Transcriptome-wide m6A methylation profile reveals tissue specific regulatory networks in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) under cadmium stress.

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd), known for its high toxicity, poses a grave threat to human health through the food chain. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal modification, regulates plant adaptation to various adversities, yet the panorama of m6A modifications in switchgrass under cadmium stress remains elusive. This study examines the physiological responses of switchgrass roots and shoots exposed to 50 µM CdCl2, alongside an overview of transcriptome-wide m6A methylation patterns. After cadmium treatment, methylation modifications are primarily enriched near stop codons and the 3'UTR region, with a negative correlation between m6A modification and gene expression levels. In shoots, approximately 58 % of DEGs with m6A modifications show upregulation in expression and decrease in m6A peaks, including zinc transporter 4-like (ZIP4). In roots, about 43 % of DEGs with m6A modifications exhibit downregulation in expression and increase in m6A peaks, such as the ABC transporter family member (ABCG25). We further validate the m6A enrichment, gene expression and mRNA stability of ZIP4 in response to Cd treatment. The results suggest that the negative correlation of m6A enrichment and gene expression is due to altered mRNA stability. Our study establishes an m6A regulatory network governing cadmium transport in switchgrass roots and shoots, offering new avenues for candidate gene manipulation in phytoremediation applications of heavy metal pollution.

Edaravone protects cortical neurons from apoptosis by inhibiting the translocation of BAX and Increasing the interaction between 14-3-3 and p-BAD.

Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, has shown neuroprotection properties in both animals and humans. To evaluate the mechanisms involved, we obtained a culture of almost pure neurons. The neurons, either untreated or prophylactically treated with edaravone, were exposed to 300 µM hydrogen peroxide. We examined alterations in mitochondria, the percent of apoptotic cells and the immunoblots of key regulatory proteins, and the protein-protein interactions and the cellular locations of cytochrome c. The levels of p-JNK (Thr183/Tyr185) and cytochrome c in cytosol and BAX in heavy membrane (HM), respectively, were increased at 0.5 h and reached the peak at 12 h after stimulation with hydrogen peroxide. The levels of p-BAD and BAX in the cytosol and the interaction between BAD and 14-3-3 were decreased in the untreated neurons. However, edaravone could prevent these changes. In addition, mitochondrial morphology was better preserved and the percentage of apoptosis was lower under the treatment with edaravone. In summary, the present study indicates that edaravone could protect neurons by inhibiting: (1) the activity of JNK, (2) the disassociation of BAD from 14-3-3, and (3) the translocation of BAX from cytosol to mitochondria.

MRI assessment of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration with lumbar degenerative disease using the Pfirrmann grading systems.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate by MRI intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with lumbar degenerative disease using the Pfirrmann grading system and to determine whether Modic changes correlated with the Pfirrmann grades and modified Pfirrmann grades of disc degeneration. METHODS: The clinical data of 108 surgical patients with lumbar degenerative disease were reviewed and their preoperative MR images were analyzed. Disc degeneration was evaluated using the Pfirrmann grading system. Patients were followed up and low back pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the effect of back pain on the daily quality of life was assessed using Oswestry disability index (ODI). RESULTS: Forty-four cases had normal anatomical appearance (Modic type 0) and their Pfirrmann grades were 3.77±0.480 and their modified Pfirrmann grades were of 5.81±1.006. Twenty-seven cases had Modic type I changes and their Pfirrmann grades were 4.79±0.557 and their modified Pfirrmann grades were 7.00±0.832. Thirty-six cases exhibited Modic type II changes and their Pfirrmann grades and modified Pfirrmann grades were 4.11±0.398 and 6.64±0.867, respectively. One case had Modic type III changes. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant difference in modified Pfirrmann grade among Modic type 0, I and II changes (P<0.01) but no significant difference between Modic type I and II changes (P>0.05). Binary regression analysis showed that Modic changes correlated most strongly with disc degeneration. Follow up studies indicated that the VAS and ODI scores were markedly improved postoperatively. However, no difference was noted in VAS and ODI scores among patients with different Modic types. CONCLUSION: Modic changes correlate with the Pfirrmann and modified Pfirrmann grades of disc degeneration in lumbar degenerative disease. There is no significant correlation between Modic types and surgical outcomes.