Promoter Hypermethylation of KiSS-1 Gene in Gastric Cancer

Objective： To investigate the association between KiSS-1 methylation and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer and evaluate the role of peritoneal lavage fluid in detecting peritoneal metastases. Methods： The methylation status of KiSS-1 gene in 40 gastric cancer specimens, the corresponding adjacent normal mucosa, lymph nodes and peritoneal lavage fluid was investigated by methylation-spcific polymerase chain reaction（MS-PCR）. Results： Aberrant methylation of KiSS-1 gene was detected in 55%（22/40） of the adjacent normal mucosa, 82.5% （33/40）of gastric cancer specimens, 80.95%（17/21） of the lymph nodes, and 42.5%（17/40） of peritoneal lavage fluid. Methylation in gastric carcinoma and lymphonode was more frequent than in non-neoplastic gastiric mucosa. Presence of KiSS-1 methylation in peritoneal lavage fluid was significantly correlated with tumor invasion （P=0.043）. The accuracy of KiSS-1 methylation in peritoneal lavage fluid for diagnosing peritoneal metastasis was 70%, with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 67.7%. Conclusion： Aberrant methylation of KiSS-1 gene is a common event in the occurrence and progression of gastric carcinoma, which may provide useful information for the early diagnosis of peritoneal metastases and a new therapy for gastric cancer.

Detection of Novel BEST1 Variations in Autosomal Recessive Bestrophinopathy Using Third-generation Sequencing

Objective:Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy(ARB),a retinal degenerative disease,is characterized by central visual loss,yellowish multifocal diffuse subretinal deposits,and a dramatic decrease in the light peak on electrooculogram.The potential pathogenic mechanism involves mutations in the BEST1 gene,which encodes Ca2+-activated Cl−channels in the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE),resulting in degeneration of RPE and photoreceptor.In this study,the complete clinical characteristics of two Chinese ARB families were summarized.Methods:Pacific Biosciences(PacBio)single-molecule real-time(SMRT)sequencing was performed on the probands to screen for disease-causing gene mutations,and Sanger sequencing was applied to validate variants in the patients and their family members.Results:Two novel mutations,c.202T>C(chr11:61722628,p.Y68H)and c.867+97G>A,in the BEST1 gene were identified in the two Chinese ARB families.The novel missense mutation BEST1 c.202T>C(p.Y68H)resulted in the substitution of tyrosine with histidine in the N-terminal region of transmembrane domain 2 of bestrophin-1.Another novel variant,BEST1 c.867+97G>A(chr11:61725867),located in intron 7,might be considered a regulatory variant that changes allele-specific binding affinity based on motifs of important transcriptional regulators.Conclusion:Our findings represent the first use of third-generation sequencing(TGS)to identify novel BEST1 mutations in patients with ARB,indicating that TGS can be a more accurate and efficient tool for identifying mutations in specific genes.The novel variants identified further broaden the mutation spectrum of BEST1 in the Chinese population.

Unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neuropathology and behavioral deficits in parkinsonian rats withα-synucleinopathy

Parkinsonism by unilateral,intranigralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside administration in rats is distinguished in that theα-synuclein insult begins unilaterally but spreads bilaterally and increases in severity over time,thus replicating several clinical features of Parkinson’s disease,a typicalα-synucleinopathy.As Nurr1 repressesα-synuclein,we evaluated whether unilateral transfected of rNurr1-V5 transgene via neurotensin-polyplex to the substantia nigra on day 30 after unilateralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside lesion could affect bilateral neuropathology and sensorimotor deficits on day 30 post-transfection.This study found that rNurr1-V5 expression but not that of the green fluorescent protein(the negative control)reducedβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside-induced neuropathology.Accordingly,a bilateral increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and arborization occurred in the substantia nigra and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive ramifications in the striatum.In addition,tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells displayed less senescence markerβ-galactosidase and more neuron-cytoskeleton markerβIII-tubulin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.A significant decrease in activated microglia(positive to ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1)and neurotoxic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and complement component 3)and increased neurotrophic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein A10)also occurred in the substantia nigra.These effects followed the bilateral reduction inα-synuclein aggregates in the nigrostriatal system,improving sensorimotor behavior.Our results show that unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neurodegeneration(senescence and loss of neuron-cytoskeleton and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells),neuroinflammation(activated microglia,neurotoxic astrocytes),α-synuclein aggregation,and sensorimotor deficits.Increased neurotrophic astrocytes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor can mediate the rNurr1-V5 effect,supporting its potential clinical use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Understanding the role of transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 in bladder cancer pathogenesis

In this editorial we comment on the article by Wei et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.The authors investigated the role of Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1)protein in bladder cancer(BC)carcinogenesis.Lentiviral vectors were used to achieve silencing or overexpression of TM9SF1 gene in three BC cell lines.These cell lines were then subject to cell counting kit 8,wound-healing assay,transwell assay,and flow cytometry.Proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells were increased in cell lines subjected to TM9SF1 overexpression.TM9SF1 silencing inhibited proliferation,migration and invasion of BC cells.The authors conclude that TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in bladder cancer pathogenesis.

Wilm′s tumor gene1肽疫苗Galinpepimut-S在肿瘤免疫治疗中的应用

目的为Wilm′s tumor gene1(WT1)肽疫苗Galinpepimut-S(GPS)用于肿瘤免疫治疗的后续研究提供参考。方法采用计算机检索中国知网、PubMed等数据库自建库起至2022年12月的肿瘤免疫治疗相关文献,总结GPS在肿瘤免疫治疗中的应用现状。结果GPS能激发自身免疫系统,对WT1抗原产生强烈免疫反应而发挥抗肿瘤作用,在卵巢癌、恶性胸膜间皮瘤、急性髓系白血病、多发性骨髓瘤的治疗中均显示出较好的疗效。结论以GPS为代表的肿瘤疫苗是未来肿瘤治疗的重要方向,需进一步进行临床研究,以获取更多数据。

Heat-inducible SlWRKY3 confers thermotolerance by activating the SlGRXS1 gene cluster in tomato

High temperature stress is one of the major environmental factors that affect the growth and development of plants. Although WRKY transcription factors play a critical role in stress responses, there are few studies on the regulation of heat stress by WRKY transcription factors,especially in tomato. Here, we identified a group I WRKY transcription factor, SlWRKY3, involved in thermotolerance in tomato. First, SlWRKY3 was induced and upregulated under heat stress. Accordingly, overexpression of SlWRKY3 led to an increase, whereas knock-out of SlWRKY3 resulted in decreased tolerance to heat stress. Overexpression of SlWRKY3 accumulated less reactive oxygen species(ROS), whereas knock-out of SlWRKY3 accumulated more ROS under heat stress. This indicated that SlWRKY3 positively regulates heat stress in tomato. In addition,SlWRKY3 activated the expression of a range of abiotic stress-responsive genes involved in ROS scavenging, such as a SlGRXS1 gene cluster.Further analysis showed that SlWRKY3 can bind to the promoters of the SlGRXS1 gene cluster and activate their expression. Collectively, these results imply that SlWRKY3 is a positive regulator of thermotolerance through direct binding to the promoters of the SlGRXS1 gene cluster and activating their expression and ROS scavenging.

Pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene:Hypotheses and conundrums

Chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene(CEAS)is a complex gastroenterological condition characterized by multiple ulcers in the small intestine with chronic bleeding and protein loss.This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CEAS,focusing on the role of SLCO2A1-encoded prostaglandin transporter OATP2A1 and its impact on prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels.Studies have suggested that elevated PGE2 levels contribute to mucosal damage,inflammation,and disruption of the intestinal barrier.The effects of PGE2 on macrophage activation and Maxi-Cl channel functionality,as well as its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs play crucial roles in the progression of CEAS.Understanding the balance between its protective and pro-inflammatory effects and the complex interactions within the gastrointestinal tract can shed light on potential therapeutic targets for CEAS and guide the development of novel,targeted therapies.

Assessment of pathogenicity and functional characterization of APPL1 gene mutations in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND Adaptor protein,phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 1(APPL1)plays a crucial role in regulating insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.Mutations in the APPL1 gene have been associated with the development of maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 14(MODY14).Currently,only two mutations[c.1655T>A(p.Leu552*)and c.281G>A p.(Asp94Asn)]have been identified in association with this disease.Given the limited understanding of MODY14,it is imperative to identify additional cases and carry out comprehensive research on MODY14 and APPL1 mutations.AIM To assess the pathogenicity of APPL1 gene mutations in diabetic patients and to characterize the functional role of the APPL1 domain.METHODS Patients exhibiting clinical signs and a medical history suggestive of MODY were screened for the study.Whole exome sequencing was performed on the patients as well as their family members.The pathogenicity of the identified APPL1 variants was predicted on the basis of bioinformatics analysis.In addition,the pathogenicity of the novel APPL1 variant was preliminarily evaluated through in vitro functional experiments.Finally,the impact of these variants on APPL1 protein expression and the insulin pathway were assessed,and the potential mechanism underlying the interaction between the APPL1 protein and the insulin receptor was further explored.RESULTS A total of five novel mutations were identified,including four missense mutations(Asp632Tyr,Arg633His,Arg532Gln,and Ile642Met)and one intronic mutation(1153-16A>T).Pathogenicity prediction analysis revealed that the Arg532Gln was pathogenic across all predictions.The Asp632Tyr and Arg633His variants also had pathogenicity based on MutationTaster.In addition,multiple alignment of amino acid sequences showed that the Arg532Gln,Asp632Tyr,and Arg633His variants were conserved across different species.Moreover,in in vitro functional experiments,both the c.1894G>T(at Asp632Tyr)and c.1595G>A(at Arg532Gln)mutations were found to downregulate the expression of APPL1 on both protein and mRNA levels,indicating their pathogenic nature.Therefore,based on the patient’s clinical and family history,combined with the results from bioinformatics analysis and functional experiment,the c.1894G>T(at Asp632Tyr)and c.1595G>A(at Arg532Gln)mutations were classified as pathogenic mutations.Importantly,all these mutations were located within the phosphotyrosinebinding domain of APPL1,which plays a critical role in the insulin sensitization effect.CONCLUSION This study provided new insights into the pathogenicity of APPL1 gene mutations in diabetes and revealed a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Brain and spinal cord trauma:what we know about the therapeutic potential of insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy

Although little attention has been paid to cognitive and emotional dysfunctions observed in patients after spinal co rd injury,several reports have described impairments in cognitive abilities.Our group also has contributed significantly to the study of cognitive impairments in a rat model of spinal co rd injury.These findings are very significant because they demonstrate that cognitive and mood deficits are not induced by lifestyle changes,drugs of abuse,and combined medication.They are related to changes in brain structures involved in cognition and emotion,such as the hippocampus.Chronic spinal cord injury decreases neurogenesis,enhances glial reactivity leading to hippocampal neuroinflammation,and trigge rs cognitive deficits.These brain distal abnormalities are recently called te rtiary damage.Given that there is no treatment for Tertiary Damage,insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy emerges as a good candidate.Insulin growth factor 1 gene thera py recove rs neurogenesis and induces the polarization from pro-inflammato ry towards anti-inflammatory microglial phenotypes,which represents a potential strategy to treat the neuroinflammation that supports te rtiary damage.Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy can be extended to other central nervous system pathologies such as traumatic brain injury where the neuroinflammatory component is crucial.Insulin growth factor 1 gene therapy could emerge as a new therapeutic strategy for treating traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Association of Nurr1 gene mutations with Parkinson's disease in the Han population living in the Hubei province of China

Nurr1 defects could in part underlie Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis,and Nurr1 gene polymorphism has been found in Caucasian patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this study,heteroduplex technology was applied to compare the DNA sequences of eight exons of Nurr1 among 200 sporadic Parkinson’s disease patients and 200 healthy controls in the Han population in the Hubei province,China.One allele amplified from exon 3 of Nurr1 was polymorphic in five Parkinson’s disease patients（2.5%,5/200）,and two individuals had a polymorphic allele amplified from exon 2 （1%,2/200）.The anomalous electrophoresis fragment in exon 3 of Nurr1 gene contained a 709C/A missense mutation,and a polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism at 388G/A was identified in exon 2.Compared with the control group,the Nurr1 gene expression level in the Parkinson’s disease group was decreased,and the Nurr1 gene expression levels in Parkinson’s disease patients carrying the polymorphisms at exons 2 and 3 were significantly decreased.Our data indicate that the single nucleotide polymorphism 388G/A in exon 2 and the 709C/A missense mutation in exon 3 of the Nurr1 gene in the Chinese population might affect the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.

腮腺多形性腺瘤和癌在多形性腺瘤组织中Kiss-1、MMP-9蛋白的表达

目的:探讨腮腺多形性腺瘤(PA)和癌在多形性腺瘤(CPA)组织中肿瘤转移抑制基因Kiss-1、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)蛋白的表达情况。方法:采用免疫组织化学染色法检测正常腮腺、PA、CPA组织中Kiss-1和MMP-9蛋白的表达,并结合临床病理因素进行分析。结果:正常腮腺、PA和CPA组织中Kiss-1蛋白阳性表达率分别为100.0%、76.7%、24.4%,逐渐降低;而MMP-9蛋白阳性表达率分别为20.0%、53.3%、88.9%,逐渐升高(P<0.05)。CPA组织中Kiss-1和MMP-9蛋白的表达呈负关联(r_(S)=0.416,P=0.002);且MMP-9蛋白的表达与CPA的侵袭性、TNM分期有关(P<0.05)。结论:Kiss-1、MMP-9蛋白可能与CPA的发生、发展及转移密切相关。

A cluster of mutagenesis revealed an osmotic regulatory role of the OsPIP1 genes in enhancing rice salt tolerance

Aquaporins play important regulatory roles in improving plant abiotic stress tolerance.To better understand whether the Os PIP1 genes collectively dominate the osmotic regulation in rice under salt stress,a cluster editing of the Os PIP1;1,Os PIP1;2 and Os PIP1;3 genes in rice was performed by CRISPR/Cas9 system.Sequencing showed that two mutants with Cas9-free,line 14 and line 18 were successfully edited.Briefly,line 14 deleted a single C base in both the Os PIP1;1 and Os PIP1;3 genes,and inserted a single T base in the Os PIP1;2 gene,respectively.While line 18 demonstrated an insertion of a single A base in the Os PIP1;1gene and a single T base in both the Os PIP1;2 and Os PIP1;3 genes,respectively.Multiplex editing of the Os PIP1 genes significantly inhibited photosynthetic rate and accumulation of compatible metabolites,but increased MDA contents and osmotic potentials in the mutants,thus delaying rice growth under salt stress.Functional loss of the Os PIP1 genes obviously suppressed the expressions of the Os PIP1,Os SOS1,Os CIPK24 and Os CBL4 genes,and increased the influxes of Na+and effluxes of K^(+)/H^(+)in the roots,thus accumulating more Na+in rice mutants under salt stress.This study suggests that the Os PIP1 genes are essential modulators collectively contributing to the enhancement of rice salt stress tolerance,and multiplex editing of the Os PIP1 genes provides insight into the osmotic regulation of the PIP genes.

Overexpression ofβ-1,4-Glucanase Gene EuEG1 Improves Micrografting of Eucommia ulmoides

Adventitious root formation poses a major constraint on the tissue culture and genetic transformation of Eucommia ulmoides.Micrografting offers a new method for the transplantation of genetic transformation,and its success depends on the formation of graft unions.This study used transgenic rootless test-tube seedlings as scions and seedlings from seed as rootstocks during micrografting to avoid the rooting issues that occur during tissue culture and to investigate the role of the EuEG1 gene in the graft healing process.We found that the EuEG1 gene is a vital regulator of graft,and its overexpression contributes to the survival of Eucommia ulmoides micrografting.The EuEG1 gene transgenic plants(TP)used as scions for micrografting presented a significantly higher survival rate than the wild type(WT)and empty vector(EV)regenerated scions.During the grafting healing process,the expression of the EuEG1 gene was higher during the period of callus proliferation,suggesting that the EuEG1 gene was involved in the graft healing process.Histological observation revealed that more calluses tissue appeared at the junction of transgenic scions,and the connection with the rootstock was stronger,which benefits wound healing.These results provide new insights into Eucommia ulmoides micrografting and indicate that the EuEG1 gene can promote wound healing and improve the micrografting survival rate.

Co-existing squamous cell carcinoma and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia(CMML),a rare clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms,has a generally poor prognosis,and easily progresses to acute myeloid leukemia.The simultaneous incidence of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors is extremely low,and CMML coinciding with lung malignancies is even rarer.Here,we report a case of CMML,with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations,combined with non-small cell lung cancer(lung squamous cell carcinoma).CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old male,suffering from toothache accompanied by coughing,sputum,and bloody sputum for three months,was given a blood test after experiencing continuous bleeding resulting from a tooth extraction at a local hospital.Based on morphological results,the patient was diagnosed with CMML and bronchoscopy was performed in situ to confirm the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the lower lobe of the lung.After receiving azacitidine,programmed cell death protein 1,and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs,the patient developed severe myelosuppression and eventually fatal leukocyte stasis and dyspnea.CONCLUSION During the treatment and observation of CMML and be vigilant of the growth of multiple primary malignant tumors.

OsMas1,a novel maspardin protein gene,confers tolerance to salt and drought stresses by regulating ABA signaling in rice

Drought and salt stresses,the major environmental abiotic stresses in agriculture worldwide,affect plant growth,crop productivity,and quality.Therefore,developing crops with higher drought and salt tolerance is highly desirable.This study reported the isolation,biological function,and molecular characterization of a novel maspardin gene,OsMas1,from rice.The OsMas1 protein was localized to the cytoplasm.The expression levels of OsMas1 were up-regulated under mannitol,PEG6000,NaCl,and abscisic acid(ABA) treatments in rice.The OsMas1 gene was introduced into the rice cultivar Zhonghua 11(wild type,WT).OsMas1-overexpression(OsMas1-OE) plants exhibited significantly enhanced salt and drought tolerance;in contrast,OsMas1-interference(OsMas1-RNAi) plants exhibited decreased tolerance to salt and drought stresses,compared with WT.OsMas1-OE plants exhibited enhanced hypersensitivity,while OsMas1-RNAi plants showed less sensitivity to exogenous ABA treatment at both germination and post-germination stages.ABA,proline and K+ contents and superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),peroxidase(POD),and photosynthesis activities were significantly increased.In contrast,malonaldehyde(MDA),hydrogen peroxide(H2O2),superoxide anion radical(O2-··),and Na+ contents were significantly decreased in OsMas1-OE plants compared with OsMas1-RNAi and WT plants.Overexpression of OsMas1 up-regulated the genes involved in ABA signaling,proline biosynthesis,reactive oxygen species(ROS)-scavenging system,photosynthesis,and ion transport under salt and drought stresses.Our results indicate that the OsMas1 gene improves salt and drought tolerance in rice,which may serve as a candidate gene for enhancing crop resistance to abiotic stresses.

The collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain gene is an alternative safe harbor locus in the porcine genome

Efficient and stable expression of foreign genes in cells and transgenic animals is important for gain-of-function studies and the establishment of bioreactors.Safe harbor loci in the animal genome enable consistent overexpression of foreign genes,without side effects.However,relatively few safe harbor loci are available in pigs,a fact which has impeded the development of multi-transgenic pig research.We report a strategy for efficient transgene knock-in in the endogenous collagen type I alpha 1 chain(COL1A1)gene using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9(CRISPR/Cas9)system.After the knock-in of a 2A peptide-green fluorescence protein(2A-GFP)transgene in the last codon of COL1A1 in multiple porcine cells,including porcine kidney epithelial(PK15),porcine embryonic fibroblast(PEF)and porcine intestinal epithelial(IPI-2I)cells,quantitative PCR(qPCR),Western blotting,RNA-seq and CCK8 assay were performed to assess the safety of COL1A1 locus.The qPCR results showed that the GFP knock-in had no effect(P=0.29,P=0.66 and P=0.20 for PK15,PEF and IPI-2I cells,respectively)on the mRNA expression of COL1A1 gene.Similarly,no significant differences(P=0.64,P=0.48 and P=0.80 for PK15,PEF and IPI-2I cells,respectively)were found between the GFP knock-in and wild type cells by Western blotting.RNA-seq results revealed that the transcriptome of GFP knock-in PEF cells had a significant positive correlation(P<2.2e–16)with that of the wild type cells,indicating that the GFP knock-in did not alter the global expression of endogenous genes.Furthermore,the CCK8 assay showed that the GFP knock-in events had no adverse effects(P_(24)h=0.31,P_(48)h=0.96,P_(72)h=0.24,P_(96)h=0.17,and P_(120)h=0.38)on cell proliferation of PK15 cells.These results indicate that the COL1A1 locus can be used as a safe harbor for foreign genes knock-in into the pig genome and can be broadly applied to farm animal breeding and biomedical model establishment.

Genomic location of Gb1, a unique gene conferring wheat resistance to greenbug biotype F

Greenbug(Schizaphis graminum, Rondani) is a serious insect pest in many wheat growing regions and has been infesting cereal crops in the USA for over a century. Continuous occurrence of new greenbug biotypes makes it essential to explore all greenbug resistant sources available to manage this pest. Gb1, a recessive greenbug resistance gene in DS28A, confers resistance to several economically important greenbug biotypes and is the only gene found to be resistant to greenbug biotype F. A set of 174 F_(2:3)lines from the cross DS28A × Custer was evaluated for resistance to greenbug biotype F in 2020 and 2022. Selective genotyping of the corresponding F_(2) population using single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) markers generated by genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS) led to the identification of a candidate genomic region for Gb1. Thus, SSR markers previously mapped in this region were used to genotype the entire F2population,and kompetitive allele specific PCR(KASP) markers were also developed from SNPs in the target region.Gb1 was placed in the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 1A, and its location was confirmed in a second population derived from the cross DS28A × PI 697274. The combined data analysis from the two mapping populations delimited Gb1 to a < 1 Mb interval between 13,328,200 and 14,241,426 bp on1AS.

High-resolution genetic mapping and identification of candidate genes for the wheat stem rust resistance gene Sr8155B1

Stem rust,caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici(Pgt),threatens global wheat production.Development of cultivars with increased resistance to stem rust by identification,mapping,and deployment of resistance genes is the best strategy for controlling the disease.In this study,we performed fine mapping and characterization of the all-stage stem rust resistance(Sr)gene Sr8155B1 from the durum wheat line 8155-B1.In seedling tests of biparental populations,Sr8155B1 was effective against six Chinese Pgt races tested.In a segregating population of 5060 gametes,Sr8155B1 was mapped to a 0.06-cM region flanked by markers Pku2772 and Pku43365,corresponding to 1.5-and 2.7-Mb regions in the Svevo and Chinese Spring reference genomes.Both regions include several typical nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat(NLR)and protein kinase genes that represent candidate genes.Among them,three NLR genes and three receptor-like protein kinases were highly polymorphic between the parental lines and their transcripts were upregulated in the homozygous resistant line TdR2 relative to its susceptible sister line TdS4.Four markers(Pku2772,Pku43365,Pku2950,and Pku3721)developed in this study,together with seedling resistance responses,correctly predicted Sr8155B1 absence or presence in 78 tetraploid wheat genotypes tested.The presence of Sr8155B1 in tetraploid wheat accessions CItr 14916,PI 197492,and PI 197493 was confirmed by mapping in three F_(2)populations.The genetic map and linked markers developed in this study may accelerate the deployment of Sr8155B1-mediated resistance in wheat breeding programs.

Regulatory role of NFAT1 signaling in articular chondrocyteactivities and osteoarthritis pathogenesis

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of joint disease, is characterized clinically by joint pain, stiffness,and deformity. OA is now considered a whole joint disease;however, the breakdown of the articular cartilage remains themajor hallmark of the disease. Current treatments targeting OA symptoms have a limited impact on impeding orreversing the OA progression. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying OA development isa critical barrier to progress in OA therapy. Recent studies by the current authors’ group and others have revealedthat the nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFAT1), a member of the NFAT family of transcription factors, regulatesthe expression of many anabolic and catabolic genes in articular chondrocytes of adult mice. Mice lacking NFAT1exhibit normal skeletal development but display OA in both appendicular and spinal facet joints as adults. Thisreview mainly focuses on the recent advances in the regulatory role of NFAT1 transcription factor in the activities ofarticular chondrocytes and its implication in the pathogenesis of OA.

Correlation between MCP-1 gene-2518A/G polymorphism and diabetic retinopathy: A meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the association between MCP-1 gene-2518 A/G polymorphism and diabetic retinopathy(DR).Methods:CNKI,WanFang Data,and PubMed databases were searched.Studies on the correlation between MCP-1 gene-2518A/G polymorphism and DR were searched from self-built databases until March 2022.Meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software.Results:Seven studies were included.Meta-analysis showed that MCP-1 gene 2518A/G was not associated with the risk of DR in allelic and homozygous genetic models[G vs.A:OR=1.09,95%CI(0.77,1.54),P=0.62;GG vs.AA:OR=1.64,95%CI(0.93,2.88),P=0.09],and it was correlated with the risk of DR in heterozygous,dominant and recessive genetic models[GG vs.AG:OR=1.13,95%CI(1.01,1.26),P=0.03;AA+AG vs.GG:OR=0.85,95%CI(0.77,0.94),P=0.002;AA vs.GG+AG:[OR=0.78,95%CI(0.67,0.90),P=0.0008];According to the severity of DR,further meta-analysis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)patients showed that there was no correlation between MCP-1 gene-2518A/G polymorphism and the risk of PDR in five genetic models[G vs.A:OR=1.06,95%CI(0.80,1.41),P=0.68;GG vs.AA:OR=1.12,95%CI(0.77,1.61),P=0.56;GG vs.AG:OR=0.88,95%CI(0.69,1.12),P=0.31;AA+AG vs.GG:OR=1.08,95%CI(0.86,1.36),P=0.50;AA vs.GG+AG:[OR=0.73,95%CI(0.49,1.08),P=0.12].Conclusion:MCP-1 gene 2518A/G polymorphism may be associated with the pathogenesis of DR,but it may not be involved in the progression of DR patients from NPDR to PDR.