Diagnostic value of one-stop CT energy spectrum and perfusion for angiogenesis in colon and rectum cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the predictive value of one-stop energy spectrum and perfusion CT parameters for microvessel density (MVD) in colorectal cancer cancer foci. METHODS: Clinical and CT data of 82 patients with colorectal cancer confirmed by preoperative colonoscopy or surgical pathology in our hospital from September 2019 to November 2022 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Energy spectrum CT images were measured using the Protocols general module of the GSI Viewer software of the GE AW 4.7 post-processing workstation to measure the CT values of the arterial and venous phase lesions and the neighboring normal intestinal wall in a single energy range of 40 kev∼140 kev, and the slopes of the energy spectrum curves (λ) were calculated between 40 kev-90 kev; Iodine concentration (IC), Water concentration (WC), Effective-Z (Eff-Z) and Normalized iodine concentration (NIC) were measured by placing a region of interest (ROI) on the iodine concentration map and water concentration map at the lesion and adjacent to the normal intestinal wall.Perfusion CT images were scanned continuously and dynamically using GSI Perfusion software and analyzed by applying CT Perfusion 4.0 software.Blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), surface permeability (PS), time to peak (TTP), and mean transit time (MTT) were measured respectively in the lesion and adjacent normal colorectal wall. Based on the pathological findings, the tumors were divided into a low MVD group (MVD < 35/field of view, n = 52 cases) and a high MVD group (MVD ≥ 35/field of view, n = 30 cases) using a median of 35/field of view as the MVD grouping criterion. The collected data were statistically analyzed, the subjects' operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted, and the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and Yoden index were calculated for the predicted efficacy of each parameter of the energy spectrum and perfusion CT and the combined parameters. RESULTS: The CT values, IC, NIC, λ, Eff-Z of 40kev∼140kev single energy in the arterial and venous phase of colorectal cancer in the high MVD group were higher than those in the low MVD group, and the differences were all statistically significant (p < 0.05). The AUC of each single-energy CT value in the arterial phase from 40 kev to 120 kev for determining the high or low MVD of colorectal cancer was greater than 0.8, indicating that arterial stage has a good predictive value for high or low MVD in colorectal cancer; AUC for arterial IC, NIC and IC + NIC were all greater than 0.9, indicating that in arterial colorectal cancer, both single and combined parameters of spectral CT are highly effective in predicting the level of MVD. The AUC of 40 kev to 90 kev single-energy CT values in the intravenous phase was greater than 0.9, and its diagnostic efficacy was more representative; The AUC of IC and NIC in venous stage were greater than 0.8, which indicating that the IC and NIC energy spectrum parameters in venous stage colorectal cancer have a very good predictive value for the difference between high and low MVDs, with the greatest diagnostic efficacy in IC.The values of BV and BF in the high MVD group were higher than those in the low MVD group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the AUC of BF, BV, and BV + BF were 0.991, 0.733, and 0.997, respectively, with the highest diagnostic efficacy for determining the level of MVD in colorectal cancer by BV + BF. CONCLUSION: One-stop CT energy spectrum and perfusion imaging technology can accurately reflect the MVD in living tumor tissues, which in turn reflects the tumor angiogenesis, and to a certain extent helps to determine the malignancy, invasion and metastasis of living colorectal cancer tumor tissues based on CT energy spectrum and perfusion parameters.

Predictive value of preoperative CT enhancement rate and CT perfusion parameters in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is a critical step in colorectal cancer growth, progression and metastasization. CT are routine imaging examinations for preoperative clinical evaluation in colorectal cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of preoperative CT enhancement rate (CER) and CT perfusion parameters on angiogenesis in colorectal cancer, as well as the association of preoperative CER and CT perfusion parameters with serum markers. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 42 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Median of microvessel density (MVD) as the cut-off value, it divided 42 patients into high-density group (MVD ≥ 35/field, n = 24) and low-density group (MVD < 35/field, n = 18), and 25 patients with benign colorectal lesions were collected as the control group. Statistical analysis of CER, CT perfusion parameters, serum markers were performed in all groups. Receiver operating curves (ROC) were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of relevant CT perfusion parameters for tumor angiogenesis; Pearson correlation analysis explored potential association between CER, CT perfusion parameters and serum markers. RESULTS: CER, blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), permeability surface (PS) and carbohydrate antigen 19 - 9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in colorectal adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than those in the control group, the parameters in high-density group were significantly higher than those in the low-density group (P < 0.05); however, the time to peak (TTP) of patients in colorectal adenocarcinoma were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the high-density group showed a significantly lower level compared to the low-density group (P < 0.05). The combined parameters BF + TTP + PS and BV + BF + TTP + PS demonstrated the highest area under the curve (AUC), both at 0.991. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum levels of CA19-9, CA125, CEA, TFF3, and VEGF in patients showed positive correlations with CER, BV, BF, and PS (P < 0.05), while these indicators exhibited negative correlations with TTP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Some single and joint preoperative CT perfusion parameters can accurately predict tumor angiogenesis in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Preoperative CER and CT perfusion parameters have certain association with serum markers.

Highly-Selective fluorescent Fe3O4@PPy aptasensor.

Label-free nucleic acid fluorescent probes are gaining popularity due to their low cost and ease of application. However, the primary challenges associated with label-free fluorescent probes stem from their tendency to interact with other biomolecules, such as RNA, proteins, and enzymes, which results in low specificity. In this work, we have developed a simple detection platform that utilizes Fe3O4@PPy in combination with a label-free nucleic acid probe, 1,1,2,2-tetrakis[4-(2-bromo-ethoxy)phenyl]ethene (TTAPE) or Malachite Green (MG), for highly selective detection of metal ions, acetamiprid, and thrombin. Fe3O4@PPy not only adsorbs aptamers through electrostatic interactions, π-π bonding, and hydrogen bonding, but also quenches the fluorescence of the TTAPE/MG. Upon the addition of target compounds, the aptasensor separates from Fe3O4@PPy through magnetic separation. Moreover, by changing different aptamers, the aptasensor was applied to detect metal ions, acetamiprid, and thrombin, with the turned-on photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity recorded and showing linearity to the concentrations of targets. The robustness of method was demonstrated by applying it to real samples, which included vegetables (for detecting acetamiprid with LODs of 0.02 and 0.04 ng/L), serum samples (for detecting thrombin with LODs of 5.5 and 4.3 nM), and water samples (for detecting Pb2+ with an LOD of 0.17 nM). Therefore, due to its impressive selectivity and sensitivity, the Fe3O4@PPy aptasensor could be utilized as a universal detection platform for various clinical and environmental applications.

Effects of cycloplegia on crystalline lens morphology and location in acute acquired concomitant esotropia.

PURPOSE: The study aims to compare morphology and location of crystalline lens between acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) patients and control subjects, both before and after cycloplegia. METHODS: This is a prospective and observational clinical study. Morphological and locational parameters of the crystalline lens in 53 AACE patients and 32 control subjects were assessed before and after cycloplegia using CASIA2 system, which represents the latest swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Cycloplegic refraction was recorded by administering 1% atropine in patients younger than 12 years and 1% cyclopentolate in those > 12 years old. Morphological parameters included anterior radius of curvature (ARC), posterior radius of curvature (PRC), lens thickness (LTH), and equivalent diameter of lens (LED). Locational parameters comprised lens decentration (LD) and lens tilt (LT). Comparison of these parameters before and after cycloplegia were conducted between AACE and controls. Additionally, the study analyzed and compared the changes in these parameter post-cycloplegia. RESULTS: Our findings suggest no significant difference in morphological parameters including ARC, PRC, LTH and LED between AACE patients and controls before or after cycloplegia. However, 2D-modeling data in the 0° meridian revealed that variation post-cycloplegia of LD (lens shift) in right eyes was different in AACE patients, measuring - 0.03(0.08) [median(interquartile range)] which was significantly distinct from the control group, exhibiting a measurement of 0.01(0.06) (z = - 2.373, p = 0.018). In left eyes, a similar trend was observed with lens shift in the 0° meridian being 0.02(0.06) in AACE, significantly differing from control group's measurement of - 0.02(0.08) (z = - 2.809, p = 0.005). Further, correlation analysis revealed that larger temporal shift of lens was associated with greater changes in ARC (r = 0.294, p = 0.006) and LTH (r = - 0.230, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The morphological features of the crystalline lens were similar in AACE patients and controls; however, the change of lens location by cycloplegia was observed only in AACE patients, suggesting an association with excessive accommodation.

OsRH52A, a DEAD-Box protein, is required for embryo sac development by regulating functional megaspore specification in rice.

The development of the embryo sac is an important factor affecting seed setting in rice. Numerous genes associated with embryo sac (ES) development have been identified in plants. However, the function of the DEAD-box RNA helicase family genes on ES is poorly known in rice. Here, we characterized a rice DEAD-box protein, OsRH52A, which was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm and highly expressed in the floral organs in rice. The knockout mutant, rh52a, displayed partial ES sterility, including degenerated ES (21.0%) and the presence of double-female-gametophyte (DFG) structure (11.8%). The DFG developed from two functional megaspores (FM) near the chalazal end in one ovule, and 3.4% of DFG could fertilize via the sac near the micropylar pole in rh52a. OsRH52A was found to interact with OsMFS1 and ZIP4, both of which play a role in homologous recombination in rice meiosis. RNA-seq identified 234 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with reproductive development, including the two genes, OsMSP1 and HSA1b, required for female germline cell specification. Taken together, our study demonstrated that OsRH52A is essential for the development of the embryo sac and provided cytological evidence regarding the formation of DFG.

LncRNA PCAT6 mediates UBFD1 expression via sponging miR-545-3p in breast cancer cells.

Background: LncRNA PCAT6 has been shown to involve in carcinogenesis of different tumors. In this study, we investigated underline mechanism by which PCAT6 promoted breast cancer cell progression. Methods: RIP was used to identify lncRNAs associated with IMP1. Bioinformatics assays were used to predict potential miRNAs that interact with PCAT6 and mRNAs that are targeted by miR-545-3p. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR were used to analyze differential expression of lncRNAs and miRNA-targeted genes. Luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were performed to identify the molecular interactions between PCAT6 and individual miRNAs. The role of PCAT6-mediated cell proliferation and invasion were tested by CCK-8 and transwell assays following loss-of-function and gain-of-function effects. Results: We identified that PCAT6 is one of the lncRNAs that associated with IMP1. PCAT6 not only binds to IMP1, but also acts as a ceRNA to interact with multiple miRNAs, including miR-545-3p. Binding of IMP1 destabilized PCAT6, while competitive interaction with miR-545-3p allowed PCAT6 to positively regulate UBFD1 expression. Silencing UBFD1 mRNA could effectively rescue PCAT6-induced cell proliferation and invasive abilities. Conclusions: Our study provided evidence that PCAT6 activates UBFD1 expression via sponging miR-545-3p to increase carcinogenesis of breast cancer cells. Based on the nature of UBFD1 as a polyubiquitin binding protein, our study suggested that ubiquitin pathway might contribute to breast cancer progression.

Mitochondria-Targeted Prodrug Nanoassemblies for Efficient Ferroptosis-Based Therapy via Devastating Ferroptosis Defense Systems.

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death accompanied by lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in an iron-dependent manner. However, the efficiency of tumorous ferroptosis was seriously restricted by intracellular ferroptosis defense systems, the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) system, and the ubiquinol (CoQH2) system. Inspired by the crucial role of mitochondria in the ferroptosis process, we reported a prodrug nanoassembly capable of unleashing potent mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic cell death. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor (QA) was combined with triphenylphosphonium moiety through a disulfide-containing linker to engineer well-defined nanoassemblies (QSSP) within a single-molecular framework. After being trapped in cancer cells, the acidic condition provoked the structural disassembly of QSSP to liberate free prodrug molecules. The mitochondrial membrane-potential-driven accumulation of the lipophilic cation prodrug was delivered explicitly into the mitochondria. Afterward, the thiol-disulfide exchange would occur accompanied by downregulation of reduced glutathione levels, thus resulting in mitochondria-localized GPX4 inactivation for ferroptosis. Simultaneously, the released QA from the hydrolysis reaction of the adjacent ester bond could further devastate mitochondrial defense and evoke robust ferroptosis via the DHODH-CoQH2 system. This subcellular targeted nanoassembly provides a reference for designing ferroptosis-based strategy for efficient cancer therapy through interfering antiferroptosis systems.

Mitochondria-targeted ruthenium(II) complexes for photodynamic therapy and GSH detection in living cells.

Photodynamic therapy is an emerging tumor therapy that kills tumor cells by activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by photosensitizers. Mitochondria, as an important organelle, are the main generator of cellular ROS. Therefore, the development of photosensitizers capable of targeting mitochondria could significantly enhance the efficacy of photodynamic therapy. In this study, two novel ruthenium(II) complexes, Ru-1 and Ru-2, were designed and synthesized, both of which were functionalized with α,ß-unsaturated ketones for sensing of glutathione (GSH). The crystal structures of the two complexes were determined and they exhibited good recognition of GSH by off-on luminescence signals. The complex Ru-2 containing aromatic naphthalene can enter the cells and react with GSH to generate a strong luminescence signal that can be used to monitor intracellular GSH levels through imaging. Ru-2 also has an excellent mitochondrial localization ability with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.95, which demonstrates that it can efficiently target the mitochondria of tumor cells to enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as a photosensitizer.

Rapid synthesis of phosphor-glass composites in seconds based on particle self-stabilization.

Phosphor-glass composites (PGC) are excellent candidates for highly efficient and stable photonic converters; however, their synthesis generally requires harsh procedures and long time, resulting in additional performance loss and energy consumption. Here we develop a rapid synthetic route to PGC within about 10 seconds, which enables uniform dispersion of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) phosphor particles through a particle self-stabilization model in molten tellurite glass. Thanks for good wettability between YAG:Ce micro-particles and tellurite glass melt, it creates an energy barrier of 6.94 × 105 zJ to prevent atomic-scale contact and sintering of particles in the melt. This in turn allows the generation of YAG:Ce-based PGC as attractive emitters with high quantum efficiency (98.4%) and absorption coefficient (86.8%) that can produce bright white light with luminous flux of 1227 lm and luminous efficiency of 276 lm W-1 under blue laser driving. This work shows a generalizable synthetic strategy for the development of functional glass composites.

Arc discharge method to fabricate large concave structures for open-access fiber Fabry-Pérot cavities.

We present a novel micro-fabrication technique for creating concave surfaces on the endfacets of photonic crystal fibers. A fiber fusion splicer is used to generate arc discharges to melt and reshape the fiber endfacet. This technique can produce large spherical concave surfaces with roughness as low as 0.12 nm in various types of photonic crystal fibers. The deviation of fabricated surface and a spherical profile in the region of 70 µm in diameter is less than 50 nm. The center of the concave surface and the fiber mode field are highly coincident with a deviation less than 500 nm. Finesse measurements have shown that a Fabry-Pérot cavity composed of the fiber fabricated using this method and a plane mirror maintains finesse of 20000. This method is easy to replicate, making it a practical and efficient approach to fabricate concave surface on fibers for open-access fiber Fabry-Pérot cavities.

Farrerol suppresses osteoclast differentiation and postmenopausal osteoporosis by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.

Excessive bone resorption caused by upregulated osteoclast activity is a key factor in osteoporosis pathogenesis. Farrerol is a typical natural flavanone and exhibits various pharmacological actions. However, the role and mechanism of action of farrerol in osteoclast differentiation regulation remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanism of farrerol on the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, F-actin staining, and the pit formation assay were performed to examine the differentiation and functions of osteoclasts in vitro. The expression of proteins associated with the nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways was analyzed by western blotting. Dual X-ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the therapeutic effect of farrerol in vivo bone loss prevention. The effects of farrerol on osteoblastic bone formation were assessed using alkaline phosphatase, alizarin red S staining, and calcein-alizarin red S double labeling. Farrerol inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in osteoclasts by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B signaling rather than mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in vitro. Farrerol protected mice against ovariectomy-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, instead of promoting osteoblast-mediated bone formation in vivo. The findings of the current study revealed that farrerol is a potential therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

Construction of self-repairing polyethersulfone membrane with high density hydrophilic microregions by two dimensional restricted channels for enhanced dyes/salts selective separation.

Based on the dye/salts separation efficiency and membrane injury caused by serious pollution of dye/salts wastewater, this study constructed a 2D tight ultrafiltration membrane that could both solve the membrane injury problem and improve the dye/salts separation efficiency, the compatibility of good self-healing performance and penetration performance by 2D material magnesium-aluminum Layered double hydroxide (MgAl-LDH). The self-repairing of physical injury was achieved through the swelling effect of AMPS-PAN, this property was proved by permeate flux, the retention performance of salts in dye/salts solution, the comparison of scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the mechanical strength after physical injury. The healing of chemical injury occured through the reaction of CC and polyethersulfone chain breakage, which was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), permeate flux, the retention performance of salts in dye/salts solution, and mechanical property. The high separation efficiency of dye/salts was achieved through 2D material MgAl-LDH, which was proved by separation selectivity ɑ. The compatibility of good self-healing performance and penetration performance was obtained by 2D material MgAl-LDH, which was proved by the penetration and self-healing performance. Morever, the membrane illustrated excellent both permeability and dye/sals separation efficiency, just like the permeate flux, the retention performance of sodium sulfate in methyl blue/sodium sulfate solution, the retention performance of Na2SO4 in methyl blue/Na2SO4 solution, the retention rate of methyl blue were 99.1 L/m2h, 12.5%, 7.9%, 97.7%, respectively. The results of pollution index and contact angle also proved that the membrane had anti-pollution performance.

A study of recurrent life-threatening thrombosis accompanied with the duplication of the factor IX gene.

Hereditary predisposition play an important role in thrombosis, especially in younger patients. Here we studied a young patient who experienced three different episodes of severe thromboses, some of which were life-threatening (pulmonary artery thrombosis, portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis of the lower leg). Blood levels of clotting related indicators were assessed. We screened 35 genes linked to thrombosis. We discovered a 756 kb duplication that spanned the F9 gene in region q27.1 of the X chromosome. The repeat includes the full F9 gene, thus, the patient had two functional copies of FIX with the FIX activity 192%. An identical repetition was found in the patient's mother. Both the patient and his mother had high, but variable, plasma FIX activities that promote coagulation. The patient's frequent, severe thrombolic events maybe attributed to the duplication of a big portion of the F9 gene and lupus anticoagulant positive.

Confinement Engineering of Zinc Single-Atom Triggered Charge Redistribution on Ruthenium Site for Alkaline Hydrogen Production.

Optimizing the interaction between metal and support in the supported metal catalysts effectively refines the electronic structure and boosts the catalytic properties of loaded active components. Herein a method is introduced to confine ultrafine ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles within atomically dispersed Zn-N4 sites on a N-doped carbon network (Ru/Zn-N-C) through the strong electronic metal-support interaction, achieving superior catalytic activity and stability for alkaline hydrogen evolution. Spectroscopic data and theoretical modeling elucidate that the remarkable catalytic performance of Ru sites stems from their strong electronic coupling with neighboring Zn-N4 moiety and pyridinic N/pyrrolic N. This interaction induces an electron-deficient state of Ru, thereby accelerating the dissociation of H2 O and lowering the energy barriers for the desorption of OH* and H*. This insight provides a deeper understanding of the catalytic mechanisms at play. Furthermore, alkaline water electrolyzer using this catalyst as cathode delivers a mass activity of 3 A mgcat -1 at 2.0 V, much surpassing Ru-C. This research opens a novel pathway for the development of advanced materials , tailored for energy storage and conversion applications.

Intelligent Nanoplatform Integrating Macrophage and Cancer Cell Membrane for Synergistic Chemodynamic/Immunotherapy/Photothermal Therapy of Breast Cancer.

Cell membrane-coated nanoplatforms for drug delivery have garnered significant attention due to their inherent cellular properties, such as immune evasion and homing abilities, making them a subject of widespread interest. The coating of mixed membranes from different cell types onto the surface of nanoparticles offers a way to harness natural cell functions, enhancing biocompatibility and improving therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we merged membranes from murine-derived 4T1 breast cancer cells with RAW264.7 (RAW) membranes, creating a hybrid biomimetic coating referred to as TRM. Subsequently, we fabricated hybrid TRM-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) and imiquimod (R837) for combination therapy in breast cancer. Comprehensive characterization of the RIFe@TRM nanoplatform revealed the inherent properties of both cell types. Compared to bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles, RIFe@TRM nanoparticles exhibited remarkable cell-specific self-recognition for 4T1 cells in vitro, leading to significantly prolonged circulation life span and enhanced in vivo targeting capabilities. Furthermore, the biomimetic RIFe@TRM nanoplatform induced tumor necrosis through the Fenton reaction and photothermal effects, while R837 facilitated enhanced uptake of tumor-associated antigens, further activating CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to strengthen antitumor immunotherapy. Hence, RIFe@TRM nanoplatform demonstrated outstanding synergy in chemodynamic/immunotherapy/photothermal therapies, displaying significant inhibition of breast tumor growth. In summary, this study presents a promising biomimetic nanoplatform for effective treatment of breast cancer.

Middle Ear Meningioma With Recurrence Secretory Otitis Media.

Middle ear meningiomas (MEMs) are rare tumors that can present with nonspecific symptoms, posing challenges in diagnosis and management. This case report focuses on a middle-aged female patient who was misdiagnosed with secretory otitis media for 5 years. However, further evaluation through computed tomography imaging and subsequent pathologic biopsy revealed the presence of a MEM. The patient underwent surgical and gamma knife resection of the tumor and follow-up examination after 1 year showed no signs of recurrence. This case report highlights the importance of considering meningiomas in the differential diagnosis of middle ear pathologies and the need for careful preoperative planning for optimal outcomes. Overall, this case demonstrates that correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to successful management of MEMs.

SNHG15-Mediated Localization of Nucleolin at the Cell Protrusions Regulates CDH2 mRNA Expression and Cell Invasion.

LncRNAs are emerging as important regulators of gene expression by controlling transcription in the nucleus and by modulating mRNA translation in the cytoplasm. In this study, we reveal a novel function of lncRNA SNHG15 in mediating breast cancer cell invasion through regulating the local translation of CDH2 mRNA. We show that SNHG15 preferentially localizes at the cellular protrusions or cell leading edge and that this localization is directed by IMP1, a multifunctional protein involved in many aspects of RNA regulation. We demonstrate that SNHG15 also forms a complex with nucleolin, allowing nucleolin to be co-transported with SNHG15 to the cell protrusions, where the accumulated nucleolin is able to bind to CDH2 mRNA. Interaction with nucleolin stabilizes local CDH2 mRNA and regulates its translation, thus promoting cell invasive potential. Our findings reveal an underlying mechanism by which lncRNA could serve as a carrier to transport a protein regulator into a specific cell compartment to enhance target mRNA expression.

Identification of potential therapeutic drugs targeting core genes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and coexisting COVID-19: Insights from bioinformatic analyses.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study sought to analyze the potential molecular connections between COVID-19 and SLE, employing a bioinformatics approach to identify effective drugs for both conditions. METHODS: The data sets GSE100163 and GSE183071 were utilized to determine share differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were later analyzed by various bioinformatic methods, including functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, regulatory network construction, and gene-drug interaction construction. RESULTS: A total of 50 common DEGs were found between COVID-19 and SLE. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation revealed that "immune response," "innate immune response," "plasma membrane," and "protein binding" were most enriched in. Additionally, the pathways that were enriched include "Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation." The study identified 48 genes/nodes enriched with 292 edges in the PPI network, of which the top 10 hub genes were CD4, IL7R, CD3E, CD5, CD247, KLRB1, CD40LG, CD7, CR2, and GZMK. Furthermore, the study found 48 transcription factors and 8 microRNAs regulating these hub genes. Finally, four drugs namely ibalizumab (targeted to CD4), blinatumomab (targeted to CD3E), muromonab-CD3 (targeted to CD3E), and catumaxomab (targeted to CD3E) were found in gene-drug interaction. CONCLUSION: Four possible drugs that targeted two specific genes, which may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients with SLE.