Resveratrol improved the developmental potential of oocytes after vitrification by modifying the epigenetics

Resveratrol (Res) has been reported to be able to improve oocyte vitrification because of its antioxidative properties. The objective of this study was to further assess the positive effect of Res addition on the developmental potential of vitrified mouse oocytes from the perspective of epigenetic alterations. First, 2 μM Res was chosen as the optimal concentration on the basis of its effects on survival and its antioxidative properties. We found that Res addition significantly promoted fertilization (63.8% vs. 42.9%) and blastocyst formation (68.3% vs. 50.2%) after oocyte vitrification. The quality of the derived blastocysts was also higher after Res treatment. Regarding epigenetic aspects, the expression of the important deacetylase SIRT1 was found to decrease significantly upon vitrification, but it was rescued by Res. The abnormal levels of H3K9 acetylation and DNA methylation in vitrified oocytes were restored by Res addition. Moreover, the expression of several imprinted genes was affected by oocyte vitrification. Among them, abnormal Gtl2 and Peg3 expression levels were restored by Res addition. Therefore, the methylation of their imprinted control regions (ICRs) was examined. Surprisingly, the abnormal patterns of Gtl2 and Peg3 methylation in blastocysts developed from vitrified oocytes were both restored by Res addition. Finally, the full‐term embryonic development showed that the birth rate was improved significantly by Res addition (56.2% vs. 38.1%). Collectively, Res was beneficial for the pre‐ and postimplantation embryonic development. Except for the antioxidative activity, Res also played a role in the correction of some abnormal epigenetic modifications caused by oocyte vitrification.     

Organic/inorganic nanohybrids as multifunctional gene delivery systems

In this review, we summarize the rational design and versatile application of organic/inorganic hybrid gene carriers as multifunctional delivery systems. Organic/inorganic nanohybrids with both organic and inorganic components in one nanoparticle have attracted intense attention because of their favorable properties. Particularly, nanohybrids comprising cationic polymers and inorganic nanoparticles are considered to be promising candidates as multifunctional gene delivery systems. In this review, we begin with an introduction of gene delivery and gene carriers to demonstrate the incentive for fabricating nanohybrids as multifunctional carriers. Next, the construction strategies and morphology effects of organic/inorganic hybrid gene carriers are summarized and discussed. Both sections provide valuable information for the design and synthesis of hybrid gene carriers with superior properties. Finally, an overview is provided of the application of nanohybrids as multifunctional gene carriers. Diverse therapies and versatile imaging‐guided therapies have been achieved via the rational design of nanohybrids. In addition to a simple combination of the functions of organic and inorganic components, the performances arising from the synergistic effects of both components are considered to be more intriguing. In summary, this review might offer guidance for the understanding of organic/inorganic nanohybrids as multifunctional gene delivery systems.     

Quality,bioactivity study,and preclinical acute toxicity,safety pharmacology evaluation of PEGylated recombinant human endostatin (M2ES)

Endostar, a potent endogenous antiangiogenic factor, is wildly used in clinics. However, it was easily degraded by enzymes and rapidly cleared by the kidneys. To overcome these shortcomings, PEGylated recombinant human endostatin was developed. In this study, the purity of M₂ES was evaluated by silver stain and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Ultraviolet spectrum was used to examine the structural of M₂ES and endostar. The bioactivity and antitumor efficacy of M₂ES were evaluated using an in vitro endothelial cell migration model and athymic nude mouse xenograft model of a heterogeneous lung adenocarcinoma, respectively. A preclinical study was performed to evaluate the acute toxicity and safety pharmacology in rhesus monkeys. The purity of M₂ES was more than 98%; PEG modification has no effect on endostatin structure. Compared with the control group, M₂ES dramatically retards endothelial cell migration and tumor growth. After intravenous (IV) infusions of M₂ES at a dose level of three and 75 mg/kg in rhesus monkeys, there was no observable serious adverse event in both acute toxicity and safety pharmacology study. On the basis of the quality and bioactivity study data of M₂ES and the absence of serious side effect in rhesus monkeys, M₂ES was authorized to initiate a phase I clinical trial.     

Overexpression of RYBP inhibits proliferation,invasion, and chemoresistance to cisplatin in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells via the EGFR pathway

Ring1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP), a new member of the polycomb group protein family, has been reported to play an important role in various biological processes. Recently, more and more studies have demonstrated an implication of RYBP in cancer development. However, the specific role of RYBP in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated for the first time the expression pattern and biological functions of RYBP in ATC. We showed that RYBP was lowly expressed in ATC tissues and cell lines. We also found that overexpression of RYBP inhibited ATC cell proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, we observed that upregulation of RYBP decreased the phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2 in ATC cells. Taken together, our data indicated that RYBP might be considered as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ATC.     

Condensin-Dependent Chromatin Compaction Represses Transcription Globally during Quiescence

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Assembly of rhizosphere microbial communities in Artemisia annua: recruitment of plant growth‐promoting microorganisms and inter‐kingdom interactions between bacteria and fungi

Plant and Soil - Plant roots assemble unique microbial communities in rhizosphere, which are critical for plant adapting to natural environment. Given the pivotal importance of plant-microbe...     

Bak interacts with AKT and is involved in TNFα/CHX-induced apoptosis

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry - Bak is important for TNFα/CHX-induced neuronal death, but the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. At the same time, TNFα/CHX concomitantly...