Wnt signaling are critical pathway involved in organ development, tumorigenesis, and cancer progression. WNT7A, a member of the Wnt family, remains poorly understood in terms of its role and the underlying molecular mechanisms it entails in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). According to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), transcriptome sequencing data of HNSCC, the expression level of WNT7A in tumors was found to be higher than in adjacent normal tissues, which was validated using Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Unexpectedly, overexpression of WNT7A did not activate the canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway in HNSCC. Instead, our findings suggested that WNT7A potentially activated the FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to enhanced cell proliferation, self-renewal, and resistance to apoptosis. Furthermore, in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor model, high expression of WNT7A and phosphorylated STAT3 was observed, which positively correlated with tumor progression. These findings underscore the significance of WNT7A in HNSCC progression and propose the targeting of key molecules within the FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 pathway as a promising strategy for precise treatment of HNSCC.
Animals ; Humans ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck ; Carcinogenesis/genetics* ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Disease Models, Animal ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics* ; Wnt Proteins ; Frizzled Receptors/genetics* ; Janus Kinase 1 ; STAT3 Transcription Factor

Abiotic stresses substantially affect the growth and development of plants. Plants have evolved multiple strategies to cope with the environmental stresses, among which transcription factors play an important role in regulating the tolerance to abiotic stresses. Basic leucine zipper transcription factors (bZIP) are one of the largest gene families. The stability and activity of bZIP transcription factors could be regulated by different post-translational modifications (PTMs) in response to various intracellular or extracellular stresses. This paper introduces the structural feature and classification of bZIP transcription factors, followed by summarizing the PTMs of bZIP transcription factors, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification, in response to abiotic stresses. In addition, future perspectives were prospected, which may facilitate cultivating excellent stress-resistant crop varieties by regulating the PTMs of bZIP transcription factors.
Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Phosphorylation ; Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Stress, Physiological/genetics*

The BTB (broad-complex, tramtrack, and bric-à-brac) domain is a highly conserved protein interaction motif in eukaryotes. They are widely involved in transcriptional regulation, protein degradation and other processes. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that these genes play important roles in plant growth and development, biotic and abiotic stress processes. Here, we summarize the advances of these proteins ubiquitination-mediated development and abiotic stress responses in plants based on the protein structure, which may facilitate the study of this type of gene in plants.
Eukaryota ; Plant Development/genetics* ; Proteolysis ; Ubiquitination

Photosynthesis in plants directly affects the synthesis and accumulation of organic matter, which directly influences crop yield. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological functions in plants, while the functions of RBPs in photosynthesis have not been clearly elucidated. To investigate the effect of a glycine-rich RNA-binding protein (SlRBP1) in tomato on plant photosynthesis, a stably inherited SlRBP1 silenced plant in Alisa Craig was obtained by plant tissue culture using artificial small RNA interference. It turns out that the size of the tomato fruit was reduced and leaves significantly turned yellow. Chlorophyll(Chl) content measurement, Chl fluorescence imaging and chloroplast transmission electron microscopy revealed that the chloroplast morphology and structure of the leaves of tomato amiR-SlRBP1 silenced plants were disrupted, and the chlorophyll content was significantly reduced. Measurement of photosynthesis rate of wild-type and amiR-SlRBP1 silenced plants in the same period demonstrated that the photosynthetic rate of these plants was significantly reduced, and analysis of RNA-seq data indicated that silencing of SlRBP1 significantly reduced the expression of photosynthesis-related genes, such as PsaE, PsaL, and PsbY, and affected the yield of tomato fruits through photosynthesis.
RNA ; Solanum lycopersicum/genetics* ; Photosynthesis/genetics* ; Chlorophyll ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health threat with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite current therapies, there is a need for innovative interventions to slow CKD progression. Probiotic supplementation shows promise due to its positive effects on gastrointestinal health and inflammation. However, existing research is inconclusive, necessitating a meta-analysis to assess probiotics’ impact on CKD outcomes.

To evaluate the existing scientific literature among probiotic supplementation and the improvement in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients compared to placebo treatment.

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to 2023. Studies that meet the predefined eligibility criteria were included. Data extraction was performed, and methodological quality and risk of bias assessment was conducted for each study. Effect measures, such as mean differences or standardized mean differences, were used to quantify the association between probiotic supplementation and GFR improvement. The random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall effect size, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed, and sensitivity analyses was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the findings.

The meta-analysis encompassed three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted from 2017 to 2023, involving 121 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The analysis focused on the impact of probiotic supplementation on CKD, examining Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPCR). While no significant distinctions were found in GFR and BUN changes between probiotics and placebos, there was a statistically significant reduction in UPCR associated with probiotic supplementation in one study. Notably, considerable heterogeneity in GFR and significant heterogeneity in UPCR reduction were observed among the trials. Sensitivity analysis, excluding studies with small sample sizes or high bias risk, remained consistent with overall findings.

The meta-analysis indicated no significant impact of probiotic supplementation on GFR and BUN, but there was a notable reduction in Urine UPCR. The observed heterogeneity among the studies calls for cautious interpretation due to variations in study designs, patient populations, and probiotic formulations. While the results suggest a potential role for probiotics in reducing proteinuria in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the need for further research with larger sample sizes and standardized methodologies is emphasized to establish definitive conclusions.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in bone marrow cell in mice with bone marrow inhibition, and to explore the possible mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion in treating bone marrow inhibition. METHODS: Forty-five SPF male CD1(ICR) mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and a wheat-grain moxibustion group, 15 mice in each group. The bone marrow inhibition model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (CTX). The mice in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), 3 moxa cones per acupoint, 30 s per moxa cone, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. The white blood cell count (WBC) was measured before modeling, before intervention and 3, 5 d and 7 d into intervention. After intervention, the general situation of mice was observed; the number of nucleated cells in bone marrow was detected; the serum levels of interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were measured by ELISA; the protein and mRNA expression of β-catenin, cyclinD1 and C-Myc in bone marrow cells was measured by Western blot and real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the mice in the model group showed sluggish reaction, unstable gait, decreased body weight, and the WBC, number of nucleated cells in bone marrow as well as serum levels of IL-3, IL-6, GM-CSF were decreased (P<0.01), and the protein and mRNA expression of β-catenin, cyclinD1 and C-Myc was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the wheat-grain moxibustion group showed better general condition, and WBC, the number of nucleated cells in bone marrow as well as serum levels of IL-3, IL-6, GM-CSF were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the protein and mRNA expression of β-catenin, cyclinD1 and C-Myc was increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Wheat-grain moxibustion shows therapeutic effect on bone marrow inhibition, and its mechanism may be related to activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in bone marrow cells, improving bone medullary hematopoiesis microenvironment and promoting bone marrow cell proliferation.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; Bone Marrow/physiopathology* ; Bone Marrow Cells/physiology* ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/metabolism* ; Interleukin-3/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Moxibustion/methods* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Triticum ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Hematopoiesis

The ovary is the reproductive organ of female mammals, which is responsible for producing mature eggs and secreting sex hormones. The regulation of ovarian function involves the ordered activation and repression of genes related to cell growth and differentiation. In recent years, it has been found that histone posttranslational modification can affect DNA replication, damage repair and gene transcriptional activity. Some regulatory enzymes mediating histone modification are co-activators or co-inhibitors associated with transcription factors, which play important roles in the regulation of ovarian function and the development of ovary-related diseases. Therefore, this review outlines the dynamic patterns of common histone modifications (mainly acetylation and methylation) during the reproductive cycle and their regulation of gene expression for important molecular events, focusing on the mechanisms of follicle development and sex hormone secretion and function. For example, the specific dynamics of histone acetylation are important for the arrest and resumption of meiosis in oocytes, while histone (especially H3K4) methylation affects the maturation of oocytes by regulating their chromatin transcriptional activity and meiotic progression. Besides, histone acetylation or methylation can also promote the synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones before ovulation. Finally, the abnormal histone posttranslational modifications in the development of two common ovarian diseases (premature ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome) are briefly described. It will provide a reference basis for understanding the complex regulation mechanism of ovarian function and further exploring the potential therapeutic targets of related diseases.
Female ; Animals ; Histone Code ; Histones ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Ovary ; Oocytes ; Mammals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and kidney function decline. METHODS: Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis. The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease by > 3 mL/min per 1.73 m ². Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline. The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines. RESULTS: A total of 7,346 participants were included, of which 1,004 individuals (13.67%) developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years. A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline ( OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27), as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14% per 1 mg/dL increase in SUA. In the subgroup analyses, such a relation was only recorded among women ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45), those aged < 60 years ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.42), and those without hypertension and without diabetes ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.41). Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men, the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline ( OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.05-3.17). The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA > 5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline. CONCLUSION The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline. An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.
Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; East Asian People ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Longitudinal Studies ; Risk Factors ; Uric Acid/blood*

Phytoremediation plays an important role in the treatment of heavy metal pollution in soil. In order to elucidate the mechanism of salicylic acid (SA) on copper absorption, seedlings from Xuzhou (with strong Cu-tolerance) and Weifang Helianthus tuberosus cultivars (with weak Cu-tolerance) were selected for pot culture experiments. 1 mmol/L SA was sprayed upon 300 mg/kg soil copper stress, and the photosynthesis, leaf antioxidant system, several essential mineral nutrients and the changes of root upon copper stress were analyzed to explore the mechanism of copper resistance. The results showed that Pn, Tr, Gs and Ci upon copper stress decreased significantly compared to the control group. Meanwhile, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid decreased with significant increase in initial fluorescence (F₀), maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSⅡ (Fv/Fm), electron transfer rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) content all decreased. The ascorbic acid (AsA) content was decreased, the glutathione (GSH) value was increased, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in the leaves were decreased, and the peroxidase (POD) activity was significantly increased. SA increased the Cu content in the ground and root system, and weakened the nutrient uptake capacity of K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in the root stem and leaves. Spray of exogenous SA can maintain the opening of leaf stomata, improve the adverse effect of copper on photosynthetic pigment and PSⅡ reaction center. Mediating the SOD and APX activity started the AsA-GSH cycle process, effectively regulated the antioxidant enzyme system in chrysanthemum taro, significantly reduced the copper content of all parts of the plant, and improved the ion exchange capacity in the body. External SA increased the content of the negative electric group on the root by changing the proportion of components in the root, promoted the absorption of mineral nutrient elements and the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, strengthened the fixation effect of the root on metal copper, and avoided its massive accumulation in the H. tuberosus body, so as to alleviate the inhibitory effect of copper on plant growth. The study revealed the physiological regulation of SA upon copper stress, and provided a theoretical basis for planting H. tuberosus to repair soil copper pollution.
Antioxidants ; Copper ; Helianthus/metabolism* ; Salicylic Acid/pharmacology* ; Chlorophyll A/pharmacology* ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Chlorophyll/pharmacology* ; Ascorbic Acid ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Photosynthesis ; Glutathione ; Plant Leaves ; Stress, Physiological ; Seedlings

Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression and function without alterations in gene sequences,including DNA methylation,histone modification,and non-coding RNAs.Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease that affects the fertility and health of reproductive-age women,the etiology of which remains unclear.The recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetics plays a key role in the occurrence and development of endometriosis.This article reviews the research progress in the regulatory mechanism and application of epigenetics in endometriosis.
Female ; Humans ; Endometriosis/genetics* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; DNA Methylation ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational