SoySNP618K array: A high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism platform as a valuable genomic resource for soybean genetics and breeding.

Innovations in genomics have enabled the development of low-cost, high-resolution, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays that accelerate breeding progress and support basic research in crop science. Here, we developed and validated the SoySNP618K array (618,888 SNPs) for the important crop soybean. The SNPs were selected from whole-genome resequencing data containing 2,214 diverse soybean accessions; 29.

Linker-free Gold Nanoparticle Superstructure Coated with Poly(dopamine) by Site-Specific Polymerization for Amplifying Photothermal Cancer Therapy.

Although linker-free Au nanoparticle superstructures (AuNPSTs) have demonstrated to have satisfactory photothermal conversion efficiency owing to their enhanced visible-near-infrared absorption caused by the interparticle coupling, they cannot be used directly for in vivo photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer because of poor stability. To address this issue, we herein propose a polymer-coating strategy, dressing AuNPST on a poly(dopamine) (PDA) coat, and successfully investigate the in vivo PTT effect of AuNPSTs. By employing Triton X-100 as an emulsifier for the formation of AuNPSTs, dopamine was site-specifically polymerized around each AuNPST by the interaction between -OH of Triton X-100 and -NH of dopamine.

Engineering one-dimensional trough-like Au-AgS nano-hybrids for plasmon-enhanced photoelectrodetection of human α-thrombin.

One-dimensional (1D) morphology-unique Au-AgS nano-hybrids are achieved by combining the interfacial self-assembly of Ag nanowires, interface-oriented site-specific etching of Ag nanowires with AuCl, and the sulfurization of S. The as-formed Au-AgS nano-hybrid has a trough-like morphology. The wall of the Au-AgS nanotrough is a AgS/Au/AgS trilayer wall, but the AgS layer is a AgS-rich mixture of AgS and Au rather than pure AgS because of the diffusion of Au atoms towards AgS.

Structural basis for activity of TRIC counter-ion channels in calcium release.

Trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) channels are thought to provide counter-ion currents that facilitate the active release of Ca from intracellular stores. TRIC activity is controlled by voltage and Ca modulation, but underlying mechanisms have remained unknown. Here we describe high-resolution crystal structures of vertebrate TRIC-A and TRIC-B channels, both in Ca-bound and Ca-free states, and we analyze conductance properties in structure-inspired mutagenesis experiments.

Structural basis for conductance through TRIC cation channels.

Mammalian TRICs function as K-permeable cation channels that provide counter ions for Ca handling in intracellular stores. Here we describe the structures of two prokaryotic homologues, archaeal SaTRIC and bacterial CpTRIC, showing that TRIC channels are symmetrical trimers with transmembrane pores through each protomer. Each pore holds a string of water molecules centred at kinked helices in two inverted-repeat triple-helix bundles (THBs).

Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling is required for TGF-β/Smad2/3 signalling during myofibroblast proliferation.

Fibrosis in animal models and human diseases is associated with aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Despite extensive research efforts, effective therapies are still not available. Myofibroblasts are major effectors, responsible for extracellular matrix deposition.

Total Glucosides of Danggui Buxue Tang Attenuate BLM-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Regulating Oxidative Stress by Inhibiting NOX4.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious chronic lung disease with unknown pathogenesis. Researches have confirmed that oxidative stress which is regulated by NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4), a main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is an important molecular mechanism underlying PF. Previous studies showed that total glucosides of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBTG), an extract from a classical traditional Chinese herbal formula, Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), attenuated bleomycin-induced PF in rats.

High-Mobility Group Box 1 Mediates Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Fibrosis Involving Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smad2/3 Signaling.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial event in the cellular origin of myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a novel mediator of EMT. However, whether this process involves the recognized transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling that also contributes to EMT in PF has not yet been elucidated.

Inositol-requiring protein 1 - X-box-binding protein 1 pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via mediating snail expression in pulmonary fibrosis.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological program during which cells loss epithelial phenotype and acquire mesenchymal features. EMT is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of various fibrotic diseases including pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Recent studies suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with EMT in the progression of PF.

High-density genetic linkage map construction and QTL mapping of grain shape and size in the wheat population Yanda1817 × Beinong6.

High-density genetic linkage maps are necessary for precisely mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain shape and size in wheat. By applying the Infinium iSelect 9K SNP assay, we have constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with 269 F 8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed between a Chinese cornerstone wheat breeding parental line Yanda1817 and a high-yielding line Beinong6. The map contains 2431 SNPs and 128 SSR & EST-SSR markers in a total coverage of 3213.