Genomic Alterations and Clinical Characterization in Chinese Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is increasingly characterized by myriad genomic alterations beyond the well-known factors such as RAS, BRAF, and microsatellite instability (MSI). Novel genomic changes, including ERBB2 amplifications, mutations, and gene fusions, are now recognized as potential targets for precision therapy. This study aims to explore the genomic landscape of a Chinese cohort with mCRC to identify potentially targetable genetic alterations for personalized treatment strategies.

METHODS

A total of 500 mCRC patients in China were enrolled, based on which genomic profiling was performed using capture-based targeted sequencing across a panel of 520 genes on tumor tissues to identify prevalent genomic alterations. The mutations were analyzed by optimized proprietary algorithms. MSI and mismatch repair deficiency status were analyzed using the read-count-distribution approach. Besides, the overall survival (OS) related to these molecular changes was estimated.

RESULTS

The cohort's genomic profiling revealed TP53 mutations in 78%, APC in 60%, and KRAS in 47% of the patients. MSI-High status was confirmed in 5.8% of cases via a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based algorithm. ERBB2/HER2 amplifications were found in 12% (60/500) of patients, with potential therapeutic implications for those without concurrent KRAS mutations. A subset of patients (1.2%; 6/500) showed fusions and DNA damage response (DDR) gene mutations (except TP53) that could be targeted therapeutically. The KRAS (G12C) variant was detected in 14 patients (2.8%), and 61 (12.2%) had a BRAF V600E mutation. Notably, survival analysis showed no significant differences in OS between KRAS mutant loci and NRAS mutations (p = 0.436). However, BRAF V600E mutations were associated with a poorer prognosis than BRAF wild-type and non-V600E mutations (16.3 months vs. 29.5 and 31.1 months, respectively; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study validates the feasibility of using NGS to detect prognostic and therapeutically actionable genetic variants in Chinese mCRC patients, contributing to understanding the genomic variation within this population and highlighting the potential for personalized medicine in managing mCRC.

Predicting tall-cell subtype of papillary thyroid carcinomas independently with preoperative multimodal ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the differences between tall-cell subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma (TCPTC) and classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (cPTC) using multimodal ultrasound, and identify independent risk factors for TCPTC to compensate the deficiency of preoperative cytological and molecular diagnosis on PTC subtypes.

METHODS

Forty-six TCPTC patients and 92 cPTC patients were included. Each patient received grey-scale ultrasound, colour Dopplor flow imaging (CDFI) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) preoperatively. Clinicopathologic information, grey-scale ultrasound features, CDFI features and SWE features of 98 lesions were compared using univariate analysis to find out predictors of TCPTC, based on which, a predictive model was built to differentiate TCPTC from cPTC and validated with 40 patients.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate analyses identified that extra-thyroidal extension (odds ratio [OR], 15.12; 95% CI, 2.26-115.44), aspect ratio (≥0.91) (OR, 29.34; 95% CI, 1.29-26.23), and maximum diameter ≥14.6 mm (OR, 20.79; 95% CI, 3.87-111.47) were the independent risk factors for TCPTC. Logistic regression equation: P = 1/1+ExpΣ[-5.099 + 3.004 × (if size ≥14.6 mm) + 2.957 × (if aspect ratio ≥ 0.91) + 2.819 × (if extra-thyroidal extension). The prediction model had a good discrimination performance for TCPTC: the area under the receiver-operator-characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.928, 0.848, and 0.954 in cohort 1, and the corresponding values in cohort 2 were 0.943, 0.923, and 0.926, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound has the potential for differential diagnosis of TCPTC from cPTC. A prediction model based on ultrasound characteristics (extra-thyroidal extension, aspect ratio ≥0.91, and maximum diameter ≥14.6 mm) was useful in predicting TCPTC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Multimodal ultrasound prediction of TCPTC was a supplement to preoperative cytological diagnosis and molecular diagnosis of PTC subtypes.

Empirical analysis of lead neurotoxicity mode of action and its application in health risk assessment

The mode of action (MOA) framework is proposed to inform a biological link between chemical exposures and adverse health effects. Despite a significant increase in knowledge and awareness, the application of MOA in human health risk assessment (RA) remains limited. This study aims to discuss the adoption of MOA for health RA within a regulatory context, taking our previously proposed but not yet validated MOA for lead neurotoxicity as an example. We first conducted a quantitative weight of evidence (qWOE) assessment, which revealed that the MOA has a moderate confidence. Then, targeted bioassays were performed within an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model to quantitatively validate the scientific validity of key events (KEs) in terms of essentiality and concordance of empirical support (dose/temporal concordance), which increases confidence in utilizing the MOA for RA. Building upon the quantitative validation data, we further conducted benchmark dose (BMD) analysis to map dose-response relationships for the critical toxicity pathways, and the lower limit of BMD at a 5% response (BMDL5) was identified as the point of departure (POD) value for adverse health effects. Notably, perturbation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) signaling pathway exhibited the lowest POD value, measured at 0.0062 μM. Considering bioavailability, we further calculated a provisional health-based guidance value (HBGV) for children's lead intake, determining it to be 2.56 μg/day. Finally, the health risk associated with the HBGV was assessed using the hazard quotient (HQ) approach, which indicated that the HBGV established in this study is a relative safe reference value for lead intake. In summary, our study described the procedure for utilizing MOA in health RA and set an example for MOA-based human health risk regulation.

c-Jun targets miR-451a to regulate HQ-induced inhibition of erythroid differentiation via the BATF/SETD5/ARHGEF3 axis

Benzene, a widely used industrial chemical, has been clarified to cause hematotoxicity. Our previous study suggested that miR-451a may play a role in benzene-induced impairment of erythroid differentiation. However, the mechanism underlying remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of miR-451a and its underlying mechanisms in hydroquinone (HQ)-induced suppression of erythroid differentiation in K562 cells. 0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 50 μM HQ treatment of K562 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of erythroid differentiation, as well as the expression of miR-451a. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict potential target genes of miR-451a and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-451a can directly bind to the 3'-UTR regions of BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3 mRNAs. We further demonstrated that over-expression or down-regulation of miR-451a altered the expression of BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3, and also modified erythroid differentiation. In addition, BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3 were verified to play a role in HQ-induced inhibition of erythroid differentiation in this study. Knockdown of SETD5 and ARHGEF3 reversed HQ-induced suppression of erythroid differentiation while knockdown of BATF had the opposite effect. On the other hand, we also identified c-Jun as a potential transcriptional regulator of miR-451a. Forced expression of c-Jun increased miR-451a expression and reversed the inhibition of erythroid differentiation induced by HQ, whereas knockdown of c-Jun had the opposite effect. And the binding site of c-Jun and miR-451a was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-451a and its downstream targets BATF, SETD5, and ARHGEF3 are involved in HQ-induced erythroid differentiation disorder, and c-Jun regulates miR-451a as a transcriptional regulator in this process.

From the archives of MD Anderson Cancer Center: Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma: A case with an unusual immunophenotype and discussion of differential diagnosis

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is a rare and aggressive T-cell neoplasm associated with poor survival. We report a case of MEITL that presented as an ulcerated mass in the jejunum with perforation. Microscopic examination showed that the neoplasm involved the full thickness of the intestinal wall, extended into the mesentery, and was composed of monomorphic, small to medium-size cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for T-cell receptor (TCR) delta, CD3, CD7, CD8 (small subset), BCL-2 and TIA-1, and negative for TCR beta, CD4, CD5, CD10, CD20, CD30, CD34, CD56, CD57, CD99, ALK, cyclin D1, granzyme B, MUM1/IRF4, and TdT. The Ki-67 proliferation index was approximately 50 %. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER ISH) was negative. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis showed mutations involving SETD2 and STAT5B. The patient was treated with aggressive chemotherapy and consolidative autologous stem cell transplant and had clinical remission, but relapsed after about one year. Retreatment led to another one-year interval of clinical remission, but at last follow up the patient has relapsed disease involving the ileum and colon. We also discuss the differential diagnosis of MEITL.

The ARPKD Protein DZIP1L Regulates Ciliary Protein Entry by Modulating the Architecture and Function of Ciliary Transition Fibers

Serving as the cell's sensory antennae, primary cilia are linked to numerous human genetic diseases when they malfunction. DZIP1L, identified as one of the genetic causes of human autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), is an evolutionarily conserved ciliary basal body protein. Although it has been reported that DZIP1L is involved in the ciliary entry of PKD proteins, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, an uncharacterized role of DZIP1L is reported in modulating the architecture and function of transition fibers (TFs), striking ciliary base structures essential for selective cilia gating. Using C. elegans as a model, C01G5.7 (hereafter termed DZIP-1) is identified as the sole homolog of DZIP1L, which specifically localizes to TFs. While DZIP-1 or ANKR-26 (the ortholog of ANKRD26) deficiency shows subtle impact on TFs, co-depletion of DZIP-1 and ANKR-26 disrupts TF assembly and cilia gating for soluble and membrane proteins, including the ortholog of ADPKD protein polycystin-2. Notably, the synergistic role for DZIP1L and ANKRD26 in the formation and function of TFs is highly conserved in mammalian cilia. Hence, the findings illuminate an evolutionarily conserved role of DZIP1L in TFs architecture and function, highlighting TFs as a vital part of the ciliary gate implicated in ciliopathies ARPKD.

Unveiling the Nexus: Influence of learning motivation on organizational performance and innovative climate of Chinese firms

This study delves into the interplay between learning motivation, organizational performance, and the innovative climate within Chinese firms. It is a subject of frequent discussion in literature but there is little concrete evidence supporting this viewpoint within the context of small and medium size enterprises in China. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical data gathered, this research aims to uncover the connections between employee learning motivation and its impact on the organizational dynamics in the context of Chinese firms. A cross sectional survey is used to collect the data of 115 Chinese firms and structural equation modelling (SEM) is used for empirical analysis. The results show that success of firms in terms of innovation is significantly influenced by organizational learning motivation. Moreover, innovative environment of the firms increases the overall performance of the organizations. It is also found that factors affecting the innovations have a significant impact on organizational performance. The findings of the study suggest that firms should develop organizational learning motivation to boost their innovation capability and overall performance. This study offers insights and recommendations for organizations and policymakers seeking to harness the potential of learning motivation to drive sustainable growth, competitiveness, and innovation in Chinese firms.

Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Predisposes to Colitis through Regulation of Gut Microbial Composition and Linoleic Acid Metabolism

Disrupted gastrointestinal (GI) motility is highly prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its potential causative role remains unknown. Herein, the role and the mechanism of impaired GI motility in colitis pathogenesis are investigated. Increased colonic mucosal inflammation is found in patients with chronic constipation (CC). Mice with GI dysmotility induced by genetic mutation or chemical insult exhibit increased susceptibility to colitis, dependent on the gut microbiota. GI dysmotility markedly decreases the abundance of Lactobacillus animlalis and increases the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila. The reduction in L. animlalis, leads to the accumulation of linoleic acid due to compromised conversion to conjugated linoleic acid. The accumulation of linoleic acid inhibits Treg cell differentiation and increases colitis susceptibility via inducing macrophage infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine expression in macrophage. Lactobacillus and A. muciniphila abnormalities are also observed in CC and IBD patients, and mice receiving fecal microbiota from CC patients displayed an increased susceptibility to colitis. These findings suggest that GI dysmotility predisposes host to colitis development by modulating the composition of microbiota and facilitating linoleic acid accumulation. Targeted modulation of microbiota and linoleic acid metabolism may be promising to protect patients with motility disorder from intestinal inflammation.

[Effects of gelatin methacrylate anhydride hydrogel loaded with small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of gelatin methacrylate anhydride (GelMA) hydrogel loaded with small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs-sEVs) in the treatment of full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice. Methods: This study was an experimental study. hUCMSCs-sEVs were extracted by ultracentrifugation, their morphology was observed through transmission electron microscope, and the expression of CD9, CD63, tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), and calnexin was detected by Western blotting. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the 3rd and 4th passages of human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were all divided into blank control group (routinely cultured) and hUCMSC-sEV group (cultured with the cell supernatant containing hUCMSCs-sEVs). The cell scratch test was performed and the cell migration rates at 6, 12, and 24 h after scratching were calculated, the cell Transwell assay was performed and the number of migration cells at 12 h after culture was calculated, and the proportion of proliferating cells was detected by 5-acetylidene-2'-deoxyuridine and Hoechst staining at 24 h after culture, with sample numbers being all 3. The simple GelMA hydrogel and the GelMA hydrogel loaded with hUCMSCs-sEVs (hereinafter referred to as hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel) were prepared. Then the micromorphology of 2 kinds of hydrogels was observed under scanning electron microscope, the distribution of hUCMSCs-sEVs was observed by laser scanning confocal microscope, and the cumulative release rates of hUCMSCs-sEVs at 0 (immediately), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 d after soaking hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were measured and calculated by protein colorimetric quantification (n=3). Twenty-four 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into PBS group, hUCMSC-sEV alone group, GelMA hydrogel alone group, and hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel group according to the random number table, with 6 mice in each group, and after the full-thickness skin defect wounds on the back of mice in each group were produced, the wounds were performed with PBS injection, hUCMSC-sEV suspenson injection, simple GelMA coverage, and hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel coverage, respectively. Wound healing was observed on post injury day (PID) 0 (immediately), 4, 8, and 12, and the wound healing rates on PID 4, 8, and 12 were calculated, and the wound tissue was collected on PID 12 for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the structure of new tissue, with sample numbers being both 6. Results: The extracted hUCMSCs-sEVs showed a cup-shaped structure and expressed CD9, CD63, and TSG101, but barely expressed calnexin. At 6, 12, and 24 h after scratching, the migration rates of HEKs (with t values of 25.94, 20.98, and 20.04, respectively), HDFs (with t values of 3.18, 5.68, and 4.28, respectively), and HUVECs (with t values of 4.32, 19.33, and 4.00, respectively) in hUCMSC-sEV group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (P<0.05). At 12 h after culture, the numbers of migrated HEKs, HDFs, and HUVECs in hUCMSC-sEV group were 550±23, 235±9, and 856±35, respectively, which were significantly higher than 188±14, 97±6, and 370±32 in blank control group (with t values of 22.95, 23.13, and 17.84, respectively, P<0.05). At 24 h after culture, the proportions of proliferating cells of HEKs, HDFs, and HUVECs in hUCMSC-sEV group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (with t values of 22.00, 13.82, and 32.32, respectively, P<0.05). The inside of simple GelMA hydrogel showed a loose and porous sponge-like structure, and hUCMSCs-sEVs was not observed in it. The hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel had the same sponge-like structure, and hUCMSCs-sEVs were uniformly distributed in clumps. The cumulative release rate curve of hUCMSCs-sEVs from hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel tended to plateau at 2 d after soaking, and the cumulative release rate of hUCMSCs-sEVs was (59.2±1.8)% at 12 d after soaking. From PID 0 to 12, the wound areas of mice in the 4 groups gradually decreased. On PID 4, 8, and 12, the wound healing rates of mice in hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05); the wound healing rates of mice in GelMA hydrogel alone group and hUCMSC-sEV alone group were significantly higher than those in PBS group (P<0.05). On PID 8 and 12, the wound healing rates of mice in hUCMSC-sEV alone group were significantly higher than those in GelMA hydrogel alone group (P<0.05). On PID 12, the wounds of mice in hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel group showed the best wound epithelization, loose and orderly arrangement of dermal collagen, and the least number of inflammatory cells, while the dense arrangement of dermal collagen and varying degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the wounds of mice in the other 3 groups. Conclusions: hUCMSCs-sEVs can promote the migration and proliferation of HEKs, HDFs, and HUVECs which are related to skin wound healing, and slowly release in GelMA hydrogel. The hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel as a wound dressing can significantly improve the healing speed of full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.

Epigenetic regulation of H3K27me3 in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome induced by high-energy and low-protein diets

BACKGROUND

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in the modern poultry industry is primarily caused by nutrition. Despite encouraging progress on FLHS, the mechanism through which nutrition influences susceptibility to FLHS is still lacking in terms of epigenetics.

RESULTS

In this study, we analyzed the genome-wide patterns of trimethylated lysine residue 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) enrichment by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), and examined its association with transcriptomes in healthy and FLHS hens. The study results indicated that H3K27me3 levels were increased in the FLHS hens on a genome-wide scale. Additionally, H3K27me3 was found to occupy the entire gene and the distant intergenic region, which may function as silencer-like regulatory elements. The analysis of transcription factor (TF) motifs in hypermethylated peaks has demonstrated that 23 TFs are involved in the regulation of liver metabolism and development. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in fatty acid metabolism, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. The hub gene identified from PPI network is fatty acid synthase (FASN). Combined ChIP-seq and transcriptome analysis revealed that the increased H3K27me3 and down-regulated genes have significant enrichment in the ECM-receptor interaction, tight junction, cell adhesion molecules, adherens junction, and TGF-beta signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the trimethylation modification of H3K27 has been shown to have significant regulatory function in FLHS, mediating the expression of crucial genes associated with the ECM-receptor interaction pathway. This highlights the epigenetic mechanisms of H3K27me3 and provides insights into exploring core regulatory targets and nutritional regulation strategies in FLHS.

Apatinib Plus Toripalimab (Anti-PD1 Therapy) as Second-Line Therapy in Patients With Advanced Gastric or Esophagogastric Junction Cancer: Results From a Randomized, Open-Label Phase II Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the activity of apatinib plus toripalimab in the second line for patients with advanced gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer (GC/EGJC).

METHODS

In this open-label, phase II, randomized trial, patients with advanced GC/EGJC who progressed after first-line chemotherapy were enrolled and received 250 mg apatinib per day plus 240 mg toripalimab on day 1 per 3 weeks (arm A) or physician's choice of chemotherapy (PC, arm B). The primary endpoint of this study was the 1-year survival rate. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety were assessed as secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients received apatinib plus toripalimab while 26 were enrolled in arm B. The 1-year survival rates of the 2 groups were 43.3% and 42.3%, respectively (P = .903). The PFS was 2.77 versus 2.33 months (P = .660). The OS was 8.30 versus 9.88 months (P = .539). An objective response was reported in 20.0% of patients in arm A compared to 26.9% in arm B (P = .368), respectively. A total of 6 (24.0%) patients experienced adverse events of grade ≥ 3 in arm A, while 9 (34.6%) patients suffered from adverse events of grade ≥ 3 in arm B. No drug-related deaths occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

Toripalimab plus apatinib treatment in second-line therapy of advanced GC/EGJC showed manageable toxicity but did not improve clinical outcomes relative to PC treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04190745).

Evaluation of monolithic crystal detector with dual-ended readout utilizing multiplexing method

Objective.Monolithic crystal detectors are increasingly being applied in positron emission tomography (PET) devices owing to their excellent depth-of-interaction (DOI) resolution capabilities and high detection efficiency. In this study, we constructed and evaluated a dual-ended readout monolithic crystal detector based on a multiplexing method.Approach.We employed two 12 × 12 silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays for readout, and the signals from the 12 × 12 array were merged into 12 X and 12 Y channels using channel multiplexing. In 2D reconstruction, three methods based on the centre of gravity (COG) were compared, and the concept of thresholds was introduced. Furthermore, a light convolutional neural network (CNN) was employed for testing. To enhance depth localization resolution, we proposed a method by utilizing the mutual information from both ends of the SiPMs. The source width and collimation effect were simulated using GEANT4, and the intrinsic spatial resolution was separated from the measured values.Main results.At an operational voltage of 29 V for the SiPM, an energy resolution of approximately 12.5 % was achieved. By subtracting a 0.8 % threshold from the total energy in every channel, a 2D spatial resolution of approximately 0.90 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) can be obtained. Furthermore, a higher level of resolution, approximately 0.80 mm FWHM, was achieved using a CNN, with some alleviation of edge effects. With the proposed DOI method, a significant 1.36 mm FWHM average DOI resolution can be achieved. Additionally, it was found that polishing and black coating on the crystal surface yielded smaller edge effects compared to a rough surface with a black coating.Significance.The introduction of a threshold in COG method and a dual-ended readout scheme can lead to excellent spatial resolution for monolithic crystal detectors, which can help to develop PET systems with both high sensitivity and high spatial resolution.

Chemical characterisation of essential oil from Sambucus williamsii Hance leaves and its hepatoprotective effects

This study is the first to examine the effect of leaves of Sambucus williamsii Hance essential oil on acute liver injury. According to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the major constituents of S. williamsii essential oil (SEO)were (S)-falcarinol (62.66%), 17-pentatriacontene (7.78%) and tetrapentacontane (8.64%). Mice were pre-treated with SEO for 6 days followed by inducing liver injury with CCl4. The results indicated that SEO protected the liver against CCl4-induced injuries. Elevated levels of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were significantly reduced on SEO pre-treatment. SEO pre-treatment significantly inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling pathways were significantly modulated by SEO in the liver tissue. The findings demonstrate that the essential oil of S. williamsii has enhancing the resistance to CCl4-induced liver injury.

Diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry in detection of NPM1 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia with a patchy distribution

Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations occur in approximately one-third cases of adult de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Identification of NPM1 mutations is important for classification, risk stratification, tailored therapy, and monitoring minimal residual disease. Mutational analysis is widely used for detecting NPM1 mutations. Immunochemistry assessing abnormal cytoplasmic localization of NPM1 protein has been used as a surrogate marker for NPM1 mutations. We present a case of AML with mutated NPM1 that was missed by sequencing analysis but detected by immunohistochemistry. This case highlights the value of immunohistochemistry in identifying NPM1 mutations in a subset of AML cases.

METTL3/16-mediated m6A modification of ZNNT1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating ZNNT1/osteopontin/S100A9 positive feedback loop-mediated crosstalk between macrophages and tumour cells

Macrophages are the major components of tumour microenvironment, which play critical roles in tumour development. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) also contributes to tumour progression. However, the potential roles of m6A in modulating macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly understood. Here, we identified ZNNT1 as an HCC-related m6A modification target, which was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis of HCC. METTL3 and METTL16-mediated m6A modification contributed to ZNNT1 upregulation through stabilizing ZNNT1 transcript. ZNNT1 exerted oncogenic roles in HCC. Furthermore, ZNNT1 recruited and induced M2 polarization of macrophages via up-regulating osteopontin (OPN) expression and secretion. M2 Macrophages-recruited by ZNNT1-overexpressed HCC cells secreted S100A9, which further upregulated ZNNT1 expression in HCC cells via AGER/NF-κB signaling. Thus, this study demonstrates that m6A modification activated the ZNNT1/OPN/S100A9 positive feedback loop, which promoted macrophages recruitment and M2 polarization, and enhanced malignant features of HCC cells. m6A modification-triggered ZNNT1/OPN/S100A9 feedback loop represents potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Exploring the hypoglycemic mechanism of chlorogenic acids from Pyrrosia petiolosa (Christ) Ching on type 2 diabetes mellitus based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics strategy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pyrrosia petiolosa (Christ) Ching (YBSW) is a Traditional Chinese medicine rich in chlorogenic acids. It is an important component in many Traditional Chinese medicinal hypoglycemic formulas and is commonly used by the Miao people to treat diabetes with good efficacy. Our previous research has suggested that chlorogenic acids may be the active ingredients in YBSW.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the mechanisms underlying the anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) hypoglycemic effects of chlorogenic acids contained in YBSW.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo experiments, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the effects of chlorogenic acids contained in YBSW in rats. mRNA expression profiling, microarray analysis, and network pharmacology were used to analyze the underlying mechanisms of the effects. Finally, apoptosis and changes in the related pathways were evaluated in vitro using a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thia-zolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence (IF) assessment, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

After the administration of isochlorogenic acid B, the levels of triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose significantly decreased. HE and IHC staining revealed that isochlorogenic acid B significantly increased insulin expression in islet cells. Using network pharmacology and RNA-seq Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, we screened the advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway. We also verified that YBSW and its chlorogenic acid can inhibit apoptosis and downregulate the expression of related mRNA in the AGE-RAGE pathway in RIN-m5f cells.

CONCLUSIONS

YBSW exhibits a significant hypoglycemic effect, with chlorogenic acid being an effective component. The therapeutic effect of chlorogenic acids contained in YBSW is mainly realized by promoting insulin secretion and pancreatic tissue repair. Moreover, YBSW substantially mitigates apoptosis via the AGE-RAGE pathway in T2DM.

[An analysis on clinical characteristics and prognosis-related risk factors in patients with drug-induced liver injury]

Objective: To explore the drugs and clinical characteristics causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in recent years, as well as identify drug-induced liver failure, and chronic DILI risk factors, in order to better manage them timely. Methods: A retrospective investigation and analysis was conducted on 224 cases diagnosed with DILI and followed up for at least six months between January 2018 and December 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for drug-induced liver failure and chronic DILI. Results: Traditional Chinese medicine (accounting for 62.5%), herbal medicine (accounting for 84.3% of traditional Chinese medicine), and some Chinese patent medicines were the main causes of DILI found in this study. Severe and chronic DILI was associated with cholestatic type. Preexisting gallbladder disease, initial total bilirubin, initial prothrombin time, and initial antinuclear antibody titer were independent risk factors for DILI. Prolonged time interval between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) falling from the peak to half of the peak (T(0.5ALP) and T(0.5ALT)) was an independent risk factor for chronic DILI [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.787, 95%CI: 0.697~0.878, P < 0.001], with cutoff values of 12.5d and 9.5d, respectively. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine is the main contributing cause of DILI. The occurrence risk of severe DILI is related to preexisting gallbladder disease, initial total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and antinuclear antibodies. T(0.5ALP) and T(0.5ALT) can be used as indicators to predict chronic DILI.

[Effect of prenatal stressful life event exposure on child emotional and behavioral problem at age 2-6 years]

Objective: To investigate the influence of prenatal stressful life event (SLE) exposure on child emotional and behavioral problem at age 2-6 years and identify the most risk exposure period. Methods: A total of 2 524 mother-child pairs were selected from Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort based on pregnant women form 2016 to 2018 in Shanghai. Prenatal SLE exposure was assessed by Life Events Scale for Pregnant Women Questionnaire during the first and third trimester of pregnancy. Child emotional and behavioral problem was evaluated by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at age 2-6 years. Multivariate binary logistic regression model and generalized estimating equation were conducted to quantify the association between prenatal SLE exposure and child emotional and behavioral problem at age 2-6 years, and identify the pregnancy period with strongest adverse effect. Results: The 2 524 mother-child pairs were divided into 4 groups: group with consistent low exposure to SLE (61.8%), group with high exposure to SLE in the first trimester (13.2%), group with high exposure to SLE in the third trimester (13.2%) and group with consistent high exposure to SLE (11.8%). The detection rates of emotional problem, hyperactivity, peer interaction problem and total difficulty score in children aged 3-6 years were highest in the group with consistent high exposure to SLE. Generalized estimating equation analysis showed that after controlling the confounding factors, compared with the consistent low exposure group, the children in the group with high exposure to SLE in the first trimester had significant increased risk for conduct problem at age 2-6 years (aOR=1.41, 95%CI:1.07-1.87). The children in the group with consistent high exposure to SLE were at increased risk for emotional problem, peer interaction problem, and high total difficulty score with the aOR of 1.41 (95%CI: 1.09-1.83), 1.46 (95%CI: 1.15-1.86) and 1.51(95%CI: 1.17-1.93). Conclusion: These findings indicated that prenatal exposure to SLE have adverse effect on child emotional and behavioral problem at age 2-6 years, especially the exposure in the first trimester.

Clonal integration of stress signal induces morphological and physiological response of root within clonal network

Clonal integration of defense or stress signal induced systemic resistance in leaf of interconnected ramets. However, similar effects of stress signal in root are poorly understood within clonal network. Clonal fragments of Centella asiaticas with first-young, second-mature, third-old and fourth-oldest ramets were used to investigate transportation or sharing of stress signal among interconnected ramets suffering from low water availability. Compared with control, oxidative stress in root of the first-young, second-mature and third-old ramets was significantly alleviated by exogenous ABA application to the fourth-oldest ramets as well as enhancement of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, POD, CAT and APX) activities and osmoregulation ability. Surface area and volume in root of the first-young ramets were significantly increased and total length in root of the third-old ramets was significantly decreased. POD activity in root of the fourth-oldest and third-old ramets was significantly enhanced by exogenous ABA application to the first-young ramets. Meanwhile, total length and surface area in root of the fourth-oldest and third-old ramets were significantly decreased. Ratio of belowground to aboveground biomass in the whole clonal fragments was significantly increased by exogenous ABA application to the fourth-oldest or first-young ramets. It is suggested that transportation or sharing of stress signal may induce systemic resistance in root of interconnected ramets. Specially, transportation or sharing of stress signal against phloem flow was observed in the experiment. Possible explanation is that rapid recovery of foliar photosynthesis in first-young ramets subjected to exogenous ABA application can partially reverse phloem flow within clonal network. Thus, our experiment provides insight into ecological implication on clonal integration of stress signal.

Cep131-Cep162 and Cby-Fam92 complexes cooperatively maintain Cep290 at the basal body and contribute to ciliogenesis initiation

Cilia play critical roles in cell signal transduction and organ development. Defects in cilia function result in a variety of genetic disorders. Cep290 is an evolutionarily conserved ciliopathy protein that bridges the ciliary membrane and axoneme at the basal body (BB) and plays critical roles in the initiation of ciliogenesis and TZ assembly. How Cep290 is maintained at BB and whether axonemal and ciliary membrane localized cues converge to determine the localization of Cep290 remain unknown. Here, we report that the Cep131-Cep162 module near the axoneme and the Cby-Fam92 module close to the membrane synergistically control the BB localization of Cep290 and the subsequent initiation of ciliogenesis in Drosophila. Concurrent deletion of any protein of the Cep131-Cep162 module and of the Cby-Fam92 module leads to a complete loss of Cep290 from BB and blocks ciliogenesis at its initiation stage. Our results reveal that the first step of ciliogenesis strictly depends on cooperative and retroactive interactions between Cep131-Cep162, Cby-Fam92 and Cep290, which may contribute to the complex pathogenesis of Cep290-related ciliopathies.

Spatiotemporal Quantification of HER2-targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate Bystander Activity and Enhancement of Solid Tumor Penetration

PURPOSE

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) has had a transformative effect on the treatment of many solid tumors, yet it remains unclear how ADCs exert bystander activity in the tumor microenvironment.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Here, we directly visualized and spatiotemporally quantified the intratumor biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of different ADC components by developing dual-labeled fluorescent probes.

RESULTS

Mechanistically, we found that tumor penetration of ADCs is distinctly affected by their ability to breach the binding site barrier (BSB) in perivascular regions of tumor vasculature, and bystander activity of ADC can only partially breach BSB. Furthermore, bystander activity of ADCs can work in synergy with coadministration of their parental antibodies, leading to fully bypassing BSBs and enhancing tumor penetration via a two-step process.

CONCLUSIONS

These promising preclinical data allowed us to initiate a phase I/II clinical study of coadministration of RC48 and trastuzumab in patients with malignant stomach cancer to further evaluate this treatment strategy in humans.

Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes tumor progression in KRAS p.G12D-mutant colorectal cancer by binding to DHX15

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) promotes intestinal tumor growth and its relative abundance varies greatly among patients with CRC, suggesting the presence of unknown, individual-specific effectors in F. nucleatum-dependent carcinogenesis. Here, we identify that F. nucleatum is enriched preferentially in KRAS p.G12D mutant CRC tumor tissues and contributes to colorectal tumorigenesis in Villin-Cre/KrasG12D+/- mice. Additionally, Parabacteroides distasonis (P. distasonis) competes with F. nucleatum in the G12D mouse model and human CRC tissues with the KRAS mutation. Orally gavaged P. distasonis in mice alleviates the F. nucleatum-dependent CRC progression. F. nucleatum invades intestinal epithelial cells and binds to DHX15, a protein of RNA helicase family expressed on CRC tumor cells, mechanistically involving ERK/STAT3 signaling. Knock out of Dhx15 in Villin-Cre/KrasG12D+/- mice attenuates the CRC phenotype. These findings reveal that the oncogenic effect of F. nucleatum depends on somatic genetics and gut microbial ecology and indicate that personalized modulation of the gut microbiota may provide a more targeted strategy for CRC treatment.

Uncovering rearrangements in the Tibetan antelope via population-derived genome refinement and comparative analysis with homologous species

Introduction: The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is a remarkable mammal thriving in the extreme Qinghai-Tibet Plateau conditions. Despite the availability of its genome sequence, limitations in the scaffold-level assembly have hindered a comprehensive understanding of its genomics. Moreover, comparative analyses with other Bovidae species are lacking, along with insights into genome rearrangements in the Tibetan antelope. Methods: Addressing these gaps, we present a multifaceted approach by refining the Tibetan Antelope genome through linkage disequilibrium analysis with data from 15 newly sequenced samples. Results: The scaffold N50 of the refined reference is 3.2 Mbp, surpassing the previous version by 1.15-fold. Our annotation analysis resulted in 50,750 genes, encompassing 29,324 novel genes not previously study. Comparative analyses reveal 182 unique rearrangements within the scaffolds, contributing to our understanding of evolutionary dynamics and species-specific adaptations. Furthermore, by conducting detailed genomic comparisons and reconstructing rearrangements, we have successfully pioneered the reconstruction of the X-chromosome in the Tibetan antelope. Discussion: This effort enhances our comprehension of the genomic landscape of this species.