Tumor-associated neutrophils(TANs)exhibit highly func-tional heterogeneity across cancers.Although TANs pro-mote inflammatory responses and contribute to tumor clearance,they frequently undergo context-dependent repro...Tumor-associated neutrophils(TANs)exhibit highly func-tional heterogeneity across cancers.Although TANs pro-mote inflammatory responses and contribute to tumor clearance,they frequently undergo context-dependent reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment(TME)into highly immunosuppressive phenotypes that facilitate cancer dissemination and immunotherapy resist-ance1,2.We contend that an underappreciated,upstream determinant of this divergence is the maturation stage of TANs3,4.The developmental stage of TANs determines the migration patterns and constrains the functional capacity,and the developmental stage also constrains the extent of TME-driven re-education,together shaping pro-or anti-tu-mor outcomes3-5.In this Perspective,we place maturation at the core of TAN biology and discuss current definitions for TAN developmental stages and the measurable mark-ers that researchers and clinicians can use(Figure 1).In addition,spatial and temporal transitions in TAN matu-ration stages and the factors that govern these transitions are elucidated.We explain how maturation status shapes TAN function and articulate the key differences between mouse and human TAN maturation systems to highlight the value of human immune system(HIS)mouse models.Based on this framework,functional biomarkers and signa-tures of TAN maturation are introduced and we show how to embed them into patient stratification and longitudinal monitoring.Finally,we outline immunotherapy strategies targeting TAN maturation,selecting interventions guided by maturation markers to reinforce treatment benefits for cancer patients.展开更多
Background: Biological maturation refers to the progressive process through which individuals transition toward an adult state during growth and development. To address the challenges posed by differences in biologica...Background: Biological maturation refers to the progressive process through which individuals transition toward an adult state during growth and development. To address the challenges posed by differences in biological maturity and the limitations of existing testing methods, particularly in adolescent sports contexts, there is a pressing need for a non-invasive method that is convenient, accurate, and broadly applicable to monitor the biological maturity of adolescent athletes comprehensively. In response to this need, a maturity assessment method based on the smartphone application Maturo has been developed. This study evaluates the accuracy and validity of the Maturo software, an automated tool for estimating biological age and related maturation metrics.Methods: A sample of 103 actively training teenage athletes aged 9-17 years. The sample included 76 males(age = 11.74 ± 1.55 years, mean ±SD) and 27 females(age = 13.95 ± 1.40 years), all without medical conditions that might impact growth or development.Results: Compared to traditional expert evaluations, the intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs) and Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated reliable positive correlations and significant agreement between the Maturo software and expert methods across multiple metrics, such as biological age(ICC = 0.965, R = 0.97), corrected biological age(ICC = 0.973, R = 0.99), predicted adult height(ICC = 0.991, R = 0.99), and percentage of adult height achieved(ICC = 0.955, R = 0.97). The Bland-Altman plots provided additional evidence of the validity of the Maturo software estimations, showing low systematic error in most measures. The linear regression analysis produced excellent adjusted R2values: 0.95for biological age and 0.99 for anticipated adult height. The Maturo approach demonstrated a high level of dependability in classifying teenagers into groups based on their maturity status and timing. The κ coefficients of 0.93 for maturity status and 0.82 for maturity timing indicate a nearly perfect agreement with the expert technique.Conclusion: While the Maturo software's non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use could make it a potential tool for regular monitoring of growth and maturation in young athletes, its promising results in assessing maturation should be interpreted with caution due to limitations such as sample size and demographic constraints. Further longitude research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these preliminary findings and strengthen the evidence for its broader applicability.展开更多
Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between Whit...Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between White Leghorn and Beijing You chicken to evaluate the phenotypes related to sexual maturation,and profiled the ovary circRNAs of purebreds(WW,YY)and crossbreds(WY,YW)to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis for sexual maturation.Pubic space and oviduct length exhibited positive heterosis,and age at first egg(AFE)exhibited negative heterosis in the crossbreds.We identified 3,025 known circRNAs and 624 putative circRNAs,which were mainly derived from the exons.Among these circRNAs,141 and 178circRNAs were specially expressed in WY and YW,respectively.There were 52.38 and 64.63%of total circRNAs in WY and YW exhibited non-additive expression pattern,respectively.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the host genes of non-additive circRNAs were mainly involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway,oocyte development,ATPase activator activity,oocyte meiosis,progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and GnRH signaling pathway.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified that 4 modules were significantly(P<0.05)correlated with oviduct length and pubic space.The host genes of non-additive circRNAs harbored in the 4 modules were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.Furthermore,competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA)network analysis characterized non-additive circRNAs gal-FGFR2_0005 and galMAPKAP1_0004 could interact with gga-miR-1612 and gga-miR-12235-5p to regulate CNOT6,COL8A1,and FHL2,which were essential for ovary development,indicating that the non-additive circRNAs involved in the formation of sexual maturation heterosis through regulating genes related to the reproductive and developmental process.The findings would provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying sexual maturation heterosis from a novel perspective.展开更多
Pharyngeal cartilage morphogenesis is crucial for the formation of craniofacial structures.Cranial neural crest cells are specified at the neural plate border,migrate to pharyngeal arches,and differentiate into pharyn...Pharyngeal cartilage morphogenesis is crucial for the formation of craniofacial structures.Cranial neural crest cells are specified at the neural plate border,migrate to pharyngeal arches,and differentiate into pharyngeal chondrocytes,which subsequently flatten,elongate,and stack like coins during maturation.Although the developmental processes prior to chondrocyte maturation have been extensively studied,their subsequent changes in morphology and organization remain largely elusive.Here,we show that wnt2bb is expressed in the pharyngeal ectoderm adjacent to the chondrogenic precursor cells in zebrafish.Inactivation of Wnt2bb leads to a reduction in nuclearβ-catenin,which impairs chondrogenic precursor proliferation and disrupts chondrocyte morphogenesis and organization,eventually causing a severe shrinkage of pharyngeal cartilages.Moreover,the decrease ofβ-catenin in wnt2bb^(-/-)mutants is accompanied by the reduction of Yap expression.Reactivation of Yap can restore the proliferation of chondrocyte progenitors as well as the proper size,shape,and stacking of pharyngeal chondrocytes.Our findings suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes Yap expression to regulate pharyngeal cartilage formation in zebrafish.展开更多
Seed maturation is a critical development transition and it largely affects the final yield and quality of crops.Abscisic acid(ABA)-activated sucrose-non-fermentation kinase subfamily 2(SnRK2s)constitute a well-known ...Seed maturation is a critical development transition and it largely affects the final yield and quality of crops.Abscisic acid(ABA)-activated sucrose-non-fermentation kinase subfamily 2(SnRK2s)constitute a well-known regulatory network that modulate seed maturation in Arabidopsis;however,the underlying genetic and regulatory mechanisms in cereal crops remain largely unknown.Here,we found that ABA levels exhibited two distinct peaks during kernel development in maize,corresponding to the lag and maturation phase,respectively.Integrated transcriptome and proteome profiling of kernels treated with exogenous ABA at the pre-maturation stage suggested that the second peak of ABA acts as a trigger for kernel maturation program.Knockout of ZmSnRK2s demonstrated that subclassⅢZmSnRK2s are required for kernel maturation in maize,and the loss-of-function of subclassⅢZmSnRK2s showed a disruption in kernel dehydration and dormancy.We identified a conserved ABA–SnRK2–b ZIP signaling pathway mediating this process in maize.Additionally,ZmSnRK2.10 overexpression accelerates kernel dehydration during maturity,achieving reduced kernel moisture content(KMC)at physiological maturity(PM).Overall,our findings establish ABA-activated SnRK2s as central regulators of kernel maturation in maize and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding maize varieties with low moisture content at harvest.展开更多
Rising global energy needs have intensified the search for unconventional hydrocarbon sources,especially in under-selected areas like the Northeast Java Basin.This region harbors promising unconventional hydrocarbon r...Rising global energy needs have intensified the search for unconventional hydrocarbon sources,especially in under-selected areas like the Northeast Java Basin.This region harbors promising unconventional hydrocarbon reserves,where source rocks function as dual-phase systems for both hydrocarbon generation and storage.This research investigates how metal-based catalysts,particularly iron(Fe),can expedite hydrocarbon maturation in such reservoirs.Combining well logging,geochemical assessments,seismic data,and advanced lab techniques,including X-ray Diffraction(XRD),we pinpoint optimal zones for exploration.Results indicate that the Tuban,Kujung,and Ngimbang formations contain economically viable unconventional deposits,exhibiting tight reservoir properties(permeability:0.01–1 md)and moderate to good Total Organic Carbon(TOC)levels(1%–2%).Spatial analysis reveals elevated density concentrations in the northern sector,indicative of high-viscosity hydrocarbons typical of unconventional plays.Crucially,Fe additives were found to markedly enhance organic matter conversion,shortening maturation periods and boosting hydrocarbon yield.XRD data confirms that Fe alters crystalline configurations,increasing reactivity and speeding up thermal breakdown(shifting immature organic compounds toward maturity at an accelerated rate).These findings contribute to the evolving discourse on unconventional resource exploitation by proposing an innovative recovery enhancement strategy.The study also sets a precedent for investigating metal-assisted hydrocarbon conversion in geologically comparable basins globally.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to improve the in vitro maturation quality of denuded porcine oocytes and provide scientific basis for establishing a stable and efficient denuded oocyte culture system. [Method] The first...[Objective] This study aimed to improve the in vitro maturation quality of denuded porcine oocytes and provide scientific basis for establishing a stable and efficient denuded oocyte culture system. [Method] The first polar body extrusion rate, oocyte glutathione （GSH） content, positive rate of brilliant cresyl blue （BCB） staining and development potential of activated oocytes or fertilized oocytes were employed as main indicators to investigate the effects of follicular mural granulosa cell （MGC） coculture on cytoplasmic maturation of cumulus cell-removal oocytes （Denuded Oocyte, DO）. [Result] According to in vitro maturation results, compared with DO group, the first polar body extrusion rate of porcine oocytes in DO＋MGC group was not significantly different, but the nuclear maturation process was improved and was more similar to that in COC （cumulus-oocyte complex） group. Detection of GSH content in mature oocytes showed that there was no significant difference between DO＋ MGC group （optical density of 1 053.67） and COC group （optical density of 1 426.00） or between DO＋MGC group and COC＋GC group （optical density of 1 541.00）, however, GSH content in mature oocytes of DO group （optical density of 724.67） was significantly lower than that of COC group and COC＋GC group （P0.05）. Detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase （G6PDH） activity showed that there was no significant difference in BCB positive oocyte rate between DO ＋MGC group （88.26% ） and COC group （92.75%） or between DO＋MGC group and DO group （82.86% ）, however, BCB positive oocyte rate of DO group was significantly lower than that of COC group （P0.05）. Furthermore, the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of activated mature oocytes derived from DO ＋MGC group （94.98% and 43.67% , respectively） were significantly higher than those from DO group （52.54% and 8.97%, respectively） （P0.05）, and were not significantly different compared with those from COC group （97.11% and 38.30%, respectively）. In addition, the cleavage rate of fertilized oocytes derived from DO＋MGC group （72.65%） showed no significant difference compared with that from DO group （63.59%）, but the blastocyst rate of DO＋MGC group was significantly higher than that of DO group （9.88%） （P0.05）. [Conclusion] MGC coculture can significantly improve the in vitro cytoplasmic maturation quality of denuded porcine oocytes, thereby enhancing the subsequent developmental potential.展开更多
[Objective] The study aimed to provide references for the time of oocyte maturation in vitro and enucleation in the course of sheep nuclear transfer(NT).[Method] Compared the effects of different maturation time of oo...[Objective] The study aimed to provide references for the time of oocyte maturation in vitro and enucleation in the course of sheep nuclear transfer(NT).[Method] Compared the effects of different maturation time of oocytes on enucleation efficiency and reconstructed embryo development by means of blind enucleation and fluorescence microscopy.[Result] Treatment of IVM(in vitro maturation)19-21 h was significantly higher than IVM 16-18 h treatment in oocyte maturation rate(P<0.05)and was significantly higher than IVM 22-24 h treatment in enucleation rate(P<0.05).Three treatments had no significant difference in cleavage rate and blastocyst rate(P>0.05),but IVM 19-21 h treatment was significantly higher than the other 2 treatments in average cell number of blastocysts(P<0.05).[Conclusion] The appropriate in vitro maturation time of oocytes was 19-21 h for sheep nuclear transfer,which could significantly improve the quality of blastocysts according to the cell number per blastocyst(P<0.05).展开更多
Previous studies have shown that microglia impact the proliferation and differentiation of neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis via the fractalkine/CX3 chemokine receptor i （CX3CRI） signaling pathway. However, ...Previous studies have shown that microglia impact the proliferation and differentiation of neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis via the fractalkine/CX3 chemokine receptor i （CX3CRI） signaling pathway. However, whether microglia can influence the maturation and dendritic growth of newborn neurons during hippocampal neurogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the number of doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus was decreased, and the dendritic length and number of intersections in newborn neurons in the hippocampus were reduced in transgenic adult mice with CX3CR1 deficiency （CX3CRl^GFP/GFe）. Furthermore, after experimental seizures were induced with kainic acid in these CX3CRl-deficient mice, the expression of c-fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was reduced compared with wild-type mice. Collectively, the experimental findings indicate that the functional maturation of newborn neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice is delayed by CX3CR1 deficiency.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the appropriate concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH）, luteotropic hormone（LH） and estrodiol（E2） during in vitro maturation of Tan sheep oocytes. [Method...[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the appropriate concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH）, luteotropic hormone（LH） and estrodiol（E2） during in vitro maturation of Tan sheep oocytes. [Method] Tan sheep oocytes were divided into five groups for in vitro maturation culture： control group, FSH group（10,50, 100, 200 and 300 μg/ml FSH, respectively）, LH group（5, 10, 20, 50 and 100μg/ml LH, respectively）, E2group（5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml E2, respectively）, and FSH ＋ LH group（100 μg/ml FSH ＋ 20 μg/ml LH）. The releasing rate of first polar bodies was analyzed. [Result] The maturation rate of Tan sheep oocytes in 100 μg/ml FSH ＋ 20 μg/ml LH group reached the highest（64.64%）, which was significantly higher than that in other four groups（P〈0.05）; among different FSH concentrations,100 μg/ml FSH was superior to other four concentrations and the control group, exhibiting significant differences（P〈0.05）; among different LH concentrations, 20 μg/ml LH was superior to other four concentrations and the control group, exhibiting significant differences（P〈0.05）; among different E2 concentrations, 50 μg/ml E2 was superior to other four concentrations and the control group, exhibiting significant differences（P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] Under the experimental conditions, 100 μg/ml FSH ＋20 μg/ml LH was the most appropriate hormone combination for in vitro maturation of Tan sheep oocytes.展开更多
Age, maturation and population structure of the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas were studied based on random sampling of the Chinese jigging fishery off the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zones （EEZ） during 2008-2010. E...Age, maturation and population structure of the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas were studied based on random sampling of the Chinese jigging fishery off the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zones （EEZ） during 2008-2010. Estimated ages ranged from 144 to 633 days, confirming that the squid is a short-lived species with longevity no longer than 2 years. Occurrence of mature females and hatching in each month indicated that Humboldt squid spawned year-round. Back-calculated hatching dates for the samples were from January 22^nd, 2008 to April 22nd, 2010 with a peak between January and March. Two size-based and two hatching date-based populations could be defined from mantle length （ML） at maturity and back-calculated hatching dates, respectively. Females matured at a larger size than males, and there was a significant difference in ML at maturity between the two hatching groups （P〈0.05）. The waters adjacent to 1 l^S off the Peruvian EEZ may be a potential spawning ground. This study shows the complexity of the population structure and large variability in key life history parameters in the Humboldt squid off the Peruvian EEZ, which should be considered in the assessment and management of this important resource.展开更多
The osmotic challenges facing maturing spermatozoa and their responses to them are discussed in relation to the concept of sperm maturation, defined as the increased ability of more distally recovered epididymal sperm...The osmotic challenges facing maturing spermatozoa and their responses to them are discussed in relation to the concept of sperm maturation, defined as the increased ability of more distally recovered epididymal spermatozoa to fertilize eggs when inseminated into the female tract. One explanation could be that the more distal cells are better able to regulate their volume, and reach the oviducts, as a consequence of uptake of epididymal osmolytes. Increased motility, zona binding and oolemma fusion capacities are also acquired within the epididymis and are necessary for those cells that finally arrive at the site of fertilization. （Asian J Androl 2007 July; 9： 533-539）展开更多
Cholesterol is a key molecule in the mammalian physiology of especial particular importance for the reproductive system as it is the common precursor for steroid hormone synthesis. Cholesterol is also a recognized mod...Cholesterol is a key molecule in the mammalian physiology of especial particular importance for the reproductive system as it is the common precursor for steroid hormone synthesis. Cholesterol is also a recognized modulator of sperm functions, not only at the level of gametogenesis. Cholesterol homeostasis regulation is crucial for posttesticular sperm maturation, and imbalanced cholesterol levels may particularly affect these posttesticular events. Metabolic lipid disorders （dyslipidemia） affect male fertility but are most of the time studied from the angle of endocrine/testicular consequences. This review will focus on the deleterious effects of a particular dyslipidemia, Le., hypercholesterolemia, on posttesticular maturation of mammalian spermatozoa.展开更多
AIM:To study the effects of probiotic metabolites on maturation stage of antigen-presenting immune cells.METHODS:Ganeden Bacillus coagulans 30(GBC30) bacterial cultures in log phase were used to isolate the secreted m...AIM:To study the effects of probiotic metabolites on maturation stage of antigen-presenting immune cells.METHODS:Ganeden Bacillus coagulans 30(GBC30) bacterial cultures in log phase were used to isolate the secreted metabolite(MET) fraction.A second fraction was made to generate a crude cell-wall-enriched fraction,by centrifugation and lysis,followed by washing.A preparation of MET was subjected to size exclusion centrifugation,generating three fractions:< 3 kDa,3-30 kDa,and 30-200 kDa and activities were tested in comparison to crude MET and cell wall in primary cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC) as a source of antigen-presenting mononuclear phagocytes.The maturation status of mononuclear phagocytes was evaluated by staining with monoclonal antibodies towards CD14,CD16,CD80 and CD86 and analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTS:Treatment of PBMC with MET supported maturation of mononuclear phagocytes toward both macrophage and dendritic cell phenotypes.The biological activity unique to the metabolites included a reduction of CD14+ CD16+ pro-inflammatory cells,and this property was associated with the high molecular weight metabolite fraction.Changes were also seen for the dendritic cell maturation markers CD80 and CD86.On CD14dim cells,an increase in both CD80 and CD86 expression was seen,in contrast to a selective increase in CD86 expression on CD14bright cells.The co-expression of CD80 and CD86 indicates effective antigen presentation to T cells and support of T helper cell differentiation.The selective expression of CD86 in the absence of CD80 points to a role in generating T regulatory cells.CONCLUSION:The data show that a primary mechanism of action of GBC30 metabolites involves support of more mature phenotypes of antigen-presenting cells,important for immunological decision-making.展开更多
Selecting oocytes that are most likely to develop is crucial for in vitro fertilization and animal cloning. Brilliant cresyl blue （BCB） staining has been used for oocyte selection in large animals, but its wider uti...Selecting oocytes that are most likely to develop is crucial for in vitro fertilization and animal cloning. Brilliant cresyl blue （BCB） staining has been used for oocyte selection in large animals, but its wider utility needs further evaluation. Mouse oocytes were divided into those stained （BCB＋） and those unstained （BCB-） according to their ooplasm BCB coloration. Chromatin configurations, cumulus cell apoptosis, cytoplasmic maturity and developmental competence were compared between the BCB＋ and BCB- oocytes. The effects of oocyte diameter, sexual maturity and gonadotropin stimulation on the competence of BCB＋ oocytes were also analyzed. In the large- and medium-size groups, BCB＋ oocytes were larger and showed more surrounded nucleoli （SN） chromatin configurations and higher frequencies of early atresia, and they also gained better cytoplasmic maturity （determined as the intracellular GSH level and pattern of mitochondrial distribution） and higher developmental potential after in vitro maturation （IVM） than the BCB-oocytes. Adult mice produced more BCB＋ oocytes with higher competence than the prepubertal mice when not primed with PMSG. PMSG priming increased both proportion and developmental potency of BCB＋ oocytes. The BCB＋ oocytes in the large-size group showed more SN chromatin configurations, better cytoplasmic maturity and higher developmental potential than their counterparts in the medium-size group. It is concluded that BCB staining can be used as an efficient method for oocyte selection, but that the competence of the BCB＋ oocytes may vary with oocyte diameter, animal sexual maturity and gonadotropin stimulation. Taken together, the series of criteria described here would allow for better choices in selecting oocytes for better development.展开更多
p28, a 28kD protein from toad (Bufo bufo gargarizans) oocytes, was identified by using p13sucl-agarose affinity chromatography. Sequence homology analysis of the full-length cDNA of p28 (Gene Bank accession number: AF...p28, a 28kD protein from toad (Bufo bufo gargarizans) oocytes, was identified by using p13sucl-agarose affinity chromatography. Sequence homology analysis of the full-length cDNA of p28 (Gene Bank accession number: AF 314091) indicated that it encodes a protein containing 224 amino-acids with about 55% identities and more than 70% positives to human, rat or mouse UCH-L1, and contains homological functional domains of UCH family. Anti-p28 monoclonal antibody, on injecting into the oocytes, could inhibit the progesterone-induced resumption of meiotic division in a dose-dependent manner. The recombinant protein p28 showed similar SDS/PAGE behaviors to the native one, and promoted ubiquitin ethyl ester hydrolysis, a classical catalytic reaction for ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolases (UCHs). The results in this paper reveal that a novel protein, p28, exists in the toad oocytes, is a UCH L1 homolog, was engaged in the process of progesterone-induced oocyte maturation possibly through an involvement in protein turnover and degradation.展开更多
The age, growth and maturation of Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis were determined with statolith data collected with a light purse seine from the Bashi Channel of central Pacific Ocean. The estimated longevity of the squid...The age, growth and maturation of Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis were determined with statolith data collected with a light purse seine from the Bashi Channel of central Pacific Ocean. The estimated longevity of the squid was no more than 6 months for females, and no more than 5 months for males. Growth in mantle length(ML) was best described by logistic models for both females and males, while growth in body weight(BW) was best fitted by power curves. The maximum absolute growth rate(AGR) and instantaneous growth rate(IGR) in ML or BW both occurred at 91–105 days for females and 76–90 days for males. Back calculated hatching dates were from October to January, with a peak in December, although the short duration of sampling date might have had an influence on the result. The lower percentage of mature females(37.2%) suggested that the study area during the sampling date was not a spawning ground for the species. Size and age at first maturity were 183 mm ML and 136 days for females, whereas they were 156 mm ML and 85 days for males.展开更多
With embryogenic callus of Larix olgensisis, we investigated the effects of inositol, glutamine, casein hydrolysate, carbohydrate, abscisic acid and silver nitrate concentration on the maturation of the somatic embryo...With embryogenic callus of Larix olgensisis, we investigated the effects of inositol, glutamine, casein hydrolysate, carbohydrate, abscisic acid and silver nitrate concentration on the maturation of the somatic embryo.Three dominant factors emerged, and we developed a response surface model based on the Box-Behnken design.We defined the optimal conditions for the maturation of somatic embryos. The contents of abscisic acid, silver nitrate, sucrose and casein hydrolysis significantly affected the amount of maturing embryos, but inositol, maltose and glutamine had no effect. By establishing a response surface model with multiple factors, we predicted that the optimal number of L. olgensis somatic embryos was 204 ± 4 gon basal medium, containing 18.28 mg Labscisic acid,5.46 mg Lsilver nitrate and 82.67 g Lsucrose. In the verification experiments, the addition of 20 mg Labscisic acid, 5 mg Lsilver nitrate and 80 g Lsucrose to BM yielded an average of 202.06 somatic embryos per gram. These results should guide large-scale breeding of L. olgensis.展开更多
Brain damage can cause lung injury. To explore the mechanism underlying the lung injury induced by acute cerebral ischemia(ACI), we established a middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model in male Sprague-Dawley rat...Brain damage can cause lung injury. To explore the mechanism underlying the lung injury induced by acute cerebral ischemia(ACI), we established a middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We focused on glia maturation factor b(GMFB) based on quantitative analysis of the global rat serum proteome.Polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence revealed that GMFB was overexpressed in astrocytes in the brains of rats subjected to MCAO. We cultured rat primary astrocytes and confirmed that GMFB was also up-regulated in primary astrocytes after oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD). We subjected the primary astrocytes to Gmfb RNA interference before OGD and collected the conditioned medium(CM) after OGD.We then used the CM to culture pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(PMVECs) acquired in advance and assessed their status. The viability of the PMVECs improved significantly when Gmfb was blocked. Moreover,ELISA assays revealed an elevation in GMFB concentration in the medium after OGD. Cell cultures containing recombinant GMFB showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species and a deterioration in the state of the cells.In conclusion, GMFB is up-regulated in astrocytes after ACI, and brain-derived GMFB damages PMVECs by increasing reactive oxygen species. GMFB might thus be an initiator of the lung injury induced by ACI.展开更多
The spindle behavior and MPF activity changes in the progression of oocyte maturation were investigated and compared with cytological observation and kinase assay between gynogenetic silver crucian carp and amphimicti...The spindle behavior and MPF activity changes in the progression of oocyte maturation were investigated and compared with cytological observation and kinase assay between gynogenetic silver crucian carp and amphimictic colored crucian carp. MPF activity was measured by using histone H1 as phosphorylation substrate. There were two similar oscillatory MPF kinase activity changes during oocyte maturation in two kinds of fishes with different reproductive modes, but there existed some subtle difference between them. The subtle difference was that the first peak of MPF kinase activity was kept to a longerlasting time in the gynogenetic silver crucian carp than in the amphimictic colored crucian carp. It was suggested that the difference may be related to the spindle behavior changes, such as tripolar spindle formation and spindle rearrangement in the gynogenetic crucian carp.展开更多
基金funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82373263 and 82403835)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2023YFC2506400)+2 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2024M751405)Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation Youth Project(Grant No.BK20240247)General Project of Nanjing Health Science and Technology Development Program(Grant No.YKK24084).
文摘Tumor-associated neutrophils(TANs)exhibit highly func-tional heterogeneity across cancers.Although TANs pro-mote inflammatory responses and contribute to tumor clearance,they frequently undergo context-dependent reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment(TME)into highly immunosuppressive phenotypes that facilitate cancer dissemination and immunotherapy resist-ance1,2.We contend that an underappreciated,upstream determinant of this divergence is the maturation stage of TANs3,4.The developmental stage of TANs determines the migration patterns and constrains the functional capacity,and the developmental stage also constrains the extent of TME-driven re-education,together shaping pro-or anti-tu-mor outcomes3-5.In this Perspective,we place maturation at the core of TAN biology and discuss current definitions for TAN developmental stages and the measurable mark-ers that researchers and clinicians can use(Figure 1).In addition,spatial and temporal transitions in TAN matu-ration stages and the factors that govern these transitions are elucidated.We explain how maturation status shapes TAN function and articulate the key differences between mouse and human TAN maturation systems to highlight the value of human immune system(HIS)mouse models.Based on this framework,functional biomarkers and signa-tures of TAN maturation are introduced and we show how to embed them into patient stratification and longitudinal monitoring.Finally,we outline immunotherapy strategies targeting TAN maturation,selecting interventions guided by maturation markers to reinforce treatment benefits for cancer patients.
文摘Background: Biological maturation refers to the progressive process through which individuals transition toward an adult state during growth and development. To address the challenges posed by differences in biological maturity and the limitations of existing testing methods, particularly in adolescent sports contexts, there is a pressing need for a non-invasive method that is convenient, accurate, and broadly applicable to monitor the biological maturity of adolescent athletes comprehensively. In response to this need, a maturity assessment method based on the smartphone application Maturo has been developed. This study evaluates the accuracy and validity of the Maturo software, an automated tool for estimating biological age and related maturation metrics.Methods: A sample of 103 actively training teenage athletes aged 9-17 years. The sample included 76 males(age = 11.74 ± 1.55 years, mean ±SD) and 27 females(age = 13.95 ± 1.40 years), all without medical conditions that might impact growth or development.Results: Compared to traditional expert evaluations, the intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs) and Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated reliable positive correlations and significant agreement between the Maturo software and expert methods across multiple metrics, such as biological age(ICC = 0.965, R = 0.97), corrected biological age(ICC = 0.973, R = 0.99), predicted adult height(ICC = 0.991, R = 0.99), and percentage of adult height achieved(ICC = 0.955, R = 0.97). The Bland-Altman plots provided additional evidence of the validity of the Maturo software estimations, showing low systematic error in most measures. The linear regression analysis produced excellent adjusted R2values: 0.95for biological age and 0.99 for anticipated adult height. The Maturo approach demonstrated a high level of dependability in classifying teenagers into groups based on their maturity status and timing. The κ coefficients of 0.93 for maturity status and 0.82 for maturity timing indicate a nearly perfect agreement with the expert technique.Conclusion: While the Maturo software's non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use could make it a potential tool for regular monitoring of growth and maturation in young athletes, its promising results in assessing maturation should be interpreted with caution due to limitations such as sample size and demographic constraints. Further longitude research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these preliminary findings and strengthen the evidence for its broader applicability.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172721)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)+1 种基金the Central Publicinterest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,China(2021-YWF-ZYSQ-12)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP-IAS04)。
文摘Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between White Leghorn and Beijing You chicken to evaluate the phenotypes related to sexual maturation,and profiled the ovary circRNAs of purebreds(WW,YY)and crossbreds(WY,YW)to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis for sexual maturation.Pubic space and oviduct length exhibited positive heterosis,and age at first egg(AFE)exhibited negative heterosis in the crossbreds.We identified 3,025 known circRNAs and 624 putative circRNAs,which were mainly derived from the exons.Among these circRNAs,141 and 178circRNAs were specially expressed in WY and YW,respectively.There were 52.38 and 64.63%of total circRNAs in WY and YW exhibited non-additive expression pattern,respectively.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the host genes of non-additive circRNAs were mainly involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway,oocyte development,ATPase activator activity,oocyte meiosis,progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and GnRH signaling pathway.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified that 4 modules were significantly(P<0.05)correlated with oviduct length and pubic space.The host genes of non-additive circRNAs harbored in the 4 modules were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.Furthermore,competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA)network analysis characterized non-additive circRNAs gal-FGFR2_0005 and galMAPKAP1_0004 could interact with gga-miR-1612 and gga-miR-12235-5p to regulate CNOT6,COL8A1,and FHL2,which were essential for ovary development,indicating that the non-additive circRNAs involved in the formation of sexual maturation heterosis through regulating genes related to the reproductive and developmental process.The findings would provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying sexual maturation heterosis from a novel perspective.
基金support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32025014 and 32330029 to Q.W.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0804000 to Q.W.)+2 种基金Guangdong Excellent Youth Team Project(2024B1515040019 to Q.W.)Guangzhou Science and Technology Plan Project(202201010323 to X.H.)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(to Q.W.).
文摘Pharyngeal cartilage morphogenesis is crucial for the formation of craniofacial structures.Cranial neural crest cells are specified at the neural plate border,migrate to pharyngeal arches,and differentiate into pharyngeal chondrocytes,which subsequently flatten,elongate,and stack like coins during maturation.Although the developmental processes prior to chondrocyte maturation have been extensively studied,their subsequent changes in morphology and organization remain largely elusive.Here,we show that wnt2bb is expressed in the pharyngeal ectoderm adjacent to the chondrogenic precursor cells in zebrafish.Inactivation of Wnt2bb leads to a reduction in nuclearβ-catenin,which impairs chondrogenic precursor proliferation and disrupts chondrocyte morphogenesis and organization,eventually causing a severe shrinkage of pharyngeal cartilages.Moreover,the decrease ofβ-catenin in wnt2bb^(-/-)mutants is accompanied by the reduction of Yap expression.Reactivation of Yap can restore the proliferation of chondrocyte progenitors as well as the proper size,shape,and stacking of pharyngeal chondrocytes.Our findings suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes Yap expression to regulate pharyngeal cartilage formation in zebrafish.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32201696)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(23NSFSC4071)。
文摘Seed maturation is a critical development transition and it largely affects the final yield and quality of crops.Abscisic acid(ABA)-activated sucrose-non-fermentation kinase subfamily 2(SnRK2s)constitute a well-known regulatory network that modulate seed maturation in Arabidopsis;however,the underlying genetic and regulatory mechanisms in cereal crops remain largely unknown.Here,we found that ABA levels exhibited two distinct peaks during kernel development in maize,corresponding to the lag and maturation phase,respectively.Integrated transcriptome and proteome profiling of kernels treated with exogenous ABA at the pre-maturation stage suggested that the second peak of ABA acts as a trigger for kernel maturation program.Knockout of ZmSnRK2s demonstrated that subclassⅢZmSnRK2s are required for kernel maturation in maize,and the loss-of-function of subclassⅢZmSnRK2s showed a disruption in kernel dehydration and dormancy.We identified a conserved ABA–SnRK2–b ZIP signaling pathway mediating this process in maize.Additionally,ZmSnRK2.10 overexpression accelerates kernel dehydration during maturity,achieving reduced kernel moisture content(KMC)at physiological maturity(PM).Overall,our findings establish ABA-activated SnRK2s as central regulators of kernel maturation in maize and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding maize varieties with low moisture content at harvest.
文摘Rising global energy needs have intensified the search for unconventional hydrocarbon sources,especially in under-selected areas like the Northeast Java Basin.This region harbors promising unconventional hydrocarbon reserves,where source rocks function as dual-phase systems for both hydrocarbon generation and storage.This research investigates how metal-based catalysts,particularly iron(Fe),can expedite hydrocarbon maturation in such reservoirs.Combining well logging,geochemical assessments,seismic data,and advanced lab techniques,including X-ray Diffraction(XRD),we pinpoint optimal zones for exploration.Results indicate that the Tuban,Kujung,and Ngimbang formations contain economically viable unconventional deposits,exhibiting tight reservoir properties(permeability:0.01–1 md)and moderate to good Total Organic Carbon(TOC)levels(1%–2%).Spatial analysis reveals elevated density concentrations in the northern sector,indicative of high-viscosity hydrocarbons typical of unconventional plays.Crucially,Fe additives were found to markedly enhance organic matter conversion,shortening maturation periods and boosting hydrocarbon yield.XRD data confirms that Fe alters crystalline configurations,increasing reactivity and speeding up thermal breakdown(shifting immature organic compounds toward maturity at an accelerated rate).These findings contribute to the evolving discourse on unconventional resource exploitation by proposing an innovative recovery enhancement strategy.The study also sets a precedent for investigating metal-assisted hydrocarbon conversion in geologically comparable basins globally.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (30871431)Outstanding Youth Fund of Heilongjiang Province (JC200905)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to improve the in vitro maturation quality of denuded porcine oocytes and provide scientific basis for establishing a stable and efficient denuded oocyte culture system. [Method] The first polar body extrusion rate, oocyte glutathione （GSH） content, positive rate of brilliant cresyl blue （BCB） staining and development potential of activated oocytes or fertilized oocytes were employed as main indicators to investigate the effects of follicular mural granulosa cell （MGC） coculture on cytoplasmic maturation of cumulus cell-removal oocytes （Denuded Oocyte, DO）. [Result] According to in vitro maturation results, compared with DO group, the first polar body extrusion rate of porcine oocytes in DO＋MGC group was not significantly different, but the nuclear maturation process was improved and was more similar to that in COC （cumulus-oocyte complex） group. Detection of GSH content in mature oocytes showed that there was no significant difference between DO＋ MGC group （optical density of 1 053.67） and COC group （optical density of 1 426.00） or between DO＋MGC group and COC＋GC group （optical density of 1 541.00）, however, GSH content in mature oocytes of DO group （optical density of 724.67） was significantly lower than that of COC group and COC＋GC group （P0.05）. Detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase （G6PDH） activity showed that there was no significant difference in BCB positive oocyte rate between DO ＋MGC group （88.26% ） and COC group （92.75%） or between DO＋MGC group and DO group （82.86% ）, however, BCB positive oocyte rate of DO group was significantly lower than that of COC group （P0.05）. Furthermore, the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of activated mature oocytes derived from DO ＋MGC group （94.98% and 43.67% , respectively） were significantly higher than those from DO group （52.54% and 8.97%, respectively） （P0.05）, and were not significantly different compared with those from COC group （97.11% and 38.30%, respectively）. In addition, the cleavage rate of fertilized oocytes derived from DO＋MGC group （72.65%） showed no significant difference compared with that from DO group （63.59%）, but the blastocyst rate of DO＋MGC group was significantly higher than that of DO group （9.88%） （P0.05）. [Conclusion] MGC coculture can significantly improve the in vitro cytoplasmic maturation quality of denuded porcine oocytes, thereby enhancing the subsequent developmental potential.
基金Supported by School Program of Henan Institute of Science and Technology(20060516)~~
文摘[Objective] The study aimed to provide references for the time of oocyte maturation in vitro and enucleation in the course of sheep nuclear transfer(NT).[Method] Compared the effects of different maturation time of oocytes on enucleation efficiency and reconstructed embryo development by means of blind enucleation and fluorescence microscopy.[Result] Treatment of IVM(in vitro maturation)19-21 h was significantly higher than IVM 16-18 h treatment in oocyte maturation rate(P<0.05)and was significantly higher than IVM 22-24 h treatment in enucleation rate(P<0.05).Three treatments had no significant difference in cleavage rate and blastocyst rate(P>0.05),but IVM 19-21 h treatment was significantly higher than the other 2 treatments in average cell number of blastocysts(P<0.05).[Conclusion] The appropriate in vitro maturation time of oocytes was 19-21 h for sheep nuclear transfer,which could significantly improve the quality of blastocysts according to the cell number per blastocyst(P<0.05).
文摘Previous studies have shown that microglia impact the proliferation and differentiation of neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis via the fractalkine/CX3 chemokine receptor i （CX3CRI） signaling pathway. However, whether microglia can influence the maturation and dendritic growth of newborn neurons during hippocampal neurogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the number of doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampus was decreased, and the dendritic length and number of intersections in newborn neurons in the hippocampus were reduced in transgenic adult mice with CX3CR1 deficiency （CX3CRl^GFP/GFe）. Furthermore, after experimental seizures were induced with kainic acid in these CX3CRl-deficient mice, the expression of c-fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was reduced compared with wild-type mice. Collectively, the experimental findings indicate that the functional maturation of newborn neu- rons during hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice is delayed by CX3CR1 deficiency.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region(NZ12150)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the appropriate concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH）, luteotropic hormone（LH） and estrodiol（E2） during in vitro maturation of Tan sheep oocytes. [Method] Tan sheep oocytes were divided into five groups for in vitro maturation culture： control group, FSH group（10,50, 100, 200 and 300 μg/ml FSH, respectively）, LH group（5, 10, 20, 50 and 100μg/ml LH, respectively）, E2group（5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml E2, respectively）, and FSH ＋ LH group（100 μg/ml FSH ＋ 20 μg/ml LH）. The releasing rate of first polar bodies was analyzed. [Result] The maturation rate of Tan sheep oocytes in 100 μg/ml FSH ＋ 20 μg/ml LH group reached the highest（64.64%）, which was significantly higher than that in other four groups（P〈0.05）; among different FSH concentrations,100 μg/ml FSH was superior to other four concentrations and the control group, exhibiting significant differences（P〈0.05）; among different LH concentrations, 20 μg/ml LH was superior to other four concentrations and the control group, exhibiting significant differences（P〈0.05）; among different E2 concentrations, 50 μg/ml E2 was superior to other four concentrations and the control group, exhibiting significant differences（P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] Under the experimental conditions, 100 μg/ml FSH ＋20 μg/ml LH was the most appropriate hormone combination for in vitro maturation of Tan sheep oocytes.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41276156)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (No. 2012AA092303)+3 种基金the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (No. 13YZ091)Shanghai Leading Academic Disciplin Projectsupported by National Distant-Water Fisheries Engineering Research Center, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Oceanic Fishery Resources, Ministry of AgricultureYong Chen’s involvement in the project was supported by the Shanghai Dongfang Scholar Program
文摘Age, maturation and population structure of the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas were studied based on random sampling of the Chinese jigging fishery off the Peruvian Exclusive Economic Zones （EEZ） during 2008-2010. Estimated ages ranged from 144 to 633 days, confirming that the squid is a short-lived species with longevity no longer than 2 years. Occurrence of mature females and hatching in each month indicated that Humboldt squid spawned year-round. Back-calculated hatching dates for the samples were from January 22^nd, 2008 to April 22nd, 2010 with a peak between January and March. Two size-based and two hatching date-based populations could be defined from mantle length （ML） at maturity and back-calculated hatching dates, respectively. Females matured at a larger size than males, and there was a significant difference in ML at maturity between the two hatching groups （P〈0.05）. The waters adjacent to 1 l^S off the Peruvian EEZ may be a potential spawning ground. This study shows the complexity of the population structure and large variability in key life history parameters in the Humboldt squid off the Peruvian EEZ, which should be considered in the assessment and management of this important resource.
文摘The osmotic challenges facing maturing spermatozoa and their responses to them are discussed in relation to the concept of sperm maturation, defined as the increased ability of more distally recovered epididymal spermatozoa to fertilize eggs when inseminated into the female tract. One explanation could be that the more distal cells are better able to regulate their volume, and reach the oviducts, as a consequence of uptake of epididymal osmolytes. Increased motility, zona binding and oolemma fusion capacities are also acquired within the epididymis and are necessary for those cells that finally arrive at the site of fertilization. （Asian J Androl 2007 July; 9： 533-539）
文摘Cholesterol is a key molecule in the mammalian physiology of especial particular importance for the reproductive system as it is the common precursor for steroid hormone synthesis. Cholesterol is also a recognized modulator of sperm functions, not only at the level of gametogenesis. Cholesterol homeostasis regulation is crucial for posttesticular sperm maturation, and imbalanced cholesterol levels may particularly affect these posttesticular events. Metabolic lipid disorders （dyslipidemia） affect male fertility but are most of the time studied from the angle of endocrine/testicular consequences. This review will focus on the deleterious effects of a particular dyslipidemia, Le., hypercholesterolemia, on posttesticular maturation of mammalian spermatozoa.
基金Supported by A Research Sponsorship from Ganeden Biotech, Ohio,United States
文摘AIM:To study the effects of probiotic metabolites on maturation stage of antigen-presenting immune cells.METHODS:Ganeden Bacillus coagulans 30(GBC30) bacterial cultures in log phase were used to isolate the secreted metabolite(MET) fraction.A second fraction was made to generate a crude cell-wall-enriched fraction,by centrifugation and lysis,followed by washing.A preparation of MET was subjected to size exclusion centrifugation,generating three fractions:< 3 kDa,3-30 kDa,and 30-200 kDa and activities were tested in comparison to crude MET and cell wall in primary cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC) as a source of antigen-presenting mononuclear phagocytes.The maturation status of mononuclear phagocytes was evaluated by staining with monoclonal antibodies towards CD14,CD16,CD80 and CD86 and analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTS:Treatment of PBMC with MET supported maturation of mononuclear phagocytes toward both macrophage and dendritic cell phenotypes.The biological activity unique to the metabolites included a reduction of CD14+ CD16+ pro-inflammatory cells,and this property was associated with the high molecular weight metabolite fraction.Changes were also seen for the dendritic cell maturation markers CD80 and CD86.On CD14dim cells,an increase in both CD80 and CD86 expression was seen,in contrast to a selective increase in CD86 expression on CD14bright cells.The co-expression of CD80 and CD86 indicates effective antigen presentation to T cells and support of T helper cell differentiation.The selective expression of CD86 in the absence of CD80 points to a role in generating T regulatory cells.CONCLUSION:The data show that a primary mechanism of action of GBC30 metabolites involves support of more mature phenotypes of antigen-presenting cells,important for immunological decision-making.
基金Acknowledgments This study was supported by grants from the China National Natural Science Foundation （Nos. 30430530 and 30571337） and from the Momentous Research Project of the China Ministry of Science and Technology （No. 2006CB944003）.
文摘Selecting oocytes that are most likely to develop is crucial for in vitro fertilization and animal cloning. Brilliant cresyl blue （BCB） staining has been used for oocyte selection in large animals, but its wider utility needs further evaluation. Mouse oocytes were divided into those stained （BCB＋） and those unstained （BCB-） according to their ooplasm BCB coloration. Chromatin configurations, cumulus cell apoptosis, cytoplasmic maturity and developmental competence were compared between the BCB＋ and BCB- oocytes. The effects of oocyte diameter, sexual maturity and gonadotropin stimulation on the competence of BCB＋ oocytes were also analyzed. In the large- and medium-size groups, BCB＋ oocytes were larger and showed more surrounded nucleoli （SN） chromatin configurations and higher frequencies of early atresia, and they also gained better cytoplasmic maturity （determined as the intracellular GSH level and pattern of mitochondrial distribution） and higher developmental potential after in vitro maturation （IVM） than the BCB-oocytes. Adult mice produced more BCB＋ oocytes with higher competence than the prepubertal mice when not primed with PMSG. PMSG priming increased both proportion and developmental potency of BCB＋ oocytes. The BCB＋ oocytes in the large-size group showed more SN chromatin configurations, better cytoplasmic maturity and higher developmental potential than their counterparts in the medium-size group. It is concluded that BCB staining can be used as an efficient method for oocyte selection, but that the competence of the BCB＋ oocytes may vary with oocyte diameter, animal sexual maturity and gonadotropin stimulation. Taken together, the series of criteria described here would allow for better choices in selecting oocytes for better development.
基金This work is supported by National Natural Sci-ence Fundation of China (Grant 39770370), and National Laboratory of Contraceptives and Devices Re-search affiliated with Shanghai lnstitute of Planned Parenthood Research.
文摘p28, a 28kD protein from toad (Bufo bufo gargarizans) oocytes, was identified by using p13sucl-agarose affinity chromatography. Sequence homology analysis of the full-length cDNA of p28 (Gene Bank accession number: AF 314091) indicated that it encodes a protein containing 224 amino-acids with about 55% identities and more than 70% positives to human, rat or mouse UCH-L1, and contains homological functional domains of UCH family. Anti-p28 monoclonal antibody, on injecting into the oocytes, could inhibit the progesterone-induced resumption of meiotic division in a dose-dependent manner. The recombinant protein p28 showed similar SDS/PAGE behaviors to the native one, and promoted ubiquitin ethyl ester hydrolysis, a classical catalytic reaction for ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolases (UCHs). The results in this paper reveal that a novel protein, p28, exists in the toad oocytes, is a UCH L1 homolog, was engaged in the process of progesterone-induced oocyte maturation possibly through an involvement in protein turnover and degradation.
基金supported by the Natural National Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41306127 and 41276156)the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (No.13YZ091)+1 种基金the Ph.D Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (No. 20133104120001)Shanghai Universities First-class Disciplines Project (Fisheries A)
文摘The age, growth and maturation of Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis were determined with statolith data collected with a light purse seine from the Bashi Channel of central Pacific Ocean. The estimated longevity of the squid was no more than 6 months for females, and no more than 5 months for males. Growth in mantle length(ML) was best described by logistic models for both females and males, while growth in body weight(BW) was best fitted by power curves. The maximum absolute growth rate(AGR) and instantaneous growth rate(IGR) in ML or BW both occurred at 91–105 days for females and 76–90 days for males. Back calculated hatching dates were from October to January, with a peak in December, although the short duration of sampling date might have had an influence on the result. The lower percentage of mature females(37.2%) suggested that the study area during the sampling date was not a spawning ground for the species. Size and age at first maturity were 183 mm ML and 136 days for females, whereas they were 156 mm ML and 85 days for males.
基金supported by the National High-tech R&D Program(863 Program)of China(2013AA102704)
文摘With embryogenic callus of Larix olgensisis, we investigated the effects of inositol, glutamine, casein hydrolysate, carbohydrate, abscisic acid and silver nitrate concentration on the maturation of the somatic embryo.Three dominant factors emerged, and we developed a response surface model based on the Box-Behnken design.We defined the optimal conditions for the maturation of somatic embryos. The contents of abscisic acid, silver nitrate, sucrose and casein hydrolysis significantly affected the amount of maturing embryos, but inositol, maltose and glutamine had no effect. By establishing a response surface model with multiple factors, we predicted that the optimal number of L. olgensis somatic embryos was 204 ± 4 gon basal medium, containing 18.28 mg Labscisic acid,5.46 mg Lsilver nitrate and 82.67 g Lsucrose. In the verification experiments, the addition of 20 mg Labscisic acid, 5 mg Lsilver nitrate and 80 g Lsucrose to BM yielded an average of 202.06 somatic embryos per gram. These results should guide large-scale breeding of L. olgensis.
文摘Brain damage can cause lung injury. To explore the mechanism underlying the lung injury induced by acute cerebral ischemia(ACI), we established a middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We focused on glia maturation factor b(GMFB) based on quantitative analysis of the global rat serum proteome.Polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence revealed that GMFB was overexpressed in astrocytes in the brains of rats subjected to MCAO. We cultured rat primary astrocytes and confirmed that GMFB was also up-regulated in primary astrocytes after oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD). We subjected the primary astrocytes to Gmfb RNA interference before OGD and collected the conditioned medium(CM) after OGD.We then used the CM to culture pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(PMVECs) acquired in advance and assessed their status. The viability of the PMVECs improved significantly when Gmfb was blocked. Moreover,ELISA assays revealed an elevation in GMFB concentration in the medium after OGD. Cell cultures containing recombinant GMFB showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species and a deterioration in the state of the cells.In conclusion, GMFB is up-regulated in astrocytes after ACI, and brain-derived GMFB damages PMVECs by increasing reactive oxygen species. GMFB might thus be an initiator of the lung injury induced by ACI.
文摘The spindle behavior and MPF activity changes in the progression of oocyte maturation were investigated and compared with cytological observation and kinase assay between gynogenetic silver crucian carp and amphimictic colored crucian carp. MPF activity was measured by using histone H1 as phosphorylation substrate. There were two similar oscillatory MPF kinase activity changes during oocyte maturation in two kinds of fishes with different reproductive modes, but there existed some subtle difference between them. The subtle difference was that the first peak of MPF kinase activity was kept to a longerlasting time in the gynogenetic silver crucian carp than in the amphimictic colored crucian carp. It was suggested that the difference may be related to the spindle behavior changes, such as tripolar spindle formation and spindle rearrangement in the gynogenetic crucian carp.
