This study uncovers a new molecular mechanism by which the E3 ubiquitin ligase PIAS4 orchestrates pluripotency exit and lineage commitment in porcine embryonic stem cells (pESCs). Using a genome-wide CRISPR screening approach, the researchers identified PIAS4 as a critical regulator that modulates histone H3K4me3 marks via SUMOylation-mediated stabilization of KDM5B. Loss of PIAS4 impaired stem cell differentiation, disrupted lineage specific gene programs, and altered mesendoderm specification through LEFTY2–SMAD signaling. These findings not only provide fundamental insight into porcine stem cell biology but also pave the way for applications in livestock breeding, artificial meat production, and regenerative medicine.

This study developed a metal-drug self-delivery nanomedicine (FDAH) to enhance chemotherapy/chemodynamic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Leveraging a core of iron-based nanoparticles co-loaded with two clinical drugs, Doxorubicin (DOX) and Plerixafor (AMD3100), and an outer shell of hyaluronic acid (HA), the system enables targeted drug delivery and combats therapeutic resistance. After intravenous administration, the HA shell prolongs blood circulation, facilitating tumor accumulation via the EPR effect and subsequent cellular uptake through HA/CD44-specific interactions. Inside tumor cells, the iron ions mediate chemodynamic therapy by triggering the Fenton reaction to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupts redox homeostasis and sensitizes cells to DOX. Simultaneously, AMD3100 blocks the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis to alleviate immunosuppression and enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy. This work demonstrates that targeting the immunosuppressive microenvironment with a CXCR4-inhibiting nanoplatform can effectively synergize chemotherapy and chemodynamic therapy for improved HCC treatment.

The senescence of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells is involved in osteoporosis. The combination of dasatinib and quercetin has been explored to alleviate bone loss by efficiently reducing senescent cell populations. However, senolytic therapy by dasatinib and quercetin requires a precise ratio for better therapeutic effects, which is hard to achieve by oral administration. Meanwhile, the poor water solubility of these compounds limits their bioavailability, and their non-specific action could hamper effective penetration and targeting within relevant tissues. Herein, we developed alendronate-functionalized liposomes carrying dasatinib and quercetin (Aln-Lipo-DQ), focusing mainly on senescence-associated osteoporosis induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Alendronate helps liposomes deliver dasatinib and quercetin to the femur and tibias, effectively removing senescent cells from bone tissue and increasing bone volume fraction from 5.05% to 11.95% in the chemotherapy-induced osteoporosis mouse model. We also found a 2.91-fold increase in bone volume fraction in Aln-Lipo-DQ treated groups compared to the control in radiotherapy models. This selectively targeting bone and reducing senescent cells holds great promise for cancer treatment-related and senescence-associated bone disorders.

No-tillage with total green manure mulching can optimize maize root structure by improving soil water content and soil temperature environment. NTG increased maize photosynthetic capacity and grain yield. The relationship between SWC, ST, root length, photosynthetic characteristics, and grain yield was expounded.

Researchers have discovered a novel role of Neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) in the pathophysiology of acute lung injury (ALI) and uncovers NEU1 as a direct target of baicalin and Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) in alleviating ALI. NEU1 binding to the CXCR4 protein, thereby activating the downstream JNK signaling pathway, promoting inflammation and endothelial barrier damage; whereas baicalin can enhance the degradation of NEU1 protein via the lysosomal pathway, thereby improving endothelial dysfunction and acute lung injury.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low propensity to induce bacterial resistance, and multifunctional properties including immunomodulation and tissue regeneration promotion.This study comprehensively reviews the classification, antimicrobial mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of AMPs in major oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, oral cancer, oral candidiasis, and oral mucositis. The research also analyzes key challenges in clinical translation (stability, cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, production costs) and corresponding solutions, while exploring their applications in implant coatings, oral dressings, combination therapy, and diagnostic markers, providing a robust theoretical basis for advancing oral disease treatment.

Many young couples dream of starting a family, but often feel uncertain about when their bodies are most ready or how to give their baby the healthiest beginning. Fertility can feel unpredictable, shaped by lifestyle, age, stress, and environmental factors. Winter quietly offers part of the solution. As temperatures drop, our biology, behaviour, and even mood subtly shift into a rhythm that makes starting a family a little more likely. And while nature sets the stage, modern genetic screening advancements such as carrier screening help couples take the next step with confidence and clarity.