As one of the most characterized cytokines, interleukin 3 (IL-3) is well known for its survival effect on both progenitors and mature blood cells. Although with the extensive studies, the signaling pathways and underl...As one of the most characterized cytokines, interleukin 3 (IL-3) is well known for its survival effect on both progenitors and mature blood cells. Although with the extensive studies, the signaling pathways and underlying mechanism leading to survival responses of IL-3 still are not completely understood. Recently, an apoptotic genetic pathway of C. elegans was suggested to be evolutionally conserved in that controls the cytokine-dependent anti-apoptotic responses in mammalian hematopoietic cell lineages. Among this pathway, Ces-2 is known to be the first death specification gene in the C. elegans pathway and encodes a bZIP family transcriptional factor that shares the same DNA recognition sequence with an oncoprotein,展开更多
Spermatozoa emerging from the testis undergo a maturation process in the epididymis during which they change morphologically, biochemically and physiologically to gain motility and the ability to fertilize ova. We exa...Spermatozoa emerging from the testis undergo a maturation process in the epididymis during which they change morphologically, biochemically and physiologically to gain motility and the ability to fertilize ova. We examined mouse epididymal sperm with immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy （EM） and identified a previously unknown structure on the apical hook. The structure has a coiled configuration around 11 nm in thickness and is present at the tip of each corner of the triangular-rod shaped perforatorium. Surveying sperm isolated from various regions of the epididymis indicated that mouse sperm acquire the hook rim （HR） structure during its passage through the proximal two-thirds of the caput epididymidis. The structure withstands vigorous sonication and harsh chemical treatments and remains intact after the acrosome reaction. Its location and sturdiness suggest a function in protecting the apical hook from mechanical wear during fertilization. Our EM images of epididymal sperm also revealed additional novel structures as well as lateral asymmetry of the sperm head, indicating that mouse sperm head has a structure more complex than previously recognized.展开更多
With its 78 million chronic carriers, hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection is still one of the leading public health challenges in China. Over the last two decades, China has made great progress on the prevention of HB...With its 78 million chronic carriers, hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection is still one of the leading public health challenges in China. Over the last two decades, China has made great progress on the prevention of HBV transmission through national vaccination programs. Zero transmission from mother to infant has been proposed as the current goal. Available anti-HBV therapy is efficacious in suppressing HBV replication; however, it fails to completely cure patients with chronic hepatitis B and even requires Hfelong treatment. To reduce the costs and improve the efficacy, several trials have been recently conducted in China to optimize the current anti-HBV managements. Novel biomarkers were identified to predict treatment outcomes, and new promising treatment strategies were developed. Reports also indicate that coinfections of HBV with other hepatotropic viruses and human immunodeficiency virus are common in China and cause severe liver diseases, which should be recognized early and treated properly. Work is still needed to eliminate hepatitis B in China by 2030.展开更多
文摘As one of the most characterized cytokines, interleukin 3 (IL-3) is well known for its survival effect on both progenitors and mature blood cells. Although with the extensive studies, the signaling pathways and underlying mechanism leading to survival responses of IL-3 still are not completely understood. Recently, an apoptotic genetic pathway of C. elegans was suggested to be evolutionally conserved in that controls the cytokine-dependent anti-apoptotic responses in mammalian hematopoietic cell lineages. Among this pathway, Ces-2 is known to be the first death specification gene in the C. elegans pathway and encodes a bZIP family transcriptional factor that shares the same DNA recognition sequence with an oncoprotein,
文摘Spermatozoa emerging from the testis undergo a maturation process in the epididymis during which they change morphologically, biochemically and physiologically to gain motility and the ability to fertilize ova. We examined mouse epididymal sperm with immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy （EM） and identified a previously unknown structure on the apical hook. The structure has a coiled configuration around 11 nm in thickness and is present at the tip of each corner of the triangular-rod shaped perforatorium. Surveying sperm isolated from various regions of the epididymis indicated that mouse sperm acquire the hook rim （HR） structure during its passage through the proximal two-thirds of the caput epididymidis. The structure withstands vigorous sonication and harsh chemical treatments and remains intact after the acrosome reaction. Its location and sturdiness suggest a function in protecting the apical hook from mechanical wear during fertilization. Our EM images of epididymal sperm also revealed additional novel structures as well as lateral asymmetry of the sperm head, indicating that mouse sperm head has a structure more complex than previously recognized.
文摘With its 78 million chronic carriers, hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection is still one of the leading public health challenges in China. Over the last two decades, China has made great progress on the prevention of HBV transmission through national vaccination programs. Zero transmission from mother to infant has been proposed as the current goal. Available anti-HBV therapy is efficacious in suppressing HBV replication; however, it fails to completely cure patients with chronic hepatitis B and even requires Hfelong treatment. To reduce the costs and improve the efficacy, several trials have been recently conducted in China to optimize the current anti-HBV managements. Novel biomarkers were identified to predict treatment outcomes, and new promising treatment strategies were developed. Reports also indicate that coinfections of HBV with other hepatotropic viruses and human immunodeficiency virus are common in China and cause severe liver diseases, which should be recognized early and treated properly. Work is still needed to eliminate hepatitis B in China by 2030.
