News from China
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 6-May-2025 04:09 ET (6-May-2025 08:09 GMT/UTC)
Identification of susceptibility loci and relevant cell type for IgA nephropathy in Han Chinese by integrative genome-wide analysis
Higher Education PressAlthough many susceptibility loci for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) have been identified, they only account for 11.0% of the overall IgAN variance. We performed a large genome-wide meta-analysis of IgAN in Han Chinese with 3616 cases and 10 417 controls to identify additional genetic loci of IgAN. Considering that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma might share an etiology of dysregulated mucosal immunity with IgAN, we performed cross-trait integrative analysis by leveraging functional annotations of relevant cell type and the pleiotropic information from IBD and asthma. Among 8 669 456 imputed variants, we identified a novel locus at 4p14 containing the long noncoding RNA LOC101060498. Cell type enrichment analysis based on annotations suggested that PMA-I-stimulated CD4+CD25–IL17+ Th17 cell was the most relevant cell type for IgAN, which highlights the essential role of Th17 pathway in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Furthermore, we identified six more novel loci associated with IgAN, which included three loci showing pleiotropic effects with IBD or asthma (2q35/PNKD, 6q25.2/SCAF8, and 22q11.21/UBE2L3) and three loci specific to IgAN (14q32.32/TRAF3, 16q22.2/TXNL4B, and 21q21.3/LINC00113) in the pleiotropic analysis. Our findings support the involvement of mucosal immunity, especially T cell immune response and IL-17 signal pathway, in the development of IgAN and shed light on further investigation of IgAN.
- Journal
- Frontiers of Medicine
New imaging technique offers insight into Achilles tendon injury recovery
Higher Education PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
A recent study has introduced an innovative, label-free imaging approach that enhances the precision of Achilles tendon injury recovery evaluation. This method, using Mueller matrix polarimetry, allows researchers to capture detailed images of tendon tissue, providing key insights into the healing process and effectiveness of various treatments.
- Journal
- Frontiers of Optoelectronics
Reed beds: Nature’s hidden ally in combating sludge pollution
Zhejiang UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
A groundbreaking study reveals the environmental and public health advantages of reed wetlands for sludge treatment, demonstrating their potential as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wastewater management systems.
- Journal
- Soil & Environmental Health
Genomic analysis of modern maize inbred lines reveals diversity and selective breeding effects
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
The authors collected a total of 2,430 inbred lines derived from elite commercial hybrids and 503 inbred lines from natural populations. Such a panel holds a broadly sourced and genetically diverse inbred population. Combining resequencing technology, population genetics analysis, and deep learning algorithms, they conducted a genetic diversity analysis and predicted key breeding traits for 2,933 maize inbred lines. This work offers novel insights into maize genetic improvement and lays a foundation for intelligent breeding design.
- Journal
- Science China Life Sciences
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nanfan Special Project, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Alibaba Foundation, Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Chinese Medical Journal study reveals potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in finding new glaucoma drugs
Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.Peer-Reviewed Publication
Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness, is often marked by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in RGC death, mediated by receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3). A team of scientists from China leveraged advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to identify RIPK3 inhibitors, including the compound HG9-91-01, which demonstrated neuroprotective effects. This AI-driven approach holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for acute glaucoma.
- Journal
- Chinese Medical Journal
Unraveling climate change-induced compound low-solar-low-wind extremes in China
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
An investigation published in National Science Review firstly presents comprehensive analysis for the spatiotemporal patterns and underlying drivers of compound low-solar-low-wind extremes over time across China. This research underscores the importance for nations engaging in progressive decarbonization to consider compound low-solar-low-wind extremes in renewable energy development and power sector planning, and proposes interregional renewable electricity transmission as a potential solution.
- Journal
- National Science Review
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation
Biomimetic artificial muscle advances volumetric muscle loss treatment and prosthetic application
Science China PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers have developed a biomimetic artificial muscle that replicates the structure and mechanical properties of natural muscle tissue, offering a promising solution for volumetric muscle loss treatment. Published in National Science Review, the study highlights the material's superior biocompatibility, mechanical adaptability, and multifunctionality. The artificial muscle promotes myogenic differentiation, enhances angiogenesis, and demonstrates exceptional actuation performance, making it a viable candidate for applications in prosthetics and regenerative medicine. This innovation sets the stage for new directions in clinical treatments and advanced biomedical materials.
- Journal
- National Science Review
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Seeds of change: genetic makeover for oilseed rape to withstand climate crisis
Zhejiang UniversityAdvances in gene and cellular therapeutic approaches for Huntington’s disease
Higher Education PressPeer-Reviewed Publication
This review discusses the current and emerging gene and cell therapy strategies for Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. The authors explore the potential of combination therapies, including the use of human iPSC-derived striatal neurons (hStrOs) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), to mitigate HD symptoms and improve treatment outcomes.
- Journal
- Protein & Cell
- Funder
- National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences