Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) is a promising molecular prognostic indicator for multiple myeloma

The genetic architecture of complete blood counts in lactating Holstein dairy cows

Complete blood counts (CBCs) measure the abundance of individual immune cells, red blood cells, and related measures such as platelets in circulating blood. These measures can indicate the health status of an animal; thus, baseline circulating levels in a healthy animal may be related to the productive life, resilience, and production efficiency of cattle. The objective of this study is to determine the heritability of CBC traits and identify genomic regions that are associated with CBC measurements in lactating Holstein dairy cattle. The heritability of CBCs was estimated using a Bayes C0 model. The study population consisted of 388 cows with genotypes at roughly 75,000 markers and 16 different CBC phenotypes taken at one to three time points (n = 33, 131, and 224 for 1, 2, and 3 time points, respectively). Heritabilities ranged from 0.00 ± 0.00 (red cell distribution width) to 0.68 ± 0.06 (lymphocytes). A total of 96 different 1-Mb windows were identified that explained more than 1% of the genetic variance for at least one CBC trait, with 10 windows explaining more than 1% of the genetic variance for two or more traits. Multiple genes in the identified regions have functions related to immune response, cell differentiation, anemia, and disease. Positional candidate genes include RAD52 motif-containing protein 1 (RDM1), which is correlated with the degree of immune infiltration of immune cells, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), which is critically involved in neutrophil bone marrow storage and release regulation and enhances neutrophil migration. Since animal health directly impacts feed intake, understanding the genetics of CBCs may be useful in identifying more disease-resilient and feed-efficient dairy cattle. Identification of genes responsible for variation in CBCs will also help identify the variability in how dairy cattle defend against illness and injury.

4-Acetylantroquinonol B Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis by Inhibiting the Autophagy Pathway in a Simulated Microgravity Model

Astronauts suffer from 1–2% bone loss per month during space missions. Targeting osteoclast differentiation has been regarded as a promising strategy to prevent osteoporosis in microgravity (μXg). 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB), a ubiquinone from Antrodia cinnamomea, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatoma activities. However, the effect of 4-AAQB on μXg-induced osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanistic impact of 4-AAQB on osteoclast formation under μXg conditions. The monocyte/macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 was exposed to simulated μXg (Rotary Cell Culture System; Synthecon, Houston, TX, USA) for 24 h and then treated with 4-AAQB or alendronate (ALN) and osteoclast differentiation factor receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption activity, and osteoclast differentiation-related signaling pathways were analyzed using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, actin ring fluorescent staining, bone resorption, and western blotting assays. Based on the results of TRAP staining, actin ring staining, and bone resorption assays, we found that 4-AAQB significantly inhibited μXg-induced osteoclast differentiation. The critical regulators of osteoclast differentiation, including nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), c-Fos, and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), were consistently decreased. Meanwhile, osteoclast apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were also observed along with autophagy suppression. Interestingly, the autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) showed similar effects to 4-AAQB. In conclusion, we suggest that 4-AAQB may serve as a potential agent against μXg-induced osteoclast formation.