Peceleganan Spray for the Treatment of Skin Wound Infections: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Peceleganan spray is a novel topical antimicrobial agent targeted for the treatment of skin wound infections. However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of peceleganan spray for the treatment of wound infections. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, open-label, phase 3 randomized clinical trial recruited and followed up 570 adult patients diagnosed with secondary open wound infections from 37 hospitals in China from August 23, 2021, to July 16, 2022. Interventions: Patients were randomized to 2 groups with a 2:1 allocation. One group received treatment with 2% peceleganan spray (n = 381) and the other with 1% silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream (n = 189). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy outcome was the clinical efficacy rate (the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for efficacy of the number of patients receiving the treatment) on the first day following the end of treatment (day 8). The secondary outcomes included the clinical efficacy rate on day 5 and the bacterial clearance rate (cases achieving negative bacteria cultures after treatment of all cases with positive bacteria cultures before treatment) on days 5 and 8. The safety outcomes included patients' vital signs, physical examination results, electrocardiographic findings, blood test results, and adverse reactions. Results: Among the 570 patients randomized to 1 of the 2 groups, 375 (98.4%) in the 2% peceleganan treatment group and 183 (96.8%) in the 1% SSD control group completed the trial (n = 558). Of these, 361 (64.7%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 48.6 (15.3) years. The demographic characteristics were similar between groups. On day 8, clinical efficacy was achieved by 339 patients (90.4%) in the treatment group and 144 (78.7%) in the control group (P < .001). On day 5, clinical efficacy was achieved by 222 patients (59.2%) in the treatment group and 90 (49.2%) in the control group (P = .03). On day 8, bacterial clearance was achieved by 80 of 334 patients (24.0%) in the treatment group and in 75 of 163 (46.0%) in the control group (P < .001). On day 5, bacterial clearance was achieved by 55 of 334 patients (16.5%) in the treatment group and 50 of 163 (30.7%) in the control group (P < .001). The adverse events related to the application of peceleganan spray and SSD cream were similar. Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial found that peceleganan spray is a safe topical antimicrobial agent with a satisfactory clinical efficacy rate for the treatment of skin wound infections, while the effectiveness of bacterial clearance remains uncertain. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100047202.

Volatile phenols in wine: overview of origin, formation, analysis, and sensory expression.

Volatile phenols impart particular aromas to wine. Due to their distinctive aroma characteristics and low sensory thresholds, volatile phenols can easily influence and modify the aroma of wine. Since these compounds can be formed in wines in various ways, it is necessary to clarify the possible sources of each volatile phenol to achieve management during the winemaking process. The sources of volatile phenols in wine are divided into berry-derived, fermentation-derived, and oak-derived. The pathways and factors influencing the formation of volatile phenols from each source are then reviewed respectively. In addition, an overview of the sensory impact of volatile phenols is given, both in terms of the aroma these volatile phenols directly bring to the wine and their contribution through aroma interactions. Finally, as an essential basis for exploring the scientific problems of volatile phenols in wine, approaches to quantitation of volatile phenols and their precursors are discussed in detail. With the advancement of analytical techniques, more details on volatile phenols have been discovered. Further exploration is worthwhile to achieve more detailed monitoring and targeted management of volatile phenols in wine.

Identification of the key odor-active compounds responsible for varietal smoky aroma in wines made from the East Asian species.

A smoky aroma was found in wines made from East Asian species that had not been treated with oak products or exposed to smoke. In this study, a combined method of sensory analysis and quantitation of aroma compounds was used to identify the chemical basis of this smoky aroma. Syringol, eugenol, 4-ethylguaiacol, and 4-ethylphenol were confirmed as the key odor-active compounds contributing to the varietal smoky notes in wines of East Asian species. The concentrations of these compounds showed significant variation between grape species. The highest levels of syringol were found in Vitis amurensis wines, with an average of 178.8 µg/L. The average concentration of eugenol in V. davidii wines was 101.5 µg/L, about 10 times higher than in other species. 4-Ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol were both abundant in the wines of the East Asian species. The results of the sensory interaction between the four compounds showed a complete addition effect for eugenol, a partial addition effect for syringol, and a hyper-addition effect for 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-ethylphenol on the smoky attribute.

Comparison of Chemical and Sensory Profiles between Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan Dry Red Wines in China.

The differences in chemical and sensory characteristics between Marselan and Cabernet Sauvignon in China were investigated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), combined with color parameters and sensory data. The paired t-test results showed that terpenoids, higher alcohols, and aliphatic lactones were significantly different according to the grape variety. Meanwhile, terpenoids could be considered as marker aroma compounds to distinguish Marselan wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, which could explain the distinct floral note in Marselan wines. The mean concentrations of the mv-vsol, mv-vgol, mv-vcol, mvC-vgol, mv-v(e)cat, mvC-v(e)cat, mv-di(e)cat, and cafA were higher in Marselan wines than Cabernet Sauvignon wines, and these compounds might confer Marselan wines with a deeper color, more red hue, and higher tannin quality. The phenolic profiles of Marselan and Cabernet Sauvignon wines were influenced by the winemaking process, mitigating the varietal differences. As for sensory evaluation, the intensities of herbaceous, oak, and astringency of Cabernet Sauvignon were more pronounced than Marselan, whereas the Marselan wines were characterized by a high color intensity and more redness, together with floral, sweet, and roasted sweet potato attributes, and tannin roughness.

MiR-129-5p Promotes Radio-sensitivity of NSCLC Cells by Targeting SOX4 and RUNX1.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) figures prominently in the radio- sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MiR-129-5p can block the development of a variety of tumors. However, whether miR-129-5p modulates radio-sensitivity of NSCLC cells remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to explore the role and the underlying mechanism of miR-129-5p in the radiosensitivity of NSCLC. METHODS: Radio-resistant NSCLC cell lines (A549-R and H1299-R) were constructed using A549 and H1299 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to quantify miR-129-5p, SRY-box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) mRNA, and RUNX family transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) mRNA expression levels. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation experiments were used to measure cell proliferation. γ-H2AX was examined by Western blot to confirm DNA injury. Dual- luciferase reporter experiments were applied to analyze the interactions among miR-129-5p, RUNX1, and SOX4. RESULTS: In A549-R and H1299-R cells, compared with the wild-type cell lines, miR-129-5p expression was remarkably reduced while SOX4 and RUNX1 expressions were increased. The transfection of miR-129-5p into NSCLC cell lines markedly induced cell apoptosis, DNA injury, cell cycle arrest, and inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation. RUNX1 and SOX4 were validated as target genes of miR-129-5p, and the restoration of RUNX1 or SOX4 could counteract the influence of miR-129-5p on A549-R cells. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-129-5p sensitizes A549-R and H1299-R cells to radiation by targeting RUNX1 and SOX4.

Characterization of free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids in Vitis davidii Foex grape species native to China.

Berries of six Vitis davidii Foex (spine grape) cultivars ('Baiputao', 'Gaoshan 1', 'Gaoshan 2', 'Seputao', 'Miputao', and 'Tianputao') were harvested from a commercial vineyard in Hunan Province in China. Free and bound volatile compounds and fatty acids were analyzed by GC-MS, and amino acids were analyzed by HPLC. 'Tianputao' and 'Miputao' were characterized by relatively higher concentrations of aromatic amino acids and lower concentrations of branched-chain amino acids. The major free volatile compounds of spine grapes were hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-hexanol, (E)-2-hexenol, (E)-ß-damascenone, and benzeneacetaldehyde. The major glycosidically bound volatile compounds identified were 1-hexanol, menthol, nerol, 1-butanol, 3-methyl-3-butenol, benzenemethanol, ß-phenylethanol, eugenol, and guaiacol. (E)-ß-damascenone, benzeneacetaldehyde, guaiacol, and eugenol had odor activity values (OAVs) > 1 in all cultivar grapes. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed 'Tianputao' to be distinct from the other cultivars due to its relatively higher concentrations of major terpenoids, norisoprenoids, higher alcohols, and aromatic amino acids.

FOXD3-AS1 Contributes to the Progression of Melanoma Via miR-127-3p/FJX1 Axis.

Background: Melanoma, belonging to a kind of skin cancer, takes a big part in cancer-associated deaths globally. Abundant documents have recorded the crucial roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the initiation and development of tumors. lncRNA forkhead box D3 antisense RNA 1 (FOXD3-AS1) has been commonly identified as a key regulator in the progression of multiple cancers; however, the way it exerts function remains obscure in melanoma. Materials and Methods: FOXD3-AS1 expression was examined by RT-qPCR. The role of FOXD3-AS1 in melanoma was determined by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, and Western blot assays. The combination between microRNA-127-3p and FOXD3-AS1 (or four jointed box 1 [FJX1]) was confirmed by luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Results: FOXD3-AS1 was markedly upregulated in melanoma cells. It was validated by loss-of-function assays that cell proliferation and migration were inhibited by FOXD3-AS1 deficiency, while cell apoptosis was facilitated by FOXD3-AS1 knockdown in melanoma. Mechanistic exploration testified that miR-127-3p could bind to FOXD3-AS1 and its expression was negatively modulated by FOXD3-AS1 in melanoma. Besides, overexpression of miR-127-3p repressed melanoma progression. Moreover, miR-127-3p was certified to negatively regulate the expression of the FJX1, and miR-127-3p could combine with FJX1 in melanoma cells. Rescue assays depicted that FJX1 overexpression countervailed FOXD3-AS1 silencing-mediated inhibition on melanoma progression. Conclusions: Overall, FOXD3-AS1 contributes to the progression of melanoma via miR-127-3p/FJX1 axis.

RETRACTED: Vascular permeability and hemodynamic effects of ulinastatin on organs affected by shock during early burn injury.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors due to errors in the data. The authors indicated that they expanded the original sample size from 12 to 50, to study blood circulation upon other types of burns. At the same time, they further verified the results reported in this paper. The decrease in blood volume of the experimental group was not significantly slowed compared to the control group as reported. Since that was the basis of this work, this flaw may shatter all resulting hemodynamic data measured by the PICCO method. The authors have been unable to determine the source of the error.

Deregulation of miR-183 promotes melanoma development via lncRNA MALAT1 regulation and ITGB1 signal activation.

Dysregulation of miR-183 has been recently elucidated in several carcinomas. However, the expression patterns and mechanisms of miR-183 involved in malignant melanoma remain unidentified. Here, we found down-regulation of miR-183 in melanoma tissues and cells. Decreased level of miR-183 was relevant to poor overall survival, while miR-183 up-regulation resulted in a marked suppression of cell growth in vitro and in vivo. We further found that the expression and function of miR-183 were suppressed by MALAT1. Integrin ß1 (ITGB1) was then speculated and confirmed as a direct target of miR-183. We also illustrated that MALAT1 may function as a sponge competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-183, and thus regulate the molecular expression of ITGB1. Collectively, we found a new signaling pathway promoting melanoma development by MALAT1-miR-183-ITGB1 axis, which may be clinically valuable as new targets for malignant melanoma therapy.

Fungal Endophytes as a Metabolic Fine-Tuning Regulator for Wine Grape.

Endophytes proved to exert multiple effects on host plants, including growth promotion, stress resistance. However, whether endophytes have a role in metabolites shaping of grape has not been fully understood. Eight endophytic fungal strains which originally isolated from grapevines were re-inoculated to field-grown grapevines in this study, and their effects on both leaves and berries of grapevines at maturity stage were assessed, with special focused on secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities. High-density inoculation of all these endophytic fungal strains modified the physio-chemical status of grapevine to different degrees. Fungal inoculations promoted the content of reducing sugar (RS), total flavonoids (TF), total phenols (TPh), trans-resveratrol (Res) and activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), in both leaves and berries of grapevine. Inoculation of endophytic fungal strains, CXB-11 (Nigrospora sp.) and CXC-13 (Fusarium sp.) conferred greater promotion effects in grape metabolic re-shaping, compared to other used fungal strains. Additionally, inoculation of different strains of fungal endophytes led to establish different metabolites patterns of wine grape. The work implies the possibility of using endophytic fungi as fine-tuning regulator to shape the quality and character of wine grape.

Striking changes in volatile profiles at sub-zero temperatures during over-ripening of 'Beibinghong' grapes in Northeastern China.

The evolution of free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds in 'Beibinghong' (Vitis vinifera×Vitis amurensis) grape berries throughout on-vine over-ripening and freezing processes was studied in two vintages. The aroma profiles of 'Beibinghong' icewine berries were characterized by C6 compounds, higher alcohols and terpenoids in free fractions and carbonyl compounds, higher alcohols, C6 alcohols and terpenoids in bound fractions. With regard to free volatile compounds, there was a decrease in the concentration of C6 compounds, terpenols and norisoprenoids and an increase of terpene oxides during over-ripening process. A striking alteration of volatile profile occurred at sub-zero temperatures, particularly for the free fractions such as C6 alcohols, higher alcohols and oxidative terpene derivatives. These changes were attributed to a series of reactions (biotransformation, oxidation and anaerobic metabolism) induced by water loss and especially freeze-thaw cycles. PCA revealed temperature and rainfall affected the accumulation of volatile compounds during over-ripening processes.

MiR-211 is epigenetically regulated by DNMT1 mediated methylation and inhibits EMT of melanoma cells by targeting RAB22A.

MiR-211 has strong inhibitive effects on melanoma cell growth, invasion and metastasis. However, how it is downregulated and whether other genes are involved its downstream regulation in melanoma are not clear. In this study, we firstly verified the expression of miR-211 in melanoma cell lines and observed that its downregulation is associated with increased DNMT1 expression. By performing qRT-PCR and MSP analysis, we confirmed that DNMT1 is negatively correlated with miR-211 expression and can modulate DNA methylation in the promoter region of miR-211. By performing bioinformatics analysis, we found that RAB22A is a possible target of miR-211, which has two broadly conversed binding sites with miR-211 in the 3'UTR. Following dual luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis confirmed the direct binding between miR-211 and RAB22A and the suppressive effect of miR-211 on RAB22A expression. Knockdown of RAB22A increased epithelial properties and impaired mesenchymal properties of the melanoma cells, suggesting that miR-211 modulates epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma cells via downregulating RAB22A. In summary, the present study firstly demonstrated that DNMT1 mediated promoter methylation is a mechanism of miRNA suppression in melanoma and revealed a new tumor suppressor role of the miR-211 by targeting RAB22A in melanoma. The DNMT1/miR-211/RAB22A axis provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of melanoma, particularly in the EMT process.

[EFFECTS OF INTERMITTENT IRRIGATION OF INSULIN SOLUTION COMBINED WITH CONTINUOUS DRAINAGE OF VACUUM SEALING DRAINAGE IN CHRONIC DIABETIC LOWER LIMB ULCERS].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intermittent irrigation of insulin solution combined with continuous drainage of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in chronic diabetic lower limb ulcers. METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 45 patients with diabetic lower limb ulcer were treated with VSD (group A, n=15), with VSD combining irrigation of normal saline (group B, n=15), and with VSD combining irrigation of insulin solution (group C, n=15) after debridement. There was no significant difference in gender, age, course of ulcers, area and depth of wound, glycosylated hemoglobin, and Wagner grade among 3 groups (P>0.05), and the data were comparable. The levels of fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and random blood glucose were determined everyday during treatment. The contents of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1), tumor growth factor a (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) in necrotic tissue after drainage were determined. The coverage rate and thickness of granulation tissue and clearance rate of bacteria in wound were calculated, the granulation tissue in the center of the wound was harvested for pathological observation with HE staining after 6 days of treatment. The second stage operation was performed according to the condition of wounds, and the time to the second stage operation and the method of the second stage operation were recorded and the survival rate of grafted skin or flap was calculated. RESULTS: The pathological staining showed that there were a few new microvessels and fibroblasts in group A after treatment; more new microvessels and fibroblasts were observed in group B; and many new microvessels and fibroblasts were found in group C. There was no significant difference in levels of fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and random blood glucose among 3 groups during treatment (P > 0.05). The coverage rate and thickness of granulation tissue and clearance rate of bacteria in group C were significantly higher than those in groups A and B after treatment (P < 0.05). The contents of IGF-1 and NO were significantly increased and TNF-α was significantly decreased in group C when compared with those in group A (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, IGF-1 and NO contents were significantly increased at 3-6 days and at 2-6 days respectively, and TNF-α content was significantly decreased at 3-6 days in group C (P < 0.05). The method of the second stage operation showed no significant difference among 3 groups (χ2 = 2.920, P = 0.230), but the time to the second stage operation in group C was significantly shorter than that in groups A and B (P < 0.05), and the survival rate of grafted skin or flap in group C was significantly higher than that in groups A and B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment of diabetic lower limb ulcers with intermittent irrigation of insulin solution combined with continuous drainage of VSD can reduce inflammatory reaction effectively, promote development of granulation tissue, improve recovery function of tissue, increase the rate and speed of wound healing obviously, but it has no effect on blood glucose levels.

3D Image-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of the Maxillary Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve Through Foramen Rotundum for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion through the foramen ovale is a well-established procedure for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, this approach can be tricky when individual trigeminal sub-branch nerve block is required. We report our initial experience of image-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the maxillary branch through the use of foramen rotundum.From February 2012 to February 2015, we treated 25 patients with isolated TN of the maxillary branch. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the maxillary branch through the foramen rotundum was performed under fluoroscopy. TN pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale both before and after the procedure.The mean preoperative visual analogue scale score was 8.6 ±â€Š0.8. The pain completely disappeared after the initial procedure in 22 patients and after a second procedure in 2 patients. An additional patient had a postoperative visual analogue scale score of 2 and did not undergo further treatment. Facial numbness occurred in 23 patients but was tolerable. Patients were followed up for a mean of 14.74 months (range, 1-29 months). Recurrence was observed in 9 patients (36%) during the follow-up period. All recurrences were well managed with repeat procedures.Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the maxillary branch through the foramen rotundum under fluoroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of isolated TN of the maxillary branch.

Synthesis of poly(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diyl)s having a π-stacked, helical conformation.

5,6-Dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline and 2,9-di-n-butyl-5,6-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline were polymerized using a Ni catalyst to afford helical polymers in which the phenanthroline moieties are densely stacked on top of each other. Polymerization of the latter monomer using a chiral catalyst led to a preferred-handed helix. This is the first Ni-catalyzed helix-sense-selective polymerization of aromatic compounds.

Nuclear shape descriptors by automated morphometry may distinguish aggressive variants of squamous cell carcinoma from relatively benign skin proliferative lesions: a pilot study.

We evaluated whether degrees of dysplasia may be consistently accessed in an automatic fashion, using different kinds of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) as a validatory model. Namely, we compared Bowen disease, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, low-grade squamous cell carcinoma, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. We hypothesized that characterizing the shape of nuclei may be important to consistently diagnose the aggressiveness of a skin tumor. While basal cell carcinoma is comparatively relatively benign, management of squamous cell carcinoma is controversial because of its potential to recur and intraoperative dilemma regarding choice of the margin or the depth for the excision. We provide evidence here that progressive nuclear dysplasia may be automatically estimated through the thresholded images of skin cancer and quantitative parameters estimated to provide a quasi-quantitative data, which can thenceforth guide the management of the particular cancer. For circularity, averaging more than 2500 nuclei in each group estimated the means ± SD as 0.8 ± 0.007 vs. 0.78 ± 0.0063 vs. 0.42 ± 0.014 vs. 0.63 ± 0.02 vs. 0.51 ± 0.02 (F = 318063.56, p < 0.0001, one-way analyses of variance). The mean aspect ratios were (means ± SD) 0.97 ± 0.0014 vs. 0.95 ± 0.002 vs. 0.38 ± 0.018 vs. 0.84 ± 0.0035 vs. 0.74 ± 0.019 (F = 1022631.931, p < 0.0001, one-way analyses of variance). The Feret diameters averaged over 2500 nuclei in each group were the following: 1 ± 0.0001 vs. 0.9 ± 0.002 vs. 5 ± 0.031 vs. 1.5 ± 0.01 vs. 1.9 ± 0.004 (F = 33105614.194, p < 0.0001, one-way analyses of variance). Multivariate analyses of composite parameters potentially detect aggressive variants of squamous cell carcinoma as the most dysplastic form, in comparison to locally occurring squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, or benign skin lesions.

[Connective tissue growth factor induced differentiation of placenta mesenchymal stem cell into dermal fibroblast].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of placenta mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) differentiation into dermal fibroblast, and the potency of PMSCs used in cutaneous wound healing and stored as seed cells. METHODS: Enzyme digestion method was used to obtain PMSCs, and PMSCs were amplified after culture in vitro. Flow cytometry assay, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were done for MSCs identification. The induction medium composed of DMEM/F12 + 50 microg/ml VC + 100 ng/ml connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was added into the 24-well plate for 16 days induction period. Pictures were taken to record morphologic change. Immunofluorescence tests were performed to detect Vimentin, FSP-1, collagen I , collagen III, desmin and laminin expression before and after induction. At the same time osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were used to assay the differentiation ability change after induction. The induced dermal fibroblasts were frozen in liquid nitrogen and recovery and trypan blue was used to detect cell viability. RESULTS: After CTGF induction, PMSCs got obvious fibroblasts morphology, the protein level of Vimentin, FSP-1, collagen I, collagen III and Laminin increased, PMSCs started to express Desmin, the dermal fibroblasts specific proteins, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability was diminished. PMSCs were successfully induced into dermal fibroblasts, and these induced cells could get a high cell viability ( more than 90% ) after recovery. CONCLUSIONS: PMSCs could be induced into dermal fibroblasts by CTGF in vitro. PMSCs have the potential application in skin wound healing, and can be used as seed cells of dermal fibroblasts.

Characterization of MR-1, a novel myofibrillogenesis regulator in human muscle.

The actin-myosin contractile apparatus consists of several thick filament and thin filament proteins. Specific regulatory mechanisms are involved in this highly ordered process. In this paper, we reported the identification and characterization of a novel myofibrillogenesis regulator, MR-1. The MR-1 gene was cloned from human skeletal muscle cDNA library by using a strategy that involves EST data base searching, PCR and RACE. The MR-1 gene is located on human chromosome 2q35 and encodes a 142 aa protein. Northern blot revealed that the mRNA level of MR-1 was highest in the skeletal muscle and certain level of MR-1 expression was also observed in heart, liver and kidney. Immunohistochemical assay confirmed that the MR-1 protein existed in human myocardial myofibrils. It was found by yeast two-hybrid screening and confirmed by in vitro binding assay that MR-1 could interact with sarcomeric proteins, such as myosin regulatory light chain, myomesin 1 and beta-enolase. These studies suggested that MR-1 might play a regulatory role in the muscle cell and it was worth investigating further.