The emerging role of recombineering in microbiology

Recombineering is a valuable technique for generating recombinant DNA in vivo,primarily in bacterial cells,and is based on homologous recombination using phage-encoded homologous recombinases,such as Red βγ from the lambda phage and RecET from the Rac prophage.The recombineering technique can efficiently mediate homol-ogous recombination using short homologous arms(∼50 bp)and is unlimited by the size of the DNA molecules or positions of restriction sites.In this review,we summarize characteristics of recombinases,mechanism of recombineering,and advances in recombineering for DNA manipulation in Escherichia coli and other bacteria.Furthermore,the broad applications of recombineering for mining new bioactive microbial natural products,and for viral mutagenesis,phage genome engineering,and understanding bacterial metabolism are also reviewed.

Recombineering enables genome mining of novel siderophores in a non-model Burkholderiales strain

Iron is essential for bacterial survival,and most bacteria capture iron by producing siderophores.Burkholde-riales bacteria produce various types of bioactive secondary metabolites,such as ornibactin and malleobactin siderophores.In this study,the genome analysis of Burkholderiales genomes showed a putative novel siderophore gene cluster crb,which is highly similar to the ornibactin and malleobactin gene clusters but does not have pvdF,a gene encoding a formyltransferase for N-δ-hydroxy-ornithine formylation.Establishing the bacteriophage recom-binase Redγ-Redδβ7029 mediated genome editing system in a non-model Burkholderiales strain Paraburkholderia caribensis CICC 10960 allowed the rapid identification of the products of crb gene cluster,caribactins A-F(1-6).Caribactins contain a special amino acid residue N-δ-hydroxy-N-δ-acetylornithine(haOrn),which differs from the counterpart N-δ-hydroxy-N-δ-formylornithine(hOrn)in ornibactin and malleobactin,owing to the absence of pvdF.Gene inactivation showed that the acetylation of hOrn is catalyzed by CrbK,whose homologs proba-bly not be involved in the biosynthesis of ornibactin and malleobactin,showing possible evolutionary clues of these siderophore biosynthetic pathways from different genera.Caribactins promote biofilm production and en-hance swarming and swimming abilities,suggesting that they may play crucial roles in biofilm formation.This study also revealed that recombineering has the capability to mine novel secondary metabolites from non-model Burkholderiales species.

A recombineering system for Bacillus subtilis based on the native phage recombinase pair YqaJ/YqaK

Bacillus subtilis plays an important role in fundamental and applied research,and it has been widely used as a cell factory for the production of enzymes,antimicrobial materials,and chemicals for agriculture,medicine,and industry.However,genetic manipulation tools for B.subtilis have low efficiency.In this work,our goal was to develop a simple recombineering system for B.subtilis.We showed that genome editing can be achieved in B.subtiliis 1A751 through co-expression of YqaJ/YqaK,a native phage recombinase pair found in B.sub-tilis 168,and the competence master regulator ComK using a double-stranded DNA substrate with short ho-mology arms(100 bp)and a phosphorothioate modification at the 5′-end.Efficient gene knockouts and large DNA insertions were achieved using this new recombineering system in B.subtilis 1A751.As far as we know,this is the first recombineering system using the native phage recombinase pair YqaJ/YqaK in B.subtilis.In conclusion,this new recombineering system provides a simple and fast tool for genetic manipulation of B.sub-tilis,and it will promote studies of genome function,construction of production strains,and genome mining in B.subtilis.

A CRISPR/Cas9-based single-stranded DNA recombineering system for genome editing of Rhodococcus opacus PD630

Genome engineering of Rhodococcus opacus PD630,an important microorganism used for the bioconversion of lignin,is currently dependent on inefficient homologous recombination.Although a CRISPR interference procedure for gene repression has previously been developed for R.opacus PD630,a CRISPR/Cas9 system for gene knockout has yet to be reported for the strain.In this study,we found that the cytotoxicity of Cas9 and the deficiency in pathways for repairing DNA double-strand breaks(DSBs)were the major causes of the failure of conventional CRISPR/Cas9 technologies in R.opacus,even when augmented with the recombinases Che9c60 and Che9c61.We successfully developed an efficient single-stranded DNA(ssDNA)recombineering system coupled with CRISPR/Cas9 counter-selection,which facilitated rapid and scarless editing of the R.opacus genome.A two-plasmid system,comprising Cas9 driven by a weak Rhodococcus promoter Pniami,designed to prevent cytotoxicity,and a single-guide RNA(sgRNA)under the control of a strong constitutive promoter,was proven to be appropriate with respect to cleavage function.A novel recombinase,RrRecT derived from a Rhodococcus ruber prophage,was identified for the first time,which facilitated recombination of short ssDNA donors(40-80 nt)targeted to the lagging strand and enabled us to obtain a recombination efficiency up to 103-fold higher than that of endogenous pathways.Finally,by incorporating RrRecT and Cas9 into a single plasmid and then co-transforming cells with sgRNA plasmids and short ssDNA donors,we efficiently achieved gene disruption and base mutation in R.opacus,with editing efficiencies ranging from 22%to 100%.Simultaneous disruption of double genes was also confirmed,although at a lower efficiency.This effective genome editing tool will accelerate the engineering of R.opacus metabolism.

Minimizing interfacial energy losses in inverted perovskite solar cells by a dipolar stereochemical 2D perovskite interface

Inverted perovskite solar cells(PSCs) have attracted broad research and industrial interest owing to their suppressed hysteresis,cost-effectiveness,and easy-fabrication.However,the issue of non-radiative recombination losses at the n-type interface between the perovskite and fullerene has impeded further improvement of photovoltaic performance.Here,we modify the n-type interface of FAPbI_(3) perovskite films by constructing a stereochemical two-dimensional(2D) perovskite interlayer,in which the organic cations comprise both pyridine and ammonium groups.The pyridine N donor can create stable bonding with the surface-uncoordinated Pb on the perovskite,thereby passivating the shallow-level defects and enhancing the air stability of the film.Furthermore,the pyridine N donor also offers a positive polar interface to decrease the surface work function of the perovskite film,enabling n-type modification.Ultimately,we employ a p-i-n photovoltaic(PV) device with the positive dipole interlayer at perovskite/fullerene contact and achieve remarkable photoelectric conversion efficiency(PCE) of 22.0%.

Ultrafast carrier dynamics in GeSn thin film based on time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy

We measure the time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy of GeSn thin film and studied the ultrafast dynamics of its photo-generated carriers.The experimental results show that there are photo-generated carriers in GeSn under femtosecond laser excitation at 2500 nm,and its pump-induced photoconductivity can be explained by the Drude–Smith model.The carrier recombination process is mainly dominated by defect-assisted Auger processes and defect capture.The firstand second-order recombination rates are obtained by the rate equation fitting,which are(2.6±1.1)×10^(-2)ps^(-1)and(6.6±1.8)×10^(-19)cm^(3)·ps^(-1),respectively.Meanwhile,we also obtain the diffusion length of photo-generated carriers in GeSn,which is about 0.4μm,and it changes with the pump delay time.These results are important for the GeSn-based infrared optoelectronic devices,and demonstrate that Ge Sn materials can be applied to high-speed optoelectronic detectors and other applications.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus 8-mediated inhibition of microRNA let-7a ameliorates sclerosing cholangitis in a clinically relevant mouse model

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is characterized by chronic inflammation and it predisposes to cholangiocarcinoma due to lack of effective treatment options.Recombinant adeno-associated virus(rAAV)provides a promising platform for gene therapy on such kinds of diseases.A microRNA(miRNA)let-7a has been reported to be associated with the progress of PSC but the potential therapeutic implication of inhibition of let-7a on PSC has not been evaluated.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effects of inhibition of a miRNA let-7a transferred by recombinant adeno-associated virus 8(rAAV8)on a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis.METHODS A xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis was induced by 0.1% 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine(DDC)feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk.A single dose of rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges or scramble control was injected in vivo into mice onset of DDC feeding.Upon sacrifice,the liver and the serum were collected from each mouse.The hepatobiliary injuries,hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated.The targets of let-7a-5p and downstream molecule NF-κB were detected using Western blot.RESULTS rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges can depress the expression of let-7a-5p in mice after DDC feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk.The reduced expression of let-7a-5p can alleviate hepato-biliary injuries indicated by serum markers,and prevent the proliferation of cholangiocytes and biliary fibrosis.Furthermore,inhibition of let-7a mediated by rAAV8 can increase the expression of potential target molecules such as suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and Dectin1,which consequently inhibit of NF-κB-mediated hepatic inflammation.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that a rAAV8 vector designed for liver-specific inhibition of let-7a-5p can potently ameliorate symptoms in a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis,which provides a possible clinical translation of PSC of human.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor plus sodium hyaluronate eye drops in diabetic dry eye post-cataract surgery

BACKGROUND Dry eye syndrome(DES)after diabetic cataract surgery can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.Therefore,effective alleviation of symptoms in patients with this disease has important clinical significance.AIM To explore the clinical effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF)plus sodium hyaluronate(SH)eye drops on DES after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients with diabetes who experienced DES after cataract surgery at Tianjin Beichen Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University between April 2021 and April 2023.They were classified into an observation group(42 cases,rhEGF+SH eye drops)and a control group(40 cases,SH eye drops alone),depending on the different treatment schemes.The therapeutic efficacy,dry eye symptom score,tear film breakup time(TFBUT),basic tear secretion score[assessed using Schirmer I test(SIt)],corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,tear inflammatory markers,adverse reactions during treat-ment,and treatment satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Therapeutic efficacy was higher in the observation group compared with the control group.Both groups showed improved TFBUT and dry eye,as well as improved SIt and FL scores after treatment,with a more pronounced improvement in the observation group.Although no marked differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups,treatment satisfaction was higher in the observation group.CONCLUSION rhEGF+SH eye drops rendered clinical benefits to patients by effectively ameliorating dry eye and visual impairment with favorable efficacy,fewer adverse reactions,and high safety levels.Thus,this treatment should be promoted in clinical practice.

Effect Study of the Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Heart Failure Combined with Hypotension

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the effect of applying recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure combined with hypotension. Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is a synthetic polypeptide drug that is primarily used to treat acute heart failure. Its mechanism of action closely mimics that of human endogenous brain natriuretic peptide. By binding to receptors on cardiomyocytes, it exerts its pharmacological effects. Methods: For the study, 76 heart failure patients with hypotension were selected from our hospital between May 2022 and June 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a control group and an observation group, each comprising 38 patients. The control group received dopamine treatment, while the observation group was treated with recombinant brain natriuretic peptide. The objective was to compare the effects of the treatments in both groups by analyzing cardiac function indices and levels of vasoactive substances to identify any significant differences in outcomes. Results: The overall response rate of the patients in the observation group and the control group was 94.74% and 73.68%, significantly higher as compared with the observation group (P 0.05). After the following treatment, BNP, ANNP and urine output in the observation group were significantly different compared with the control group, of the statistical significance (P Conclusion: For the treatment of heart failure patients with hypotension, the clinical application of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is the most ideal, and significantly improves the cardiac function of patients, which is worth popularizing.

重组人酸性成纤维细胞生长因子在鼻腔泪囊吻合术中的应用

目的 探讨重组人酸性成纤维细胞生长因子在鼻腔泪囊吻合术中的应用。方法 对2016年3月~2021年12月46例慢性泪囊炎患者,行碘普罗胺泪囊造影,确定阻塞部位位于泪囊。选取手术治疗的慢性泪囊炎患者,随机分为两组,A组患者行经鼻内镜鼻腔泪囊吻合术联合应用重组人酸性成纤维细胞生长因子,B组患者经鼻内镜鼻腔泪囊吻合术,比较两组术后的临床疗效。结果 两组鼻腔泪囊吻合术的患者,经过术后2周、1个月、3个月、6个月对患者进行随访观察,发现A组患者在术后2周和1个月内吻合口周围痂皮较少,吻合口上皮化程度较快,在术后3个月和6个月吻合口无明显差异。结论 重组人酸性成纤维细胞生长因子在创面早期可促进肉芽组织生长,诱导毛细血管胚芽形成与再上皮化,加速鼻腔泪囊吻合口的上皮化的进程。

Association between homologous recombination deficiency and outcomes with platinum and platinum-free chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

Objective:The choice of chemotherapeutic regimen for triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains controversial.Homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)has attracted increasing attention in informing chemotherapy treatment.This study was aimed at investigating the feasibility of HRD as a clinically actionable biomarker for platinum-containing and platinum-free therapy.Methods:Chinese patients with TNBC who received chemotherapy between May 1,2008 and March 31,2020 were retrospectively analyzed with a customized 3D-HRD panel.HRD positivity was defined by an HRD score≥30 or deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation.A total of 386 chemotherapy-treated patients with TNBC were screened from a surgical cohort(NCT01150513)and a metastatic cohort,and 189 patients with available clinical and tumor sequencing data were included.Results:In the entire cohort,49.2%(93/189)of patients were identified as HRD positive(40 with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations and 53 with BRCA1/2 intact with an HRD score of≥30).In the first-line metastatic setting,platinum therapy was associated with longer median progression-free survival(mPFS)than platinum-free therapy[9.1 vs.3.0 months;hazard ratio(HR),0.43;95%confidence interval 0.22–0.84;P=0.01].Among HRD-positive patients,the mPFS was significantly longer in those treated with platinum rather than platinum-free therapy(13.6 vs.2.0 months;HR,0.11;P=0.001).Among patients administered a platinum-free regimen,HRD-negative patients showed a PFS significantly superior to that of HRD-positive patients(P=0.02;treatment-biomarker P-interaction=0.001).Similar results were observed in the BRCA1/2-intact subset.In the adjuvant setting,HRD-positive patients tended to benefit more from platinum chemotherapy than from platinum-free chemotherapy(P=0.05,P-interaction=0.02).Conclusions:HRD characterization may guide decision-making regarding the use of platinum treatment in patients with TNBC in both adjuvant and metastatic settings.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

Acromicric dysplasia caused by a mutation of fibrillin 1 in a family:A case report

BACKGROUND Acromicric dysplasia(AD)is a rare skeletal dysplasia.Its incidence is<1/1000000,and only approximately 60 cases are reported worldwide.It is a disease characterized by severe short stature,short hands and feet,facial abnormalities,normal intelligence,and bone abnormalities.Unlike other skeletal dysplasia,AD has a mild clinical phenotype,mainly characterized by short stature.Extensive endocrine examination has not revealed a potential cause.The clinical effect of growth hormone therapy is still uncertain.CASE SUMMARY We report a clinical phenotype of AD associated with mutations in the fibrillin 1(FBN1)(OMIM 102370)gene c.5183C>T(p.Ala1728Val)in three people from a Chinese family.A 4-year-old member of the family first visited the hospital because of slow growth and short stature for 2 years,but no abnormalities were found after a series of laboratory tests,echocardiography,pituitary magnetic resonance imaging,and ophthalmological examination.Recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)was used to treat the patient for>5 years.The efficacy of rhGH was apparent in the first year of treatment;the height increased from-3.64 standard deviation score(SDS)to-2.88 SDS,while the efficacy weakened from the second year.However,long-term follow-up is required to clarify the efficacy of rhGH.CONCLUSION FBN1-related AD has genetic heterogeneity and/or clinical variability,which brings challenges to the evaluation of clinical treatment.rhGH is effective for treatment of AD,but long-term follow-up is needed to clarify the effect.

基于3A组装的多拷贝基因策略优化重组水蛭素变体Ⅲ的生产

水蛭素变体Ⅲ(Hirudin varidantⅢ,Hv3)是一种从水蛭中提取的活性成分,在预防和治疗白内障方面具有潜在作用。为了制备足量Hv3用于进一步的临床前应用研究,该研究开发了一种在谷氨酸棒杆菌(Corynebacterium glutamicum)中高效、稳定表达重组水蛭素变体Ⅲ(recombinant Hirudin varidantⅢ,Rhv3)的办法。首先,在C.glutamicum中构建含Ptac启动子和CspA信号肽的Rhv3分泌表达菌株,比较其在不同培养基中的表达情况。结果表明在BHI培养基中Rhv3活性最高,达到3.02×10^(3) ATU/L。为进一步提升Rhv3产量,通过核糖体结合位点(ribosome binding site,RBS)筛选,选用RBS1应用于Rhv3多拷贝菌株构建和表达。然后利用3A组装技术构建含不同信号肽和不同拷贝数的Rhv3分泌表达菌株进一步优化其产量。通过放大发酵培养,Rhv3产量达到1.89 g/L,活性达到10.91×10^(3) ATU/L。最后利用镍柱对Rhv3进行简单纯化,其纯度达到90%。该异源表达策略有效提高Rhv3表达量,为Rhv3的重组生产提供了一种质量可靠、低成本的表达体系。

Self‑Generated Buried Submicrocavities for High‑Performance Near‑Infrared Perovskite Light‑Emitting Diode

ABSTRACT Embedding submicrocavities is an effective approach to improve the light out-coupling efficiency(LOCE)for planar perovskite light-emitting diodes(PeLEDs).In this work,we employ phenethylammonium iodide(PEAI)to trigger the Ostwald ripening for the downward recrystallization of perovskite,resulting in spontaneous formation of buried submicrocavities as light output coupler.The simulation suggests the buried submicrocavities can improve the LOCE from 26.8 to 36.2%for near-infrared light.Therefore,PeLED yields peak external quantum efficiency(EQE)increasing from 17.3%at current density of 114 mA cm^(−2)to 25.5%at current density of 109 mA cm^(−2)and a radiance increasing from 109 to 487 W sr^(−1)m^(−2)with low rolling-off.The turn-on voltage decreased from 1.25 to 1.15 V at 0.1 W sr^(−1)m^(−2).Besides,downward recrystallization process slightly reduces the trap density from 8.90×10^(15)to 7.27×10^(15)cm^(−3).This work provides a self-assembly method to integrate buried output coupler for boosting the performance of PeLEDs.

A rabies virus-based toolkit for efficient retrograde labeling and monosynaptic tracing

Analyzing the structure and function of the brain's neural network is critical for identifying the working principles of the brain and the mechanisms of brain diseases.Recombinant rabies viral vectors allow for the retrograde labeling of projection neurons and cell type-specific trans-monosynaptic tracing,making these vectors powerful candidates for the dissection of synaptic inputs.Although several attenuated rabies viral vectors have been developed,their application in studies of functional networks is hindered by the long preparation cycle and low yield of these vectors.To overcome these limitations,we developed an improved production system for the rapid rescue and preparation of a high-titer CVS-N2c-ΔG virus.Our results showed that the new CVS-N2c-ΔG-based toolkit performed remarkably:(1)N2cG-coated CVS-N2c-ΔG allowed for efficient retrograde access to projection neurons that were unaddressed by rAAV9-Retro,and the efficiency was six times higher than that of rAAV9-Retro;(2)the trans-monosynaptic efficiency of oG-mediated CVS-N2c-ΔG was 2–3 times higher than that of oG-mediated SAD-B19-ΔG;(3)CVS-N2c-ΔG could delivery modified genes for neural activity monitoring,and the time window during which this was maintained was 3 weeks;and(4)CVS-N2c-ΔG could express sufficient recombinases for efficient transgene recombination.These findings demonstrate that new CVS-N2c-ΔG-based toolkit may serve as a versatile tool for structural and functional studies of neural circuits.

Sensory-directed flavor analysis of key odorants compounds development of French fries and oils in the break-in,optimum and degrading frying stage

The flavor is a decisive sensory characteristic that determines the popularity of French fries(FFs).During high-oleic rapeseed oil(RO)frying,the flavor development of FFs showed three noticeable stages including break-in(3.5%-7.5%of total polar compounds(TPC)),optimum(7.5%-22.18%of TPC),and degrading stages(above 22.18%of TPC).Further,in order to distinguish the key aroma compounds in each stage,the FFs prepared in RO at TPC of 3.5%(FF4),14.5%(FF15),and 26.96%(FF27)and their relevant oils(RO4,RO15,RO27)were selected for sensory-directed analysis.The results revealed that the FF4 had low contents of(E,E)-2,4-decadienal(deep-fried odor)which also caused lower sensory score in FF4 sample.The higher contents of(E,E)-2,4-decadienal in FF15 induced its higher deep-fried odor.The FF27 had higher hexanoic acid(sweaty odor),heptanoic acid,nonanoic acid,benzene acetaldehyde(stale odor),and trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal(metallic odor)compared with FF4 and FF15,thus leading to the undesirable flavor of FF27.Moreover,the decrease of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-6-methyl-pyrazine in FF27 induced the lower roasty flavor,which may also lead to the decline of the sensory score.Similarly,the higher contents of(E)-2-undecenal,hexanoic acid,heptanoic acid,and nonanoic acid in RO27 lead to increase its rancid score and thus lower the sensory score.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide: A promising therapy in patients with chronic heart failure

Lyophilized recombinant brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)is an exogenous peptide synthesized by artificial recombination technology,with a similar structure and similar physiological effects with the endogenous natriuretic peptide secreted by the human body.It’s main mechanism of action is to increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate by binding with its corresponding receptor in the body,regulating,thus,the imbalance of the vascular system and cardiac hemodynamics,improving the heart’s pumping capacity,and inhibiting sympathetic excitability and myocardial remodeling.Moreover,it can promote mitochondrial metabolism and enhance the use of adenosine triphosphate in cardiomyocytes.In the present study,102 chronic heart failure(HF)patients were randomly assigned to a control and an observation group consisting of 51 patients each.Patients of the control group were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d including oral metoprolol tartrate tablets,spironolactone,and olmesartanate while patients of the observation group were administered the recombinant human BNP injection for the same time-period,plus the standard HF therapy.The recombinant human BNP group(observation group)demonstrated better physical,emotional,social,and economic scores,as well as cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers such as serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal pro BNP and troponin I levels,compared to the control group.Moreover,cardiac function was also improved,as left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group.Interestingly,adverse reactions were not different between the 2 groups.However,these results are not generalizable and the need of large multicenter randomized controlled trials examining the safety and efficacy of recombinant human BNP in HF patients is of major importance.

Clinical observation of recombinant human nerve growth factor in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis

AIM:To characterize changes of corneal nerve morphology and tear indices in patients with neurotrophic keratitis(NK)treated with recombinant human nerve growth factor(rhNGF).METHODS:In a prospective observational study,six patients(nine eyes)were locally treated with rhNGF.Visual acuity,corneal fluorescein staining score,the heights of the tear river,lipid layer thickness(LLT),tear ferning(TF)test,conjunctival impression cytology(CIC)examination,the densities of cornea subbasal nerve fibers were determined before and after treatment.RESULTS:Compared with baseline,there was a significant difference in corneal fluorescence staining scores(P<0.01);all patient corneal epithelial defects recovered completely within 8wk,but there was no significant improvement in the height of the tear river(P=0.202).LLT was significantly increased when compared with baseline(P=0.042);however,the function of conjunctival goblet cells and mucin content did not significantly improve using the TF test and CIC examination(P=0.557,P=0.539).After 8wk of treatment,the average corneal subbasal nerve fiber density increased significantly(P<0.01),as did the number of corneal nerve fiber branches(P=0.001).CONCLUSION:RhNGF can increase the density of corneal subbasal nerve fibers,promote the healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects and corneal ulcers in patients with NK,also improving tear function partially.

Bioorthogonal Engineered Virus‑Like Nanoparticles for Efficient Gene Therapy

Gene therapy offers potentially transformative strategies for major human diseases.However,one of the key challenges in gene therapy is developing an effective strategy that could deliver genes into the specific tissue.Here,we report a novel virus-like nanoparticle,the bioorthgonal engineered viruslike recombinant biosome(reBiosome),for efficient gene therapies of cancer and inflammatory diseases.The mutant virus-like biosome(mBiosome)is first prepared by site-specific codon mutation for displaying 4-azido-L-phenylalanine on vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein of eBiosome at a rational site,and the reBiosome is then prepared by clicking weak acid-responsive hydrophilic polymer onto the mBiosome via bioorthogonal chemistry.The results show that the reBiosome exhibits reduced virus-like immunogenicity,prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced gene delivery efficiency to weakly acidic foci(like tumor and arthritic tissue).Furthermore,reBiosome demonstrates robust therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer and arthritis by delivering gene editing and silencing systems,respectively.In conclusion,this study develops a universal,safe and efficient platform for gene therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases.