Biomedical subjects

Jun Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Jun Wang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Metabolic depot for nucleated erythrocyte degradation: molecular and structural elucidation of the teleost melanomacrophage center.

The function of melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) has long been controversial. While their foundational function is widely accepted as "metabolic dumps" for waste processing, a widely circulated hypothesis posits that they are primitive germinal centers (GCs) executing adaptive immunity. To elucidate this controversy, this study systematically evaluated the splenic MMCs in a higher teleost ( Micropterus salmoides) by combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution spatial transcriptomics. Structurally, TEM revealed that the MMC comprises a core with characteristic sparse cellular density, filled with cellular debris and encapsulated by a fibrous layer. Molecularly, under physiological conditions, MMC regions exhibited low transcriptional activity. We did not detect clear enrichment of B cell and T cell lineage genes, and the key GC marker aicda was not observed. Conversely, its predominant molecular signature was characterized by macrophage-driven iron metabolism (e.g., ferritin) and erythrocyte degradation (e.g., hba1). Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of MMCs pigments (e.g., argyrophilia) suggest that traditional histological staining methods warrant cautious interpretation regarding potential non-specific signals. In conclusion, our findings characterize the MMC as a highly specialized metabolic processing and sequestration niche. This study provides new perspectives on the evolution of immune-metabolic homeostasis in poikilothermic vertebrates, advances comparative immunology, and offers a critical scientific reference for the accurate interpretation of MMCs as a biological indicator in pathology and ecotoxicology.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveillance and ORF5-Based Molecular Epidemiology of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Anhui Province, China, 2019-2024.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains a major threat to swine production, and its circulation after the African swine fever outbreak requires continued surveillance. This study investigated the temporal, regional, and genetic characteristics of PRRSV in Anhui Province from September 2019 to November 2024. Ten rounds of repeated cross-sectional surveillance were conducted at 147 slaughterhouses and 21 rendering plants. Tissue samples were collected by random, cluster, or risk-based sampling, pooled in groups of five, and tested by RT-qPCR. Representative positive samples with Ct values < 25 underwent ORF5 amplification, Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 994 site visits yielded 18,733 tissue samples. No positive samples were detected in autumn 2020 or spring 2021, whereas PRRSV was detected again from autumn 2021 and subsequently fluctuated. The highest site-level positivity was 41.18% in autumn 2023, and the highest estimated individual-level positivity was 4.66% in spring 2023. Regional differences were statistically significant, with the highest site-level positivity in northern Anhui, and pooled-sample positivity was higher in rendering plants than in slaughterhouses. All 24 ORF5 sequences belonged to PRRSV-2 and mainly clustered with NADC30-like, NADC34-like, or MLV/classical strains. These findings demonstrate temporal fluctuations and lineage coexistence, supporting continued multisource surveillance and broader genomic and antigenic evaluation.

NADC30-like↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of Keverprazan-based versus esomeprazole-based dual therapy for initial treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Keverprazan offers a new perspective for Helicobacter pylori eradication. This study compared 14-day keverprazan-amoxicillin therapy with esomeprazole-amoxicillin therapy to explore a superior treatment strategy. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial in adult patients with treatment-naive H. pylori infection. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 14-day of KA therapy (Keverprazan 20 mg b.i.d plus amoxicillin 1 g t.i.d) or 14-day of EA therapy (Esomeprazole 40 mg b.i.d plus amoxicillin 1 g t.i.d). The primary outcome was the H. pylori eradication rate. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of adverse events and patient adherence. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients were enrolled in the study. In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rates for the 14-day KA group and the 14-day EA group were 87.9% and 80.3%, respectively (p = 0.092); in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analysis, the eradication rates were 92.1% and 86.2%, respectively (p = 0.135); and in the per-protocol (PP) analysis, the eradication rates were 93.5% and 88.3%, respectively (p = 0.155). Non-inferiority was confirmed between the two groups (all p < 0.001). Adverse events and patient adherence were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: For treatment-naive H. pylori infection, the 14-day KA therapy is non-inferior to EA therapy. Given its good tolerability, pharmacogenomic independence, and potent acid suppression, KA is a rational first-line alternative to EA in the Chinese population.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The opioid receptor-ligand network in human cancers: pan-cancer multi-omics profiling and translational implications.

BACKGROUND: Opioid receptor-ligand signalling has been implicated in tumour biology and perioperative outcomes; however, its pan-cancer molecular landscape and clinical relevance remain incompletely defined. METHODS: We performed a pan-cancer multi-omics analysis of eight predefined opioid receptor-ligand genes across 33 tumour types from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Analyses included gene expression analysis using the linear models for microarray data (limma) package, genomic alterations, DNA methylation, regulatory network inference, pathway activity estimation using gene set variation analysis, and survival modelling. Multivariable Cox regression models were adjusted for age, sex, and tumour stage. RESULTS: Opioid receptor-ligand genes exhibited heterogeneous and generally low-to-moderate expression across tumour types. Genomic and epigenetic alterations were tumour-specific and variably associated with gene expression. Selected genes showed associations with overall survival in a tumour-dependent manner; however, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for clinical covariates and were accompanied by wide confidence intervals in some cohorts. Pathway analyses suggested associations with broader biological programmes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune-related pathways. Regulatory analyses identified candidate transcription factors and miRNAs, although these findings are exploratory. CONCLUSIONS: This pan-cancer analysis provides a systematic overview of opioid receptor-ligand gene features across human cancers. The observed associations are context-dependent and should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Further mechanistic and prospective studies are required to determine the clinical relevance of opioid signalling in cancer and perioperative settings.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Dosimetric Parameters of the Heart and Its Substructures in Predicting Cardiac Events or Survival in Patients With Lung Cancer After Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The predictive value of radiation dose to the whole heart (WH) and cardiac substructures (CS) for cardiac events (CEs) and survival in patients with lung cancer remains uncertain. The goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an evidence-based estimate of the relationship between these associations. A systematic meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Series. Outcomes were classified into major adverse cardiac events (MACE), arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, and survival. Depending on heterogeneity, random- or fixed-effects models were applied to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for univariable and multivariable analyses. A total of 80 studies, including 21,645 patients, were analyzed. Of these, 25 studies reported CEs, and 69 reported survival outcomes. Among 91 WH and 215 CS parameters evaluated, several showed significant associations. Key findings from our meta-analysis include: (1) left anterior descending (LAD) V15 was significantly associated with MACE. The mean heart dose (MHD), as well as ventricle and LAD doses, were significantly associated with ischemic events. (2) Multiple CS parameters were associated with different arrhythmia subtypes. (3) MHD, heart V5/V35/V55 and pericardial doses were significantly associated with pericardial effusion. (4) MHD was significantly associated with survival; CS parameters also showed predictive value, and especially, heart base dose being the most significant. (5) We also identified several thresholds with potential predictive values, such as LAD V15 <10% for MACE, left pulmonary vein (LPV) V55 <2%, and right pulmonary vein (RPV) V10 <54% for atrial fibrillation (AF), right atrium (RA) V60 <0.03 cc for non-AF supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, and left main artery (LMA) V10 ≥1 cc for bradyarrhythmia. This study identified 130 WH and CS dosimetric parameters associated with CEs and 131 with survival outcomes. These findings enhance our understanding of radiation-induced heart injury mechanisms and provide guidance for potential protective and intervention strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide association and multi-omics functional screens reveal the genetic architecture of foveal development.

Foveal hypoplasia causes visual impairment across congenital eye disorders, yet the genetic programmes governing foveal development remain poorly characterised and no tractable model exists for foveal disease. In the first genome-wide association study of foveal hypoplasia, we identified 42 sentinel variants mapping to 54 effector genes supported by ≥ 2 criteria from a variant-to-gene framework incorporating developmental multi-omics. Disruption of six effector genes using mutant lines and CRISPR knockouts in the zebrafish high acuity zone recapitulates structural, functional, and ultrastructural hallmarks of foveal hypoplasia, establishing the first vertebrate disease model. Integration with human foetal single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveals two temporal waves of effector gene expression and identifies Müller glia as critical mediators of foveal patterning. Phenome-wide analyses reveal foveal variants are pleiotropic with refractive, lenticular, and metabolic traits, connecting foveal development to anterior segment and systemic disease biology. These findings should inform mechanistic studies of macular disease.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Maraviroc alleviates neuropathic pain symptoms in a mouse model of spared nerve injury.

Chronic pain represents a major health problem in the health care system. According to the CDC data brief in 2020, 20.4% of adults have chronic pain. There has been no promising therapy for chronic pain. Currently available treatments include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, corticosteroids, opioids, and cannabinoids, all of which may cause various negative side effects. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel, efficacious, and safe interventions for treating pain. Studies have shown that proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines make important contributions to the initiation and persistence of pain. We have found that C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 levels increased at day 14 post-spared nerve injury (SNI). This study was designed to investigate the effect of maraviroc (MVC), an FDA-approved CCR5 antagonist, on neuropathic pain in a mouse model of SNI. We found that MVC alleviated SNI-induced mechanical allodynia at 3, 7, and 14 days postinjury. MVC treatment also prevented SNI-mediated thermal hypersensitivity at 7 and 14 days postinjury in both male and female cohorts. SNI resulted in weight-bearing deficits, which were corrected by MVC administration in male mice. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that MVC rescued SNI-induced dysregulation of sex-specific canonical pathways in the spinal cord. Collectively, our findings showed that MVC could reduce neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury, providing a base for the repurposing of this FDA-approved human immunodeficiency virus drug as a pain reducer in clinical applications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain is associated with upregulation of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 5. Targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 5-CCR5 axis with FDA-approved maraviroc alleviated pain phenotype through modulating different pathways in male and female mice.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Genetic Association Between Sleep Traits and Vertigo Risk: A Two-sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggest the potential association between sleep traits and vertigo; however, causal evidence remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between genetically predicted sleep traits and vertigo with the Mendelian randomization (MR) method. METHODS: Instrumental variables for sleep traits (snoring, sleep duration, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, daytime napping, and chronotype) were adopted from genomewide association studies (GWAS) data of European ancestry from UK Biobank. The summary-level datasets of vertigo were retrieved from the GWAS of FinnGen. Inversevariance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the main analysis. RESULTS: IVW analysis revealed a significant association between genetically predicted daytime napping (OR = 1.51, 95% CI =1.08-2.12, P = 0.016) and chronotype (OR = 1.13, 95% CI =1.01-1.26, P = 0.033), both of which were associated with an increased risk of vertigo. However, we did not find evidence for a causal effect of snoring, overall sleep duration, long sleep duration, short sleep duration, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness on vertigo. No reverse causality was detected. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that abnormal sleep patterns may serve as risk factors for vertigo disorders and offer opportunities for the prevention and management of vertigo disorders.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

New insights into soil amendment: Impact of humic acid on typical antibiotic resistance in agricultural soil.

Humic acid (HA) addition can improve agricultural soil, but little is known about how it affects the soil resistome. In this study, we used selective agar plate combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate how HA influences antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in soil contaminated with erythromycin and kanamycin. 0.1 % HA reduced the abundance of culturable erythromycin-resistant bacteria (ERB), while promoting the growth of kanamycin-resistant bacteria (KRB). Lysinibacillus and Paenibacillus were the dominant genera in ERB and KRB, respectively, governing the changes in their abundances. At this concentration, the Lysinibacillus abundance in ERB decreased from 96.74 % to 70.57 %. Meanwhile, that of Paenibacillus in KRB increased from 33.40 % to 77.44 %. The copy number of ermF decreased after HA addition, while that of ermB increased. Furthermore, 0.1 % HA significantly reduced the copy number and relative abundance of aadA1 and aac(6')-Ib (aka aacA4)-03 in the soil. Changes in these two types of ARB and ARGs were primarily driven by shifts in the microbial community structure. Soil physicochemical properties, particularly increased organic matter (OM), altered the absolute abundance of ermB. Meanwhile, changes in intI1 abundance determined the risk associated with aadA1 and aac(6')-Ib (aka aacA4)-03. These findings emphasize the dual role of HA in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in agricultural soils and highlight the necessity of considering dose-dependent effects when applying HA as a soil amendment.

Soil Microbiology↗

PubMed2025

Combining QTL mapping and RNA-Seq reveals candidate genes controlling flag leaf width in foxtail millet.

BACKGROUND: The flag leaf, a crucial component of plant architecture, significantly influences final grain yield in crops, including foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). Optimizing flag leaf size is considered an effective strategy for enhancing grain yield potential under higher planting densities. However, the genetic mechanism underlying flag leaf size, particularly flag leaf width (FLW), remains largely unknown under varying planting densities in foxtail millet. RESULTS: An FLW phenotype variation analysis was conducted across multiple planting densities using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Heizhigu (narrow leaf) and Changnong 35 (wide leaf). Based on a high-density genetic map with 3795 Bin markers, 11 flag leaf width (FLW) QTLs were identified on chromosomes 3, 5, and 6, explaining 2.35%-36.06%. Among these, qFLW5-2 was a major QTL, detected consistently across 3 environments and explaining a large proportion of FLW variation. The QTL was further validated with 9 InDel markers with its candidate region across different planting densities. Moreover, RNA-seq revealed 2,293 and 2,338 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between biparents at heading stage and grain filling stage, respectively. There were 11 and 9 DEGs within the location range of qFLW5-2 among 2 comparison groups (HZG-H_vs_CN35-H and HZG-G_vs_CN35-G). Combining QTL mapping and RNA-seq, we speculated that Seita.5g134600 (encoding an auxin responsive protein Aux/IAA) and Seita.5G123900 (encoding a cytochrome P450 family protein) as key candidate genes for qFLW5-2. Furthermore, variation analysis confirmed that the lines or germplasm with Seita.5G1346005UTR277+ allele, both within the RIL population and natural populations, exhibited significantly wider leaves than those with Seita.5G1346005UTR277- allele. These findings advance our understanding of the genetic and molecular regulatory mechanisms governing flag leaf growth. CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates genetic and molecular mechanism regulating flag leaf growth and development in foxtail millet. The results provide a theoretical foundation for improving plant architecture and facilitating molecular marker-assisted breeding in this crop.

Quantitative Trait Loci↗

PubMed2025

Genetic risk factors modulate the association between physical activity and colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is an established protective factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), but it is unclear if genetic variants modify this effect. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a genome-wide gene-PA interaction analysis. METHODS: Using logistic regression and two-step and joint tests, we analyzed interactions between common genetic variants across the genome and PA in relation to CRC risk. Self-reported PA levels were categorized as active (≥ 8.75 MET-h/wk) vs. inactive (< 8.75 MET-h/wk) and as study- and sex-specific quartiles of activity. RESULTS: PA had an overall protective effect on CRC (OR [active vs. inactive] = 0.85; 95%CI = 0.81-0.90). The two-step GxE method identified an interaction between rs4779584, an intergenic variant near the GREM1 and SCG5 genes, and PA for CRC risk (p-interaction = 2.6×10- 8). Stratification by genotype at this locus showed a significant reduction in CRC risk by 20% in active vs. inactive participants with the CC genotype (OR = 0.80; 95%CI = 0.75-0.85), but no significant PA-CRC association among CT or TT carriers. When PA was modeled as quartiles, the 1-d.f. GxE test identified that rs56906466, an intergenic variant near the KCNG1 gene, modified the association between PA and CRC (p-interaction = 3.5×10- 8). Stratification at this locus showed that increase in PA (highest vs. lowest quartile) was associated with a lower CRC risk solely among TT carriers (OR = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.72-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we identified two genetic variants that modified the association between PA and CRC risk. One of them, related to GREM1 and SCG5, suggests that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-related, inflammatory, and/or insulin signaling pathways may be associated with the protective influence of PA on colorectal carcinogenesis.

GWAS↗

PubMed2025

Proximity between LAG-3 and the T cell receptor guides suppression of T cell activation and autoimmunity.

Therapeutically targeting pathogenic T cells in autoimmune diseases has been challenging. Although LAG-3, an inhibitory checkpoint receptor specifically expressed on activated T cells, is known to bind to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II), we demonstrate that MHC class II interaction alone is insufficient for optimal LAG-3 function. Instead, LAG-3's spatial proximity to T cell receptor (TCR) but not CD4 co-receptor, facilitated by cognate peptide-MHC class II, is crucial in mediating CD4+ T cell suppression. Mechanistically, LAG-3 forms condensate with TCR signaling component CD3ε through its intracellular FSAL motif, disrupting CD3ε/lymphocyte-specific protein kinase (Lck) association. To exploit LAG-3's proximity to TCR and maximize LAG-3-dependent T cell suppression, we develop an Fc-attenuated LAG-3/TCR inhibitory bispecific antibody to bypass the requirement of cognate peptide-MHC class II. This approach allows for potent suppression of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and effectively alleviates autoimmune symptoms in mouse models. Our findings reveal an intricate and conditional checkpoint modulatory mechanism and highlight targeting of LAG-3/TCR cis-proximity for T cell-driven autoimmune diseases lacking effective and well-tolerated immunotherapies.

Animals↗

PubMed2007

Investigation on the transition crystal of ordinary rutile TiO2 powder by microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution and its sonocatalytic activity.

The transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst with high sonocatalytic activity was obtained utilizing the microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. At the same time a series of affecting factors (microwave irradiation time, heat-treated time and heat-treated temperature) to prepare the TiO(2) catalyst on the sonocatalytic degradation of parathion were considered in this paper. The ultrasound of low power was used as an irradiation source to induce treated TiO(2) particles to perform catalytic activity. The results show that the sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder is obviously higher than those of pure ordinary rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders. At last, the parathion in aqueous solution was degraded completely and became some simple inorganic ions such as NO(3)(-), PO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-), etc. The degradation ratio of parathion in the presence of the transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst attains nearly 80% within 60 min ultrasonic irradiation, while corresponding ones are only 65.23% and 53.88%, respectively, for pure ordinary rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2007

Androgen receptor decoy molecules block the growth of prostate cancer.

The androgen receptor (AR) is activated by both ligand-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Current therapies for prostate cancer target the ligand-binding domain in the C terminus of the AR. However, ligand-independent activation of the AR occurs by the N-terminal domain (NTD), making the NTD a potential novel target for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. A possible therapeutic approach is to overexpress an AR NTD peptide to create decoy molecules that competitively bind the interacting proteins required for activation of the endogenous full-length AR. We provide evidence that in vivo expression of AR NTD decoys decreased tumor incidence and inhibited the growth of prostate cancer tumors. This growth inhibition was characterized by a 10-fold decrease in serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (46.7 ng/ml+/-19.9 vs. 432.4 ng/ml+/-201.3; P=0.0299) and a 4-fold decrease in tumor volume (92.2 mm3+/-43.4 vs. 331.4 mm3+/-85.5; P=0.011). AR NTD decoy molecules also delayed hormonal progression, as determined by time to rising PSA levels after castration of the host. The tumors treated with AR NTD decoys contained more apoptotic cells and fewer proliferating cells, whereas no effect was seen on the viability of cells that did not depend on the AR. This work provides further evidence of the importance of the NTD of the AR in the progression of prostate cancer and presents a target for the development of antagonists of the AR in the clinical management of this disease.

Animals↗

PubMed2007

Neuronal apoptotic signaling pathways probed and intervened by synthetically and modularly modified (SMM) chemokines.

As the main coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry, CXCR4 and CCR5 play important roles in HIV-associated dementia (HAD). HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 contributes to HAD by causing neuronal damage and death, either directly by triggering apoptotic pathways or indirectly by stimulating glial cells to release neurotoxins. Here, to understand the mechanism of CXCR4 or CCR5 signaling in neuronal apoptosis associated with HAD, we have applied synthetically and modularly modified (SMM)-chemokine analogs derived from natural stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha or viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II as chemical probes of the mechanism(s) whereby these SMM-chemokines prevent or promote neuronal apoptosis. We show that inherently neurotoxic natural ligands of CXCR4, such as stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha or viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II, can be modified to protect neurons from apoptosis induced by CXCR4-preferring gp120(IIIB), and that the inhibition of CCR5 by antagonist SMM-chemokines, unlike neuroprotective CCR5 natural ligands, leads to neurotoxicity by activating a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway. Furthermore, we discover distinct signaling pathways activated by different chemokine ligands that are either natural agonists or synthetic antagonists, thus demonstrating a chemical biology strategy of using chemically engineered inhibitors of chemokine receptors to study the signaling mechanism of neuronal apoptosis and survival.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗

PubMed2007

Photo-induced cold vapor generation with low molecular weight alcohol, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid for atomic fluorescence spectrometric determination of mercury.

With UV irradiation, Hg(2+) in aqueous solution can be converted into Hg(0) cold vapor by low molecular weight alcohols, aldehydes, or carboxylic acids, e.g., methanol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glycol, 1,2-propanediol, glycerol, acetic acid, oxalic acid, or malonic acid. It was found that the presence of nano-TiO(2) more or less improved the efficiency of the photo-induced chemical/cold vapor generation (photo-CVG) with most of the organic reductants. The nano-TiO(2)-enhanced photo-CVG systems can be coupled to various analytical atomic spectrometric techniques for the determination of ultratrace mercury. In this work, we evaluated the application of this method to the atomic fluorescence spectrometric (AFS) determination of mercury in cold vapor mode. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the instrumental limits of detection (based on three times the standard deviation of 11 measurements of a blank solution) were around 0.02-0.04 microg L(-1), with linear dynamic ranges up to 15 microg L(-1). The interference of transition metals and the mechanism of the photo-CVG are briefly discussed. Real sample analysis using the photo-CVG-AFS method revealed that it was promising for water and geological analysis of ultralow levels of mercury.

Alcohols↗

PubMed2007

Transient expression of FOXP3 in human activated nonregulatory CD4+ T cells.

Foxp3 plays a key role in CD4+ CD25+ T(reg) cell function in mice and represents a specific marker for these cells. Despite the strong association between FOXP3 expression and regulatory function in fresh human T cells, little is known about the dynamics of endogenous FOXP3 expression and its relation to the suppressive function in activated human T cells. Here, we addressed the dynamics of FOXP3 expression during human CD4+ T cell activation by plate-bound anti-CD3 Ab as well as the relationship between its expression and regulatory function at the single-cell level. Our data show that FOXP3 is expressed in a high percentage of activated T cells after in vitro stimulation of human CD4+ CD25- cells. FOXP3 expression is strongly associated with hyporesponsiveness of activated T cells, but is not directly correlated with their suppressive capabilities, as we demonstrate that it is also expressed in activated nonsuppressive T cells. However, in this nonsuppressive T cell population, FOXP3 expression is transient, while it is stably expressed in activated T cells that do display suppressive function, and in natural CD4+ CD25++ T(reg) cells. These data indicate that expression of endogenous FOXP3, in humans, is not sufficient to induce regulatory T cell activity or to identify T(reg) cells.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗

PubMed2007

A microfluidic platform for sequential ligand labeling and cell binding analysis.

Developing biochemical and cell biological assay for screening biomolecules, evaluating their characteristics in biological processes, and determining their pharmacological effects represents a key technology in biomedical research. A PDMS-based integrated microfluidic platform was fabricated and tested for facilitating the labeling of ligand on the nanogram scale and sequential cell binding analysis in a manner that saves both time and reagents. Within this microfluidic platform, ligand labeling, cell immobolization, and optical analysis are performed in a miniaturized, continuous and semi-automated manner. This microfluidic device for ligand labeling and cell analysis is composed of two functional modules: (i) a circular reaction loop for fluorophore-labeling of the ligand and (ii) four parallel-oriented incubation chambers for immobilization of cells, binding of ligand to different cell populations, and optical evaluation of interactions between the labeled ligand and its cell targets. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) as the ligand and different cell lines with various levels of EGF receptor expression have been utilized to test the feasiblity of this microfluidic platform. When compared to studies with traditional Petri dish handling of cells and tissues, or even microwell analyses, experiments with the microfluidic platform described here are much less time consuming, conserve reagents, and are programmable, which makes these platforms a very promising new tool for biological studies.

Animals↗