The calpain system is ubiquitous in cells, mainly comprising calpains and calpain inhibitors, and is a widespread calcium-dependent cysteine protease in organisms that is involved in many cellular processes such as mu...The calpain system is ubiquitous in cells, mainly comprising calpains and calpain inhibitors, and is a widespread calcium-dependent cysteine protease in organisms that is involved in many cellular processes such as muscle degradation in vivo and affects the tenderness of meat after animal slaughter. The study found 128 DEGs that probably regulated tenderness traits were selected from 16 significantly enriched GO terms by transcriptome sequencing analysis, and found that the developmental changes in the expression levels of the CAPN1 gene in the pectoral and leg muscles were significantly positively correlated ( P <0.05) with the cumulative growth values of live weight and comb weight. The developmental changes in the expression levels of the CAST gene in the pectoral and leg muscles were not significantly correlated with the cumulative growth values of live weight and comb weight. Our results helped demonstrate the potential molecular mechanisms of tenderness in chickens and provide valuable information for chicken breeding.展开更多
Background: Omicron JN.1 has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in recent months. JN.1 has the highest number of amino acid mutations in its receptor binding domain (RBD) and has acquired a hallmark L455S mutation...Background: Omicron JN.1 has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in recent months. JN.1 has the highest number of amino acid mutations in its receptor binding domain (RBD) and has acquired a hallmark L455S mutation. The immune evasion capability of JN.1 is a subject of scientific investigation. The US CDC used SGTF of TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit RT-qPCR as proxy indicator of JN.1 infections for evaluation of the effectiveness of updated monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines against JN.1 and recommended that all persons aged ≥ 6 months should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose. Objective: Recommend Sanger sequencing instead of proxy indicator to diagnose JN.1 infections to generate the data based on which guidelines are made to direct vaccination policies. Methods: The RNA in nasopharyngeal swab specimens from patients with clinical respiratory infection was subjected to nested RT-PCR, targeting a 398-base segment of the N-gene and a 445-base segment of the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 for amplification. The nested PCR amplicons were sequenced. The DNA sequences were analyzed for amino acid mutations. Results: The N-gene sequence showed R203K, G204R and Q229K, the 3 mutations associated with Omicron BA.2.86 (+JN.1). The RBD sequence showed 24 of the 26 known amino acid mutations, including the hallmark L455S mutation for JN.1 and the V483del for BA.2.86 lineage. Conclusions: Sanger sequencing of a 445-base segment of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD is useful for accurate determination of emerging variants. The CDC may consider using Sanger sequencing of the RBD to diagnose JN.1 infections for statistical analysis in making vaccination policies.展开更多
Layer-structured Ruddlesden–Popper(RP)perovskites(RPPs)with decent stability have captured the imagination of the photovoltaic research community and bring hope for boosting the development of perovskite solar cell(P...Layer-structured Ruddlesden–Popper(RP)perovskites(RPPs)with decent stability have captured the imagination of the photovoltaic research community and bring hope for boosting the development of perovskite solar cell(PSC)technology.However,two-dimensional(2D)or quasi-2D RP PSCs are encountered with some challenges of the large exciton binding energy,blocked charge transport and poor film quality,which restrict their photovoltaic performance.Fortunately,these issues can be readily resolved by rationally designing spacer cations of RPPs.This review mainly focuses on how to design the molecular structures of organic spacers and aims to endow RPPs with outstanding photovoltaic applications.We firstly elucidated the important roles of organic spacers in impacting crystallization kinetics,charge transporting ability and stability of RPPs.Then we brought three aspects to attention for designing organic spacers.Finally,we presented the specific molecular structure design strategies for organic spacers of RPPs aiming to improve photovoltaic performance of RP PSCs.These proposed strategies in this review will provide new avenues to develop novel organic spacers for RPPs and advance the development of RPP photovoltaic technology for future applications.展开更多
An accurate assessment of host and pathogen gene expression during infection is critical for understanding the molecular aspects of host-pathogen interactions.Often,pathogen-derived transcripts are difficult to ascert...An accurate assessment of host and pathogen gene expression during infection is critical for understanding the molecular aspects of host-pathogen interactions.Often,pathogen-derived transcripts are difficult to ascertain at early infection stages owing to the unfavourable transcript representation compared to the host genes.In this study,we compare two sequencing techniques,RNAseq and enrichment sequencing(RenSeq and PenSeq)of cDNA,to investigate gene expression patterns in the doubled monoploid potato(DM)infected with the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans.Our results reveal distinct advantages of cDNA RenSeq and PenSeq over traditional RNAseq in terms of target gene representation and transcriptional quantification at early infection stages.Throughout the infection time course,cDNA enrichment sequencing enables transcriptomic analyses for more targeted host and pathogen genes.For highly expressed genes that were sampled in parallel by both cDNA enrichment and RNAseq,a high level of concordance in expression profiles is observed,indicative of at least semi-quantitative gene expression representation following enrichment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC)represents a subtype of gallbladder malignancies characterized by a low incidence,aggressive nature,and poor prognosis.Despite its clinical severity,the genetic alte...BACKGROUND Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC)represents a subtype of gallbladder malignancies characterized by a low incidence,aggressive nature,and poor prognosis.Despite its clinical severity,the genetic alterations,mechanisms,and signaling pathways underlying gallbladder NEC remain unclear.CASE SUMMARY This case study presents a rare instance of primary gallbladder NEC in a 73-year-old female patient,who underwent a radical cholecystectomy with hepatic hilar lymphadenectomy and resection of liver segments IV-B and V.Targeted gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis tools,including STRING,GeneMANIA,Metascape,TRRUST,Sangerbox,cBioPortal and GSCA,were used to analyze the biological functions and features of mutated genes in gallbladder NEC.Twelve mutations(APC,ARID2,IFNA6,KEAP1,RB1,SMAD4,TP53,BTK,GATA1,GNAS,and PRDM3)were identified,and the tumor mutation burden was determined to be 9.52 muts/Mb via targeted gene sequencing.A protein-protein interaction network showed significant interactions among the twelve mutated genes.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were used to assess mutation functions and pathways.The results revealed 40 tumor-related pathways.A key regulatory factor for gallbladder NEC-related genes was identified,and its biological functions and features were compared with those of gallbladder carcinoma.CONCLUSION Gallbladder NEC requires standardized treatment.Comparisons with other gallbladder carcinomas revealed clinical phenotypes,molecular alterations,functional characteristics,and enriched pathways.展开更多
Invasive inflammation and excessive scar formation are the main reasons for the difficulty in repairing nervous tissue after spinal cord injury.Microglia and astrocytes play key roles in the spinal cord injury micro-e...Invasive inflammation and excessive scar formation are the main reasons for the difficulty in repairing nervous tissue after spinal cord injury.Microglia and astrocytes play key roles in the spinal cord injury micro-environment and share a close interaction.However,the mechanisms involved remain unclear.In this study,we found that after spinal cord injury,resting microglia(M0)were polarized into pro-inflammatory phenotypes(MG1 and MG3),while resting astrocytes were polarized into reactive and scar-forming phenotypes.The expression of growth arrest-specific 6(Gas6)and its receptor Axl were significantly down-regulated in microglia and astrocytes after spinal cord injury.In vitro experiments showed that Gas6 had negative effects on the polarization of reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia,and even inhibited the cross-regulation between them.We further demonstrated that Gas6 can inhibit the polarization of reactive astrocytes by suppressing the activation of the Yes-associated protein signaling pathway.This,in turn,inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia by suppressing the activation of the nuclear factor-κB/p65 and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways.In vivo experiments showed that Gas6 inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrocytes in the injured spinal cord,thereby promoting tissue repair and motor function recovery.Overall,Gas6 may play a role in the treatment of spinal cord injury.It can inhibit the inflammatory pathway of microglia and polarization of astrocytes,attenuate the interaction between microglia and astrocytes in the inflammatory microenvironment,and thereby alleviate local inflammation and reduce scar formation in the spinal cord.展开更多
Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions,including sensation,the response to infection and acute injury,and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.Glial cells include astrocyt...Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions,including sensation,the response to infection and acute injury,and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.Glial cells include astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system,and satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.Despite the greater understanding of glial cell types and functional heterogeneity achieved through single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models,few studies have investigated the transcriptomic profiles of glial cells in the human spinal cord.Here,we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the human spinal cord.To explore the conservation and divergence across species,we compared these findings with those from mice.In the human spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were each divided into six distinct transcriptomic subclusters.In the mouse spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were divided into five,four,and five distinct transcriptomic subclusters,respectively.The comparative results revealed substantial heterogeneity in all glial cell types between humans and mice.Additionally,we detected sex differences in gene expression in human spinal cord glial cells.Specifically,in all astrocyte subtypes,the levels of NEAT1 and CHI3L1 were higher in males than in females,whereas the levels of CST3 were lower in males than in females.In all microglial subtypes,all differentially expressed genes were located on the sex chromosomes.In addition to sex-specific gene differences,the levels of MT-ND4,MT2A,MT-ATP6,MT-CO3,MT-ND2,MT-ND3,and MT-CO_(2) in all spinal cord oligodendrocyte subtypes were higher in females than in males.Collectively,the present dataset extensively characterizes glial cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for exploring the cellular basis of spinal cordrelated illnesses,including chronic pain,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and multiple sclerosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids,a prevalent chronic condition globally,significantly impact patients'quality of life.While various surgical interventions,such as external stripping and internal ligation,procedure for prola...BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids,a prevalent chronic condition globally,significantly impact patients'quality of life.While various surgical interventions,such as external stripping and internal ligation,procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids,and tissue selecting technique,are employed for treatment,they are often associated with postoperative complications,including unsatisfactory defecation,bleeding,and anal stenosis.In contrast,Xiaozhiling injection,a traditional Chinese medicine-based therapy,has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective alternative for internal hemorrhoids.This treatment offers distinct advantages,such as reduced dietary restrictions,broad applicability,and minimal induction of systemic inflammatory responses.Additionally,Xiaozhiling injection effectively eliminates hemorrhoid nuclei,prevents local tissue necrosis,preserves anal cushion integrity,and mitigates postoperative complications,including bleeding and prolapse.Despite its clinical efficacy,the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain poorly understood,warranting further investigation.AIM To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Xiaozhiling injection in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids.METHODS An internal hemorrhoid model was established in rats,and the rats were randomly divided into a modeling group[control group(CK group)]and a treatment group.One week after injection,Stereo-seq and electron microscopy were used to study the changes in gene expression and subcellular structures in fibroblasts.RESULTS Single-cell sequencing revealed differences in the expression and transcript levels of the genes collagen 3 alpha 1,decorin,and actin alpha 2 in fibroblasts between the CK group and the treatment group.Spatial transcriptome analysis revealed that genes of the sphingosine kinase 1(Sphk1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)pathway spatially overlapped with key genes of the transforming growth factor beta 1 pathway,namely,Sphk1,S1P receptor,and transforming growth factor beta 1,in the treatment group.The proportion of fibroblasts was lower in the treatment group than in the CK group,and Xiaozhiling treatment had a significant effect on the proportion of fibroblasts in hemorrhoidal tissue.Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant increase in the expression of a fibroblast marker.Electron microscopy showed that the endoplasmic reticulum of fibroblasts contained a large amount of glycogen,indicating cell activation.Fibroblast activation and the expression of key genes of the Sphk1-S1P pathway could be observed at the injection site,suggesting that after Xiaozhiling intervention,the Sphk1-S1P pathway could be activated to promote fibrosis.CONCLUSION Xiaozhiling injection exerts its therapeutic effects on internal hemorrhoids by promoting collagen synthesis and secretion in fibroblasts.After Xiaozhiling intervention,the Sphk1-S1P pathway can be activated to promote fibrosis.展开更多
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 was originally isolated from the feces of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China.L.plantarum MWFLp-182 showed favorable gastric and intestinal tolerance co...Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 was originally isolated from the feces of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China.L.plantarum MWFLp-182 showed favorable gastric and intestinal tolerance compared with Lactiplantibacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG).L.plantarum MWFLp-182 was further examined for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in ABAP-treated HT-29 cells.Importantly,it enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory factor(interleukin-10(IL-10)),antioxidant cytokines(superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor(Nrf2),and hemeoxygenase 1(HO-1)),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and tight junction(Zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1),Claudin-1,and Occludin)proteins and genes,and reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS).The complete genome of L.plantarum MWFLp-182 contained a single circular chromosome that was 3257196 bp long,with a G+C content of 44.49%,and a single circular plasmid that was 53560 bp long.The genes tpx,trx A,trx B,npr,nrd H,dps,rec A,gpx,gsh A and ars C in this strain were related to antioxidant function;the key genes involved in antioxidant function were further investigated.In this study,we identified a probiotic candidate with antioxidant properties.展开更多
In rice fields,rice plants usually grow alongside wild weeds and are attacked by various invertebrate species.Viruses are abundant in plants and invertebrates,playing crucial ecological roles in controlling microbial ...In rice fields,rice plants usually grow alongside wild weeds and are attacked by various invertebrate species.Viruses are abundant in plants and invertebrates,playing crucial ecological roles in controlling microbial abundance and maintaining community structures.To date,only 16 rice viruses have been documented in rice-growing regions.These viruses pose serious threats to rice production and have traditionally been identified only from rice plants and insect vectors by isolation techniques.Advances in next-generation sequencing(NGS)have made it feasible to discover viruses on a global scale.Recently,numerous viruses have been identified in plants and invertebrates using NGS technologies.In this review,we discuss viral studies in rice plants,invertebrate species,and weeds in rice fields.Many novel viruses have been discovered in rice ecosystems through NGS technologies,with some also detected using metatranscriptomic and small RNA sequencing.These analyses greatly expand our understanding of viruses in rice fields and provide valuable insights for developing efficient strategies to manage insect pests and virus-mediated rice diseases.展开更多
In this review,the advantages and advances in applying high-throughput sequencing(HTS)in the management of viral diseases in citrus,along with some challenges,are discussed to provide perspectives on future prospects....In this review,the advantages and advances in applying high-throughput sequencing(HTS)in the management of viral diseases in citrus,along with some challenges,are discussed to provide perspectives on future prospects.Since the initial implementation of HTS in citrus virology,a substantial number of citrus viruses have been identified,with a notable increase in the last 7 years.The acquisition of viral genomes and various HTS-based omics analyses serve as crucial pillars for advancing research in the etiology,epidemiology,pathology,evolution,ecology,and biotechnology of citrus viruses.HTS has notably contributed to disease diagnosis,such as the diagnoses of concave gum and impietratura,as well as to the surveillance of new virus risks and the preparation of virus-free materials.However,certain inherent defects in HTS and coupled bioinformatics analysis,such as challenges with sequence assembly and the detection of viral dark matter,require improvement to enhance practical efficiency.In addition,the utilization of HTS for the systematic management of citrus viral diseases remains limited,and drawing insights from other virus-plant pathosystems while integrating emerging compatible techniques and ideas may broaden its specific applications.展开更多
Objective To establish and validate a novel diabetic retinopathy(DR)risk-prediction model using a whole-exome sequencing(WES)-based machine learning(ML)method.Methods WES was performed to identify potential single nuc...Objective To establish and validate a novel diabetic retinopathy(DR)risk-prediction model using a whole-exome sequencing(WES)-based machine learning(ML)method.Methods WES was performed to identify potential single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)or mutation sites in a DR pedigree comprising 10 members.A prediction model was established and validated in a cohort of 420 type 2 diabetic patients based on both genetic and demographic features.The contribution of each feature was assessed using Shapley Additive explanation analysis.The efficacies of the models with and without SNP were compared.Results WES revealed that seven SNPs/mutations(rs116911833 in TRIM7,1997T>C in LRBA,1643T>C in PRMT10,rs117858678 in C9orf152,rs201922794 in CLDN25,rs146694895 in SH3GLB2,and rs201407189 in FANCC)were associated with DR.Notably,the model including rs146694895 and rs201407189 achieved better performance in predicting DR(accuracy:80.2%;sensitivity:83.3%;specificity:76.7%;area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUC]:80.0%)than the model without these SNPs(accuracy:79.4%;sensitivity:80.3%;specificity:78.3%;AUC:79.3%).Conclusion Novel SNP sites associated with DR were identified in the DR pedigree.Inclusion of rs146694895 and rs201407189 significantly enhanced the performance of the ML-based DR prediction model.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)poses a substantial risk to human health due to its high prevalence and mortality rates.Nevertheless,current therapeutic strategies remain insufficient.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq...BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)poses a substantial risk to human health due to its high prevalence and mortality rates.Nevertheless,current therapeutic strategies remain insufficient.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)offers the potential to provide comprehensive insights into GC pathogenesis.AIM To explore the distribution and dynamic changes of cell populations in the GC tumor microenvironment using scRNA-seq techniques.METHODS Cancerous tissues and paracancerous tissues were obtained from patients diagnosed with GC at various stages(I,II,III,and IV).Single-cell suspensions were prepared and analyzed using scRNA-seq to examine transcriptome profiles and cell-cell interactions.Additionally,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and flow cytometry were applied for measuring the expression of cluster of differentiation(CD)2,CD3D,CD3E,cytokeratin 19,cytokeratin 8,and epithelial cell adhesion molecules.RESULTS Transcriptome data from 73645 single cells across eight tissues of four patients were categorized into 25 distinct cell clusters,representing 10 different cell types.Variations were observed in these cell type distribution.The adjacent epithelial cells in stages II and III exhibited a degenerative trend.Additionally,the quantity of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells were evidently elevated in cancerous tissues.Interaction analysis displayed a remarkable increase in interaction between B cells and other mast cells in stages II,III,and IV of GC.These findings were further validated through qRT-PCR and flow cytometry,demonstrating elevated T cells and declined epithelial cells within the cancerous tissues.CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive analysis of cell dynamics across GC stages,highlighting key interactions within the tumor microenvironment.These findings offer valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies.展开更多
Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-da...Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-day-old unpaired non-lactating male pigeons(MN)and males initiating lactation on the first day after incubation(ML).Using RNA sequencing,ribosomeprofiling,andsingle-cell transcriptome sequencing(scRNA-seq),we identified a significant up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome assembly and protein synthesis in ML compared to MN.Results from scRNA-seq analysis identified 12distinct cell types and 22 clusters,with secretory epithelial cells(SECs)exhibiting marked expression of plasma cell markers,including IGLL1 and MZB1.RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA FISH)and IgY quantification confirmed the critical role of SECs in producing endogenous IgY during lactation.We propose that fibroblast-derived BAFF signals activate SECs,mimicking B cell transformation and enhancing protein production through the unfolded protein response(UPR).These findings shed light on the cellular dynamics of pigeon milk production and contribute to a broader understanding of avian biology.展开更多
In this paper,a standardized analysis method is established for identifying meat quality-related genes in Ordos finewool sheep using transcriptome sequencing data.A meticulously standardized approach is utilized to in...In this paper,a standardized analysis method is established for identifying meat quality-related genes in Ordos finewool sheep using transcriptome sequencing data.A meticulously standardized approach is utilized to investigate the genetic determinants of meat quality in Ordos fine-wool sheep through transcriptome sequencing analysis.Muscle samples from the longissimus dorsi of one-year-old sheep are collected under controlled conditions,and key texture properties—hardness,elasticity,and chewiness—are measured to categorize samples into high-and low-textural-value groups.Genes significantly associated with meat quality traits are identified through standardized RNA extraction,high-throughput sequencing,and differential gene expression analysis.Functional enrichment analysis reveals their involvement in biological processes such as extracellular matrix organization and metabolic pathways.The findings underscore the pivotal role of standardization in meat quality research,laying a solid scientific foundation for future research on meat quality improvement and molecular breeding.展开更多
In order to save manpower and time costs,and to achieve simultaneous detection of multiple animal-derived components in meat and meat products,this study used multiple nucleotide polymorphism(MNP)marker technology bas...In order to save manpower and time costs,and to achieve simultaneous detection of multiple animal-derived components in meat and meat products,this study used multiple nucleotide polymorphism(MNP)marker technology based on the principle of high-throughput sequencing,and established a multi-locus 10 animalderived components identification method of cattle,goat,sheep,donkey,horse,chicken,duck,goose,pigeon,quail in meat and meat products.The specific loci of each species could be detected and the species could be accurately identified,including 5 loci for cattle and duck,3 loci for sheep,9 loci for chicken and horse,10 loci for goose and pigeon,6 loci for quail and 1 locus for donkey and goat,and an adulteration model was established to simulate commercially available samples.The results showed that the method established in this study had high throughput,good repeatability and accuracy,and was able to identify 10 animalderived components simultaneously with 100%repeatability accuracy.The detection limit was 0.1%(m/m)in simulated samples of chicken,duck and horse.Using the method established in this study to test commercially available samples,4 samples from 14 commercially available samples were detected to be inconsistent with the labels,of which 2 did not contain the target ingredient and 2 were adulterated with small amounts of other ingredients.展开更多
基金Supported by Science and Technology Support Planning Project of Sichuan Province(2021YFYZ0031SASA2024CZYX002)National Modern Agricultural Technology System Construction of China(CARS-41-G07)。
文摘The calpain system is ubiquitous in cells, mainly comprising calpains and calpain inhibitors, and is a widespread calcium-dependent cysteine protease in organisms that is involved in many cellular processes such as muscle degradation in vivo and affects the tenderness of meat after animal slaughter. The study found 128 DEGs that probably regulated tenderness traits were selected from 16 significantly enriched GO terms by transcriptome sequencing analysis, and found that the developmental changes in the expression levels of the CAPN1 gene in the pectoral and leg muscles were significantly positively correlated ( P <0.05) with the cumulative growth values of live weight and comb weight. The developmental changes in the expression levels of the CAST gene in the pectoral and leg muscles were not significantly correlated with the cumulative growth values of live weight and comb weight. Our results helped demonstrate the potential molecular mechanisms of tenderness in chickens and provide valuable information for chicken breeding.
文摘Background: Omicron JN.1 has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in recent months. JN.1 has the highest number of amino acid mutations in its receptor binding domain (RBD) and has acquired a hallmark L455S mutation. The immune evasion capability of JN.1 is a subject of scientific investigation. The US CDC used SGTF of TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit RT-qPCR as proxy indicator of JN.1 infections for evaluation of the effectiveness of updated monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines against JN.1 and recommended that all persons aged ≥ 6 months should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose. Objective: Recommend Sanger sequencing instead of proxy indicator to diagnose JN.1 infections to generate the data based on which guidelines are made to direct vaccination policies. Methods: The RNA in nasopharyngeal swab specimens from patients with clinical respiratory infection was subjected to nested RT-PCR, targeting a 398-base segment of the N-gene and a 445-base segment of the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 for amplification. The nested PCR amplicons were sequenced. The DNA sequences were analyzed for amino acid mutations. Results: The N-gene sequence showed R203K, G204R and Q229K, the 3 mutations associated with Omicron BA.2.86 (+JN.1). The RBD sequence showed 24 of the 26 known amino acid mutations, including the hallmark L455S mutation for JN.1 and the V483del for BA.2.86 lineage. Conclusions: Sanger sequencing of a 445-base segment of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD is useful for accurate determination of emerging variants. The CDC may consider using Sanger sequencing of the RBD to diagnose JN.1 infections for statistical analysis in making vaccination policies.
基金funding from National Science Foundation of China(52202337 and 22178015)the Young Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province(tsqn202211082)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2023MB051)Independent Innovation Research Project of China University of Petroleum(East China)(22CX06023A).
文摘Layer-structured Ruddlesden–Popper(RP)perovskites(RPPs)with decent stability have captured the imagination of the photovoltaic research community and bring hope for boosting the development of perovskite solar cell(PSC)technology.However,two-dimensional(2D)or quasi-2D RP PSCs are encountered with some challenges of the large exciton binding energy,blocked charge transport and poor film quality,which restrict their photovoltaic performance.Fortunately,these issues can be readily resolved by rationally designing spacer cations of RPPs.This review mainly focuses on how to design the molecular structures of organic spacers and aims to endow RPPs with outstanding photovoltaic applications.We firstly elucidated the important roles of organic spacers in impacting crystallization kinetics,charge transporting ability and stability of RPPs.Then we brought three aspects to attention for designing organic spacers.Finally,we presented the specific molecular structure design strategies for organic spacers of RPPs aiming to improve photovoltaic performance of RP PSCs.These proposed strategies in this review will provide new avenues to develop novel organic spacers for RPPs and advance the development of RPP photovoltaic technology for future applications.
基金supported by the Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services (RESAS) Division of the Scottish Government through project JHI-B1-1the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through awards BB/ S015663/1+2 种基金BB/X009068/1Research Leaders 2025 fellowship funded by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 754380the Research/Scientific Computing teams at The James Hutton Institute and NIAB for providing computational resources and technical support for the “UK’s Crop Diversity Bioinformatics HPC” (BBSRC grant BB/ S019669/1)。
文摘An accurate assessment of host and pathogen gene expression during infection is critical for understanding the molecular aspects of host-pathogen interactions.Often,pathogen-derived transcripts are difficult to ascertain at early infection stages owing to the unfavourable transcript representation compared to the host genes.In this study,we compare two sequencing techniques,RNAseq and enrichment sequencing(RenSeq and PenSeq)of cDNA,to investigate gene expression patterns in the doubled monoploid potato(DM)infected with the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans.Our results reveal distinct advantages of cDNA RenSeq and PenSeq over traditional RNAseq in terms of target gene representation and transcriptional quantification at early infection stages.Throughout the infection time course,cDNA enrichment sequencing enables transcriptomic analyses for more targeted host and pathogen genes.For highly expressed genes that were sampled in parallel by both cDNA enrichment and RNAseq,a high level of concordance in expression profiles is observed,indicative of at least semi-quantitative gene expression representation following enrichment.
基金Supported by School-Level Key Projects at Bengbu Medical College,No.2021byzd109.
文摘BACKGROUND Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC)represents a subtype of gallbladder malignancies characterized by a low incidence,aggressive nature,and poor prognosis.Despite its clinical severity,the genetic alterations,mechanisms,and signaling pathways underlying gallbladder NEC remain unclear.CASE SUMMARY This case study presents a rare instance of primary gallbladder NEC in a 73-year-old female patient,who underwent a radical cholecystectomy with hepatic hilar lymphadenectomy and resection of liver segments IV-B and V.Targeted gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis tools,including STRING,GeneMANIA,Metascape,TRRUST,Sangerbox,cBioPortal and GSCA,were used to analyze the biological functions and features of mutated genes in gallbladder NEC.Twelve mutations(APC,ARID2,IFNA6,KEAP1,RB1,SMAD4,TP53,BTK,GATA1,GNAS,and PRDM3)were identified,and the tumor mutation burden was determined to be 9.52 muts/Mb via targeted gene sequencing.A protein-protein interaction network showed significant interactions among the twelve mutated genes.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were used to assess mutation functions and pathways.The results revealed 40 tumor-related pathways.A key regulatory factor for gallbladder NEC-related genes was identified,and its biological functions and features were compared with those of gallbladder carcinoma.CONCLUSION Gallbladder NEC requires standardized treatment.Comparisons with other gallbladder carcinomas revealed clinical phenotypes,molecular alterations,functional characteristics,and enriched pathways.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos.81971151 (to YW), 82102528 (to XL), 82102583 (to LW)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China, Nos.2020A1515010265 (to YW), 2020A1515110679 (to XL), and 2021A1515010358 (to XL)
文摘Invasive inflammation and excessive scar formation are the main reasons for the difficulty in repairing nervous tissue after spinal cord injury.Microglia and astrocytes play key roles in the spinal cord injury micro-environment and share a close interaction.However,the mechanisms involved remain unclear.In this study,we found that after spinal cord injury,resting microglia(M0)were polarized into pro-inflammatory phenotypes(MG1 and MG3),while resting astrocytes were polarized into reactive and scar-forming phenotypes.The expression of growth arrest-specific 6(Gas6)and its receptor Axl were significantly down-regulated in microglia and astrocytes after spinal cord injury.In vitro experiments showed that Gas6 had negative effects on the polarization of reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia,and even inhibited the cross-regulation between them.We further demonstrated that Gas6 can inhibit the polarization of reactive astrocytes by suppressing the activation of the Yes-associated protein signaling pathway.This,in turn,inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia by suppressing the activation of the nuclear factor-κB/p65 and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways.In vivo experiments showed that Gas6 inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrocytes in the injured spinal cord,thereby promoting tissue repair and motor function recovery.Overall,Gas6 may play a role in the treatment of spinal cord injury.It can inhibit the inflammatory pathway of microglia and polarization of astrocytes,attenuate the interaction between microglia and astrocytes in the inflammatory microenvironment,and thereby alleviate local inflammation and reduce scar formation in the spinal cord.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82301403(to DZ)。
文摘Glial cells play crucial roles in regulating physiological and pathological functions,including sensation,the response to infection and acute injury,and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.Glial cells include astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system,and satellite glial cells and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.Despite the greater understanding of glial cell types and functional heterogeneity achieved through single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models,few studies have investigated the transcriptomic profiles of glial cells in the human spinal cord.Here,we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes in the human spinal cord.To explore the conservation and divergence across species,we compared these findings with those from mice.In the human spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were each divided into six distinct transcriptomic subclusters.In the mouse spinal cord,astrocytes,microglia,and oligodendrocytes were divided into five,four,and five distinct transcriptomic subclusters,respectively.The comparative results revealed substantial heterogeneity in all glial cell types between humans and mice.Additionally,we detected sex differences in gene expression in human spinal cord glial cells.Specifically,in all astrocyte subtypes,the levels of NEAT1 and CHI3L1 were higher in males than in females,whereas the levels of CST3 were lower in males than in females.In all microglial subtypes,all differentially expressed genes were located on the sex chromosomes.In addition to sex-specific gene differences,the levels of MT-ND4,MT2A,MT-ATP6,MT-CO3,MT-ND2,MT-ND3,and MT-CO_(2) in all spinal cord oligodendrocyte subtypes were higher in females than in males.Collectively,the present dataset extensively characterizes glial cell heterogeneity and offers a valuable resource for exploring the cellular basis of spinal cordrelated illnesses,including chronic pain,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and multiple sclerosis.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81774118the Foreign Cooperation Project of Science and Technology Department of Fujian Province,No.2023I0021the Medical Innovation Project of Fujian Province,No.2024CXB013.
文摘BACKGROUND Hemorrhoids,a prevalent chronic condition globally,significantly impact patients'quality of life.While various surgical interventions,such as external stripping and internal ligation,procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids,and tissue selecting technique,are employed for treatment,they are often associated with postoperative complications,including unsatisfactory defecation,bleeding,and anal stenosis.In contrast,Xiaozhiling injection,a traditional Chinese medicine-based therapy,has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective alternative for internal hemorrhoids.This treatment offers distinct advantages,such as reduced dietary restrictions,broad applicability,and minimal induction of systemic inflammatory responses.Additionally,Xiaozhiling injection effectively eliminates hemorrhoid nuclei,prevents local tissue necrosis,preserves anal cushion integrity,and mitigates postoperative complications,including bleeding and prolapse.Despite its clinical efficacy,the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain poorly understood,warranting further investigation.AIM To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Xiaozhiling injection in the treatment of internal hemorrhoids.METHODS An internal hemorrhoid model was established in rats,and the rats were randomly divided into a modeling group[control group(CK group)]and a treatment group.One week after injection,Stereo-seq and electron microscopy were used to study the changes in gene expression and subcellular structures in fibroblasts.RESULTS Single-cell sequencing revealed differences in the expression and transcript levels of the genes collagen 3 alpha 1,decorin,and actin alpha 2 in fibroblasts between the CK group and the treatment group.Spatial transcriptome analysis revealed that genes of the sphingosine kinase 1(Sphk1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)pathway spatially overlapped with key genes of the transforming growth factor beta 1 pathway,namely,Sphk1,S1P receptor,and transforming growth factor beta 1,in the treatment group.The proportion of fibroblasts was lower in the treatment group than in the CK group,and Xiaozhiling treatment had a significant effect on the proportion of fibroblasts in hemorrhoidal tissue.Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant increase in the expression of a fibroblast marker.Electron microscopy showed that the endoplasmic reticulum of fibroblasts contained a large amount of glycogen,indicating cell activation.Fibroblast activation and the expression of key genes of the Sphk1-S1P pathway could be observed at the injection site,suggesting that after Xiaozhiling intervention,the Sphk1-S1P pathway could be activated to promote fibrosis.CONCLUSION Xiaozhiling injection exerts its therapeutic effects on internal hemorrhoids by promoting collagen synthesis and secretion in fibroblasts.After Xiaozhiling intervention,the Sphk1-S1P pathway can be activated to promote fibrosis.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi,China(2020GXNSFBA297083)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072193)。
文摘Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 was originally isolated from the feces of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China.L.plantarum MWFLp-182 showed favorable gastric and intestinal tolerance compared with Lactiplantibacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG).L.plantarum MWFLp-182 was further examined for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in ABAP-treated HT-29 cells.Importantly,it enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory factor(interleukin-10(IL-10)),antioxidant cytokines(superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor(Nrf2),and hemeoxygenase 1(HO-1)),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and tight junction(Zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1),Claudin-1,and Occludin)proteins and genes,and reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS).The complete genome of L.plantarum MWFLp-182 contained a single circular chromosome that was 3257196 bp long,with a G+C content of 44.49%,and a single circular plasmid that was 53560 bp long.The genes tpx,trx A,trx B,npr,nrd H,dps,rec A,gpx,gsh A and ars C in this strain were related to antioxidant function;the key genes involved in antioxidant function were further investigated.In this study,we identified a probiotic candidate with antioxidant properties.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31972983 and 32072487)the Key Technology R&D Program of Zhejiang Province,China(Grant No.2021C02006)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.LY23C140001).
文摘In rice fields,rice plants usually grow alongside wild weeds and are attacked by various invertebrate species.Viruses are abundant in plants and invertebrates,playing crucial ecological roles in controlling microbial abundance and maintaining community structures.To date,only 16 rice viruses have been documented in rice-growing regions.These viruses pose serious threats to rice production and have traditionally been identified only from rice plants and insect vectors by isolation techniques.Advances in next-generation sequencing(NGS)have made it feasible to discover viruses on a global scale.Recently,numerous viruses have been identified in plants and invertebrates using NGS technologies.In this review,we discuss viral studies in rice plants,invertebrate species,and weeds in rice fields.Many novel viruses have been discovered in rice ecosystems through NGS technologies,with some also detected using metatranscriptomic and small RNA sequencing.These analyses greatly expand our understanding of viruses in rice fields and provide valuable insights for developing efficient strategies to manage insect pests and virus-mediated rice diseases.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32370005,32072389)Chongqing Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists(Grant No.CSTB2022NSCQ-JQX0027)+3 种基金Innovation Research 2035 Pilot Plan of Southwest University(Grant Nos.SWU-XDPY22002,SWUXDZD22002)Special Fund for Youth Team of Southwest University(Grant No.SWU-XJLJ202310)Chongqing Talents of Exceptional Young Talents Project(Grant No.cstc2022ycjh-bgzxm0143)Chongqing Municipal Training Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates(Grant No.S202310635160)。
文摘In this review,the advantages and advances in applying high-throughput sequencing(HTS)in the management of viral diseases in citrus,along with some challenges,are discussed to provide perspectives on future prospects.Since the initial implementation of HTS in citrus virology,a substantial number of citrus viruses have been identified,with a notable increase in the last 7 years.The acquisition of viral genomes and various HTS-based omics analyses serve as crucial pillars for advancing research in the etiology,epidemiology,pathology,evolution,ecology,and biotechnology of citrus viruses.HTS has notably contributed to disease diagnosis,such as the diagnoses of concave gum and impietratura,as well as to the surveillance of new virus risks and the preparation of virus-free materials.However,certain inherent defects in HTS and coupled bioinformatics analysis,such as challenges with sequence assembly and the detection of viral dark matter,require improvement to enhance practical efficiency.In addition,the utilization of HTS for the systematic management of citrus viral diseases remains limited,and drawing insights from other virus-plant pathosystems while integrating emerging compatible techniques and ideas may broaden its specific applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[Grant No.62206185]。
文摘Objective To establish and validate a novel diabetic retinopathy(DR)risk-prediction model using a whole-exome sequencing(WES)-based machine learning(ML)method.Methods WES was performed to identify potential single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)or mutation sites in a DR pedigree comprising 10 members.A prediction model was established and validated in a cohort of 420 type 2 diabetic patients based on both genetic and demographic features.The contribution of each feature was assessed using Shapley Additive explanation analysis.The efficacies of the models with and without SNP were compared.Results WES revealed that seven SNPs/mutations(rs116911833 in TRIM7,1997T>C in LRBA,1643T>C in PRMT10,rs117858678 in C9orf152,rs201922794 in CLDN25,rs146694895 in SH3GLB2,and rs201407189 in FANCC)were associated with DR.Notably,the model including rs146694895 and rs201407189 achieved better performance in predicting DR(accuracy:80.2%;sensitivity:83.3%;specificity:76.7%;area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUC]:80.0%)than the model without these SNPs(accuracy:79.4%;sensitivity:80.3%;specificity:78.3%;AUC:79.3%).Conclusion Novel SNP sites associated with DR were identified in the DR pedigree.Inclusion of rs146694895 and rs201407189 significantly enhanced the performance of the ML-based DR prediction model.
基金Supported by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Natural Science Foundation,No.2020D01C199.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)poses a substantial risk to human health due to its high prevalence and mortality rates.Nevertheless,current therapeutic strategies remain insufficient.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)offers the potential to provide comprehensive insights into GC pathogenesis.AIM To explore the distribution and dynamic changes of cell populations in the GC tumor microenvironment using scRNA-seq techniques.METHODS Cancerous tissues and paracancerous tissues were obtained from patients diagnosed with GC at various stages(I,II,III,and IV).Single-cell suspensions were prepared and analyzed using scRNA-seq to examine transcriptome profiles and cell-cell interactions.Additionally,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and flow cytometry were applied for measuring the expression of cluster of differentiation(CD)2,CD3D,CD3E,cytokeratin 19,cytokeratin 8,and epithelial cell adhesion molecules.RESULTS Transcriptome data from 73645 single cells across eight tissues of four patients were categorized into 25 distinct cell clusters,representing 10 different cell types.Variations were observed in these cell type distribution.The adjacent epithelial cells in stages II and III exhibited a degenerative trend.Additionally,the quantity of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells were evidently elevated in cancerous tissues.Interaction analysis displayed a remarkable increase in interaction between B cells and other mast cells in stages II,III,and IV of GC.These findings were further validated through qRT-PCR and flow cytometry,demonstrating elevated T cells and declined epithelial cells within the cancerous tissues.CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive analysis of cell dynamics across GC stages,highlighting key interactions within the tumor microenvironment.These findings offer valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
基金supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jiangxi Province,China (JXARS-09)Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province,China (2020B1212060060)。
文摘Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-day-old unpaired non-lactating male pigeons(MN)and males initiating lactation on the first day after incubation(ML).Using RNA sequencing,ribosomeprofiling,andsingle-cell transcriptome sequencing(scRNA-seq),we identified a significant up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome assembly and protein synthesis in ML compared to MN.Results from scRNA-seq analysis identified 12distinct cell types and 22 clusters,with secretory epithelial cells(SECs)exhibiting marked expression of plasma cell markers,including IGLL1 and MZB1.RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA FISH)and IgY quantification confirmed the critical role of SECs in producing endogenous IgY during lactation.We propose that fibroblast-derived BAFF signals activate SECs,mimicking B cell transformation and enhancing protein production through the unfolded protein response(UPR).These findings shed light on the cellular dynamics of pigeon milk production and contribute to a broader understanding of avian biology.
基金funded by the 2023 Inner Mongolia Public Institution High-Level Talent Introduction Scientific Research Support Project,and the Ordos Municipal Science and Technology Major Special Project(Grant No.2022EEDSKJZDZX021).
文摘In this paper,a standardized analysis method is established for identifying meat quality-related genes in Ordos finewool sheep using transcriptome sequencing data.A meticulously standardized approach is utilized to investigate the genetic determinants of meat quality in Ordos fine-wool sheep through transcriptome sequencing analysis.Muscle samples from the longissimus dorsi of one-year-old sheep are collected under controlled conditions,and key texture properties—hardness,elasticity,and chewiness—are measured to categorize samples into high-and low-textural-value groups.Genes significantly associated with meat quality traits are identified through standardized RNA extraction,high-throughput sequencing,and differential gene expression analysis.Functional enrichment analysis reveals their involvement in biological processes such as extracellular matrix organization and metabolic pathways.The findings underscore the pivotal role of standardization in meat quality research,laying a solid scientific foundation for future research on meat quality improvement and molecular breeding.
基金financially supported by National Key R&D Program(2021YFF0701905)。
文摘In order to save manpower and time costs,and to achieve simultaneous detection of multiple animal-derived components in meat and meat products,this study used multiple nucleotide polymorphism(MNP)marker technology based on the principle of high-throughput sequencing,and established a multi-locus 10 animalderived components identification method of cattle,goat,sheep,donkey,horse,chicken,duck,goose,pigeon,quail in meat and meat products.The specific loci of each species could be detected and the species could be accurately identified,including 5 loci for cattle and duck,3 loci for sheep,9 loci for chicken and horse,10 loci for goose and pigeon,6 loci for quail and 1 locus for donkey and goat,and an adulteration model was established to simulate commercially available samples.The results showed that the method established in this study had high throughput,good repeatability and accuracy,and was able to identify 10 animalderived components simultaneously with 100%repeatability accuracy.The detection limit was 0.1%(m/m)in simulated samples of chicken,duck and horse.Using the method established in this study to test commercially available samples,4 samples from 14 commercially available samples were detected to be inconsistent with the labels,of which 2 did not contain the target ingredient and 2 were adulterated with small amounts of other ingredients.
