Biomedical subjects

Xiaojuan Fan

Publications and source records attributed to Xiaojuan Fan.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Unbiased screen of human transcriptome reveals an unexpected role of 3'UTRs in translation initiation.

Although most eukaryotic mRNAs require a 5'-cap for translation initiation, some can also be translated through a poorly studied cap-independent pathway. Here we develop a circRNA-based system and unbiasedly identify more than 10,000 sequences in the human transcriptome that contain Cap-independent Translation Initiators (CiTIs). Surprisingly, most of the identified CiTIs are located in 3'UTRs, which mainly promote translation initiation in mRNAs bearing highly structured 5'UTR. Mechanistically, CiTI recruits several translation initiation factors including eIF3 and DHX29, which in turn unwind 5'UTR structures and facilitate ribosome scanning. Functionally, we show that the translation of HIF1A mRNA, an endogenous DHX29 target, is antagonistically regulated by its 5'UTR structure and a new 3'-CiTI in response to hypoxia. Consistently, deletion of 3'-CiTI suppresses cell growth in hypoxia and tumor progression in vivo. Collectively, our study uncovers a new regulatory mode for translation where the 3'UTR actively participate in the translation initiation.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Microfabrication using elastomeric stamp deformation.

Elastomeric stamp deformation has been utilized for the contact printing (CP) of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and, more recently, polymers and proteins. Here, we take advantage of this well-studied phenomenon to fabricate a series of new metal thin-film patterns not present on the original stamp. The rounded patterns are of nanoscale thickness, long-range order, and are created from elastomeric stamps with only straight-edged features. The metal was printed onto the surface of an alpha,omega-alkanedithiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The new shapes are controlled by a combination of stamp geometry design and the application of external pressure. Previously published rules on stamp deformation for contact printing of SAMs are invalid because the coating is instead a thin-metal film. This method represents a new pathway to micropatterning metal thin films, leading to shapes with higher complexity than the original lithographic masters.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Open metal-organic framework containing cuprate chains.

A three-dimensional Cu(II) metal-organic framework, copper hydroxide p-pyridinecarboxylate hydrate, [Cu(OH)(C5H4NCO2).H2O], was synthesized by hydrothermally reacting copper nitrate with p-pyridinecarboxylic acid. The crystals were suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, which showed that the Cu(II) centers adopt a slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry. They coordinate to both the pyridyl and carboxylate functionalities of the pyridinecarboxylate bridging ligands. Infinite copper oxide chains run through the structure and are connected by p-pyridinecarboxylate (p-PyC) ligands. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 3.5521(2) A, b = 15.8665(11) A, c = 12.9977(9) A, beta = 95.285(2) degrees , and Z = 4. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the guest H2O molecules in the channels may be removed, and the material is stable to ca. 245 degrees C. Magnetic measurements indicated the material has one-dimensional (1D) antiferromagnetic ordering within the Cu2+ chains with a Néel temperature of ca. 51 K. Data fitting to the Bonner-Fisher model yielded a coupling constant, J, of -7.3 cm(-1) and g factor of 2.15. The Curie tail below 20 K is due to a small amount of paramagnetic impurities, calculated to be approximately 0.2% in concentration. Further characterization of crystallinity and morphology are discussed, including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis, and optical microscopy.

Journal Article↗