Compartment-specific adaptive responses and dysregulation under NQO1 deficiency in diabetic kidney disease: A transcriptomic GSEA-based investigation.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) involves oxidative stress-driven damage to glomeruli (Gloms) and proximal convoluted tubules (PCT). NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) regulates redox balance, but its compartment-specific role remains unclear. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia increased albuminuria and foot process effacement, with NQO1 KO (NKO) mice exhibiting greater podocyte injury than WT, indicating exacerbated glomerular damage.

Genetic manipulation of OGT enhances NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in tumor immunity.

Introduction: Natural killer (NK) cells are essential effectors in immune surveillance and cancer immunotherapy, but their function is often compromised by metabolic stress and environmental factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). O-GlcNAcylation, a post-translational modification, regulates immune responses, yet its impact on NK cell function and therapeutic potential in immune cell-based therapies remains underexplored.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of O-GlcNAcylation on NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and its potential as a therapeutic target to enhance tumor immunity.

A Novel Peptide Antibiotic Targeting Gram-Negative Infections Designed from Adenylate Kinase.

We explored the lipopolysaccharide-binding properties of adenylate kinase from (MtAdk) to facilitate the design of novel peptide antibiotics. Notably, we de novo designed 11-mer peptides derived from the AMP-binding domain (Lys44 to Asp54) of MtAdk. Among 71 designed peptides, DD-S067 was the most effective, especially against carbapenem-resistant (CRAB), with minimal development of drug resistance.

KU4 inhibits adipocyte senescence in aged mice through necdin regulation of p53 activity.

Previously, we reported that KU4 (LKU4) ameliorates diet-induced metabolic disorders by regulating adipose tissue (AT) physiology. Since metabolic disorders and age-related pathological conditions mutually exacerbate each other, this study hypothesizes that LKU4 may protect against adipose senescence during aging. Thus, this study demonstrates that LKU4 administration suppresses age-related metabolic dysfunction and aging phenotypes in AT of 24-month-old mice.

Sulfiredoxin stimulates luteinization in vitro by promoting progesterone production in rats.

In Brief: Sulfiredoxin (Srxn1) is essential for corpus luteum formation during ovulation. Inhibition of Srxn1 with J14 suppressed LH-stimulated progesterone production, key gene expressions (Cyp11a1, StAR), and markers of luteinization. This highlights Srxn1's role in promoting LH-induced luteinization through the ERK, C/EBPβ, and Cyp11a1 pathways.

N-Degron-Based PROTAC Targeting PLK1: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Cervical Cancer.

: Cervical cancer remains a major global health concern, with existing chemotherapy facing limited effectiveness owing to resistance. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) overexpression in cervical cancer cells is a promising target for developing novel therapies to overcome chemoresistance and improve treatment efficacy. : In this study, we developed a novel PROTAC, NC1, targeting PLK1 PBD via the N-end rule pathway.

Theoretical Investigation of Ca Intercalation in WS as a Negative Electrode Material for Calcium-Ion Batteries: Supported by Experimental Evaluation.

Tungsten disulfide (WS), a two-dimensional layered material with favorable electronic properties, has been explored as a promising negative electrode material for calcium-ion batteries (CIBs). Despite its use in monovalent systems, its performance in divalent Ca intercalation remains poorly understood. Herein, a combined theoretical and experimental framework is used to elucidate the electronic mechanisms underlying Ca intercalation.

Alleviates Sarcopenia in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse-Prone 8 Mice.

, an intestinal bacterium, has garnered attention for its association with metabolic health and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its potential role in mitigating sarcopenia, particularly in the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model, remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential effects of supplementation on sarcopenia and its underlying mechanisms.

Chronic lung tissue deposition of inhaled polyethylene microplastics may lead to fibrotic lesions.

Given the expected increase in exposure to airborne microplastics, we here aimed to assess the acute and subchronic toxicity of inhaled polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs). At 24 h post-exposure (0, 125, 250, and 500 μg/lung), PE-MPs were found within alveolar macrophages in the lungs of PE-MP-treated mice, along with an increase in the total number of pulmonary cells and higher pulmonary levels of LDH, CXCL-1, and CCL-2. Similarly, when exposed twice for 14 days (weekly, 0, 125, 250, and 500 μg/lung), the total number of pulmonary cells and the levels of pulmonary chemokines and blood IgE were elevated, whereas the expression of surface proteins related to cell-to-cell interactions was inhibited on the pulmonary cells of mice exposed to PE-MPs.

Ferroelectric Quantum Dots for Retinomorphic In-Sensor Computing.

Quantum dots (QDs) offer significant potential for neuromorphic machine vision, owing to their high absorption coefficients, and to absorption that spans the ultraviolet-to-visible range. However, their practical application faces critical challenges in achieving accurate target recognition and tracking in low-light and dynamically-changing environments. A fundamental limitation is a result of the exciton-confinement effect of QDs, which impedes efficient exciton dissociation.

Interactions with tau's microtubule-binding repeats modulate amyloid-β aggregation and toxicity.

The complicated pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques, primarily composed of tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates, respectively. While substantial efforts have focused on unraveling the individual roles of tau and Aβ in AD development, the intricate interplay between these components remains elusive. Here we report how the microtubule-binding repeats of tau engage with Aβ in a distinct manner.

Tuning surface oxides on PdIn(111) alloys for selective CO activation pathways at ambient pressure.

Redox-mediated tuning of surface oxides on PdIn(111) alloys has been elucidated by atomic-scale AP-STM imaging and synchrotron-based AP-XPS. The segregation of Pd-In-O nanoclusters onto the topmost layer creates reactive interfacial oxide sites on Pd-In alloy surfaces, which modulate selective reaction pathways of catalytic CO activation under gaseous CO environments.

Discovery of intestinal microorganisms that affect the improvement of muscle strength.

This study provides the first evidence related to the identification of microbial strains closely associated with muscle strength enhancement, independent of the host's genetic background. Fecal transplants from humans into mice revealed a significant impact of gut bacteria on muscle strength, with some mice experiencing increases, while others showed no change or decreases. Interestingly, analysis of the fecal and gastrointestinal tract bacteria from each mouse classified by the degree of muscle strength revealed significant differences based on muscle strength.

Structural characterization and therapeutic potential of exopolysaccharide EPS-W-1 from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ZL1 isolated from kimchi against DSS-induced colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction, gut microbiome (GM) dysbiosis, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. Lactic acid bacteria-derived exopolysaccharides (LAB-EPS) have biotherapeutic potential to stimulate immune responses and influence the GM. Therefore, this work aimed to extract the bioactive EPS (EPS-W-1) from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZL1, isolated from Korean kimchi, and then characterize the chemical structure of EPS-W-1 using HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR.

Correction: Yun et al. Rhusflavone Modulates Osteoclastogenesis Through RANKL-Induced AKT Signaling in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages. 2025, , 3025.

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Novel Drug-Testing Platform for Vascular Injury-induced Intimal Hyperplasia Using a Microphysiological System.

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents (DESs) with antiproliferative drugs have been developed to prevent restenosis. However, some patients who undergo DCB or DES procedures still experience restenosis. Therefore, it is essential to explore therapeutic agents for DCBs and DESs.

Evaluating the accuracy of the variable flip angle technique for temperature measurement near metallic implants.

This study assessed the accuracy of a T1-based temperature measurement technique for metal-inserted materials using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A variable flip angle (VFA) sequence with dual echoes was used to obtain images of a phantom and an experiment. T1 values were calculated when the metal-inserted materials were subjected to heating and were acquired in the proximity of the metal implant of the phantom and tissue.

Assessing Long-Term Stored Tissues for Multi-Omics Data Quality and Proteogenomics Suitability.

As research into cancer biology progresses, multiomics analyses have become essential for unraveling its molecular complexities. However, sample availability remains a challenge due to factors such as collection procedures and long-term storage effects. Archived samples present an opportunity to expand multiomics studies, but concerns persist regarding storage duration's impact on data reliability.

Anti-adipogenic effects of -acetyltyramine from termite-associated sp. M45.

Obesity remains a global health challenge, and novel small-molecule modulators of adipogenesis are urgently needed. Here, we investigated the anti-adipogenic potential of metabolites isolated from termite-associated sp. M45.

fNIRS reproducibility varies with data quality, analysis pipelines, and researcher experience.

As data analysis pipelines grow more complex in brain imaging research, understanding how methodological choices affect results is essential for ensuring reproducibility and transparency. This is especially relevant for functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), a rapidly growing technique for assessing brain function in naturalistic settings and across the lifespan, yet one that still lacks standardized analysis approaches. In the fNIRS Reproducibility Study Hub (FRESH) initiative, we asked 38 research teams worldwide to independently analyze the same two fNIRS datasets.

Immunomodulatory Roles of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila in Autoimmune Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential.

Alterations in gut microbiota composition are increasingly recognized as key contributors to autoimmune disease pathogenesis. While dominant phyla such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes have been extensively studied at the phylum level, the immunomodulatory roles of specific members within these groups particularly the abundant but mechanistically underexplored Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (a member of Firmicutes) and Akkermansia muciniphila (of Verrucomicrobia) remain insufficiently characterized. In particular, current literature primarily focuses on associative findings, and integrated analyses elucidating disease-specific mechanisms and therapeutic relevance are still lacking.

Synergistic effects of Sargassum horneri polysaccharides and lactic acid bacteria in alleviating DSS-induced colitis and restoring gut homeostasis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and compromised gut barrier integrity, remains a significant challenge in clinical management. This study explored the synergistic potential of Sargassum horneri polysaccharides (SHCPs) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LAB) in alleviating DSS-induced colitis. SHCPs were characterized using FTIR and SEM in this study, and their structural features-including high sulfate content, molecular weight distribution, and glycosidic linkages-were previously elucidated in our earlier work, supporting their classification as bioactive sulfate-rich polysaccharides and suggesting structure-dependent functionality.

Inhalation of dust accumulated on personal computer fans in the office may cause pathological effects by disrupting the metabolic activity of alveolar macrophages.

Considering that computer fans draw in dust from the office air, and that printers and copiers are typically placed near computers, we collected dust that accumulated on computer fans from three commercial personal computer centers to predict the health effects of inhaled office dust (OD). OD contained various types of microplastics and non-protein particles, and several hydrophilic elements were bound to the OD. When aspirated OD via the pharynx for 90 days, blood levels of IP and K significantly decreased in male mice, but not in female mice.

ATG7 in innate immune cells is required for host defense against nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infections.

Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacteroides abscessus, are becoming increasingly prevalent, and rising antibiotic resistance poses a significant clinical challenge. However, the mechanisms by which the host defense system controls these infections remain poorly understood. Here we show that the autophagy-related protein ATG7 in innate immune cells plays an essential role in controlling nontuberculous mycobacterial infection and protecting lung tissue from pathological inflammation.