Moderated estimation of fold change and dispersion for RNA-seq data with DESeq2

Decrypting the viral community in aerobic activated sludge reactors treating antibiotic production wastewater

Viruses are the most abundant yet understudied members that may influence microbial metabolism in activated sludge treating antibiotic production wastewater. This study comprehensively investigated virome community characteristics under the selection pressure of nine types and different concentrations of antibiotics using a metagenomics approach. Of the 15,514 total viral operational taxonomic units (tOTUs) recovered, only 37.5 % were annotated. Antibiotics altered the original viral community structure in activated sludge. The proportion of some pathogenic viral families, including Herpesviridae_like, increased significantly in reactors treating erythromycin production wastewater. In total, 16.5 % of the tOTUs were associated with two or more hosts. tOTUs rarely carried antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and the ARG types in the tOTUs did not match the ARGs carried by the bacterial hosts. This suggests that transduction contributes little to the horizontal ARG transfer. Auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were prevalent in tOTUs, and those involved in folate biosynthesis were particularly abundant, indicating their potential to mitigate antibiotic-induced host damage. This study provides comprehensive insights into the virome community in activated sludge treating antibiotic production wastewater and sheds light on the potential role of viral AMGs in mitigating antibiotic-induced stress.

Identification of key module and hub genes affecting broiler body weight through weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Body weight (BW) is an important economic trait in chickens. The hypothalamus serves as a central regulator of appetite and energy balance, and extensive research has demonstrated its pivotal role in regulating BW. However, the molecular network of the hypothalamus regulating BW traits in chickens needs to be further illuminated. In the present study, 200 1-day-old male 817 broilers were reared to 50 d of age, and BW were recorded. 20 birds with the lowest BW were classified as the low body weight group (L-BWG), and 20 birds with the highest BW were classified as the high body weight group (H-BWG). 18 hypothalamic tissue samples were collected, including 5 from the L-BWG, 5 from the H-BWG, and 8 from the middle weight range, and were analyzed using RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Among the 18 RNA-seq samples, 5 samples from the L-BWG and 5 from the H-BWG were selected for differential expression gene analysis. Compared with the L-BWG, 195 and 1,241 genes were upregulated and downregulated in the H-BWG, respectively. The WGCNA analysis classified all co-expressed genes in the hypothalamus of 817 broilers into 20 modules. Among these modules, the pink module was identified as significantly negatively (r = -0.81, P = 4×10-5) associated with BW. Furthermore, several genes, including Wnt family member 6 (WNT6), growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4), involved in "regulation of developmental process" and "response to growth factor," were identified as hub genes that contribute to the regulation of BW. These results provide valuable information for further understanding of the gene expression and regulation affecting BW traits and will contribute to the molecular breeding of chickens in the future.

TREM2, a critical activator of pyroptosis, mediates the anti‑tumor effects of piceatannol in uveal melanoma cells via caspase 3/GSDME pathway

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent type of primary intraocular malignancy and is prone to metastasize, particularly to the liver. However, due to the poor understanding of the pathogenesis of UM, effective therapeutic approaches are lacking. As a phenolic compound extracted from grapes, piceatannol (PIC) exhibits anti‑cancer properties. To the best of our knowledge, however, the effects of PIC on UM have not been well investigated. Therefore, in the present study, considering the impact of pyroptosis on modulating cell viability, the mechanism underlying the effects of PIC on UM cell proliferation was explored. The inhibitory effect of PIC on proliferation of UM cells was detected by cell counting kit‑8 assay. Wound healing was used to investigate the effects of PIC on the migration of UM cells. Activity detecting assays were performed to test the apoptosis and oxidant level in UM cells. Western blotting and RT‑qPCR were used to detect the inflammatory and pyroptotic levels of UM cell after PIC treatment. PIC‑treated UM cells were screened by high‑throughput sequencing to detect the differential expression of RNA and differential genes. Si‑TREM2 transfection was used to verify the important role of TREM2 in the effects of PIC. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expressions of TREM2 and GSDMR of tumor in nude mice after PIC administration. PIC effectively inhibited proliferation ability of C918 and Mum‑2b UM cell lines via enhancing apoptosis, as evidenced by enhanced activities of caspase 3 and caspase 9. In addition, treatment of UM cells with PIC attenuated cell migration in a dose‑dependent manner. PIC increased reactive oxygen species levels and suppressed the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione‑S‑transferase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. PIC inhibited inflammatory responses in C918 cells. PIC treatment upregulated IL‑1β, IL‑18 and Nod‑like receptor protein 3 and downregulated gasdermin D (GSDMD). RNA sequencing results revealed the activation of an unconventional pyroptosis‑associated signaling pathway, namely caspase 3/GSDME signaling, following PIC treatment, which was mediated by triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) upregulation. As an agonist of TREM2, COG1410‑mediated TREM2 upregulation inhibited proliferation of C918 cells, displaying similar effects to PIC. Furthermore, PIC inhibited tumor growth via regulating the TREM2/caspase 3/GSDME pathway in a mouse model. Collectively, the present study revealed a novel mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of PIC on UM, providing a potential treatment approach for UM in clinic.

Synergistic antifungal effect and potential mechanism of Dimethomorph combined with Pyrimethanil against Phytophthora capsici

Synergistic effect of dimethomorph (DIM) and pyrimethanil (PYM) was evaluated using the Wadley method and the molecular mechanism of the antifungal effects of the combined treatment was systematically investigated. DIM+PYM had a synergistic effect on Phytophthora capsici, with the synergistic effect being observed at 5:1, at which the synergy coefficient was 1.8536. The mycelia of the pathogen treated with DIM+PYM were branched, uneven in thickness, and swollen. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that DIM+PYM caused mycelium breaks, swelling, and apex enlargement, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed structural damage, cavities, and cell membrane morphological abnormalities. DIM+PYM inhibited the growth of mycelia, destroyed the cell membrane, interfered with energy metabolism, reduced protein and sugar content. Additionally, the transcriptome and metabolome of fungi treated with DIM+PYM changed significantly; specifically, there were 1571 differentially expressed genes and 802 differential metabolites. DIM+PYM may mainly damage the cell membrane, energy, protein, soluble sugar pathways.

Combining transcriptomics and metabolomics to assess neurodevelopmental alteration caused by in utero exposure of mice to three putative thyroid hormone system disruptors

Gestating mice were exposed to three chemicals, tetrabromo-bisphenol A (TBBPA; 2 mg/kg/day), amitrole (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) and pyraclostrobin (0.4 and 2 mg/kg/day) to assess their capacity to act as thyroid hormone disruptors and compromise neurodevelopment. Propyl-thio-uracyl, a known pharmacological inhibitor of thyroid gland secretion, was used at both high and low dose as a reference thyroid hormone system disruptor (1 ppm, 1500 ppm). A combination of plasma metabolomics and striatum transcriptomics revealed the induced change in pups at the postnatal stages. Although the underlying mechanism is unlikely to involve thyroid hormone disruption, these chemicals had a detectable effect on pups' neurodevelopment.

Strigolactone signalling inhibits trehalose 6-phosphate signalling independently of BRC1 to suppress shoot branching

The phytohormone strigolactone (SL) inhibits shoot branching, whereas the signalling metabolite trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P) promotes branching. How Tre6P and SL signalling may interact and which molecular mechanisms might be involved remains largely unknown. Transcript profiling of Arabidopsis SL mutants revealed a cluster of differentially expressed genes highly enriched in the Tre6P pathway compared with wild-type (WT) plants or brc1 mutants. Tre6P-related genes were also differentially expressed in axillary buds of garden pea (Pisum sativum) SL mutants. Tre6P levels were elevated in the SL signalling mutant more axillary (max) growth 2 compared with other SL mutants or WT plants indicating a role of MAX2-dependent SL signalling in regulating Tre6P levels. A transgenic approach to increase Tre6P levels demonstrated that all SL mutant lines and brc1 flowered earlier, showing all of these mutants were responsive to Tre6P. Elevated Tre6P led to increased branching in WT plants but not in max2 and max4 mutants, indicating some dependency between the SL pathway and Tre6P regulation of shoot branching. By contrast, elevated Tre6P led to an enhanced branching phenotype in brc1 mutants indicating independence between BRC1 and Tre6P. A model is proposed whereby SL signalling represses branching via Tre6P and independently of the BRC1 pathway.

The yeast Dothiora sorbi IOJ-3 naturally produced various filamentous sectors with distinct abilities by undergoing DNA demethylation

Some fungi have demonstrated the ability to adapt rapidly to changing environments by exhibiting morphological plasticity, a trait influenced by species and environmental factors. Here, an anamorphic yeast strain IOJ-3 exhibited unique sectorization characteristics, naturally producing diverse filamentous sectors when cultivated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium or natural culture medium for durations exceeding 13 days. The strain IOJ-3 and its filamentous sectors were identified as Dothiora sorbi. The morphology of the sectors was consistent and heritable. The life cycle of strain IOJ-3 was investigated through microscopic observation, emphasizing the development of conidiogenous cells as a crucial stage, from which filamentous sectors originate. Some physiological characteristics of IOJ-3 and filamentous sectors are compared, and strain IOJ-3 has a higher antibiotic tolerance than two filamentous sectors, IOJ-3a expands faster on the culture medium, and IOJ-3b can penetrate cellophane. A transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the differentially expressed genes between the yeast form IOJ-3 and its two filamentous sectors, revealing a total of 594 genes that exhibited consistent differential expression relative to IOJ-3, including 44 silencing genes in IOJ-3 that were activated. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with the cellular component category. Furthermore, adding 5-Azacytidine accelerated filamentous sectorization and increased the proportion of filamentous cells of strain IOJ-3 in PD liquid media, suggesting that the filamentous sectorization observed in strain IOJ-3 is linked to processes of DNA demethylation. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the biological characteristics of D. sorbi regarding morphological transitions and provides substantial direction for exploring genes related to fungal filamentous development.

Placental homogeneity: Characterizing transcriptional variation among equine chorioallantoic locations

The proper function of the placenta is essential for the health and growth of the fetus and the mother. The placenta relies on dynamic gene expression for its correct and timely development and function. Although numerous studies have identified genes vital for placental functions, equine placental molecular research has primarily focused on single placental locations, in sharp contrast with the broader approach in human studies. Here, we hypothesized that the molecular differences across different regions of the equine placenta are negligible because of its diffuse placental type with a macroscopic homogenous distribution of villi across the placental surface. We compared the transcriptome and stereological findings of the body, pregnant horn, and non-pregnant horn within the equine chorioallantois. Our transcriptomic analysis indicates that the variation between regions of the placenta within individuals is less than the variation observed between individuals. A low number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (n = 8) was identified when comparing pregnant and non-pregnant horns within the same placenta, suggesting a remarkable molecular uniformity. A higher number of DEGs was identified when comparing each horn to the body (193 DEGs comparing pregnant horn with body and 207 DEGs comparing non-pregnant horn with body). Genes with a higher expression in the body were associated with processes such as extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling, which is relevant for placental maturation and placenta-endometrial separation at term and implies asynchrony of these processes across locations. The stereological analysis showed no differences in microcotyledonary density, and width between the locations. However, we observed a greater chorioallantoic thickness in the body and pregnant horn compared to the non-pregnant horn. Overall, our findings reveal a uniform transcriptomic profile across the placental horns, alongside a more distinct gene expression pattern between the uterine body and horns. These regional differences in gene expression suggest a different pace in the placental maturation and detachment among the placental locations.

Differential regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 in cancer cells

The persistent growth of cancer cells is underscored by complex metabolic reprogramming, with mitochondria playing a key role in the transition to aerobic glycolysis and representing new therapeutic targets. Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) has attracted interest because of its abundance in rapidly proliferating cells, including cancer cells, and its involvement in cellular metabolism. However, the specific contributions of UCP2 to cancer biology remain poorly defined. Our investigation of UCP2 expression in various human and mouse cancer cell lines aimed to elucidate its links to metabolic states, proliferation, and adaptation to environmental stresses such as hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. We observed significant variability in UCP2 expression across cancer types, with no direct correlation to their metabolic activity or proliferation rates. UCP2 abundance was also differentially affected by nutrient availability in different cancer cells, but UCP2 was generally downregulated under hypoxia. These findings challenge the notion that UCP2 is a marker of malignant potential and suggest its more complex involvement in the metabolic landscape of cancer.

Biosynthesis and differential spatial distribution of the 3-deoxyanthocyanidins apigenidin and luteolinidin at the interface of a plant-cyanobacteria symbiosis exposed to cold

Aquatic ferns of the genus Azolla (Azolla) form highly productive symbioses with filamentous cyanobacteria fixing N2 in their leaf cavities, Nostoc azollae. Stressed symbioses characteristically turn red due to 3-deoxyanthocyanidin (DA) accumulation, rare in angiosperms and of unknown function. To understand DA accumulation upon cold acclimation and recovery, we integrated laser-desorption-ionization mass-spectrometry-imaging (LDI-MSI), a new Azolla filiculoides genome-assembly and annotation, and dual RNA-sequencing into phenotypic analyses of the symbioses. Azolla sp. Anzali recovered even when cold-induced DA-accumulation was inhibited by abscisic acid. Cyanobacterial filaments generally disappeared upon cold acclimation and Nostoc azollae transcript profiles were unlike those of resting stages formed in cold-resistant sporocarps, yet filaments re-appeared in leaf cavities of newly formed green fronds upon cold-recovery. The high transcript accumulation upon cold acclimation of AfDFR1 encoding a flavanone 4-reductase active in vitro suggested that the enzyme of the first step in the DA-pathway may regulate accumulation of DAs in different tissues. However, LDI-MSI highlighted the necessity to describe metabolite accumulation beyond class assignments as individual DA and caffeoylquinic acid metabolites accumulated differentially. For example, luteolinidin accumulated in epithelial cells, including those lining the leaf cavity, supporting a role for the former in the symbiotic interaction during cold acclimation.

ZNF740 facilitates the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the METTL3/HIF‑1A signaling axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer‑related death, and efficient treatments to facilitate recovery and enhance long‑term outcomes are lacking. Zinc finger proteins (ZNFs), known as the largest group of transcription factors, have gained interest for their roles in HCC by stimulating the transcription of well‑known tumor‑causing genes. However, the specific roles and molecular mechanisms of ZNF740 in HCC remain unknown. The present study performed bioinformatics analysis and RNA‑sequencing analysis of differentially expressed genes in HCC, detected ZNF740 expression levels in HCC using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and explored the effects of ZNF740 on the progression of liver cancer in vitro and in vivo using cellular functionality assays and cell‑derived xenografts. In addition, a dual‑luciferase reporter assay was performed to analyze the binding of ZNF740 with the METTL3 promoter. Furthermore, cell functionality experiments were performed to analyze whether ZNF740 promotes the proliferation of liver cancer cells in a METTL3‑dependent manner. Bioinformatics and immunoprecipitation assays were further used to analyze the molecular mechanism of ZNF740 in liver cancer. The present study demonstrated that ZNF740 expression was upregulated in HCC. Mechanistically, overexpressed ZNF740 interacted with the methyltransferase‑like 3 (METTL3) promoter and increased METTL3 expression, leading to the stabilization of hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1A (HIF1A) mRNA in an N6‑methyladenosine/YTH N6‑methyladenosine RNA‑binding protein 1‑dependent manner. Eventually, the ZNF740/METTL3/HIF1A signaling axis may facilitate the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of liver cancer via METTL3/HIF‑1A signaling. The present findings revealed the important role of ZNF740 and suggested a potential therapeutic approach that might improve clinical therapies for liver cancer.

Developmental variations of the reproductive organs of ganders from different goose breeds and the underlying mechanisms

A deep understanding of the dynamics and mechanisms of male reproductive tract development is necessary for adoption of either genetic techniques or environmental management practices for improving fertility and hatchability in poultry. However, compared with other poultry such as chickens and ducks, less is known about the age- and breed-related changes in the reproductive tract development of domestic goose ganders exhibiting relatively poor reproductive performance as well as the regulatory mechanisms. In the present study, by taking 2 Chinese domestic goose breeds (Sichuan White goose, SW and Gang goose, GE; Anser cygnoides) and one European goose breed (Landes goose, LD; Anser anser) as the experimental objects, we comprehensive analyzed the morphological, histological, and genome-wide transcriptomic variations in their testicular and external genital development during the period from hatching to sexual maturity. Results from histomorphological analysis demonstrated that the reproductive tract of all goose breeds developed in both age- and breed-dependent manners, and the left and right testis developed asymmetrically throughout posthatch development. The tenth week posthatch was a critical developmental stage for all goose ganders, because both the testicular and external genital histomorphological parameters significantly changed before and after this period. During the first 10 wk posthatch, the weight, organ index, or size of male reproductive organs developed more rapidly in SW than in LD, and so were the testicular parenchymal-to-interstitial ratio and the external genital lymphatic lumen diameter. However, the testicular seminiferous epithelium thickness, seminiferous tubule diameter, and Leydig cell number, as well as the external genital keratinized epithelium thickness were significantly higher in LD than in SW at 10 wk of age. Through comparative transcriptomics analysis and RT-qPCR validation, several pathways related to germ and somatic cell function, organ remodeling, and energy metabolism were thought to be responsible for the developmental variations in the early testicular development between Chinese and European domestic ganders, where 10 hub genes involved in the cell cycle, RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription, and mitotic cell division pathways might play essential roles. These data shed new light on the interbreed differences in the male goose reproductive tract development and the molecular mechanisms regulating male goose testicular functions and fertility.

Gene expression differences associated with intrinsic hindfoot muscle loss in the jerboa, Jaculus jaculus

Vertebrate animals that run or jump across sparsely vegetated habitats, such as horses and jerboas, have reduced the number of distal limb bones, and many have lost most or all distal limb muscle. We previously showed that nascent muscles are present in the jerboa hindfoot at birth and that these myofibers are rapidly and completely lost soon after by a process that shares features with pathological skeletal muscle atrophy. Here, we apply an intra- and interspecies differential RNA-Seq approach, comparing jerboa and mouse muscles, to identify gene expression differences associated with the initiation and progression of jerboa hindfoot muscle loss. We show evidence for reduced hepatocyte growth factor and fibroblast growth factor signaling and an imbalance in nitric oxide signaling; all are pathways that are necessary for skeletal muscle development and regeneration. We also find evidence for phagosome formation, which hints at how myofibers may be removed by autophagy or by nonprofessional phagocytes without evidence for cell death or immune cell activation. Last, we show significant overlap between genes associated with jerboa hindfoot muscle loss and genes that are differentially expressed in a variety of human muscle pathologies and rodent models of muscle loss disorders. All together, these data provide molecular insight into the process of evolutionary and developmental muscle loss in jerboa hindfeet.

bZIP transcription factor responds to changes in light quality and affects saponins synthesis in Eleutherococcus senticosus

Light quality considerably influences plant secondary metabolism, yet the precise mechanism underlying its impact on Eleutherococcus senticosus remains elusive. Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that varying light quality alters the biosynthesis of triterpene saponins by modulating the expression of genes involved in the process in E. senticosus. Through correlation analysis of gene expression and saponin biosynthesis, we identified four light-responsive transcription factors, namely EsbZIP1, EsbZIP2, EsbZIP4, and EsbZIP5. EsbZIP transcription factors function in the nucleus, with light quality-dependent promoter activity. Except for EsbZIP2, the other EsbZIP transcription factors exhibit transcriptional self-activation. Furthermore, EsbZIP can bind to the promoter areas of genes that encode important enzymes (EsFPS, EsSS, and EsSE) involved in triterpene saponin biosynthesis, thereby regulating their expression. Overexpression of EsbZIP resultes in significant down-regulation of most downstream target genes，which leads to a decrease in saponin content. Overall, varying light quality enhances the content of triterpene saponins by suppressing the expression of EsbZIP. This study thus elucidates the molecular mechanism by which E. senticosus adjusts triterpene saponin levels in response to changes in light quality.

Sex-specific gene expression differences in the prefrontal cortex of major depressive disorder individuals

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading global cause of disability, being more prevalent in females, possibly due to molecular and neuronal pathway differences between females and males. However, the connection between transcriptional changes and MDD remains unclear. We identified transcriptionally altered genes (TAGs) in MDD through gene and transcript expression analyses, focusing on sex-specific differences. Analyzing 263 brain samples from both sexes, we conducted differential gene expression, differential transcript expression, and differential transcript usage analyses, revealing 1169 unique TAGs, primarily in the prefrontal areas, with nearly half exhibiting transcript-level alterations. Females showed notable RNA splicing and export process disruptions in the orbitofrontal cortex, alongside altered DDX39B gene expression in five of the six brain regions in both sexes. Our findings suggest that disruptions in RNA processing pathways may play a vital role in MDD.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the inhibitory effect of beta-sitosterol on proliferation of bovine preadipocytes

Fat deposition affects beef quantity and quality via preadipocyte proliferation. Beta-sitosterol, a natural small molecular compound, has various functions, such as anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. The mechanism of action of Beta-sitosterol on bovine preadipocytes remains unclear. This study, based on RNA-seq, reveals the impact of Beta -sitosterol on the proliferation of bovine preadipocytes. Compared to the control group, Beta-sitosterol demonstrated a more pronounced inhibitory effect on cell proliferation after 48 hours of treatment than after 24 hours, as evidenced by the results of EdU staining and flow cytometry. RNA-seq and Western Blot analyses further substantiated these findings. Our results suggest that the impact of Beta-sitosterol on the proliferation of bovine preadipocytes is not significant after a 24-hour treatment. It is only after extending the treatment time to 48 hours that Beta-sitosterol may induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase by suppressing the expression of CCNB1, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of bovine preadipocytes.

Rutin enhances mitochondrial function and improves the developmental potential of vitrified ovine GV-stage oocyte

Vitrification of oocyte has become an important component of assisted reproductive technology and has important implications for animal reproduction and the preservation of biodiversity. However, vitrification adversely affects mitochondrial function and oocyte developmental potential, mainly because of oxidative damage. Rutin is a highly effective antioxidant, but no information is available to the effect of rutin on the mitochondrial function and development in vitrified oocytes. Therefore, we studied the effects of rutin supplementation of vitrification solution on mitochondrial function and developmental competence of ovine germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes post vitrification. The results showed that supplementation of vitrification solution with 0.6 mM rutin significantly increased the cleavage rate (71.6 % vs. 59.3 %) and blastocyst rate (18.9 % vs. 6.8 %) compared to GV-stage oocytes in the vitrified group. Then, we analyzed the reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), mitochondrial activity and membrane potential (ΔΨm), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+, and annexin V (AV) of vitrified sheep GV-stage oocytes. Vitrified sheep oocytes exhibited increased levels of ROS and Ca2+, higher rate of AV-positive oocytes, and decreased mitochondrial activity, GSH and ΔΨm levels. However, rutin supplementation in vitrification solution decreased the levels of ROS, Ca2+ and AV-positive oocytes rate, and increased the GSH and ΔΨm levels in vitrified oocytes. Results revealed that rutin restored mitochondrial function, regulated Ca2+ homeostasis and decreased apoptosis potentially caused by mitophagy in oocytes. To understand the mechanism of rutin functions in vitrified GV-stage oocytes in sheep, we analyzed the transcriptome and found that rutin mediated oocytes development and mitochondrial function, mainly by affecting oxidative phosphorylation and the mitophagy pathways. In conclusion, supplementing with 0.6 mM rutin in vitrification solution significantly enhanced developmental potential through improving mitochondrial function and decreased apoptosis potentially caused by mitophagy after vitrification of ovine GV-stage oocytes.

Deuterium MRI of serine metabolism in mouse models of glioblastoma

PURPOSE

Serine is a major source of one-carbon units needed for the synthesis of nucleotides and the production of intramitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and it plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to develop a deuterium (2H) MRS imaging method for imaging tumor serine metabolism.

METHODS

Sequential (2H) spectra and spectroscopic images were used to monitor the metabolism of [2,3,3-2H3]serine in patient-derived glioblastoma cells in vitro and in tumors obtained by their orthotopic implantation in mouse brain.

RESULTS

[14,14-2H2] 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate, [2H]glycine, [2H]formate, and labeled water were detected in cell suspensions and water labeling in spectroscopic images of tumors. Studies in cells and tumors with variable mitochondrial content and inhibitor studies in cells demonstrated that most of the labeled serine was metabolized in the mitochondria. Water labeling in the cell suspensions was correlated with formate labeling; therefore, water labeling observed in tumors could be used to provide a surrogate measure of flux in the pathway of one-carbon metabolism in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The method has the potential to be used clinically to select patients for treatment with inhibitors of one-carbon metabolism and subsequently to detect their early responses to such treatment.

A gut reaction? The role of the microbiome in aggression

Recent research has unveiled conflicting evidence regarding the link between aggression and the gut microbiome. Here, we compared behavior profiles of control, germ-free (GF), and antibiotic-treated mice, as well as re-colonized GF mice to understand the impact of the gut microbiome on aggression using the resident-intruder paradigm. Our findings revealed a link between gut microbiome depletion and higher aggression, accompanied by notable changes in urine metabolite profiles and brain gene expression. This study extends beyond classical murine models to humanized mice to reveal the clinical relevance of early-life antibiotic use on aggression. Fecal microbiome transplant from infants exposed to antibiotics in early life (and sampled one month later) into mice led to increased aggression compared to mice receiving transplants from unexposed infants. This study sheds light on the role of the gut microbiome in modulating aggression and highlights its potential avenues of action, offering insights for development of therapeutic strategies for aggression-related disorders.

Knock-out of CD73 delays the onset of HR-negative breast cancer by reprogramming lipid metabolism and is associated with increased tumor mutational burden

OBJECTIVE

CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase, NT5E), a cell-surface enzyme converting 5'-AMP to adenosine, is crucial for cancer progression. However, its role in the tumorigenesis process remains mostly obscure. We aimed to demonstrate CD73's role in breast cancer (BC) tumorigenesis through metabolic rewiring of fatty acid metabolism, a process recently indicated to be regulated by BC major prognostic markers, hormone receptors (HR) for estrogen (ER), and progesterone (PR).

METHODS

A murine model of chemically induced mammary gland tumorigenesis was applied to analyze CD73 knock-out (KO)-induced changes at the transcriptome (RNA-seq), proteome (IHC, WB), and lipidome (GC-EI-MS) levels. CD73 KO-induced changes were correlated with scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data for human breast tissues and BCs from public collections and confirmed at the proteome level with IHC or WB analysis of BC tissue microarrays and cell lines.

RESULTS

CD73 KO delayed the onset of HR/PR-negative mammary tumors in a murine model. This delay correlated with increased expression of genes related to biosynthesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids (FAs) in the CD73 KO group at the initiation stage. STRING analysis based on RNA-seq data indicated an interplay between CD73 KO, up-regulated expression of PR-coding gene, and DEGs involved in FA metabolism, with PPARγ, a main regulator of FA synthesis, as a main connective node. In epithelial cells of mammary glands, PPARγ expression correlated with CD73 at the RNA level. With cancer progression, CD73 KO increased the levels of PUFAn3/6 (polyunsaturated omega 3/6 FAs), known ligands of PPARγ and target for lipid peroxidation, which may lead to oxidative DNA damage. It correlated with the downregulation of genes involved in cellular stress response (Mlh1, Gsta3), PR-or CD73-dependent changes in the intracellular ROS levels and expression or activation of proteins involved in DNA repair or oxidative stress response in mammary tumor or human BC cell lines, increased tumor mutational burden (TMB) and genomic instability markers in CD73 low HR-negative human BCs, and the prolonged onset of tumors in the CD73 KO HR/PR-negative group.

CONCLUSIONS

CD73 has a significant role in tumorigenesis driving the reprogramming of lipid metabolism through the regulatory loop with PR and PPARγ in epithelial cells of mammary glands. Low CD73 expression/CD73 KO might enhance mutational burden by disrupting this regulatory loop, delaying the onset of HR-negative tumors. Our results support combining therapy targeting the CD73-adenosine axis and tumor lipidome against HR-negative tumors, especially at their earliest developmental stage.

Investigation of guanidino acetic acid and rumen-protected methionine induced improvements in longissimus lumborum muscle quality in beef cattle

This study examined the impact of dietary guanidino acetic acid (GAA) and rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on beef quality in Simmental bulls. For 140 days, forty-five bulls (453.43 ± 29.05 kg) were randomly divided into control (CON), 0.1% GAA (GAA), and 0.1% GAA + 0.1% RPM (GAM) groups with 15 bulls in each group and containing 3 pen with 5 bulls in each pen. Significant improvements in eye muscle area, pH48h, redness (a*) value, and crude protein (CP) content of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles were observed in the GAA and GAM groups (P < 0.05). Conversely, the lightness (L*) value, drip loss, cooking loss, and moisture contents decreased (P < 0.05). Additionally, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) concentrations of LL muscles in GAM were higher (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content of LL muscles in GAA and GAM groups were lower (P < 0.05). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) profiles were enriched in beef from GAM group (P < 0.05). The addition of GAA and RPM affected the expression of genes in LL muscle, such as HMOX1, EIF4E, SCD5, and NOS2, which are related to hypoxia metabolism, protein synthesis, and unsaturated fatty acid synthesis-related signaling pathways. In addition, GAA and RPM also affected the content of a series of metabolites such as L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, and PC (O-16:0/0:0) involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways. In summary, GAA and RPM can improve the beef quality and its nutritional composition. These changes may be related to changes in gene expression and metabolic pathways related to protein metabolism and lipid metabolism in beef.

Long-term exposure to dimefluthrin inhibits the growth of Acrossocheilus fasciatus

Dimefluthrin (DIM) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide commonly used for the control of pests, particularly for mosquitoes and other flying insects. However, the effects of DIM on non-target aquatic organisms are not known. In this study, we evaluated the long-term effects of DIM on juvenile Acrossocheilus fasciatus (a species of teleost fish) by exposing them to two different concentrations (0.8 μg/L and 4 μg/L) for 60 days. After 60 d of exposure, DIM induced a significant decrease in body weight and irregular, diffused villi in the intestines of A. fasciatus, accompanied by alterations in the expression of immune-related genes. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), all downregulated genes were enriched in processes such as small molecule/cellular amino acid metabolism, generation of precursor metabolites and energy, and phosphatase activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the downregulated genes were associated with processes such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, intestinal immune network for IgA production, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and antigen processing and presentation. In contrast, upregulated DEGs were linked to processes such as necroptosis, phototransduction, and Hippo signaling pathway. These results demonstrate the potential toxicity of DIM to non-target aquatic organisms, indicating the broader ecological implications of its use.

Dietary protein defends lean mass and maintains the metabolic benefits of glucagon receptor agonism in mice

OBJECTIVE

Glucagon has long been proposed as a component of multi-agonist obesity therapeutics due to its ability to induce energy expenditure and cause weight loss. However, chronic glucagon-receptor agonism has been associated with a reduction in circulating amino acids and loss of lean mass. Importantly, it is currently not known whether the metabolic benefits of glucagon can be maintained under contexts that allow the defence of lean mass.

METHODS

We investigate the metabolic effects of the long-acting glucagon receptor agonist, G108, when administered to obese mice at low-doses, and with dietary protein supplementation.

RESULTS

Dietary protein supplementation can only fully defend lean mass at a low dose of G108 that is sub-anorectic and does not reduce fat mass. However, in this context, G108 is still highly effective at improving glucose tolerance and reducing liver fat in obese mice. Mechanistically, liver RNA-Seq analysis reveals that dietary protein supplementation defends anabolic processes in low-dose G108-treated mice, and its effects on treatment-relevant glucose and lipid pathways are preserved.

CONCLUSION

Glucagon-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss may be mechanistically coupled to hypoaminocidemia and lean mass loss. However, our data suggest that glucagon can treat MAFLD at doses which allow full defence of lean mass given sufficient dietary protein intake. Therefore, proportionate glucagon therapy may be safe and effective in targeting hepatocytes and improving in glycaemia and liver fat.

6-Shogaol alleviates high-fat diet induced hepatic steatosis through miR-3066-5p/Grem2 pathway

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism by which 6-shogaol ameliorates hepatic steatosis via miRNA-mRNA interaction analysis. C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, during which 6-shogaol was administered orally. The liver lipid level, liver function and oxidative damage in mice were evaluated. mRNA sequencing, miRNA sequencing, and RT-qPCR were employed to compare the expression profiles between the HFD group and the 6-shogaol-treated group. High-throughput sequencing was used to construct the mRNA and miRNA libraries. Target prediction and integration analysis identified eight potential miRNA-mRNA pairs involved in hepatic steatosis, which were subsequently validated in liver tissues and AML12 cells. The findings revealed that 6-shogaol modulates the miR-3066-5p/Grem2 pathway, thereby improving hepatic steatosis. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms through which 6-shogaol alleviates hepatic steatosis, establishing a foundation for future research on natural active compounds for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Integrated RNA sequencing and biochemical studies reveal endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy dysregulation contribute to Tri (2-Ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP)-induced cell injury in Sertoli cells

Tri (2-Ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), widely used as a fire retardant and plasticizer, has been commonly found in the environment. Its potential health-related risks, especially reproductive toxicity, have aroused concern. However, the potential cellular mechanisms remain unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying TEHP-caused cell damage in Sertoli cells, which play a crucial role in supporting spermatogenesis. Our findings indicate that TEHP induces apoptosis in 15P-1 mouse Sertoli cells. Subsequently, we conducted RNA sequencing analyses, which suggested that ER stress, autophagy, and MAPK-related pathways may participate in TEHP-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that TEHP triggers ER stress, activates p38 MAPK, and inhibits autophagy flux. Then, we showed that the inhibition of ER stress or p38 MAPK activation attenuates TEHP-induced apoptosis, while the inhibition of autophagy flux is responsible for TEHP-induced apoptosis. These results collectively reveal that TEHP induces ER stress, activates p38, and inhibits autophagy flux, ultimately leading to apoptosis in Sertoli cells. These shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying TEHP-associated testicular toxicity.

Renal L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase activity promotes hypoxia tolerance and mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster

OBJECTIVES

The mitochondrial enzyme L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2HGDH) regulates the abundance of L-2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2HG), a potent signaling metabolite capable of influencing chromatin architecture, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell fate decisions. Loss of L2hgdh activity in humans induces ectopic L-2HG accumulation, resulting in neurodevelopmental defects, altered immune cell function, and enhanced growth of clear cell renal cell carcinomas. To better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie these disease pathologies, we used the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the endogenous functions of L2hgdh.

METHODS

L2hgdh mutant adult male flies were analyzed under normoxic and hypoxic conditions using a combination of semi-targeted metabolomics and RNA-seq. These multi-omic analyses were complemented by tissue-specific genetic studies that examined the effects of L2hgdh mutations on the Drosophila renal system (Malpighian tubules; MTs).

RESULTS

Our studies revealed that while L2hgdh is not essential for growth or viability under standard culture conditions, L2hgdh mutants are hypersensitive to hypoxia and expire during the reoxygenation phase with severe disruptions of mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, we find that the fly renal system is a key site of L2hgdh activity, as L2hgdh mutants that express a rescuing transgene within the MTs survive hypoxia treatment and exhibit normal levels of mitochondrial metabolites. We also demonstrate that even under normoxic conditions, L2hgdh mutant MTs experience significant metabolic stress and are sensitized to aberrant growth upon Egfr activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings present a model in which renal L2hgdh activity limits systemic L-2HG accumulation, thus indirectly regulating the balance between glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism, enabling successful recovery from hypoxia exposure, and ensuring renal tissue integrity.

Thyroid transcriptomic profiling reveals the differential regulation of lncRNA and mRNA related to prolificacy in small tail han sheep with FecB BB genotype

BACKGROUND

The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland in animals that secretes thyroid hormones and acts on various organs throughout the body. lncRNAs are long non-coding RNAs that play an important role in animal reproduction; however, there is a lack of understanding of their expression patterns and potential roles in the thyroid gland of the Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. In this study, we used RNA-Seq technology to examine the transcriptome expression pattern of the thyroid from the luteal phase (LP) and follicular phase (FP) of FecB BB (MM) STH sheep.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 122 and 1287 differential expression lncRNAs (DELs) and differential expression mRNAs (DEGs), respectively, which were significantly differentially expressed. These DELs target genes and DEGs can be enriched in several signalling pathways related to the animal reproduction process.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression profiles of DELs and DEGs in thyroid glands provide a more comprehensive resource for elucidating the reproductive regulatory mechanisms of STH sheep.

SERPINA3 is a marker of cartilage differentiation and is essential for the expression of extracellular matrix genes during early chondrogenesis

Serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) are a family of structurally similar proteins which regulate many diverse biological processes from blood coagulation to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Chondrogenesis involves the condensation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into chondrocytes which occurs during early development. Here, and for the first time, we demonstrate that one serpin, SERPINA3 (gene name SERPINA3, protein also known as alpha-1 antichymotrypsin), plays a critical role in chondrogenic differentiation. We observed that SERPINA3 expression was markedly induced at early time points during in vitro chondrogenesis. We examined the expression of SERPINA3 in human cartilage development, identifying significant enrichment of SERPINA3 in developing cartilage compared to total limb, which correlated with well-described markers of cartilage differentiation. When SERPINA3 was silenced using siRNA, cartilage pellets were smaller and contained lower proteoglycan as determined by dimethyl methylene blue assay (DMMB) and safranin-O staining. Consistent with this, RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of genes associated with cartilage ECM formation perturbing chondrogenesis. Conversely, SERPINA3 silencing had a negligible effect on the gene expression profile during osteogenesis suggesting the role of SERPINA3 is specific to chondrocyte differentiation. The global effect on cartilage formation led us to investigate the effect of SERPINA3 silencing on the master transcriptional regulator of chondrogenesis, SOX9. Indeed, we observed that SOX9 protein levels were markedly reduced at early time points suggesting a role for SERPINA3 in regulating SOX9 expression and activity. In summary, our data support a non-redundant role for SERPINA3 in enabling chondrogenesis via regulation of SOX9 levels.

Genetic and functional traits limit the success of colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a tomato wild relative

To understand whether domestication had an impact on susceptibility and responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), we investigated two tomato cultivars ("M82" and "Moneymaker") and a panel of wild relatives including S. neorickii, S. habrochaites and S. pennellii encompassing the whole Lycopersicon clade. Most genotypes revealed good AM colonisation levels when inoculated with the AMF Funneliformis mosseae. By contrast, both S. pennellii accessions analysed showed a very low colonisation, but with normal arbuscule morphology, and a negative response in terms of root and shoot biomass. This behaviour was independent of fungal identity and environmental conditions. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed in S. pennellii the lack of genes identified within QTLs for AM colonisation, a limited transcriptional reprogramming upon mycorrhization and a differential regulation of strigolactones and AM-related genes compared to tomato. Donor plants experiments indicated that the AMF could represent a cost for S. pennellii: F. mosseae could extensively colonise the root only when it was part of a mycorrhizal network, but a higher mycorrhization led to a higher inhibition of plant growth. These results suggest that genetics and functional traits of S. pennellii are responsible for the limited extent of AMF colonisation.

A fungal plant pathogen overcomes mlo-mediated broad-spectrum disease resistance by rapid gene loss

Hosts and pathogens typically engage in a coevolutionary arms race. This also applies to phytopathogenic powdery mildew fungi, which can rapidly overcome plant resistance and perform host jumps. Using experimental evolution, we show that the powdery mildew pathogen Blumeria hordei is capable of breaking the agriculturally important broad-spectrum resistance conditioned by barley loss-of-function mlo mutants. Partial mlo virulence of evolved B. hordei isolates is correlated with a distinctive pattern of adaptive mutations, including small-sized (c. 8-40 kb) deletions, of which one is linked to the de novo insertion of a transposable element. Occurrence of the mutations is associated with a transcriptional induction of effector protein-encoding genes that is absent in mlo-avirulent isolates on mlo mutant plants. The detected mutational spectrum comprises the same loci in at least two independently isolated mlo-virulent isolates, indicating convergent multigenic evolution. The mutational events emerged in part early (within the first five asexual generations) during experimental evolution, likely generating a founder population in which incipient mlo virulence was later stabilized by additional events. This work highlights the rapid dynamic genome evolution of an obligate biotrophic plant pathogen with a transposon-enriched genome.

Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of inflammatory breast cancer reveals distinct molecular characteristics to non-inflammatory breast cancers

PURPOSE

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and highly aggressive form of breast cancer, accounts for 10% of breast cancer-related deaths. Previous omics studies of IBC have focused solely on one of genomics or transcriptomics and did not discover common differences that could distinguish IBC from non-IBC.

METHODS

Seventeen IBC patients and five non-IBC patients as well as additional thirty-three Asian breast cancer samples from TCGA-BRCA were included for the study. We performed whole-exon sequencing (WES) to investigate different somatic genomic alterations, copy number variants, and large structural variants between IBC and non-IBC. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to examine the differentially expressed genes, pathway enrichment, and gene fusions. WES and RNA-seq data were further investigated in combination to discover genes that were dysregulated in both genomics and transcriptomics.

RESULTS

Copy number variation analysis identified 10 cytobands that showed higher frequency in IBC. Structural variation analysis showed more frequent deletions in IBC. Pathway enrichment and immune infiltration analysis indicated increased immune activation in IBC samples. Gene fusions including CTSC-RAB38 were found to be more common in IBC. We demonstrated more commonly dysregulated RAS pathway in IBC according to both WES and RNA-seq. Inhibitors targeting RAS signaling and its downstream pathways were predicted to possess promising effects in IBC treatment.

CONCLUSION

We discovered differences unique in Asian women that could potentially explain IBC etiology and presented RAS signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target in IBC treatment.

Androgens and androgen receptor directly induce the thickening, folding, and vascularization of the seahorse abdominal dermal layer into a placenta-like structure responsible for male pregnancy via multiple signaling pathways

Seahorses exhibit the unique characteristic of male pregnancy, which incubates numerous embryos in a brood pouch that plays an essential role in enhancing offspring survivability. The pot-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) possesses the largest body size among seahorses and is a significant species in Chinese aquaculture. In this study, we revealed the cytological and morphological characteristics, as well as regulatory mechanisms, throughout the entire brood pouch development in H. abdominalis. The brood pouch originated from the abdominal dermis, extending towards the ventral midline. As the dermal layers thicken, the inner epithelium folds, the stroma loosens, and vascularization occurs, culminating in the formation of the brood pouch. Furthermore, through transcriptomic analysis of brood pouches at various developmental stages, 8 key genes (tgfb3, fgf2, wnt7a, pgf, mycn, tln2, jund, ccn4) closely related to the development of brood pouch were identified in the MAPK, Rap1, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling pathways. These genes were highly expressed in the pseudoplacenta and dermal layers at the newly formed stage as examined by in situ hybridization (ISH). The angiogenesis, densification of collagen fibers, and proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells in seahorse brood pouch formation may be regulated by these genes and pathways. Additionally, the expression of the androgen receptor gene (ar) was significantly upregulated during the formation of the brood pouch, and ISH confirmed the expression of the ar gene in the dermis and pseudoplacenta of the brood pouch, highlighting its role in the developmental process. Androgen and flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist) treatments significantly accelerated the formation of the brood pouch and completely inhibited its occurrence respectively, concomitant to the upregulated expression of differentially expressed genes involved above signaling pathways. These findings demonstrated that formation of the brood pouch is determined by androgen and the androgen receptor activates the above signaling pathways in the brood pouch through the regulation of fgf2, tgfb3, pgf, and wnt7a. Interestingly, androgen even induced the formation of the brood pouch in females. We firstly elucidated the formation of the seahorse brood pouch, demonstrating that androgens and their receptors directly induce the thickening, folding, and vascularization of the abdominal dermal layer into a placenta-like structure through multiple signaling pathways. These findings provide foundational insights to further exploring the evolution of male pregnancy and adaptive convergence in viviparity across vertebrates.

Drug Repurposing Using Molecular Network Analysis Identifies Jak as Targetable Driver in Necrobiosis Lipoidica

Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy for therapy development, particularly in rare diseases where traditional drug development approaches may be challenging owing to high cost and small numbers of patients. In this study, we used a drug identification and repurposing pipeline to identify candidate targetable drivers of disease and corresponding therapies through application of causal reasoning using a combination of open-access resources and transcriptomics data. We optimized our approach on psoriasis as a disease model, demonstrating the ability to identify known and, to date, unrecognized molecular drivers of psoriasis and link them to current and emerging therapies. Application of our approach to a cohort of tissue samples of necrobiosis lipoidica (an unrelated; rare; and, to date, molecularly poorly characterized cutaneous inflammatory disorder) identified a unique set of upstream regulators, particularly highlighting the role of IFNG and the Jak-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway as a likely driver of disease pathogenesis and linked it to Jak inhibitors as potential therapy. Analysis of an independent cohort of necrobiosis lipoidica samples validated these findings, with the overall agreement of drug-matched upstream regulators above 96%. These data highlight the utility of our approach in rare diseases and offer an opportunity for drug discovery in other rare diseases in dermatology and beyond.

RNA-binding protein LSM7 facilitates breast cancer metastasis through mediating alternative splicing of CD44

AIMS

The RNA-binding protein LSM7 is essential for RNA splicing, acting as a key component of the spliceosome complex; however, its specific role in breast cancer (BC) has not been extensively investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LSM7 expression in BC samples was evaluated through bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry. The impact of LSM7 on promoting metastatic tumor characteristics was examined using transwell and wound healing assays, as well as an orthotopic xenograft model. Additionally, the involvement of LSM7 in alternative splicing of CD44 was explored via RNA immunoprecipitation and third-generation sequencing. The regulatory role of TCF3 in modulating LSM7 gene expression was further elucidated using luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

KEY FINDINGS

Our findings demonstrate that LSM7 was significantly overexpressed in metastatic BC tissues and was associated with poor prognostic outcomes in patients with BC. LSM7 overexpression markedly increased the migratory and invasive capabilities of BC cells in vitro and significantly promoted spontaneous lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, RIP-seq analysis revealed that LSM7 binded to CD44 RNA, enhancing the expression of its alternatively spliced isoform CD44s, thereby driving BC metastasis and invasion. Additionally, the transcription factor TCF3 was found to activate LSM7 transcription by directly binding to its promoter.

SIGNIFICANCE

In summary, this study highlights the pivotal role of LSM7 in the production of the CD44s isoform and the promotion of breast cancer metastasis. Targeting the TCF3/LSM7/CD44s axis may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.

Ceftriaxone alters the gut microbiome composition and reduces alcohol intake in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that increases central nervous system (CNS) protein expression of the glutamate transporters GLT-1 and xCT and ameliorates pathological behaviors in rodent models of neurological disease and substance use disorder. However, little ceftriaxone passes through the blood-brain barrier, the CNS binding partner of ceftriaxone is unknown, and ceftriaxone does not consistently upregulate GLT-1 and xCT in cell culture. Ceftriaxone alters the gut microbiome composition in rodents and humans, and the microbiome-gut-brain axis regulates drug-seeking. Thus, here we test the hypothesis that ceftriaxone reduces alcohol intake while ameliorating alcohol-induced disruption of the gut microbiome composition. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received intermittent access to alcohol (IAA) while controls received access to only water. Following 17 IAA sessions, ceftriaxone/vehicle treatment was given for 5 days. Analysis of the gut microbiome composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing conducted on fecal pellets collected prior to and after alcohol consumption and following ceftriaxone treatment. Male rats displayed escalated alcohol intake and preference over the course of the 17 sessions; however, total alcohol intake did not differ between the sexes. Ceftriaxone reduced alcohol intake and preference in male and female rats. While alcohol affected a diverse set of amplicon sequencing variants (ASV), ceftriaxone markedly reduced the diversity of microbial communities reflected by a blooming of the Enterococcaceae family. The remaining effects of ceftriaxone, however, encompassed families both affected and unaffected by prior alcohol drinking and highlight the Ruminococcaceae and Muribaculaceae families as bidirectionally modulated by alcohol and ceftriaxone. Altogether, our study confirms that ceftriaxone reduces alcohol intake in rats and partially reverses alcohol-induced dysbiosis.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profile and its function in regulating Vip3Aa tolerance in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

BACKGROUND

Vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vips) are widely used in pest management, but Vip tolerance poses a significant threat. DNA methylation plays important roles in regulating the response of biological organisms to environmental stress, and it may also regulate fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) Vip3Aa tolerance.

RESULTS

In this study, a DNA methylation map was developed for FAW, and its function in regulating FAW Vip3Aa tolerance was explored. The FAW genome-wide DNA methylation map showed that exons were preferred regions for DNA methylation and housekeeping genes were highly methylated. FAW was screened using Vip3Aa for ten generations, and bioassays indicated that Vip3Aa tolerance increased trans-generationally. A comparison of DNA methylation maps between Vip3Aa-tolerant and -susceptible strains showed that gene body methylation was positively correlated with gene expression level. FAW exhibits significant variation in DNA methylation among individuals, and Vip3Aa screening induces epigenetic variation based on DNA methylation. Moreover, the study demonstrated that a reduction in methylation density within the gene body of a 3'5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase gene resulted in decreased expression and increased tolerance of FAW to Vip3Aa, which was validated through RNA interference experiments.

CONCLUSION

The DNA methylation map and mechanism of Vip3Aa tolerance improve our understanding of DNA methylation and its function in Lepidoptera and provide a new perspective for developing pest management strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of Chronic Pancreatitis Associated microRNAs and Genes for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The timely identification of both malignant and nonmalignant pancreatic lesions has the potential to significantly enhance prognosis and implement risk management strategies across various levels. microRNAs (miRs) and their corresponding targets play a crucial role in the development of pancreatic lesions and can serve as valuable diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The objective of our study was to investigate potential diagnostic markers that can effectively differentiate between malignant and nonmalignant pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with GSE24279 dataset was utilized to screen differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). We utilized the TargetScanHuman database to predict the target genes associated with hsa-miR-150-3p, hsa-miR-150-5p, and hsa-miR-214-3p. Furthermore, a cohort comprising healthy individuals (n = 52), chronic pancreatitis (CP; n = 34), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD; n = 53) patients was recruited to ascertain the levels of plasma markers.

RESULTS

We identified 3 miRNAs (hsa-miR-150-3p, hsa-miR-150-5p, and hsa-miR-214-3p) and 2 proteins (PCDH1 and AMN) as potential diagnostic markers for distinguishing between CP and PAAD. The area under the curve (AUC) values for all markers exceeded .800. Notably, a combination of plasma PCDH1 and AMN demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance (AUC = .921; 95% CI: .866-.977; sensitivity = .792; specificity = .941) in discriminating between CP and PAAD. In addition, the model of hsa-miR-150-3p, hsa-miR-150-5p, and hsa-miR-214-3p yielded an AUC of .928, sensitivity of .830, and specificity of .912, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Plasma levels of miRNAs (hsa-miR-150-3p, hsa-miR-150-5p, and hsa-miR-214-3p) and their corresponding targets (PCDH1 and AMN) hold promise as potential biomarkers for predicting PAAD in patients with CP.

An O-methylflavone from Artemisia afra kills non-replicating hypoxic Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

African wormwood (Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd.) has been used traditionally in southern Africa to treat illnesses causing fever and was recently shown to possess anti-tuberculosis activity. As tuberculosis is an endemic cause of fever in southern Africa, this suggests that the anti-tubercular activity of A. afra may have contributed to its traditional medicinal use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a deadly and debilitating disease globally affecting millions annually. Emerging drug-resistant Mtb strains endanger the efficacy of the current therapies employed to treat tuberculosis; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs to combat this disease. Given the reported activity of A. afra against Mtb, we sought to determine the mechanisms by which A. afra inhibits and kills this bacterium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used transcriptomics to investigate the impact of Artemisia spp. extracts on Mtb physiology. We then used chromatographic fractionation and biochemometric analyses to identify a bioactive fractions of A. afra extracts and identify an active compound.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. afra exerts different effects on Mtb compared to A. annua or artemisinin, suggesting that A. afra possesses other phytochemicals with unique modes of action. A biochemometric study of A. afra resulted in the isolation of an O-methylflavone (1), 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one, which displayed considerable activity against Mtb strain mc26230 in both log phase growth and metabolically downshifted hypoxic cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that an O-methylflavone constituent of Artemisia afra explains part of the activity of this plant against Mtb. This result contributes to a mechanistic understanding of the reported anti-tubercular activity of A. afra and highlights the need for further study of this traditional medicinal plant and its active compounds.

Seasonal variation in BCG-induced trained immunity

The Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a well-established inducer of innate immune memory (also termed trained immunity), causing increased cytokine production upon heterologous secondary stimulation. Innate immune responses are known to be influenced by season, but whether seasons impact induction of trained immunity is not known. To explore the influence of season on innate immune memory induced by the BCG vaccine, we vaccinated healthy volunteers with BCG either during winter or spring. Three months later, we measured the ex vivo cytokine responses against heterologous stimuli, analyzed gene expressions and epigenetic signatures of the immune cells, and compared these with the baseline before vaccination. BCG vaccination during winter induced a stronger increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) upon stimulation with different bacterial and fungal stimuli, compared to BCG vaccination in spring. In contrast, winter BCG vaccination resulted in lower IFNγ release in PBMCs compared to spring BCG vaccination. Furthermore, NK cells of the winter-vaccinated people had a greater pro-inflammatory cytokine and IFNγ production capacity upon heterologous stimulation. BCG had only minor effects on the transcriptome of monocytes 3 months later. In contrast, we identified season-dependent epigenetic changes in monocytes and NK cells induced by vaccination, partly explaining the higher immune cell reactivity in the winter BCG vaccination group. These results suggest that BCG vaccination during winter is more prone to induce a robust trained immunity response by activating and reprogramming the immune cells, especially NK cells. (Dutch clinical trial registry no. NL58219.091.16).

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Herc1 modulates the response to nucleoside analogs in acute myeloid leukemia

ABSTRACT

For several decades, induction therapy with nucleoside analogs, in particular cytarabine (Ara-C) and, to a lesser extent, fludarabine, has been the standard of care for patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the antitumor efficacy of nucleoside analogs is often limited by intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, thereby leading to poor therapeutic response and suboptimal clinical outcomes. In this study, we used genome-wide CRISPR-based pharmacogenomic screening to map the genetic factors that modulate the response to nucleoside analogs in AML and identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Herc1, as a key modulator of Ara-C response in mouse AML models driven by the KMT2A/MLLT3 fusion or by the constitutive coexpression of Hoxa9 and Meis1, both in vitro and in vivo. Loss of HERC1 enhanced nucleoside analog-induced cell death in both murine and human AML cell lines by compromising cell cycle progression. In-depth proteomic analysis and subsequent validation identified deoxycytidine kinase as a novel target of Herc1 in both mouse AML models. We observed that HERC1 is overexpressed in AML when compared with other cancer types and that higher HERC1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in patients with AML in the The Cancer Gene Atlas program (TCGA) and BEAT-AML cohorts. Collectively, this study highlights the importance of HERC1 in the response of AML cells to nucleoside analogs, thereby establishing this E3 ubiquitin ligase as a novel predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AML.

A regulatory loop involving the cytochrome P450-soluble epoxide hydrolase axis and TGF-β signaling

Fatty acid metabolites, produced by cytochrome P450 enzymes and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), regulate inflammation. Here, we report that the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced polarization of macrophages to a pro-resolving phenotype requires Alk5 and Smad2 activation to increase sEH expression and activity. Macrophages lacking sEH showed impaired repolarization, reduced phagocytosis, and maintained a pro-inflammatory gene expression profile. 11,12-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) was one altered metabolite in sEH-/- macrophages and mimicked the effect of sEH deletion on gene expression. Notably, 11,12-EET also reduced Alk5 expression, inhibiting TGF-β-induced Smad2 phosphorylation by triggering the cytosolic translocation of the E3 ligase Smurf2. These findings suggest that sEH expression is controlled by TGF-β and that sEH activity, which lowers 11,12-EET levels and promotes TGF-β signaling by metabolizing 11,12-EET to prevent Alk5 degradation. Thus, an autocrine loop between sEH/11,12-EET and TGF-β1 regulates macrophage function.

Microbiota-dependent early-life programming of gastrointestinal motility

Gastrointestinal microbes modulate peristalsis and stimulate the enteric nervous system (ENS), whose development, as in the central nervous system (CNS), continues into the murine postweaning period. Given that adult CNS function depends on stimuli received during critical periods of postnatal development, we hypothesized that adult ENS function, namely motility, depends on microbial stimuli during similar critical periods. We gave fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to germ-free mice at weaning or as adults and found that only the mice given FMT at weaning recovered normal transit, while those given FMT as adults showed limited improvements. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of colonic muscularis propria revealed enrichments in neuron developmental pathways in mice exposed to gut microbes earlier in life, while mice exposed later-or not at all-showed exaggerated expression of inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight a microbiota-dependent sensitive period in ENS development, pointing to potential roles of the early-life microbiome in later-life dysmotility.

Interactions between U and V sex chromosomes during the life cycle of Ectocarpus

In many animals and flowering plants, sex determination occurs in the diploid phase of the life cycle with XX/XY or ZW/ZZ sex chromosomes. However, in early diverging plants and most macroalgae, sex is determined by female (U) or male (V) sex chromosomes in a haploid phase called the gametophyte. Once the U and V chromosomes unite at fertilization to produce a diploid sporophyte, sex determination no longer occurs, raising key questions about the fate of the U and V sex chromosomes in the sporophyte phase. Here, we investigate genetic and molecular interactions of the UV sex chromosomes in both the haploid and diploid phases of the brown alga Ectocarpus. We reveal extensive developmental regulation of sex chromosome genes across its life cycle and implicate the TALE-HD transcription factor OUROBOROS in suppressing sex determination in the diploid phase. Small RNAs may also play a role in the repression of a female sex-linked gene, and transition to the diploid sporophyte coincides with major reconfiguration of histone H3K79me2, suggesting a more intricate role for this histone mark in Ectocarpus development than previously appreciated.

Vitexin attenuates neuropathic pain by regulating astrocyte autophagy flux and polarization via the S1P/ S1PR1-PI3K/ Akt axis

Neuropathic pain (NP) is associated with astrocytes activation induced by nerve injury. Reactive astrocytes, strongly induced by central nervous system damage, can be classified into A1 and A2 types. Vitexin, a renowned flavonoid compound, is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, its role in NP remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of vitexin on astrocyte polarization and its underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of NP was established, and primary astrocytes were stimulated with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) to construct a cellular model. The results demonstrated significant activation of spinal astrocytes on days 14 and 21. Concurrently, reactive astrocytes predominantly differentiated into the A1 type. Western blot analysis revealed an increase in A1 astrocyte-associated protein (C3) and a decrease in A2 astrocyte-associated protein (S100A10). Serum S1P levels increased on days 14 and 21, alongside a significant upregulation of Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) mRNA expression and elevated expression of chemokines. In vitro, stimulation with S1P inhibited the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and autophagy flux, promoting polarization of astrocytes towards the A1 phenotype while suppressing the polarization of A2 astrocytes. Our findings suggest that vitexin, acting on astrocytes but not microglia, attenuates S1P-induced downregulation of PI3K/Akt signaling, restores autophagy flux in astrocytes, regulates A1/A2 astrocyte ratio, and reduces chemokine and S1P secretion, thereby alleviating neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury.

Targeted metabolomics of muscle amino acid profles and hepatic transcriptomics analyses in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fed with broad beans

While tissue amino acid compositions reflect that of the dietary protein source, and the liver orchestrates amino acid metabolism. In this study, we investigated the muscle amino acid profiles in ordinary and crisp grass carp. The 22 amino acids were measured, and seventeen showed significant concentration differences. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind changes, we analyzed the liver transcriptome, and the 2519 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 1156 up-regulated and 1363 down-regulated genes. DEGs were enriched in ribosome-related biological processes. KEGG pathway analysis showed enrichment in tryptophan metabolism, lysine degradation, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, galactose metabolism, and glutathione metabolism with up-regulated genes, arginine and proline metabolism, arginine biosynthesis and alanine, aspartate, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, N-Glycan biosynthesis and glutamate metabolism with down-regulated genes. A protein-protein interaction network with 260 nodes and 249 edges was constructed, and 3 modules were extracted. The top 10 hub genes with close connections to other nodes were ITM1, STT3B, SEL1L, UGGT1, MLEC, IL1B, ALG5, KRTCAP2, NFKB2, and IRAK3. In summary, this study identified candidate genes and focused on amino acid and glycan metabolism pathways, providing a reference for further investigation into liver amino acid metabolism in grass carp fed with broad beans.

Antibiotic synergistic effect surge bioenergy potential and pathogen resistance of Chlorella variabilis biofilm

Tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CF) induce a synergistic effect that alters the biochemical composition, leading to a decrease in the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae. But the current study provides a novel insight into stress-inducing techniques that trigger a change in macromolecules, leading to an increase in the bioenergy potential and pathogen resistance of Chlorella variabilis biofilm. The study revealed that in a closed system, a light intensity of 167 μmol/m2/s causes 93.5% degradation of TC and 16% degradation of CF after 7 days of exposure, hence availing the products for utilization by C. variabilis biofilm. The resistance to pathogens invasion was linked to 85% and 40% increase in the expression level of photosystem II oxygen-evolving enhancer protein 3 (PsbQ), and mitogen activated kinase (MAK) respectively. The results also indicate that a surge in light intensity triggers 49% increase in the expression level of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (18:2), which is an important lipidomics that can easily undergo transesterification into bioenergy. The thermogravimetric result indicates that the biomass sample of C. variabilis biofilm cultivated under light intensity of 167 μmol/m2/s produces a higher residual mass of 45.5% and 57.5 under air and inert conditions, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicates a slight shift in the major functional groups, while the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) indicate clear differences in the morphology and elemental composition of the biofilm biomass in support of the increase bioenergy potential of C. variabilis biofilm. The current study provides a vital understanding of a innovative method of cultivation of C. variabilis biofilm, which is resistant to pathogens and controls the balance between fatty acid and TAG synthesis leading to surge in bioenergy potential and environmental sustainability.

Evolution of the regulation of developmental gene expression in blind Mexican cavefish

Developmental evolution and diversification of morphology can arise through changes in the regulation of gene expression or protein-coding sequence. To unravel mechanisms underlying early developmental evolution in cavefish of the species Astyanax mexicanus, we compared transcriptomes of surface-dwelling and blind cave-adapted morphs at the end of gastrulation. Twenty percent of the transcriptome was differentially expressed. Allelic expression ratios in cave X surface hybrids showed that cis-regulatory changes are the quasi-exclusive contributors to inter-morph variations in gene expression. Among a list of 108 genes with change at the cis-regulatory level, we explored the control of expression of rx3, which is a master eye gene. We discovered that cellular rx3 levels are cis-regulated in a cell-autonomous manner, whereas rx3 domain size depends on non-autonomous Wnt and Bmp signalling. These results highlight how uncoupled mechanisms and regulatory modules control developmental gene expression and shape morphological changes. Finally, a transcriptome-wide search for fixed coding mutations and differential exon use suggested that variations in coding sequence have a minor contribution. Thus, during early embryogenesis, changes in gene expression regulation are the main drivers of cavefish developmental evolution.

Targeting the MAtrix REgulating MOtif abolishes several hallmarks of cancer, triggering antitumor immunity

Tumor-targeted therapies have often been inefficient due to the lack of concomitant control over the tumor microenvironment. Using an immunocompetent autologous breast cancer model, we investigated a MAtrix REgulating MOtif (MAREMO)-mimicking peptide, which inhibits the protumorigenic extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule tenascin-C that activates several cancer hallmarks. In cultured cells, targeting the MAREMO blocks tenascin-C signaling involved in cell adhesion and immune-suppression by inhibiting tenascin-C interactions with fibronectin, TGFβ, CXCL12, and others, thereby blocking downstream events. Using RNASequencing and various genetic, molecular, in situ, and in vivo assays, we demonstrate that the MAREMO peptide similarly blocks multiple tenascin-C functions in vivo. This includes releasing tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, including CD8+ T cells, from the stroma. The MAREMO peptide also triggers interferon signaling, restoring antitumor immunity, contributing to tumor growth inhibition and reduced dissemination. The MAREMO peptide targets tumor cells directly by promoting growth suppression and inhibiting phenotypic plasticity, subsequently enhancing responsiveness to the endogenous death inducer tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, as shown by a loss-of-function approach. Moreover, the MAREMO peptide largely subdues the tumor bed by depleting fibroblasts, repressing tenascin-C and other ECM molecules, and restoring the function of the few remaining blood vessels. In conclusion, targeting tenascin-C with a MAREMO peptide represents a powerful anticancer strategy with a broad inhibition of several cancer hallmarks.

Jawbone periosteum-derived cells with high osteogenic potential controlled by R-spondin 3

The jawbone periosteum, the easily accessible tissue responding to bone repair, has been overlooked in the recent development of cell therapy for jawbone defect reconstruction. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the in vitro and in vivo biological characteristics of jawbone periosteum-derived cells (jb-PDCs). For this purpose, we harvested the jb-PDCs from 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice. The in vitro cultured jb-PDCs (passages 1 and 3) contained skeletal stem/progenitor cells and exhibited clonogenicity and tri-lineage differentiation capacity. When implanted in vivo, the jb-PDCs (passage 3) showed evident ectopic bone formation after 4-week subcutaneous implantation, and active contribution to repair the critical-size jawbone defects in mice. Molecular profiling suggested that R-spondin 3 was strongly associated with the superior in vitro and in vivo osteogenic potentials of jb-PDCs. Overall, our study highlights the significance of comprehending the biological characteristics of the jawbone periosteum, which could pave the way for innovative cell-based therapies for the reconstruction of jawbone defects.

Perinatal exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate and the risk of hepatic inflammation in rat offspring: Perturbation of gut-liver crosstalk

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure is associated with harmful hepatic outcomes. Growing evidence indicates that crosstalk between the gut microbiome, immune system, and liver plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PFOS exposure during pregnancy and lactation on hepatic inflammation in rat offspring. Features of hepatic inflammation and increased levels of aspartate-amino transferase (AST) were found in pups on postnatal day 28 (PND28) in PFOS-exposed groups. Gut microbiota analysis identified Chitinophaga, Ralstonia, and Alloprevotella as the key genera in distinguishing the PFOS-exposed group from the control group. Metabolic and transcriptomic analyses found that PFOS exposure resulted in 48 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the serum, 62 DEMs in the liver, and 289 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver of PND28 pups. The immune response is significantly enriched in PFOS-exposed liver on PND28; multi-omics analysis indicated that PFOS might lead to immune response perturbation by disturbing the metabolic profiling in the liver. The changed gut microbiota was significantly related to the serum level of the liver function index. Specifically, Alloprevotella, Chitinophage, Ruminococcus, and Allobaculum were significantly associated with the metabolic abundance changes of 4-Hydroxydebrisoquine, L-Norvaline, and Eremopetasinorol, and the gene expression changes of Acat211, Msmol, Idi1, Sqle, and Gadd45b in the liver. These findings suggest that early-life PFOS exposure may be associated with adverse hepatic inflammation in young offspring via disruption of the gut-liver crosstalk, which may provide mechanistic clues for clarifying the hepatotoxicity in offspring associated with perinatal PFOS exposure.