Expression rates of p16,p53 in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma based on human-papillomavirus positivity

BACKGROUND The high prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)infection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)is well established,and p16 expression is a strong predictor.HPV-related tumors exhibit unique mechanisms that target p16 and p53 proteins.However,research on HPV prevalence and the combined predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous SCC(HNCSCC),particularly in Asian populations,remains limited.This retrospective study surveyed 62 patients with HNSCC(2011-2020),excluding those with facial warts or other skin cancer.AIM To explore the prevalence of HPV and the predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in HNCSCC in Asian populations.METHODS All patients underwent wide excision and biopsy.Immunohistochemical staining for HPV,p16,and p53 yielded positive and negative results.The relevance of each marker was investigated by categorizing the tumor locations into high-risk and middle-risk zones based on recurrence frequency.RESULTS Of the 62 patients,20(32.26%)were male,with an average age of 82.27 years(range 26-103 years).High-risk included 19 cases(30.65%),with the eyelid and lip being the most common sites(five cases,8.06%).Middle-risk included 43 cases(69.35%),with the cheek being the most common(29 cases,46.77%).The p16 expression was detected in 24 patients(38.71%),p53 expression in 42 patients(72.58%),and HPV in five patients(8.06%).No significant association was found between p16 expression and the presence of HPV(P>0.99),with a positive predictive value of 8.33%.CONCLUSION This study revealed that p16,a surrogate HPV marker in oropharyngeal SCC,is not reliable in HNCSCC,providing valuable insights for further research in Asian populations.

Correlations of the expression of Cx43,SCF^(FBXW7),p-cyclin E1(Ser73),p-cyclin E1(Thr77)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)in colon cancer tissues

BACKGROUND Previous cellular studies have demonstrated that elevated expression of Cx43 promotes the degradation of cyclin E1 and inhibits cell proliferation through ubiquitination.Conversely,reduced expression results in a loss of this capacity to facilitate cyclin E degradation.The ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin E1 may be associated with phosphorylation at specific sites on the protein,with Cx43 potentially enhancing this process by facilitating the phosphorylation of these critical residues.AIM To investigate the correlation between expression of Cx43,SKP1/Cullin1/F-box(SCF)FBXW7,p-cyclin E1(ser73,thr77,thr395)and clinicopathological indexes in colon cancer.METHODS Expression levels of Cx43,SCF^(FBXW7),p-cyclin E1(ser73,thr77,thr395)in 38 clinical colon cancer samples were detected by immunohistochemistry and were analyzed by statistical methods to discuss their correlations.RESULTS Positive rate of Cx43,SCF^(FBXW7),p-cyclin E1(Ser73),p-cyclin E1(Thr77)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)in detected samples were 76.32%,76.32%,65.79%,5.26%and 55.26%respectively.Positive expressions of these proteins were not related to the tissue type,degree of tissue differentiation or lymph node metastasis.Cx43 and SCF^(FBXW7)(r=0.749),p-cyclin E1(Ser73)(r=0.667)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)(r=0.457),SCF^(FBXW7) and p-cyclin E1(Ser73)(r=0.703)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)(0.415)were correlated in colon cancer(P<0.05),and expressions of the above proteins were positively correlated in colon cancer.CONCLUSION Cx43 may facilitate the phosphorylation of cyclin E1 at the Ser73 and Thr195 sites through its interaction with SCF^(FBXW7),thereby influencing the ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin E1.

P2Y1 receptor in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent form of dementia characterized by the deposition of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau.Targeting amyloid-beta plaques has been a primary direction for developing Alzheimer’s disease treatments in the last decades.However,existing drugs targeting amyloid-beta plaques have not fully yielded the expected results in the clinic,necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.Increasing evidence unravels that astrocyte morphology and function alter in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease patients,with dysregulated astrocytic purinergic receptors,particularly the P2Y1 receptor,all of which constitute the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.These receptors are not only crucial for maintaining normal astrocyte function but are also highly implicated in neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease.This review delves into recent insights into the association between P2Y1 receptor and Alzheimer’s disease to underscore the potential neuroprotective role of P2Y1 receptor in Alzheimer’s disease by mitigating neuroinflammation,thus offering promising avenues for developing drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and potentially contributing to the development of more effective treatments.

Comparative analysis of empirical and deep learning models for ionospheric sporadic E layer prediction

Sporadic E(Es)layers in the ionosphere are characterized by intense plasma irregularities in the E region at altitudes of 90-130 km.Because they can significantly influence radio communications and navigation systems,accurate forecasting of Es layers is crucial for ensuring the precision and dependability of navigation satellite systems.In this study,we present Es predictions made by an empirical model and by a deep learning model,and analyze their differences comprehensively by comparing the model predictions to satellite RO measurements and ground-based ionosonde observations.The deep learning model exhibited significantly better performance,as indicated by its high coefficient of correlation(r=0.87)with RO observations and predictions,than did the empirical model(r=0.53).This study highlights the importance of integrating artificial intelligence technology into ionosphere modelling generally,and into predicting Es layer occurrences and characteristics,in particular.

Hsa-miR-214-3p inhibits breast cancer cell growth and improves the tumor immune microenvironment by downregulating B7H3

Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors play an important role in the treatment of solid tumors,but the currently used immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death-1(PD-1),programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1),and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4(CTLA-4)show limited clinical efficacy in many breast cancers.B7H3 has been widely reported as an immunosuppressive molecule,but its immunological function in breast cancer patients remains unclear.Methods:We analyzed the expression of B7H3 in breast cancer samples using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program(TCGA)and the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)databases.MicroRNAs were selected using the TarBase,miRTarBase,and miRBase databases.The regulatory role of the microRNA hsa-miR-214-3p on B7H3 was investigated through dual-luciferase reporter assays,which identified the specific action sites of interaction.The expression levels of B7H3 and hsa-miR-214-3p in human breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were quantified using Western blotting and quantitative PCR(qPCR).In vitro experiments were performed to observe the effects of modulating the expression of B7H3 or hsa-miR-214-3p on breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.Additionally,the regulatory impact of hsa-miR-214-3p on B7H3 was examined.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA)and flow cytometry were employed to assess the effects of co-cultured breast cancer cells and normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)on immune cells and associated cytokines.Results:In breast cancer tissues,the expression level of B7H3 is inversely correlated with that of hsa-miR-214-3p,as well as with the regulatory effects on breast cancercell behavior.Hsa-miR-214-3p was found to inhibit breast cancer cell growth by downregulating B7H3.Importantly,our research identified,for the first time,two binding sites for hsa-miR-214-3p on the 3’UTR of B7H3,both of which exert similar effects independently.Co-culture experiments revealed that hsamiR-214-3p obstructs the suppressive function of B7H3 on CD8^(+)T cells and natural killer cells.Conclusions:This study confirms the existence of two hsa-miR-214-3p binding sites on the 3’UTR of B7H3,reinforcing the role of hsamiR-214-3p as a regulatory factor for B7H3.In breast cancer,hsa-miR-214-3p reduces tumor cell proliferation and enhances the tumor immune microenvironment by downregulating B7H3.These findings suggest new potential targets for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.

Clinical,laboratory,and therapeutic differences between immunoglobulin E-mediated and non-immunoglobulin E-mediated cow’s milk protein allergy in children

BACKGROUND Although breast milk is ideal for newborns,in some cases,it is replaced with cow’s milk,which contains proteins that increase the risk of cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA).AIM To evaluate CMPA prevalence in Bahrain and compare clinical characteristics of children with immunoglobulin E(IgE)-and non-IgE-mediated CMPA.METHODS This retrospective cohort study examined children with CMPA diagnosed at the pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic of the Salmaniya Medical Complex,Bahrain,between 2014 and 2022,and assessed CMPA prevalence.Clinical presentations,laboratory findings,dietary modifications,and outcomes were compared between children with IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated CMPA.Categorical variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test or Pearson’sχ2 test,whereas continuous variables were compared using Student’s t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS Of 8332 patients,6022(72.3%)adhered to their appointment.Of them,618(10.3%)were suggested of having CMPA and 595(96.3%)were included;CMPA prevalence was 2%.Most patients were Bahraini(93.8%)and males(55.3%).Non-IgE-mediated type accounted for 77.3%cases and IgE-mediated type,22.7%.IgE-mediated CMPA presented more in boys(P=0.030),and later in life(5.1 months±4.5 months vs 4.2 months±4.2 months,P=0.016,95%CI:0.08-1.73),had more associated diseases(P<0.001);and presented with more cutaneous(P=0.024)and respiratory(P=0.003)manifestations,severe symptoms[rash/dry skin(P=0.031),facial swelling/angioedema(P=0.003),failure to thrive(P=0.013),apparent life-threatening event(P<0.001)],and positive physical findings(P=0.002)than non-IgE-mediated CMPA.Most patients were exclusively fed cow milk formula(50.3%).The amino acid-based formula(AAF)was most prescribed(60.5%)with no difference between the two types(P=0.173).Although breastfeeding was recommended to 49.6%,only 8.2%were exclusively breastfed.IgE-mediated CMPA was associated with a longer follow-up duration than non-IgE-mediated CMPA(17.3 months±14.0 months vs 13.5 months±13.4 months,P=0.005,95%CI:1.1-6.3).CONCLUSION This study revealed a high CMPA prevalence with clinical differences between both types that can influence treatment.AAF was most prescribed,while breastfeeding with dietary modification is rarely applied.

lncRNA SNHG4 enhanced gastric cancer progression by modulating miR-409-3p/CREB1 axis

Objective:Gastric cancer(GC)is a globally common cancer characterized by high incidence and mortality worldwide.Advances in the molecular understanding of GC provide promising targets for GC diagnosis and therapy.Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)and their downstream regulators are regarded to be implicated in the progression of multiple types of malignancies.Studies have shown that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4(SNHG4)serves as a tumor promoter in various malignancies,while its function in GC has yet to be characterized.Therefore,our study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SNHG4 in GC.Methods:We used qRT-PCR to analyze SNHG4 expression in GC tissues and cells.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the correlation between SNHG4 expression and the survival rate of GC patients.Cellular function experiments such as CCK-8,BrdU,colony formation,flow cytometry analysis,and transwell were performed to explore the effects of SNHG4 on GC cell proliferation,apoptosis,cell cycle,migration,and invasion.We also established xenograft mouse models to explore the effect of SNHG4 on GC tumor growth.Mechanically,dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between SNHG4 and miR-409-3p and between miR-409-3p and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1(CREB1).Results:The results indicated that SNHG4 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines,and was linked with poor survival rate of GC patients.SNHG4 promoted GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion while inhibiting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro.The in vivo experiment indicated that SNHG4 facilitated GC tumor growth.Furthermore,SNHG4 was demonstrated to bind to miR-409-3p.Moreover,CREB1 was directly targeted by miR-409-3p.Rescue assays demonstrated that miR-409-3p deficiency reversed the suppressive impact of SNHG4 knockdown on GC cell malignancy.Additionally,miR-409-3p was also revealed to inhibit GC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by targeting CREB1.Conclusion:In conclusion,we verified that the SNHG4 promoted GC growth and metastasis by binding to miR-409-3p to upregulate CREB1,which may deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanism in GC development.

Effects of P301L-TAU on post-translational modifications of microtubules in human iPSC-derived cortical neurons and TAU transgenic mice

TAU is a microtubule-associated protein that promotes microtubule assembly and stability in the axon.TAU is missorted and aggregated in an array of diseases known as tauopathies.Microtubules are essential for neuronal function and regulated via a complex set of post-translational modifications,changes of which affect microtubule stability and dynamics,microtubule interaction with other proteins and cellular structures,and mediate recruitment of microtubule-severing enzymes.As impairment of microtubule dynamics causes neuronal dysfunction,we hypothesize cognitive impairment in human disease to be impacted by impairment of microtubule dynamics.We therefore aimed to study the effects of a disease-causing mutation of TAU(P301L)on the levels and localization of microtubule post-translational modifications indicative of microtubule stability and dynamics,to assess whether P301L-TAU causes stability-changing modifications to microtubules.To investigate TAU localization,phosphorylation,and effects on tubulin post-translational modifications,we expressed wild-type or P301L-TAU in human MAPT-KO induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons(i Neurons)and studied TAU in neurons in the hippocampus of mice transgenic for human P301L-TAU(p R5 mice).Human neurons expressing the longest TAU isoform(2N4R)with the P301L mutation showed increased TAU phosphorylation at the AT8,but not the p-Ser-262 epitope,and increased polyglutamylation and acetylation of microtubules compared with endogenous TAU-expressing neurons.P301L-TAU showed pronounced somatodendritic presence,but also successful axonal enrichment and a similar axodendritic distribution comparable to exogenously expressed 2N4R-wildtype-TAU.P301L-TAU-expressing hippocampal neurons in transgenic mice showed prominent missorting and tauopathy-typical AT8-phosphorylation of TAU and increased polyglutamylation,but reduced acetylation,of microtubules compared with non-transgenic littermates.In sum,P301L-TAU results in changes in microtubule PTMs,suggestive of impairment of microtubule stability.This is accompanied by missorting and aggregation of TAU in mice but not in i Neurons.Microtubule PTMs/impairment may be of key importance in tauopathies.

Designing Electronic Structures of Multiscale Helical Converters for Tailored Ultrabroad Electromagnetic Absorption

Atomic-scale doping strategies and structure design play pivotal roles in tailoring the electronic structure and physicochemical property of electromagnetic wave absorption(EMWA)materials.However,the relationship between configuration and electromagnetic(EM)loss mechanism has remained elusive.Herein,drawing inspiration from the DNA transcription process,we report the successful synthesis of novel in situ Mn/N co-doped helical carbon nanotubes with ultrabroad EMWA capability.Theoretical calculation and EM simulation confirm that the orbital coupling and spin polarization of the Mn–N4–C configuration,along with cross polarization generated by the helical structure,endow the helical converters with enhanced EM loss.As a result,HMC-8 demonstrates outstanding EMWA performance,achieving a minimum reflection loss of−63.13 dB at an ultralow thickness of 1.29 mm.Through precise tuning of the graphite domain size,HMC-7 achieves an effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 6.08 GHz at 2.02 mm thickness.Furthermore,constructing macroscale gradient metamaterials enables an ultrabroadband EAB of 12.16 GHz at a thickness of only 5.00 mm,with the maximum radar cross section reduction value reaching 36.4 dB m2.This innovative approach not only advances the understanding of metal–nonmetal co-doping but also realizes broadband EMWA,thus contributing to the development of EMWA mechanisms and applications.

STIL enhances the development of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating the glycolysis pathway

Background:To investigate SCL/TAL 1 interrupting locus(STIL)’s role and prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)progression,we examined STIL and E2 promoter binding factor 1(E2F1)expression and their impacts on LUAD prognosis using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA).Methods:Functional assays including CCK-8,wound-healing,5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU),Transwell assays,and flow cytometry,elucidated STIL and E2F1’s effects on cell viability,proliferation,apoptosis,and migration.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)identified potential pathways,while metabolic assays assessed glucose metabolism.Results:Our findings reveal that STIL and E2F1 are overexpressed in LUAD,correlating with adverse outcomes.It enhances cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,and suppresses apoptosis,activating downstream of E2F1.Silencing E2F1 reversed the promotion effect of the STIL overexpression on cell viability and invasiveness.Importantly,STIL modulates glycolysis,influencing glucose consumption,lactate production,and energy balance in LUAD cells.Conclusion:Our model,incorporating STIL,age,and disease stage,robustly predicts patient prognosis,underscored STIL’s pivotal role in LUAD pathogenesis through metabolic reprogramming.This comprehensive approach not only confirms STIL’s prognostic value but also highlights its potential as a therapeutic target in LUAD.

Loss-of-function mutations of microRNA-142-3p promote ASH1L expression to induce immune evasion and hepatocellular carcinoma progression

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been a pervasive malignancy throughout the world with elevated mortality.Efficient therapeutic targets are beneficial to treat and predict the disease.Currently,the exact molecular mechanisms leading to the progression of HCC are still unclear.Research has shown that the microRNA-142-3p level decreases in HCC,whereas bioinformatics analysis of the cancer genome atlas database shows the ASH1L expression increased among liver tumor tissues.In this paper,we will explore the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L affect the prognosis of HCC patients and HCC cell bioactivity,and the association between them.AIM To investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L on the HCC cell bioactivity and prognosis of HCC patients.METHODS In this study,we grouped HCC patients according to their immunohistochemistry results of ASH1L with pathological tissues,and retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of HCC patients.Furthermore,explored the roles and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L by cellular and animal experiments,which involved the following experimental methods:Immunohistochemical staining,western blot,quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction,flow cytometric analysis,tumor xenografts in nude mice,etc.The statistical methods involved in this study contained t-test,one-way analysis of variance,theχ^(2)test,the Kaplan-Meier approach and the log-rank test.RESULTS In this study,we found that HCC patients with high expression of ASH1L possess a more recurrence rate as well as a decreased overall survival rate.ASH1L promotes the tumorigenicity of HCC and microRNA-142-3p exhibits reduced expression in HCC tissues and interacts with ASH1L through targeting the ASH1L 3′untranslated region.Furthermore,microRNA-142-3p promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation,invasion,and migration of HCC cell lines in vitro via ASH1L.For the exploration mechanism,we found ASH1L may promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment in HCC and ASH1L affects the expression of the cell junction protein zonula occludens-1,which is potentially relevant to the immune system.CONCLUSION Loss function of microRNA-142-3p induces cancer progression and immune evasion through upregulation of ASH1L in HCC.Both microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L can feature as new biomarker for HCC in the future.

Selenoprotein P1 as a biomarker of insulin resistance in pediatric obesity:Insights and implications

This editorial discusses the findings of Elbarky et al on the role of selenoprotein P1(SEPP1)in pediatric obesity and insulin resistance.Their study uncovered si-gnificantly lower SEPP1 Levels in children who were obese compared with hea-lthy peers,demonstrating a negative correlation between SEPP1 levels and mea-sures of adiposity and insulin resistance.These findings suggest that SEPP1 is a biomarker useful in the early identification of insulin resistance in pediatric populations.This editorial emphasizes the clinical implications of the study and calls for further research to validate and explore the role of SEPP1 in metabolic health.

Rising incidence of acute hepatitis A among adults and clinical characteristics in a tertiary care center of Pakistan

BACKGROUND For decades,hepatitis A virus(HAV)has been a leading cause of acute hepatitis among children and was less prevalent among adults.However,recently a paradigm shift has been observed in the epidemiology of HAV,as evident by cases of acute hepatitis due to HAV among adults.AIM To estimate frequency of HAV in acute viral hepatitis and compare characteristics in HAV and hepatitis E virus(HEV)infection.METHODS This was a trend analysis conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi(Sindh,Pakistan)from February 2024 to May 2024.Individuals aged 18 years and older diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis attributed to hepatotropic viruses in 2024 were reviewed.To compare the trend patients admitted with acute hepatitis during 2019-2023 were also reviewed.Data regarding clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded.The yearly trend of acute hepatitis due to HAV and HEV was analyzed,and comparative analysis was done between HAV and HEV cases among adults.RESULTS A total of 396 patients were found to have acute hepatitis during our study duration.HAV was diagnosed in 234 patients(59%)while 157 patients(39.6%)were found to have acute HEV infection.Additionally,acute hepatitis B virus infection was identified in 3 patients(0.7%),whereas acute hepatitis C virus infection was found in 2(0.5%)cases of acute hepatitis.Yearly trends showed increasing occurrence of HAV infection among adults over last 5 years.The patients with acute HAV were younger than patients with HEV(28 years±8 years vs 30 years±8 years;P<0.01).Higher levels of total bilirubin were seen in HEV infection,while higher levels of alanine transaminase were seen in HAV infection.However,a higher proportion of acute liver failure(ALF),coagulopathy,and mortality were observed in HEV.CONCLUSION An increase in acute hepatitis A cases among adults shows less severity than hepatitis E,highlighting the need for better sanitation,hygiene,and adult hepatitis A vaccination programs.

Manipulating optical and electronic properties through interfacial ferroelectricity

Interfacial ferroelectricity is a recently established mechanism for generating spontaneous reversible electric polarization,arising from the charge transfer between stacked van der Waals layered atomic crystals.It has been realized in both naturally formed multilayer crystals and moirésuperlattices.Owing to the large number of material choices and combinations,this approach is highly versatile,greatly expanding the scope of ultrathin ferroelectrics.A key advantage of interfacial ferroelectricity is its potential to couple with preexisting properties of the constituent layers,enabling their electrical manipulation through ferroelectric switching and paving the way for advanced device functionalities.This review article summarizes recent experimental progress in interfacial ferroelectricity,with an emphasis on its coupling with a variety of electronic properties.After introducing the underlying mechanism of interfacial ferroelectricity and the range of material systems discovered to date,we highlight selected examples showcasing ferroelectric control of excitonic optical properties,Berry curvature effects,and superconductivity.We also discuss the challenges and opportunities that await further studies in this field.

CAF-derived exosome-miR-3124-5p promotes malignant biological processes in NSCLC via the TOLLIP/TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway

Background:Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that occurs worldwide,but is especially common in China.The crucial role of the tumour microenvironment(TME)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)has attracted recent attention.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are the main factors that contribute to the TME function,and CAF exosomes are closely linked to NSCLC.Methods:The expression levels of miR-3124-5p and Toll-interacting protein(TOLLIP)were analysed by bioinformatics prediction combined with RT-qPCR/Western Blot detection.Fibroblasts were isolated and identified from clinical NSCLC tissues.Transmission electron microscopy and Western Blot were used to identify exosomes from these cells.Changes in proliferation(CCK-8 and clone formation),migration(wound healing),and invasion(transwell)of NSCLC cells were measured.The Luciferase reporter test was applied to clarify the binding of miR-3124-5p to TOLLIP.The TOLLIP/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway proteins were determined using Western blot analysis.Results:MiR-3124-5p is overexpressed in clinical tissues and cells of NSCLC.MiR-3124-5p was dramatically enriched in CAF-derived exosomes.Cellular experiments revealed that CAFs delivered miR-3124-5p into NSCLC cells via exosomes,stimulating cancer cell progression.MiR-3124-5p acted as a sponge to negatively regulate TOLLIP expression,which activated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis to promote the occurrence and development of NSCLC.Functional salvage tests were performed to determine whether CAF-exosome-derived miR-3124-5p plays a pro-cancer role in NSCLC by affecting the TOLLIP signalling pathway.Conclusions:These results provide an interesting direction for the diagnosis and therapy of NSCLC.

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase regulates macrophage polarization in diabetic periodontitis: In vivo and in vitro study

BACKGROUND Periodontitis,when exacerbated by diabetes,is characterized by increased M1 macrophage polarization and decreased M2 polarization.O-linkedβ-N-acetylglucosamine(O-GlcNAcylation),catalyzed by O-GlcNAc transferase(OGT),promotes inflammatory responses in diabetic periodontitis(DP).Additionally,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates macrophage polarization.However,the interplay between OGT,macrophage polarization,and p38 signaling in the progression of DP remains unexplored.AIM To investigate the effect of OGT on macrophage polarization in DP and its role in mediating O-GlcNAcylation of p38.METHODS For in vivo experiments,mice were divided into four groups:Control,DP model,model+short hairpin(sh)RNAnegative control,and model+sh-OGT.Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin,followed by ligation and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)administration to induce periodontitis.The impact of OGT was assessed by injecting sh-OGT lentivirus.Maxillary bone destruction was evaluated using micro-computed tomography analysis and tartrateresistant acid phosphatase staining,while macrophage polarization was determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and immunohistochemistry.For in vitro experiments,RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS and high glucose(HG)(25 mmol/L D-glucose)to establish a cell model of DP.OGT was inhibited by OGT inhibitor(OSMI4)treatment and knocked down by sh-OGT transfection.M1/M2 polarization was analyzed using qPCR,immunofluorescence,and flow cytometry.Levels of O-GlcNAcylation were measured using immunoprecipitation and western blotting.RESULTS Our results demonstrated that M1 macrophage polarization led to maxillary bone loss in DP mice,associated with elevated O-GlcNAcylation and OGT levels.Knockdown of OGT promoted the shift from M1 to M2 macrophage polarization in both mouse periodontal tissues and LPS+HG-induced RAW264.7 cells.Furthermore,LPS+HG enhanced the O-GlcNAcylation of p38 in RAW264.7 cells.OGT interacted with p38 to promote its O-GlcNAcylation at residues A28,T241,and T347,as well as its phosphorylation at residue Y221.CONCLUSION Inhibition of OGT-mediated p38 O-GlcNAcylation deactivates the p38 pathway by suppressing its self-phosphorylation,thereby promoting M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and mitigating DP.These findings suggested that modulating macrophage polarization through regulation of O-GlcNAcylation may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating DP.

E3 Ligases and COVID-19:Insights into Viral Control andTherapeutic Potential

The COVID-19 pandemic,caused by the newly emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2,has resulted in unprecedented global health challenges,including millions of infections and deaths.While the direct effects of the virus are critical,the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and cellular host factors significantly impacts the replication cycle of the virus and the clinical severity of COVID-19.This review provides a comprehensive analysis of hostpathogen interactions,focusing on the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins.We systematically review the literature to detail how SARS-CoV-2 engages with host cellular machinery,with a specific emphasis on their modulation by E3 ubiquitin ligases.By dissecting these intricate interactions and the impact of E3 ligases on SARS-CoV-2 infection,we aimto uncover novel therapeutic opportunities and strategies to effectively combat COVID-19.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

Co-host ncRNA MIR503HG/miR-503-5p antagonistically interfere with the crosstalk between fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells by affecting the production of LMW FGF2 in pterygium

AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control conjunctival tissues,and human pterygium fibroblasts(HPF)were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunohistochemical methods.Effects of MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on low molecular weight FGF2(LWM FGF2),migration and angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)were determined in an HPF and HRMEC co-culture model using Western blots,wound healing assay,Matrigel-based tube formation assay,and Transwell assay.RESULTS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/FGF2 pathway was actively increased in pterygium tissue and there was a negative correlation between the expression of the two ncRNAs.FGF2 expression level was positively correlated with MIR503HG and negatively correlated with miR-503-5p.Overexpressed MIR503HG/miR-503-5p did not affect the migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs cultured separately,but significantly affected migration and angiogenesis of HRMEC in HPF and HRMEC co-culture models.Western blotting revealed that MIR503HG/miR-503-5p overexpression significantly increased LMW FGF2 expression in HPF.CONCLUSION:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p inhibits HRMEC migration and angiogenic function by interfering with the interaction between HPF and endothelial cells via reducing LMW FGF2 in HPF.

AZD1775 synergizes with SLC7A11 inhibition to promote ferroptosis

Tumor suppressor p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair may exert cytoprotective effects against cancer therapies,including WEE1 inhibition.Considering that p53 activation can also lead to multiple types of cell death,the role of this tumor suppressor in WEE1 inhibitor-based therapies remains disputed.In this study,we reported that nucleolar stress-mediated p53 activation enhanced the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775-induced ferroptosis to suppress lung cancer growth.Our findings showed that AZD1775 promoted ferroptosis by blocking cystine uptake,an action similar to that of Erastin.Meanwhile,inhibition of WEE1 by the WEE1 inhibitors or siRNAs induced compensatory upregulation of SLC7A11,which conferred resistance to ferroptosis.Mechanistically,AZD1775 prevented the enrichment of H3K9me3,a histone marker of transcriptional repression,on the SLC7A11 promoter by repressing the expression of the histone methyltransferase SETDB1,thereby enhancing NRF2-mediated SLC7A11 transcription.This finding was also validated using the H3K9me3 inhibitor BRD4770.Remarkably,we found that the nucleolar stress-inducing agent Actinomycin D(Act.D)inhibited SLC7A11 expression by activating p53,thus augmenting AZD1775-induced ferroptosis.Moreover,the combination of AZD1775 and Act.D synergistically suppressed wild-type p53-harboring lung cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo.Altogether,our study demonstrates that AZD1775 promotes ferroptosis by targeting cystine uptake but also mediates the adaptive activation of SLC7A11 through the WEE1-SETDB1 cascade and NRF2-induced transcription,and inhibition of SLC7A11 by Act.D boosts the anti-tumor efficacy of AZD1775 by enhancing ferroptosis in cancers with wild-type p53.