Research using the model organism nematode C. elegans has greatly facilitated our understanding of sensory biology, including touch, olfaction, taste, vision and proprioception. While hearing had long been considered to be restricted to vertebrates and some arthropods, we recently discovered that C. elegans is capable of sensing and responding to airborne sound in a frequency and sound source-size-dependent manner. C. elegans auditory sensation occurs when airborne sound physically vibrates their external cuticle (skin) to activate the sound-sensitive mechanosensory FLP/PVD neurons via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), triggering aversive phonotaxis behavior. Here, we report stepwise methods to characterize these three features of C. elegans auditory sensation, including sound-evoked skin vibration, neuronal activation, and behavior. This approach provides an accessible platform to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying auditory sensation and mechanotransduction mechanisms in C. elegans.
Microbial communities exert a profound influence on various facets of animal behavior and physiology, making the comprehension of their interactions with hosts or the environment essential. Drosophila melanogaster, a widely recognized model organism, has been pivotal in elucidating host-microbe interactions. Despite the existence of several protocols for generating germ-free (GF) Drosophila, their reproducibility has been constrained by the technical difficulty of maintaining airtight conditions in centrifuge tubes. In this study, we introduce a refined method for the production of GF Drosophila, complemented by a straightforward verification process to ascertain its efficacy. We propose an innovative strategy employing bio-reaction tubes equipped with a 0.22 μm filter membrane cap, which facilitates the rearing and maintenance of GF flies, thereby streamlining the procedure and enhancing the efficiency of model construction.
Membrane proteins often need to be inserted into or attached to the cell membrane to perform their functions. Understanding their transmembrane topology and conformational dynamics during insertion is crucial for elucidating their roles. However, it remains challenging to monitor nanoscale changes in the insertion depth of individual proteins in membranes. Here, we introduce two single-molecule imaging methods, SIFA and LipoFRET, designed for in vitro observation of the nanoscale architecture of membrane proteins within membranes. These methods have demonstrated their efficacy in studying biomolecules interacting with bio-membranes with sub-nanometer precision.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare tumor that invades the blood and bone marrow, it is rapidly progressive, highly aggressive, and difficult to cure. Studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and ferroptosis play important roles in AML. However, few studies have been done on ferroptosis-related lncRNA for AML. To investigate the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNA in AML prognosis, we screened the differentially expressed genes related to ferroptosis and lncRNA. Ferroptosis-related lncRNA associated with AML prognosis was obtained by Pearson correlation analysis. By using univariate Cox analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and multivariate Cox analysis, the ten prognostic genes were used for constructing the prognostic model. The model was then validated using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis. The ROC results have shown that the model could better predict AML survival. We identified some mutated genes that may affect the poor prognosis based on the somatic mutation analysis. The enrichment pathway analysis of prognostic genes revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in some immune pathways and cancer pathways. By immune infiltration analysis, we found that high-risk patients may respond better to immunotherapy.
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a key molecule in the field of oncology, with significant impacts on tumor diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, it has paved the way for the development of radiotracers for quinoline-based FAP inhibitors (FAPIs), which are currently among the most promising radiotracers for PET imaging in cancer. We performed a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications related to FAP and FAPI-based radiotracers, which included the quantification and visualization of current research trends and prospects based on various bibliometric indicators. In our survey of FAP-related studies in the Web of Science Core Collection databases, R and VOSviewer were used for visualization and bibliometric analyses based on country, institute, author, journal, and keywords. We also examined the methodology, radionuclide type, imaging instruments, and major diseases associated with studies on FAPI-based radiotracers. The results revealed 2,664 FAP-related publications from 1992 to the present. Germany, the USA, and China dominated paper publications, multinational collaborations, and societal impacts on FAP research. Southwest Medical University was the most productive institute, while Haberkorn Uwe authored the most cited papers and the highest H-index. The European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the Journal of Nuclear Medicine were the most influential periodicals. Keywords "FAP", "68Ga-FAPI", and "PET/CT" emerged as the most significant in this field. This study may help elucidate current research trends, hotspots, and directions for future research.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show significant promise in treating immune diseases due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types and their immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms by which MSCs regulate CD4+T cells, essential for immune responses, are not yet fully understood. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how MSCs and their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) modulate CD4+T cells in immune diseases. We begin by discussing the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs and the factors contributing to their effectiveness. Following this, we explore how MSCs interact with CD4+T cells through various pathways, including the secretion of soluble factors, direct cell-cell contact, and EV-mediated communication. A key focus is on the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs, which are rich in bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These molecules can regulate the phenotype and function of CD4+T cells. The challenges and future perspectives in utilizing MSCs and EVs for immune-disease therapy are also addressed. Overall, this research aims to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind MSC-mediated regulation of CD4+T cells and provide insights into the potential use of MSCs and EVs as therapeutic tools in immune diseases. In summary, understanding how MSCs and their EVs control CD4+T cells can offer valuable perspectives for developing innovative immunotherapeutic approaches. Leveraging the immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs and EVs holds promise for managing immune-related disorders.
