BACKGROUND The self-assembly of solid organs from stem cells has the potential to greatly expand the applicability of regenerative medicine.Stem cells can self-organise into microsized organ units,partially modelling ...BACKGROUND The self-assembly of solid organs from stem cells has the potential to greatly expand the applicability of regenerative medicine.Stem cells can self-organise into microsized organ units,partially modelling tissue function and regeneration.Dental pulp organoids have been used to recapitulate the processes of tooth development and related diseases.However,the lack of vasculature limits the utility of dental pulp organoids.AIM To improve survival and aid in recovery after stem cell transplantation,we demonstrated the three-dimensional(3D)self-assembly of adult stem cell-human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs)and endothelial cells(ECs)into a novel type of spheroid-shaped dental pulp organoid in vitro under hypoxia and conditioned medium(CM).METHODS During culture,primary hDPSCs were induced to differentiate into ECs by exposing them to a hypoxic environment and CM.The hypoxic pretreated hDPSCs were then mixed with ECs at specific ratios and conditioned in a 3D environment to produce prevascularized dental pulp organoids.The biological characteristics of the organoids were analysed,and the regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis were studied.RESULTS The combination of these two agents resulted in prevascularized human dental pulp organoids(Vorganoids)that more closely resembled dental pulp tissue in terms of morphology and function.Single-cell RNA sequencing of dental pulp tissue and RNA sequencing of Vorganoids were integrated to analyse key regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis.The biomarkers forkhead box protein O1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 were identified to be involved in the regulation of Vorganoids.CONCLUSION In this innovative study,we effectively established an in vitro model of Vorganoids and used it to elucidate new mechanisms of angiogenesis during regeneration,facilitating the development of clinical treatment strategies.展开更多
BACKGROUND Borderline form of empty follicle syndrome is a condition in which only a few mature or immature oocytes are recovered after meticulous follicular aspiration,despite adequate ovarian response to stimulation...BACKGROUND Borderline form of empty follicle syndrome is a condition in which only a few mature or immature oocytes are recovered after meticulous follicular aspiration,despite adequate ovarian response to stimulation.It is a rare phenomenon with an unclear cause.Currently,the condition still lacks effective treatment.CASE SUMMARY A patient with secondary infertility who had undergone three cycles of assisted reproductive technique(ART)is described.With regard to good follicular response,two oocytes were obtained in the first two ART cycles,but no embryo was formed.In the third ART cycle,which is the subject of this study,ovulation was induced by dual trigger of a supernormal dose of human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)combined with a delayed oocyte retrieval approach.The method involved administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist,recombinant HCG,and urinary HCG 39 h before ovum pick-up.Ten oocytes were recovered,two out of three mature eggs were fertilized after intracytoplasmic sperm injection,resulting in two embryos that were subsequently cryopreserved.The case report guidelines have been used herein to present the first case of this novel dual trigger method.CONCLUSION This approach provides a new treatment option for patients with a similar condition in the future.This study can also inspire further investigation on the effects of variousβ-HCG serum levels 36 h after intramuscular HCG administration.展开更多
Red emissive carbon dots(CDs)are highly desired for biological applications.However,serious luminescence quenching of red emissive CDs in aqueous solution greatly hinders their application in high performance biologic...Red emissive carbon dots(CDs)are highly desired for biological applications.However,serious luminescence quenching of red emissive CDs in aqueous solution greatly hinders their application in high performance biological imaging.Herein,we reported a facile strategy to realize enhanced red emission of CDs in aqueous solution by surface modification with polyetherimide(PEI)via microwave heating method.High photoluminescence quantum yield(PLQY)of 25%was realized from the PEI functionalized CDs(CDs@PEI)in aqueous solution.The proposed PEI functionalization strategy not only protects the red emission against water molecules quenching,but also reverses the surface charges from negativity to positivity to promote cellular uptake of CDs,leading to clear cell imaging in red fluorescence region.More important,CDs@PEI exhibits much better photostability than commercial red emissive dye(MitoT racker red)in cell fluorescent imaging.Potential application of CDs@PEI on fast staining of cells for clonogenic assay has also been demonstrated.展开更多
Human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs)are important resources for cell-based therapies and pharmaceutical applications.In order to realize the potential of hPSCs,it is critical to develop suitable technologies required f...Human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs)are important resources for cell-based therapies and pharmaceutical applications.In order to realize the potential of hPSCs,it is critical to develop suitable technologies required for specific applications.Most hPSC technologies depend on cell culture,and are critically influenced by culture medium composition,extracellular matrices,handling methods,and culture platforms.This review summarizes the major technological advances in hPSC culture,and highlights the opportunities and challenges in future therapeutic applications.展开更多
Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen(Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET),and explore the underlying molec...Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen(Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET),and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table,33 cases in each group.Before undergoing IVF,patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture,respectively,for 3 menstrual cycles.Shen de?ciency syndrome scores were assessed.Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization,high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates.Follicular ?uid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval,and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide3-kinases(PI3 K),serine-threonine kinase(Akt) and forkhead box O3(Foxo3 a) m RNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Syndrome scores for pre-versus post-treatments decreased significantly(16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group(P<0.05),but showed no signi?cant change in the control group(17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58).A signi?cant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups(P<0.05).High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15%(195/282) vs.60.27%(176/292) and 66.67%(22/33) vs.42.42%(14/33),respectively,P<0.05].The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups.No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups.Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3 K and Akt m RNA were signi?cantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group,while the expression of Foxo3 a was reduced(all P<0.05).Conclusions: For infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF,EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate.The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3 K/Akt/Foxo3 a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis,possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate(Registration No.Chi CTR 1800016217).展开更多
Objective： To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule （六味地黄颗粒, LDG） for tonifying Kidney （Shen） on the outcomes of in v/tro fertilization pre-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） of infertility women with Kidne...Objective： To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule （六味地黄颗粒, LDG） for tonifying Kidney （Shen） on the outcomes of in v/tro fertilization pre-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） of infertility women with Kidneyyin deficiency syndrome and to explore its mechanism by detecting the proteome expression in the follicular fluid. Methods： Sixty-six infertility patients of Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome who would undergo IVF-ET, were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group according to a random number table, 33 cases in each group. Another 33 cases of non-Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome was taken as a syndrome-control group. Besides Westem routine therapy, LDG was given 3 menstrual cycles before IVF to the treatment group, and a placebo granule to the control and syndrome-control groups. The scores of Kidney-yin deficiency symptoms （sore waist and knees, dry vagina, dysphoria with feverish sensation in the chest, palms and soles, etc.） were assessed, the number of retrieved oocytes, rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, fertility rate and clinical pregnancy rate were recorded, and the follicular fluid was collected on the day when the ovum was picked up, the differential protein expression was detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and then, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） was applied to identify the proteins. Results： The syndrome score in the treatment group decreased significantly from 16.09 ± 2.58 to 8.67 ± 2.13, while it changed insignificantly in the control group, with a significant difference in the lowering score between the two groups （P〈0.05）; the high quality rates of oocytes and embryos and clinical pregnancy rate were all superior in the treatment group to the control group （82.29% vs 78.08%, 76.76% vs 68.79%, 63.64% vs 36.36%, all P〈0.05）. The protein expression map from the follicular fluid showed that compared with the control group, 33 differential protein expressions were found in the syndrome-control group, among which 18 were down-regulated, and 15 up-regulated; in the treatment group 28 differential protein expressions were found, among which 15 were down-regulated, and 13 up-regulated. Through MALDI-TOF-MS, 14 proteins were identified （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： For the infertility patients undergoing IVF, LDG could alleviate clinical symptoms, improve rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, so as to raise clinical pregnancy rate. The mechanism may be through regulating proteome expression in the follicular fluid to improve the developmental microenvironment for oocytes which would lead to a successful embryo implantation.展开更多
To the Editor:Premature ejaculation(PE)is one of the commonplace male sexual dysfunctions affecting about 30%of men worldwide.PE can either be lifelong or acquired.Genetic polymorphisms situated on the SLC6A4 of human...To the Editor:Premature ejaculation(PE)is one of the commonplace male sexual dysfunctions affecting about 30%of men worldwide.PE can either be lifelong or acquired.Genetic polymorphisms situated on the SLC6A4 of humans encoding the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter(serotonin transporter)(5-HTT)also called the serotonin transporter(SERT),a significant controller of serotonergic neurotransmission,were related to the pathogenesis of PE.[1,2]Polymorphisms in SLC6A4 are associated with the incidence of lifelong premature ejaculation(LPR).The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine(serotonin)transporter gene-linked polymorphic region(5-HTTLPR)and serotonin transporter gene intron 2(STin2)polymorphism on lifelong PE(LPE)are controversial.We aimed to determine possible relationships between 5-HTTLPR and STin2 polymorphisms in the SERT gene and clinical response of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(dapoxetine)in LPE.展开更多
This paper presents the design of a vision-based automated robotic microinjection system for batch injection of both zebrafish embryos and larvae.A novel visual recognition algorithm based on an automatic threshold an...This paper presents the design of a vision-based automated robotic microinjection system for batch injection of both zebrafish embryos and larvae.A novel visual recognition algorithm based on an automatic threshold and excessive dilatation is introduced to accurately identify the center of zebrafish embryos and larval yolks.A corresponding software system is developed using the producer-consumer model as the framework structure,and a friendly user interface is designed to allow operators to choose from a range of desired functions according to their different needs.In addition,a novel microstructural agarose device is designed and fabricated to simultaneously immobilize mixed batches of embryos and larvae.Moreover,a prototype microinjection system is fabricated by integrating hardware devices with visual algorithms.An experimental study is conducted to verify the performance of the robotic microinjection system.The results show that the reported system can accurately identify zebrafish embryos and larvae and efficiently complete batch microinjection tasks of the mixtures with an injection success rate of 92.05%in 13.88 s per sample.Compared with manual and existing microinjection systems,the proposed system demonstrates the merits of versatility,excellent efficiency,high success rate,high survival rate,and sufficient stability.展开更多
PlWI-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)are small non-coding transcripts that are highly conserved across species and regulate gene expression through pre-and post-transcriptional processes.piRNAs were originally discovered in g...PlWI-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)are small non-coding transcripts that are highly conserved across species and regulate gene expression through pre-and post-transcriptional processes.piRNAs were originally discovered in germline cells and protect against transposable element expression to promote and maintain genome stability.In the recent decade,emerging roles of piRNAs have been revealed,including the roles in sterility,tumorigenesis,metabolic homeostasis,neurodevelopment,and neurodegenerative diseases.In this review,we summarize piRNA biogenesis in C.elegans,Drosophila,and mice,and further elaborate upon how piRNAs mitigate the harmful effects of transposons.Lastly,the most recent findings on piRNA participation in neurological diseases are highlighted.We speculate on the mechanisms of piRNA action in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.Understanding the roles of piRNAs in neurological diseases may facilitate their applications in diagnostic and therapeutic practice.展开更多
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Programme of Guangzhou City,No.202201020341.
文摘BACKGROUND The self-assembly of solid organs from stem cells has the potential to greatly expand the applicability of regenerative medicine.Stem cells can self-organise into microsized organ units,partially modelling tissue function and regeneration.Dental pulp organoids have been used to recapitulate the processes of tooth development and related diseases.However,the lack of vasculature limits the utility of dental pulp organoids.AIM To improve survival and aid in recovery after stem cell transplantation,we demonstrated the three-dimensional(3D)self-assembly of adult stem cell-human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs)and endothelial cells(ECs)into a novel type of spheroid-shaped dental pulp organoid in vitro under hypoxia and conditioned medium(CM).METHODS During culture,primary hDPSCs were induced to differentiate into ECs by exposing them to a hypoxic environment and CM.The hypoxic pretreated hDPSCs were then mixed with ECs at specific ratios and conditioned in a 3D environment to produce prevascularized dental pulp organoids.The biological characteristics of the organoids were analysed,and the regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis were studied.RESULTS The combination of these two agents resulted in prevascularized human dental pulp organoids(Vorganoids)that more closely resembled dental pulp tissue in terms of morphology and function.Single-cell RNA sequencing of dental pulp tissue and RNA sequencing of Vorganoids were integrated to analyse key regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis.The biomarkers forkhead box protein O1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 were identified to be involved in the regulation of Vorganoids.CONCLUSION In this innovative study,we effectively established an in vitro model of Vorganoids and used it to elucidate new mechanisms of angiogenesis during regeneration,facilitating the development of clinical treatment strategies.
文摘BACKGROUND Borderline form of empty follicle syndrome is a condition in which only a few mature or immature oocytes are recovered after meticulous follicular aspiration,despite adequate ovarian response to stimulation.It is a rare phenomenon with an unclear cause.Currently,the condition still lacks effective treatment.CASE SUMMARY A patient with secondary infertility who had undergone three cycles of assisted reproductive technique(ART)is described.With regard to good follicular response,two oocytes were obtained in the first two ART cycles,but no embryo was formed.In the third ART cycle,which is the subject of this study,ovulation was induced by dual trigger of a supernormal dose of human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)combined with a delayed oocyte retrieval approach.The method involved administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist,recombinant HCG,and urinary HCG 39 h before ovum pick-up.Ten oocytes were recovered,two out of three mature eggs were fertilized after intracytoplasmic sperm injection,resulting in two embryos that were subsequently cryopreserved.The case report guidelines have been used herein to present the first case of this novel dual trigger method.CONCLUSION This approach provides a new treatment option for patients with a similar condition in the future.This study can also inspire further investigation on the effects of variousβ-HCG serum levels 36 h after intramuscular HCG administration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61922091)the Science and Technology Development Fund of Macao SAR(Nos.0040/2019/A1,0073/2019/AMJ,0128/2020/A3 and 0131/2020/A3)University of Macao(Nos.SRG2019-00163-IAPME,MYRG2019-00103-IAPME)。
文摘Red emissive carbon dots(CDs)are highly desired for biological applications.However,serious luminescence quenching of red emissive CDs in aqueous solution greatly hinders their application in high performance biological imaging.Herein,we reported a facile strategy to realize enhanced red emission of CDs in aqueous solution by surface modification with polyetherimide(PEI)via microwave heating method.High photoluminescence quantum yield(PLQY)of 25%was realized from the PEI functionalized CDs(CDs@PEI)in aqueous solution.The proposed PEI functionalization strategy not only protects the red emission against water molecules quenching,but also reverses the surface charges from negativity to positivity to promote cellular uptake of CDs,leading to clear cell imaging in red fluorescence region.More important,CDs@PEI exhibits much better photostability than commercial red emissive dye(MitoT racker red)in cell fluorescent imaging.Potential application of CDs@PEI on fast staining of cells for clonogenic assay has also been demonstrated.
基金Supported by University of Macao Multi-Year Research Grants,No.MYRG2015-00228-FHS and MYRG2018-00135-FHSMacao Science and Technology Development Fund,No.FDCT/131/2014/A3 and FDCT/056/2015/A2
文摘Human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs)are important resources for cell-based therapies and pharmaceutical applications.In order to realize the potential of hPSCs,it is critical to develop suitable technologies required for specific applications.Most hPSC technologies depend on cell culture,and are critically influenced by culture medium composition,extracellular matrices,handling methods,and culture platforms.This review summarizes the major technological advances in hPSC culture,and highlights the opportunities and challenges in future therapeutic applications.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81703958)Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(No.ZR2017PH015)+1 种基金Chinese Medicine Development Project of Science and Technology in Shandong province,China(No.2017-067)State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs,China(No.P172023018)
文摘Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen(Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET),and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table,33 cases in each group.Before undergoing IVF,patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture,respectively,for 3 menstrual cycles.Shen de?ciency syndrome scores were assessed.Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization,high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates.Follicular ?uid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval,and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide3-kinases(PI3 K),serine-threonine kinase(Akt) and forkhead box O3(Foxo3 a) m RNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Syndrome scores for pre-versus post-treatments decreased significantly(16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group(P<0.05),but showed no signi?cant change in the control group(17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58).A signi?cant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups(P<0.05).High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15%(195/282) vs.60.27%(176/292) and 66.67%(22/33) vs.42.42%(14/33),respectively,P<0.05].The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups.No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups.Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3 K and Akt m RNA were signi?cantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group,while the expression of Foxo3 a was reduced(all P<0.05).Conclusions: For infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF,EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate.The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3 K/Akt/Foxo3 a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis,possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate(Registration No.Chi CTR 1800016217).
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Fund of China(No.81072836)the Natural Science Foundation Project of Shandong Science and Technology Agency(No.2009ZRB14306)and the Special Science and Technology Foundation for Doctoral Subject from Ministry of Education of China(No.20093731110006)
文摘Objective： To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule （六味地黄颗粒, LDG） for tonifying Kidney （Shen） on the outcomes of in v/tro fertilization pre-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） of infertility women with Kidneyyin deficiency syndrome and to explore its mechanism by detecting the proteome expression in the follicular fluid. Methods： Sixty-six infertility patients of Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome who would undergo IVF-ET, were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group according to a random number table, 33 cases in each group. Another 33 cases of non-Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome was taken as a syndrome-control group. Besides Westem routine therapy, LDG was given 3 menstrual cycles before IVF to the treatment group, and a placebo granule to the control and syndrome-control groups. The scores of Kidney-yin deficiency symptoms （sore waist and knees, dry vagina, dysphoria with feverish sensation in the chest, palms and soles, etc.） were assessed, the number of retrieved oocytes, rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, fertility rate and clinical pregnancy rate were recorded, and the follicular fluid was collected on the day when the ovum was picked up, the differential protein expression was detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and then, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） was applied to identify the proteins. Results： The syndrome score in the treatment group decreased significantly from 16.09 ± 2.58 to 8.67 ± 2.13, while it changed insignificantly in the control group, with a significant difference in the lowering score between the two groups （P〈0.05）; the high quality rates of oocytes and embryos and clinical pregnancy rate were all superior in the treatment group to the control group （82.29% vs 78.08%, 76.76% vs 68.79%, 63.64% vs 36.36%, all P〈0.05）. The protein expression map from the follicular fluid showed that compared with the control group, 33 differential protein expressions were found in the syndrome-control group, among which 18 were down-regulated, and 15 up-regulated; in the treatment group 28 differential protein expressions were found, among which 15 were down-regulated, and 13 up-regulated. Through MALDI-TOF-MS, 14 proteins were identified （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： For the infertility patients undergoing IVF, LDG could alleviate clinical symptoms, improve rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, so as to raise clinical pregnancy rate. The mechanism may be through regulating proteome expression in the follicular fluid to improve the developmental microenvironment for oocytes which would lead to a successful embryo implantation.
文摘To the Editor:Premature ejaculation(PE)is one of the commonplace male sexual dysfunctions affecting about 30%of men worldwide.PE can either be lifelong or acquired.Genetic polymorphisms situated on the SLC6A4 of humans encoding the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter(serotonin transporter)(5-HTT)also called the serotonin transporter(SERT),a significant controller of serotonergic neurotransmission,were related to the pathogenesis of PE.[1,2]Polymorphisms in SLC6A4 are associated with the incidence of lifelong premature ejaculation(LPR).The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine(serotonin)transporter gene-linked polymorphic region(5-HTTLPR)and serotonin transporter gene intron 2(STin2)polymorphism on lifelong PE(LPE)are controversial.We aimed to determine possible relationships between 5-HTTLPR and STin2 polymorphisms in the SERT gene and clinical response of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(dapoxetine)in LPE.
基金supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 52175556the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund under Grants 0102/2022/A2 and 0004/2022/AKP+1 种基金the University of Macao under Grants MYRG2022-00068-FST,MYRG2022-00219-FHS and MYRG-CRG2022-00004-FST-ICIthe Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation under Grant 2023A1515011178.
文摘This paper presents the design of a vision-based automated robotic microinjection system for batch injection of both zebrafish embryos and larvae.A novel visual recognition algorithm based on an automatic threshold and excessive dilatation is introduced to accurately identify the center of zebrafish embryos and larval yolks.A corresponding software system is developed using the producer-consumer model as the framework structure,and a friendly user interface is designed to allow operators to choose from a range of desired functions according to their different needs.In addition,a novel microstructural agarose device is designed and fabricated to simultaneously immobilize mixed batches of embryos and larvae.Moreover,a prototype microinjection system is fabricated by integrating hardware devices with visual algorithms.An experimental study is conducted to verify the performance of the robotic microinjection system.The results show that the reported system can accurately identify zebrafish embryos and larvae and efficiently complete batch microinjection tasks of the mixtures with an injection success rate of 92.05%in 13.88 s per sample.Compared with manual and existing microinjection systems,the proposed system demonstrates the merits of versatility,excellent efficiency,high success rate,high survival rate,and sufficient stability.
基金supported by grant MYRG2017-00123-FHS from the Faculty of Health Sciences,University of Macao.
文摘PlWI-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)are small non-coding transcripts that are highly conserved across species and regulate gene expression through pre-and post-transcriptional processes.piRNAs were originally discovered in germline cells and protect against transposable element expression to promote and maintain genome stability.In the recent decade,emerging roles of piRNAs have been revealed,including the roles in sterility,tumorigenesis,metabolic homeostasis,neurodevelopment,and neurodegenerative diseases.In this review,we summarize piRNA biogenesis in C.elegans,Drosophila,and mice,and further elaborate upon how piRNAs mitigate the harmful effects of transposons.Lastly,the most recent findings on piRNA participation in neurological diseases are highlighted.We speculate on the mechanisms of piRNA action in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.Understanding the roles of piRNAs in neurological diseases may facilitate their applications in diagnostic and therapeutic practice.
