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Mood disorders are an important public health issue and recent advances in genomic studies have indicated that molecules involved in neurodevelopment are causally related to mood disorders. BLM-s (BCL-2-like molecule, small transcript isoform), a BH3-only proapoptotic BCL-2 family member, mediates apoptosis of postmitotic immature neurons during embryonic cortical development, but its role in the adult brain is unknown. To better understand the physiological role of Blm-s gene in vivo, we generated a Blm-s-knockout (Blm-s-/-) mouse. The Blm-s-/- mice breed normally and exhibit grossly normal development. However, global depletion of Blm-s is highly associated with depression- and anxiety-related behaviors in adult mutant mice with intact learning and memory capacity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of adult Blm-s-/- mice reveals reduced connectivity mainly in the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) of the hippocampus with no alteration in the dorsal DG connectivity and in total hippocampal volume. At the cellular level, BLM-s is expressed in DG granule cells (GCs), and Blm-s-/- mice show reduced dendritic complexity and decreased spine density in mature GCs. Electrophysiology study uncovers that mature vGCs in adult Blm-s-/- DG are intrinsically more excitable. Interestingly, certain genetic variants of the human Blm homologue gene (VPS50) are significantly associated with depression traits from publicly resourced UK Biobank data. Taken together, BLM-s is required for the hippocampal mood control function. Loss of BLM-s causes abnormality in the electrophysiology and morphology of GCs and a disrupted vDG neural network, which could underlie Blm-s-null-associated anxiety and depression.

From the perspective of the application of headspace solid-phase microextraction-mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （HS-SPME-GC-MS） technology in the detection of volatile substances in fruit products, this paper discusses its important position and significance in fruit flavor detection. This paper briefly outlines the principles and characteristics of headspace solid-phase microextraction-mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and highlights the progress of its research on volatile substances in different kinds of fruit raw materials, stored and preserved fruits as well as fruit processed products such as fruit juice, fruit wine, and fruit tea, and also provides an outlook on the research direction of headspace solid-phase microextraction-mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in fruit flavor detection.

Objective To investigate the biological role of LINC01614 in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and its drug resistance-related mechanism. Methods The CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to construct the A549 cell model with knockdown of LINC01614. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on A549 cells knocked down with LINC01614. We validated the transcriptomic differential genes MCAM and ABCC3 at the gene level and MCAM at the protein level, detected the IC50 changes of A549 cells after knockdown of LINC01614 under the effect of different concentrations of cisplatin, and detected the effect of knockdown of LINC01614 on the migration ability of A549 cells. Results Of the 2 713 DEGs after knockdown of LINC01614, a total of 1 626 genes were up-regulated and 1, 087 genes were down-regulated. GO analysis showed that DEGs were associated with intracellular signaling, cell adhesion, and so on. Meanwhile, the KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were associated with the Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and Rap1 signaling pathway. Selection of drug resistance-associated gene ABCC3 from DEGs for validation with MCAM: qRT-PCR results showed that knockdown of LINC01614 significantly down-regulated the expression of MCAM (P

Abstract Mood disorders are an important public health issue and recent advances in genomic studies have indicated that molecules involved in neurodevelopment are causally related to mood disorders. BLM-s (BCL-2-like molecule, small transcript isoform), a BH3-only proapoptotic BCL-2 family member, mediates apoptosis of postmitotic immature neurons during embryonic cortical development, but its role in the adult brain is unknown. To better understand the physiological role of Blm-s gene in vivo, we generated a Blm-s-knockout (Blm-s −/− ) mouse. The Blm-s −/− mice breed normally and exhibit grossly normal development. However, global depletion of Blm-s is highly associated with depression- and anxiety-related behaviors in adult mutant mice with intact learning and memory capacity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of adult Blm-s −/− mice reveals reduced connectivity mainly in the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) of the hippocampus with no alteration in the dorsal DG connectivity and in total hippocampal volume. At the cellular level, BLM-s is expressed in DG granule cells (GCs), and Blm-s −/− mice show reduced dendritic complexity and decreased spine density in mature GCs. Electrophysiology study uncovers that mature vGCs in adult Blm-s −/− DG are intrinsically more excitable. Interestingly, certain genetic variants of the human Blm homologue gene (VPS50) are significantly associated with depression traits from publicly resourced UK Biobank data. Taken together, BLM-s is required for the hippocampal mood control function. Loss of BLM-s causes abnormality in the electrophysiology and morphology of GCs and a disrupted vDG neural network, which could underlie Blm-s-null-associated anxiety and depression.

A new species of Rubiaceae, Spiradiclis detianensis is described from a limestone karst area of southwestern China. This new species is morphologically similar to S. cordata and S. spathulata. All of them have rosetted habit and long peduncles, but it differs from the former by the cuneate leaf bases (vs. basally cordate) and much longer corolla tubes (1.8–2.2 cm long vs. ca. 5 mm long), and from the latter mainly by its tubular-funnel shaped corolla (vs. slenderly salver shaped), 4.5–6.8 (vs. 1.5–2) mm in diam, inside throat and corolla densely puberulent (vs. glabrous except a ring of long hairs at the middle). It also resembles to S. tubiflora, but differs clearly by its subrosulate habit (vs. procumbent to creeping), longer leaf blades (7.0–10.5 cm vs. 0.5–2.5 cm) and longer corolla tubes (18–22 mm vs. 14–16 mm). At same time, color photos, illustrations, detailed descriptions and conservation status of the new species are provided.

To explore factors influencing the health-related quality of life of spouses of breast cancer patients and the suitable questionnaires for this purpose. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. The spouses of breast cancer patients were included and evaluated via face-to-face interviews. Self-designed demographic characteristics and disease-related questionnaires, the 12-item health survey questionnaire (SF-12), the three-level European five-dimensional health status scale (EQ-5D-3L), and the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS) were used. The internal consistency reliability measure Cronbach’s coefficient, criterion-related validity, construct validity, and sensitivity were used to evaluate the applicability of the EQ-5D-3L. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the factors associated with the health-related quality of life of spouses of breast cancer patients. We investigated a total of 100 spouses of breast cancer patients. Cronbach’s α, the internal consistency reliability coefficient, was 0.502. The EQ-5D-3L health utility score was moderately correlated with PCS-12 (r=0.46, p=0.0001) and weakly correlated with MCS-12 (r=0.35, p=0.0001). The EQ-5D-3L health utility score for the spouses of breast cancer patients was 0.870, and the EQ-VAS was 78.3. In multivariate analysis, social support and cognition of the treatment effect were factors that influenced the EQ-5D-3L health utility score. The EQ-5D-3L has good reliability, validity, and sensitivity for measuring the physiological aspects of the health-related quality of life of spouses of BC patients. EQ-5D-3L was considered suitable for this study.

Artemisia argyi H. Lév. and Vaniot is a variety of Chinese mugwort widely cultured in central China. A. verlotorum Lamotte, another variety of Chinese mugwort, has been used in the southern region of China since ancient times. Despite their similar uses in traditional medicine, little is known about the differences in their active ingredients and potential benefits. Herein, the chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) from both varieties were analyzed using chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A series of databases, such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database (TCMSP), SuperPred database and R tool, were applied to build a networking of the EOs. Our results revealed significant differences in the chemical compositions of the two Artemisia EOs. However, we found that they shared similar ingredient–target–pathway networking with diverse bioactivities, such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, our protein connection networking analysis showed that transcription factor p65 (RELA), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit alpha (PIK3R1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) are crucial for the biological activity of Artemisia EOs. Our findings provided evidence for the use of A. verlotorum as Chinese mugwort in southern China.

BACKGROUND: Cathepsin L (CatL) is a cysteine protease with strong matrix degradation activity that contributes to photoaging. Mannose phosphate-independent sorting pathways mediate ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced alternate trafficking of CatL. Little is known about signaling pathways involved in the regulation of UVA-induced CatL expression and activity. This study aims to investigate whether a single UVA irradiation affects CatL expression and activity and whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway is involved in the regulation of UVA-induced CatL expression and activity in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). METHODS: Primary HDFs were exposed to UVA. Cell proliferation was determined by a cell counting kit. UVA-induced CatL production and activity were studied with quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and fluorimetric assay in cell lysates collected on three consecutive days after irradiation. Time courses of UVA-activated JNK and p38MAPK signaling were examined by Western blotting. Effects of MAPK inhibitors and knockdown of Jun and Fos on UVA-induced CatL expression and activity were investigated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and fluorimetric assay. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: UVA significantly increased CatL gene expression, protein abundance, and enzymatic activity for three consecutive days after irradiation (F = 83.11, 56.14, and 71.19, respectively; all P < 0.05). Further investigation demonstrated phosphorylation of JNK and p38MAPK activated by UVA. Importantly, inactivation of JNK pathway significantly decreased UVA-induced CatL expression and activity, which were not affected by p38MAPK inhibition. Moreover, knockdown of Jun and Fos significantly attenuated basal and UVA-induced CatL expression and activity. CONCLUSIONS: UVA enhances CatL production and activity in HDFs, probably by activating JNK and downstreaming AP-1. These findings provide a new possible molecular approach for antiphotoaging therapy.

Abstract Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are well known as critical pattern recognition receptors that trigger innate immune responses. In addition, TLRs are expressed in neurons and may act as the gears in the neuronal detection/alarm system for making good connections. As neuronal differentiation and circuit formation take place along with programmed cell death, neurons face the challenge of connecting with appropriate targets while avoiding dying or dead neurons. Activation of neuronal TLR3, TLR7 and TLR8 with nucleic acids negatively modulates neurite outgrowth and alters synapse formation in a cell-autonomous manner. It consequently influences neural connectivity and brain function and leads to deficits related to neuropsychiatric disorders. Importantly, neuronal TLR activation does not simply duplicate the downstream signal pathways and effectors of classical innate immune responses. The differences in spatial and temporal expression of TLRs and their ligands likely account for the diverse signaling pathways of neuronal TLRs. In conclusion, the accumulated evidence strengthens the idea that the innate immune system of neurons serves as an alarm system that responds to exogenous pathogens as well as intrinsic danger signals and fine-tune developmental processes of neurons.

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is critical for defense against pathogenic infection, as well as for modulating tissue development. Activation of different TLRs triggers common inflammatory responses such as cytokine induction. Here, we reveal differential impacts of TLR3 and TLR7 signaling on transcriptomic profiles in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Apart from self-regulation, TLR3, but not TLR7, induced expression of other TLRs, suggesting that TLR3 activation globally enhances innate immunity. Moreover, we observed diverse influences of TLR3 and TLR7 signaling on genes involved in methylation, caspase and autophagy pathways. We compared endogenous TLR3 and TLR7 by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock in a dual Myc-HA tag at the 3’ ends of mouse Tlr3 and Tlr7. Using anti-HA antibodies to detect endogenous tagged TLR3 and TLR7, we found that both TLRs display differential tissue expression and posttranslational modifications. C-terminal tagging did not impair TLR3 activity. However, it disrupted the interaction between TLR7 and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), the Tir domain-containing adaptor of TLR7, which blocked its downstream signaling necessary to trigger cytokine and chemokine expression. Our study demonstrates different properties for TLR3 and TLR7, and also provides useful mouse models for further investigation of these two RNA-sensing TLRs.

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) have serious environmental and economic impacts, especially in vulnerable areas of China. However, IAP richness distribution patterns, their driving factors, and the dynamic shifts in potential distribution areas remain elusive. We assessed IAP richness distribution patterns and drivers using 402 IAPs recorded in China at 88 926 occurrence points, and then predicted their potential distribution areas. The results show that IAP hotspots were mainly located in southeastern China, especially coastal areas of the South and East and large inland cities. Population density, gross domestic product (GDP), and four climate variables associated with precipitation and temperature jointly influenced the richness distribution pattern of all IAPs. Specifically, population density and GDP impacted the richness distribution pattern of narrow‐range IAPs, and population density, GDP, distance to the nearest national highway, and five climate variables affected the richness distribution pattern of widespread IAPs. Only GDP contributed significantly to the richness distribution pattern of the top 5% hotspot grid cells, whereas population density, GDP, and precipitation in the driest month (BIO14) significantly influenced the richness distribution patterns of hotspots for both the top 10% and top 20%. Prediction analysis demonstrated that southeastern China would have particularly high invasion risk under both current and future climate scenarios. Regions with increases in predicted species richness are more common (44.83–64.97%) than those with decreases, except under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario. Climate change will contribute greatly to the expansion of potential IAP distribution areas under both optimistic (RCP 2.5) and pessimistic scenarios (RCP 8.5). The results of this study provide insights into the priority management of IAPs by developing promising strategies for the control and prevention of IAP invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of CO2 entering the plant through photosynthesis was divided into two phases: plant absorption and soil fixation. It had been studied that the capacities of these four samples, which were Vulpiamyuros, Vicia villosa Roth, rapeseed and natural grass, absorbing CO2 through photosynthesis and that the variation of organic carbon amount in soil. And we also did some work on loss of biomass, carbon amount in early and last resudue decomposition. The result showed that Vicia villosa Roth had the most powerful capacity in carbon absorbing, which reached 3596.7-4822.3kg.ha-1y-1. The remaining carbon should be the most after three months of cutting, clustering and decomposing and could reach a value of 1164.55-2529.97kg.ha-1. Rapeseed had the highest value of carbon emission in the four plants, which reached the average of 5679.75kg.ha-1 and the highest of 6316.67kg.ha-1 which was 1.56 times as much as the CK. The quantity of fixed carbon in the soil covered by rapeseed was the highest of 4790.75kg.ha-1y-1, which was 1.4 times more than the CK. This thesis can be used as an instruction for selecting right ground plants in jujube orchard and also be useful for decreasing carbon dioxide from air to come to the carbon neutral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Evidence regarding the correlation between lipoproteins and telomere length in US adults is limited. We aimed to investigate whether lipoproteins was associated with telomere length using US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Methods A total of 6468 selected participants were identified in the NHANES Data Base (1999–2002). The independent and dependent variables were lipoproteins and telomere length, respectively. The covariates included demographic data, dietary data, physical examination data, and comorbidities. Results In fully-adjusted model, we found that 0.1 differences of telomere length were positively associated with HDL-C [0.19 (95% CI 0.07, 0.31)], while the associations between LDL-C [0.19 (95% CI -0.27, 0.65)], TG [− 1.00 (95% CI -2.09, 0.07) and telomere length were not detected. By nonlinearity test, only the relationship between HDL-C and telomere length was nonlinear. The inflection point we got was 1.25. On the left side of the inflection point (telomere length ≤ 1.25), a difference in 0.1 of telomere length was associated with 0.50 difference in HDL-C. Conclusion After adjusting for demographic data, dietary data, physical examination data, and comorbidities, telomere length is not associated with LDL-C and TG, but is positively associated with HDL-C when telomere length is less than 1.25.

Abstract Background Evidence regarding the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and arterial stiffness is limited, and the data analysis is not sufficient to clarify the true relationship between the two. We aimed to investigate the relationship between eGFR and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Japanese. Methods The present study was a cross-sectional study. Nine hundred twelve Japanese men and women, aging 24—84 years old, received a health medical check-up program including the results from baPWV inspection and various standardized questionnaires in a health examination center in Japan. The main outcome measures included eGFR, baPWV, fatty liver and postmenopausal status. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose fatty liver. Postmenopausal state was defined as beginning 1 year after the cessation of menses. Results The average age of the 912 selected participants was 51.5 ± 9.6 years old, and about 57.6% of them were male. The participants’ eGFR distribution was median 69.29 (min 39, max 122.28). The results of multivariate linear regression showed eGFR was not independently associated with baPWV after adjusting potential confounders (β = − 1.11, 95%CI -2.25 to 0.03), this is inconsistent with the result of eGFR (quartile) as a categorical variable (p for trend was 0.038). A non-linear relationship was detected between eGFR and baPWV, whose point was 77.05. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals of the left and right sides of inflection point were − 2.80 (− 4.41 to − 1.19) and 1.84 (− 0.50, 4.17), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed, the change in the elderly population is more pronounced (P for interaction = 0.018; − 2.83 with ≤60 year vs − 6.12 with > 60 year). The same trend was also seen in hypertensive people (P for interaction = 0.018; − 4.55 with hypertension vs − 0.82 with non-hypertension). Conclusion The relationship between eGFR and baPWV is non-linear. eGFR was negatively related to baPWV when eGFR is less than 77.05.

Summary: Voluntary exercise is well known to benefit brain performance. In contrast, forced exercise induces inflammation-related stress responses and may cause psychiatric disorders. Here, we unexpectedly found that rotarod testing, a frequently applied assay for evaluating rodent motor coordination, induces anxiety and alters spatial learning/memory performance of mice. Rotarod testing upregulated genes involved in the unfolded protein response and stress responses and downregulated genes associated with neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. It impacts two downstream pathways. The first is the IL-6-dependent pathway, which mediates rotarod-induced anxiety. The second is the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7)-dependent pathway, which is involved in the effect of rotarod exercise on gene expression and its impact on contextual learning and memory of mice. Thus, although rotarod exercise does not induce systemic inflammation, it influences innate immunity-related responses in the brain, controls gene expression and, consequently, regulates anxiety and contextual learning and memory.

It is a crucial to find target compounds in natural product research. This study presents a concept of structure-guided isolation to find candidate active molecules from herbs. We establish a process of anti-viral sesquiterpene networking. An analysis of the networking suggested that new anti-HBV sesquiterpene may be attributable to eudesmane-, guaiane-, cadinane-, germacane- and bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the structure-based molecular networking, ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa (Decne.) C.B Clarke was investigated, which led to the isolation of two guaiane-type (1 and 14), ten eudesmane-type (2–5 and 8–13), two chain (6 and 7) and one germacrane-type (15) sesquiterpenes, including seven new ones, lappaterpenes A–G (1–7), which are reported on herein. The absolute configurations of the new compounds were established by coupling constants, calculated ECD and ROESY correlations, as well as comparisons of optical rotation values with those of known compounds. The absolute configuration of compound 2 was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1–15 were evaluated for their potency against hepatitis B virus. Compounds 4, 6, 7 and 9 showed effect on HBsAg with inhibition ratios of more than 40% at 30 μM concentrations. Compounds 14 and 15 inhibited HBsAg secretion with the values of IC50 0.73 ± 0.18 and 1.43 ± 0.54 μM, respectively. Structure-based molecular networking inspired the discovery of target compounds.

To study the nonlinear vibration characteristics of submerged floating tunnel tether, the nonlinear vibration partial differential equation of tether is set up, in which the inclination, sag, initial tension force, and length of tether are taken into account. According to the linear vibration mode of tether, the partial differential equation is converted into ordinary differential equations by Galerkin method and the nonlinear vibration equation of tether for the in-plane first four modes and the out-of-plane first four modes are obtained. The results show that the change of inclination results is in the change of sag. The initial configuration of sag is symmetric. Thus, the sag only affects the damping ratio of the in-plane symmetric mode, namely, that of the first and the third mode. The sag has no effect on the second and forth order modes which are antisymmetric modes. Therefore, the sag is only existed in plane and has no effect on the out-of-plane mode. The first and the third in-plane modal damping ratios of tether are in direct proportion to their inclination, whereas in inverse proportion to their sag. The first modal damping ratio of tether (both in-plane and out-of-plane) is in direct proportion to its length, whereas in inverse proportion to its initial tension.

Body temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse rate are required as the basis for determining the health status of cows. This study aims to measure the respiratory rate, pulse rate and body temperature of healthy beef cattle. A total of 25 mixed-breed beef cattle aged more than 1.5 years were used in this study. All cows were physically examined, their breath, and pulse frequency per minute were calculated, and their body temperature was measured by measuring rectal and vaginal temperature. The results showed that all the cows examined were in good health, characterized by a good appetite, and had normal activities. Cows had a respiratory rate of 20 ‒ 44 times/minute with an average of 32.6 ± 6.8 times/minute, and a pulse frequency of 76 ‒ 96 times/minute with an average of 84.2 ± 5.4 times/minute. Measurement of body temperature of cows per vagina was 37.9 ‒ 39.4 °C with a mean of 38.53 ± 0.42 °C, while per rectal showed 37.7 ‒ 39.2 °C with a mean of 38.49 ± 0.38 °C. The results of temperature measurements using the two methods did not show a significant difference. It was concluded that the respiratory rate of 20 ‒ 44 times/minute, pulse frequency of 76 ‒ 96 times/minute, and body temperature of 37.7 ‒ 39.4°C were the physiological parameters of the healthy mixed-breed cow.

To study the sedimentary characteristics and distribution of favorable sand bodies in the sequence stratigraphic framework of Jiufotang Formation in Jiaolige area of Ludong depression, Kailu Basin, the paper adopts grey correlation analysis method to calculate the comprehensive evaluation factor of reservoir quality index (RQI) and predict the favorable reservoir facies belt, and defines the dynamic changes of different sedimentary systems and sedimentary facies distribution during the sedimentary evolution process of Jiufotang Formation. The strata can be divided into lowstand system tract, lake-flooding system domain and highstand system tract through the identification of sequence interface and system tract interface. Two sedimentary systems of nearshore accumulation-semi deep lake and fan delta-shore shallow lake are alternately developed in the system tract. The front facies belt is mainly developed in the fan delta during the late lowstand system tract and lake-flooding system domain periods. Eight sedimentary microfacies are identified based on the lithofacies, seismic facies characteristics and fine characterization of single well. Through the detailed characterization of sedimentary facies distribution characteristics, the reservoirs are divided into three categories, among which the reservoir formed by traction flow depositional sand bodies in fan delta front is the best, while those formed by nearshore accumulation, debris flow and torrent originated sand bodies in the front root are the worst. The results may provide a basis for further exploration and development of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in implant osseointegration in ovariecto⁃ mized rats. Methods 12 weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, each rat accepted 2 titanium screws in the proximal tibiae. All animals were then randomly divided into 2 groups: control (10 rats) and OPG group (10 rats). Subcutaneous injection of OPG (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was performed 3 times a week. 8 weeks later, tibiae with screws were harvested for μCT, histological and biomechanical analysis. Results Compared to control, OPG increased the percent bone volume by 124%, the percent osseointegration by 167%, the mean trabecular number by 111%, the mean trabecular thickness by 92%, the mean connective density by 95%; and decreased the mean trabecular separation by 64% in μCT analysis. OPG also increased bone area density by 160% and bone⁃to⁃implant contact by 234% in histomorphometric evaluation, and increased the maximal push ⁃ out force by 228% in biomechanical test. Conclusion Systemic administration of OPG can improve implant osseointegration and fixation in ovariectomized rats, resulting from the increased peri⁃implant bone mass and improved trabecular microarchitecture.

Members of the ribonuclease A (RNase A) superfamily regulate various physiological processes. RNase A, the best-studied member of the RNase A superfamily, is widely expressed in different tissues, including brains. We unexpectedly found that RNase A can trigger proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells (NPC) both in vitro and in vivo. RNase A treatment induced cell proliferation in dissociated neuronal cultures and increased cell mass in neurosphere cultures. BrdU (5-Bromo-2'-Deoxyuridine) labeling confirmed the effect of RNase A on cell proliferation. Those dividing cells were Nestin- and SOX2-positive, suggesting that RNase A triggers NPC proliferation. The proliferation inhibitor Ara-C completely suppressed the effect of RNase A on NPC counts, further supporting that RNase A increases NPC number mainly by promoting proliferation. Moreover, we found that RNase A treatment increased ERK phosphorylation and blockade of the ERK pathway inhibited the effect of RNase A on NPC proliferation. Intracerebroventricular injection of RNase A into mouse brain increased the population of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) or BrdU-labeled cells in the subventricular zone. Those RNase A-induced NPCs were able to migrate into other brain areas, including hippocampus, amygdala, cortex, striatum, and thalamus. In conclusion, our study shows that RNase A promotes proliferation of NPCs via an ERK-dependent pathway and further diversifies the physiological functions of the RNase A family.