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Human periodontal ligament stem cells promote oral ulcer healing in rats through modulation of TGF-β1/smad signaling.

BACKGROUND: Oral ulcers (OU) often present with prolonged healing, recurrent episodes, and scar formation, posing challenges for clinical management. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) have shown potential in oral tissue repair, but further research is needed to clarify their mechanism of action in OU healing. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which hPDLSCs promote oral ulcer healing. METHOD: To identify key regulatory genes, the OU-associated microarray dataset GSE37265 was integrated with hPDLSC genomic data for differential expression analysis. Subsequently, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify functional modules associated with OU healing. In vivo, hPDLSCs were locally administered into a rat ulcer model, and therapeutic efficacy was assessed by ulcer closure rates and histological evaluation (HE and Masson's trichrome staining). Furthermore, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on oral mucosal tissues to delineate the underlying molecular landscape and critical signaling pathways. The involvement of the TGF-β signaling pathway was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting (WB) analyses. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis identified 92 key genes in hPDLSCs-mediated treatment of OU, highlighting the central role of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. As shown by the animal studies, hPDLSCs therapy increased the healing rate to 97% by day 8 (vs. 70% in the model). Furthermore, the therapy significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and abnormal collagen deposition while promoting regular collagen arrangement. Transcriptomic and molecular experiments further showed that hPDLSCs simultaneously inhibit TGF-β1/Smad and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses and suppressing mucosal fibrosis. CONCLUSION: In this study, we reveal a novel role for hPDLSCs in promoting oral ulcer healing. The findings indicate that hPDLSCs suppress inflammation and fibrosis via the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for OU and other fibrotic conditions.

TGF-β1

Carrot Juice Intake Modulates Oncogenic and Inflammatory Pathways in Advanced Colorectal Adenomas: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

Carrots are a rich dietary source of carotenoids and polyacetylenes, bioactive compounds with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in experimental models. Epidemiological evidence suggests that carrot consumption is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer; however, clinical data linking carrot intake to molecular changes in premalignant colorectal tissue remain limited. In this pilot intervention study, 20 patients with advanced colorectal adenomas were enrolled. Fifteen participants consumed carrot juice daily for 21 days, while five served as untreated controls. Paired adenoma biopsies were collected before and after the intervention and were analyzed using gene expression microarrays to assess transcriptional responses. Carrot juice intake was well tolerated, with adherence exceeding 95% and no reported adverse events. Transcriptomic analysis revealed modulation of key pathways implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis, including downregulation of the WNT, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as cyclooxygenase-2-related inflammatory pathways and cytokine signaling. These changes were consistent with reduced oncogenic signaling and attenuation of inflammatory activity within adenoma tissue. In summary, short-term carrot juice consumption was associated with coordinated suppression of molecular pathways involved in colorectal adenoma progression. These findings provide preliminary clinical evidence that a whole-food dietary intervention may influence early carcinogenic processes and support the need for larger controlled studies evaluating clinical outcomes.

Journal Article

First-in-Class Small Molecule Inhibitor of Oncogene AVIL in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor, marked by rapid growth, extensive invasiveness, and a median survival of only ∼15 months despite current multimodal therapy. To identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities, we investigated the actin-regulatory protein AVIL, previously implicated through a MARS-AVIL gene fusion in rhabdomyosarcoma. Comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses across REMBRANDT, TCGA, and CGGA datasets revealed recurrent AVIL amplification and consistently elevated AVIL expression in GBM compared with normal brain tissue. AVIL was overexpressed across all GBM molecular subtypes and glioma stem cell (GSC) states but was nearly undetectable in normal astrocytes, neural stem cells, and brain tissues. Functional studies demonstrated that AVIL is both necessary and sufficient for glioma genesis: AVIL silencing eradicated GBM cells in vitro and suppressed xenograft growth in vivo, while AVIL overexpression enhanced proliferation, migration, and transformation. Mechanistically, AVIL drives tumor progression through actin cytoskeleton remodeling and activation of the FOXM1-LIN28B oncogenic pathway. Using a small molecule microarray screen, we identified a selective AVIL-binding compound (compound A) that potently inhibited GBM cell growth with minimal toxicity to normal astrocytes. Gene expression changes induced by compound A mirrored those following AVIL knockdown, indicating on-target activity. Compound A demonstrated robust antitumor efficacy in multiple preclinical GBM models, including orthotopic xenografts, GSC-derived tumors, patient-derived xenografts, and temozolomide-resistant GBM with favorable pharmacokinetics and blood-brain barrier penetration. The minimal AVIL expression in normal tissues and lack of phenotype in AVIL-deficient mice underscore its potential as a low-toxicity therapeutic target. Together, these findings establish AVIL as a critical oncogenic driver in GBM and introduce a first-in-class AVIL inhibitor with strong translational promise for precision neuro-oncology.

Glioblastoma

Similarities and differences between smoking-related gene expression in nasal and bronchial epithelium.

Previous studies have shown that physiological responses to cigarette smoke can be detected via bronchial airway epithelium gene expression profiling and that heterogeneity in this gene expression response to smoking is associated with lung cancer. In this study, we sought to determine the similarity of the effects of tobacco smoke throughout the respiratory tract by determining patterns of smoking-related gene expression in paired nasal and bronchial epithelial brushings collected from 14 healthy nonsmokers and 13 healthy current smokers. Using whole genome expression arrays, we identified 119 genes whose expression was affected by smoking similarly in both bronchial and nasal epithelium, including genes related to detoxification, oxidative stress, and wound healing. While the vast majority of smoking-related gene expression changes occur in both bronchial and nasal epithelium, we also identified 27 genes whose expression was affected by smoking more dramatically in bronchial epithelium than nasal epithelium. Both common and site-specific smoking-related gene expression profiles were validated using independent microarray datasets. Differential expression of select genes was also confirmed by RT-PCR. That smoking induces largely similar gene expression changes in both nasal and bronchial epithelium suggests that the consequences of cigarette smoke exposure can be measured in tissues throughout the respiratory tract. Our findings suggest that nasal epithelial gene expression may serve as a relatively noninvasive surrogate to measure physiological responses to cigarette smoke and/or other inhaled exposures in large-scale epidemiological studies.

Adult

MicroRNA-155 modulates STAT3 signaling by targeting KPNA1 in chronic chorioamnionitis of human placenta.

Chronic chorioamnionitis (CCA) is a placental inflammatory lesion characterized by maternal T cell infiltration and trophoblast apoptosis, resembling allograft rejection. MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is a central regulator of immune and inflammatory pathways, but its role in CCA remains unclear. This study investigated whether miR-155 contributes to the pathogenesis of CCA by targeting karyopherin α1 (KPNA1) and modulating STAT3 signaling in human trophoblasts. Placental tissues from 28 CCA cases and 16 gestational age-matched controls were analyzed for miR-155 expression using quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Functional assays were conducted in Swan 71 trophoblast cells following miR-155 overexpression and siRNA-mediated KPNA1 knockdown. Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses identified gene expression changes, while western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to evaluate STAT3 activity and direct target binding. miR-155 expression was significantly elevated in CCA fetal membranes. KPNA1 was identified as a direct target of miR-155, and its suppression reduced STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-155 binds to the 3' untranslated region of KPNA1 mRNA, thereby inhibiting its translation. These findings suggest that miR-155 downregulates KPNA1, leading to inhibition of STAT3 signaling in trophoblasts, which may contribute to maternal-fetal immune dysregulation and trophoblast apoptosis in CCA. The miR-155-KPNA1-STAT3 axis may represent a potential therapeutic target in pregnancy-related inflammatory disorders.

Humans

Phenotypic profiling of carbon utilization of Pectobacterium brasiliense (Pbr1692).

Pectobacterium brasiliense 1692 (Pbr1692) is a necrotrophic pathogen that infects many crops such as potatoes and ornamental plants and derives nutrients from degraded plant tissue. Previous studies have identified Pbr1692 genes required for ecological fitness and virulence, however there is a lack of information on nutrient utilization in Pbr1692. Carbon source utilization profiling in Pbr1692 could provide a platform to decipher its metabolic flexibility and adaptation. This study assessed the nutrient utilization of Pbr1692 in different carbon sources, using Biolog Phenotypic Microarray (PM). An array of carbon sources utilized by Pbr1692 were identified, 32 carbohydrates and 8 carboxylic acids were among the preferred carbon nutrients utilized by Pbr1692. The PM results also revealed that the citric acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, and pentose phosphate metabolic pathways might be used to produce energy for Pbr1692. In addition, growth of Pbr1692 cells in minimal medium supplemented with citric acid, glucose, and aspartic acid retained the typical rod shape, suggesting that nutrient variation did not influence Pbr1692 cell morphology adaptation. This study provides an understanding on the adaptation of Pbr1692 and lays a foundation for understanding carbon metabolism of Pbr1692.

Carbon

Thyroid hormone deprivation creates an immunological signature in the mouse liver, involving Kupffer cell presentation as the mouse ages.

PURPOSE: Aging is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic liver diseases suggesting impaired immune and metabolic function. In addition, thyroid hormone (TH) impacts liver physiology and TH deprivation or excess negatively affect organ maintenance. However, whether age-dependent consequences of TH alterations are reflected in a liver-specific adaptation is unknown so far. The present study aimed to characterize the impact of TH deprivation or excess on the liver transcriptome during aging. METHODS: Five- and 21-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were exposed either to chronic TH deprivation or to chronic TH excess and compared to control treatment by microarray-based liver transcriptome analysis. RESULTS: Significant roles of both TH state and age became obvious: Bioinformatic analysis of the liver transcriptome data revealed an age-dependent immune signature by chronic TH deprivation, an age-dependent immune and metabolic signature independent of exogenous TH modulation, as well as an age-dependent metabolic signature by chronic TH excess. Published data of single cell transcriptomic atlas characterizing aging tissues in the mouse were compared with our data and revealed Kupffer cell presentation in the immunological signature by TH deprivation during aging. Literature data for four prominent differentially expressed genes, namely C1qb, C3ar1, Ctss, and Msr1, revealed that the complement system, extracellular matrix remodelling, as well as the proinflammatory phenotype of Kupffer cells are altered by TH deprivation during aging. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study illuminates the interplay between TH deprivation, aging, and liver transcriptome signatures, highlighting potential implications for immune function and tissue maintenance, particularly through the modulation of Kupffer cell presentation.

Animals

Identification of multicohort-based predictive signature for NMIBC recurrence reveals SDCBP as a novel oncogene in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite surgical and intravesical chemotherapy interventions, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) poses a high risk of recurrence, which significantly impacts patient survival. Traditional clinical characteristics alone are inadequate for accurately assessing the risk of NMIBC recurrence, necessitating the development of novel predictive tools. METHODS: We analyzed microarray data of NMIBC samples obtained from the ArrayExpress and GEO databases. LASSO regression was utilized to develop the predictive signature. We combined gene signature and clinicopathological factors to construct a clinical nomogram for estimating NMIBC recurrence in a local cohort. Finally. the biological functions and potential mechanisms of SDCBP in bladder cancer were investigated experimentally in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: An 8-gene signature was developed, and its efficiency for predicting NMIBC recurrence was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and time-dependent ROC curves in both training and validation datasets. Immunohistochemical testing revealed elevated levels of ACTN4 and SDCBP in recurrent NMIBC tissues. We integrated the two proteins with clinical factors to develop a nomogram model, which showed superior accuracy compared to individual parameters. Gene Set Variation Analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis unveiled SDCBP exerted cancer-promoting biological processes, such as angiogenesis, EMT, metastasis and proliferation. Experimental procedures demonstrated that silencing SDCBP attenuated cell growth, glucose metabolism and extracellular acidification rate, accompanied by decreased expression of p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, LDHA and Vimentin. CONCLUSIONS: The established 8-gene signature holds promise as a tool for predicting NMIBC recurrence, while targeting SDCBP may represent a potential strategy for delaying disease relapse.

Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

Acute Changes in Rat Tissue Gene Expression Following Exposure to Flight Relevant Hypobaria.

Aeromedical evacuation (AE) is an invaluable tool for the transport of critically injured patients to care facilities. There is increasing evidence obtained from animal models and human patients that exposure to AE-relevant hypobaria within a few days of injury can worsen outcomes. The cause of this secondary injury is not well understood but it may be related to changes in gene expression induced by exposure to evacuation-relevant conditions. In order to explore the causes of secondary injury, gene expression induced by AE-relevant flight conditions was analyzed. Adult male rats were exposed to flight cabin-relevant hypobaria (8000 or 4000 ft equivalents) and/or different oxygen concentrations (21% or 100%) for 5 or 10 hr. At the end of the exposures, RNA was isolated from lung, blood, heart, and brain (hippocampus), levels of gene expression were measured via microarray analysis, and canonical pathway analysis identified the primary gene pathways enriched by the exposures. This information should be useful to not only optimize the health status of trauma patients undergoing aeromedical evacuation but also help determine which gene expression pathways could be modulated to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of the body's endogenous protection and repair mechanisms.

Animals

Diversified cell origin of Helicobacter pylori eradication-responsive gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.

A significant proportion of gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [DLBCL(MALT)] and without MALT ('pure' DLBCL) can be resolved by Helicobacter pylori eradication (HPE). Gastric MALT lymphoma is an indolent lymphoma derived from memory B cells in the marginal zone. In the present study, we aimed to explore the origin of large cells in HPE-responsive gastric DLBCLs (complete remission after HPE). We investigated gastric lymphoma biopsies from 31 patients with HPE-responsive DLBCLs [15 'pure' DLBCLs, 16 DLBCL(MALT)s]. We used the Hans algorithm (CD10, BCL-6, and MUM1) to define the origins of germinal center B cell (GCB) and non-GCB. To further ascertain the cellular origin, 11 'pure' DLBCLs were examined using an Agilent whole-human genome microarray. Eleven DLBCLs [eight with 'pure' DLBCL and three with DLBCL(MALT)] were also assessed using Lymph2Cx. Specific GCB markers, including BACH2, AID, and BCL2 rearrangement and enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) codon 641 mutations, were evaluated in 31 patients with HPE-responsive gastric DLBCLs. According to the Hans algorithm, 53% (8/15) of gastric 'pure' DLBCLs and 50% (8/16) of DLBCL(MALT)s were of the GCB phenotype. Gene expression assays revealed that five of six patients with 'Hans' GCB had GCB genetic signatures, whereas four of five patients with 'Hans' non-GCB had activated B-cell genetic signatures. The Lymph2Cx assay revealed the GCB subtype in seven of eight patients with 'Hans' GCB. The expression patterns of BACH2 (p = 0.005) and AID (p = 0.038) closely correlated with the 'Hans' GCB phenotype. BCL2 rearrangements and EZH2 codon 641 mutations were detected in 44% (7/16) and 13% (2/16) of patients with 'Hans' GCB, respectively. In another cohort of 29 HPE-unresponsive gastric DLBCLs [19 'pure' DLBCLs and 10 DLBCL(MALT)s], we found a close association between the 'Hans' GCB subtype and the GCB subtype as determined by the Agilent whole-human genome microarray and Lymph2Cx in lymphoma cells of these patients. In conclusion, more than half of HPE-responsive large cell lymphoma cases in the stomach were of GCB origin. © 2026 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Humans

Proteomic Heterogeneity of the Extracellular Matrix Identifies Histologic Subtype-Specific Fibroblast in Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly heterogeneous disease regarding histologic features, genotypes, and molecular phenotypes. Here, we investigate extracellular matrix (ECM)-centric analysis, examining its association with histologic subtypes and patient prognosis in human GC. We performed quantitative proteomic analysis of decellularized GC tissues that characterizes tumorous ECM, highlighting proteomic heterogeneity in ECM components. We identified 20 tumor-enriched proteins including four glycoproteins, serpin family H member 1 (SERPINH1), annexin family (ANXA3/4/5/13), S100A family (S100A6/8/9), MMP14, and other matrisome-associated proteins. In addition, histopathological characteristics of GC reveals differential expression in ECM composition, with the poorly cohesive carcinoma-not otherwise specified (PCC-NOS) subtype being distinctly demarcated from other histologic subtypes. Integrating ECM proteomics with single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified crucial molecular markers in the PCC-NOS-specific stroma. PCC-NOS-enriched matrisome proteins and gene expression signatures of adipogenic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFadi) are closely linked, both associated with adverse outcomes in GC. Using tumor microarray analysis, we confirmed the CAFadi surface marker, ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 8 (ABCA8), predominantly present in PCC-NOS tumors. Our ECM-focused analysis paves the way for studies to determine their utility as biomarkers for patient stratification, offering valuable insights for linking molecular and histologic features in GC.

Humans

Experimental study on the role and biomarker potential of CX3CR1 in osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder marked by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage and the formation of secondary osteophytes. Despite extensive research, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify OA-associated genes and elucidate the molecular pathways implicated, with the goal of discovering reliable diagnostic biomarkers. METHODS: The microarray dataset was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and analyzed using R software to identify the signature gene, CX3CR1. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) correlated with CX3CR1 were subsequently subjected to Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and immune infiltration analyses. A ceRNA regulatory network was also constructed. Vali-dation of CX3CR1 expression was conducted through qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: CX3CR1 emerged as a candidate gene significantly associated with OA, exhibiting regulatory roles primarily in lipid metabolism-related and extra-cellular matrix-related biological processes and signaling cascades. The infiltration levels of immune cells, particularly activated mast cells, appeared to modulate OA progression. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated elevated CX3CR1 expression in OA tissues relative to controls, with a robust positive correlation observed between CX3CR1 and MMP13 levels. CONCLUSION: CX3CR1 represents a potential biomarker for OA diagnosis and therapeutic targeting, exerting its effects by modulating lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix dynamics, and immune cell infiltration.

CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1

Early Transcriptional Changes in Neutrophil-Mediated Processes Following Recanalization After Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Recanalization therapies, including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, restore blood flow, yet many patients experience poor outcomes, a phenomenon known as futile recanalization. Given the short therapeutic window for ischemic stroke, identifying early biomarkers to guide targeted interventions and improve outcomes is critical. METHODS: Using a murine middle cerebral occlusion model that mimics a large vessel occlusion with recanalization, a comprehensive microarray analysis from blood samples collected immediately and 3 hours after recanalization (N=44) was performed. Differentially expressed genes, enrichment pathways, immune cell proportions, enriched cell markers, predicted micro-RNAs, and transcription factors were identified using RStudio. Findings in mice were validated with rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (GSE21136) and patients with stroke (GSE16561) data sets to confirm transcriptional changes in peripheral blood postrecanalization. RESULTS: Il1r2, Cd55, Mmp8, Cd14, and Cd69 were early biomarkers poststroke and postrecanalization. Cross-validation revealed Vcan as a differentially expressed gene conserved across species, making it a novel ischemic marker detected as early as 3 hours postrecanalization (4 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion) in mice, 24 hours after recanalization in rats (middle cerebral artery occlusion-thrombectomy), and within 24 hours from onset in humans receiving recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-thrombolysis. CIBERSORTx and ImmuCellAI-mouse deconvolution showed neutrophil elevation postrecanalization. Leukocyte and neutrophil activation pathways were enriched early after stroke in mice and humans, with stronger upregulation in the female sex. Several regulatory micro-RNAs were identified, and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 4 (NFE4) and Metal Regulatory Transcription Factor 1 (MTF1) emerged as key transcription factors. A coregulatory network underlying neutrophil activity was constructed, highlighting its central role in early responses to ischemia and recanalization, which was enriched in the female sex. CONCLUSIONS: We identified novel early genomic markers for ischemia and recanalization, including the conserved marker Vcan, and highlighted age- and sex-specific immune responses. Mapping a neutrophil-centered coregulatory network provides mechanistic insight into futile recanalization and supports the development of targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes.

Animals

Effect of Chang'an decoction on ulcerative colitis by regulating T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cellsRab27 in the p53/high mobility group box 1 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Chang'an decoction (, CAD) of ameliorating the immune imbalances in ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating Rab27 in the P53/high mobility group box 1 pathway. METHODS: The functions and important signaling pathways of the Rab27- and UC-related genes were analyzed viathe use of microarray data from the gene expression omnibus database, gene ontology database, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database and gene set enrichment analysis. Dextran sulfate sodium salt-induced colitis mouse model was used to verify the bioinformatics results. Colon length, body weight, and disease activity index were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to validate the histopathology. Tight junction proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. The proportions of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in mesenteric lymph nodes were measured viaflow cytometry. Proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL) 17 (IL-17), IL-21 and IL-22 and anti-inflammatory cytokines like transforming growth factor β and IL-10 in the serum and colon of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The expression levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), P53 and phospho- P53 (P-P53) in colonic tissues were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that compared with normal tissues, the expression of Rab27 was significantly increased in UC tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that Rab27 has the potential to be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of disease activity. Enrichment analysis showed that UC and Rab27 were mainly associated with small molecule transport, nutrient metabolism, transmembrane transport and the downstream pathway of P53. According to animal experiments, the expression of Rab27 was increased in UC tissues, which aggravated the colonic pathological damage, activated the expression of HMGB1, and also leaded to the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells. After CAD intervention, Rab27 overexpression, weight loss, colon shortening, and pathological damage were substantial reduced, the expression of tight junction proteins, zona occludens 1 and Occludin were increased. The effect of CAD at high-dose was more obvious. In addition, CAD upgraded the number of Treg cells and the production of TGF-β and IL-10, while decreasing the number of Th17 cells and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22). Moreover, colon inflammation was alleviated by CAD, as indicated by the regulation of HMGB1 and P-P53 expression. CONCLUSION: The expression of Rab27, HMGB1 and P-P53 could be decreased by CAD, and the balance of Th17 and Treg cells as well as their related cytokines could be regulated by CAD.

Animals

FZD5 drives macrophage-mediated immunomodulation and predicts prognosis in glioma: evidence from single-cell sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Gliomas are highly malignant brain tumors characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which limits therapeutic efficacy and contributes to poor clinical outcomes. The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is critically involved in tumor progression, and FZD5, a key receptor within this pathway, may participate in immune regulation. However, its specific role and underlying mechanisms in glioma remain unclear. METHODS: RNA-seq and microarray datasets from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), together with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets from GEO, were comprehensively analyzed. The Seurat package was used to identify macrophage-related clusters and mitophagy-associated pathways. Cox and LASSO regression analyses, along with a prognostic nomogram, were applied to evaluate the prognostic significance of FZD5. Immune infiltration, functional enrichment, and immunotherapy response analyses were conducted, followed by validation using spatial transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro assays. RESULTS: In bulk glioma transcriptomes, FZD5 emerged as an independent predictor of poor prognosis. Crucially, single-cell and spatial analyses revealed that the biologically significant FZD5 signal originated predominantly within tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), where it colocalized with the M2 marker CD163. Consistently, elevated FZD5 levels correlated with increased myeloid infiltration and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Functionally, macrophage-expressed FZD5 was associated with mitophagy-related programs and promoted an M2-skewed phenotype, thereby enhancing glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via macrophage-glioma crosstalk. CONCLUSION: FZD5 is a TAM-enriched marker in glioma tissues and a potential regulator of macrophage-associated immunosuppressive programs, supporting its utility as a prognostic biomarker and a candidate target for microenvironment-oriented interventions in glioma.

Humans

Identification of key immune-related genes and potential therapeutic drugs in diabetic nephropathy based on machine learning algorithms.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease. This study aims to identify immune biomarkers and potential therapeutic drugs in DN. METHODS: We analyzed two DN microarray datasets (GSE96804 and GSE30528) for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the Limma package, overlapping them with immune-related genes from ImmPort and InnateDB. LASSO regression, SVM-RFE, and random forest analysis identified four hub genes (EGF, PLTP, RGS2, PTGDS) as proficient predictors of DN. The model achieved an AUC of 0.995 and was validated on GSE142025. Single-cell RNA data (GSE183276) revealed increased hub gene expression in epithelial cells. CIBERSORT analysis showed differences in immune cell proportions between DN patients and controls, with the hub genes correlating positively with neutrophil infiltration. Molecular docking identified potential drugs: cysteamine, eltrombopag, and DMSO. And qPCR and western blot assays were used to confirm the expressions of the four hub genes. RESULTS: Analysis found 95 and 88 distinctively expressed immune genes in the two DN datasets, with 14 consistently differentially expressed immune-related genes. After machine learning algorithms, EGF, PLTP, RGS2, PTGDS were identified as the immune-related hub genes associated with DN. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of them were obviously elevated in HK-2 cells treated with glucose for 24 h, as well as their mRNA expressions in kidney tissues of mice with DN. CONCLUSION: This study identified 4 hub immune-related genes (EGF, PLTP, RGS2, PTGDS), as well as their expression profiles and the correlation with immune cell infiltration in DN.

Diabetic Nephropathies

Multi-level aggregation analysis of microbiome composition and host gene expression reveals associations with systemic and local immunity.

The human gut microbiome plays a critical role in immune regulation, yet the molecular links between microbiome composition and host gene expression remain incompletely understood. We analyzed associations between host gene expression and microbiome composition in a cohort of 315 healthy individuals, integrating microarray-based gene expression data from three intestinal sites (ileum, transverse colon, and rectum) and six immune cell types with microbiome sequencing data. Using a hierarchical feature aggregation strategy combining principal component analysis, clustering, and covariate correction, we discovered significant associations primarily related to immunity. While microbial profiles were similar across the three intestinal sites, the transverse colon yielded the most "microbiome-host gene expression" associations. Among the immune cell types, CD8+ cells showed the highest number of associations. The first principal component of microbiome composition, reflecting a gradient from commensals (e.g., Ruminococcaceae and Christensenellaceae) to proinflammatory taxa ([Ruminococcus] gnavus and Lachnoclostridium), correlated with the expression of TNF-α-linked genes (HMOX1, CPI17, HSD3B2, and SLC5A1). Among individual genera, Catenibacterium abundance was associated with gene expression in both intestinal and immune cells, including negative associations with MRPS21 (related to mitochondrial function) in the transverse colon and with CD8+ gene programs related to T cell differentiation. These findings align with emerging evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in intestinal inflammation. Our results identify multi-level associations between the gut microbiome and host gene expression, suggesting potential mechanisms by which microbiota shape local and systemic immunity and vice versa. The implicated genes and taxa represent candidates for experimental validation to improve understanding of host-microbiome homeostasis and its disruption in disease.IMPORTANCEThe gut microbiome and immune system are engaged in a complex interplay throughout human life. While most associative studies focus on case-control comparisons-typically examining patients with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or metabolic diseases-less is known about the molecular links between the microbiome and immune system in healthy individuals. In this study of a large cohort of healthy individuals, we addressed this gap by applying multiscale modeling to tackle the high dimensionality of host-microbiome data. We identified multi-level associations between microbiome composition and host gene expression in both intestinal tissues and immune cells. These findings offer a valuable reference for understanding baseline host-microbiome communication and highlight molecular candidates-such as TNF-α-related genes and mitochondrial pathways-for future experimental validation.

Humans

Transcriptomic analysis at 48 h postmortem: a proof of concept for the identification of biomarkers to estimate time since death.

BACKGROUND: The postmortem interval (PMI) refers to the time elapsed between an individual's death and the examination of the body. Tissues undergo a sequence of anatomical changes following death, which are routinely used to estimate the PMI. METHODS: To determine if these anatomical changes are associated with identifiable genomic adaptations that could characterize the PMI more accurately, we analyzed the rat skeletal muscle transcriptome at 0 and 48&#xa0;h postmortem using Clariom&#x2122; S arrays. This study investigates whether specific transcriptomic changes correlate with PMI progression, offering a potential molecular tool to complement established anatomical methods. RESULTS: A total of 3,873 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified, of which 2,787 downregulated and 1,086 upregulated transcripts. The most significantly downregulated mRNA was Tnni1 (FC = -30.95, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;1&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10-3), while the most upregulated were mt-ATP6, mt-ATP8, and mt-CO3 (FC&#x2009;>&#x2009;7.78, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;1.36&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10-12). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses revealed that mRNAs upregulated at 48&#xa0;h in the PMI were primarily associated with vascular and endothelial processes, including nitric oxide transport and angiogenesis. Conversely, downregulated mRNAs were linked to mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism, reflecting both a transient vascular response and metabolic pathway shutdown in the rat skeletal muscle. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate significant transcriptomic changes at 48&#xa0;h postmortem, highlighting specific genes and biological pathways that may serve as candidate biomarkers for PMI estimation.

Animals