Astrocyte-neuron communication mediated by the Notch signaling pathway:focusing on glutamate transport and synaptic plasticity

Maintaining glutamate homeostasis after hypoxic ischemia is important for synaptic function and neural cell activity,and regulation of glutamate transport between astrocyte and neuron is one of the important modalities for reducing glutamate accumulation.However,further research is needed to investigate the dynamic changes in and molecular mechanisms of glutamate transport and the effects of glutamate transport on synapses.The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying Notch pathway mediation of glutamate transport and synaptic plasticity.In this study,Yorkshire neonatal pigs(male,age 3 days,weight 1.0–1.5 kg,n=48)were randomly divided into control(sham surgery group)and five hypoxic ischemia subgroups,according to different recovery time,which were then further subdivided into subgroups treated with dimethyl sulfoxide or a Notch pathway inhibitor(N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-l-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester).Once the model was established,immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining,and western blot analyses of Notch pathway-related proteins,synaptophysin,and glutamate transporter were performed.Moreover,synapse microstructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy.At the early stage(6–12 hours after hypoxic ischemia)of hypoxic ischemic injury,expression of glutamate transporter excitatory amino acid transporter-2 and synaptophysin was downregulated,the number of synaptic vesicles was reduced,and synaptic swelling was observed;at 12–24 hours after hypoxic ischemia,the Notch pathway was activated,excitatory amino acid transporter-2 and synaptophysin expression was increased,and the number of synaptic vesicles was slightly increased.Excitatory amino acid transporter-2 and synaptophysin expression decreased after treatment with the Notch pathway inhibitor.This suggests that glutamate transport in astrocytes-neurons after hypoxic ischemic injury is regulated by the Notch pathway and affects vesicle release and synaptic plasticity through the expression of synaptophysin.

Activation of the Notch signaling pathway promotes neurovascular repair after traumatic brain injury

The Notch signaling pathway plays a key role in angiogenesis and endothelial cell formation, but it remains unclear whether it is involved in vascular repair by endothelial progenitor cells after traumatic brain injury. Therefore, in the present study, we controlled the Notch signaling pathway using overexpression and knockdown constructs. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway by Notch1 or Jagged1 overexpression enhanced the migration, invasiveness and angiogenic ability of endothelial progenitor cells. Suppression of the Notch signaling pathway with Notch1 or Jagged1 si RNAs reduced the migratory capacity, invasiveness and angiogenic ability of endothelial progenitor cells. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway in vivo in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury promoted neurovascular repair. These findings suggest that the activation of the Notch signaling pathway promotes blood vessel formation and tissue repair after brain trauma.

Notch信号通路——对健康和疾病的机械论观点

The Notch signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved across metazoan species and plays key roles in many physiological processes.The Notch receptor is activated by two families of canonical ligands(Deltalike and Serrate/Jagged)where both ligands and receptors are single-pass transmembrane proteins usually with large extracellular domains,relative to their intracellular portions.Upon interaction of the core binding regions,presented on opposing cell surfaces,formation of the receptor/ligand complex initiates force-mediated proteolysis,ultimately releasing the transcriptionally-active Notch intracellular domain.This review focuses on structural features of the extracellular receptor/ligand complex,the role of posttranslational modifications in tuning this complex,the contribution of the cell membrane to ligand function,and insights from acquired and genetic diseases.

Notch signalling pathway in development of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)comprises of extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cancers as a result of inflammation of epithelium cell lining of the bile duct.The incidence rate is increasing dramatically worldwide with highest rates in Eastern and South Asian regions.Major risk factors involve chronic damage and inflammation of bile duct epithelium from primary sclerosing cholangitis,chronic hepatitis virus infection,gallstones and liver fluke infection.Various genetic variants have also been identified and as CCA develops on the background of biliary inflammation,diverse range of molecular mechanisms are involved in its progression.Among these,the Notch signalling pathway acts as a major driver of cholangiocarcinogenesis and its components(receptors,ligands and downstream signalling molecules)represent a promising therapeutic targets.Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors have been recognized in inhibiting the Notch pathway efficiently.A comprehensive knowledge of the molecular pathways activated by the Notch signalling cascade as well as its functional crosstalk with other signalling pathways provide better approach in developing innovative therapies against CCA.

Effect of the Notch signaling pathway on retinal ganglion cells and its neuroprotection in rats with acute ocular hypertension

AIM： To explore the effect of the Notch signaling pathway on retinal ganglion cells（RGCs） and optic nerve in rats with acute ocular hypertension（OH）.METHODS： Totally 48 Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats were included, among which 36 rats were selected to establish acute OH models. OH rats received a single intravitreal injection of 2 μL phosphate buffered solution（PBS） and another group of OH rats received a single intravitreal injection of 10 μmol/L γ-secretase inhibitor（DAPT）. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction（qPCR） and Western blot assay were adopted to determine the mRNA level of Notch and the protein levels of Notch, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and growth-associated protein 43（GAP-43）. The RGC apoptosis conditions were assessed by TUNEL staining.RESULTS： The OH rats and PBS-injected rats had increased expression levels of Notch1, Bax, caspase-3, and GAP-43, decreased expression levels of Bcl-2, and increased RGC apoptosis, with severer macular edema and RGCs more loosely aligned, when compared with the normal rats. The DAPT-treated rats displayed increased expression levels of Notch1, Bax, caspase-3, and GAP-43, decreased expression levels of Bcl-2, and increased RGC apoptosis, in comparison with the OH rats and PBSinjected rats. RGCs were hardly observed and macular edema became severe in the DAPT-treated rat.CONCLUSION： The Notch signaling pathway may suppress the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells and enhances the regeneration of the damaged optic nerves in rats with acute OH.

Effects of the Nocth signaling pathway on expression of inflammatory factors and transforming growth factors in diabetic foot ulcers

Objective:persistent hyperinflammation is an important reason for the development of diabetic foot ulcer.Notch signaling is an important signaling pathway involved in the inflammatory response and cell proliferation in diabetic foot ulcer rats.This paper aims to explore the effect of Notch signaling on inflammatory factors,chemokines and growth factors through the intervention of Notch signaling in diabetic foot ulcer rats.Methods:the experimental model was made by using high-fat feed combined with streptozotocin(STZ)to cause diabetes,and the experimental model of diabetic foot ulcer was established by constant temperature and constant pressure scald apparatus.The normal ulcer model was used as a control.The intervention controls of the experimental model included normal saline,western medicine growth factor,Notch agonist Jagged1,Notch signaling inhibitor ly-411575,and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine Zizhu ointment for 7 days.Serum il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation,and il-17 were detected by ELISA.Real-time PCR was used to detect the inflammatory factors,chemokines,and growth factors associated with Notch signaling in wound tissues:tnf-uum,il-1,il-6,il-17,interleukin-8,ip-10,McP-1,TGF-uum,TGF-livelihood.Results:serum levels of il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation and il-17 in diabetic foot ulcer rats were significantly higher than that in normal ulcer rats.The contents of il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation and il-17a in ly-411575 group and Zizhu ointment group were significantly reduced.Real-time PCR results of wound tissue showed that the levels of inflammatory cytokines il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation,il-17 and chemokines ip-10,il-8 and McP-1 in the wound tissue of diabetic foot ulcer rat model were significantly higher than that of normal ulcer model,and the levels of growth factor TGF-exposure were lower than that of normal ulcer model.LY-411575 significantly reduced il-1,il-6,TNF-maxima,il-17,and the chemokines ip-10,il-8,and McP-1 in diabetic foot ulcer rats,and reduced the expression of TGF-,TGF-earth.Jagged1 can increase the expression of TGF--,TGF---,suggesting that inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway can reduce the expression of the inflammatory factors il-1,il-6,TNF--,il-17a,il-8,and the growth factors TGF--,TGF---.Zizhu ointment can reduce the levels of il-1,il-6,TNF-benand,il-17,and the chemokines ip-10,il-8,and McP-1 on the wound surface of diabetic foot rats,and improve the expression of TGF-benand TGF-SUNS.Ly-411575 inhibited the expression of TGF-bento and TGF-promoting of Zizhu ointment.Conclusion:the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was higher and the expression of growth factors was lower in diabetic foot ulcer rats than in normal ulcer rats.Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors,chemokines and growth factors in experimental model rats,and Notch signaling pathway can promote inflammation and cell proliferation.Zizhu ointment can reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in diabetic foot ulcer rats,improve the expression of growth factors,and reduce wound inflammation,which may be related to the inhibition of Nocth signal expression.

Changes and correlation of inflammatory polarization and Notch pathway in rats with adjuvant arthritis

Objective:To investigate the relationship between inflammatory polarization and Notch pathway in rats with adjuvant arthritis.Methods:Twelve rats were randomly divided into normal(NC)group(n=6)and model(MC)group(n=6).In the model group,complete Freund's adjuvant(0.1ml/rat)was injected into the right hindfoot to induce inflammation.On the 12th day after inflammation,the changes of plantar swelling degree(E)and arthritis index(AI)were observed,and the expressions of inflammatory polarization markers CD68 and CD206 in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry.PCR was used to detect the expression of factors related to Notch signal pathway in peripheral blood.Results:Compared with the normal group,the expression of E,AI,CD68,Notch2,Notch3,Notch4 and Delta1 in the model group increased significantly,while the expression of CD206,Notch1,Jagged1 and Jagged2 decreased(P<0.01or P<0.05).The results showed that CD68,toe swelling degree and arthritis index were negatively correlated with Notch1,Jagged1 and Jagged2,CD68,toe swelling degree and arthritis index were positively correlated with Notch2,Notch4 and Delta1,CD206 was positively correlated with Notch1 and Jagged1,Jagged2 and CD206 was negatively correlated with Notch2,Notch4 and Delta1.Conclusion:Notch signal pathway may promote the occurrence and development of AA by regulating inflammatory polarization of macrophages.

Negative effects of Notch1 on the differentiation of muscle-derived stem cells into neuronal-like cells

We cultured rat muscle-derived stem cells in medium containing nerve growth factor and basic fi-broblast growth factor to induce neuronal-like cell differentiation.Immunocytochemical staining and reverse transcription-PCR showed that the differentiated muscle-derived stem cells exhibited processes similar to those of neuronal-like cells and neuron-specific enolase expression,but Notch1 mRNA and protein expression was decreased.Down-regulation of Notch1 expression may facilitate neuronal-like cell differentiation from muscle-derived stem cells.

Scalp acupuncture Yikang therapy on Baihui(GV20),Sishencong(EX-HN1),Zhisanzhen,Niesanzhen improves neurobehavior in young rats with cerebral palsy through Notch signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of scalp acupuncture Yikang therapy on Baihui(GV20),Sishencong(EX-HN1),Zhisanzhen,Niesanzhen,on neurobehavior in young rats with cerebral palsy based on Notch signaling pathway.METHODS:Thirty 7-day-old rats were randomly divided into sham,model and acupuncture,10 rats in each group.The cerebral palsy model was established by the accepted modeling method,the acupuncture group selected"Baihui(GV20)","Sishencong(EX-HN1)","Zhisanzhen"and"Niesanzhen"for intervention 24 h after the model was made.The body masses were recorded before and after the treatment,respectively.After the intervention,the rats were subjected to suspension experiment,slope experiment,tactile stimulation experiment and Morris water maze experiment.After the end of the experiment,the morphological changes of hippocampal histology were observed by hematoxylineosin(HE)staining under light microscope,and the expression of Notch1,Notch3 and Hes5 were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).RESULTS:The changes in body mass of the rats in each group were different;in behavioral experiments,compared with the sham,the suspension time of the model was shortened,the slope experiment,tactile stimulation experiment,and escape latency time were prolonged,and the number of platform crossing was reduced in the model,compared with the model,the suspension time of the acupuncture was prolonged,the slope experiment,tactile stimulation experiment,and escape latency time were shortened,and the number of platform crossing times was increased;HE staining showed severe hippocampal damage in the model and reduced hippocampal damage in the acupuncture.Western Blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression of Notch1,Notch3 and Hes5 were increased in the model and the expression of Notch1,Notch3,Hes5 in acupuncture were decreased.CONCLUSIONS:Scalp acupuncture Yikang therapy may improve neurobehavior and reduce brain injury in rats with cerebral palsy by downregulating the expression of Notch1,Notch3,and Hes5.

In vivo study of the effect of anlotinib on the stemness of the lenvatinib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the underlying mechanisms

Background:In vivo experiments were conducted to examine the effects of the targeted drug anlotinib on the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells and lenvatinib-resistant liver cancer cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:A subcutaneous xenograft model of Hep3B-derived HCC was established in nude mice,which were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=5 males per group):(1)intragastric administration of anlotinib(0.4 mg/kg)and(2)intragastric administration of normal saline.We constructed lenvatinib-resistant cell lines and randomly divided the mice into 3 groups(n=5 males per group):(1)intragastric administration of anlotinib,(2)intragastric administration of lenvatinib,and(3)intragastric administration of normal saline.After 2 weeks of treatment,tumor tissues were harvested,and mRNA and proteins were isolated from the tissues.Changes in the expression of cancer stemness markers(epithelial cell adhesion molecule[EpCAM],CD13,CD90,aldehyde dehydrogenase 1[ALDH1],CD44,and CD45),totipotency factors(sex-determining region Y-box 2[Sox2],Nanog,octamer-binding transcription factor 4[Oct4]),and genes related to the Notch signaling pathway were examined.Results:Compared with that in the control group,tumor size and weight were reduced in nude mice treated with anlotinib.These differences were statistically significant in both the types of nude mice.Anlotinib affected stemness markers and totipotency factors by downregulating the expression of CD133,CD90,and G-protein–coupled receptor 5(LGR5)and upregulating the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1)and Sox2.In addition,lenvatinib-resistant cell lines increased Notch signaling pathway,whereas anlotinib inhibited Notch signaling pathway.Conclusions:The antitumor effect of anlotinib on HCC and lenvatinib-resistant HCC cellsmay occur through inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway.Anlotinib may be the drug of choice for sequential therapy in lenvatinib-resistant liver cancer.

Buyang Huanwu decoction up-regulates Notch1 gene expression in injured spinal cord

Expression of genes in the Notch signaling pathway is altered in the injured spinal cord, which indicates that Notch participates in repair after spinal cord injury. Buyang Huanwu decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal preparation, can promote the growth of nerve cells and nerve fibers; however, it is unclear whether Buyang Huanwu decoction affects the Notch signaling pathway in injured spinal cord. In this study, a rat model was established by injuring the T10 spinal cord. At 2 days after injury, rats were intragastrically administered 2 m L of 0.8 g/m L Buyang Huanwu decoction daily until sacrifice. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that at 7, 14 and 28 days after injury, the expression of Notch1 was increased in the Buyang Huanwu decoction group compared with controls. These findings confirm that Buyang Huanwu decoction can promote the expression of Notch1 in rats with incomplete spinal cord injury, and may indicate a mechanism to promote the repair of spinal cord injury.

Nanofiber-induced hierarchically-porous magnesium phosphate bone cements accelerate bone regeneration by inhibiting Notch signaling

Magnesium phosphate bone cements(MPC)have been recognized as a viable alternative for bone defect repair due to their high mechanical strength and biodegradability.However,their poor porosity and permeability limit osteogenic cell ingrowth and vascularization,which is critical for bone regeneration.In the current study,we constructed a novel hierarchically-porous magnesium phosphate bone cement by incorporating extracellular matrix(ECM)-mimicking electrospun silk fibroin(SF)nanofibers.The SF-embedded MPC(SM)exhibited a heterogeneous and hierarchical structure,which effectively facilitated the rapid infiltration of oxygen and nutrients as well as cell ingrowth.Besides,the SF fibers improved the mechanical properties of MPC and neutralized the highly alkaline environment caused by excess magnesium oxide.Bone marrow stem cells(BMSCs)adhered excellently on SM,as illustrated by formation of more pseudopodia.CCK8 assay showed that SM promoted early proliferation of BMSCs.Our study also verified that SM increased the expression of OPN,RUNX2 and BMP2,suggesting enhanced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.We screened for osteogenesis-related pathways,including FAK signaing,Wnt signaling and Notch signaling,and found that SM aided in the process of bone regeneration by suppressing the Notch signaling pathway,proved by the downregulation of NICD1,Hes1 and Hey2.In addition,using a bone defect model of rat calvaria,the study revealed that SM exhibited enhanced osteogenesis,bone ingrowth and vascularization compared with MPC alone.No adverse effect was found after implantation of SM in vivo.Overall,our novel SM exhibited promising prospects for the treatment of critical-sized bone defects.

Brucine Inhibits Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing Jagged1/Notch1 Signaling Pathways

Objective： To examine the effects of brucine on the invasion, migration and bone resorption of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand（RANKL）-induced osteoclastogenesis. Methods： The osteoclastogenesis model was builded by co-culturing human breast tumor MDA-MB-231 and mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cells. RANKL（50 ng/m L） and macrophage-colony stimulating factor（50 ng/m L） were added to this system, followed by treatment with brucine（0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mmol/L）, or 10 μmol/L zoledronic acid as positive control. The migration and bone resorption were measured by transwell assay and in vitro bone resorption assay. The protein expressions of Jagged1 and Notch1 were investigated by Western blot. The expressions of transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1）, nuclear factor-kappa B（NF-κB） and Hes1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results： Compared with the model group, brucine led to a dose-dependent decrease on migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption of RAW264.7 cells（P 〈0.01）. Furthermore, brucine decreased the protein levels of Jagged1 and Notch1 in MDA-MB-231 cells and RAW264.7 cells co-cultured system as well as the expressions of TGF-β1, NF-κB and Hes1（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Brucine may inhibit osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Jagged1/Notch1 signaling pathways.

Effects of JAG-1 on the Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells after TRAIP Knockout

[Objectives]To study the effects of JAG-1 on silencing TRAIP(tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor interaction protein)after regulating Notch signaling pathway on the proliferation and migration of gastric adenocarcinoma cells.[Methods]Gastric adenocarcinoma cells were categorized into si-NC+DMSO(control+DMSO),si-TRAIP#1+DMSO(transfected with TRAIP+DMSO),si-NC+JAG-1(control+JAG-1),and si-TRAIP#1+JAG-1(transfected with TRAIP+JAG-1),and the proliferation of the cells was detected by CCK-8 assay and plate colony formation assay.Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration,and Western blot was adopted to detect the expression of proliferation-associated protein CyclinD1,migration-associated protein MMP2,and key proteins of Notch signaling pathway Notch1,Hes1 and Jagged1.[Results]Compared with siTRAIP#1+DMSO,the gastric adenocarcinoma cells in si-TRAIP#1+JAG-1 group showed increased proliferation and migration(P<0.05),and there was a significant increase in the expression of CyclinD1,MMP2,Notch1,Hes1,and Jagged1(P<0.05).[Conclusions]After TRAIP knockdown,JAG-1 increased not only the proliferation and migration ability of gastric adenocarcinoma cells,but also the expression of key proteins of Notch signaling pathway Notch1,Hes1,and Jagged1.

Aerobic exercise combined with huwentoxin-I mitigates chronic cerebral ischemia injury

Ca2＋ channel blockers have been shown to protect neurons from ischemia, and aerobic exercise has significant protective effects on a variety of chronic diseases. The present study injected huwentoxin-I （HWTX-I）, a spider peptide toxin that blocks Ca2＋ channels, into the caudal vein of a chronic cerebral ischemia mouse model, once every 2 days, for a total of 15 injections. During this time, a subgroup of mice was subjected to treadmill exercise for 5 weeks. Results showed amelioration of cortical injury and improved neurological function in mice with chronic cerebral ischemia in the HWTX-I ＋ aerobic exercise group. The combined effects of HWTX I and exercise were superior to HWTX-I or aerobic exercise alone. HWTX-I effectively activated the Notch signal transduction pathway in brain tissue. Aerobic exercise up-regulated synaptophysin mRNA expression. These results demonstrated that aerobic exercise, in combination with HWTX-I, effectively relieved neuronal injury induced by chronic cerebral ischemia via the Notch signaling pathway and promoting synaptic regeneration.

Novel molecular targets in hepatocellular carcinoma

Globally,hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of cancer and cancerrelated deaths.The therapeutic efficacy of locoregional and systemic treatment in patients with advanced HCC remains low,which results in a poor prognosis.The development of sorafenib for the treatment of HCC has resulted in a new era of molecular targeted therapy for this disease.However,the median overall survival was reported to be barely higher in the sorafenib treatment group than in the control group.Hence,in this review we describe the importance of developing more effective targeted therapies for the management of advanced HCC.Recent investigations of molecular signaling pathways in several cancers have provided some insights into developing molecular therapies that target critical members of these signaling pathways.Proteins involved in the Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathways,Polo-like kinase 1,arginine,histone deacetylases and Glypican-3 can be potential targets in the treatment of HCC.Monotherapy has limited therapeutic efficacy due to the development of inhibitory feedback mechanisms and induction of chemoresistance.Thus,emphasis is now on the development of personalized and combination molecular targeted therapies that can serve as ideal therapeutic strategies for improved management of HCC.

γ-Secretase Inhibitor, DAPT Inhibits Self-renewal and Stemness Maintenance of Ovarian Cancer Stem-like Cells In Vitro

Objective: The Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in the stem cell signaling network and contributes to tumorigenesis. However, the functions of Notch signaling in ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) are not well understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of Notch blockade on self-renewal and stemness maintenance of OCSCs. Methods: Ovarian cancer stem-like cells were enriched from ovarian cancer cell lines in serum-free medium. A γ-secretase inhibitor, (DAPT), was used to block Notch signaling. MTT assays were performed to assess self-renewal and proliferation inhibition, flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell surface marker and immunofluorescence, Western Blot and Real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to detect Oct4 and Sox2 protein and mRNA expression of the Ovarian cancer stem-like cells treated with DAPT. Results: Notch blockade markedly inhibits self-renewal and proliferation of ovarian cancer stem-like cells, significantly downregulates the expression of OCSCs-specific surface markers, and reduces protein and mRNA expression of Oct4 and Sox2 in OCSC-like cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Notch signaling is not only critical for the self-renewal and proliferation of OCSCs, but also for the stemness maintenance of OCSCs. The γ-secretase inhibitor is a promising treatment targeting OCSCs.

Comprehensive characterization of CRC with germline mutations reveals a distinct somatic mutational landscape and elevated cancer risk in the Chinese population

Objective:Hereditary colorectal cancer(CRC)accounts for approximately 5%–10%of all CRC cases.The full profile of CRC-related germline mutations and the corresponding somatic mutational profile have not been fully determined in the Chinese population.Methods:We performed the first population study investigating the germline mutation status in more than 1,000(n=1,923)Chinese patients with CRC and examined their relationship with the somatic mutational landscape.Germline alterations were examined with a 58-gene next-generation sequencing panel,and somatic alterations were examined with a 605-gene panel.Results:A total of 92 pathogenic(P)mutations were identified in 85 patients,and 81 likely pathogenic(LP)germline mutations were identified in 62 patients,accounting for 7.6%(147/1,923)of all patients.MSH2 and APC was the most mutated gene in the Lynch syndrome and non-Lynch syndrome groups,respectively.Patients with P/LP mutations had a significantly higher ratio of microsatellite instability,highly deficient mismatch repair,family history of CRC,and lower age.The somatic mutational landscape revealed a significantly higher mutational frequency in the P group and a trend toward higher copy number variations in the non-P group.The Lynch syndrome group had a significantly higher mutational frequency and tumor mutational burden than the nonLynch syndrome group.Clustering analysis revealed that the Notch signaling pathway was uniquely clustered in the Lynch syndrome group,and the MAPK and cAMP signaling pathways were uniquely clustered in the non-Lynch syndrome group.Population risk analysis indicated that the overall odds ratio was 11.13(95%CI:8.289–15.44)for the P group and 20.68(95%CI:12.89–33.18)for the LP group.Conclusions:Distinct features were revealed in Chinese patients with CRC with germline mutations.The Notch signaling pathway was uniquely clustered in the Lynch syndrome group,and the MAPK and cAMP signaling pathways were uniquely clustered in the non-Lynch syndrome group.Patients with P/LP germline mutations exhibited higher CRC risk.

Alagille syndrome associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and severe xanthomas:A case report

BACKGROUND Alagille syndrome(ALGS)is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the JAG1 or NOTCH2 gene.It is characterized by decreased intrahepatic bile ducts associated with a variety of abnormalities in many other organ systems,such as the cardiovascular,skeletal,and urinary systems.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of ALGS.A 1-month-old male infant presented with sustained jaundice and had a rare congenital heart disease:Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection(TAPVC).Sustained jaundice,particularly with cardiac murmur,caught our attention.Laboratory tests revealed elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,total bilirubin,and total bile acids,indicating serious intrahepatic cholestasis.Imaging confirmed the presence of butterfly vertebra at the seventh thoracic vertebra.This suggested ALGS,which was confirmed by genetic testing with a c.3197dupC mutation in the JAG1 gene.Ursodiol was administered immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis,and cardiac surgery was performed when the patient was 1.5 month old.He recovered well after treatment and was discharged at the age of 3 mo.At the age of two years,the patient returned to our clinic because multiple cutaneous nodules with xanthomas appeared,and their size and number increased over time.CONCLUSION We report a unique case of ALGS associated with TAPVC and severe xanthomas.This study has enriched the clinical manifestations of ALGS and emphasized the association between JAG1 gene and TAPVC.

Application of silk fibroin coatings for biomaterial surface modification:a silk road for biomedicine

Silk fibroin(SF)as a natural biopolymer has become a popular material for biomedical applications due to its minimal immunogenicity,tunable biodegradability,and high biocompatibility.Nowadays,various techniques have been developed for the applications of SF in bioengineering.Most of the literature reviews focus on the SF-based biomaterials and their different forms of applications such as films,hydrogels,and scaffolds.SF is also valuable as a coating on other substrate materials for biomedicine;however,there are few reviews related to SF-coated biomaterials.Thus,in this review,we focused on the surface modification of biomaterials using SF coatings,demonstrated their various preparation methods on substrate materials,and introduced the latest procedures.The diverse applications of SF coatings for biomedicine are discussed,including bone,ligament,skin,mucosa,and nerve regeneration,and dental implant surface modification.SF coating is conducive to inducing cell adhesion and migration,promoting hydroxyapatite(HA)deposition and matrix mineralization,and inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway,making it a promising strategy for bone regeneration.In addition,SF-coated composite scaffolds can be considered prospective candidates for ligament regeneration after injury.SF coating has been proven to enhance the mechanical properties of the substrate material,and render integral stability to the dressing material during the regeneration of skin and mucosa.Moreover,SF coating is a potential strategy to accelerate nerve regeneration due to its dielectric properties,mechanical flexibility,and angiogenesis promotion effect.In addition,SF coating is an effective and popular means for dental implant surface modification to promote osteogenesis around implants made of different materials.Thus,this review can be of great benefit for further improvements in SF-coated biomaterials,and will undoubtedly contribute to clinical transformation in the future.