%,and if the escapes were removed,it was 16%.Furthermore,stable expression of CmLEC1 in transgenic'Yuhualuoying'was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis.These results suggest that this genetic transformation system via vacuum infiltration of chrysanthemum stem internode is highly efficient and convenient,and much better than traditional leaf disc transformation,and it will play an important role in chrysanthemum transformation and functional genetics research.

The transcription factor CmLEC1 positively regulates the seed-setting rate in hybridization breeding of chrysanthemum

Distant hybridization is widely used to develop crop cultivars,whereas the hybridization process of embryo abortion often severely reduces the sought-after breeding effect.The LEAFY COTYLEDON1(LEC1)gene has been extensively investigated as a central regulator of seed development,but it is far less studied in crop hybridization breeding.Here we investigated the function and regulation mechanism of CmLEC1 from Chrysanthemum morifolium during its seed development in chrysanthemum hybridization.CmLEC1 encodes a nucleic protein and is specifically expressed in embryos.CmLEC1’s overexpression significantly promoted the seed-setting rate of the cross,while the rate was significantly decreased in the amiR-CmLEC1 transgenic chrysanthemum.The RNA-Seq analysis of the developing hybrid embryos revealed that regulatory genes involved in seed development,namely,CmLEA(late embryogenesis abundant protein),CmOLE(oleosin),CmSSP(seed storage protein),and CmEM(embryonic protein),were upregulated in the OE(overexpressing)lines but downregulated in the amiR lines vs.wild-type lines.Future analysis demonstrated that CmLEC1 directly activated CmLEA expression and interacted with CmC3H,and this CmLEC1–CmC3H interaction could enhance the transactivation ability of CmLEC1 for the expression of CmLEA.Further,CmLEC1 was able to induce several other key genes related to embryo development.Taken together,our results show that CmLEC1 plays a positive role in the hybrid embryo development of chrysanthemum plants,which might involve activating CmLEA’s expression and interacting with CmC3H.This may be a new pathway in the LEC1 regulatory network to promote seed development,one perhaps leading to a novel strategy to not only overcome embryo abortion during crop breeding but also increase the seed yield.

A review:anticancer activity of grape seed proanthocyanidins

For years,a great deal of work has been carried out on proanthocyanidins extracted from various kinds of plants,of which grape seed proanthocyanidins(GSPs)attract most attention due to their benefi cial roles in human health.Indeed,GSPs have demonstrated substantial health benefi ts for a variety of disorders such as cancer,atherosclerosis,and cardiovascular diseases,to just name a few.In particular,GSPs inhibit cell proliferation,migration and invasion,and induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various human cancers,including head and neck carcinoma,gastrointestinal tumors,lung cancer,skin tumors,and reproductive tumors,which points them to be promising chemo-preventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents.In this setting,we summarized the eff ects of GSPs against various types of cancer with a focus on the detailed molecular mechanisms involving various signaling pathways of tumor cells,which may serve as a basis for development of improved chemo-preventive or therapeutic strategies for cancer.

视觉感知功能化有机光电器件研究进展

视觉感知是人与自然界最为重要的交互方式之一,提供了人体80%以上的外部环境信息.基于此,视觉仿生成为智能感知材料与器件研究中的前沿方向.过去30年,基于有机半导体的光电传感与感知器件历经多代发展,创新了光刺激(强度、色度等)的高灵敏度和选择性传感检测,并拓展了复杂的类生物视觉信号识别、学习与处理功能,已经成为新兴的跨学科领域.本文从单元光敏感的有机光电器件和多功能集成,介绍面向视觉感知功能化的有机光探测器、有机光电突触和有机适应型器件的构建策略和研究进展,并从柔性矩阵化和功能集成的视觉信号成像、学习与编码概述了新一代有机智能感知电子器件的仿生应用探索.

Asymmetric side-chain engineering of organic semiconductor for ultrasensitive gas sensing

Molecular structure of organic semiconductor plays a critical role in determining the performance and functionality of organic electronic devices,by optimizing the electrical,optical and physicochemical properties.Substituted alkyl chains are fundamental units in tailering the solubility and assemblability,among which the asymmetric properties have been reported as key element for controlling the packing motifs and intrinsic charge transport.Here,we expanded the scope of molecular asymmetry dependent sensing features based on a new series of naphthalene diimides(NDI)-based derivatives substituted with a same branching alkyl chain but various linear-shaped alkyl chains(Cn-).A clear molecular stacking change,from head-to-head bilayer to head-to-tail monolayer packing model,is observed based on the features of anisotropic molecular interactions with the change in the chain length.Most importantly,a unique LUMO level shift of 0.17 eV is validated for NDI-PhC4,providing a record sensitivity up to 150%to 0.01 ppb ammonia,due to the desired molecular reactivity and device amplification properties.These results indicate that asymmetric side-chain engineering opens a route for breath healthcare.

中缅边境景颇族“目瑙纵歌”国际传播的民间交往实践与策略研究

基于历史文脉,跨境民族能通过文化交流参与国际传播能力建设。“目瑙纵歌”是中缅边境景颇族共有的传统节庆,在跨境民族传播实践中颇具典型。本研究以此切入,选择云南陇川县为例,以参与观察、深度访谈了解其中开展的传播和交流的情况。研究发现:中缅景颇族分别进行文化适应,“目瑙纵歌”具有异质特征:我国之整合为经贸娱乐的民族节庆;缅甸之与现代宗教相整合,仍为信仰,而二者皆怀祖祈福的同质特征,构成了传播互动的基础。作为国际传播媒介,我国“目瑙纵歌”由多元主体协同作用,而结合互动仪式链理论视角,可知中缅参与者以身体聚集为互动前提;以设置屏障和共同焦点为传播手段;以情感共享实现信息传递,达成塑造国家形象、强化沟通意愿等效果。文末探讨其困境启示,能为类似实践提供一定经验。

Synthesis of selective PAK4 inhibitors for lung metastasis of lung cancer and melanoma cells

The p21 activated kinase 4(PAK4) is serine/threonine protein kinase that is critical for cancer progression.Guided by X-ray crystallography and structure-based optimization,we report a novel subseries of C-3-substituted 6-ethynyl-1 H-indole derivatives that display high potential and specificity towards group Ⅱ PAKs.Among these inhibitors,compound 55 exhibited excellent inhibitory activity and kinase selectivity,displayed superior anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties against the lung cancer cell line A549 and the melanoma cell line B16.Compound 55 exhibited potent in vivo antitumor metastatic efficacy,with over 80% and 90% inhibition of lung metastasis in A549 or B16-BL6 lung metastasis models,respectively.Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that compound 55 mitigated TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).

Advances in organic thermoelectric materials and devices for smart applications

Organic thermoelectric(OTE)materials have been considered to be promising candidates for large area and low‐cost wearable devices owing to their tailorable molecular structure,intrinsic flexibility,and prominent solution processability.More importantly,OTE materials offer direct energy conversion from the human body,solid‐state cooling at low electric consumption,and diversified functions.Herein,we summarize recent developments of OTE materials and devices for smart applications.We first review the fundamentals of OTE materials from the viewpoint of thermoelectric performance,mechanical properties and bionic functions.Second,we describe OTE devices in flexible generators,photothermoelectric detectors,self‐powered sensors,and ultra‐thin cooling elements.Finally,we present the challenges and perspectives on OTE materials as well as devices in wearable electronics and fascinating applications in the Internet of Things.

Emerging role of graphene oxide as sorbent for pesticides adsorption:Experimental observations analyzed by molecular modeling

The accumulation of pesticide residues in the environment due to their persistence and stability is causing increasing health concern.Indeed,researchers have rekindled their interest in eliminating pesticides from the environment by a range of biological and chemical approaches.In particular,graphene oxide(GO)has drawn great attention because it impressively enhances adsorption of pesticides in aqueous solutions,which provides promising environmental applications on water purification to remove pesticide residuals.However,although multiple studies have highlighted the adsorption of environmental contaminants by GO,the underlining molecular mechanisms remain limited.Consequently,we further delved into the knowledge regarding their adsorption molecular mechanism that is of both practical and theoretical importance.It was revealed that theπ-πstacking and van der Waals interactions accounted for the major adsorption interactions between GO and its removing pesticides through integrating both density functional theory(DFT)calculation,fully atomistic molecular dynamics(MD)simulation,and binding free energy calculation.These findings not only bridged the theoretical gap of the adsorption mechanisms of GO,but also provided a venue for visualizing the adsorption process,which were essential for guiding its future adsorption applications.