OsPPG encodes a pseudouridine-5'-phosphate glycosidase and regulates rice spikelet development

Florets are the basic structural units of spikelets,and their morphogenesis determines the yield and quality of rice grains.However,whether and how pseudouridine-5’-phosphate glycosidase participates in rice spikelet development remains an open question.In this study,we identified a novel gene,OsPPG,which encodes a peroxisome-localized pseudouridine-5’-phosphate glycosidase and regulates the development of rice spikelets.osppg mutants exhibited abnormal sterile lemma,lemma,palea,lodicule,stamens,and pistils;male sterility;shorter panicles;and reduced plant height.OsPPG was found to regulate several OsMADS genes,thereby affecting the morphogenesis of rice spikelets.Furthermore,metabolomics revealed that the OsPPG gene was involved in the decomposition of pseudouridine via the pyrimidine metabolism pathway and may affect the jasmonic acid signaling pathway.These results suggest that OsPPG is a key regulator of rice spikelet development.

Mussel-inspired approach towards heparin immobilized cellulose hydrogel for ive removal of low density lipoprotein from whole blood

Objective This work is designed to fabricate a new low density lipoprotein(LDL)absorbent through a mussel-inspired approach and to evaluate the blood compatibility and adsorption clearance,capacity and selectivity of this technique in vitro.Methods Heparin immobilized cellulose(HeTaCe)hydrogels were fabricated through a mussel-inspired approach.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,thermo gravimetric analysis were used to characterize the chemical compositions of the hydrogels.

血脂净化治疗及低密度脂蛋白吸附剂研究进展

血脂净化治疗是家族性高胆固醇血症患者及无法耐受高剂量他汀治疗的高胆固醇血脂患者的重要辅助治疗。然而,临床现有的血脂净化技术因费用昂贵及治疗过程繁琐等缺点尚未在中国广泛应用。近年来,大量研究者聚焦于新型低密度脂蛋白吸附剂的研发,以期替代现有的血脂净化技术。文中首先综述了不同血脂净化技术在家族性高胆固醇血症患者中的应用现状及各自的优缺点,然后详细介绍了低密度脂蛋白吸附剂研发的最新进展,着重讨论了免疫型、阴离子型、疏水型及双亲型4种低密度脂蛋白吸附剂的脂蛋白吸附性能及生物相容性,并对未来低密度脂蛋白吸附剂的研究方向进行了展望。

Microtubule Assists Actomyosin to Regulate Cell Nuclear Mechanics and Chromatin Accessibility

Cellular behaviors and functions can be regulated by mechanical cues from microenvironments,which are transmitted to nucleus through the physical connections of cytoskeletons in the cells.How these physical connections determine transcriptional activity were not clearly known.The actomyosin,which generates intracellular traction force,has been recognized to control the nuclear morphology.Here,we have revealed that microtubule,the stiffest cytoskeleton,is also involved in the process of nuclear morphology alteration.The microtubule negatively regulates the actomyosin-induced nuclear invaginations but not the nuclear wrinkles.Moreover,these nuclear shape changes are proven to mediate the chromatin remodeling,which essentially mediates cell gene expression and phenotype determination.The actomyosin disruption leads to the loss of chromatin accessibility,which can be partly recovered by microtubule interference through nuclear shape control.This finding answers the question of how mechanical cues regulate chromatin accessibility and cell behaviors.It also provides new insights into cell mechanotransduction and nuclear mechanics.

A breakthrough trial of an artificial liver without systemic heparinization in hyperbilirubinemia beagle models

The development of wearable artificial livers was restricted to device miniaturization and bleeding risk with water-soluble anticoagulants.Herein,a double-deck column filled with solid anticoagulant microspheres and Kevlar porous microspheres(KPMs,bilirubin adsorbents)was connected with the principle machine of wearable artificial liver(approximately 9 kg)to treat hyperbilirubinemia beagles for the first time.With the initial normal dose of heparin,the double-deck column could afford 3 h hemoperfusion in whole blood without thrombus formation.The removal efficiency of the double-deck column for total bilirubin(TBIL)was 31.4%.Interestingly,the excessive amounts of hepatocyte metabolites were also decreased by approximately 25%.The“anticoagulant+column”realized safe and effective whole blood hemoperfusion without the plasma separation system and heparin pump;however,the proposed principle machine of wearable artificial liver and“anticoagulant+column”cannot completely replace the bio-liver now.The intelligence of the device and the versatility of the adsorbent need to be improved;moreover,advanced experimental techniques need to be developed to validate the survival rates in animals.Overall,this study is a meaningful trial for the development of wearable artificial livers in the future.

Advances in Enhancing Hemocompatibility of Hemodialysis Hollow‑Fiber Membranes

Hemodialysis,the most common modality of renal replacement therapy,is critically required to remove uremic toxins from the blood of patients with end-stage kidney disease.However,the chronic inflammation,oxidative stress as well as throm-bosis induced by the long-term contact of hemoincompatible hollow-fiber membranes(HFMs)contribute to the increase in cardiovascular diseases and mortality in this patient population.This review first retrospectively analyzes the current clini-cal and laboratory research progress in improving the hemocompatibility of HFMs.Details on different HFMs currently in clinical use and their design are described.Subsequently,we elaborate on the adverse interactions between blood and HFMs,involving protein adsorption,platelet adhesion and activation,and the activation of immune and coagulation systems,and the focus is on how to improve the hemocompatibility of HFMs in these aspects.Finally,challenges and future perspectives for improving the hemocompatibility of HFMs are also discussed to promote the development and clinical application of new hemocompatible HFMs.

Selective potassium uptake via biocompatible zeolite–polymer hybrid microbeads as promising binders for hyperkalemia

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at high risk of hyperkalemia that is associated with various lifethreatening complications.Treatments primarily rely on orally administered potassium binding agents,along with low curative effects and various side effects.Herein,direct serum potassium uptake was realized via zeolite–heparin-mimicking-polymer hybrid microbeads.The preparation process involved the synthesis of the heparin-mimicking polymer via the in situ cross-linking polymerization of acrylic acid and N-vinylpyrrolidone in polyethersulfone solution,the fabrication of microbeads via zeolite-mixing,electro-spraying and phase-inversion,and the subsequent aqueous-phase modifications based on ion-exchange and metal-leaching.An ultra-high(about 88%)amount of zeolite could be incorporated and well locked inside the polymer matrix.Potassium uptake capability was verified in water,normal saline and human serum,showing high selectivity and fast adsorption.The microbeads exhibited satisfying blood compatibility,negligible hemolysis ratio,prolonged clotting time,inhibited contact activation,and enhanced antifouling property toward serum proteins and cells.The proposed approach toward zeolite–heparin-mimicking-polymer hybrid microbeads provided a cheap,efficient and safe treatment protocol of hyperkalemia for the high-risk patients.