Objective:To explore the mechanism of circRNA-vgll3 in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods:BMSCs cells were transfected with circRNA-vgll3,and divided into circRNA-vgll3 high...Objective:To explore the mechanism of circRNA-vgll3 in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods:BMSCs cells were transfected with circRNA-vgll3,and divided into circRNA-vgll3 high-level group,circRNA-vgll3 low-level group,and negative control group(circRNA-vgll3 not transfected)according to the amount of transfection.The proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs osteoblasts in each group were analyzed,and the alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity,type I collagen gray value,bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels were detected.Results:The circRNA-vgll3 low-level group had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of BMSCs osteoblasts,and the apoptosis rate of the circRNA-vgll3 low-level group was significantly higher than that of the circRNA-vgll3 high-level group(P<0.05);ALP activity,type I collagen gray value,BMP-2,Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels in the high-level circRNA-vgll3 group were significantly higher than those in the low-level circRNA-vgll3 group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Overexpression of circRNA-vgll3 can promote the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs,while low expression of circRNA-vgll3 can inhibit the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs.The main mechanism of action is that circRNA-vgll3 can affect osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Runx2 protein.展开更多
Electronic structures, which play a key role in determining electrical and optical properties of π-conjugated organic materials, have attracted tremendous interest. Efficient thermoelectric (TE) conversion of organic...Electronic structures, which play a key role in determining electrical and optical properties of π-conjugated organic materials, have attracted tremendous interest. Efficient thermoelectric (TE) conversion of organic materials has rigorous requirements on electronic structures. Recently, the rational design and precise modulation of electronic structures have exhibited great potential in exploring state-of-the-art organic TE materials. This review focuses on the regulation of electronic structures of organic materials toward efficient TE conversion. First, we present the basic knowledge regarding electronic structures and the requirements for efficient TE conversion of organic materials, followed by a brief introduction of commonly used methods for electronic structure characterization. Next, we highlight the key strategies of electronic structure engineering for high-performance organic TE materials. Finally, an overview of the electronic structure engineering of organic TE materials, along with current challenges and future research directions, are provided.展开更多
Leaf disc transformation is one of the traditional methods that are now widely used in chrysanthemum with highly economical and ornamental value in world flower production,but it depends on plant genotypes and is time...Leaf disc transformation is one of the traditional methods that are now widely used in chrysanthemum with highly economical and ornamental value in world flower production,but it depends on plant genotypes and is time consuming and complicated.In addition,the transformation success rate of this method is low,generally ranging from 0.1%to 6.25%.Therefore,a highly efficient transformation system is needed.In this study,we are the first to establish a high-efficient chrysanthemum Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system via vacuum infiltration.Chrysanthemum stem internode explants were used as research material and CmLEC1 was used as a reporter gene.After approximately 3 months of culture and selection,the positive transgenic plants were obtained.Additionally,the positive probability was about 42%.The transformation efficiency was up to 37.7%,and if the escapes were removed,it was 16%.Furthermore,stable expression of CmLEC1 in transgenic'Yuhualuoying'was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis.These results suggest that this genetic transformation system via vacuum infiltration of chrysanthemum stem internode is highly efficient and convenient,and much better than traditional leaf disc transformation,and it will play an important role in chrysanthemum transformation and functional genetics research.展开更多
Distant hybridization is widely used to develop crop cultivars,whereas the hybridization process of embryo abortion often severely reduces the sought-after breeding effect.The LEAFY COTYLEDON1(LEC1)gene has been exten...Distant hybridization is widely used to develop crop cultivars,whereas the hybridization process of embryo abortion often severely reduces the sought-after breeding effect.The LEAFY COTYLEDON1(LEC1)gene has been extensively investigated as a central regulator of seed development,but it is far less studied in crop hybridization breeding.Here we investigated the function and regulation mechanism of CmLEC1 from Chrysanthemum morifolium during its seed development in chrysanthemum hybridization.CmLEC1 encodes a nucleic protein and is specifically expressed in embryos.CmLEC1’s overexpression significantly promoted the seed-setting rate of the cross,while the rate was significantly decreased in the amiR-CmLEC1 transgenic chrysanthemum.The RNA-Seq analysis of the developing hybrid embryos revealed that regulatory genes involved in seed development,namely,CmLEA(late embryogenesis abundant protein),CmOLE(oleosin),CmSSP(seed storage protein),and CmEM(embryonic protein),were upregulated in the OE(overexpressing)lines but downregulated in the amiR lines vs.wild-type lines.Future analysis demonstrated that CmLEC1 directly activated CmLEA expression and interacted with CmC3H,and this CmLEC1–CmC3H interaction could enhance the transactivation ability of CmLEC1 for the expression of CmLEA.Further,CmLEC1 was able to induce several other key genes related to embryo development.Taken together,our results show that CmLEC1 plays a positive role in the hybrid embryo development of chrysanthemum plants,which might involve activating CmLEA’s expression and interacting with CmC3H.This may be a new pathway in the LEC1 regulatory network to promote seed development,one perhaps leading to a novel strategy to not only overcome embryo abortion during crop breeding but also increase the seed yield.展开更多
For years,a great deal of work has been carried out on proanthocyanidins extracted from various kinds of plants,of which grape seed proanthocyanidins(GSPs)attract most attention due to their benefi cial roles in human...For years,a great deal of work has been carried out on proanthocyanidins extracted from various kinds of plants,of which grape seed proanthocyanidins(GSPs)attract most attention due to their benefi cial roles in human health.Indeed,GSPs have demonstrated substantial health benefi ts for a variety of disorders such as cancer,atherosclerosis,and cardiovascular diseases,to just name a few.In particular,GSPs inhibit cell proliferation,migration and invasion,and induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various human cancers,including head and neck carcinoma,gastrointestinal tumors,lung cancer,skin tumors,and reproductive tumors,which points them to be promising chemo-preventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents.In this setting,we summarized the eff ects of GSPs against various types of cancer with a focus on the detailed molecular mechanisms involving various signaling pathways of tumor cells,which may serve as a basis for development of improved chemo-preventive or therapeutic strategies for cancer.展开更多
Molecular structure of organic semiconductor plays a critical role in determining the performance and functionality of organic electronic devices,by optimizing the electrical,optical and physicochemical properties.Sub...Molecular structure of organic semiconductor plays a critical role in determining the performance and functionality of organic electronic devices,by optimizing the electrical,optical and physicochemical properties.Substituted alkyl chains are fundamental units in tailering the solubility and assemblability,among which the asymmetric properties have been reported as key element for controlling the packing motifs and intrinsic charge transport.Here,we expanded the scope of molecular asymmetry dependent sensing features based on a new series of naphthalene diimides(NDI)-based derivatives substituted with a same branching alkyl chain but various linear-shaped alkyl chains(Cn-).A clear molecular stacking change,from head-to-head bilayer to head-to-tail monolayer packing model,is observed based on the features of anisotropic molecular interactions with the change in the chain length.Most importantly,a unique LUMO level shift of 0.17 eV is validated for NDI-PhC4,providing a record sensitivity up to 150%to 0.01 ppb ammonia,due to the desired molecular reactivity and device amplification properties.These results indicate that asymmetric side-chain engineering opens a route for breath healthcare.展开更多
The p21 activated kinase 4(PAK4) is serine/threonine protein kinase that is critical for cancer progression.Guided by X-ray crystallography and structure-based optimization,we report a novel subseries of C-3-substitut...The p21 activated kinase 4(PAK4) is serine/threonine protein kinase that is critical for cancer progression.Guided by X-ray crystallography and structure-based optimization,we report a novel subseries of C-3-substituted 6-ethynyl-1 H-indole derivatives that display high potential and specificity towards group Ⅱ PAKs.Among these inhibitors,compound 55 exhibited excellent inhibitory activity and kinase selectivity,displayed superior anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties against the lung cancer cell line A549 and the melanoma cell line B16.Compound 55 exhibited potent in vivo antitumor metastatic efficacy,with over 80% and 90% inhibition of lung metastasis in A549 or B16-BL6 lung metastasis models,respectively.Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that compound 55 mitigated TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).展开更多
Organic thermoelectric(OTE)materials have been considered to be promising candidates for large area and low‐cost wearable devices owing to their tailorable molecular structure,intrinsic flexibility,and prominent solu...Organic thermoelectric(OTE)materials have been considered to be promising candidates for large area and low‐cost wearable devices owing to their tailorable molecular structure,intrinsic flexibility,and prominent solution processability.More importantly,OTE materials offer direct energy conversion from the human body,solid‐state cooling at low electric consumption,and diversified functions.Herein,we summarize recent developments of OTE materials and devices for smart applications.We first review the fundamentals of OTE materials from the viewpoint of thermoelectric performance,mechanical properties and bionic functions.Second,we describe OTE devices in flexible generators,photothermoelectric detectors,self‐powered sensors,and ultra‐thin cooling elements.Finally,we present the challenges and perspectives on OTE materials as well as devices in wearable electronics and fascinating applications in the Internet of Things.展开更多
The accumulation of pesticide residues in the environment due to their persistence and stability is causing increasing health concern.Indeed,researchers have rekindled their interest in eliminating pesticides from the...The accumulation of pesticide residues in the environment due to their persistence and stability is causing increasing health concern.Indeed,researchers have rekindled their interest in eliminating pesticides from the environment by a range of biological and chemical approaches.In particular,graphene oxide(GO)has drawn great attention because it impressively enhances adsorption of pesticides in aqueous solutions,which provides promising environmental applications on water purification to remove pesticide residuals.However,although multiple studies have highlighted the adsorption of environmental contaminants by GO,the underlining molecular mechanisms remain limited.Consequently,we further delved into the knowledge regarding their adsorption molecular mechanism that is of both practical and theoretical importance.It was revealed that theπ-πstacking and van der Waals interactions accounted for the major adsorption interactions between GO and its removing pesticides through integrating both density functional theory(DFT)calculation,fully atomistic molecular dynamics(MD)simulation,and binding free energy calculation.These findings not only bridged the theoretical gap of the adsorption mechanisms of GO,but also provided a venue for visualizing the adsorption process,which were essential for guiding its future adsorption applications.展开更多
文摘Objective:To explore the mechanism of circRNA-vgll3 in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods:BMSCs cells were transfected with circRNA-vgll3,and divided into circRNA-vgll3 high-level group,circRNA-vgll3 low-level group,and negative control group(circRNA-vgll3 not transfected)according to the amount of transfection.The proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs osteoblasts in each group were analyzed,and the alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity,type I collagen gray value,bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels were detected.Results:The circRNA-vgll3 low-level group had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of BMSCs osteoblasts,and the apoptosis rate of the circRNA-vgll3 low-level group was significantly higher than that of the circRNA-vgll3 high-level group(P<0.05);ALP activity,type I collagen gray value,BMP-2,Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels in the high-level circRNA-vgll3 group were significantly higher than those in the low-level circRNA-vgll3 group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Overexpression of circRNA-vgll3 can promote the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs,while low expression of circRNA-vgll3 can inhibit the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs.The main mechanism of action is that circRNA-vgll3 can affect osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Runx2 protein.
基金This research was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0204700,2018YFE0200700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21805285)the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences of CAS(QYZDY-SSW-SLH024).
文摘Electronic structures, which play a key role in determining electrical and optical properties of π-conjugated organic materials, have attracted tremendous interest. Efficient thermoelectric (TE) conversion of organic materials has rigorous requirements on electronic structures. Recently, the rational design and precise modulation of electronic structures have exhibited great potential in exploring state-of-the-art organic TE materials. This review focuses on the regulation of electronic structures of organic materials toward efficient TE conversion. First, we present the basic knowledge regarding electronic structures and the requirements for efficient TE conversion of organic materials, followed by a brief introduction of commonly used methods for electronic structure characterization. Next, we highlight the key strategies of electronic structure engineering for high-performance organic TE materials. Finally, an overview of the electronic structure engineering of organic TE materials, along with current challenges and future research directions, are provided.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672182,31171983)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutionsthe Programs for New Century Excellent Talents in Universities,Ministry of Education of China(NCET-11-0669).
文摘Leaf disc transformation is one of the traditional methods that are now widely used in chrysanthemum with highly economical and ornamental value in world flower production,but it depends on plant genotypes and is time consuming and complicated.In addition,the transformation success rate of this method is low,generally ranging from 0.1%to 6.25%.Therefore,a highly efficient transformation system is needed.In this study,we are the first to establish a high-efficient chrysanthemum Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system via vacuum infiltration.Chrysanthemum stem internode explants were used as research material and CmLEC1 was used as a reporter gene.After approximately 3 months of culture and selection,the positive transgenic plants were obtained.Additionally,the positive probability was about 42%.The transformation efficiency was up to 37.7%,and if the escapes were removed,it was 16%.Furthermore,stable expression of CmLEC1 in transgenic'Yuhualuoying'was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis.These results suggest that this genetic transformation system via vacuum infiltration of chrysanthemum stem internode is highly efficient and convenient,and much better than traditional leaf disc transformation,and it will play an important role in chrysanthemum transformation and functional genetics research.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(nos.31171983 and 31672182).
文摘Distant hybridization is widely used to develop crop cultivars,whereas the hybridization process of embryo abortion often severely reduces the sought-after breeding effect.The LEAFY COTYLEDON1(LEC1)gene has been extensively investigated as a central regulator of seed development,but it is far less studied in crop hybridization breeding.Here we investigated the function and regulation mechanism of CmLEC1 from Chrysanthemum morifolium during its seed development in chrysanthemum hybridization.CmLEC1 encodes a nucleic protein and is specifically expressed in embryos.CmLEC1’s overexpression significantly promoted the seed-setting rate of the cross,while the rate was significantly decreased in the amiR-CmLEC1 transgenic chrysanthemum.The RNA-Seq analysis of the developing hybrid embryos revealed that regulatory genes involved in seed development,namely,CmLEA(late embryogenesis abundant protein),CmOLE(oleosin),CmSSP(seed storage protein),and CmEM(embryonic protein),were upregulated in the OE(overexpressing)lines but downregulated in the amiR lines vs.wild-type lines.Future analysis demonstrated that CmLEC1 directly activated CmLEA expression and interacted with CmC3H,and this CmLEC1–CmC3H interaction could enhance the transactivation ability of CmLEC1 for the expression of CmLEA.Further,CmLEC1 was able to induce several other key genes related to embryo development.Taken together,our results show that CmLEC1 plays a positive role in the hybrid embryo development of chrysanthemum plants,which might involve activating CmLEA’s expression and interacting with CmC3H.This may be a new pathway in the LEC1 regulatory network to promote seed development,one perhaps leading to a novel strategy to not only overcome embryo abortion during crop breeding but also increase the seed yield.
文摘For years,a great deal of work has been carried out on proanthocyanidins extracted from various kinds of plants,of which grape seed proanthocyanidins(GSPs)attract most attention due to their benefi cial roles in human health.Indeed,GSPs have demonstrated substantial health benefi ts for a variety of disorders such as cancer,atherosclerosis,and cardiovascular diseases,to just name a few.In particular,GSPs inhibit cell proliferation,migration and invasion,and induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various human cancers,including head and neck carcinoma,gastrointestinal tumors,lung cancer,skin tumors,and reproductive tumors,which points them to be promising chemo-preventive and/or chemotherapeutic agents.In this setting,we summarized the eff ects of GSPs against various types of cancer with a focus on the detailed molecular mechanisms involving various signaling pathways of tumor cells,which may serve as a basis for development of improved chemo-preventive or therapeutic strategies for cancer.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.6197396,21905276)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing(No.4202077)+1 种基金Chinese Academy of Scinece(No.ZDBS-LY-SLH034)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.E2ET0309X2)。
文摘Molecular structure of organic semiconductor plays a critical role in determining the performance and functionality of organic electronic devices,by optimizing the electrical,optical and physicochemical properties.Substituted alkyl chains are fundamental units in tailering the solubility and assemblability,among which the asymmetric properties have been reported as key element for controlling the packing motifs and intrinsic charge transport.Here,we expanded the scope of molecular asymmetry dependent sensing features based on a new series of naphthalene diimides(NDI)-based derivatives substituted with a same branching alkyl chain but various linear-shaped alkyl chains(Cn-).A clear molecular stacking change,from head-to-head bilayer to head-to-tail monolayer packing model,is observed based on the features of anisotropic molecular interactions with the change in the chain length.Most importantly,a unique LUMO level shift of 0.17 eV is validated for NDI-PhC4,providing a record sensitivity up to 150%to 0.01 ppb ammonia,due to the desired molecular reactivity and device amplification properties.These results indicate that asymmetric side-chain engineering opens a route for breath healthcare.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.81230077,81872729 and 22077086)Overseas Expertise Introduction Project for Discipline Innovation (Grant No.D20029,China)Program for Innovative Talents of Higher Education of Liaoning (2012520005,China)。
文摘The p21 activated kinase 4(PAK4) is serine/threonine protein kinase that is critical for cancer progression.Guided by X-ray crystallography and structure-based optimization,we report a novel subseries of C-3-substituted 6-ethynyl-1 H-indole derivatives that display high potential and specificity towards group Ⅱ PAKs.Among these inhibitors,compound 55 exhibited excellent inhibitory activity and kinase selectivity,displayed superior anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties against the lung cancer cell line A549 and the melanoma cell line B16.Compound 55 exhibited potent in vivo antitumor metastatic efficacy,with over 80% and 90% inhibition of lung metastasis in A549 or B16-BL6 lung metastasis models,respectively.Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that compound 55 mitigated TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0204700 and 2018YFE0200700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21805285,22021002,21905276,61971396)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing(4202077)Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences(BNLMS201912)UCAS(Y954011XX2)and CAS(ZDBS‐LY‐SLH034).
文摘Organic thermoelectric(OTE)materials have been considered to be promising candidates for large area and low‐cost wearable devices owing to their tailorable molecular structure,intrinsic flexibility,and prominent solution processability.More importantly,OTE materials offer direct energy conversion from the human body,solid‐state cooling at low electric consumption,and diversified functions.Herein,we summarize recent developments of OTE materials and devices for smart applications.We first review the fundamentals of OTE materials from the viewpoint of thermoelectric performance,mechanical properties and bionic functions.Second,we describe OTE devices in flexible generators,photothermoelectric detectors,self‐powered sensors,and ultra‐thin cooling elements.Finally,we present the challenges and perspectives on OTE materials as well as devices in wearable electronics and fascinating applications in the Internet of Things.
基金financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province(No.20170540854 and 2019ZD-0455)the Virtual Educational Center of Medicinal Chemistry in Liaoning Province(No.2017)the Overseas Expertise Introduction Project for Discipline Innovation(111 Project,No.D20029)。
文摘The accumulation of pesticide residues in the environment due to their persistence and stability is causing increasing health concern.Indeed,researchers have rekindled their interest in eliminating pesticides from the environment by a range of biological and chemical approaches.In particular,graphene oxide(GO)has drawn great attention because it impressively enhances adsorption of pesticides in aqueous solutions,which provides promising environmental applications on water purification to remove pesticide residuals.However,although multiple studies have highlighted the adsorption of environmental contaminants by GO,the underlining molecular mechanisms remain limited.Consequently,we further delved into the knowledge regarding their adsorption molecular mechanism that is of both practical and theoretical importance.It was revealed that theπ-πstacking and van der Waals interactions accounted for the major adsorption interactions between GO and its removing pesticides through integrating both density functional theory(DFT)calculation,fully atomistic molecular dynamics(MD)simulation,and binding free energy calculation.These findings not only bridged the theoretical gap of the adsorption mechanisms of GO,but also provided a venue for visualizing the adsorption process,which were essential for guiding its future adsorption applications.
