Self-Assembly of Organelle-Localized Neuropeptides Triggers Intrinsic Apoptosis Against Breast Cancer.

Biosynthesis has become a diverse toolbox for the development of bioactive molecules and materials, particularly for enzyme-induced modification and assembly of peptides. However, intracellular spatiotemporal regulation of artificial biomolecular aggregates based on neuropeptide remains challenging. Here, an enzyme responsive precursor (Y L-KGRR-FF-IR) is developed based on the neuropeptide Y Y receptor ligand, which self-assembles into nanoscale assemblies in the lysosomes and subsequently has an appreciable destructive effect on the mitochondria and cytoskeleton, resulting in breast cancer cell apoptosis.

Transformable Neuropeptide Prodrug with Tumor Microenvironment Responsiveness for Tumor Growth and Metastasis Inhibition of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis among all breast cancer subtypes due to lack of specific target sites and effective treatments. Herein, a transformable prodrug (DOX-P18) based on neuropeptide Y analogue with tumor microenvironment responsiveness is developed for TNBC treatment. The prodrug DOX-P18 can achieve reversible morphological transformation between monomers and nanoparticles through the manipulation of protonation degree in different environments.

Custom-Made Ceria Nanoparticles Show a Neuroprotective Effect by Modulating Phenotypic Polarization of the Microglia.

The neuroprotective effect of ceria nanoparticles in the context of brain disorders has been explained by their antioxidant effect. However, the in-depth mechanism remains unknown. As resident immune cells in the brain, microglia exert a variety of functional reprogramming termed as polarization in response to stress stimuli.

PADI4 polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.

The objective of the study was to investigate the association between peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) polymorphism and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An electronic searching strategy was employed to collect relevant studies on the association between PADI4 polymorphism and susceptibility to RA. The odds ratio (OR) with the 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was used to evaluate the RA risk presented by PADI4 polymorphism.

Loneliness among the rural older people in Anhui, China: prevalence and associated factors.

Objectives: To clarify the prevalence of loneliness and evaluate the impact of social support, family function and socio-demographic factors on loneliness and their correlation among the rural older people in Anhui, China.

Methods: A sample of 5652 older people were surveyed using the UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles)-Loneliness Scale, the FAD (family assessment device), and the SSRS (Social Support Rating Scale).

Results: 78.