Gga-miRNA-181-5p family facilitates chicken myogenesis via targeting TGFBR1 to block TGF-βsignaling

MicroRNAs(miRNAs)have been demonstrated to control chicken skeletal muscle growth,however,the potential function of the miR-181-5p family in chicken myogenesis remains largely unknown.Here,our study identified the two chicken(Gallus gallus;Gga)miR-181-5p family members widely expressed in various tissues,specifically miR-181a-5p and miR-181b-5p.Besides,the breast muscles of fast-growing broilers expressed higher levels of miR-181a-5p and miR-181b-5p than those of slow-growing layers.Functionally,miR-181a-5p and miR-181b-5p both promote the expression level of myogenic factors including myogenin(MyoG),myogenic differentiation 1(MyoD1),and myosin heavy chain(MyHC),meanwhile accelerating the myotube formation of skeletal muscle satellite cells(SMSCs).Mechanistically,miR-181a-5p and miR-181b-5p directly bind to the 3′untranslated region(UTR)of the transforming growth factor beta receptor 1(TGFBR1)mRNA,further reducing the expression of TGFBR1.TGFBR1 is a key Transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β)signaling transduction receptor and had a negative function in muscle cell differentiation.Furthermore,knockdown of TGFBR1 facilitated the expression of chicken myogenic factors,boosted myotube formation,and decreased the SMAD family member 2/3(SMAD2/3)phosphorylation in chicken SMSCs.SMAD2/3 are downstream of TGF-βsignaling,and miR-181a-5p and miR-181b-5p could reduce the expression of TGFBR1 to further diminish the SMAD2/3 phosphorylation.Our findings revealed that the miR-181-5p family targets TGFBR1 to break the TGF-βsignaling transduction,which resulted in promoting chicken skeletal muscle development.

BER Performance of FSO Communication System with Differential Signaling over Correlated Atmospheric Turbulence Fading

Free space optical(FSO) communication system with differential signaling possesses the advantage of requiring no channel state information and avoiding computational load or link throughput reduction compared to the systems with conventional receivers. In this work, we investigate bit error rate(BER) performance of this system over partially and fully correlated atmospheric turbulence fading. In order to conduct the above analysis, we obtain a probability density functions(PDF) of the channel fading on the differential signals and derive our instantaneous BER using differential signaling scheme. Based on these results, we develop two closed-form mathematical expressions for the average BER under fully correlated and partially correlated fading in the convergent infinite series confirmed by Cauchy’s ratio test. The accuracy of the derived BER expressions is demonstrated by the Monte Carlo simulations, and the analyses for the effects of the system parameters on the BER performance are provided.

Differential involvement of Wnt signaling in Bmp regulation of cancellous versus periosteal bone growth

Bone morphogenetic proteins （Bmp） are well-known to induce bone formation following chondrogenesis, but the direct role of Bmp signaling in the osteoblast lineage is not completely understood. We have recently shown that deletion of the receptor Bmprla in the osteoblast lineage with Dmpl-Cre reduces osteoblast activity in general but stimulates proliferation of preosteoblasts specifically in the cancellous bone region, resulting in diminished periosteal bone growth juxtaposed with excessive cancellous bone formation. Because expression of sclerostin （SOST）, a secreted Wnt antagonist, is notably reduced in the Bmprla- deficient osteocytes, we have genetically tested the hypothesis that increased Wnt signaling might mediate the increase in cancellous bone formation in response to Bmprla deletion. Forced expression of human SOST from a Dmpl promoter fragment partially rescues preosteoblast hyperproliferation and cancellous bone overgrowth in the Bmprla mutant mice, demonstrating functional interaction between Bmp and Wnt signaling in the cancellous bone compat^a-tent. To test whether increased Wnt signaling can compensate for the defect in periosteal growth caused by Bmprla deletion, we have generated compound mutants harboring a hyperactive mutation （A214V） in the Wnt receptor Lrp5. However, the mutant Lrp5 does not restore periosteal bone growth in the Bmprla-deficient mice. Thus, Bmp signaling restricts cancellous bone accrual partly through induction of SOST that limits preosteoblast proliferation, but promotes periosteal bone growth apparently independently of Wnt activation.

Neural differentiation from embryonic stem cells in vitro : An overview of the signaling pathways

Neurons derived from embryonic stem cells(ESCs) have gained great merit in both basic research and regenerative medicine. Here we review and summarize the signaling pathways that have been reported to be involved in the neuronal differentiation of ESCs,particularly those associated with in vitro differentiation. The inducers and pathways explored include retinoic acid, Wnt/b-catenin, transforming growth factor/bone morphogenetic protein, Notch, fibroblast growth factor, cytokine, Hedgehog, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase and others. Some other miscellaneous molecular factors that have been reported in the literature are also summarized and discussed. These include calcium, calcium receptor, calcineurin, estrogen receptor, Hox protein, ceramide, glycosaminioglycan, ginsenoside Rg1, opioids, two pore channel 2, nitric oxide, chemically defined medium, cellcell interactions, and physical stimuli. The interaction or crosstalk between these signaling pathways and factors will be explored. Elucidating these signals in detail should make a significant contribution to future progress in stem cell biology and allow, for example, better comparisons to be made between differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Of equal importance, a comprehensive understanding of the pathways that are involved in the development of neurons from ESCs in vitro will also accelerate their application as part of translational medicine.

YAP promotes osteogenesis and suppresses adipogenic differentiation by regulatingβ-catenin signaling

YAP（yes-associated protein） is a transcriptional factor that is negatively regulated by Hippo pathway, a conserved pathway for the development and size control of multiple organs. The exact function of YAP in bone homeostasis remains controversial. Here we provide evidence for YAP＇s function in promoting osteogenesis, suppressing adipogenesis, and thus maintaining bone homeostasis.YAP is selectively expressed in osteoblast（OB）-lineage cells. Conditionally knocking out Yap in the OB lineage in mice reduces cell proliferation and OB differentiation and increases adipocyte formation, resulting in a trabecular bone loss. Mechanistically, YAP interacts with β-catenin and is necessary for maintenance of nuclear β-catenin level and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Expression of β-catenin in YAP-deficient BMSCs（bone marrow stromal cells） diminishes the osteogenesis deficit. These results thus identify YAP-β-catenin as an important pathway for osteogenesis during adult bone remodeling and uncover a mechanism underlying YAP regulation of bone homeostasis.

Pterygium epithelium abnormal differentiation related to activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway in vitro

AIMTo investigate whether the abnormal differentiation of the pterygium epithelium is related to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in vitro.METHODSThe expression levels of phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK), keratin family members including K19 and K10 and the ocular master control gene Pax-6 were measured in 16 surgically excised pterygium tissues and 12 eye bank conjunctiva. In colony-forming cell assays, the differences in clone morphology and in K10, K19, P-ERK and Pax-6 expression between the head and body were investigated. When cocultured with the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059, the changes in clone morphology, colony-forming efficiency, differentiated marker K10, K19 and Pax-6 expression and P-ERK protein expression level were examined by immunoreactivity and Western blot analysis.RESULTSThe expression of K19 and Pax-6 decreased in the pterygium, especially in the head. No staining of K10 was found in the normal conjunctiva epithelium, but it was found to be expressed in the superficial cells in the head of the pterygium. Characteristic upregulation of P-ERK was observed by immunohistochemistry. The clone from the head with more differentiated cells in the center expressed more K10, and the clone from the body expressed more K19. The P-ERK protein level increased in the pterygium epithelium compared with conjunctiva and decreased when cocultured with PD98059. The same medium with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 was more effective in promoting clonal growth than conventional medium with 3T3 murine feeder layers. It was observed that the epithelium clone co-cultured with the inhibitor had decreased K10 expression and increased K19 and Pax-6 expression.CONCLUSIONWe suggest ERK signaling pathway activation might play a role in the pterygium epithelium abnormal differentiation.

How mesenchymal stem cells transform into adipocytes:Overview of the current understanding of adipogenic differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are stem/progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into osteoblasts,chondrocytes and adipocytes.The transformation of multipotent MSCs to adipocytes mainly involves two subsequent steps from MSCs to preadipocytes and further preadipocytes into adipocytes,in which the process MSCs are precisely controlled to commit to the adipogenic lineage and then mature into adipocytes.Previous studies have shown that the master transcription factors C/enhancer-binding protein alpha and peroxisome proliferation activator receptor gamma play vital roles in adipogenesis.However,the mechanism underlying the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs is not fully understood.Here,the current knowledge of adipogenic differentiation in MSCs is reviewed,focusing on signaling pathways,noncoding RNAs and epigenetic effects on DNA methylation and acetylation during MSC differentiation.Finally,the relationship between maladipogenic differentiation and diseases is briefly discussed.We hope that this review can broaden and deepen our understanding of how MSCs turn into adipocytes.

RANKL-RANK signaling regulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation

In the recent two decades, it has been well elucidated that receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （RANKL; also known as TNFSF11） binding to its receptor RANK （also known as TNFRSF11A） drives osteoclast development as the crucial signaling pathway.;However, accumulating evidence also implies that

Signaling involved in stem cell reprogramming and differentiation

Stem cell differentiation is regulated by multiple signaling events. Recent technical advances have reve-aled that differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into stem cells. The signals involved in stem cell pro-gramming are of major interest in stem cell research. The signaling mechanisms involved in regulating stem cell reprogramming and differentiation are the subject of intense study in the field of life sciences. In this review,the molecular interactions and signaling pathways related to stem cell differentiation are discussed.

Purinergic signaling systems across comparative models of spinal cord injury

Within the last several decades,the scientific community has made substantial progress in elucidating the complex pathophysiology underlying spinal cord injury.However,despite the many advances using conventional mammalian models,both cellular and axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury have remained out of reach.In this sense,turning to non-mammalian,regenerative species presents a unique opportunity to identify pro-regenerative cues and characterize a spinal cord microenvironment permissive to re-growth.Among the signaling pathways hypothesized to be dysregulated during spinal cord injury is the purinergic signaling system.In addition to its well-known role as energy currency in cells,ATP and its metabolites are small molecule neurotransmitters that mediate many diverse cellular processes within the central nervous system.While our understanding of the roles of the purinergic system following spinal cord injury is limited,this signaling pathway has been implicated in all injury-induced secondary processes,including cellular death,inflammation,reactive gliosis,and neural regeneration.Given that the purinergic system is also evolutionarily conserved between mammalian and non-mammalian species,comparisons of these roles may provide important insights into conditions responsible for recovery success.Here,we compare the secondary processes between key model species and the influence of purinergic signaling in each context.As our understanding of this signaling system and pro-regenerative conditions continues to evolve,so does the potential for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for spinal cord injury.

HBP1 inhibits chicken preadipocyte differentiation by activating the STAT3 signaling via directly enhancing JAK2 expression

Obesity presents a serious threat to human health and broiler performance.The expansion of adipose tissue is mainly regulated by the differentiation of preadipocytes.The differentiation of preadipocytes is a complex biological process regulated by a variety of transcription factors and signaling pathways.Previous studies have shown that the transcription factor HMG-box protein 1(HBP1)can regulate the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.However,it is unclear whether HBP1 involved in chicken preadipocyte differentiation and which signaling pathways it regulates.The aim of the current study was to explore the biological function and molecular regulatory mechanism of HBP1 in the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes.The expression patterns of chicken HBP1 in abdominal adipose tissue and during preadipocyte differentiation were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.The preadipocyte stably overexpressing HBP1 or knockout HBP1 and their control cell line were used to analyze the effect of HBP1 on preadipocyte differentiation by oil red O staining,RT-qPCR and Western blot.Cignal 45-Pathway Reporter Array was used to screen the signal pathways that HBP1 regulates in the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes.Chemical inhibitor and siRNA for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)were used to analyze the effect of STAT3 on preadipocyte differentiation.The preadipocyte stably overexpressing HBP1 was transfected by the siRNA of STAT3 or treated with a chemical inhibitor of STAT3 for the rescue experiment.The results of gene expression analysis showed that the expression of HBP1 was related to abdominal fat deposition and preadipocyte differentiation in chickens.The results of function gain and loss experiments indicated that overexpression/knockout of HBP1 in chicken preadipocytes could inhibit/promote(P<0.05)lipid droplet deposition and the expression of adipogenesis-related genes.Mechanismlly,HBP1 activates(P<0.05)the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway by targeting janus kinase 2(JAK2)transcription.The results of functional rescue experiments indicated that STAT3 signaling mediated the regulation of HBP1 on chicken preadipocyte differentiation.In conclusion,HBP1 inhibits chicken preadipocyte differentiation by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway via directly enhancing JAK2 expression.Our findings provided new insights for further analysis of the molecular genetic basis of chicken adipose tissue growth and development.

Parameter Estimation of Multi-component Chirp Signal Based on Differential Evolution

Chirp signals show energy aggregation in the fractional Fourier domain(FrFD) w hich can be used to estimate the parameter of the signals. In this paper,a parameter estimation method for multi-component chirp signal w hich corrupted by w hite Gaussian noise is proposed based on the discrete fractional Fourier transform(DFrFT) and the differential evolution( DE) algorithm. The proposed algorithm uses the DE algorithm instead of the conventional fine search algorithm to detect the peak of the signals in the FrFD. The paper simulated the influence of the noise and the resolution of the proposed algorithm. The results of the simulation show the proposed method does not only improve the estimation accuracy of the peak coordinate,but also reduces time consuming.

Multiple factors to assist human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to efficiently differentiate into midbrain dopaminergic neurons

Midbrain dopaminergic neurons play an important role in the etiology of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.They also represent a potential source of transplanted cells for therapeutic applications.In vitro differentiation of functional midbrain dopaminergic neurons provides an accessible platform to study midbrain neuronal dysfunction and can be used to examine obstacles to dopaminergic neuronal development.Emerging evidence and impressive advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells,with tuned neural induction and differentiation protocols,makes the production of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons feasible.Using SB431542 and dorsomorphin dual inhibitor in an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural induction protocol,we obtained multiple subtypes of neurons,including 20%tyrosine hydroxylase-positive dopaminergic neurons.To obtain more dopaminergic neurons,we next added sonic hedgehog(SHH)and fibroblast growth factor 8(FGF8)on day 8 of induction.This increased the proportion of dopaminergic neurons,up to 75%tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons,with 15%tyrosine hydroxylase and forkhead box protein A2(FOXA2)co-expressing neurons.We further optimized the induction protocol by applying the small molecule inhibitor,CHIR99021(CHIR).This helped facilitate the generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons,and we obtained 31-74%midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 staining.Thus,we have established three induction protocols for dopaminergic neurons.Based on tyrosine hydroxylase and FOXA2 immunostaining analysis,the CHIR,SHH,and FGF8 combined protocol produces a much higher proportion of midbrain dopaminergic neurons,which could be an ideal resource for tackling midbrain-related diseases.

Inhibition of self-renewal and differentiation of HT-29 cells-derived cancer stem-like cells by scutellarin via Hedgehog signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect of scutellarin on the self-renewal and differentiation of HT-29 cells-derived cancer stem-like cells(HT-29CSC)in vitro and in vivo,and to explore its mechanism.METHODS The effect of scutellarin on the growth of HT-29CSC was determined by 3D Culture assay.The effect of scutellarin on growth and transformation of HT-29CSC was probed by soft agar colony formation assay.The effect of scutellarin on the differentiation of HT-29CSC was determined by serum induction differentiation assay in vitro.The effects of scutellarin on the expressions of marker gene Lgr5,target gene c-Myc,proliferation gene CK20 and Nanog gene were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.Investigate the effect of scutellarin on the expression of c-Myc,Gli1,and Lgr5 protein by Western blotting.A subcutaneous xenograft model of colon cancer in nude mice was established and administered by intraperitoneal injection.The change of body weight and tumor size of nude mice were observed every two days.Investi⁃gate the effects of scutellarin on the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice.The expression of CD133,Lgr5,Gli1,Ptch1,c-Myc,Ki67,CK20,Nanog gene in tumors were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.The expression of c-Myc,Gli1,Lgr5,CD133,Ki67 protein were measured by Western blotting.RESULTS Scutellarin can inhibit the growth of HT-29CSC in 3D culture.Compared with the solvent control group,scutellarin can significantly inhibit the growth and transformation and differentiation of HT-29CSC in vitro(P<0.01).The expression levels of marker genes Lgr5,target gene c-Myc,proliferation gene CK20 and Nanog in HT-29CSC were down-regulated by scutellarin.Scutellarin can reduce the expression of c-Myc,Gli1,and Lgr5 protein in HT-29CSC.Scutellarin can inhibit the growth of colon cancer xenografts,lower CD133,Lgr5,Gli1,Ptch1,c-Myc,Ki67,CK20,and Nanog mRNA level of xenograft tumors,reduce the expression of c-Myc,Gli1,Lgr5,CD133,and Ki67 protein of xenograft tumors in nude mice.CONCLUSION Scutellarin,which is the main component of scutellaria barbata,can inhibit the differentiation of HT-29CSC and the mechanism is to inhibit the activity of Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Broad-Band All-Optical Wavelength Conversion of Differential Phase-Shift Keyed Signal Using an SOA-Based Nonlinear Polarization Switch

Broad-band all-optical wavelength conversion of differential phase-shift keyed （DPSK） signal is experimentally demonstrated. This scheme is composed of a one-bit delay interferometer demodulation stage followed by a semiconductor optical amplifier （SOA） based nonlinear polarization switch. A wavelength converter for the 10 G b/s DPSK signal is presented, which has a wide wavelength range of more than 30 nm. The converted signals experience small power penalties less than 1.4 dB compared with the original signal, at a bit error rate of 10-9. Additionally, the optical spectra, the measured waveforms and the open eye diagrams of the converted signals show a high quality wavelength conversion performance.

SIGNAL CONSTELLATIONS DESIGN FOR DIFFERENTIAL UNITARY SPACE-TIME IN MIMO-OFDM SYSTEM OVER FREQUENCY-SELECTIVE FADING CHANNELS

In this paper, the design of signal constellations parameters is studied for Differential Unitary Space-Time Modulation (DUSTM) based on the design criterion of maximizing the diversity product. Further, noninteger searching method for the signal constellation parameters design is proposed in order to get better codes. Experimental results show that under the different Doppler spread and data transmission rate, the proposed design performs better than the previous design using integer parameters in Multiple Input Multiple Output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) system over frequency-selective fading channels.

Effect of low-level laser irradiation(LLLI)combined with ferulic acid on the osteoblast differentiation and maturation as well as osteogenesis signaling pathway expression

Objective: To study the effect of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) combined with ferulic acid on the osteoblast differentiation and maturation as well as osteogenesis signaling pathway expression. Methods: The cranium was collected from the SD rats born within 24 h, osteoblasts were separated, cultured and then divided into control group, ferulic acid group, LLLI group, ferulic acid + LLLI group, and the expression osteoblast differentiation markers, proliferation molecules and signaling pathway molecules were detected after continuous treatment with different conditions for three days. Results: 3 d after treatment, the Bax and Bid mRNA expression in ferulic acid group, LLLI group and ferulic acid + LLLI group of cells were significantly lower than those in control group while Bcl-2, CyclinD1, E2F, Col-I, OC and ALP mRNA expression as well as Wnt, β-catenin, Runx2, cAMP and PKA protein expression were significantly higher than those in control group;Bax and Bid mRNA expression in ferulic acid + LLLI group of cells were significantly lower than those in ferulic acid group and LLLI group while Bcl-2, CyclinD1, E2F, Col-I, OC and ALP mRNA expression as well as Wnt, β-catenin, Runx2, cAMP and PKA protein expression were significantly higher than those in ferulic acid group and LLLI group;Col-I, OC, ALP, Bax, Bid, Bcl-2, CyclinD1 and E2F mRNA expression as well as Wnt, β-catenin, Runx2, cAMP and PKA protein expression were not significantly different between ferulic acid group and LLLI group. Conclusion: Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) combined with ferulic acid can promote osteoblast differentiation and maturation and activate osteogenesis signaling pathway.

Activation and signaling of the p38 MAP kinase pathway

The family members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases mediate a wide variety of cellular behaviors in response to extracellular stimuli. One of the four main sub-groups, the p38 group of MAP kinases, serve as a nexus for signal transduction and play a vital role in numerous biological processes. In this review, we highlight the known characteristics and components of the p38 pathway along with the mechanism and consequences of p38 activation. We focus on the role of p38 as a signal transduction mediator and examine the evidence linking p38 to inflammation, cell cycle, cell death, development, cell differentiation, senescence and tumorigenesis in specific cell types. Upstream and downstream components of p38 are described and questions remaining to be answered are posed. Finally, we propose several directions for future research on p38.

Ginsenoside Rd Induces Differentiation of Myeloid Leukemia Cells via Regulating ERK/GSK-3βSignaling Pathway

Objective To investigate the role of ginsenoside Rd(GRd)in acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cell differentiation.Methods AML cells were treated with GRd(25,50,100 and 200µg/mL),retinoic acid(RA,0.1g/L)and PD98059(20 mg/mL)for 72 h,cell survival was detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide and colony formation assays,and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry.Cell morphology and differentiation were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining,peroxidase chemical staining and cellular immunochemistry assay,respectively.The protein expression levels of GATA binding protein 1(GATA-1),purine rich Box-1(PU.1),phosphorylated-extracellular signal-related kinase(p-ERK),ERK,phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase-3β(p-GSK3β),GSK3βand signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)were detected by Western blot.Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into 3 groups using a random number table:model control group(non-treated),GRd group[treated with 200 mg/(kg·d)GRd]and homoharringtonine(HTT)group[treated with 1 mg/(kg·d)HTT].A tumor-bearing nude mouse model was established,and tumor weight and volume were recorded.Changes of subcutaneous tumor tissue were observed after hematoxylin and eosin staining.WT1 and GATA-1 expressions were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Results The cell survival was inhibited by GRd in a dose-dependent manner and GRd caused G0/G1 cell arrest(p<0.05).GRd treatment induced leukemia cell differentiation,showing increased expressions of peroxidase and specific proteins concerning erythrogenic or granulocytic differentiation(p<0.05).GRd treatment elicited upregulation of p-ERK,p-GSK-3βand STAT1 expressions in cells,and reversed the effects of PD98059 on inhibiting the expressions of peroxidase,GATA-1 and PU.1(P<0.05).After GRd treatment,tumor weight and volume of mice were decreased,and tumor cells underwent massive apoptosis and necrosis(P<0.05).WT1 level was decreased,and GATA-1 level was significantly increased in subcutaneous tumor tissues(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion GRd might induce the differentiation of AML cells via regulating the ERK/GSK-3βsignaling pathway.