C-type lectins and human epithelial membrane protein1:Are they new proteins in keratin disorders?

Here we report a family with a clinical spectrum of Pachyonychia Congenita Tarda (PCT) encompassing two generations via a balanced chromosomal translocation between 4q26 and 12p12.3. We discuss the effects of chromosomal translocations on gene expression through involved breakpoints and structural gene abnormalities detected by array CGH. We believe that the family we present gives further insight to the better understanding of molecular and structural basis of keratin disorders, and to the late onset and genetic basis of PCT through the possible role of C-type lectins and human epithelial membrane protein1 (EMP1). Better understanding of the molecular basis of keratin disorders is the foundation for improved diagnosis, genetic counseling and novel therapeutic approaches to overcome the current treatment limitations related to this disease.

六味地黄丸介导RAGE抑制MMP-2/MMP-9对Aβ_(1-40)损伤bEnd.3细胞紧密连接蛋白的影响

目的探讨六味地黄丸对β淀粉样蛋白1-40(Aβ_(1-40))损伤的小鼠脑微血管内皮细胞(bEnd.3)的保护作用及其机制。方法采用CCK8法检测Aβ_(1-40)和六味地黄丸含药血清(MSLDP)对细胞活性的影响,筛选合适的作用浓度。将bEnd.3细胞分为对照组、Aβ_(1-40)组、MSLDP+Aβ_(1-40)组和MSLDP组,采用Western blot检测低密度脂蛋白相关蛋白1(LRP1)、晚期糖基化终末产物受体(RAGE)、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)、MMP-9、闭锁小带蛋白-1(ZO-1)、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)蛋白表达,免疫荧光检测LRP1、RAGE、ZO-1表达;再将bEnd.3细胞分为对照组、Aβ_(1-40)组、FPS-ZM1(RAGE抑制剂)+Aβ_(1-40)组和FPS-ZM1+Aβ_(1-40)+MSLDP组,Western blot检测RAGE、MMP-9、MMP-2、ZO-1蛋白表达。结果Aβ_(1-40)呈剂量依赖性降低bEnd.3细胞活性(P<0.01),MSLDP对Aβ_(1-40)损伤的细胞活性具有保护作用(P<0.05,P<0.01),因此选择10μmol/L Aβ_(1-40)和10%MSLDP进行后续实验。与对照组比较,Aβ_(1-40)组RAGE、MMP-2、MMP-9蛋白表达升高(P<0.01),LRP1、ZO-1、BDNF蛋白表达降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),并且LRP1、ZO-1荧光强度降低(P<0.01),RAGE荧光增强(P<0.01);与Aβ_(1-40)组比较,MSLDP组RAGE、MMP-2、MMP-9蛋白表达和RAGE荧光强度降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),而LRP1、ZO-1、BDNF蛋白表达和LRP1、ZO-1荧光强度升高(P<0.05,P<0.01)。与Aβ_(1-40)组比较,Aβ_(1-40)+FPS-ZM1组MMP-2、MMP9、RAGE蛋白表达降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),ZO-1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);Aβ_(1-40)+FPS-ZM1+MSLDP组MMP-2、MMP9、RAGE蛋白表达降低(P<0.01),ZO-1蛋白表达升高(P<0.01),FPS-ZM1和MSLDP联合使用的效果更佳。结论六味地黄丸能够保护Aβ_(1-40)损伤的脑微血管内皮的细胞紧密连接,减轻血脑屏障障碍,保护神经血管单元防治阿尔茨海默病,可能通过调节RAGE途径抑制MMP-2/MMP-9途径实现。

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with anti-angiogenesis agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)has been proven to be an ideal choice for treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(uHCC).HAIC-based treatment showed great potential for treating uHCC.However,large-scale studies on HAIC-based treatments and meta-analyses of first-line treatments for uHCC are lacking.AIM To investigate better first-line treatment options for uHCC and to assess the safety and efficacy of HAIC combined with angiogenesis inhibitors,programmed cell death of protein 1(PD-1)and its ligand(PD-L1)blockers(triple therapy)under real-world conditions.METHODS Several electronic databases were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials for this meta-analysis.Study-level pooled analyses of hazard ratios(HRs)and odds ratios(ORs)were performed.This was a retrospective single-center study involving 442 patients with uHCC who received triple therapy or angiogenesis inhibitors plus PD-1/PD-L1 blockades(AIPB)at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2018 to April 2023.Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed to balance the bias between the groups.The Kaplan-Meier method and cox regression were used to analyse the survival data,and the log-rank test was used to compare the suvival time between the groups.RESULTS A total of 13 randomized controlled trials were included.HAIC alone and in combination with sorafenib were found to be effective treatments(P values for ORs:HAIC,0.95;for HRs:HAIC+sorafenib,0.04).After PSM,176 HCC patients were included in the analysis.The triple therapy group(n=88)had a longer median overall survival than the AIPB group(n=88)(31.6 months vs 14.6 months,P<0.001)and a greater incidence of adverse events(94.3%vs 75.4%,P<0.001).CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that HAIC-based treatments are likely to be the best choice for uHCC.Our findings confirm that triple therapy is more effective for uHCC patients than AIPB.

A novel mechanism of PHB2-mediated mitophagy participating in the development of Parkinson's disease

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play important roles in Parkinson s disease,but the regulato ry mechanism remains elusive.Prohibitin-2(PHB2)is a newly discove red autophagy receptor in the mitochondrial inner membrane,and its role in Parkinson’s disease remains unclear.Protein kinase R(PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)is a factor that regulates cell fate during endoplasmic reticulum stress.Parkin is regulated by PERK and is a target of the unfolded protein response.It is unclear whether PERK regulates PHB2-mediated mitophagy thro ugh Parkin.In this study,we established a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.We used adeno-associated virus to knockdown PHB2 expression.Our res ults showed that loss of dopaminergic neurons and motor deficits were aggravated in the MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.Ove rexpression of PHB2 inhibited these abnormalities.We also established a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine(MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease.We found that ove rexpression of Parkin increased co-localization of PHB2 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3,and promoted mitophagy.In addition,MPP+regulated Parkin involvement in PHB2-mediated mitophagy through phosphorylation of PERK.These findings suggest that PHB2 participates in the development of Parkinson’s disease by intera cting with endoplasmic reticulum stress and Parkin.

Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons

Neuronal injury,aging,and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,frontotemporal dementia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and Huntington’s disease are characte rized by significant neuronal loss.Unfo rtunately,the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate.Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reve rse the disease phenotype.Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain,but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation,tumorigenesis,severe inflammation,and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema.Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss,which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy.Thus far,many strategies to transfo rm astrocytes,fibroblasts,microglia,Muller glia,NG2 cells,and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons,or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed thro ugh the regulation of transcription factors,polypyrimidine tra ct binding protein 1(PTBP1),and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system.However,some recent papers did not obtain expected results,and discrepancies exist.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation,summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia,especially astrocytes,and point out that biosafety,new strategies,and the accurate origin of the truly co nverted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies.It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transc ription factors or downregulation of PTBP1 or drug interfe rence therapies.

Development of small molecule drugs targeting immune checkpoints

Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are used to relieve and refuel anti-tumor immunity by blocking the interaction,transcription,and translation of co-inhibitory immune checkpoints or degrading co-inhibitory immune checkpoints.Thousands of small molecule drugs or biological materials,especially antibody-based ICIs,are actively being studied and antibodies are currently widely used.Limitations,such as anti-tumor efficacy,poor membrane permeability,and unneglected tolerance issues of antibody-based ICIs,remain evident but are thought to be overcome by small molecule drugs.Recent structural studies have broadened the scope of candidate immune checkpoint molecules,as well as innovative chemical inhibitors.By way of comparison,small molecule drug-based ICIs represent superior oral bioavailability and favorable pharmacokinetic features.Several ongoing clinical trials are exploring the synergetic effect of ICIs and other therapeutic strategies based on multiple ICI functions,including immune regulation,anti-angiogenesis,and cell cycle regulation.In this review we summarized the current progression of small molecule ICIs and the mechanism underlying immune checkpoint proteins,which will lay the foundation for further exploration.

Targeted anti-cancer therapy: Co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) via cRGD-modified lipid nanoparticles for enhanced anti-angiogenic efficacy

Anti-tumor angiogenesis therapy, targeting the suppression of blood vessel growth in tumors, presents a potent approach in the battle against cancer. Traditional therapies have primarily concentrated on single-target techniques, with a specific emphasis on targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor, but have not reached ideal therapeutic efficacy. In response to this issue, our study introduced a novel nanoparticle system known as CS-siRNA/PEITC&L-cRGD NPs. These chitosan-based nanoparticles have been recognized for their excellent biocompatibility and ability to deliver genes. To enhance their targeted delivery capability, they were combined with a cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD). Targeted co-delivery of gene and chemotherapeutic agents was achieved through the use of a negatively charged lipid shell and cRGD, which possesses high affinity for integrin αvβ3 overexpressed in tumor cells and neovasculature. In this multifaceted approach, co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was employed to target both tumor vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells simultaneously. The co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and PEITC could achieve precise silencing of VEGF, inhibit the accumulation of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. In summary, we have successfully developed a nanoparticle delivery platform that utilizes a dual mechanism of action of anti-tumor angiogenesis and pro-tumor apoptosis, which provides a robust and potent strategy for the delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Characterization,expression dynamics,and potential function of OPA1 for regulation of mitochondrial morphology during spermiogenesis in Phascolosoma esculenta

Mitochondria undergo morphological changes during spermatogenesis in some animals.The mechanism and role of mitochondrial morphology regulation,however,remain somewhat unclear.In this study,we analyzed the molecular characteristics,expression dynamics and subcellular localization of optic atrophy protein 1(OPA1),a mitochondrial fusion and cristae maintenance-related protein,to reveal the possible regulatory mechanisms underlying mitochondrial morphology in Phascolosoma esculenta spermiogenesis.The full-length cDNA of the P.esculenta opa1 gene(Pe-opa1)is 3743 bp in length and encodes 975 amino acids.The Pe-OPA1 protein is highly conservative and includes a transmembrane domain,a GTPase domain,two helical bundle domains,and a lipid-interacting stalk.Gene and protein expression was higher in the coelomic fluid(a site of spermatid development)of male P.esculenta and increased first and then decreased from March to December.Moreover,their expression during the breeding stage was significantly higher than during the non-breeding stage,suggesting that Pe-OPA1 is involved in P.esculenta reproduction.The Pe-OPA1 protein was more abundant in components consisting of many spermatids than in components without,indicating that Pe-OPA1 mainly plays a role in the spermatid in coelomic fluid.Moreover,Pe-OPA1 was mainly detected in the spermatid mitochondria.Immunofluorescence experiments showed that the Pe-OPA1 are constitutively expressed and co-localized with mitochondria during spermiogenesis,suggesting its involvement in P.esculenta spermiogenesis.These results provide evidence for Pe-OPA1's involvement in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology during spermiogenesis.

In situ direct reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons via polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 knockdown in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.e B-GFAP-sh PTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-sh PTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.

Multifaceted functions of Drp1 in hypoxia/ischemia- induced mitochondrial quality imbalance: from regulatory mechanism to targeted therapeutic strategy

Hypoxic-ischemic injury is a common pathological dysfunction in clinical settings.Mitochondria are sensitive organelles that are readily damaged following ischemia and hypoxia.Dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)regulates mitochondrial quality and cellular functions via its oligomeric changes and multiple modifications,which plays a role in mediating the induction of multiple organ damage during hypoxic-ischemic injury.However,there is active controversy and gaps in knowledge regarding the modification,protein interaction,and functions of Drp1,which both hinder and promote development of Drp1 as a novel therapeutic target.Here,we summarize recent findings on the oligomeric changes,modification types,and protein interactions of Drp1 in various hypoxic-ischemic diseases,as well as the Drp1-mediated regulation of mitochondrial quality and cell functions following ischemia and hypoxia.Additionally,potential clinical translation prospects for targeting Drp1 are discussed.This review provides new ideas and targets for proactive interventions on multiple organ damage induced by various hypoxic-ischemic diseases.

Liver as a new target organ in Alzheimer's disease:insight from cholesterol metabolism and its role in amyloid-beta clearance

Alzheimer's disease,the primary cause of dementia,is characterized by neuropathologies,such as amyloid plaques,synaptic and neuronal degeneration,and neurofibrillary tangles.Although amyloid plaques are the primary characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in the central nervous system and peripheral organs,targeting amyloid-beta clearance in the central nervous system has shown limited clinical efficacy in Alzheimer's disease treatment.Metabolic abnormalities are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease.The liver is the primary peripheral organ involved in amyloid-beta metabolism,playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.Notably,impaired cholesterol metabolism in the liver may exacerbate the development of Alzheimer's disease.In this review,we explore the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and elucidate the role of the liver in amyloid-beta clearance and cholesterol metabolism.Furthermore,we propose that restoring normal cholesterol metabolism in the liver could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing Alzheimer's disease.

乳腺增生症的中西医认识及分泌型卷曲相关蛋白1(SFRP1)对发病机制的作用

乳腺增生病是一种由乳腺导管上皮细胞、乳腺腺泡及纤维结缔组织增生所致的疾病,该病多发于中年女性,但近年来具有年轻化的趋势,青年女性发病率逐年升高,同时乳腺增生及乳腺癌的总体病患数亦逐年提高,并有一定的癌变风险,被视为癌前病变。同时该病病因病机尚未完全明确,目前现代医学对于病因病机的研究主要分为两方面,一方面是激素,另一方面为信号通路,且激素与信号通路间存在相互调控影响的过程,病机较为复杂。因此,进一步明确乳腺增生的病因病机对该病进行积极防治十分重要。该文简述了乳腺增生病的症状,总结乳腺增生的病因病机及中西医对该病的认识,并论述分泌型卷曲相关蛋白1(Recombinant Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 1,SFRP1)对乳腺增生病的影响,对此进行综述探讨。

Exosomes derived from microglia overexpressing miR-124-3p alleviate neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress damage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury

We previously reported that miR-124-3p is markedly upregulated in microglia-derived exosomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.However,its impact on neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury remains unclear.In this study,we first used an HT22 scratch injury model to mimic traumatic brain injury,then co-cultured the HT22 cells with BV2 microglia expressing high levels of miR-124-3p.We found that exosomes containing high levels of miR-124-3p attenuated apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,luciferase reporter assay analysis confirmed that miR-124-3p bound specifically to the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein IRE1α,while an IRE1αfunctional salvage experiment confirmed that miR-124-3p targeted IRE1αand reduced its expression,thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in injured neurons.Finally,we delivered microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p intranasally to a mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found that endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis levels in hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced.These findings suggest that,after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,miR-124-3 can be transferred from microglia-derived exosomes to injured neurons,where it exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.Therefore,microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.

Roles of the tumor microenvironment in the resistance to programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in patients with gastric cancer

Despite the continuous developments and advancements in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC),which is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in China,the overall survival is still poor for most patients with advanced GC.In recent years,with the progress in tumor immunology research,attention has shifted toward immunotherapy as a therapeutic approach for GC.Programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)inhibitors,as novel immunosuppressive medications,have been widely utilized in the treatment of GC.However,many patients are still resistant to PD-1 inhibitors and experience recurrence in the advanced stages of PD-1 immunotherapy.To reduce the occurrence of drug resistance and recurrence in GC patients receiving PD-1 immunotherapy,to maximize the clinical activity of immunosuppressive drugs,and to elicit a lasting immune response,it is essential to research the tumor microenvironment mechanisms leading to PD-1 inhibitor resistance in GC patients.This article reviews the progress in studying the factors influencing the resistance to PD-1 inhibitors in the GC tumor microenvironment,aiming to provide insights and a basis for reducing resistance to PD-1 inhibitors for GC patients in the future.

Polycytosine RNA-binding protein 1 regulates osteoblast function via a ferroptosis pathway in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis

BACKGROUND Recently,type 2 diabetic osteoporosis(T2DOP)has become a research hotspot for the complications of diabetes,but the specific mechanism of its occurrence and development remains unknown.Ferroptosis caused by iron overload is con-sidered an important cause of T2DOP.Polycytosine RNA-binding protein 1(PCBP1),an iron ion chaperone,is considered a protector of ferroptosis.AIM To investigate the existence of ferroptosis and specific role of PCBP1 in the development of type 2 diabetes.METHODS A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect changes in osteoblast viability under high glucose(HG)and/or ferroptosis inhibitors at different concentrations and times.Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the morpho-logical changes in the mitochondria of osteoblasts under HG,and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of PCBP1,ferritin,and the ferroptosis-related protein glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).A lentivirus silenced and overex-pressed PCBP1.Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of the osteoblast functional proteins osteoprotegerin(OPG)and osteocalcin(OCN),whereas flow cytometry was used to detect changes in reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in each group.RESULTS Under HG,the viability of osteoblasts was considerably decreased,the number of mitochondria undergoing atrophy was considerably increased,PCBP1 and ferritin expression levels were increased,and GPX4 expression was decreased.Western blotting results demonstrated that infection with lentivirus overexpressing PCBP1,increased the expression levels of ferritin,GPX4,OPG,and OCN,compared with the HG group.Flow cytometry results showed a reduction in ROS,and an opposite result was obtained after silencing PCBP1.CONCLUSION PCBP1 may protect osteoblasts and reduce the harm caused by ferroptosis by promoting ferritin expression under a HG environment.Moreover,PCBP1 may be a potential therapeutic target for T2DOP.

N6-methyladenosine methylation regulates the tumor microenvironment of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer

BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)primary infection,latency,and lytic reactivation.It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes.EBV-associated gastric cancer(EBVaGC)is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC.We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC.AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC.METHODS First,The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC(EBVnGC).Second,we identified Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes.We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment(TME).Finally,cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test,transwell test,and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1(IGFBP1)in EBVaGC cell lines.RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC.Compared with EBVnGC,the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein,RNA binding motif protein 15B,CBL proto-oncogene like 1,leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing,heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1,IGFBP1,and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC(P<0.05).The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher(P=0.046).GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC.Compared with EBVnGC,the infiltration of activated CD4+T cells,activated CD8+T cells,monocytes,activated dendritic cells,and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC(P<0.001).In EBVaGC,the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-17,IL-21,and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased(P<0.05).In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line(SNU719)than in an EBVnGC cell line(AGS)(P<0.05).IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719.Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS.CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC,which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a“hot”tumor.Among these regulators,we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation,migration,and apoptosis.

CircTIAM1 overexpression promotes the progression of papillary thyroid cancer by regulating the miR-338-3p/LASP1 axis

Background:Papillary thyroid cancer(PTC)is the most prevalent histological type of differentiated thyroid malignancy.Circular RNAs(circRNAs)have been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various cancers.circTIAM1(hsa_circ_0061406)is a novel circRNA with aberrant expression in PTC.However,its functional roles in PTC progression remain to be investigated.Methods:The expression levels of circTIAM1 in the PTC and the matched para-cancerous tissues were detected by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR(qRT-PCR).The subcellular localization of circTIAM1 was examined by fluorescence in-situ hybridization(FISH).Kaplan-Meier plot was used to analyze the association of clinicopathological features with circTIAM1 expression.Bioinformatics databases were utilized to predict the target miRNAs of circTIAM1 and the downstream target mRNAs.RNA pulldown,RIP assay,and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the interactions.Functional experiments,such as CCK-8,EDU staining,and apoptosis assays,as well as in vivo xenograft model were employed to explore the impacts of circTIAM1,miR-338-3p,and LIM/SH3 protein 1(LASP1)on the malignant phenotype of the PTC cells.Results:CircTIAM1 was highly expressed in PTC cells.Moreover,circTIAM1 silencing suppressed the proliferation and invasion of PTC cells in vitro and impaired tumorigenesis in vivo.Furthermore,miR-338-3p was verified as a miRNA target of circTIAM1.LASP1 was also identified as a downstream target of miR-338-3p.The anti-tumorigenic effect of miR-338-3p overexpression and the pro-tumorigenic effect of LASP1 was further explored by functional assays,which demonstrated that circTIAM1 modulated the PTC progression through targeting miR-338-3p/LASP1 axis.Conclusion:The overexpression of circTIAM1 is associated with the malignant progression of PTC.A high level of circTIAM1 promotes the malignancy of PTC cells via the miR-338-3p/LASP1 axis.

Camrelizumab,apatinib and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy combined with microwave ablation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and camrelizumab plus apatinib(TRIPLET protocol)is promising for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(Ad-HCC).However,the usefulness of microwave ablation(MWA)after TRIPLET is still controversial.AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of TRIPLET alone(T-A)vs TRIPLET-MWA(TM)for Ad-HCC.METHODS From January 2018 to March 2022,217 Ad-HCC patients were retrospectively enrolled.Among them,122 were included in the T-A group,and 95 were included in the T-M group.A propensity score matching(PSM)was applied to balance bias.Overall survival(OS)was compared using the Kaplan-Meier curve with the log-rank test.The overall objective response rate(ORR)and major complications were also assessed.RESULTS After PSM,82 patients were included both the T-A group and the T-M group.The ORR(85.4%)in the T-M group was significantly higher than that(65.9%)in the T-A group(P<0.001).The cumulative 1-,2-,and 3-year OS rates were 98.7%,93.4%,and 82.0%in the T-M group and 85.1%,63.1%,and 55.0%in the T-A group(hazard ratio=0.22;95%confidence interval:0.10-0.49;P<0.001).The incidence of major complications was 4.9%(6/122)in the T-A group and 5.3%(5/95)in the T-M group,which were not significantly different(P=1.000).CONCLUSION T-M can provide better survival outcomes and comparable safety for Ad-HCC than T-A.

MicroRNA-298 determines the radio-resistance of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy stands as a promising therapeutic modality for colorectal cancer(CRC);yet,the formidable challenge posed by radio-resistance significantly undermines its efficacy in achieving CRC remission.AIM To elucidate the role played by microRNA-298(miR-298)in CRC radio-resistance.METHODS To establish a radio-resistant CRC cell line,HT-29 cells underwent exposure to 5 gray ionizing radiation that was followed by a 7-d recovery period.The quantification of miR-298 levels within CRC cells was conducted through quantitative RT-PCR,and protein expression determination was realized through Western blotting.Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and proliferation by clonogenic assay.Radio-induced apoptosis was discerned through flow cytometry analysis.RESULTS We observed a marked upregulation of miR-298 in radio-resistant CRC cells.MiR-298 emerged as a key determinant of cell survival following radiation exposure,as its overexpression led to a notable reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis.Intriguingly,miR-298 expression exhibited a strong correlation with CRC cell viability.Further investigation unveiled human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A(DYRK1A)as miR-298’s direct target.CONCLUSION Taken together,our findings underline the role played by miR-298 in bolstering radio-resistance in CRC cells by means of DYRK1A downregulation,thereby positioning miR-298 as a promising candidate for mitigating radioresistance in CRC.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of a child with Sotos syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:A case report

BACKGROUND Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder,whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a neurodevelopmental condition.This report aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic features of a pediatric case of Soros syndrome and ADHD in a child exhibiting precocious puberty.CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with accelerated growth and advanced skeletal maturation;however,she lacked any distinct facial characteristics related to specific genetic disorders.Genetic analyses revealed a paternally inherited heterozygous synonymous mutation[c.4605C>T(p.Arg1535Arg)].Functional analyses suggested that this mutation may disrupt splicing,and bioinformatics analyses predicted that this mutation was likely pathogenic.After an initial diagnosis of Sotos syndrome,the patient was diagnosed with ADHD during the follow-up period at the age of 8 years and 7 months.CONCLUSION The potential for comorbid ADHD in Sotos syndrome patients should be considered to avoid the risk of a missed diagnosis.