Observation of η'→π+ π π+ π- and η'→π+π- π0 π0

Using a sample of 1.3 × 10(9)  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, we report the first observation of η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-) and η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0)π(0). The measured branching fractions are B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(+)π(-)) = [8.53 ± 0.69(stat.) ± 0.64(syst.)]×10(-5) and B(η(')→π(+)π(-)π(0) π(0)) = [1.82 ± 0.35(stat.) ± 0.18(syst.)] × 10(-4), which are consistent with theoretical predictions based on a combination of chiral perturbation theory and vector-meson dominance.

Relative importance of seed drying rate, desiccation tolerance, and cryotolerance for the conservation of Ardisia elliptica, A. brunnescens and A. virens

BACKGROUND

The pan-tropical genus Ardisia has more than 400 species and is of high horticultural and medicinal value. Due to overexploitation it is important to conserve the germplasm of this genus.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and methods of cryopreservation for long-term seed storage of three Ardisia species: A. elliptica Thunb., A. brunnescens Walker, and A. virens Kurz.

METHODS

We tested whether rapid desiccation can increase desiccation tolerance and cryotolerance, and whether the thawing rate can affect cryopreservation success. Seeds were subjected to three desiccation treatments: 1) activated silica gel at 25 +/- 2 degree C, and 4% relative humidity (RH); 2) saturated NaCl solution in closed jars in 25 +/- 2 degree C and 75% RH; and 3) air-drying at room conditions at 27 +/- 2 degree C and RH 60% for different desiccation durations (12h, 24h, 48h, 96h, and 196h). Seeds were then assessed for desiccation tolerance and cryotolerance after rapid thawing (direct immersion in 36 degree C water bath for 2 min) or slow thawing (at 27°C for 1 h).

RESULTS

For all three species, desiccation method and duration significantly affected cryotolerance (P < 0.0001). Fast desiccation did not improve germination compared to slower desiccation (P < 0.01). Whereas A. elliptica germination was unaffected by desiccation duration, drying time significantly (P < 0.0001) affected germination percentage in the other two species especially after 48h. Although slow thawing improved cryotolerance of A. brunnescens seeds (P < 0.05), there was no significant effect of thawing rate on A. elliptica. A. virens seed did not survive cryopreservation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryopreservation protocols of Ardisia species may be species-specific and should be established for each species in the genus so that cryopreservation can be used as a successful conservation strategy.

Rad17 recruits the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 complex to regulate the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks

The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex is essential for the detection of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and initiation of DNA damage signaling. Here, we show that Rad17, a replication checkpoint protein, is required for the early recruitment of the MRN complex to the DSB site that is independent of MDC1 and contributes to ATM activation. Mechanistically, Rad17 is phosphorylated by ATM at a novel Thr622 site resulting in a direct interaction of Rad17 with NBS1, facilitating recruitment of the MRN complex and ATM to the DSB, thereby enhancing ATM signaling. Repetition of these events creates a positive feedback for Rad17-dependent activation of MRN/ATM signaling which appears to be a requisite for the activation of MDC1-dependent MRN complex recruitment. A point mutation of the Thr622 residue of Rad17 leads to a significant reduction in MRN/ATM signaling and homologous recombination repair, suggesting that Thr622 phosphorylation is important for regulation of the MRN/ATM signaling by Rad17. These findings suggest that Rad17 plays a critical role in the cellular response to DNA damage via regulation of the MRN/ATM pathway.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → (D* D*)± π∓ at √s = 4.26 GeV

We study the process e+ e- →(D* D*)± π∓ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.26 GeV using a 827  pb(-1) data sample obtained with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, the Born cross section is measured to be (137±9±15)  pb. We observe a structure near the (D* D*)± threshold in the π∓ recoil mass spectrum, which we denote as the Zc±(4025). The measured mass and width of the structure are (4026.3±2.6±3.7)  MeV/c2 and (24.8±5.6±7.7)  MeV, respectively. Its production ratio σ(e+ e- → Zc±(4025)π∓ → (D* D*)± π∓)/σ(e+ e- → (D* D*)± π∓) is determined to be 0.65±0.09±0.06. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Knockdown of VEGFR2 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in hemangioma-derived endothelial cells

Angiogenesis is a process of development and growth of new capillary blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Angiogenic growth factors play important roles in the development and maintenance of some malignancies, of which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGFR2 interactions are involved in proliferation, migration, and survival of many cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of VEGFR2 in human hemangiomas (HAs). Using immunohistochemistry assay, we examined the expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, Ki-67, glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and p-ERK in different phases of human HAs. Positive expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, Ki-67, Glut-1, p-AKT and p-ERK was significantly increased in proliferating phase HAs, while decreased in involuting phase HAs (P=0.001; P=0.003). In contrast, cell apoptotic indexes were decreased in proliferating phase HAs, but increased in involuting phase HAs (P&lt;0.01). Furthermore, we used small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated VEGFR2 knockdown in primary HA-derived endothelial cells (HemECs) to understand  the  role  of  VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling. Knockdown of VEGFR2 by Lv-shVEGFR2 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in primary HemECs companied with decreased expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-p38MAPK and Ki-67 and increased expression of caspase-3 (CAS-3). Overexpression of VEGFR2 promoted cell viability and blocked apoptosis in Lv-VEGFR2-transfected HemECs. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that, increased expression of VEGFR2 is involved in the development of primary HemECs possibly through regulation of the AKT and ERK pathways, suggesting that VEGFR2 may be a potential therapeutic target for HAs. 

Observation of e+e- → γX(3872) at BESIII

With data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring at center-of-mass energies from 4.009 to 4.420 GeV, the process e+e-→ γX(3872) is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.3σ. The measured mass of the X(3872) is (3871.9 ± 0.7s tat ± 0.2 syst)  MeV/c(2), in agreement with previous measurements. Measurements of the product of the cross section σ[e+e- → γX(3872)] and the branching fraction B[X(3872)→π+π-J/ψ] at center-of-mass energies 4.009, 4.229, 4.260, and 4.360 GeV are reported. Our measurements are consistent with expectations for the radiative transition process Y(4260) → γX(3872).

Association between miRNA-146a rs2910164 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal cancer: A systematic review

AIM: To accurately evaluate the association between the miRNA-146a rs2910164G/C polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

METHODS: An electronic search of PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the Cochrane Library, Weipu and Wanfang Database was performed to collect all the publications investigating the association between miR-146a rs2910164G/C polymorphism and risk of colorectal cancer. We then analyzed the differences in miRNA-146a rs2910164G/C genotypes (G vs C, GG vs CC, GG vs GC, GC vs CC, GG + GC vs CC, GG vs GC + CC) between cases and controls by meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Seven studies involving 2978 cases and 3576 controls were found to be eligible for meta-analysis. We summarized the data on the association between miR-146a rs2910164G/C polymorphism and risk of colorectal cancer in the overall population. In the overall analysis, there was no evidence for an association between the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer (G vs C: OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.52-1.30, P = 0.41; GG vs CC: OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 0.72-1.40, P = 0.97; GG vs GC: OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 0.81-1.28, P = 0.91; GC vs CC: OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0, 70-1.41, P = 0.96; GG + GC vs CC: OR = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.72-1.39, P = 0.99; GG vs GC + CC: OR = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.81-1.24, P = 0.98).

CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism is not associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility.

High-throughput, low-cost, and event-specific polymerase chain reaction detection of herbicide tolerance in genetically modified soybean A2704-12

The aim of this study was to develop an event-specific qualitative and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detection of herbicide-tolerance genetically modified (GM) soybean A2704-12. The event-specific PCR primers were designed, based on the 5'-flanking integration sequence in the soybean genome, to amplify the 239-bp target fragment. Employing the same event-specific primers, qualitative PCR and real-time quantitative PCR detection methods were successfully developed. The results showed that the A2704-12 event could be specifically distinguished from other GM soybean events. In the qualitative PCR assay, the limit of detection was 0.05%, and in the real-time quantitative PCR assay, the limit of detection was less than 0.01%. Moreover, our genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction protocol is high-throughput, safe, and low-cost. The event-specific PCR assay system is cost-efficient by using SYBR Green I in real-time PCR, and by using the same primers in both the qualitative and quantitative PCR assays. We therefore developed a high-throughput, low-cost, and event-specific qualitative and quantitative PCR detection method for GM soybean A2704-12. The method would be useful for market supervision and management of GM soybean A2704-12 due to its high specificity and sensitivity.

Observation of a charged (DD*)± mass peak in e+ e- → πDD* at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We report on a study of the process e+ e- → π± (DD*)∓ at sqrt[s] = 4.26  GeV using a 525 pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. A distinct charged structure is observed in the (DD*)∓ invariant mass distribution. When fitted to a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, the pole mass and width are determined to be Mpole = (3883.9±1.5(stat)±4.2(syst))  MeV/c2 and Γpole = (24.8±3.3(stat)±11.0(syst))  MeV. The mass and width of the structure, which we refer to as Zc(3885), are 2σ and 1σ, respectively, below those of the Zc(3900) → π± J/ψ peak observed by BESIII and Belle in π+ π- J/ψ final states produced at the same center-of-mass energy. The angular distribution of the πZc(3885) system favors a JP = 1+ quantum number assignment for the structure and disfavors 1- or 0-. The Born cross section times the DD* branching fraction of the Zc(3885) is measured to be σ(e+ e- → π± Zc(3885)∓)×B(Zc(3885)∓ → (DD*)∓) = (83.5±6.6(stat)±22.0(syst))   pb. Assuming the Zc(3885) → DD* signal reported here and the Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ signal are from the same source, the partial width ratio (Γ(Zc(3885) → DD*)/Γ(Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ)) = 6.2±1.1(stat)±2.7(syst) is determined.

Differential effects of Smad3 targeting in a murine model of chronic kidney disease

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of progressive kidney diseases that are characterized by fibrosis. The main intracellular signaling pathway of TGF‐β1 is the Smad system, where Smad2 and Smad3 play a central role in transcriptional regulation of target genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism. This study analyzes the hypothesis that blockade of Smad3 attenuates the development of TGF‐β1‐driven renal fibrosis. This was examined in vivo in a transgenic model of TGF‐β1‐induced chronic kidney disease with Smad3 or without Smad3 expression and in vitro in mesangial cells and glomerular endothelial cells with Smad2/3 inhibitors or Smad3‐knockdown. Electron microscopy was used for evaluation of morphological changes, real‐time polymerase chain reaction for detection of RNA expression, and immunohistochemistry for localization of ECM components. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) level was assessed by gelatin zymography electrophoresis and located by in situ zymography. The results show TGF‐β1‐induced mesangial matrix expansion, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and tubular basement membrane thickening that are attenuated by Smad3 deletion, whereas TGF‐β1‐induced glomerular basement membrane thickening is not shown. The amount and distribution profile of MMP‐2 may suggest a role of the enzyme herein. We conclude that Smad3 targeting is not exclusively beneficial as Smad3 has diverse transcriptional regulatory effects in different cell types in the kidney.

Deletion of Smad3 protects the kidney from developing transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis, mesangial matrix expansion, and tubular basement membrane thickening, but not glomerular basement membrane thickening. The favorable effects of Smad3 deficiency can be explained by reduced deposition of collagen subtypes. The cell‐specific changes of matrix metalloproteinase expression can be a result of altered TGF‐β1 signaling.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020) and search for the Zc(3900) in e+e-→π+π-hc

We study e+e-→π+π-hc at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV by using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections are measured at 13 energies and are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e+e-→π+π-J/ψ but with a different line shape. In the π±hc mass spectrum, a distinct structure, referred to as Zc(4020), is observed at 4.02  GeV/c2. The Zc(4020) carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π±hc invariant mass spectrum, neglecting possible interferences, results in a mass of (4022.9±0.8±2.7)  MeV/c2 and a width of (7.9±2.7±2.6)  MeV for the Zc(4020), where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The difference between the parameters of this structure and the Zc(4025) observed in the D*D[over ¯]* final state is within 1.5σ, but whether they are the same state needs further investigation. No significant Zc(3900) signal is observed, and upper limits on the Zc(3900) production cross sections in π±hc at center-of-mass energies of 4.23 and 4.26 GeV are set.

Polarity-driven surface metallicity in SmB6

By a combined angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory study, we discover that the surface metallicity is polarity driven in SmB6. Two surface states, not accounted for by the bulk band structure, are reproduced by slab calculations for coexisting B6 and Sm surface terminations. Our analysis reveals that a metallic surface state stems from an unusual property, generic to the (001) termination of all hexaborides: the presence of boron 2p dangling bonds, on a polar surface. The discovery of polarity-driven surface metallicity sheds new light on the 40-year old conundrum of the low-temperature residual conductivity of SmB6, and raises a fundamental question in the field of topological Kondo insulators regarding the interplay between polarity and nontrivial topological properties.

MECP2 promotes cell proliferation by activating ERK1/2 and inhibiting p38 activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma HEPG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and currently represents the leading cause of death amongst cirrhotic patients, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this experiment, we investigated the expression of Methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in HCC, the effect of MeCP2 on the proliferation of human HCC HepG2 cells, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. The results showed that MeCP2 expression levels was higher in human HCC tissue than normal hepatocellular tissue, and MeCP2 siRNA reduced the proliferation of HCC HepG2 cells by decreasing cell activity and cell division in vitro. After MeCP2 siRNA treatment, the proportion of G1/G0 phase cells increased, but the proportion of S and G2/M phase cells decreased, indicative of G1/G0 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the proportions of early and late apoptosis in HCC HepG2 cells were enhanced after MeCP2 siRNA treatment. It was also found that activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 signaling pathways were involved in the proliferation of HepG2 cells. After MeCP2 siRNA treatment, p-ERK1/2 levels decreased, but p-p38 levels increased. Our findings demonstrated that MeCP2 promoted the proliferation of human HCC HepG2 cells with activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathways, suggesting a novel mechanism for pharmacological study of treatment for human HCC.

A P(E)RM(I)T for BMP signaling

In this issue, Xu et al. (2013) report their interesting discovery of a critical step for initiating BMP signal transduction that requires arginine methylation at the plasma membrane.

Microenvironmental regulation of cancer metastasis by miRNAs

miRNAs are a class of small, non-coding RNAs that regulate cancer progression, especially the processes of invasion and metastasis. Although earlier studies in metastasis primarily focused on the impact that miRNAs have on the intrinsic properties of cancer cells, recent reports reveal that miRNAs also shape interactions between cancer cells and their associated stroma. In this review, we discuss current known mechanisms by which miRNAs execute their microenvironmental regulation of cancer metastasis, including regulating expression of cell membrane-bound and secreted proteins or directly transmitting mature miRNAs between different cell types. The significance of miRNA-mediated tumor-stroma interactions in regulating metastasis suggests that miRNAs may be a potential therapeutic target.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We study the process ee+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.260 GeV using a 525  pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross section is measured to be (62.9±1.9±3.7)  pb, consistent with the production of the Y(4260). We observe a structure at around 3.9  GeV/c2 in the π(±)J/ψ mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z(c)(3900). If interpreted as a new particle, it is unusual in that it carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π(±)J/ψ invariant mass spectrum, neglecting interference, results in a mass of (3899.0±3.6±4.9)  MeV/c2 and a width of (46±10±20)  MeV. Its production ratio is measured to be R = (σ(e+ e- → π(±)Z(c)(3900)(∓) → π+ π- J/ψ)/σ(e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ)) = (21.5±3.3±7.5)%. In all measurements the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

Revealing the hidden relationship by sparse modules in complex networks with a large-scale analysis

One of the remarkable features of networks is module that can provide useful insights into not only network organizations but also functional behaviors between their components. Comprehensive efforts have been devoted to investigating cohesive modules in the past decade. However, it is still not clear whether there are important structural characteristics of the nodes that do not belong to any cohesive module. In order to answer this question, we performed a large-scale analysis on 25 complex networks with different types and scales using our recently developed BTS (bintree seeking) algorithm, which is able to detect both cohesive and sparse modules in the network. Our results reveal that the sparse modules composed by the cohesively isolated nodes widely co-exist with the cohesive modules. Detailed analysis shows that both types of modules provide better characterization for the division of a network into functional units than merely cohesive modules, because the sparse modules possibly re-organize the nodes in the so-called cohesive modules, which lack obvious modular significance, into meaningful groups. Compared with cohesive modules, the sizes of sparse ones are generally smaller. Sparse modules are also found to have preferences in social and biological networks than others.

Characterization of large deletions in the F8 gene using multiple competitive amplification and the genome walking technique

BACKGROUND

Large deletions in the F8 gene are responsible for approximately 3% of severe hemophilia A (HA) cases. However, only a few breakpoints in large deletions have been characterized.

OBJECTIVES

To identify large deletions in the F8 gene and to characterize the molecular mechanisms leading to these deletions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used AccuCopy technology, a copy number variation (CNV) genotyping method based on multiplex competitive amplification, to confirm deletions in index patients and to screen potential female carriers in 10 HA families. Also, breakpoints of these large deletions were characterized by a primer walking strategy and genome walking technique.

RESULTS

Ten large deletions and four female carriers were identified by AccuCopy. The extents of deleted regions ranged from 1.3 to 68.5 kb. Exact breakpoints of these deletions were successfully characterized. Eight of them presented microhomologies at breakpoint junctions and several recombination-associated elements (repetitive elements, non-B conformation forming motifs and sequence motifs) were also observed in close proximity to the junctions.

CONCLUSIONS

AccuCopy technology is a reliable and efficient tool for detecting large deletions in the F8 gene and identifying HA female carriers. The genome walking technique is a highly specific, efficient and versatile method for characterizing the deletion breakpoints. Molecular characterization of deletion breakpoints revealed that non-homologous end joining and microhomology-mediated replication-dependent recombination were the major causative mechanisms of the 10 large deletions in the F8 gene.

The maternal cytoplasmic environment may be involved in the viability selection of gametes and zygotes

Segregation distortion is the phenomenon whereby the observed genotypic frequencies of a locus fall outside the expected Mendelian segregation ratio, and it is increasingly recognised as a potentially powerful evolutionary force. The main reason for segregation distortion is a difference in the viability of gametes and zygotes caused by viability loci in the segregating progeny. However, the maternal cytoplasm may also be involved in the viability selection of gametes and zygotes. The objectives of this study were to map the segregation distortion loci (SDL) in maize and to test the hypothesis that the viability of gametes and zygotes may also be associated with the maternal cytoplasmic environment. In the present study, a reciprocal mating design was conducted to generate an F2-segregating population. A linkage map was constructed with 126 microsatellite markers. A whole-genome scan was performed to detect the SDL in segregating populations with different maternal cytoplasm environments. Altogether, 14 SDL with strong LOD (logarithm (base 10) of odds) supports were identified in the specifically designed F2 populations. Interestingly, we found dramatic changes in the genotypic frequencies of the SDL in the two maternal cytoplasmic backgrounds, which indicated a change in the viability of gametes and zygotes in different cytoplasmic environments. Furthermore, in the JB cytoplasmic background, most of the detected SDL and complete distortion markers exhibited similar bias patterns favouring the Y53 alleles. These results suggested that selfish cytoplasmic elements may have an important role in shaping the patterns of segregation distortion in F2 populations through selective viability of gametes and zygotes.

PD-1/PDL1 and CD28/CD80 pathways modulate natural killer T cell function to inhibit hepatitis B virus replication

α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-activated natural killer T (NKT) cells have antiviral properties against hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, α-GalCer activation of NKT cells can induce anergy. We hypothesized that this effect may be overcome by a treatment strategy that includes manipulation of CD28/CD80 costimulatory and PD-1/PDL1 coinhibitory signals of NKT cells, thereby enhancing the anti-HBV effect of α-GalCer. We established a transgenic mouse model of chronic HBV infection and investigated hepatic NKT cell frequencies, functions and expression of immunomodulatory factors. Our results showed that compared with uninfected control mice, hepatic NKT cells from HBV transgenic mice displayed lower frequencies (7.91% vs 16.74%, P < 0.05), impaired capabilities to produce interferon (IFN)-γ (5.6% vs 1.4%, P < 0.05) and interleukin (IL)-4 (6.8% vs 0.3%, P < 0.05), higher expression of PD-1 (9.64% vs 6.36%, P < 0.05) and lower expression of CD28 (5.05% vs 28.88%, P < 0.05). However, when hepatic mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from HBV transgenic mice, α-GalCer exposure in culture remarkably upregulated both PD-1(+) NKT cells (P < 0.05) and CD28(+) NKT cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, when HBV transgenic mice were treated with combination therapies consisting of α-GalCer and anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and/or anti-CD80/anti-CD28 mAbs, IFN-γ(+) NKT cell frequency was selectively increased (P < 0.05) and HBV replication was suppressed; these effects were accompanied by varying degrees and types of liver damage. Surprisingly, activating CD28/CD80 signal in HBV transgenic mice was more effective but caused less liver injury than blocking PD-1/PDL1 signal in modulating αGalCer-activated NKT cell function to inhibit HBV infection. Our findings also show that combined therapy with blocking PD-1/PDL1 and activating CD28/CD80 signal in the presence of aGalCer cannot superimpose the effect of antivirus. α-GalCer combination therapy that modulates the CD28/CD80 pathways of NKT cells may represent a promising approach to inhibit HBV replication in chronically infected patients.

A PK2/Bv8/PROK2 antagonist suppresses tumorigenic processes by inhibiting angiogenesis in glioma and blocking myeloid cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer

Infiltration of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment is often associated with enhanced angiogenesis and tumor progression, resulting in poor prognosis in many types of cancer. The polypeptide chemokine PK2 (Bv8, PROK2) has been shown to regulate myeloid cell mobilization from the bone marrow, leading to activation of the angiogenic process, as well as accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils in the tumor site. Neutralizing antibodies against PK2 were shown to display potent anti-tumor efficacy, illustrating the potential of PK2-antagonists as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. In this study we demonstrate the anti-tumor activity of a small molecule PK2 antagonist, PKRA7, in the context of glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer xenograft tumor models. For the highly vascularized glioblastoma, PKRA7 was associated with decreased blood vessel density and increased necrotic areas in the tumor mass. Consistent with the anti-angiogenic activity of PKRA7 in vivo, this compound effectively reduced PK2-induced microvascular endothelial cell branching in vitro. For the poorly vascularized pancreatic cancer, the primary anti-tumor effect of PKRA7 appears to be mediated by the blockage of myeloid cell migration/infiltration. At the molecular level, PKRA7 inhibits PK2-induced expression of certain pro-migratory chemokines and chemokine receptors in macrophages. Combining PKRA7 treatment with standard chemotherapeutic agents resulted in enhanced effects in xenograft models for both types of tumor. Taken together, our results indicate that the anti-tumor activity of PKRA7 can be mediated by two distinct mechanisms that are relevant to the pathological features of the specific type of cancer. This small molecule PK2 antagonist holds the promise to be further developed as an effective agent for combinational cancer therapy.

Observation of two new N* resonances in the decay ψ(3686)→ppπ0

Based on 106×10(6)ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII facility, a partial wave analysis of ψ(3686)→ppπ0 is performed. The branching fraction of this channel has been determined to be B(ψ(3686)→ppπ0)=(1.65±0.03±0.15)×10(-4). In this decay, 7 N* intermediate resonances are observed. Among these, two new resonances, N(2300) and N(2570) are significant, one 1/2+ resonance with a mass of 2300(-30-0)(+40+109)  MeV/c2 and width of 340(-30-58)(+30+110)  MeV/c2, and one 5/2- resonance with a mass of 2570(-10-10)(+19+34)  MeV/c2 and width of 250(-24-21)(+14+69)  MeV/c2. For the remaining 5 N* intermediate resonances [N(1440), N(1520), N(1535), N(1650) and N(1720)], the analysis yields mass and width values that are consistent with those from established resonances.

Evidence for the direct two-photon transition from ψ(3686) to J/ψ

The two-photon transition ψ(3686)→γγJ/ψ is studied in a sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected by the BESIII detector. The branching fraction is measured to be (3.1±0.6(stat)(-1.0)(+0.8)(syst))×10(-4) using J/ψ→e(+)e(-) and J/ψ→μ(+)μ(-) decays, and its upper limit is estimated to be 4.5×10(-4) at the 90% confidence level. This work represents the first measurement of a two-photon transition among charmonium states. The orientation of the ψ(3686) decay plane and the J/ψ polarization in this decay are also studied. In addition, the product branching fractions of sequential E1 transitions ψ(3686)→γχ(cJ) and χ(cJ)→γJ/ψ(J=0,1,2) are reported.

Cloning of a phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase gene based on fiber strength transcriptome QTL mapping in the cotton species Gossypium barbadense

Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is highly valued for its superior fiber qualities, especially fiber strength. Based on a transcript-derived fragment originated from transcriptome QTL mapping, a fiber strength related candidate gene of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase cDNA, designated as GbPI4K, was first cloned, and its expression was characterized in the secondary cell wall thickening stage of G. barbadense fibers. The ORF of GbPI4K was found to be 1926 bp in length and encoded a predicted protein of 641 amino acid residues. The putative protein contained a clear PI3/4K kinase catalytic domain and fell into the plant type II PI4K cluster in phylogenetic analysis. In this study, the expression of cotton PI4K protein was also induced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a fused protein. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the gene expressed in the root, hypocotyl and leaf of the cotton plants. Real-time RT-PCR indicated that this gene in Sea Island cotton fibers expressed 10 days longer than that in Upland cotton fibers, and the main expression difference of PI4K between Sea Island cotton and Upland cotton in fibers was located in the secondary cell wall thickening stage of the fiber. Further analysis indicated that PI4K is a crucial factor in the ability of Rac proteins to regulate phospholipid signaling pathways.

TGF-β-miR-34a-CCL22 signaling-induced Treg cell recruitment promotes venous metastases of HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is strongly correlated to a poor prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we uncovered a causative link between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and development of PVTT. Mechanistically, elevated TGF-β activity, associated with the persistent presence of HBV in the liver tissue, suppresses the expression of microRNA-34a, leading to enhanced production of chemokine CCL22, which recruits regulatory T (Treg) cells to facilitate immune escape. These findings strongly suggest that HBV infection and activity of the TGF-β-miR-34a-CCL22 axis serve as potent etiological factors to predispose HCC patients for the development of PVTT, possibly through the creation of an immune-subversive microenvironment to favor colonization of disseminated HCC cells in the portal venous system.