Identifying the driver miRNAs with somatic copy number alterations driving dysregulated ceRNA networks in cancers.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cancer initiation and progression, which were critical components to maintain the dynamic balance of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) in the cancer genome could disturb the transcriptome level of miRNA to deregulate this balance. However, the driving effects of SCNAs of miRNAs were insufficiently understood.

Identifying the personalized driver gene sets maximally contributing to abnormality of transcriptome phenotype in glioblastoma multiforme individuals.

High heterogeneity in genome and phenotype of cancer populations made it difficult to apply population-based common driver genes to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer individuals. Characterizing and identifying the personalized driver mechanism for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) individuals were pivotal for the realization of precision medicine. We proposed an integrative method to identify the personalized driver gene sets by integrating the profiles of gene expression and genetic alterations in cancer individuals.

Applications of upconversion nanoparticles in cellular optogenetics.

Upconversion-mediated optogenetics is an emerging powerful technique to remotely control and manipulate the deep-tissue protein functions and signaling pathway activation. This technique uses lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as light transducers and through near-infrared light to indirectly activate the traditional optogenetic proteins. With the merits of high spatiotemporal resolution and minimal invasiveness, this technique enables cell-type specific manipulation of cellular activities in deep tissues as well as in living animals.

Transcriptomic heterogeneity of driver gene mutations reveals novel mutual exclusivity and improves exploration of functional associations.

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), as the most common subtype of lung cancer, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The accumulation of driver gene mutations enables cancer cells to gradually acquire growth advantage. Therefore, it is important to understand the functions and interactions of driver gene mutations in cancer progression.

Artificial Atomic Vacancies Tailor Near-Infrared II Excited Multiplexing Upconversion in Core-Shell Lanthanide Nanoparticles.

Epitaxial growth of an inert shell around the optical active lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is a general strategy to enhance their brightness. Yet, its potential as a tool in multiplexing emission tailoring has rarely been reported. Here, by developing the atomic vacancies into color selectivity actuators, we present an efficient strategy to achieve inert-shell-modulated multiplexing upconversion in 1540 nm activated UCNPs.

Upconversion Nanoparticles-Based Multiplex Protein Activation to Neuron Ablation for Locomotion Regulation.

The optogenetic neuron ablation approach enables noninvasive remote decoding of specific neuron function within a complex living organism in high spatiotemporal resolution. However, it suffers from shallow tissue penetration of visible light with low ablation efficiency. This study reports a upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based multiplex proteins activation tool to ablate deep-tissue neurons for locomotion modulation.

Dextran glucosidase: a potential target of iminosugars in caries prevention.

It is well known that iminosugars are inhibitors of glycosyltransferases (GTFs) and glucosidases. Because of iminosugars' inhibitory effect on GTFs, scientists have made great effort to verify their roles in the prevention of caries. The inhibition of GTFs can reduce the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides, especially the synthesis of water-insoluble α-1,3-linked glucan.