This study investigates the role and pathogenesis of serine- and arginine-rich splicing factor 10 (SRSF10) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Bioinformatics analysis predicted SRSF10 gene expression in CRC patients, and functional experiments involving SRSF10 knockdown and overexpression were conducted using CCK8, Transwell, scratch assays, and flow cytometry. SRSF10 knockdown inhibited CRC cell proliferation and migration, promoted apoptosis, and altered DNA replication, while SRSF10 overexpression enhanced proliferation and migration and caused cell cycle changes. Notably, high SRSF10 expression reduced glucose uptake in cultured cells, further indicating its role as a negative regulator of energy metabolism. The study also revealed changes in the RFC5 gene in CRC cells after SRSF10 knockdown, with SRSF10 increasing the exon 2-AS1(S) transcript variant of RFC5, promoting abnormal splicing of exon 2 and advancing CRC progression. These findings suggest that SRSF10 may serve as an important target for CRC clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The LBX1 gene, located near single nucleotide polymorphisms highly associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis susceptibility, is considered one of the strongest candidate genes for the disease mechanism. The study found that LBX1 deletion not only causes spinal deformities but also affects lean body mass, suggesting LBX1's potential role in energy metabolism. This study aimed to test this hypothesis by analyzing the phenotype of LBX1-deficient skeletal muscle in mice, focusing on energy metabolism. Results showed that LBX1-deficient mice exhibited greater resistance to high-fat diet-induced obesity, despite similar food intake to control mice. Mutant mice also demonstrated better glucose tolerance, higher maximal aerobic capacity, and increased core temperature. Furthermore, LBX1 overexpression reduced glucose uptake in cultured cells. Together, the data indicate that LBX1 acts as a negative regulator of energy metabolism, with its deletion increasing systemic energy expenditure, leading to lean body mass. The study also suggests a potential association between LBX1 dysfunction and lean body mass in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

This study examines the role of VASN in rectal cancer, finding that its high expression is associated with pulmonary metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. By establishing stable overexpression and knockdown cell lines of VASN, the authors further validated VASN's role in promoting cancer cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Both in vitro and in vivo results show that VASN overexpression significantly enhances cancer cell invasion and reduces sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. The experimental methods include transfection of the VASN gene using lentiviral vectors, establishment of stable cell lines through G418 resistance selection, and verification of VASN overexpression via Western blot and qPCR.

Abstract:

To date, more than half of global hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases occur in China, yet comprehensive whole-genome analyses focusing on HBV-related HCC within the Chinese population remain scarce. To address this challenge, researchers initiated the China Liver Cancer Atlas (CLCA) project, aiming to conduct large-scale whole-genome sequencing to unravel the unique pathogenic mechanisms and evolutionary trajectories of HCC in China.

The researchers performed deep whole-genome sequencing on 494 HCC tumor samples, with an average depth of 120×, alongside matched blood controls, providing a detailed genomic landscape of HBV-associated HCC. Beyond confirming well-known coding driver genes such as TP53 and CTNNB1, the study identified six novel coding drivers—including FGA—and 31 non-coding driver genes.

Additionally, the research uncovered five new mutational signatures, including SBS_H8, and characterized the presence of extrachromosomal circular DNA (ecDNA) formed via HBV integration, which contributes to oncogene amplification and overexpression. Functional validation experiments demonstrated that mutations in genes such as FGA, PPP1R12B, and KCNJ12 significantly enhance HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

These findings not only deepen our insights into the genomics of HCC, but also open up new potential targets for diagnosis and therapy. View details>>

Candidate driver landscape

Abstract:

During the acute inflammatory phase of tendon injury, excessive activation of macrophages leads to the overexpression of SPP1, which encodes osteopontin (OPN), thereby impairing tissue regeneration. The CRISPR-Cas13 system holds great promise for tissue repair due to its unique RNA editing and rapid degradation capabilities; however, its application has been limited by the lack of efficient delivery methods.

To address this, the researchers systematically screened various cationic polymers targeting macrophages and developed a nanocluster carrier capable of efficiently delivering Cas13 ribonucleoprotein complexes (Cas13 RNPs) into macrophages. Utilizing a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive release mechanism, this system specifically suppresses the overexpression of SPP1 in macrophages within the acute inflammatory microenvironment of tendon injury.

Experimental results demonstrated that this targeted delivery strategy significantly reduced the population of SPP1-overexpressing macrophages induced by injury, inhibited fibroblast activation, and alleviated peritendinous adhesion formation. Furthermore, the study elucidated that SPP1 promotes fibroblast activation and migration through the CD44/AKT signaling pathway, and that inhibiting this pathway effectively mitigates adhesion formation following tendon injury. View details>>

Schematic diagram illustrating immune microenvironment-activated mRNA editing strategies of macrophages for PA therapy

Abstract：

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disabling condition that causes permanent loss of sensory, autonomic, and motor functions. While stem cell therapies, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show great promise for SCI treatment, their limited regenerative capacity restricts their application in tissue repair. The researchers observed that extracellular vesicles derived from antler bud progenitor cells (EVsABPC) may carry bioactive signals that promote tissue regeneration. Accordingly, they isolated and engineered EVs from ABPCs for SCI therapeutic investigation.

The study found that EVsABPC significantly enhanced neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation, promoted axonal growth, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and modulated inflammation by shifting macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, engineered EVsABPC modified with cell-penetrating peptides demonstrated improved targeting to the SCI lesion site, markedly enhancing neural regeneration and functional motor recovery. These findings highlight EVsABPC as a promising candidate for SCI therapy. View details>>

Graphical abstract

Abstract:

S-metolachlor (S-MET) is one of the most widely produced and applied herbicides in China. Owing to its chemical properties, it tends to persist in soil and easily contaminates surface and groundwater through leaching and runoff. This environmental persistence poses a serious threat to plant development and, through the food chain, to human health.

To address the limitations of current detection technologies and meet the growing demand for high-efficiency analytical tools, the researchers employed a mammalian expression system to generate recombinant antibodies targeting S-MET.

Building on the successful expression of these antibodies, they established a sensitive immunoassay for monitoring S-MET residues in various environmental water samples. The icELISA results showed that the recombinant antibodies retained the sensitivity, specificity, and biological activity of the original monoclonal antibodies, delivering accurate and reproducible detection in river water, agricultural runoff, and tap water. View details>>

Graphical abstract

Abstract:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by interacting with the mRNAs of target genes. Given their crucial role in the development and progression of various diseases, miRNAs have emerged as promising biomarkers for clinical diagnostics.

In this study, researchers established a novel detection platform, termed DBmRCA, which combines dumbbell probe-initiated multi-rolling circle amplification with the high-sensitivity signal output of CRISPR/Cas12a. This enzyme-free, isothermal method enables accurate quantification of miRNA within just 30 minutes.

Clinical validation revealed that the expression levels of miR-200a and miR-126 were significantly downregulated in lung cancer tissues, and results from DBmRCA were consistent with those obtained by conventional techniques. With its high sensitivity, rapid turnaround, and simplified workflow, the DBmRCA platform presents a reliable tool for miRNA detection and holds strong promise for early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of lung cancer. View details>>

Graphical abstract