Objective To explore the role of pseudogene AC106872.1 in maintaining the self-renewal capacity of human embryonic stem cells(hESCs).Methods AC106872.1 was knocked out in hESCs and knockout effi-ciency was validated by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.The colony formation of hESCs was assessed through colony formation assays and alkaline phosphatase(AP)staining.The expression level of pluripotency and differ-entiation marker genes was analyzed by qPCR and flow cytometry.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)was performed to assess transcriptomic changes upon AC106872.1 knockout.Results Knockout of AC106872.1 significantly in-hibited the colony formation of hESCs(P＜0.05).The expression level of pluripotency marker genes was signifi-cantly reduced(P＜0.000 1),while the expression of differentiation marker genes was markedly increased(P＜0.000 1).Conclusions The pseudogene AC 1 06872.1 plays a crucial role in maintaining human embryonic stem cell self-renewal through regulation of pluripotency genes expression.

Objective To investigate the effect of ergothioneine(EGT)on tissue metabolism in middle-aged and aged mice.Methods Nine-month-old middle-aged and aged C57BL/6J mice were selected to be gavaged with EGT aqueous solution at the dose and frequency of 35 mg EGT per kg body weight every two days.The control group was gavaged with the same amount of water.Both groups were fed with EGT-free diet.After 7 weeks,the liver,kidney,and small intestine of mice were collected,and untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-per-formance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS).The differential metabolites were selected for KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis.Results Compared with the control group,the abundances of me-tabolites related to redox balance in liver,kidney and small intestine of middle-aged and aged mice treated with EGT did not change significantly.However,taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in liver(P＜0.01),purine metabo-lism in kidney(P＜0.01),and cysteine and methionine metabolism in small intestine(P＜0.001)were affected.Conclusions Non-redox-related metabolic changes in the liver,kidney and small intestine of middle-aged and aged mice by ergothioheine.

Objective To investigate the effect of pseudogene GTF3AP2 in erythroid differentiation.Methods The published high-throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)data were analyzed to identify the functional pseudogene GTF3AP2,which may play a role in erythropoiesis.The endogenous expression of GTF3AP2 was inhibited by shR-NA in CD34+hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to assess the colony-forming ability through colony-forming assay.Flow cytometry analysis was applied to detect changes in the ratio of erythroid/megakaryocytic progenitor cells.Ad-ditionally,the role of GTF3AP2 in erythroid differentiation was determined through transcriptome sequencing,which revealed alterations at the cellular and molecular levels following the knockdown of GTF3AP2.Results Com-pared with the sh-EV group,knockdown of GTF3AP2 resulted in a significant increase in cell expansion,character-ized by a significant rise in the number of colony-forming unit erythroid cells(P＜0.001),an increase in the proportion of CD71+CD235a+erythroid precursors(P＜0.01),and a decrease in the proportion of CD71-CD235a+mature erythrocytes(P＜0.05).Furthermore,there was a significant reduction in the expression of key erythroid dif-ferentiation genes,including KLF1,HBB,GYPA,EPOR and TFRC.Conclusions Knocking down of GTF3AP2 promotes the expansion of erythroid precursor cells and inhibits erythroid maturation,suggesting that GTF3AP2 plays a regulatory role in erythroid differentiation.

【Objective】 To investigate the expression of optineurin (OPTN) in multiple myeloma (MM) and explore the mechanism and clinical value of OPTN gene in the occurrence and development of MM. 【Methods】 In this study, three gene expression omnibus (GEO) data sets were used to analyze the expression level of OPTN in MM. Clinical bone marrow samples of MM patients were collected. qRT-PCR was used to further verify the expression of OPTN in MM patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the value of OPTN in the prognosis and diagnosis of MM. At the same time, MM transcriptome data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. According to the median boundary of OPTN mRNA expression level, the MM patients were divided into OPTN high- and low-expression groups. In order to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of OPTN in MM, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was made after the differentially expressed genes were filtered using the limma package of the R language. 【Results】 The expression level of OPTN was significantly lower in MM tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). OPTN expression level was significantly correlated with International Staging System (ISS) in MM patients (P<0.05). ROC results showed that the expression level of OPTN could distinguish between normal and MM patients. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) of patients with low OPTN expression was significantly lower than that of patients with high OPTN expression (P<0.05). GO, KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyses indicated that OPTN might affect apoptosis and autophagy, and regulate cellular immune response by regulating Nod-like receptors, NF-κB, TNF and RAS/MAPK pathways. 【Conclusion】 Low expression of OPTN in MM is associated with poor prognosis of patients, and thus may be an important potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of MM.

Due to the serious shortage of corneal donor, the development of penetrating keratoplasty and corneal endothelial transplantation is severely restricted in clinical practice.The root cause is the limited proliferation capacity of healthy corneal endothelial cells.With the continuous development of tissue engineering technology and cell engineering technology, the research of tissue-engineered cornea has made some progress. In vitro culture of corneal endothelial cells with high density and healthy endothelial function for transplantation is a hot topic in current tissue engineering research.The keys of tissue-engineered corneal endothelial technology include seed cells, vector materials and the strategy of cell transplantation.At present, many research teams domestic and abroad have reported that the source of seed cells includes human corneal endothelial cells, stem cells, vascular endothelial cells and human amniotic epithelial cells.Vector materials include amniotic membrane, acellular corneal stroma, posterior elastic layer, anterior capsular membrane and various biomaterials.The cultured cells are transplanted by penetrating keratoplasty, corneal endothelial transplantation or anterior chamber injection.This review summarized the latest progress in the research on the source of corneal endothelial seed cells, the selection of vectors and the methods of corneal endothelial transplantation, and summed up the problems faced in the current research and looked forward to its prospects.

Background::The conversion of adenosine (A) to inosine (I) through deamination is the prevailing form of RNA editing, impacting numerous nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts across various eukaryotic species. Millions of high-confidence RNA editing sites have been identified and integrated into various RNA databases, providing a convenient platform for the rapid identification of key drivers of cancer and potential therapeutic targets. However, the available database for integration of RNA editing in hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic malignancies is still lacking.Methods::We downloaded RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of 29 leukemia patients and 19 healthy donors from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and RNA-seq data of 12 mouse hematopoietic cell populations obtained from our previous research were also used. We performed sequence alignment, identified RNA editing sites, and obtained characteristic editing sites related to normal hematopoietic development and abnormal editing sites associated with hematologic diseases.Results::We established a new database, "REDH", represents RNA editome in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancy. REDH is a curated database of associations between RNA editome and hematopoiesis. REDH integrates 30,796 editing sites from 12 murine adult hematopoietic cell populations and systematically characterizes more than 400,000 edited events in malignant hematopoietic samples from 48 cohorts (human). Through the Differentiation, Disease, Enrichment, and knowledge modules, each A-to-I editing site is systematically integrated, including its distribution throughout the genome, its clinical information (human sample), and functional editing sites under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, REDH compares the similarities and differences of editing sites between different hematologic malignancies and healthy control.Conclusions::REDH is accessible at http://www.redhdatabase.com/. This user-friendly database would aid in understanding the mechanisms of RNA editing in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancies. It provides a set of data related to the maintenance of hematopoietic homeostasis and identifying potential therapeutic targets in malignancies.

Epitranscriptomics focuses on the RNA-modification-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The past decade has witnessed tremendous progress in our understanding of the landscapes and biological functions of RNA modifications, as prompted by the emergence of potent analytical approaches. The hematopoietic system provides a lifelong supply of blood cells, and gene expression is tightly controlled during the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The dysregulation of gene expression during hematopoiesis may lead to severe disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Emerging evidence supports the involvement of the mRNA modification system in normal hematopoiesis and AML pathogenesis, which has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors that target N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification machinery as treatments. Here, we summarize the latest findings and our most up-to-date information on the roles of m 6A and N7-methylguanine in both physiological and pathological conditions in the hematopoietic system. Furthermore, we will discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of cancer treatments targeting m 6A.

Objective To investigate the relationship of miRNA gene polymorphisms with blood pressure(BP)responses to the sodium and potassium diet intervention.Methods In 2004,we recruited 514 participants from 124 families in seven villages of Baoji,Shaanxi Province,China.All subjects were given a three-day normal diet,followed by a seven-day low-salt diet,a seven-day high-salt diet,and finally a seven-day high-salt and potassium supplementation.A total of 19 miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were selected for analysis.Results Throughout the sodium-potassium dietary intervention,the BP of the subjects fluctuated across all phases,showing a decrease during the low-salt period and an increase during the high-salt period,followed by a reduction in BP subsequent to potassium supplementation during the high-salt diet.MiR-210-3p SNP rs 12364149 was significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP),diastolic BP(DBP)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)responses to low-salt diet.MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178 was significantly associated with SBP while miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with MAP responses to low-salt intervention.In addition,miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly correlated with SBP,DBP and MAP responses to high-salt intervention.MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs1 1191676 and rs2292807 were associated with SBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet.MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178,miR-210-3p SNP rs12364149,miR-382-5p SNP rs4906032 and rs4143957 were significantly associated with SBP response to high-salt diet.In addition,miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with SBP,DBP and MAP responses to potassium supplementation.MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs11191676,rs2292807,and miR-19a-3p SNP rs4284505 were significantly associated with SBP responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation.Conclusion miRNA gene polymorphisms are associated with BP response to sodium and potassium,suggesting that miRNA genes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

Objective To observe the effects of Ditan Yizhi Decoction on learning and memory ability,structure of hippocampal tissue,neuronal morphology of hippocampus,and the expression of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy-related protein FAM134B in hippocampal tissue;To explore the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on vascular dementia.Methods Totally 32 SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,donepezil group and Ditan Yizhi Decoction group,with 8 rats in each group.The model group,donepezil group and Ditan Yizhi Decoction group were prepared with a modified permanent ligation method of bilateral common carotid arteries to create a rat model of vascular dementia,the common carotid artery was separated in the sham-operation group,but not ligated.After modeling,the donepezil group was given donepezil hydrochloride,Ditan Yizhi Decoction group was given Ditan Yizhi Decoction,and the sham-operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water for gavage for 4 consecutive weeks.Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate the learning and memory ability,HE staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes of hippocampus,ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed using transmission electron microscopy,Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of FAM134B and p-FAM134B in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the escape latency period was prolonged of the rats in model group,and the number of crossing the original platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant was reduced(P<0.01),the gap between neurons in CA1 region of the hippocampus increased,the cell morphology was irregular,the boundaries were blurred,the neurons shrinked,the Nissl bodies dissolved and broke,the number decreased,the endoplasmic reticulum arrangement was scattered,mitochondria swelled and deformed,and the expressions of FAM134B and p-FAM134B protein in hippocampal tissue increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the escape latency period of rats in donepezil group and Ditan Yizhi Decoction group were significantly shortened,and the number of crossing the original platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant were increased(P<0.01),the morphology and quantity of neurons in CA1 region of the hippocampus were more regular,with a decrease in neuronal pyknosis,an increase in the number of Nissl bodies,and a reduction in dissolution and fragmentation,the swelling and deformation of the endoplasmic reticulum were restored,and the expression of FAM134B and p-FAM134B protein in hippocampal tissue increased(P<0.01).Moreover,the effects of Ditan Yizhi Decoction group were better than those of the donepezil group(P<0.01).Conclusion Ditan Yizhi Decoction can improve the learning and memory ability and the morphology of neurons in vascular dementia rats.The mechanism may related to increasing the expression and phosphorylation of FAM134B protein,thereby promoting endoplasmic reticulum autophagy.

【Objective】 Corin, a transmembrane serine protease that can cleave atrial natriuretic peptide precursor (pro-ANP) into atrial natriuretic peptide with smaller bioactive molecules, participates in the pathophysiological process of hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of Corin gene variation with blood pressure responses to sodium and potassium dietary interventions. 【Methods】 In 2004, we recruited 514 participants from 124 families in 7 villages of Baoji, Shaanxi Province, China. All the subjects received a 3-day normal diet, a 7-day low-salt diet, a 7-day high-salt diet, and finally a 7-day high-salt and potassium supplementation. Fifteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Corin gene were selected for final analysis. 【Results】 SNPs rs12509275 were significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to low-salt diet, while rs3749584 was associated with pulse pressure (PP) response to low-salt diet.SNP rs3749584 and rs10517195 were significantly associated with PP response to high-salt diet. In addition,rs17654278 were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to high-salt and potassium supplementation, rs2271037 was significantly correlated with DBP responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation, and rs4695253, rs12509275, rs2351783, rs36090894 were significantly associated with PP response to high-salt and potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Corin gene polymorphisms were associated with blood pressure response to sodium and potassium, suggesting that Corin gene may be involved in pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.