ELMO1 ameliorates intestinal epithelial cellular senescence via SIRT1/p65 signaling in inflammatory bowel disease-related fibrosis

Background

Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which still lacks of reliable markers and therapeutic options. Cellular senescence has been considered an important mechanism of intestinal fibrosis, but the underlying molecular link remains elusive.

Methods

Tissues were stained using α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and collagen I as markers of myofibroblastic differentiation. Cellular senescence was confirmed through Lamin B1 staining, senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, and the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. We explored the relationship between senescence of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intestinal fibrosis, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying this interaction. The effects of irisin on cellular senescence and fibrosis were determined.

Results

Here, we identify engulfment and cell motility protein 1 (ELMO1) as a novel biomarker for intestinal cellular senescence and fibrosis. In fibrostrictured tissues from patients and murine models with IBD, significantly high levels of cellular senescence score and factors were noted, which positively correlated with the fibrotic regulator fibronectin. Senescent IECs, not fibroblast itself, released SASP factors to regulate fibroblast activation. Prolonging exposure to severe and persistent injurious stimuli decreased ELMO1 expression, which dampened SIRT1 deacetylase activity, enhanced NF-κB (p65) acetylation, and thereby accelerated cellular senescence. Deletion of ELMO1 led to senescent IECs accumulation and triggered premature fibrosis in murine colitis. Furthermore, irisin, inhibiting the degradation of ELMO1, could downregulate p65 acetylation, reduce IECs senescence, and prevent incipient intestinal fibrosis in murine colitis models.

Conclusions

This study reveals ELMO1 downregulation is an early symbol of intestinal senescence and fibrosis, and the altered ELMO1-SIRT1-p65 pathway plays an important role in intestinal cellular senescence and IBD-related fibrosis.

Short Formal Syntheses of Lycorine and Congeners Using a 5-Endo-Trig/6-Endo-Trig Radical Cyclization Sequence

Here, we report a practical route to medicinally interesting lycorine congeners alongside formal syntheses of various lycorine-type natural products, including lycorine itself. The efficiency of our strategy derives from a back-to-back 5-endo-trig/6-endo-trig radical cyclization sequence, which we systematically studied both experimentally and computationally. The results of our work will facilitate future development of urgently needed antiviral therapeutics based on lycorine.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With Oxaliplatin and Fluoropyrimidine Versus Upfront Surgery for Locally Advanced Colon Cancer: The Randomized, Phase III OPTICAL Trial

PURPOSE

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in colon cancer remains unclear. This trial investigated whether 3 months of modified infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) or capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) as NAC could improve outcomes in patients with locally advanced colon cancer versus upfront surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

OPTICAL was a randomized, phase III trial in patients with clinically staged locally advanced colon cancer (T3 with extramural spread into the mesocolic fat ≥5 mm or T4). Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive six preoperative cycles of mFOLFOX6 or four cycles of CAPOX, followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC group), or immediate surgery and the physician's choice of adjuvant chemotherapy (upfront surgery group). The primary end point was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) assessed in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population.

RESULTS

Between January 2016 and April 2021, of the 752 patients enrolled, 744 patients were included in the mITT analysis (371 in the NAC group; 373 in the upfront surgery group). At a median follow-up of 48.0 months (IQR, 46.0-50.1), 3-year DFS rates were 82.1% in the NAC group and 77.5% in the upfront surgery group (stratified hazard ratio [HR], 0.74 [95% CI, 0.54 to 1.03]). The R0 resection was achieved in 98% of patients who underwent surgery in both groups. Compared with upfront surgery, NAC resulted in a 7% pathologic complete response rate (pCR), significantly lower rates of advanced tumor staging (pT3-4: 77% v 94%), lymph node metastasis (pN1-2: 31% v 46%), and potentially improved overall survival (stratified HR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.25 to 0.77]).

CONCLUSION

NAC with mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX did not show a significant DFS benefit. However, this neoadjuvant approach was safe, resulted in substantial pathologic downstaging, and appears to be a viable therapeutic option for locally advanced colon cancer.

Circular RNA circVmn2r1 acts as a miR-223-3p sponge to promote kidney aging by regulating NLRP3 expression in mice

Kidney aging accelerates the progression of various acute and chronic kidney diseases and can also induce pathological changes in other organs throughout the body. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been demonstrated to play a vital role in aging and age-related diseases. However, biological functions and the underlying molecular mechanism of circRNAs in kidney aging remain largely unclear. Uncovering the functions of circRNAs in kidney aging and their underlying regulatory mechanisms may shed new light on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for human aging. Here we report the important role of circVmn2r1 in the progression of kidney aging. We found that circVmn2r1 was one of the top expressed circRNAs in mouse kidney by RNA sequencing and was significantly upregulated in 24-month-old mouse kidney compared to 3-month-old. More importantly, we demonstrated that overexpression of circVmn2r1 promoted kidney aging in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Cellular assays with mouse kidney tubular epithelium (TCMK-1) cells under both gain-of-function and loss-of-function conditions demonstrated that circVmn2r1 inhibited proliferation and promoted senescence, whereas miR-223-3p counteracted these effects. Mechanistic analysis demonstrated that circVmn2r1 acted as a miR-223-3p sponge to relieve the repressive effect of miR-223-3p on its target NLRP3, which we proved could inhibit proliferation and promote senescence of TCMK-1 cells. Our results indicate that circVmn2r1 promotes kidney aging through acting as a miR-223-3p sponge, consequently upregulating NLRP3 expression, and can be a valuable diagnostic marker and an important therapeutic target for kidney aging.

Fatty Acid Oxidation Promotes Apoptotic Resistance and Proinflammatory Phenotype of CD4+ Tissue-resident Memory T cells in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

As the most abundant memory T cells and major source of tumor necrosis factor α in the intestinal mucosa of Crohn's disease (CD) patients, CD4+ tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells play a critical role in CD pathogenesis. We investigated the role of metabolic reprogramming in the regulation of proinflammatory and apoptosis-resistant phenotype for CD4+ TRM cells.

METHODS

CD4+ TRM cells were collected from intestinal resection tissues from control and CD patients. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis were performed to identify metabolic characteristics of CD4+ TRM cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments were used to assess cytokines level in CD4+ TRM cells; activation-induced cell apoptosis rate was evaluated by flow cytometry. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were performed to detect the effect of CD4+ TRM cells on the migration of normal intestinal epithelial cells.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic data combined with unbiased metabolomic analysis revealed an increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) phenotype existed in CD4+ TRM cells from CD patients. The lipidomic data and stable isotope tracer experiments demonstrated that CD4+ TRM cells up-regulated their lipid lipolysis and fatty acid uptake to fuel FAO in CD patients. Mechanistically, the activated nuclear factor kappa B signaling increased transcription of genes involved in lipid lipolysis, fatty acid uptake, and oxidation in CD4+ TRM cells from CD patients. Targeting FAO of CD4+ TRM cells reversed their apoptosis-resistant and proinflammatory phenotype in CD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CD4+ TRM cells process an accelerated FAO mediated by activated nuclear factor kappa B signaling in CD patients; targeting FAO could reverse their apoptosis-resistant and proinflammatory phenotype. These findings shed a new light on the pathogenic mechanism investigation and novel therapy development in CD patients.

The gut ileal mucosal virome is disturbed in patients with Crohn's disease and exacerbates intestinal inflammation in mice

Gut bacteriome dysbiosis is known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease (CD) is an IBD subtype with extensive mucosal inflammation, yet the mucosal virome, an empirical modulator of the bacteriome and mucosal immunity, remains largely unclear regarding its composition and role. Here, we exploited trans-cohort CD patients and healthy individuals to compositionally and functionally investigate the small bowel (terminal ileum) virome and bacteriome. The CD ileal virome was characterised by an under-representation of both lytic and temperate bacteriophages (especially those targeting bacterial pathogens), particularly in patients with flare-up. Meanwhile, the virome-bacteriome ecology in CD ileal mucosa was featured by a lack of Bifidobacterium- and Lachnospiraceae-led mutualistic interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages; surprisingly it was more pronounced in CD remission than flare-up, underlining the refractory and recurrent nature of mucosal inflammation in CD. Lastly, we substantiated that ileal virions from CD patients causally exacerbated intestinal inflammation in IBD mouse models, by reshaping a gut virome-bacteriome ecology preceding intestinal inflammation (microbial trigger) and augmenting microbial sensing/defence pathways in the intestine cells (host response). Altogether, our results highlight the significance of mucosal virome in CD pathogenesis and importance of mucosal virome restoration in CD therapeutics.

Pharmacological modulation of RB1 activity mitigates resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

Resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy leads to poor prognosis of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), representing an unmet clinical need that demands further exploration of therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Here, we identified a noncanonical role of RB1 for modulating chromatin activity that contributes to oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). We demonstrate that oxaliplatin induces RB1 phosphorylation, which is associated with the resistance to neoadjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in LARC. Inhibition of RB1 phosphorylation by CDK4/6 inhibitor results in vulnerability to oxaliplatin in both intrinsic and acquired chemoresistant CRC. Mechanistically, we show that RB1 modulates chromatin activity through the TEAD4/HDAC1 complex to epigenetically suppress the expression of DNA repair genes. Antagonizing RB1 phosphorylation through CDK4/6 inhibition enforces RB1/TEAD4/HDAC1 repressor activity, leading to DNA repair defects, thus sensitizing oxaliplatin treatment in LARC. Our study identifies a RB1 function in regulating chromatin activity through TEAD4/HDAC1. It also provides the combination of CDK4/6 inhibitor with oxaliplatin as a potential synthetic lethality strategy to mitigate oxaliplatin resistance in LARC, whereby phosphorylated RB1/TEAD4 can serve as potential biomarkers to guide the patient stratification.

Enteral nutrition promotes the remission of colitis by gut bacteria-mediated histidine biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an important alternative strategy for patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and during this process, microbiota alterations have been observed. However, the underlying mechanisms by which EEN reduces intestinal inflammation are currently unclear.

METHODS

The therapeutic potential of enteral nutrition (EN) was assessed using various mouse models. Fecal full-length 16S rDNA sequencing analysis and several CD metagenome datasets were used to identify the candidate therapeutic bacteria Faecalibaculum rodentium (F. rodentium). Whole genome sequencing of F. rodentium and widely-targeted metabolome analysis of the supernatant showed that EN-induced F. rodentium accumulation protected against colitis via histidine biosynthesis.

FINDINGS

The therapeutic potential of EN therapy was observed in both dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and Il10-/- spontaneous colitis mouse models. Accumulation of F. rodentium after EN therapy was determined using full-length 16S rDNA sequencing and verified with several metagenome datasets from patients with CD. Colonization of an isolated F. rodentium could reduce colitis in Il10-/- mice. Significant histidine enrichment was observed in the F. rodentium culture supernatant, and a series of histidine biosynthesis genes were observed in the F. rodentium genome. Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), encoding the heterologous hisG of F. rodentium (EcN-hisG), which was a key driver of histidine biosynthesis in F. rodentium, was found to protect against colitis.

INTERPRETATION

This study suggests that EN-induced F. rodentium accumulation protects against colitis in mice via gut bacteria-mediated histidine biosynthesis.

FUNDING

A full list of funding bodies can be found in the Acknowledgements section.

LOXL1 promotes tumor cell malignancy and restricts CD8 + T cell infiltration in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Lymph node metastasis and immunosuppression are main factors of poor prognosis in CRC patients. Lysyl oxidase like 1 (LOXL1), part of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, plays a yet unclear role in CRC. This study aimed to identify effective biomarkers predictive of prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC patients, and to elucidate the prognostic value, clinical relevance, functional and molecular features, and immunotherapy predictive role of LOXL1 in CRC and pan-cancer.

METHODS

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to explore gene modules related to tumor metastasis and CD8 + T cell infiltration. LOXL1 emerged as a hub gene through differential gene expression and survival analysis. The molecular signatures, functional roles, and immunological characteristics affected by LOXL1 were analyzed in multiple CRC cohorts, cell lines and clinical specimens. Additionally, LOXL1's potential as an immunotherapy response indicator was assessed, along with its role in pan-cancer.

RESULTS

Turquoise module in WGCNA analysis was identified as the hub module associated with lymph node metastasis and CD8 + T cell infiltration. Aberrant elevated LOXL1 expression was observed in CRC and correlated with poorer differentiation status and prognosis. Molecular and immunological characterization found that LOXL1 might mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and immunosuppressive phenotypes of CRC. Functional study found that LOXL1 enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, high LOXL1 levels corresponded to reduced CD8 + T cell infiltration and predicted poor clinical outcomes of immunotherapy. Similar trends were also observed at the pan-cancer level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the critical role of LOXL1 in modulating both malignancy and immunosuppression in CRC. This positions LOXL1 as a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis and the response to immunotherapy in CRC patients.

Mutant KRAS-activated circATXN7 fosters tumor immunoescape by sensitizing tumor-specific T cells to activation-induced cell death

Mutant KRAS (KRASMUT) is often exploited by cancers to shape tumor immunity, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) from KRASMUT cancers are sensitive to activation-induced cell death (AICD). circATXN7, an NF-κB-interacting circular RNA, governs T cell sensitivity to AICD by inactivating NF-κB. Mechanistically, histone lactylation derived from KRASMUT tumor cell-produced lactic acid directly activates transcription of circATXN7, which binds to NF-κB p65 subunit and masks the p65 nuclear localization signal motif, thereby sequestering it in the cytoplasm. Clinically, circATXN7 upregulation in tumor-specific CTLs correlates with adverse clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic resistance. Genetic ablation of circAtxn7 in CD8+ T cells leads to mutant-selective tumor inhibition, while also increases anti-PD1 efficacy in multiple tumor models in female mice. Furthermore, targeting circATXN7 in adoptively transferred tumor-reactive CTLs improves their antitumor activities. These findings provide insight into how lymphocyte-expressed circRNAs contribute to T-cell fate decisions and anticancer immunotherapies.

Regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase leads to disturbances of isoproterenol-induced cardiac dysfunction via interference of Ca2+-dependent cardiac metabolism

Reductions in Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) activity and expression are often observed in the progress of various reason-induced heart failure (HF). However, NKA α1 mutation or knockdown cannot cause spontaneous heart disease. Whether the abnormal NKA α1 directly contributes to HF pathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we challenge NKA α1+/- mice with isoproterenol to evaluate the role of NKA α1 haploinsufficiency in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac dysfunction. Genetic knockdown of NKA α1 accelerated ISO-induced cardiac cell hypertrophy, heart fibrosis, and dysfunction. Further studies revealed decreased Krebs cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial OXPHOS in the hearts of NKA α1+/- mice challenged with ISO. In ISO-treated conditions, inhibition of NKA elevated cytosolic Na+, further reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ via mNCE, and then finally down-regulated cardiac cell energy metabolism. In addition, a supplement of DRm217 alleviated ISO-induced heart dysfunction, mitigated cardiac remodeling, and improved cytosolic Na+ and Ca2+ elevation and mitochondrial Ca2+ depression in the NKA α1+/- mouse model. The findings suggest that targeting NKA and mitochondria Ca2+ could be a promising strategy in the treatment of heart disease.

Multi-kingdom microbial signatures in excess body weight colorectal cancer based on global metagenomic analysis

Excess body weight (EBW) increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is linked to lower colonoscopy compliance. Here, we extensively analyzed 981 metagenome samples from multiple cohorts to pinpoint the specific microbial signatures and their potential capability distinguishing EBW patients with CRC. The gut microbiome displayed considerable variations between EBW and lean CRC. We identify 44 and 37 distinct multi-kingdom microbial species differentiating CRC and controls in EBW and lean populations, respectively. Unique bacterial-fungal associations are also observed between EBW-CRC and lean-CRC. Our analysis revealed specific microbial functions in EBW-CRC, including D-Arginine and D-ornithine metabolism, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. The best-performing classifier for EBW-CRC, comprising 12 bacterial and three fungal species, achieved an AUROC of 0.90, which was robustly validated across three independent cohorts (AUROC = 0.96, 0.94, and 0.80). Pathogenic microbial species, Anaerobutyricum hallii, Clostridioides difficile and Fusobacterium nucleatum, are EBW-CRC specific signatures. This work unearths the specific multi-kingdom microbial signatures for EBW-CRC and lean CRC, which may contribute to precision diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Loss of ESRP2 Activates TAK1-MAPK Signaling through the Fetal RNA-Splicing Program to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

Tumors usually display fetal-like characteristics, and many oncofetal proteins have been identified. However, fetal-like reprogramming of RNA splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. Here, it is demonstrated that the expression of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2), an RNA splicing factor, is suppressed in fetal hepatocytes and HCC, in parallel with tumor progression. By combining RNA-Seq with splicing analysis, it is identified that ESRP2 controls the fetal-to-adult switch of multiple splice isoforms in HCC. Functionally, ESRP2 suppressed cell proliferation and migration by specifically switching the alternative splicing (AS) of the TAK1 gene and restraining the expression of the fetal and oncogenic isoform, TAK1_ΔE12. Notably, aberrant TAK1 splicing led to the activation of p38MAPK signaling and predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. Further investigation revealed that TAK1_ΔE12 protein interacted closely with TAB3 and formed liquid condensation in HCC cells, resulting in p38MAPK activation, enhanced cell migration, and accelerated tumorigenesis. Loss of ESRP2 sensitized HCC cells to TAK1 kinase inhibitor (TAK1i), promoting pyroptotic cell death and CD8+ T cell infiltration. Combining TAK1i with immune checkpoint therapy achieved potent tumor regression in mice. Overall, the findings reveal a previously unexplored onco-fetal reprogramming of RNA splicing and provide novel therapeutic avenues for HCC.

Chemotherapy-induced microbiota exacerbates the toxicity of chemotherapy through the suppression of interleukin-10 from macrophages

The gut microbiota has been shown to influence the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy, thereby affecting treatment outcomes. Understanding the mechanism by which microbiota affects chemotherapeutic toxicity would have a profound impact on cancer management. In this study, we report that fecal microbiota transplantation from oxaliplatin-exposed mice promotes toxicity in recipient mice. Splenic RNA sequencing and macrophage depletion experiment showed that the microbiota-induced toxicity of oxaliplatin in mice was dependent on macrophages. Furthermore, oxaliplatin-mediated toxicity was exacerbated in Il10-/- mice, but not attenuated in Rag1-/- mice. Adoptive transfer of macrophage into Il10-/- mice confirmed the role of macrophage-derived IL-10 in the improvement of oxaliplatin-induced toxicity. Depletion of fecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was associated with the exacerbation of oxaliplatin-mediated toxicity, whereas supplementation with these probiotics alleviated chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Importantly, IL-10 administration and probiotics supplementation did not attenuate the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy. Clinically, patients with colorectal cancer exposed to oxaliplatin exhibited downregulation of peripheral CD45+IL-10+ cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that microbiota-mediated IL-10 production influences tolerance to chemotherapy, and thus represents a potential clinical target.

Y-box protein-1 modulates circSPECC1 to promote glioma tumorigenesis via miR-615-5p/HIP1/AKT axis

Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) is upregulated in glioma and plays an important role in its occurrence and drug resistance. However, the involved regulatory processes and downstream pathways are still unclear. Since various circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) also play roles in the pathogenesis of glioma, we hypothesize that YB-1 may exert its function through a circRNA-miRNA-protein interaction network. In this study, we use the RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to determine the circRNAs involved in the regulation of YB-1 and further elucidate their biological functions. The level of circSPECC1 (hsa_circ_0000745) modulated by YB-1 is significantly upregulated in the U251 and U87 glioma cell lines. Downregulation of circSPECC1 markedly inhibits the proliferation and invasiveness of U251 and U87 cells by inducing apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that miR-615-5p could interact with circSPECC1 and huntingtin-interacting protein-1 (HIP-1). Then we determine the interactions between miR-615-5p, circSPECC1, and HIP1 using dual luciferase reporter system and pull-down assays. Mechanistic analysis indicates that the downregulation of circSPECC1 results in a decreased HIP1 expression. This study demonstrates that circSPECC1 modulated by YB-1 is increased in glioma cell lines. In addition, circSPECC1 promotes glioma growth through the upregulation of HIP1 by sponging miR-615-5p and targeting the HIP1/AKT pathway. This indicates that YB-1 and circSPECC1 may both be promising targets for glioma treatment.

HLA B eplet mismatches in the context of delayed graft function and low tacrolimus trough levels are risk factors influencing the generation of de novo donor-specific antibodies and acute rejection in the early stage after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

De novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA) generation and acute rejection (AR) are the main factors affecting long-term graft survival. This study aims to investigate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) eplet mismatching (MM), delayed graft function (DGF), and tacrolimus (TAC) trough levels on the occurrence of dnDSA and AR in the early stages after kidney transplantation (KT).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 526 cases of deceased donation KT. The effects of DGF, HLA eplet MM, and TAC trough levels on dnDSA and AR occurrence were analyzed with logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the independent risk factor of dnDSA generation was HLA B eplet MM (OR: 1.201, 95% CI: 1.007-1.431, P = 0.041). The independent risk factors of AR occurrence include DGF (OR: 4.045, 95% CI: 1.047-15.626, P = 0.043), HLA B eplet MM (OR: 1.090, 95% CI: 1.000-1.187, P = 0.050), and TAC trough levels at 12 months (OR: 0.750, 95% CI: 565-0.997, P = 0.048). HLA B eplet MM combined with DGF and TAC trough levels at 12 months increased the predictive value of dnDSA (AUC 0.735) and AR (AUC 0.730) occurrence. HLA B eplet MM > 9 and TAC trough levels below 5.95 ng/mL at 12 months could increase the risk of early AR occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA B eplet MM, DGF, and TAC trough levels at 12 months after KT could affect the occurrence of dnDSA and AR in the early stage of KT.

The association of serum anti-PLA2R antibody and glomerular PLA2R antigen staining with clinical manifestations and outcomes in membranous nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R)-associated membranous nephropathy (MN) was manifested as seropositive for PLA2R antibodies (SAb) and/or glomerular PLA2R antigens' (GAg) deposits. According to the test of SAb and GAg, PLA2R-associated MN can be divided into SAb + /GAg-, SAb-/GAg + , and SAb + /GAg + groups. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the three groups need to be further evaluated.

METHODS

184 PLA2R-associated MN patients were enrolled. SAb was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a cut-off value of 14 RU/mL. GAg was detected by immunofluorescence using a paraffin section of renal biopsy samples. Clinical characteristics and the decline of eGFR were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTS

There were 33 SAb + /GAg-, 46 SAb-/GAg +, and 105 SAb + /GAg + PLA2R-associated MN patients reviewed. Clinical characteristics, such as the level of proteinuria, serum albumin, as well as eGFR, were comparable between the SAb + /GAg- and SAb + /GAg + patients. While SAb-/GAg + patients exhibited mild clinical manifestations as evidenced by higher serum albumin (P < 0.001) and lower proteinuria (p = 0.049) compared with SAb + /GAg + patients. After 21.96 ± 7.39 month follow-up, the eGFR decrease was no difference between the SAb + /GAg- and SAb + /GAg + patients. SAb-/GAg + patients had a lower rate of the > 20% eGFR decline as well as a 50% eGFR decline compared with the SAb + /GAg + patients (10.87% vs 30.48%, p = 0.013; 0.00% vs 4.76%, p = 0.324).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that the clinical manifestations of SAb + /Gag- patients were the same as those of double-positive patients, while SAb-/GAg + patients exhibited mild clinical manifestations and slower eGFR decline compared to the double-positive patients.

A Longitudinal MRI-Based Artificial Intelligence System to Predict Pathological Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer: A Multicenter Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Accurate prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is critical for subsequent treatment decisions for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a deep learning model based on the comparison of paired MRI before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to predict pathological complete response.

DESIGN

By capturing the changes from MRI before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in 638 patients, we trained a multitask deep learning model for response prediction (DeepRP-RC) that also allowed simultaneous segmentation. Its performance was independently tested in an internal and 3 external validation sets, and its prognostic value was also evaluated.

SETTINGS

Multicenter study.

PATIENTS

We retrospectively enrolled 1201 patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before total mesorectal excision. Patients had been treated at 1 of 4 hospitals in China between January 2013 and December 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome was the accuracy of predicting pathological complete response, measured as the area under receiver operating curve for the training and validation data sets.

RESULTS

DeepRP-RC achieved high performance in predicting pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, with area under the curve values of 0.969 (0.942-0.996), 0.946 (0.915-0.977), 0.943 (0.888-0.998), and 0.919 (0.840-0.997) for the internal and 3 external validation sets, respectively. DeepRP-RC performed similarly well in the subgroups defined by receipt of radiotherapy, tumor location, T/N stages before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and age. Compared with experienced radiologists, the model showed substantially higher performance in pathological complete response prediction. The model was also highly accurate in identifying the patients with poor response. Furthermore, the model was significantly associated with disease-free survival independent of clinicopathological variables.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective design and absence of multiethnic data.

CONCLUSIONS

DeepRP-RC could be an accurate preoperative tool for pathological complete response prediction in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

UN SISTEMA DE IA BASADO EN RESONANCIA MAGNTICA LONGITUDINAL PARA PREDECIR LA RESPUESTA PATOLGICA COMPLETA DESPUS DE LA TERAPIA NEOADYUVANTE EN EL CNCER DE RECTO UN ESTUDIO DE VALIDACIN MULTICNTRICO

ANTECEDENTES:La predicción precisa de la respuesta a la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante es fundamental para las decisiones de tratamiento posteriores para los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado.OBJETIVO:Desarrollar y validar un modelo de aprendizaje profundo basado en la comparación de resonancias magnéticas pareadas antes y después de la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante para predecir la respuesta patológica completa.DISEÑO:Al capturar los cambios de las imágenes de resonancia magnética antes y después de la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante en 638 pacientes, entrenamos un modelo de aprendizaje profundo multitarea para la predicción de respuesta (DeepRP-RC) que también permitió la segmentación simultánea. Su rendimiento se probó de forma independiente en un conjunto de validación interna y tres externas, y también se evaluó su valor pronóstico.ESCENARIO:Estudio multicéntrico.PACIENTES:Volvimos a incluir retrospectivamente a 1201 pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado y sometidos a quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante antes de la escisión total del mesorrecto. Eran de cuatro hospitales en China en el período entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2020.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los principales resultados fueron la precisión de la predicción de la respuesta patológica completa, medida como el área bajo la curva operativa del receptor para los conjuntos de datos de entrenamiento y validación.RESULTADOS:DeepRP-RC logró un alto rendimiento en la predicción de la respuesta patológica completa después de la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante, con valores de área bajo la curva de 0,969 (0,942-0,996), 0,946 (0,915-0,977), 0,943 (0,888-0,998), y 0,919 (0,840-0,997) para los conjuntos de validación interna y las tres externas, respectivamente. DeepRP-RC se desempeñó de manera similar en los subgrupos definidos por la recepción de radioterapia, la ubicación del tumor, los estadios T/N antes y después de la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante y la edad. En comparación con los radiólogos experimentados, el modelo mostró un rendimiento sustancialmente mayor en la predicción de la respuesta patológica completa. El modelo también fue muy preciso en la identificación de los pacientes con mala respuesta. Además, el modelo se asoció significativamente con la supervivencia libre de enfermedad independientemente de las variables clinicopatológicas.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por el diseño retrospectivo y la ausencia de datos multiétnicos.CONCLUSIONES:DeepRP-RC podría servir como una herramienta preoperatoria precisa para la predicción de la respuesta patológica completa en el cáncer de recto después de la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante. (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio ).

IMA peptides function in iron homeostasis and cadmium resistance

Iron (Fe), an essential micronutrient, participates in photosynthesis, respiration, and many other enzymatic reactions. Cadmium (Cd), by contrast, is a toxic element to virtually all living organisms. Both Fe deficiency and Cd toxicity severally impair crop growth and productivity, finally leading to human health issues. Understanding how plants control the uptake and homeostasis of Fe and combat Cd toxicity thus is mandatory to develop Fe-enriched but Cd-cleaned germplasms for human beings. Recent studies in Arabidopsis and rice have revealed that IRON MAN (IMA) peptides stand out as a key regulator to respond to Fe deficiency by competitively interacting with a ubiquitin E3 ligase, thus inhibiting the degradation of IVc subgroup bHLH transcription factors (TFs), mediated by 26 S proteasome. Elevated expression of IMA confers tolerance to Cd stress in both Arabidopsis and wheat by activating the iron deficiency response. Here, we discuss recent breakthroughs that IMA peptides function in the Fe-deficiency response to attain Fe homeostasis and combat Cd toxicity as a potential candidate for phytoremediation.

MCCC2 is a novel mediator between mitochondria and telomere and functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The mitochondrial gene MCCC2, a subunit of the heterodimer of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, plays a pivotal role in catabolism of leucine and isovaleric acid. The molecular mechanisms and prognostic value still need to be explored in the context of specific cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo cell-based assays were performed to explore the role of MCCC2 in CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), telomerase activity, and telomere length were examined and analyzed accordingly. Protein complex formation was detected by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP). Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) CRC cohort analysis, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the MCCC2 expression level. The association between MCCC2 expression and various clinical characteristics was analyzed by chi-square tests. CRC patients' overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Ectopic overexpression of MCCC2 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while MCCC2 knockdown (KD) or knockout (KO) inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. MCCC2 KD or KO resulted in reduced mitochondria numbers, but did not affect the gross ATP production in the cells. Mitochondrial fusion markers MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1 were all upregulated in MCCC2 KD or KO cells, which is in line with a phenomenon of more prominent mitochondrial fusion. Interestingly, telomere lengths of MCCC2 KD or KO cells were reduced more than control cells. Furthermore, we found that MCCC2 could specifically form a complex with telomere binding protein TRF2, and MCCC2 KD or KO did not affect the expression or activity of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Finally, MCCC2 expression was heightened in CRC, and patients with higher MCCC2 expression had favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, we identified MCCC2 as a novel mediator between mitochondria and telomeres, and provided an additional biomarker for CRC stratification.

Proteomic profile of the germinating seeds reveals enhanced seedling growth in Arabidopsis rpp1a mutant

Ribosomal phosphoprotein P1 (RPP1) is an integral component of the P-protein stalk in the 60S subunit of eukaryotic ribosomes and is required for the efficient elongation of translation. Previously, Arabidopsis RPP1A was revealed to be involved in the regulation of seed size and seed storage protein accumulation. In this work, the seedling growth analysis shows that the knockout mutation of Arabidopsis RPP1A significantly promoted seedling growth, particularly in the shoots. The label-free quantitative proteomic analysis demonstrated that a total of 593 proteins were differentially accumulated between the germinating seeds of the wild-type Col-0 and rpp1a mutant. And these proteins were significantly enriched in the intracellular transport, nitrogen compound transport, protein transport, and organophosphate metabolic process. The abundance of proteins involved in the RNA and protein processing processes, including ncRNA processing and protein folding, were significantly increased in the rpp1a mutant. Mutation in RPP1A highlighted the effects on the ribosome, energy metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism. The abundance of enzymes involved in glycolysis and pyruvate mechanism was decreased in the germinating seeds of the rpp1a mutant. Whereas the processes of amino acid biosynthesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, and biosynthesis of cofactors were enhanced in the germinating seeds of the rpp1a mutant. Taken together, the lack of RPP1A triggered changes in other ribosomal proteins, and the higher amino acid contents in the seedlings of the rpp1a mutant probably contributed to enhanced biosynthesis, processing, and transport of proteins, resulting in accelerated growth. Our results show the novel role of a P-protein and shed new light on the regulatory mechanism of seedling growth.

Mitochondria-ER contact mediated by MFN2-SERCA2 interaction supports CD8+ T cell metabolic fitness and function in tumors

Metabolic fitness of T cells is essential for their vitality, which is largely dependent on the behavior of the mitochondria. The nature of mitochondrial behavior in tumor-infiltrating T cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that mitofusin-2 (MFN2) expression is positively correlated with the prognosis of multiple cancers. Genetic ablation of Mfn2 in CD8+ T cells dampens mitochondrial metabolism and function and promotes tumor progression. In tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, MFN2 enhances mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact by interacting with ER-embedded Ca2+-ATPase SERCA2, facilitating the mitochondrial Ca2+ influx required for efficient mitochondrial metabolism. MFN2 stimulates the ER Ca2+ retrieval activity of SERCA2, thereby preventing excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation and apoptosis. Elevating mitochondria-ER contact by increasing MFN2 in CD8+ T cells improves the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Thus, we reveal a tethering-and-buffering mechanism of organelle cross-talk that regulates the metabolic fitness of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and highlights the therapeutic potential of enhancing MFN2 expression to optimize T cell function.

Clinico-pathological features of diabetic and non-diabetic renal diseases in type 2 diabetic patients: a retrospective study from a 10-year experience in a single center

AIM

To compare clinical and pathological characteristics as well as prognosis between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) so as to explore potential diagnostic criteria of DN and provide some guidance for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with kidney involvement.

METHODS

T2DM patients with renal impairment who underwent kidney biopsy were included in this study, who were classified into 3 groups (DN, NDRD, DN with NDRD) based on their renal pathological diagnosis. Baseline clinical characteristics as well as follow-up data were collected and analyzed among 3 groups. Logistic regression was performed to determine the best predictors for DN diagnosis. Additional 34 MN patients without diabetes were enrolled by propensity score matching method to compare serum PLA2R antibody titer and kidney outcomes between diabetic MN patients and MN alone.

RESULTS

Among 365 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent kidney biopsy, 179 (49.0%) patients were diagnosed with NDRD alone and 37 (10.1%) patients with NDRD combined DN. Risk factors for DN development in T2DM patients were longer time since diabetes diagnosis, higher level of serum creatinine, absence of hematuria and presence of diabetic retinopathy by multivariate analysis. Lower rate of proteinuria remission and higher risk of renal progression were observed in DN group compared with NDRD group. Membranous nephropathy was the most common NDRD in diabetic patients. There was no difference in serum PLA2R antibody positiveness or titer between MN patients with or without T2DM. There was lower remission rate but similar renal progression in diabetic MN when age, gender, baseline eGFR, albuminuria and IFTA score were adjusted.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-diabetic renal disease is not uncommon in T2DM patients with renal impairment, which has better prognosis with proper treatment. Coexisting diabetic status does not exert negative impact on renal progression in MN patients, and immunosuppressive agents should be administered when necessary.

Baseline gut microbiome features prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with host symptoms in and post COVID-19

The human gut microbiome varies substantially across individuals and populations and differentially tames our immunity at steady-state. Hence, we hypothesize that the large heterogeneity of gut microbiomes at steady-state may shape our baseline immunity differentially, and then mediate discrepant immune responses and symptoms when one encounters a viral infection, such as SARS-CoV-2 infection. To validate this hypothesis, we conducted an exploratory, longitudinal microbiome-COVID-19 study involving homogenous young participants from two geographically different regions in China. Subjects were recruited and sampled of fecal specimens before the 3-week surge window of COVID-19 (between December 11 and December 31, 2022) in China, and then were followed up for assessment of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 manifestations. Our data showed that the baseline gut microbiome composition was intricately associated with different COVID-19 manifestations, particularly gastrointestinal involvement and post-COVID-19 lingering symptoms, in both an individual- and population-dependent manner. Our study intriguingly for the first time highlight that the gut microbiome at steady-state may prepare us differentially for weathering a respiratory viral infection.

[A case of poisoning caused by head and face bite of Deinagkistrodon acutus]

Snake bites kill and maim many people every year. Head and face venomous snake bite is rare, easy to misdiagnose and miss diagnosis, and the fatality rate is high. In this paper, 1 case of head and face venomous snake bite poisoning was reported and 10 similar cases were reviewed. The clinical characteristics of head and face venomous snake bite poisoning were summarized to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Head and face venomous snake bites may lead to airway injury, edema, and airway obstruction is the main cause of early death. Timely intubation or tracheotomy to maintain oxygen supply and early use of antivenin can improve prognosis.

Senescence-based colorectal cancer subtyping reveals distinct molecular characteristics and therapeutic strategies

Cellular senescence has been listed as a hallmark of cancer, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We comprehensively evaluated the transcriptome, genome, digital pathology, and clinical data from multiple datasets of CRC patients and proposed a novel senescence subtype for CRC. Multi-omics data was used to analyze the biological features, tumor microenvironment, and mutation landscape of senescence subtypes, as well as drug sensitivity and immunotherapy response. The senescence score was constructed to better quantify senescence in each patient for clinical use. Unsupervised learning revealed three transcriptome-based senescence subtypes. Cluster 1, characterized by low senescence and activated proliferative pathways, was sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. Cluster 2, characterized by intermediate senescence and high immune infiltration, exhibited significant immunotherapeutic advantages. Cluster 3, characterized by high senescence, high immune, and stroma infiltration, had a worse prognosis and maybe benefit from targeted therapy. We further constructed a senescence scoring system based on seven senescent genes through machine learning. Lower senescence scores were highly predictive of longer disease-free survival, and patients with low senescence scores may benefit from immunotherapy. We proposed the senescence subtypes of CRC and our findings provide potential treatment interventions for each CRC senescence subtype to promote precision treatment.

An intermediate state allows influenza polymerase to switch smoothly between transcription and replication cycles

Influenza polymerase (FluPol) transcribes viral mRNA at the beginning of the viral life cycle and initiates genome replication after viral protein synthesis. However, it remains poorly understood how FluPol switches between its transcription and replication states, especially given that the structural bases of these two functions are fundamentally different. Here we propose a mechanism by which FluPol achieves functional switching between these two states through a previously unstudied conformation, termed an 'intermediate state'. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we obtained a structure of the intermediate state of H5N1 FluPol at 3.7 Å, which is characterized by a blocked cap-binding domain and a contracted core region. Structural analysis results suggest that the intermediate state may allow FluPol to transition smoothly into either the transcription or replication state. Furthermore, we show that the formation of the intermediate state is required for both the transcription and replication activities of FluPol, leading us to conclude that the transcription and replication cycles of FluPol are regulated via this intermediate state.

Combining perineural invasion with staging improve the prognostic accuracy in colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines only propose the importance of perineural invasion(PNI) on prognosis in stage II colon cancer. However, the prognostic value of PNI in other stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) is ambiguous.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 3485 CRC patients who underwent primary colorectal resection between January 2013 and December 2016 at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Associations of PNI with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. In addition, interaction analyses were performed to explore the prognostic effects of PNI in different clinical subgroups.

RESULTS

After median follow-up of 61.9 months, we found PNI was associated with poorer OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.290; 95% CI, 1.087-1.531) and DFS (aHR, 1.397; 95% CI, 1.207-1.617), irrespective of tumor stage. Interestingly, the weight of PNI was found second only to incomplete resection in the nomogram for risk factors of OS and DFS in stage II CRC patients. Moreover, OS and DFS were insignificantly different between stage II patients with PNI and stage III patients (both P > 0.05). PNI was found to be an independent prognostic factor of DFS in stage III CRC (aHR: 1.514; 95% CI, 1.211-1.892) as well. Finally, the adverse effect of PNI on OS was more significant in female, early-onset, and diabetes-negative patients than in their counterparts (interaction P = 0.0213, 0.0280, and 0.0186, respectively).

CONCLUSION

PNI was an important prognostic factor in CRC, more than in stage II. The survival of patients with stage II combined with perineural invasion is similar with those with stage III. PNI in stage III CRC also suggests a worse survival.

Tumor-secreted IFI35 promotes proliferation and cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of the patients with cancer do not respond to immunotherapies. Recent studies suggested an important role for tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in enhancing response to immunotherapy. Here, we aim to identify gene that induce proliferative and cytotoxic states of CD8⁺ T cells, and to investigate its effect on CAR-T cells against colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Correlation between the expression of IFI35 with the activation and cytotoxicity of CD8⁺ T cells was assessed with TCGA and proteomic databases. Then we constructed murine colon cancer cells over-expressing IFI35 and tested their effect on anti-tumor immunity in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent mouse models. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the immune microenvironment. Western blot analysis was used to identify the potential down-stream signaling pathway regulated by IFI35. We further investigated the efficacy of the rhIFI35 protein in combination with immunotherapeutic treatment.

RESULTS

The transcriptional and proteomic analysis of the activation and cytotoxicity of CD8⁺ T cells in human cancer samples demonstrated that IFI35 expression is correlated with increased CD8⁺ T cell infiltration and predicted a better outcome in colorectal cancer. The number and cytotoxicity of CD8⁺ T cells were significantly increased in IFI35-overexpressing tumors. Mechanistically, we identified that the IFNγ-STAT1-IRF7 axis stimulated IFI35 expression, and that IFI35-mediated regulation of CD8⁺ T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity was dependent on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro. Furthermore, IFI35 protein enhanced the efficacy of CAR-T cells against colorectal cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Our findings identify IFI35 as a new biomarker that can enhance the proliferation and function of CD8⁺ T cells, as well as increase the efficacy of CAR-T cells against colorectal cancer cells.

Dynamic heterogeneity of colorectal cancer during progression revealed clinical risk-associated cell types and regulations in single-cell resolution and spatial context

Background

Tumor heterogeneity is contributed by tumor cells and the microenvironment. Dynamics of tumor heterogeneity during colorectal cancer (CRC) progression have not been elucidated.

Methods

Eight single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data sets of CRC were included. Milo was utilized to reveal the differential abundance of cell clusters during progression. The differentiation trajectory was imputed by using the Palantir algorithm and metabolic states were assessed by using scMetabolism. Three spatial transcription sequencing (ST-seq) data sets of CRC were used to validate cell-type abundances and colocalization. Cancer-associated regulatory hubs were defined as communication networks affecting tumor biological behaviors. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining were performed for validation.

Results

TM4SF1⁺, SOX4⁺, and MKI67⁺ tumor cells; CXCL12⁺ cancer-associated fibroblasts; CD4⁺ resident memory T cells; Treg; IgA⁺ plasma cells; and several myeloid subsets were enriched in stage IV CRC, most of which were associated with overall survival of patients. Trajectory analysis indicated that tumor cells from patients with advanced-stage CRC were less differentiated, when metabolic heterogeneity showed a highest metabolic signature in terminal states of stromal cells, T cells, and myeloid cells. Moreover, ST-seq validated cell-type abundance in a spatial context and also revealed the correlation of immune infiltration between tertiary lymphoid structures and tumors followed by validation in our cohort. Importantly, analysis of cancer-associated regulatory hubs revealed a cascade of activated pathways including leukocyte apoptotic process, MAPK pathway, myeloid leukocyte differentiation, and angiogenesis during CRC progression.

Conclusions

Tumor heterogeneity was dynamic during progression, with the enrichment of immunosuppressive Treg, myeloid cells, and fibrotic cells. The differential state of tumor cells was associated with cancer staging. Assessment of cancer-associated regulatory hubs suggested impaired antitumor immunity and increased metastatic ability during CRC progression.

Quercitrin alleviates lipid metabolism disorder in polycystic ovary syndrome-insulin resistance by upregulating PM20D1 in the PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Abnormal endocrine metabolism caused by polycystic ovary syndrome combined with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) poses a serious risk to reproductive health in females. Quercitrin is a flavonoid that can efficiently improve both endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. However, it remains unclear if this agent can exert therapeutic effect on PCOS-IR.

METHODS

The present study used a combination of metabolomic and bioinformatic methods to screen key molecules and pathways involved in PCOS-IR. A rat model of PCOS-IR and an adipocyte IR model were generated to investigate the role of quercitrin in regulating reproductive endocrine and lipid metabolism processes in PCOS-IR.

RESULTS

Peptidase M20 domain containing 1 (PM20D1) was screened using bioinformatics to evaluate its participation in PCOS-IR. PCOS-IR regulation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was also investigated. Experimental analysis showed that PM20D1 levels were reduced in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 cells and a letrozole PCOS-IR rat model. Reproductive function was inhibited, and endocrine metabolism was abnormal. The loss of adipocyte PM20D1 aggravated IR. In addition, PM20D1 and PI3K interacted with each other in the PCOS-IR model. Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was shown to participate in lipid metabolism disorders and PCOS-IR regulation. Quercitrin reversed these reproductive and metabolic disorders.

CONCLUSION

PM20D1 and PI3K/Akt were required for lipolysis and endocrine regulation in PCOS-IR to restore ovarian function and maintain normal endocrine metabolism. By upregulating the expression of PM20D1, quercitrin activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, improved adipocyte catabolism, corrected reproductive and metabolic abnormalities, and had a therapeutic effect on PCOS-IR.

High-throughput proteomics profiling-derived signature associated with chemotherapy response and survival for stage II/III colorectal cancer

Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is usually used to reduce the risk of disease relapse and improve survival for stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC). However, only a subset of patients could benefit from ACT. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify improved biomarkers to predict survival and stratify patients to refine the selection of ACT. We used high-throughput proteomics to analyze tumor and adjacent normal tissues of stage II/III CRC patients with /without relapse to identify potential markers for predicting prognosis and benefit from ACT. The machine learning approach was applied to identify relapse-specific markers. Then the artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted multiplex IHC was performed to validate the prognostic value of the relapse-specific markers and construct a proteomic-derived classifier for stage II/III CRC using 3 markers, including FHL3, GGA1, TGFBI. The proteomics profiling-derived signature for stage II/III CRC (PS) not only shows good accuracy to classify patients into high and low risk of relapse and mortality in all three cohorts, but also works independently of clinicopathologic features. ACT was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in stage II (pN0) patients with high PS and pN2 patients with high PS. This study demonstrated the clinical significance of proteomic features, which serve as a valuable source for potential biomarkers. The PS classifier provides prognostic value for identifying patients at high risk of relapse and mortality and optimizes individualized treatment strategy by detecting patients who may benefit from ACT for survival.

In situ embedding of glucose oxidase in amorphous ZIF-7 with high catalytic activity and stability and mechanism investigation

Glucose oxidase (GOx) has a great application potential in the determination of glucose concentration. However, its sensitivity to the environment and poor recyclability limited its broader application. Herein, with the assistance of DA-PEG-DA, a novel immobilized GOx based on amorphous Zn-MOFs (DA-PEG-DA/GOx@aZIF-7/PDA) was developed to impart excellent properties to the enzyme. SEM, TEM, XRD, and BET analyses confirmed that GOx was embedded in amorphous ZIF-7 with ~5 wt% loading. Compared with free GOx, DA-PEG-DA/GOx@aZIF-7/PDA exhibited enhanced stability, excellent reusability, and promising potential for glucose detection. After 10 repetitions, the catalytic activity of DA-PEG-DA/GOx@aZIF-7/PDA can maintain 95.53 % ± 3.16 %. In understanding the in situ embedding of GOx in ZIF-7, the interaction of zinc ion and benzimidazole with GOx was studied by using molecular docking and multi-spectral methods. Results showed that zinc ions and benzimidazole had multiple binding sites on the enzyme, which induced the accelerated synthesis of ZIF-7 around the enzyme. During binding, the structure of the enzyme changes, but such changes hardly affect the activity of the enzyme. This study provides not only a preparation strategy of immobilized enzyme with high activity, high stability, and low enzyme leakage rate for glucose detection, but also a more comprehensive understanding of the formation of immobilized enzymes using the in situ embedding strategy.

The useful biological properties of sucrose esters: Opportunities for the development of new functional foods

Sucrose esters have been deployed as surfactants in many food products since the 1950s. In addition to their useful physical characteristics, sucrose esters also have interesting biological properties that enhance their utility. This review critically examines the broad suite of biological activities that has been attributed to both synthetically-derived and naturally-occurring sucrose esters. These include insecticidal, molluscicidal, plant growth-regulating, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-depressive, neuro-protective, anti-inflammatory and anti-plasmodial effects. In addition to providing a summary of the structure-activity profiles of sucrose esters, the various known mechanisms-of action of these compounds are also discussed. Furthermore, since sucrose esters are well-known surfactants, the potential to advantageously apply their industrially desirable physical characteristics in combination with their biological properties is considered. Recent advances in synthetic chemistry that have facilitated the deployment of biologically active sucrose esters as food additives are also described.

Comparative physiological and proteomic response to phosphate deficiency between two wheat genotypes differing in phosphorus utilization efficiency

Genetic variation in phosphorus utilization efficiency (PUE) widely exists among wheat genotypes. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Two contrasting wheat genotypes, Heng4399 (H4399) and Tanmai98 (TM98), were screened out from 17 bread wheat genotypes based on shoot soluble phosphate (Pi) concentrations. The TM98 had a significantly higher PUE than the H4399, especially under Pi deficiency. The induction of genes in the PHR1-centered Pi signaling pathway was significantly higher in TM98 than in H4399. Collectively, through a label-free quantitative proteomic analysis, 2110 high-confidence proteins were identified in shoots of the two wheat genotypes. Among them, 244 and 133 proteins were differentially accumulated under Pi deficiency in H4399 and TM98, respectively. The abundance of proteins related to nitrogen and phosphorus metabolic processes, small molecule metabolic process, and carboxylic acid metabolic process were significantly affected by Pi deficiency in the shoots of the two genotypes. The abundance of proteins in energy metabolism, especially photosynthesis, was decreased by Pi deficiency in the shoots of H4399. Inversely, the PUE-efficient genotype TM98 could maintain protein abundance in energy metabolism. Moreover, the proteins involved in pyruvate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and sulfolipid biosynthesis were significantly accumulated in TM98, which probably contributed to its high PUE. SIGNIFICANCE: Improving the PUE of wheat is urgent and crucial for sustainable agriculture. Genetic variation among wheat genotypes provides materials for exploring the underlying mechanisms for high PUE. This study selected two wheat genotypes with contrasting PUE to reveal the differences in the physiological and proteomic response to phosphate deficiency. The PUE-efficiency genotype TM98 greatly induced the expression of genes in the PHR1-centered Pi signaling pathway. Subsequently, the TM98 could maintain the abundance of proteins related to energy metabolism and enhance the abundance of proteins involved in pyruvate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and sulfolipid biosynthesis to increase PUE under Pi deficiency. The differentially expressed genes or proteins between the genotypes with contrasting PUE would provide potential and basis for breeding wheat varieties with improved phosphorus use efficiency.

Mesenteric Adipose Tissue-Derived Klebsiella variicola Disrupts Intestinal Barrier and Promotes Colitis by Type VI Secretion System

Mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) in Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with transmural inflammation. Extended mesenteric excision can reduce surgical recurrence and improve long-term outcomes, indicating that MAT plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CD. Bacterial translocation has been reported to occur in the MAT of patients with CD (CD-MAT), but the mechanisms by which translocated bacteria lead to intestinal colitis remain unclear. Here it is shown that members of Enterobacteriaceae are highly enriched in CD-MAT compared with non-CD controls. Viable Klebsiella variicola in Enterobacteriaceae is isolated exclusively in CD-MAT and can induce a pro-inflammatory response in vitro and exacerbates colitis both in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model and IL-10^-/- spontaneous colitis mice model. Mechanistically, active type VI secretion system (T6SS) is identified in the genome of K. variicola, which can impair the intestinal barrier by inhibiting the zonula occludens (ZO-1) expression. Dysfunction of T6SS by CRISPR interference system alleviates the inhibitory effect of K. variicola on ZO-1 expression and attenuated colitis in mice. Overall, these findings demonstrate that a novel colitis-promoting bacteria exist in the mesenteric adipose tissue of CD, opening a new therapeutic avenue for colitis management.

Synthesis, characterization, DFT studies, and adsorption properties of sulfonated starch synthesized in deep eutectic solvent

In this study, sulfonated starch (SS) was successfully synthesized using sulfamic acid as a sulfonating agent in a deep eutectic solvent (DES). Four-factor and three-level orthogonal experiments were conducted to determine the optimal preparation conditions, which were found to be a molar ratio of starch to urea of 1:20, a reaction temperature of 90 °C, a reaction time of 5 h, and a stirring speed of 200 rpm. The sulfonation reaction mechanism was extensively studied using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, molecular weight, particle distribution, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and DFT calculations. The results showed that the sulfonation reaction slightly damaged starch granules, occurred on the surface of starch granules, and on the O6 atoms of the glucose unit. SS exhibited a wide pH range of application (5-10), a fast adsorption rate (400 s to reach adsorption equilibrium), and a high adsorption capacity (118.3 mg/g) under optimal conditions. The adsorption process of SS for methylene blue followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and was consistent with the Langmuir model, which was endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption process was attributed to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions.

GAS6 From CD200+ Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Mitigates Colonic Inflammation in a Macrophage-Dependent Manner

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Stem cell therapy is a promising cell-based treatment modality for inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD], but its application is limited by the nature of cell heterogeneity.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed on the adipose-derived stem cells [ADSCs]. The in vitro immunomodulatory effect of ADSCs was evaluated by co-culturing with human CD4+ T cells or macrophages. The in vivo therapeutic value of ADSCs was assessed using a murine colitis model induced by dextran sulphate sodium [DSS] or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid [TNBS].

RESULTS

CD200+ ADSCs were identified as a novel subpopulation of ADSCs, based on gene ontology analysis of immunoregulatory functions. The immunoregulatory functions of these cells were further confirmed by co-culturing with CD4+ T cells or macrophages. Administration of CD200+ ADSCs effectively reduced intestinal inflammation in IBD mice models. Furthermore, we found CD200+ ADSCs-derived GAS6 exerted protective effects on experimental colitis by promoting macrophage M2 polarization via the Mer/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study uncovered the heterogeneity in ADSCs, in which CD200+ ADSCs presents as an alternative to conventional treatment of IBD.

Anti-Na+/K+-ATPase DR antibody attenuates UUO-induced renal fibrosis through inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase α1-dependent HMGB1 release

Reduced Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) activity and NKAα1 expression are engaged in the pathologies of renal diseases. NKA-mediated Src activation is not the only reason for NKA-related renal fibrosis. In this study, we found that genetic reduction of NKAα1 exhibited exacerbated tubulointerstitial lesions and fibrosis in the UUO mice model. Activation of NKAα1 with an antibody against the extracellular DR region of the NKAα1 subunit (DRm217) prevented UUO-induced tubulointerstitial lesions, preserved kidney function, and decrease renal fibrosis. Further studies revealed that NKAα1 deficiency mice exhibited high inflammation factors expression when they suffered UUO surgery, compared with NKAα1^+/+ (WT) mice. DRm217 alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration, suppress NF-κB phosphorylation, and decreased inflammatory factors expression in the UUO mice model. Released HMGB1 can trigger the inflammatory response and contribute to renal fibrosis. Knockdown of NKA in renal tubular cells or in NKAα1^+/- mice was associated with more susceptibility to HMGB1 release in the UUO mice model. DRm217 exerted its antifibrotic effect via inhibiting HMGB1 release. Furthermore, AMPK activation participates in the effect of DRm217 on inhibiting HMGB1 release. Our findings suggest that NKAα1 is a regulator of renal fibrosis and its DR-region is a novel target on it.

Unintrusive multi-cancer detection by circulating cell-free DNA methylation sequencing (THUNDER): development and independent validation studies

BACKGROUND

Early detection of cancer offers the opportunity to identify candidates when curative treatments are achievable. The THUNDER study (THe UNintrusive Detection of EaRly-stage cancers, NCT04820868) aimed to evaluate the performance of ELSA-seq, a previously described cfDNA methylation-based technology, in the early detection and localization of six types of cancers in the colorectum, esophagus, liver, lung, ovary and pancreas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A customized panel of 161,984 CpG sites was constructed and validated by public and in-house (cancer: n=249; non-cancer: n=288) methylome data, respectively. The cfDNA samples from 1,693 participants (cancer: n=735; non-cancer: n=958) were retrospectively collected to train and validate two multi-cancer detection blood test models (MCDBT-1/2) for different clinical scenarios. The models were validated on a prospective and independent cohort of age-matched 1,010 participants (cancer: n=505; non-cancer: n=505). Simulation using the cancer incidence in China was applied to infer stage-shift and survival benefits to demonstrate the potential utility of the models in the real world.

RESULTS

MCDBT-1 yielded a sensitivity of 69.1% (64.8%‒73.3%), a specificity of 98.9% (97.6%‒99.7%) and tissue origin accuracy of 83.2% (78.7%‒87.1%) in the independent validation set. For early stage (I‒III) patients, the sensitivity of MCDBT-1 was 59.8% (54.4%‒65.0%). In the real-world simulation, MCDBT-1 achieved the sensitivity of 70.6% in detecting the six cancers, thus decreasing late-stage incidence by 38.7%‒46.4%, and increasing 5-year survival rate by 33.1%‒40.4%, respectively. In parallel, MCDBT-2 was generated at a slightly low specificity of 95.1% (92.8%-96.9%) but a higher sensitivity of 75.1% (71.9%-79.8%) than MCDBT-1 for populations at relatively high risk of cancers, and also had ideal performance.

CONCLUSION

In this large-scale clinical validation study, MCDBT-1/2 models showed a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of predicted origin in detecting six types of cancers.

CSN6 Mediates Nucleotide Metabolism to Promote Tumor Development and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer

Metabolic reprogramming can contribute to colorectal cancer progression and therapy resistance. Identification of key regulators of colorectal cancer metabolism could provide new approaches to improve treatment and reduce recurrence. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for the COP9 signalosome subunit CSN6 in rewiring nucleotide metabolism in colorectal cancer. Transcriptomic analysis of colorectal cancer patient samples revealed a correlation between CSN6 expression and purine and pyrimidine metabolism. A colitis-associated colorectal cancer model established that Csn6 intestinal conditional deletion decreased tumor development and altered nucleotide metabolism. CSN6 knockdown increased the chemosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which could be partially reversed with nucleoside supplementation. Isotope metabolite tracing showed that CSN6 loss reduced de novo nucleotide synthesis. Mechanistically, CSN6 upregulated purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis by increasing expression of PHGDH, a key enzyme in the serine synthesis pathway. CSN6 inhibited β-Trcp-mediated DDX5 polyubiquitination and degradation, which in turn promoted DDX5-mediated PHGDH mRNA stabilization, leading to metabolic reprogramming and colorectal cancer progression. Butyrate treatment decreased CSN6 expression and improved chemotherapy efficacy. These findings unravel the oncogenic role of CSN6 in regulating nucleotide metabolism and chemosensitivity in colorectal cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

CSN6 deficiency inhibits colorectal cancer development and chemoresistance by downregulating PHGDH to block nucleotide biosynthesis, providing potential therapeutic targets to improve colorectal cancer treatment.

Deep learning–assisted colonoscopy images for prediction of mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancer

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Background: Deficient mismatch repair (or microsatellite instability) is a major predictive biomarker for the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors of colorectal cancer. However, routine testing is time-consuming and incur substantial costs. We developed and validated a deep learning-based classifiers (MMR-Scopy) to detect mismatch repair-deficient status from routine colonoscopy images. Methods: We retrospectively obtained the colonoscopy images from the imaging database at Endoscopic Center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Colorectal cancer images from patients that had undergone colonoscopy procedures, surgery and the mismatch repair immunohistochemistry test were eligible for this study. Colonoscopy images from a prospective trial (Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade by toripalimab with or without celecoxib in mismatch repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high locally advanced colorectal cancer, PICC) were used to test MMR-Scopy. The primary outcome was dMMR status. The primary performance metrics were accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: A total of 5226 eligible images from 892 tumors from the consecutive patients were utilized to develop and validate the deep learning model. 2105 CRC images from 306 tumors were randomly selected to form model development dataset with a class-balanced approach. 3121 images of 488 pMMR tumors and 98 dMMR tumors were used to form the independent dataset. The MMR-Scopy model achieved an AUROC of 0.948 (95% CI 0.919- 0.977) on the test dataset. On the independent validation dataset, the AUROC was 0.807 (0.760- 0.854), and the NPV in was 94.2% (95% CI 0.918-0.967). On the PICC dataset, the model identified 29 tumors among the 33 dMMR tumors (87.88%). Conclusions: MMR-Scopy achieved a high NPV in detecting dMMR colorectal cancers. This model might serve as an automatic screening tool, one that might potentially assist doctors in determining a new treatment strategy. [Table: see text]

Therapeutic role of ursodeoxycholic acid in colitis-associated cancer via gut microbiota modulation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a predisposing factor for colitis-associated cancer (CAC). The association between bile acids and the gut microbiota has been demonstrated in colon neoplasia; however, the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on gut microbiota alteration in development of colitis and CAC is unknown. Our analysis of publicly available datasets demonstrated the association of UDCA treatment and accumulation of Akkermansia. UDCA-mediated alleviation of DSS-induced colitis was microbially dependent. UDCA treatment significantly upregulated Akkermansia colonization in a mouse model. Colonization of Akkermansia was associated with enhancement of the mucus layer upon UDCA treatment as well as activation of bile acid receptors in macrophages. UDCA played a role in CAC prevention and treatment in the AOM-DSS and ApcMin/+-DSS models through downregulation of inflammation and accumulation of Akkermansia. This study suggests that UDCA intervention could reshape intestinal gut homeostasis, facilitating colonization of Akkermansia and preventing and treating colitis and CAC.

The Palladium-Catalyzed Glycosylation of Halotropones

A range of mono- and disaccharides, including glucose derivative 10, has been cleanly coupled, in the presence of a Pd catalyst, with various halogenated and structurally distinctive tropones, including "parent" compound 11, to afford the corresponding α- and β-anomeric forms of the tropolone glycosides, e.g., 12 and 13, respectively. Varying the ligand used influences the anomer distribution significantly and such that either the α- or β-form predominates. Notable chemo- and regioselectivities are observed when dihalogenated troponoids are employed as coupling partners.

MAP7D2 reduces CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration through MYH9-HMGB1 axis in colorectal cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a new paradigm in cancer immunotherapy, but can be largely restricted by the limited presence of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. Here, through next-generation sequencing, we identify microtubule-associated protein 7 domain 2 (MAP7D2) as an exploitable therapeutic maneuver to improve the efficacy of ICIs for MSS CRC therapy. In human CRC tissues, MAP7D2 expression is significantly increased in MSS CRC, and MAP7D2 adversely correlates with the presence of antitumor T lymphocytes. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that MAP7D2 knockdown significantly increases the infiltration of CD8+ CTLs, thereby inhibiting tumor progression and improving the efficacy of ICIs in MSS CRC murine models. Mechanistically, MAP7D2 interacts with MYH9 and protects it from ubiquitin-mediated degradation, subsequently decreasing the secretion of HMGB1, which suppresses the infiltration of CD8+ CTLs in MSS CRC. These findings highlight the importance of MAP7D2 in determining the infiltration of CD8+ CTLs and indicate that targeting MAP7D2 in MSS CRC may present a novel antitumor immunotherapy.