Transmembrane E3 ligase RNF128 regulates N-glycosylation by promoting ribophorin I ubiquitination and degradation.

Ring finger protein 128 (RNF128) is a transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase mainly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum that is involved in various processes, including T cell anergy and tumor progression. However, the biological function of RNF128 in N-glycosylation remains unexplored. To investigate the functional role of RNF128, we used the proximity-directed biotin labeling method, and identified ribophorin I (RPN1) as a novel RNF128 substrate, demonstrating that RNF128 ubiquitinated RPN1 and promoted its degradation.

Metal Cocatalyst Engineering in Metal-Semiconductor Hybrid Photocatalysts Achieves a Fivefold Enhancement of Hydrogen Evolution.

This study explores the optimal morphology of photochemical hydrogen evolution catalysts in a one-dimensional system. Systematic engineering of metal tips on precisely defined CdSe@CdS dot-in-rods is conducted to exert control over morphology, composition, and both factors. The outcome yields an optimized configuration, a Au-Pt core-shell structure with a rough Pt surface (Au@r-Pt), which exhibits a remarkable fivefold increase in quantum efficiency, reaching 86 % at 455 nm and superior hydrogen evolution rates under visible and AM1.

Clinical and Biomarker Analysis of a Phase I/II Study of PDR001 Plus Imatinib for Advanced Treatment-Refractory Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

Purpose: In this phase Ib/II study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PDR001, an anti-PD1 antibody, in combination with imatinib in patients with treatment-refractory gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

Patients And Methods: Patients with advanced GIST whose disease had progressed on imatinib, sunitinib, and regorafenib were enrolled. In phase Ib, the standard 3 + 3 dose escalation scheme was applied.

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells primed with disease-condition-serum improved therapeutic efficacy in a mouse rheumatoid arthritis model via enhanced TGF-β1 production.

Backgrounds: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation-mediated progressive destruction of the cartilage and bone, resulting in reduced quality of life. We primed human telomerase reverse transcriptase-overexpressing immortalized human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) with serum derived from a non-human primate RA model and studied the immunomodulatory ability of exosomes obtained from primed iMSCs.

Methods: After immunophenotyping, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and in vitro functional tests, Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (dPBS, Group C), exosomes derived from the supernatant of iMSCs (Exo-FBS, Group E), exosomes derived from the supernatant of iMSCs primed with RA serum (Exo-RA, Group F), and methotrexate (Group M) were administered in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model mice.

Application of microphysiologic system to assess neutrophil extracellular trap in xenotransplantation.

Transplantation of organs, cells, or tissues from one species to another, known as xenotransplantation, has the potential to alleviate organ donor shortages and enhance the success of organ transplantation. However, the possibility of immunological rejection by the recipient is one of the biggest difficulties associated with xenotransplantation. The creation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), also known as NETosis, is hypothesized as a mechanism of rejection.

Grain Boundary-Rich Copper Nanocatalysts Generated from Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles for CO -to-C Electroconversion.

Due to severe contemporary energy issues, generating C products from electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions (eCO RRs) gains much interest. It is known that the catalyst morphology and active surface structures are critical for product distributions and current densities. Herein, a synthetic protocol of nanoparticle morphology on copper metal-organic frameworks (n-Cu MOFs) is developed by adjusting growth kinetics with termination ligands.

Overexpression of Replication-Dependent Histone Signifies a Subset of Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma with Increased Aggressiveness.

Liposarcoma (LPS) is an adult soft tissue malignancy that arises from fat tissue, where well-differentiated (WD) and dedifferentiated (DD) forms are the most common. DDLPS represents the progression of WDLPS into a more aggressive high-grade and metastatic form. Although a few DNA copy-number amplifications are known to be specifically found in WD- or DDLPS, systematic genetic differences that signify subtype determination between WDLPS and DDLPS remain unclear.

Soluble Spike DNA Vaccine Provides Long-Term Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Mice and Nonhuman Primates.

The unprecedented and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) has motivated the need for a rapidly producible and scalable vaccine. Here, we developed a synthetic soluble SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) DNA-based vaccine candidate, GX-19. In mice, immunization with GX-19 elicited not only S-specific systemic and pulmonary antibody responses but also Th1-biased T cell responses in a dose-dependent manner.

Extracellular Vesicles from Thapsigargin-Treated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorated Experimental Colitis via Enhanced Immunomodulatory Properties.

Therapeutic applications of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted considerable attention because of their immunomodulatory properties against immune-mediated, inflammatory diseases. Here, we demonstrated enhanced immunomodulatory properties of EVs secreted from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer thapsigargin (TSG)-primed human Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs). EVs from TSG-primed WJ-MSCs (TSG-EV) showed increased yield and expression of immunomodulatory factors, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and especially indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), compared to control EVs.

Air Pollution and Atopic Dermatitis (AD): The Impact of Particulate Matter (PM) on an AD Mouse-Model.

Air pollution reportedly contributes to the development and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the exact mechanism underlying this remains unclear. To examine the relationship between air pollution and AD, a clinical, histological, and genetic analysis was performed on particulate matter (PM)-exposed mice.

Bisphenol A in infant urine and baby-food samples among 9- to 15-month-olds.

Diet is the predominant source of bisphenol A (BPA) intake, but limited data are available on BPA levels in the diet of younger infants. This study investigated BPA levels in baby-food and urine samples collected from young infants (under 2 years old). Samples of homemade baby food (n = 210) and urine (n = 187) were collected at 9, 12, and 15 months after birth from a panel of Korean infants (n = 173).

Pre-Transplant Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antibodies and Anti-Endothelial Cell Antibodies Predict Graft Function and Allograft Rejection in a Low-Risk Kidney Transplantation Setting.

Background: Non-HLA antibodies, anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies (anti-AT1R) and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA), are known to play a role in allograft rejection. We evaluated the role of both antibodies in predicting post-transplant outcomes in low-risk living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) recipients.

Methods: In 94 consecutive LDKT recipients who were ABO compatible and negative for pre-transplant HLA donor-specific antibodies, we determined the levels of anti-AT1Rs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the presence of AECAs using a flow cytometric endothelial cell crossmatch (ECXM) assay with pre-transplant sera.

Subwavelength-scale nanorods implemented hexagonal pyramids structure as efficient light-extraction in Light-emitting diodes.

Subwavelength-scale nanorods were implemented on the hexagonal pyramid of photochemically etched light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to improve light extraction efficiency (LEE). Sequential processes of Ag deposition and inductively coupled plasma etching successfully produce nanorods on both locally unetched flat surface and sidewall of hexagonal pyramids. The subwavelength-scale structures on flat surface offer gradually changed refractive index, and the structures on side wall of hexagonal pyramid reduce backward reflection, thereby enhancing further enhancement of the light extraction efficiency.

Characterization and Analysis of the Skin Microbiota in Acne: Impact of Systemic Antibiotics.

Systemic antibiotics are extensively used to control moderate to severe acne. Hence, it is crucial to understand their impact on the skin microbiota, which is supposedly perturbed. The purpose of this study was to compare the makeup and diversity of the skin microbiota in acne patients before and after taking oral antibiotics.

TOMM20 as a potential therapeutic target of colorectal cancer.

Translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20) plays an essential role as a receptor for proteins targeted to mitochondria. TOMM20 was shown to be overexpressed in various cancers. However, the oncological function and therapeutic potential for TOMM20 in cancer remains largely unexplored.

Virtual Loudspeaker Effect of Graphene-Based Hybrid Material To Improve Low-Frequency Acoustic Performance.

Closed-box loudspeaker systems (CBLSSs) are compact and simple air-suspension loudspeaker systems, and their low-frequency responses are determined by two fundamental parameters: resonance frequency and total damping. Recently, electronic devices have come to require more compact designs, so the volumes of loudspeaker should be reduced. However, a small loudspeaker cannot retain sufficient acoustic space, resulting in poor low-frequency acoustic performance.

Ultrafast and Chemically Stable Transfer of Au Nanomembrane Using a Water-Soluble NaCl Sacrificial Layer for Flexible Solar Cells.

Large-scale industrial application of flexible device has called for development of transfer methods that deliver high yield and stability. Here, we show an ultrafast and chemically stable transfer method by using a water-soluble NaCl sacrificial layer. Extremely thin (10 nm) and large-area (4 in.

Improvement of medication adherence with simplified once-daily immunosuppressive regimen in stable kidney transplant recipients: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Many immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed as twice-daily dosing. A simplified once-daily dosing of immunosuppressive drug regimen may improve medication adherence. We investigated medication adherence of simplified once-daily immunosuppressive regimen consisting of extended-release tacrolimus, sirolimus, and corticosteroids along with the efficacy and safety of this regimen.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH2 regulates ERGIC3-dependent trafficking of secretory proteins.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated ring-CH-type finger 2 (MARCH2) is known to be involved in intracellular vesicular trafficking, but its role in the early secretory pathway between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi compartments is largely unknown. Human ER-Golgi intermediate compartment protein 2 (ERGIC2) and ERGIC3 are orthologs of Erv41 and Erv46 in yeast, proteins that form a heteromeric complex, cycle between the ER and Golgi, and function as cargo receptors in both anterograde and retrograde protein trafficking. Here, we report that MARCH2 directs ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of ERGIC3 and that MARCH2 depletion increases endogenous ERGIC3 levels.

Relationships between Cytokine Levels and Disease Parameters during the Development of a Collagen-induced Arthritis Model in Cynomolgus Macaques ().

In rheumatoid arthritis research, NHP models of collagen-induced arthritis are important because these species share many immunologic and pathologic features with humans. In addition, serum levels of various cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been studied as immune markers for disease prediction, early diagnosis, and effective therapeutic management. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in cytokine levels that occur during the development of collagen-induced arthritis in female cynomolgus macaques ( = 8) and to assess the relationships between these changes and various disease parameters.

Safety and Efficacy of Reduced Prolonged-release Tacrolimus Exposure in De Novo Kidney Transplantation: A Randomized, Open-label, Pilot Study in Asia-OPTIMIZE Study.

Background: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel group, pilot, 52-week study in Asian countries that assessed the renal function, efficacy, and safety of reduced-exposure versus standard-exposure prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) in adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

Methods: Posttransplantation, KTRs received PR-T from weeks 0 to 4 (initial dose, 0.2-0.

Immunogenicity and Safety of the Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Chronically Immunosuppressed Adults Following Renal Transplant: A Phase 3, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The incidence of herpes zoster is up to 9 times higher in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients than in the general population. We investigated the immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in renal transplant (RT) recipients ≥18 years of age receiving daily immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods: In this phase 3, randomized (1:1), observer-blind, multicenter trial, RT recipients were enrolled and received 2 doses of RZV or placebo 1-2 months (M) apart 4-18M posttransplant.

CKD-506, a novel HDAC6-selective inhibitor, improves renal outcomes and survival in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. Recently, it has been elucidated that dysregulated histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity is related to the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitors are effective for the treatment of allergy, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, but they have several adverse side effects.