<rdf:RDF xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:prism="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/prism/" xmlns:taxo="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/taxonomy/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:syn="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/">
<channel rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org">
<admin:errorReportsTo rdf:resource="mailto:biorxiv@cshlpress.edu"/>
<title>bioRxiv Channel: University of Hong Kong</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org</link>
<description>
This feed contains articles for bioRxiv Channel "University of Hong Kong"
</description>

<items>
<rdf:Seq>
</rdf:Seq>
</items>
<prism:eIssn/>
<prism:publicationName>bioRxiv</prism:publicationName>
<prism:issn/>

<image rdf:resource=""/>
</channel>
<image rdf:about="">
<title>bioRxiv</title>
<url/>
<link>https://biorxiv.org</link>
</image>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/011973v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
From peer-reviewed to peer-reproduced: a role for data standards, models and computational workflows in scholarly publishing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/011973v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationReproducing the results from a scientific paper can be challenging due to the absence of data and the computational tools required for their analysis. In addition, details relating to the procedures used to obtain the published results can be difficult to discern due to the use of natural language when reporting how experiments have been performed. The Investigation/Study/Assay (ISA), Nanopublications (NP) and Research Objects (RO) models are conceptual data modelling frameworks that can structure such information from scientific papers. Computational workflow platforms can also be used to reproduce analyses of data in a principled manner. We assessed the extent by which ISA, NP and RO models, together with the Galaxy workflow system, can capture the experimental processes and reproduce the findings of a previously published paper reporting on the development of SOAPdenovo2, a de novo genome assembler.nnResultsExecutable workflows were developed using Galaxy which reproduced results that were consistent with the published findings. A structured representation of the information in the SOAPdenovo2 paper was produced by combining the use of ISA, NP and RO models. By structuring the information in the published paper using these data and scientific workflow modelling frameworks, it was possible to explicitly declare elements of experimental design, variables and findings. The models served as guides in the curation of scientific information and this led to the identification of inconsistencies in the original published paper, thereby allowing its authors to publish corrections in the form of an errata.nnAvailabilitySOAPdenovo2 scripts, data and results are available through the GigaScience Database: http://dx.doi.org/10.5524/100044; the workflows are available from GigaGalaxy: http://galaxy.cbiit.cuhk.edu.hk; and the representations using the ISA, NP and RO models are available through the SOAPdenovo2 case study website http://isa-tools.github.io/soapdenovo2/. Contact: philippe.rocca-serra@oerc.ox.ac.uk and susanna.assunta-sansone@oerc.ox.ac.uk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Alejandra Gonzalez-Beltran</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peter Li</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jun Zhao</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maria Susana Avila-Garcia</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marco Roos</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mark Thompson</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eelke van der Horst</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajaram Kaliyaperumal</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruibang Luo</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tin-Lap Lee</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tak-wah Lam</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scott C. Edmunds</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Susanna-Assunta Sansone</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Philippe Rocca-Serra</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2014-12-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/011973</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[From peer-reviewed to peer-reproduced: a role for data standards, models and computational workflows in scholarly publishing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2014-12-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/016865v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exploring functional variation affecting ceRNA regulation in humans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/016865v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MicroRNA (miRNA) sponges have been shown to function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate the expression of other miRNA targets in the network by sequestering available miRNAs. As the first systematic investigation of the genome-wide genetic effect on ceRNA regulation, we applied multivariate response regression and identified widespread genetic variations that are associated with ceRNA competition using 462 Geuvadis RNA-seq data in multiple human populations. We showed that SNPs in gene 3UTRs at the miRNA seed binding regions can simultaneously regulate gene expression changes in both cis and trans by the ceRNA mechanism. We termed these loci as endogenous miRNA sponge expression quantitative trait loci or "emsQTLs", and found that a large number of them were unexplored in conventional eQTL mapping. We identified many emsQTLs are undergoing recent positive selection in different human populations. Using GWAS results, we found that emsQTLs are significantly enriched in traits/diseases associated loci. Functional prediction and prioritization extend our understanding on causality of emsQTL allele in disease pathways. We illustrated that emsQTL can synchronously regulate the expression of tumor suppressor and oncogene through ceRNA competition in angiogenesis. Together these results provide a distinct catalog and characterization of functional noncoding regulatory variants that control ceRNA crosstalk.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mulin Jun Li</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiexing Wu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng Jiang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei Li</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yun Zhu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daniel Fernandez</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell J. H. Ryan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yiwen Chen</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Junwen Wang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jun S. Liu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>X. Shirley Liu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2015-03-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/016865</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exploring functional variation affecting ceRNA regulation in humans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2015-03-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/058214v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Polygenic scores using summary statistics via penalized regression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/058214v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Polygenic scores (PGS) summarize the genetic contribution of a persons genotype to a disease or phenotype. They can be used to group participants into different risk categories for diseases, and are also used as covariates in epidemiological analyses. A number of possible ways of calculating polygenic scores have been proposed, and recently there is much interest in methods that incorporate information available in published summary statistics. As there is no inherent information on linkage disequilibrium (LD) in summary statistics, a pertinent question is how we can make use of LD information available elsewhere to supplement such analyses. To answer this question we propose a method for constructing PGS using summary statistics and a reference panel in a penalized regression framework, which we call lassosum. We also propose a general method for choosing the value of the tuning parameter in the absence of validation data. In our simulations, we showed that pseudovalidation often resulted in prediction accuracy that is comparable to using a dataset with validation phenotype and was clearly superior to the conservative option of setting the tuning parameter of lassosum to its lowest value. We also showed that lassosum achieved better prediction accuracy than simple clumping and p-value thresholding in almost all scenarios. It was also substantially faster and more accurate than the recently proposed LDpred.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Timothy Mak</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robert Milan Porsch</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shing Wan Choi</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xueya Zhou</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pak Chung Sham</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-06-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/058214</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Polygenic scores using summary statistics via penalized regression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-06-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/058578v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sacral agenesis: A whole exome sequencing and copy number study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/058578v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundCaudal regression syndrome (CRS) or sacral agenesis is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a constellation of congenital caudal anomalies affecting the caudal spine and spinal cord, the hindgut, the urogenital system, and the lower limbs. CRS is a complex condition, attributed to an abnormal development of the caudal mesoderm, likely caused by the effect of interacting genetic and environmental factors. A well-known risk factor is maternal type 1 diabetes.nnResultsIn this pilot study, exome sequencing and copy number variation (CNV) analyses of 4 CRS trios implicate a number of candidate genes, including MORN1, ZNF330, CLTCL1 and PDZD2. De novo mutations were found in SPTBN5, MORN1 and ZNF330 and inherited predicted damaging mutations in PDZD2 (homozygous) and CLTCL1 (compound heterozygous) as well as in CRS-related genes PTEN (heterozygous) and VANGL1 (heterozygous). In addition, a compound heterozygous mutation in GLTSCR2, a direct regulator of PTEN was identified.nnTwo CNV deletions, one de novo (chr3q13.13) and one homozygous (chr8p23.2), were detected in one of our CRS patients. These deletions overlapped with CNVs previously reported in patients with similar phenotype.nnConclusionDespite the genetic diversity and the complexity of the phenotype, this pilot study identified genetic features common across CRS patients.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Robert Milan Porsch</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Elisa Merello</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patrizia De Marco</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo Cheng</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laura Rodriguez</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paul Tam</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stacey Cherny</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pak Sham</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valeria Carpa</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maria-Mercè Garcia-Barcelo</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Desmond Campbell</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-06-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/058578</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sacral agenesis: A whole exome sequencing and copy number study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-06-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/062778v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An RNA editing/binding-independent gene regulatory mechanism of ADARs and its clinical implication in cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/062778v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing, catalysed by Adenosine DeAminases acting on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) (ADAR), occurs predominantly in the 3 untranslated regions (3UTRs). Here we uncover an unanticipated link between ADARs (ADAR1 and ADAR2) and the expression of target genes undergoing extensive 3UTR editing. Using METTL7A (Methyltransferase Like 7A), a novel tumor suppressor as an exemplary target gene, we demonstrate that its expression could be repressed by ADARs beyond their RNA editing and dsRNA binding functions. ADARs interact with Dicer to augment the processing of pre-miR-27a to mature miR-27a. Consequently, mature miR-27a targets the METTL7A 3UTR to repress its expression level. In sum, our study unveils that the extensive 3UTR editing is merely a footprint of ADAR binding, and is dispensable for the regulation of at least a subset of target genes. Instead, ADARs contribute to cancer progression by regulating cancer-related gene expression through their non-canonical functions independent of RNA editing and dsRNA binding. The functional significance of ADARs is much more diverse than previously appreciated and this gene regulatory function of ADARs is most likely to be of higher importance than the best-studied editing function. This novel non-editing side of ADARs opens another door to target cancer. This study is timely and represents a major break-through in the field of ADAR gene regulation and cancer biology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lihua Qi</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yangyang Song</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tim Hon Man Chan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Henry Yang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chi Ho Lin</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daryl Jin Tai Tay</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HuiQi Hong</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jaymie Siqi Lin</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vanessa Hui En Ng</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Julien Jean Pierre Maury</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daniel G Tenen</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leilei   (Polly) Chen</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-07-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/062778</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An RNA editing/binding-independent gene regulatory mechanism of ADARs and its clinical implication in cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-07-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/073239v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Accurate De Novo Prediction of Protein Contact Map by Ultra-Deep Learning Model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/073239v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationProtein contacts contain key information for the understanding of protein structure and function and thus, contact prediction from sequence is an important problem. Recently exciting progress has been made on this problem, but the predicted contacts for proteins without many sequence homologs is still of low quality and not extremely useful for de novo structure prediction.nnMethodThis paper presents a new deep learning method that predicts contacts by integrating both evolutionary coupling (EC) and sequence conservation information through an ultra-deep neural network formed by two deep residual neural networks. The first residual network conducts a series of 1-dimensional convolutional transformation of sequential features; the second residual network conducts a series of 2-dimensional convolutional transformation of pairwise information including output of the first residual network, EC information and pairwise potential. By using very deep residual networks, we can model contact occurring patterns and very complex sequence-structure relationship and thus, obtain high-quality contact prediction regardless of how many sequence homologs are available for proteins in question.nnResultsOur method greatly outperforms existing methods and leads to much more accurate contact-assisted folding. Tested on 105 CASP11 targets, 76 past CAMEO hard targets, and 398 membrane proteins, the average top L long-range prediction accuracy obtained our method, one representative EC method CCMpred and the CASP11 winner MetaPSICOV is 0.47, 0.21 and 0.30, respectively; the average top L/10 long-range accuracy of our method, CCMpred and MetaPSICOV is 0.77, 0.47 and 0.59, respectively. Ab initio folding using our predicted contacts as restraints but without any force fields can yield correct folds (i.e., TMscore>0.6) for 203 of the 579 test proteins, while that using MetaPSICOV- and CCMpred-predicted contacts can do so for only 79 and 62 of them, respectively. Our contact-assisted models also have much better quality than template-based models especially for membrane proteins. The 3D models built from our contact prediction have TMscore>0.5 for 208 of the 398 membrane proteins, while those from homology modeling have TMscore>0.5 for only 10 of them. Further, even if trained by only non-membrane proteins, our deep learning method works very well on membrane protein contact prediction. In the recent blind CAMEO benchmark, our fully-automated web server implementing this method successfully folded 4 targets with a new fold and only 0.3L-2.3L effective sequence homologs, including one {beta} protein of 182 residues, one +{beta} protein of 125 residues, one  protein of 140 residues and one  protein of 217 residues.nnAvailability: http://raptorx.uchicago.edu/ContactMap/nnAuthor SummaryProtein contact prediction from sequence alone is an important problem. Recently exciting progress has been made on this problem due to the development of direct evolutionary coupling analysis (DCA). However, DCA is effective on only some proteins with a very large number (>1000) of sequence homologs. To further improve contact prediction, we borrow ideas from the latest breakthrough of deep learning, a powerful machine learning technique that has recently revolutionized object recognition, speech recognition and the GO game. We have developed a new deep learning method that predicts contacts by integrating both sequence conservation and co-variation information through an ultra-deep neural network, which can model very complex relationship between sequence and contact map as well as high-order correlation among residues.nnOur test results suggest that deep learning can revolutionize protein contact prediction. Tested on 398 membrane proteins, the L/10 long-range accuracy obtained by our method is 77.6% while that by the state-of-the-art methods CCMpred and MetaPSICOV is 51.8% and 61.2%, respectively. Ab initio folding using our predicted contacts as restraints can generate much better 3D structural models than the other contact prediction methods. In particular, without using any force fields our predicted contacts yield correct folds for 203 of the 579 test proteins, while MetaPSICOV- and CCMpred can do so for only 79 and 62 of them, respectively. Our contact-assisted models also have much better quality than template-based models (TBM) built from the training proteins. For example, our contact-assisted models have TMscore>0.5 for 208 of the 398 membrane proteins while TBMs have TMscore >0.5 for only 10 of them. Even without using any membrane proteins to train our deep learning models, our method still performs very well on membrane protein contact prediction. Recent blind test of our method in CAMEO shows that our method successfully folded 4 targets with a new fold and only 0.3L-2.3L effective sequence homologs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sheng Wang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siqi Sun</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhen Li</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Renyu Zhang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jinbo Xu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-09-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/073239</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Accurate De Novo Prediction of Protein Contact Map by Ultra-Deep Learning Model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-09-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/098624v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Selectivity matters: rules of thumb for management of plate-sized, sex-changing fish in the live reef food fish trade 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/098624v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Effective management of fisheries depends on the selectivity of different fishing methods, control of fishing effort, and the life history and mating system of the target species. For sex-changing species, it is unclear how the truncation of age structure or selection of specific size or age classes (by fishing for specific markets) affects population dynamics. We specifically address the consequences of plate-sized selectivity, whereby sub-mature,  plate-sized fish are preferred in the live reef food fish trade. We use an age-structured model to investigate the decline and recovery of populations fished with three different selectivity scenarios (asymptotic, dome-shaped, and plate-sized) applied to two sexual systems (female-first hermaphroditism and gonochorism). We parameterized our model with life-history data from Brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus).  Plate-sized selectivity had the greatest negative effect on population trajectories, assuming accumulated fishing effort across ages was equal, while the relative effect of fishing on biomass was greatest with low natural mortality. Fishing such sex-changing species before maturation decreased egg production (and the spawning potential ratio) in two ways: average individual size decreased, and, assuming plasticity, females became males at a smaller size. Somatic growth rate affected biomass if selectivity was based on size-at-age because in slow growers, a smaller proportion of total biomass was vulnerable to fishing. We recommend fisheries avoid taking individuals near their maturation age, regardless of mating system, unless catch is tightly controlled. We also discuss the implications of fishing post-settlement individuals on population dynamics and offer practical management recommendations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kindsvater, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reynolds, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sadovy de Mitcheson, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mangel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-01-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/098624</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Selectivity matters: rules of thumb for management of plate-sized, sex-changing fish in the live reef food fish trade]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-01-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/118133v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The role of glycaemic and lipid risk factors in mediating the effect of BMI on coronary heart disease: A two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/118133v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe extent to which effects of BMI on coronary heart disease (CHD) are mediated by gylcaemic and lipid risk factors is unclear.nnMethodsWe used two-sample Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of: (i) BMI on CHD (60,801 cases; 123, 504 controls), type 2 diabetes (T2DM; 34,840 cases; 114,981 controls), fasting glucose (n=46,186), insulin (n=38,238), HbA1c (n=46,368), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (n=188,577); (ii) glycaemic and lipids traits on CHD; and (iii) extent to which these traits mediated any effect of BMI on CHD.nnFindingsOne standard deviation (SD) increase in BMI (~ 4.5kg/m2) increased CHD (odds ratio=1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27, 1.66)) and T2DM (1.96 (1.35, 2.83)), and levels of fasting glucose (0.07mmol/l (95%CI 0.03, 0.11)), HbA1c (0.05% (95%CI 0.01, 0.08)), fasting insulin (0.18log pmol/l (95%CI 0.14, 0.22)) and triglycerides (0.20 SD (95%CI 0.14, 0.26)), and lowered levels of HDL-C (-0.23 SD (95%CI -0.32, -0.15)). BMI was not causally related to LDL-C. After accounting for potential pleiotropy, triglycerides, HbA1c and T2DM were causally related to CHD. The BMI-CHD effect reduced from 1.45 to 1.16 (95%CI 0.99, 1.36) and to 1.36 (95%CI 1.19, 1.57) with genetic adjustment for triglycerides or HbA1c respectively, and to 1.09 (95%CI 0.94, 1.27) with adjustment for both.nnInterpretationIncreased triglyceride levels and poor glycaemic control appear to mediate much of the effect of BMI on CHD.nnFundingEuropean Research Council (669545), European Union (733206), China Medical Board (CMB_2015/16), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico and UK Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12013/5).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>XU, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Borges, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hemani, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lawlor, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/118133</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The role of glycaemic and lipid risk factors in mediating the effect of BMI on coronary heart disease: A two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/121384v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RETA: An R Package For Whole Exome And Targeted Region Sequencing Data Analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/121384v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Whole exome and targeted sequencing have been playing a major role in diagnoses of Mendelian diseases, but analysis of these data involves using many complicated tools and comprehensive understanding of the analysis results is difficult.Here, we report RETA, an R package to provide a one-stop analysis of these data and a comprehensive, interactive and easy-to-understand report with many advanced visualization features. It facilitates clinicians and scientists alike to better analyze and interpret this type of sequencing data for disease diagnoses.nnAvailability and implementationhttps://github.com/reta-s/reta/releasesnnContactyangwl@hku.hk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-03-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/121384</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RETA: An R Package For Whole Exome And Targeted Region Sequencing Data Analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-03-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/131987v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NFATc2 enhances tumor-initiating phenotypes through the NFATc2/SOX2/ALDH axis in lung adenocarcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/131987v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cancers display intratumoral genetic and molecular heterogeneity with tumor initiating cells (TIC) showing enhanced tumor phenotypes. In this study, we show the calcium pathway transcription factor NFATc2 is a novel regulator of lung TIC through the NFATc2/SOX2/ALDH1A1 regulatory axis. In vitro and in vivo cancer cell modeling demonstrated supportive evidences including cell renewal, tumorigenicity at limiting dose, cell motility, resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy and EGFR targeted therapy. In human lung cancers, high NFATc2 expression predicts poor tumor differentiation, adverse recurrence-free and overall patient survivals. Mechanistic investigations identified NFATc2 response elements in the SOX2 3 enhancer region, and NFATc2/SOX2 coupling upregulates ALDH1A1 by binding to its 5 enhancer. Through this axis, oxidative stresses and reactive oxygen species induced by cancer drug treatment are attenuated, accounting for a mutation-independent mechanism of drug resistance. Targeting this axis provides a novel approach for the long term treatment of lung cancer through TIC elimination.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>XIAO, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tin, V. P.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/131987</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NFATc2 enhances tumor-initiating phenotypes through the NFATc2/SOX2/ALDH axis in lung adenocarcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/144865v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Demoralization among cancer patients in mainland China: validity of the Demoralization Scale (DS) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/144865v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Demoralization, characterized by hopelessness, helplessness, and loss of meaning and purpose, reflects existential distress. The objectives is To assess the validity of a Mainland Chinese versions of the demoralization scale (MC-DS) for using with Mainland Chinese cancer patients. In-patients sequentially recruited from a specialist tertiary-level cancer hospital in Beijing between January 2016-April 2016 completed Demoralization Scale, (DS) Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Revised Life Orientation Test (CLOT-R), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and provided sociodemographic and clinical information. We determined DS factor structure and convergent and divergent validity. 296/424 (70.0%) participants reported mean DS score=30.42(SD=13.00). EFA identified 3-factors explaining 21.4%, 17.8%, and 10.6% respectively of observed variance. Respective Cronbach Alphas were 0.88, 0.84, and 0.64 (0.90 full-scale). Convergent was shown by PHQ-9 scores correlating with Factor 2 (r=0.606), and BHS and C-LOT-R scores correlating (r=0.632,r=0.407 respectively) with Factor 1. Dichotomizing demoralization (high >30, low[less double equals]30) cross-tabulated against PHQ-9 score (mood) scores revealed 47% of patients exceeded demoralization cut-off, 60% of whom were not depressed. Using mean value{+/-}SD indicated demoralization cutoffs at <17.4 (low), 17.4-43.4 (medium) and >43.4 (high). Overall 71% met criteria for medium demoralization, and 15% for high demoralization. Sixty percent of all medium demoralization patients were not depressed, but only 5% of high demoralization patients were not depressed. The conclusion is that the Mainland Chinese Demoralization Scale is useful for detecting mild-to-moderate demoralization in cancer patients but at higher scores has poor specificity against depression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Deng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fielding, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-06-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/144865</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Demoralization among cancer patients in mainland China: validity of the Demoralization Scale (DS)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-06-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/150896v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GEOracle: Mining perturbation experiments using free text metadata in Gene Expression Omnibus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/150896v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There exists over 2.5 million publicly available gene expression samples across 101,000 data series in NCBIs Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Due to the lack of the use of standardised ontology terms in GEOs free text metadata to annotate the experimental type and sample type, this database remains di[ffi]cult to harness computationally without significant manual intervention.nnIn this work, we present an interactive R/Shiny tool called GEOracle that utilises text mining and machine learning techniques to automatically identify perturbation experiments, group treatment and control samples and perform differential expression. We present applications of GEOracle to discover conserved signalling pathway target genes and identify an organ specific gene regulatory network.nnGEOracle is effective in discovering perturbation gene targets in GEO by harnessing its free text metadata. Its effectiveness and applicability has been demonstrated by cross validation and two real-life case studies. It opens up new avenues to unlock the gene regulatory information embedded inside large biological databases such as GEO. GEOracle is available at https://github.com/VCCRI/GEOracle.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Djordjevic, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, S. L. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ling, R. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, C. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ellis, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-06-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/150896</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GEOracle: Mining perturbation experiments using free text metadata in Gene Expression Omnibus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-06-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.12.872085v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Extracellular DNA promotes efficient extracellular electron transfer by pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.12.872085v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extracellular electron transfer (EET), the process whereby cells access electron acceptors or donors that reside many cell lengths away, enables metabolic activity by microorganisms, particularly under oxidant-limited conditions that occur in multicellular bacterial biofilms. Although different mechanisms underpin this process in select organisms, a widespread strategy involves extracellular electron shuttles, redox-active metabolites that are secreted and recycled by diverse bacteria. How these shuttles catalyze electron transfer within biofilms without being lost to the environment has been a long-standing question. Here, we show that phenazine electron shuttles mediate efficient EET through interactions with extracellular DNA (eDNA) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, which are important in nature and disease. Retention of pyocyanin (PYO) and phenazine carboxamide in the biofilm matrix is facilitated by binding to eDNA. In vitro, different phenazines can exchange electrons in the presence or absence of DNA and phenazines can participate directly in redox reactions through DNA; the biofilm eDNA can also support rapid electron transfer between redox active intercalators. Electrochemical measurements of biofilms indicate that retained PYO supports an efficient redox cycle with rapid EET and slow loss from the biofilm. Together, these results establish that eDNA facilitates phenazine metabolic processes in P. aeruginosa biofilms, suggesting a model for how extracellular electron shuttles achieve retention and efficient EET in biofilms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Saunders, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, E. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yates, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jimenez Otero, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trammell, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stemp, E. D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barton, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tender, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Newman, D. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2019.12.12.872085</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Extracellular DNA promotes efficient extracellular electron transfer by pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.06.896829v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
In-depth 15 H7N9 Human Serum Proteomics Profiling Study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.06.896829v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundHuman infection by avian influenza viruses is characterized by rapid development of acute respiratory distress and severe pneumonia. However, the underlying host response leading to this severe outcome is not well studied.

MethodsWe conducted mass spectrometry-based serum proteome profiling on 10 healthy controls and 15 H7N9 infected cases with two time points and carried out statistical and biology functional enrichment analysis.

ResultsIn total, we identified 647 proteins, 273 proteins were only found in H7N9 infected cases which might generate from cell leakage/death (apoptosis and/or necrosis) and identified 50 proteins with statistically significant difference between healthy control and H7N9 infected cases from 168 qualified proteins. We also found that M1 and PB2 tightly associated with the hosts HSPA8 (P11142, p=0.0042) which plays an important role in the protein quality control system.

ConclusionsH7N9 infection may increase cell programmed/unprogrammed cell death, and we suggested that upregulated extracellular HSPA8 may suppress the H7N9 virion replication via activation amyloid-beta binding network.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.06.896829</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[In-depth 15 H7N9 Human Serum Proteomics Profiling Study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.10.902015v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The dynamic surface proteomes of allergenic fungal conidia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.10.902015v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Fungal spores and hyphal fragments play an important role as allergens in respiratory diseases. In this study, we performed trypsin shaving and secretome analyses to identify the surface-exposed proteins and secreted/shed proteins of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia, respectively. We investigated the surface proteome under different conditions, including temperature variation and germination. We found that the surface proteome of resting A. fumigatus conidia is not static, but instead unexpectedly dynamic, as evidenced by drastically different surface proteomes under different growth conditions. Knockouts of two abundant A. fumigatus surface proteins, ScwA and CweA, were found to function only in fine-tuning the cell wall stress response, implying that the conidial surface is very robust against perturbations. We then compared the surface proteome of A. fumigatus to other allergy-inducing molds, including Alternaria alternata, Penicillium rubens, and Cladosporium herbarum, and performed comparative proteomics on resting and swollen conidia, as well as secreted proteins from germinating conidia. We detected 125 protein ortholog groups, including 80 with putative catalytic activity, in the extracellular region of all four molds, and 42 nonorthologous proteins produced solely by A. fumigatus. Ultimately, this study highlights the dynamic nature of the A. fumigatus conidial surface and provides targets for future diagnostics and immunotherapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Blango, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pschibul, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rivieccio, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krueger, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rafiq, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, L.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goldmann, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voltersen, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panagiotou, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kniemeyer, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brakhage, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.10.902015</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The dynamic surface proteomes of allergenic fungal conidia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.12.903062v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Activation of Src-family kinases orchestrate secretion of flaviviruses by targeting mature progeny virions to secretory autophagosomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.12.903062v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Among the various host cellular processes that are hijacked by flaviviruses, very few mechanisms have been described with regard to viral secretion. Here we investigated how flaviviruses exploit the Src family kinases (SFKs) for exit from infected cells. We isolated three members of the SFK family - Src, Fyn and Lyn - that were specifically activated during secretion of Dengue and Zika or their corresponding virus like particles (VLPs). Pharmacological inhibition or genetic depletion of the SFKs blocked virus secretion, most significantly upon Lyn-deficiency. Lyn-/- cells were severely impaired in virus release, and were rescued when reconstituted with wild-type Lyn, but not a kinase- or palmitoylation-deficient Lyn mutant. We further established that Lyn, via its palmitoylation-dependent membrane association, triggered post-Golgi virus transport in specialised Rab11 and Transferrin receptor positive organelles resembling secretory autophagosomes, and distinct from conventional exocytic vesicles. In the absence of Lyn activity or its aberrant membrane association, virions were sorted into the lysosomal pathway for degradation. This mode of export was specifically triggered by processed, and mature, but not by furin-resistant virus particles, and occurred with significantly faster kinetics than the conventional secretory pathway. Our study therefore charts a previously undiscovered Lyn-dependent exit strategy, triggered by flaviviruses in secretory autophagosomes that might enable them to evade circulating antibodies and dictate tissue tropism.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naik, T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, L. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Acuto, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spooner, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ashour, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.12.903062</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Activation of Src-family kinases orchestrate secretion of flaviviruses by targeting mature progeny virions to secretory autophagosomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.21.914903v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Alteration of fecal microbial compositions and bacterial taxa in female osteoporotic patients 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.21.914903v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGut microbiota, mainly characterized by fecal bacterial compositions, affects human immune system and pathophysiological development. Our aim was to measure the quantitative differences of fecal bacterial compositions between osteoporotic patients and healthy subjects, and to identify novel bacterial taxa that speculate the incidence of osteoporosis in female.

MethodWe recruited 104 female subjects, including 45 osteoporotic individuals and 59 healthy control. Fecal samples were collected for further analysis by 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis.

ResultsAnalyses of - and {beta}-diversity demonstrated that the diversity and composition of fecal bacterial compositions were both significant different in osteoporosis group, as compared with healthy group. Multiple bacterial genera were significantly increased (e.g., Roseburia and Bacteroides) or decreased (e.g., Streptococcus and Dorea) in the osteoporotic cases. Furthermore, the osteoporosiscould be efficiently determined by the random forest model based on differential taxa (area under ROC curve = 0.93).

ConclusionThere were obvious different fecal microbial characteristics between female osteoporosis and healthy subjects. These findings provided evidence for understanding the host-gut microbiota interplay in female osteoporosis, and supported clinical applications of gut microbiota analysis for female osteoporosis diagnosis
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xionga, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.21.914903</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Alteration of fecal microbial compositions and bacterial taxa in female osteoporotic patients]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.23.916395v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Preliminary estimation of the basic reproduction number of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China, from 2019 to 2020: A data-driven analysis in the early phase of the outbreak 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.23.916395v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundsAn ongoing outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia hit a major city of China, Wuhan, December 2019 and subsequently reached other provinces/regions of China and countries. We present estimates of the basic reproduction number, R0, of 2019-nCoV in the early phase of the outbreak.

MethodsAccounting for the impact of the variations in disease reporting rate, we modelled the epidemic curve of 2019-nCoV cases time series, in mainland China from January 10 to January 24, 2020, through the exponential growth. With the estimated intrinsic growth rate ({gamma}), we estimated R0 by using the serial intervals (SI) of two other well-known coronavirus diseases, MERS and SARS, as approximations for the true unknown SI.

FindingsThe early outbreak data largely follows the exponential growth. We estimated that the mean R0 ranges from 2.24 (95%CI: 1.96-2.55) to 3.58 (95%CI: 2.89-4.39) associated with 8-fold to 2-fold increase in the reporting rate. We demonstrated that changes in reporting rate substantially affect estimates of R0.

ConclusionThe mean estimate of R0 for the 2019-nCoV ranges from 2.24 to 3.58, and significantly larger than 1. Our findings indicate the potential of 2019-nCoV to cause outbreaks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ran, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>MUSA, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.23.916395</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Preliminary estimation of the basic reproduction number of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China, from 2019 to 2020: A data-driven analysis in the early phase of the outbreak]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.27.920744v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular and cellular heterogeneity of gastric cancer explained by methylation-driven key regulators 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.27.920744v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease of diverse genetic, genomic, and epigenetic alterations. Tumor microenvironment (TME) also contributes to the heterogeneity of GC. To investigate GC heterogeneity, we developed an Integrative Sequential Causality Test (ISCT) to identify key regulators of GC by integrating DNA methylation, copy number variation, and transcriptomic data. Applying ISCT to three GC cohorts containing methylation, CNV and transcriptomic data, 11 common methylation-driven key regulators (ADHFE1, CDO1, CRYAB, FSTL1, GPT, PKP3, PTPRCAP, RAB25, RHOH, SFN, and SORD) were identified. Based on these 11 genes, gastric tumors were clustered into 3 clusters which were associated with known molecular subtypes, Lauren classification, tumor stage, and patient survival, suggesting significance of the methylation-driven key regulators in molecular and histological heterogeneity of GC. We further showed that chemotherapy benefit was different in the 3 GC clusters and varied depending on the tumor stage. Both immune/stromal proportions in TME and tumor cell genomic variations contributed to expression variations of the 11 methylation-driven key regulators and to the GC heterogeneity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yoo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chakravarthy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Busuttil, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boussioutas, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>She, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fenton, T. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, S. y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.27.920744</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular and cellular heterogeneity of gastric cancer explained by methylation-driven key regulators]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.27.922443v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Breaking down of the healthcare system: Mathematical modelling for controlling the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in Wuhan, China 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.27.922443v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A novel coronavirus pneumonia initially identified in Wuhan, China and provisionally named 2019-nCoV has surged in the public. In anticipation of substantial burdens on healthcare system following this human-to-human spread, we aim to scrutinise the currently available information and evaluate the burden of healthcare systems during this outbreak in Wuhan. We applied a modified SIR model to project the actual number of infected cases and the specific burdens on isolation wards and intensive care units, given the scenarios of different diagnosis rates as well as different public health intervention efficacy. Our estimates suggest the actual number of infected cases could be much higher than the reported, with estimated 26,701 cases (as of 28th January 2020) assuming 50% diagnosis rate if no public health interventions were implemented. The estimated burdens on healthcare system could be largely reduced if at least 70% efficacy of public health intervention is achieved.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ming, W.-k.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C. J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.27.922443</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Breaking down of the healthcare system: Mathematical modelling for controlling the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in Wuhan, China]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.04.934638v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Altered Temporal Variability of Local and Large-scale Resting-state Brain Functional Connectivity Patterns in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.04.934638v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share some common clinical features and are both characterized by aberrant resting-state functional connectivity (FC). However, little is known about the common and specific aberrant features of the dynamic FC patterns in these two disorders. In this study, we explored the differences in dynamic FC among schizophrenia patients (n = 66), type I bipolar disorder patients (n = 53) and healthy controls (n = 66), by comparing temporal variabilities of FC patterns involved in specific brain regions and large-scale brain networks. Compared with healthy controls, both patient groups showed significantly increased regional FC variabilities in subcortical areas including the thalamus and basal ganglia, as well as increased inter-network FC variability between the thalamus and sensorimotor areas. Specifically, more widespread changes were found in the schizophrenia group, involving increased FC variabilities in sensorimotor, visual, attention, limbic and subcortical areas at both regional and network levels, as well as decreased regional FC variabilities in the default-mode areas. The observed alterations shared by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may help to explain their overlapped clinical features; meanwhile, the schizophrenia-specific abnormalities in a wider range may support that schizophrenia is associated with more severe functional brain deficits than bipolar disorder.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Long, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. K.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.04.934638</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Altered Temporal Variability of Local and Large-scale Resting-state Brain Functional Connectivity Patterns in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.05.935858v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Trait-similarity and trait-hierarchy jointly determine co-occurrences of resident and invasive ant species 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.05.935858v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Interspecific competition, a dominant process structuring ecological communities, acts on species phenotypic differences. Species with similar traits should compete intensely (trait-similarity), while those with traits that confer competitive ability should outcompete others (trait-hierarchy). Either or both of these mechanisms may drive competitive exclusion within a community, but their relative importance and interacting effects are rarely studied. We show empirically that spatial associations (pairwise co-occurrences) between an invasive ant Solenopsis invicta and 28 other ant species across a relatively homogenous landscape are explained largely by an interaction of trait-similarity and trait-hierarchy in one morphological trait. We find that increasing trait-hierarchy leads to more negative associations; however these effects are counteracted when species are sufficiently dissimilar (by 37-95%) in their trait ranges. We also show that a model of species co-occurrences integrating trait-similarity and trait-hierarchy consolidates predictions of different theoretical assembly rules. This highlights the explanatory potential of the trait-based co-occurrence approach.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, M. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, T. P. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, O. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.05.935858</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Trait-similarity and trait-hierarchy jointly determine co-occurrences of resident and invasive ant species]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.13.944967v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
F-box protein MEC-15 promotes microtubule stability and neurite growth by antagonizing the HSP90 chaperone network in Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.13.944967v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Molecular chaperones often work collaboratively with the ubiquitination-proteasome system (UPS) to facilitate the degradation of misfolded proteins, which typically safeguards cellular differentiation and protects cells from stress. In this study, however, we report that the Hsp70/Hsp90 chaperone machinery and an F-box protein, MEC-15, have opposing effects on neuronal differentiation and that the chaperones negatively regulate neuronal morphogenesis and functions. Using the touch receptor neurons (TRNs) of Caenorhabditis elegans, we find that mec-15(-) mutants display defects in microtubule formation, neurite growth, synaptic development, and neuronal functions, and these defects can be rescued by the loss of Hsp70/Hsp90 chaperones and cochaperones. MEC-15 likely functions in a SCF complex to degrade DLK-1, which is an Hsp90 client protein stabilized by the chaperones. The abundance of DLK-1, and likely other Hsp90 substrates, is fine-tuned by the antagonism between MEC-15 and chaperones; this antagonism regulates TRN development as well as synaptic functions of GABAergic motor neurons. Therefore, a balance between UPS and chaperones tightly controls neuronal differentiation.

Summary statementMolecular chaperones are known to protect cells from stress. However, in this study the authors showed that the Hsp90 chaperone negatively regulates neuronal differentiation when the ubiquitination-proteasome system is compromised.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Atlas, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, H. M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jao, S. L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, K. C. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hall, D. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chalfie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.13.944967</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[F-box protein MEC-15 promotes microtubule stability and neurite growth by antagonizing the HSP90 chaperone network in Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.13.945485v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses in Malayan pangolins in southern China 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.13.945485v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing outbreak of viral pneumonia in China and beyond is associated with a novel coronavirus, provisionally termed 2019-nCoV. This outbreak has been tentatively associated with a seafood market in Wuhan, China, where the sale of wild animals may be the source of zoonotic infection. Although bats are likely reservoir hosts for 2019-nCoV, the identity of any intermediate host facilitating transfer to humans is unknown. Here, we report the identification of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses in pangolins (Manis javanica) seized in anti-smuggling operations in southern China. Metagenomic sequencing identified pangolin associated CoVs that belong to two sub-lineages of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses, including one very closely related to 2019-nCoV in the receptor-binding domain. The discovery of multiple lineages of pangolin coronavirus and their similarity to 2019-nCoV suggests that pangolins should be considered as possible intermediate hosts for this novel human virus and should be removed from wet markets to prevent zoonotic transmission.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, M. H.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, Y.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, X.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, Y.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, W. Y.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.13.945485</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification of 2019-nCoV related coronaviruses in Malayan pangolins in southern China]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.15.950568v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multivariate Analyses of Codon Usage in 2019 Novel Coronavirus on the Genomic Landscape of Betacoronavirus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.15.950568v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern as it continues to spread within China and beyond. The causative agent of this disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), belongs to the genus Betacoronavirus which also includes severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome related coronavirus (MERSr-CoV). Codon usage of viral genes are believed to be subjected to different selection pressures in different host environments. Previous studies on codon usage of influenza A viruses can help identify viral host origins and evolution trends, however, similar studies on coronaviruses are lacking. In this study, global correspondence analysis (CA), within-group correspondence analysis (WCA) and between-group correspondence analysis (BCA) were performed among different genes in coronavirus viral sequences. The amino acid usage pattern of SARS-CoV-2 was generally found similar to bat and human SARSr-CoVs. However, we found greater synonymous codon usage differences between SARS-CoV-2 and its phylogenetic relatives on spike and membrane genes, suggesting these two genes of SARS-CoV-2 are subjected to different evolutionary pressures.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, D. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.15.950568</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multivariate Analyses of Codon Usage in 2019 Novel Coronavirus on the Genomic Landscape of Betacoronavirus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.21.959114v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Estimating indirect parental genetic effects on offspring phenotypes using virtual parental genotypes derived from sibling and half sibling pairs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.21.959114v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Indirect parental genetic effects may be defined as the influence of parental genotypes on offspring phenotypes over and above that which results from the transmission of genes from parents to children. However, given the relative paucity of large-scale family-based cohorts around the world, it is difficult to demonstrate parental genetic effects on human traits, particularly at individual loci. In this manuscript, we illustrate how parental genetic effects on offspring phenotypes, including late onset diseases, can be estimated at individual loci in principle using large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, even in the absence of parental genotypes. Our strategy involves creating "virtual" mothers and fathers by estimating the genotypic dosages of parental genotypes using physically genotyped data from relative pairs. We then utilize the expected dosages of the parents, and the actual genotypes of the offspring relative pairs, to perform conditional genetic association analyses to obtain asymptotically unbiased estimates of maternal, paternal and offspring genetic effects. We develop a freely available web application that quantifies the power of our approach using closed form asymptotic solutions. We implement our methods in a user-friendly software package IMPISH (IMputing Parental genotypes In Siblings and Half-Siblings) which allows users to quickly and efficiently impute parental genotypes across the genome in large genome-wide datasets, and then use these estimated dosages in downstream linear mixed model association analyses. We conclude that imputing parental genotypes from relative pairs may provide a useful adjunct to existing large-scale genetic studies of parents and their offspring.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hwang, L.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tubbs, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moen, G.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cuellar Partida, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.21.959114</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Estimating indirect parental genetic effects on offspring phenotypes using virtual parental genotypes derived from sibling and half sibling pairs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.23.946913v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Probing SWATH-MS as a tool for proteome level quantification in a non-model fish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.23.946913v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Quantitative proteomics via mass spectrometry can provide valuable insight into molecular and phenotypic characteristics of a living system. Recent mass spectrometry developments include data-independent acquisition (SWATH/DIA-MS), an accurate, sensitive, and reproducible method for analyzing the whole proteome. The main requirement for this method is the creation of a comprehensive spectral library. New technologies have emerged producing larger and more accurate species-specific libraries leading to a progressive collection of proteome references for multiple molecular model species. Here, for the first time, we set out to compare different spectral library constructions using multiple tissues from a coral reef fish to demonstrate its value and feasibility for non-model organisms. We created a large spectral library composed of 12,553 protein groups from liver and brain tissues. Via identification of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) under fish exposure to environmental stressors we validated the application and usefulness of these different spectral libraries. Successful identification of significant DEPs from different environmental exposures occurred using the library with a combination of DIA+DDA data as well as both tissue types. Further analysis revealed expected patterns of significantly upregulated heat shock proteins in a dual condition of ocean warming and acidification indicating the biological accuracy and relevance of the method. This study provides the first reference spectral library for a coral reef fish and for a non-model organism. It represents a useful guide for the future building of accurate spectral library references in non-model organisms allowing the discovery of ecologically relevant changes in the proteome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Monroe, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.23.946913</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Probing SWATH-MS as a tool for proteome level quantification in a non-model fish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.24.963553v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Synthesis of diagnostic quality cancer pathology images 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.24.963553v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deep learning-based computer vision methods have recently made remarkable breakthroughs in the analysis and classification of cancer pathology images. However, there has been relatively little investigation of the utility of deep neural networks to synthesize medical images. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of generative adversarial networks (GANs) to synthesize high resolution pathology images of ten histological types of cancer, including five cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the five major histological subtypes of ovarian carcinoma. The quality of these images was assessed using a comprehensive survey of board-certified pathologists (n = 9) and pathology trainees (n = 6). Our results show that the real and synthetic images are classified by histotype with comparable accuracies, and the synthetic images are visually indistinguishable from real images. Furthermore, we trained deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to diagnose the different cancer types and determined that the synthetic images perform as well as additional real images when used to supplement a small training set. These findings have important applications in proficiency testing of medical practitioners and quality assurance in clinical laboratories. Furthermore, training of computer-aided diagnostic systems can benefit from synthetic images where labeled datasets are limited (e.g., rare cancers). We have created a publicly available website where clinicians and researchers can attempt questions from the image survey at http://gan.aimlab.ca/.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Levine, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farnell, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nursey, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naso, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farahani, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Talhouk, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheffield, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riazy, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, P. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parra-Herran, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mills, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Singh, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tessier-Cloutier, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salisbury, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salcudean, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, S. J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huntsman, D. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gilks, C. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bashashati, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.24.963553</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Synthesis of diagnostic quality cancer pathology images]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.24.963595v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Emotional contagion of pain across different social cues shares common and process-specific neural representations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.24.963595v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Insular and anterior cingulate cortex activation across vicarious pain induction procedures suggests that they are core pain empathy nodes. However, pain empathic responses encompass emotional contagion as well as unspecific arousal and overlapping functional activations are not sufficient to determine shared and process-specific neural representations. We employed multivariate pattern analyses to fMRI data acquired during physical and affective vicarious pain induction and found spatially and functionally similar cross-modality (physical versus affective) whole-brain vicarious pain-predictive patterns. Further analyses consistently identified shared neural representations in the bilateral mid-insula. Mid-insula vicarious pain patterns were not sensitive to capture non-painful arousing negative stimuli but predicted self-experienced pain during thermal stimulation, suggesting process-specific representation of emotional contagion for pain. Finally, a domain-general vicarious pain pattern which predicted vicarious as well as self-experienced pain was developed. Our findings demonstrate a generalizable neural expression of vicarious pain and suggest that the mid-insula encodes emotional contagion for pain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wager, T. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.24.963595</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Emotional contagion of pain across different social cues shares common and process-specific neural representations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.09.984823v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-centric portrait of the microbes' cellulolytic competency 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.09.984823v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neither the abundance of the exo/endoglucase GH modules nor the taxonomy affiliation is informative enough in inferring whether a genome is of a potential cellulolytic microbe or not. By interpreting the complete genomes of 2642 microbe strains whose phenotypes have been well documented, we are trying to reveal a more reliable genotype and phenotype correlation on the specific function niche of cellulose hydrolysis. By incorporating into the annotation approach an automatic recognition of the potential synergy machineries, a more reliable prediction on the corresponding microbes cellulolytic competency could be achieved. The potential cellulose hydrolyzing microbes could be categorized into 5 groups according to the varying synergy machineries among the carbohydrate active modules/genes annotated. Results of the meta-analysis on the 2642 genomes revealed that some cellulosome gene clusters were in lack of the surface layer homology module (SLH) and microbe strains annotated with such cellulosome gene clusters were not certainly cellulolytic. Hypothesized in this study was that cellulosome-independent genes harboring both the SLH module and the cellulose-binding carbohydrate binding module (CBM) were likely an alternative gene apparatus initiating the formation of the cellulose-enzyme-microbe (CEM) complexes; and their role is important especially for the cellulolytic anaerobes without cellulosome gene clusters.

ImportanceIn the genome-centric prediction on the corresponding microbes cellulolytic activity, recognition of the synergy machineries that include but are not limited to the cellulosome gene clusters is equally important as the annotation of the individual carbohydrate active modules or genes. This is the first time that a pipeline was developed for an automatic recognition of the synergy among the carbohydrate active units annotated. With promising resolution and reliability, this pipeline should be a good add to the bioinformatic tools for the genome-centric interpretations on the specific function niche of cellulose hydrolysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ju, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.09.984823</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-centric portrait of the microbes' cellulolytic competency]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.13.991570v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A highly conserved cryptic epitope in the receptor-binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.13.991570v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The outbreak of COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, continues to spread globally, but there is currently very little understanding of the epitopes on the virus. In this study, we have determined the crystal structure of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein in complex with CR3022, a neutralizing antibody previously isolated from a convalescent SARS patient. CR3022 targets a highly conserved epitope that enables cross-reactive binding between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Structural modeling further demonstrates that the binding site can only be accessed when at least two RBDs on the trimeric S protein are in the "up" conformation. Overall, this study provides structural and molecular insight into the antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARYStructural study of a cross-reactive SARS antibody reveals a conserved epitope on the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.-C. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, R. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.13.991570</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A highly conserved cryptic epitope in the receptor-binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.15.993097v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross-reactive antibody response between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infections 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.15.993097v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The World Health Organization has recently declared the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, which is caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, as pandemic. There is currently a lack of knowledge in the antibody response elicited from SARS-CoV-2 infection. One major immunological question is concerning the antigenic differences between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. We address this question by using plasma from patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV, and plasma obtained from infected or immunized mice. Our results show that while cross-reactivity in antibody binding to the spike protein is common, cross-neutralization of the live viruses is rare, indicating the presence of non-neutralizing antibody response to conserved epitopes in the spike. Whether these non-neutralizing antibody responses will lead to antibody-dependent disease enhancement needs to be addressed in the future. Overall, this study not only addresses a fundamental question regarding the antigenicity differences between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, but also has important implications in vaccine development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, O. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perera, R. A. P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, R. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, G. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chik, T. S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, C. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.15.993097</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross-reactive antibody response between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infections]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.17.995373v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular Typing of Human Respiratory Adenoviruses with Universal PCR and Sequencing Primers for Three Major Capsid Genes: Penton base, Hexon, and Fiber 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.17.995373v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) within species B, C, and E include the predominant types responsible for highly contagious and potentially severe respiratory infections. The traditional method to type these pathogens was based on virus neutralization and hemagglutination assays using antisera, which is both time-consuming and difficult, particularly due to the non-availability of reagents. Molecular typing based on partial characterization of HAdV hexon, as well as the restriction enzyme analysis (REA) of the genomics DNA, is difficult to identify recombinants. Here, a rapid, simple, and cost-effective molecular typing of respiratory HAdVs is presented. This incorporates three pairs of universal PCR primers that target the variable regions of the three major capsid genes, i.e. hexon, penton base and fiber genes. The protocol developed enables detection and typing of respiratory HAdVs within species B, C, and E, as well as of some strains within species D and F. Using this method, we surveyed a total of 100 children with acute respiratory infection caused by HAdVs in Hong Kong, Summer 2014 (July to October). 100 Throat swab specimens were collected. The samples were analyzed by PCR and the sequences were characterized by BLAST. HAdVs were detected in 98 out of 100 (98%) samples. The predominant HAdV type was species B type 3. Among the patients, 74 were of HAdV-B3 (74%), 10 were of HAdV-E4 (10%), 6 were of HAdV-C2 (21.7%), 2 were of HAdV-C6 (2%), 1 were of HAdV-B7 (2%), 1 were of HAdV-C1 (74%), and 2 were of recombinant types. The developed method allows the rapid identification of HAdVs with recombinant genomes, and bypasses the need for whole genome data, for the real-time surveillance of circulating adenovirus strains in immediate outbreaks and populations by clinical microbiologists, public health officers, and epidemiologists.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sridhar, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, P. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seto, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.17.995373</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular Typing of Human Respiratory Adenoviruses with Universal PCR and Sequencing Primers for Three Major Capsid Genes: Penton base, Hexon, and Fiber]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.20.000083v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Siderophores provoke extracellular superoxide production by carbon-starving Arthrobacter strains when carbon sources recover 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.20.000083v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Superoxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the environment shape microbial communities1 and drive transformation of metals2,3 and inorganic/organic matter4,5. Taxonomically diverse bacteria and phytoplankton can produce extracellular superoxide during laboratory cultivation6-11. Understanding the physiological reasons for extracellular superoxide production by aerobes in the environment is a crucial question yet not fully solved. Here, we showed that iron-starving Arthrobacter sp. QXT-31 (referred to as A. QXT-31 hereafter) secreted a type of siderophore (deferoxamine, DFO), which provoked extracellular superoxide production by carbon-starving A. QXT-31 when carbon sources were recovered. Several other siderophores also demonstrated similar effects. RNA-Seq data hinted that DFO stripped iron from iron-bearing proteins in the electron transfer chain (ETC) of metabolically active A. QXT-31, resulting in electron leakage from the electron-rich (resulting from carbons source metabolism) ETC and superoxide production. Considering that most aerobes secrete siderophore(s)12 and often suffer from carbon starvation in the environment, certain aerobes are expected to produce extracellular superoxide when carbon source(s) recover/fluctuate, thus influencing the microbial community and cycling of many elements. In addition, an artificial iron-chelator (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, DTPA) was widely used in microbial superoxide quantification. Our results showed that DTPA provoked superoxide production by A. QXT-31 and highlighted its potential interference in microbial superoxide quantification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ning, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Men, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.20.000083</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Siderophores provoke extracellular superoxide production by carbon-starving Arthrobacter strains when carbon sources recover]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.009126v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A potent antibiofilm agent inhibits and eradicates mono- and multi-species biofilms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.009126v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biofilms are surface-attached multicellular communities that create many problems in human health and various industries. Given the prominence of biofilms in biofouling and infectious diseases, antibiofilm control approaches are highly sought after. In the present study, we identified elasnin as a potent antibiofilm agent through a bioassay-guided approach. Elasnin specifically inhibited the biofilm formation of bacterial mono-species and eradicated the mature biofilm of Gram-positive bacteria at concentrations below 2.5 g/mL with a low toxic effect on cells and a low resistance risk. Confocal observations illustrated that elasnin decreased cell aggregations and destroyed the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, elasnin-based antibiofilm coatings were prepared and inhibited the formation of multi-species biofilms and the attachment of large biofouling organisms in the field test. These findings suggest that elasnin is a promising antibiofilm agent for future applications in biofilm control.

ImportanceDue to the increased diversity of biofilm-associated infections and the failure of conventional antimicrobial treatment, new and effective biofilm-specific pharmacologic strategies are urgently needed. Elasnin is a new antibiofilm natural product produced by Streptomyces with high efficiency and low toxicity. Elasnin effectively destroyed the biofilm matrix of Gram-positive bacteria, thus making them more susceptible to antibiotics. Unlike currently deployed antibiotic vancomycin, which exclusively targets essential life processes and kills the pathogen, elasnin did not exhibit bactericidal effect and thus held great potential in delaying resistance. With high yield, elasnin-based coatings were easily prepared with low expenditures and exhibited favorable performance in field test. Collectively, the antibiofilm properties of elasnin, combined with the low cost of supply and the low risk of resistance, could provide the basis for the development of a novel antibiofilm agent that could help fight to antibiotics resistance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LONG, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>wang, r.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>li, y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>chen, f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.25.009126</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A potent antibiofilm agent inhibits and eradicates mono- and multi-species biofilms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.03.004523v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Revealing cellular heterogeneity and in vitro differentiation trajectory of cultured human endometrial mesenchymal-like stem cells using single-cell RNA sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.03.004523v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Endometrial mesenchymal-like stem cells (eMSCs) are adult stem cells contributing to endometrial regeneration. One set of perivascular markers (CD140b+CD146+) have been widely used to enrich eMSCs. Although eMSCs are easily accessible for regenerative medicine and have long been studied, their cellular heterogeneity and molecular program controlling their expansion and differentiation in vitro remains largely unclear. In this study, we applied 10X genomics single-cell RNA sequencing to eMSCs cultured in vitro after microbeading from 7 donors to investigate cellular heterogeneity in an unbiased manner. Corresponding clonogenic progenies of eMSCs after culture for 14 days were also sequenced to construct the in vitro differentiation trajectory of eMSCs. Transcriptomic expression based clustering revealed several subpopulations in eMSCs. Each subpopulation manifested distinct functional characteristics associated with immunomodulation, proliferation, extracellular matrix organization and cell differentiation. Pseudotime trajectory analysis on eMSCs and their differentiated progenies identified in vitro differentiation hierarchy of eMSCs. Further ligand-receptor pair analysis found that WNT signaling, NOTCH signaling, TGF-beta signaling and FGF signaling were important regulatory pathways for eMSC self-renewal and differentiation. By comparing eMSCs to Whartons Jelly MSCs and adipose-derived MSCs, we found these 3 kinds of MSCs expressed largely overlapping differentiation (CD) genes and highly variable genes. In summary, we reveal for the first time high molecular and cellular heterogeneity in cultured eMSCs, and identify the key signaling pathways that may be important for eMSC differentiation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>CAO, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, E. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Danielsson, K. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, W. S. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.03.004523</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Revealing cellular heterogeneity and in vitro differentiation trajectory of cultured human endometrial mesenchymal-like stem cells using single-cell RNA sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.08.032045v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Whole-genome analysis of noncoding genetic variations identifies multigranular regulatory element perturbations associated with Hirschsprung disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.08.032045v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is widely recognized that the missing heritability of many human diseases is partially due to noncoding genetic variants, but there are multiple challenges that hinder the identification of functional disease-associated noncoding variants. The number of noncoding variants can be many times of coding variants; many of them are not functional but in linkage disequilibrium with the functional ones; different variants can have epistatic effects; different variants can affect the same genes or pathways in different individuals, and some variants are related to each other not by affecting the same gene but by affecting the binding of the same upstream regulator. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a novel analysis framework that considers convergent impacts of different genetic variants on protein binding, which provides multi-granular information about disease-associated perturbations of regulatory elements, genes, and pathways. Applying it to our whole-genome sequencing data of 918 short-segment Hirschsprung disease patients and matched controls, we identify various novel genes not detected by standard single-variant and region-based tests, functionally centering on neural crest migration and development. Our framework also identifies upstream regulators whose binding is influenced by the noncoding variants. Using human neural crest cells, we confirm cell-stage-specific regulatory roles three top novel regulatory elements on our list, respectively in the RET, RASGEF1A and PIK3C2B loci. In the PIK3C2B regulatory element, we further show that a noncoding variant found only in the affects the binding of the gliogenesis regulator NFIA, with a corresponding down-regulation of multiple genes in the same topologically associating domain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fu, A. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, K. N.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C. S.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, F. P.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gracia-Barcelo, M.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, P. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngan, E. S.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.08.032045</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Whole-genome analysis of noncoding genetic variations identifies multigranular regulatory element perturbations associated with Hirschsprung disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.12.019257v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RbAp46/48LIN-53 and HAT-1 are required for initial CENP-AHCP-3 deposition and de novo centromere formation in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.12.019257v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Foreign DNA microinjected into the Caenorhabditis elegans germline forms episomal extra-chromosomal arrays, or artificial chromosomes (ACs), in embryos. Injected linear, short DNA fragments concatemerize into high molecular weight (HMW)-DNA arrays that are visible as punctate DAPI-stained foci in oocytes, which undergo chromatinization and centromerization in embryos. The inner centromere, inner and outer kinetochore components, including AIR-2, CENP-AHCP-3, Mis18BP1KNL-2 and BUB-1, assemble onto the nascent ACs during the first mitosis. Yet, due to incomplete DNA replication of the nascent ACs, centromeric proteins are not oriented at the poleward faces of the nascent ACs in mitosis, resulting in lagging ACs. The DNA replication efficiency of ACs improves over several cell cycles. We found that a condensin subunit, SMC-4, but not the replicative helicase component, MCM-2, facilitates de novo CENP-AHCP-3 deposition on nascent ACs. Furthermore, H3K9ac, H4K5ac, and H4K12ac are highly enriched on newly chromatinized ACs. HAT-1 and RbAp46/48LIN-53, which are essential for de novo centromere formation and segregation competency of nascent ACs, also hyperacetylate histone H3 and H4. Different from centromere maintenance on endogenous chromosomes, where Mis18BP1KNL-2 functions upstream of RbAp46/48LIN-53, RbAp46/48LIN-53 depletion causes the loss of both CENP-AHCP-3 and Mis18BP1KNL-2 initial deposition at de novo centromeres on ACs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.12.019257</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RbAp46/48LIN-53 and HAT-1 are required for initial CENP-AHCP-3 deposition and de novo centromere formation in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.12.037622v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification of 38 novel loci for systemic lupus erythematosus and genetic heterogeneity that may underly population disparities in this disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.12.037622v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a worldwide autoimmune disease with high heritability, shows differences in prevalence, severity and age of onset among different ancestral groups. Previous genetic studies have focused more on European populations, which appear to be the least affected. Consequently, the genetic variations that underly the commonalities, differences and treatment options in SLE among ancestral groups have not been well elucidated. To address this, we undertook a genome-wide association study, increasing the sample size of Chinese populations to the level of existing European studies. Thirty-eight novel SLE-associated loci and incomplete sharing of genetic architecture were identified. Nine disease loci showed clear ancestral group heterogeneity and implicated antibody production as a potential mechanism for differences in disease manifestation. Polygenic risk scores performed significantly better when trained on matched ancestral data sets. These analyses help to reveal the genetic bases for disparities in SLE among ancestral groups.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mai, Z.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ban, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, D. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vyse, T. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.12.037622</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification of 38 novel loci for systemic lupus erythematosus and genetic heterogeneity that may underly population disparities in this disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.12.037994v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNA Sequence Preference for De Novo Centromere Formation on a Caenorhabditis elegans Artificial Chromosome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.12.037994v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Centromeric DNA sequences vary in different species, but share common characteristics, like high AT-content, repetitiveness, and low, but not no, transcriptional activity. Yet, neocentromeres can be found on non-centromeric, ectopic sequences, suggesting that centromeres can be established and maintained epigenetically. In contrast, canonical centromeric DNA sequences are more competent in de novo centromere formation on artificial chromosomes (ACs). To determine if specific DNA sequence features are preferred for new centromere formation, we injected different DNA sequences into the gonad of a holocentric model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, to form ACs in embryos, and monitored mitotic AC segregation. We demonstrated that AT-rich sequences, but not repetitive sequences, accelerated de novo centromere formation on ACs. We also injected fragmented Saccharomyces cerevisiae genomic DNA to construct a less repetitive, more complex AC that can propagate through generations. By whole-genome sequencing and de novo assembly of AC sequences, we deduced that this AC was formed through non-homologous end joining. By CENP-AHCP-3 chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq), we found that CENP-AHCP-3 domain width on both the AC and endogenous chromosomes is positively correlated with AT-content. Besides, CENP-AHCP-3 binds to unexpressed gene loci or non-genic regions on the AC, consistent with the organization of endogenous holocentromeres.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.12.037994</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNA Sequence Preference for De Novo Centromere Formation on a Caenorhabditis elegans Artificial Chromosome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.16.044016v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Large-scale Drug Repositioning Survey for SARS-CoV-2 Antivirals 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.16.044016v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The emergence of novel SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 has triggered an ongoing global pandemic of severe pneumonia-like disease designated as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To date, more than 2.1 million confirmed cases and 139,500 deaths have been reported worldwide, and there are currently no medical countermeasures available to prevent or treat the disease. As the development of a vaccine could require at least 12-18 months, and the typical timeline from hit finding to drug registration of an antiviral is >10 years, repositioning of known drugs can significantly accelerate the development and deployment of therapies for COVID-19. To identify therapeutics that can be repurposed as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals, we profiled a library of known drugs encompassing approximately 12,000 clinical-stage or FDA-approved small molecules. Here, we report the identification of 30 known drugs that inhibit viral replication. Of these, six were characterized for cellular dose-activity relationships, and showed effective concentrations likely to be commensurate with therapeutic doses in patients. These include the PIKfyve kinase inhibitor Apilimod, cysteine protease inhibitors MDL-28170, Z LVG CHN2, VBY-825, and ONO 5334, and the CCR1 antagonist MLN-3897. Since many of these molecules have advanced into the clinic, the known pharmacological and human safety profiles of these compounds will accelerate their preclinical and clinical evaluation for COVID-19 treatment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Riva, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin-Sancho, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matsunaga, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burgstaller, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pache, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Jesus, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hull, M. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok-Man Poon, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herbert, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, T.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rubanov, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martinez-Sobrido, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miorin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>White, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benner, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schultz, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, A. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Sastre, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chatterjee, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chanda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.16.044016</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Large-scale Drug Repositioning Survey for SARS-CoV-2 Antivirals]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.17.046169v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Powered flight potential approached by wide range of close avian relatives but achieved selectively 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.17.046169v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Evolution of birds from non-flying theropod dinosaurs is a classic evolutionary transition, but a deeper understanding of early flight has been frustrated by disagreement on the relationships between birds (Avialae) and their closest theropod relatives. We address this through a larger, more resolved evolutionary hypothesis produced by a novel automated analysis pipeline tailored for large morphological datasets. We corroborate the grouping of dromaeosaurids + troodontids (Deinonychosauria) as the sister taxon to birds (Paraves), as well as the recovery of Anchiornithidae as basalmost avialans. Using these phylogenetic results and available data for vaned feathered paravians, maximum and minimum estimates of wing loading and specific lift calculated using ancestral state reconstruction analysis are used as proxies for the potential for powered flight through this transition. We found a broad range of paravian ancestors with estimates approaching values that are indicative of powered flight potential. This suggests that prior to the evolution of flight there was a wider extent of experimentation with wing-assisted locomotion among paravians than previously appreciated. We recovered wing loading and specific lift estimates indicating the potential for powered flight among fossil birds as well as unenlagiine and microraptorine dromaeosaurids. In the context of our phylogeny and of Mesozoic palaeogeography, our results suggest that the potential for powered flight originated three or more times from a broad range of ancestors already nearing this potential, providing a well-supported scenario for the origin of theropod flight to further explore.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pei, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goloboff, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dececchi, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Habib, M. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaye, T. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Larsson, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Norell, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brusatte, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.17.046169</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Powered flight potential approached by wide range of close avian relatives but achieved selectively]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.23.056390v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis identifies neocortical developmental differences between human and mouse 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.23.056390v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe specification and differentiation of neocortical projection neurons is a complex process under precise molecular regulation; however, little is known about the similarities and differences in cerebral cortex development between human and mouse at single-cell resolution.

ResultsHere, using single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data we explore the divergence and conservation of human and mouse cerebral cortex development using 18,446 and 7,610 neocortical cells. Systematic cross-species comparison reveals that the overall transcriptome profile in human cerebral cortex is similar to that in mouse such as cell types and their markers genes. By single-cell trajectories analysis we find human and mouse excitatory neurons have different developmental trajectories of neocortical projection neurons, ligand-receptor interactions and gene expression patterns. Further analysis reveals a refinement of neuron differentiation that occurred in human but not in mouse, suggesting that excitatory neurons in human undergo refined transcriptional states in later development stage. By contrast, for glial cells and inhibitory neurons we detected conserved developmental trajectories in human and mouse.

ConclusionsTaken together, our study integrates scRNA-seq data of cerebral cortex development in human and mouse, and uncovers distinct developing models in neocortical projection neurons. The earlier activation of cognition -related genes in human may explain the differences in behavior, learning or memory abilities between the two species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.23.056390</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell transcriptomic analysis identifies neocortical developmental differences between human and mouse]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.23.056853v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mapping the Immunodominance Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein for the Design of Vaccines against COVID-19 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.23.056853v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious threat to global public health, and imposes severe burdens on the entire human society. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause severe respiratory illness and death. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs that can treat COVID-19. Several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are being actively developed by research groups around the world. The surface S (spike) protein and the highly expressed internal N (nucleocapsid) protein of SARS-CoV-2 are widely considered as promising candidates for vaccines. In order to guide the design of an effective vaccine, we need experimental data on these potential epitope candidates. In this study, we mapped the immunodominant (ID) sites of S protein using sera samples collected from recently discharged COVID-19 patients. The SARS-CoV-2 S protein-specific antibody levels in the sera of recovered COVID-19 patients were strongly correlated with the neutralising antibody titres. We used epitope mapping to determine the landscape of ID sites of S protein, which identified nine linearized B cell ID sites. Four out of the nine ID sites were found in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Further analysis showed that these ID sites are potential high-affinity SARS-CoV-2 antibody binding sites. Peptides containing two out of the nine sites were tested as vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2 in a mouse model. We detected epitope-specific antibodies and SARS-CoV-2-neutralising activity in the immunised mice. This study for the first time provides human serological data for the design of vaccines against COVID-19.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.-z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.23.056853</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mapping the Immunodominance Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein for the Design of Vaccines against COVID-19]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.24.059881v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TRPM7 kinase-mediated immunomodulation in macrophage plays a central role in magnesium ion-induced bone regeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.24.059881v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The use of magnesium ion (Mg2+)-modified biomaterials in bone regeneration is a promising and cost-effective therapeutic. Despite the widespread observation on the osteogenic effects of Mg2+, the diverse roles played by Mg2+ in the complex biological process of bone healing have not been systematically dissected. Here, we reveal a previously unknown biphasic mode of action of Mg2+ in bone repair. In the early inflammation phase, Mg2+ primarily targets the monocyte-macrophage lineage to promote their recruitment, activation, and polarization. We showed that an increase in extracellular Mg2+ contributes to an upregulated expression of transient receptor potential cation channel member 7 (TRPM7) and a TRPM7-dependent influx of Mg2+ in the monocyte-macrophage lineage, resulting in the cleavage and nuclear accumulation of TRPM7-cleaved kinase fragments (M7CKs). This then triggers the phosphorylation of Histone H3 at serine 10, in a TRPM7-dependent manner at the promoters of inflammatory cytokines like IL-8, leading to the formation of a pro-osteogenic immune microenvironment. In the later active repair/remodeling phase of bone healing, however, continued exposure of Mg2+ and IL-8 leads to over activation of NF-{kappa}B signaling in macrophages, turning the immune microenvironment into pro-osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, the presence of Mg2+ at this stage also decelerates bone maturation through the suppression of hydroxyapatite precipitation. The negative effects of Mg2+ on osteogenesis can override the initial pro-osteogenic benefits of Mg2+, as we found prolonged delivery of Mg2+ compromises overall bone formation. Taken together, this study establishes a paradigm shift in understanding the diverse and multifaceted roles of Mg2+ in bone healing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matinlinna, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, K. M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, K. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.24.059881</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TRPM7 kinase-mediated immunomodulation in macrophage plays a central role in magnesium ion-induced bone regeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.24.060574v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The genomes of invasive coral Tubastraea spp. (Dendrophylliidae) as tool for the development of biotechnological solutions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.24.060574v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Corals have been attracting huge attention due to the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on reef formation and resilience. Nevertheless, some species like Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis have been spreading very fast replacing the native ones which affect the local environment and decrease biodiversity of corals and other organisms associated with them. Despite some focal efforts to understand the biology of these organisms, they remain understudied at the molecular level. This knowledge gap hinders the development of cost-effective strategies for both conservation and management of invasive species. In this circumstance, it is expected that genome sequencing would provide powerful insights that could lead to better strategies for prevention, management, and control of this and other invasive species. Here, we present three genomes of Tubastraea spp. in one of the most comprehensive biological studies of corals, that includes flow cytometry, karyotyping, transcriptomics, genomics, and phylogeny. The genome of T. tagusensis is organized in 23 chromosomes pairs and has 1.1 Gb, the T. coccinea genome is organized in 22 chromosome pairs and has 806 Mb, and the Tubastraea sp. genome is organized in 21 chromosome pairs and has 795 Mb. The hybrid assembly of T. tagusensis using short and long-reads has a N50 of 227,978 bp, 7,996 contigs and high completeness estimated as 91.6% of BUSCO complete genes, of T. coccinea has a N50 of 66,396 bp, 17,214 contigs and 88.1% of completeness, and of Tubastraea sp. has a N50 of 82,672 bp, 12,922 contigs and also 88.1% of completeness. We inferred that almost half of the genome consists of repetitive elements, mostly interspersed repeats. We provide evidence for exclusive Scleractinia and Tubastraea gene content related to adhesion and immunity. The Tubastraea spp. genomes are a fundamental study which promises to provide insights not only about the genetic basis for the extreme invasiveness of this particular coral genus, but to understand the adaptation flaws of some reef corals in the face of anthropic-induced environmental disturbances. We expect the data generated in this study will foster the development of efficient technologies for the management of coral species, whether invasive or threatened.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Soares Souza, G. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amaral, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Batista, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Torres, A. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Serra, A. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uliano-Silva, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leomil, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reis, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matos, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Calderon, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dondero, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sousa, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Romão-Dumaresq, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>REBELO, M. D. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.24.060574</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The genomes of invasive coral Tubastraea spp. (Dendrophylliidae) as tool for the development of biotechnological solutions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.27.063859v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Role of 1'-Ribose Cyano Substitution for Remdesivir to Effectively Inhibit both Nucleotide Addition and Proofreading in SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Replication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.27.063859v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
COVID-19 has recently caused a global health crisis and an effective interventional therapy is urgently needed. SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a promising but challenging drug target due to its intrinsic proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN). Remdesivir targeting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp exerts high drug efficacy in vitro and in vivo. However, its underlying inhibitory mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with an accumulated simulation time of 24 microseconds to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of Remdesivir. We found that Remdesivirs 1-cyano group of possesses the dual role of inhibiting nucleotide addition and proofreading. The presence of its polar 1-cyano group at an upstream site in RdRp causes instability and hampers RdRp translocation. This leads to a delayed chain termination of RNA extension, which may also subsequently reduce the likelihood for Remdesivir to be cleaved by ExoN acting on the 3-terminal nucleotide. In addition, our simulations suggest that Remdesivirs 1-cyano group can also disrupt the cleavage active site of ExoN via steric interactions, leading to a further reduced cleavage efficiency. Our work provides plausible molecular mechanisms on how Remdesivir inhibits viral RNA replication and may guide rational design for new treatments of COVID-19 targeting viral replication.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.27.063859</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Role of 1'-Ribose Cyano Substitution for Remdesivir to Effectively Inhibit both Nucleotide Addition and Proofreading in SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Replication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.01.073486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dropout in Neural Networks Simulates theParadoxical Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation onMemory 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.01.073486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neuromodulation techniques such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are a promising treatment for memory-related disorders including anxiety, addiction, and dementia. However, the outcome of these treatments appears to be paradoxical, as the use of these techniques can both disrupt and enhance memory even when applied to the same brain target. In this paper, we hypothesize that disruption and enhancement of memory through neuromodulation can be explained by the dropout of engram nodes. We used a convolutional neural network to classify handwritten digits and letters, applying dropout at different stages to simulate DBS effects on engrams. We showed that dropout applied during training improves the accuracy of prediction, whereas dropout applied during testing dramatically decreases accuracy of prediction, which mimics enhancement and disruption of memory, respectively. We further showed that transfer learning of neural networks with dropout had increased accuracy and rate of learning. Dropout during training provided a more robust "skeleton" network where transfer learning can be applied, mimicking the effects of chronic DBS on memory. Overall, we show that dropout of nodes can be a potential mechanism by which neuromodulation techniques such as DBS can both disrupt and enhance memory and provides a unique perspective on this paradox.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tan, S. Z. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perucho, J. A. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chopra, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vardhanabhut, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.01.073486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dropout in Neural Networks Simulates theParadoxical Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation onMemory]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.17.095000v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prophage exotoxins enhance colonization fitness in epidemic scarlet fever-causing Streptococcus pyogenes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.17.095000v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The re-emergence of scarlet fever poses a new global public health threat. The capacity of North-East Asian serotype M12 (emm12) Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) to cause scarlet fever has been linked epidemiologically to the presence of novel prophages, including prophage {Phi}HKU.vir encoding the secreted superantigens SSA and SpeC and the DNase Spd1. Here we report the comprehensive molecular characterization of {Phi}HKU.vir-encoded exotoxins. We demonstrate that streptolysin O (SLO)-induced glutathione efflux from host cellular stores is a previously unappreciated GAS virulence mechanism that promotes SSA release and activity, representing the first description of a thiol-activated bacterial superantigen. Spd1 is required for optimal growth in human blood, confers resistance to neutrophil killing, and degrades neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Investigating single, double and triple isogenic knockout mutants of the {Phi}HKU.vir-encoded exotoxins, we find that SpeC and Spd1 act synergistically to facilitate nasopharyngeal colonization in a mouse model. These results offer insight into the etiology and pathogenesis of scarlet fever-causing GAS mediated by phage {Phi}HKU.vir exotoxins.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Brouwer, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barnett, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ly, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kasper, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Oliveira, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rivera-Hernandez, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cork, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McIntyre, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jespersen, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Richter, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schulz, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dougan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nizet, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>You, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCormick, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanderson-Smith, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davies, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walker, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.17.095000</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prophage exotoxins enhance colonization fitness in epidemic scarlet fever-causing Streptococcus pyogenes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.26.114033v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Enantiomers of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Exhibit Different Activities Against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, Evidencing S-Hydroxychloroquine as a Potentially Superior Drug for COVID-19 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.26.114033v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In all of the clinical trials for COVID-19 conducted thus far and among those ongoing involving chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, the drug substance used has invariably been chloroquine (CQ) diphosphate or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) sulfate, i.e., the phosphoric or sulfuric acid salt of a racemic mixture of R- and S-enantiomer (50/50), respectively. As a result, the clinical outcome from previous CQ or HCQ trials were, in fact, the collective manifestation of both R and S- enantiomers with inherent different pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicity liabilities. Our data for the first time demonstrated the stereoselective difference of CQ and HCQ against live SARS-CoV-2 virus in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. S-chloroquine (S-CQ) and S-hydroxychloroquine (S-HCQ) significantly more active against SARS-CoV-2, as compared to R-CQ and R-HCQ, respectively. In addition, Mpro, as one of the critical enzymes for viral transcription and replication, also exhibited an enantioselective binding affinity toward the S-enantiomers. The most significant finding from this study is the pronounced difference of the two enantiomers of CQ and HCQ observed in hERG inhibition assay. The IC50 value of S-HCQ was higher than 20 M against hERG channel, which was much less active over all tested CQ and HCQ compounds. Moreover, S-HCQ alone did not prolong QT interval in guinea pigs after 3 days and 6 days of administration, indicating a much lower cardiac toxicity potential. With these and previous findings on the enantio-differentiated metabolism, we recommend that future clinical studies should employ S-HCQ, substantially free of the R-enantiomer, to potentially improve the therapeutic index for the treatment of COVID-19 over the racemic CQ and HCQ.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.26.114033</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Enantiomers of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Exhibit Different Activities Against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, Evidencing S-Hydroxychloroquine as a Potentially Superior Drug for COVID-19]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.02.129999v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NON-AVIAN DINOSAUR EGGSHELL CALCITE CONTAINS ANCIENT, ENDOGENOUS AMINO ACIDS 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.02.129999v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Rates of peptide bond hydrolysis and other diagenetic reactions are not favourable for Mesozoic protein survival. Proteins hydrolyse into peptide fragments and free amino acids that, in open systems such as bone, can leach from the specimen and be further degraded. However, closed systems are more likely to retain degradation products derived from endogenous proteins. Amino acid racemisation data in experimental and subfossil material suggests that mollusc shell and avian eggshell calcite crystals can demonstrate closed system behaviour, retaining endogenous amino acids. Here, high-performance liquid chromatography reveals that the intra-crystalline fraction of Late Cretaceous (estimated ~80 Ma) titanosaur sauropod eggshell is enriched in some of the most stable amino acids (Glx, Gly, Ala, and possibly Val) and those that racemise are fully racemic, despite being some of the slowest racemising amino acids. These results are consistent with degradation trends deduced from modern, thermally matured, sub-fossil, and ~3.8 Ma avian eggshell, as well as ~30 Ma calcitic mollusc opercula. Selective preservation of certain fully racemic amino acids, which do not racemise in-chain, along with similar concentrations of free versus total hydrolysable amino acids, likely suggests complete hydrolysis of original peptides. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry supports this hypothesis by failing to detect any non-contamination peptide sequences from the Mesozoic eggshell. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry reveals pyrolysates consistent with amino acids as well as aliphatic hydrocarbon homologues that are not present in modern eggshell, suggestive of kerogen formation deriving from eggshell lipids. Raman spectroscopy yields bands consistent with various organic molecules, possibly including N-bearing molecules or geopolymers. These closed-system amino acids are possibly the most thoroughly supported non-avian dinosaur endogenous protein-derived constituents, at least those that have not undergone oxidative condensation with other classes of biomolecules. Biocrystal matrices can help preserve mobile organic molecules by trapping them (perhaps with the assistance of resistant organic polymers), but trapped organics are nevertheless prone to diagenetic degradation even if such reactions might be slowed in exceptional circumstances. The evidence for complete hydrolysis and degradation of most amino acids in the eggshell raises concern about the validity of reported polypeptide sequences from open-system non-avian dinosaur bone and other Mesozoic fossils.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Saitta, E. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vinther, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crisp, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abbott, G. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaye, T. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bull, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fletcher, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Collins, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sakalauskaite, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mackie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dal Bello, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dickinson, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stevenson, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donohoe, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heck, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Demarchi, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Penkman, K. E. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.02.129999</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NON-AVIAN DINOSAUR EGGSHELL CALCITE CONTAINS ANCIENT, ENDOGENOUS AMINO ACIDS]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.133645v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantitative longitudinal predictions of Alzheimer's disease by multi-modal predictive learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.133645v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundQuantitatively predicting the progression of Alzheimers disease (AD) in an individual on a continuous scale, such as AD assessment scale-cognitive (ADAS-cog) scores, is informative for a personalized approach as opposed to qualitatively classifying the individual into a broad disease category. We hypothesize that multi-modal data and predictive learning models can be employed for longitudinally predicting ADAS-cog scores.

MethodsMultivariate regression techniques were employed to model baseline multi-modal data (demographics, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid based markers, and genetic factors) and future ADAS-cog scores. Prediction models were subjected to repeated cross-validation and the resulting mean absolute error and cross-validated correlation of the model assessed.

ResultsPrediction models on multi-modal data outperformed single modal data up to 36 months. Incorporating baseline ADAS-cog scores to prediction models marginally improved predictive performance.

ConclusionsFuture ADAS-cog scores were successfully estimated via predictive learning aiding clinicians in identifying those at greater risk of decline and apply interventions at an earlier disease stage and inform likely future disease progression in individuals enrolled in AD clinical trials.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Prakash, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdelaziz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strange, B. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tohka, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.04.133645</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantitative longitudinal predictions of Alzheimer's disease by multi-modal predictive learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.135525v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Scaling of gene transcriptional gradients with brain size across mouse development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.135525v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The structure of the adult brain is the result of complex physical mechanisms acting through development. These physical processes, acting in threedimensional space, mean that the brains spatial embedding plays a key role in its organization, including the gradient-like patterning of gene expression that encodes the molecular underpinning of functional specialization. However, we do not yet understand how the dramatic changes in brain shape and size that occur in early development influence the brains transcriptional architecture. Here we investigate the spatial embedding of transcriptional patterns of over 1800 genes across seven time points through mousebrain development using data from the Allen Developing Mouse Brain Atlas. We find that transcriptional similarity decreases exponentially with separation distance across all developmental time points, with a correlation length scale that follows a powerlaw scaling relationship with a linear dimension of brain size. This scaling suggests that the mouse brain achieves a characteristic balance between local molecular similarity (homogeneous gene expression within a specialized brain area) and longer-range diversity (between functionally specialized brain areas) throughout its development. Extrapolating this mouse developmental scaling relationship to the human cortex yields a prediction consistent with the value measured from microarray data. We introduce a simple model of brain growth as spatially autocorrelated gene-expression gradients that expand through development, which captures key features of the mouse developmental data. Complementing the well-known exponential distance rule for structural connectivity, our findings characterize an analogous exponential distance rule for transcriptional gradients that scales across mouse brain development, providing new understanding of spatial constraints on the brains molecular patterning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lau, H. Y. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fulcher, B. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fornito, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.04.135525</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Scaling of gene transcriptional gradients with brain size across mouse development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.05.133348v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Impact of trimethoprim on the river microbiome and antimicrobial resistance. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.05.133348v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent evidence suggests that anthropogenic activity can increase the levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Rivers and waterways are significant examples of environmental settings that have become repositories of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Our recent study quantified drug concentrations in freshwater samples taken at a range of sites located on the Thames catchment; the highest levels of antibiotics and other drugs were recorded downstream of waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). One specific antibiotic: Trimethoprim (TMP) was shown at elevated concentrations reaching 2000ng/L at particular sites. We have also shown a correlative relationship between the residue of TMP and the prevalence of sulfonamide antibiotic resistance genes such as sul1. Despite this, there is still no evidence of a causative relationship between TMP concentrations and the prevalence of the ARGs at river sites. The aim of the current study was to conduct in-depth analysis using a combination of large metagenomic, geospatial and chemical datasets, in order to conduct a comparison between those sites with the highest TMP and lowest TMP levels across the Thames catchment. We aimed to establish the proximity of these sites to WWTPs, their population equivalence (PE) and land coverage. A secondary aim was to investigate seasonal variation in TMP and ARGs. Exploring these factors will help to decipher the clinical relevance of ARG accumulation at river sites. A significant correlation was shown between TMP levels at river sites and their distance downstream from a WWTP. Three sites located on the Rivers Cut and Ray showed significantly higher TMP concentrations in winter compared to summer. The population equivalence (PE) for sites with the highest TMP levels was significantly higher than those with the lowest levels. The land coverage of sites with the highest TMP levels was significantly more urban/suburban than sites with the lowest TMP concentrations, which were found to be significantly more arable. Five ARGs relevant to TMP and sulfonamides were identified across the Thames catchment. The most prevalent ARG was sul1, which was significantly more prevalent in winter compared to summer. By contrast sul2 was found to be significantly more prevalent in summer compared to winter at a site on the River Coln. The prevalence of the class 1 integron marker gene (inti1) did not differ significantly by season or between sites with the highest/lowest TMP levels.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Delaney, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raguideau, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holden, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tipper, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hill, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klumper, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>James, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Travis, E. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bowes, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hawkey, P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lindstrom, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaze, W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mead, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quince, C. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Singer, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wellington, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.05.133348</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Impact of trimethoprim on the river microbiome and antimicrobial resistance.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.17.153486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Potent Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Directed to Multiple Epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.17.153486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic rages on with devasting consequences on human lives and the global economy1,2. The discovery and development of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies could be one approach to treat or prevent infection by this novel coronavirus. Here we report the isolation of 61 SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from 5 infected patients hospitalized with severe disease. Among these are 19 antibodies that potently neutralized the authentic SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, 9 of which exhibited exquisite potency, with 50% virus-inhibitory concentrations of 0.7 to 9 ng/mL. Epitope mapping showed this collection of 19 antibodies to be about equally divided between those directed to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and those to the N-terminal domain (NTD), indicating that both of these regions at the top of the viral spike are immunogenic. In addition, two other powerful neutralizing antibodies recognized quaternary epitopes that are overlapping with the domains at the top of the spike. Cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of one antibody targeting RBD, a second targeting NTD, and a third bridging two separate RBDs revealed recognition of the closed, "all RBD-down" conformation of the spike. Several of these monoclonal antibodies are promising candidates for clinical development as potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lihong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rapp, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sahi, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Figueroa, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cerutti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bimela, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gorman, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>G. Sodroski, J. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shapiro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.17.153486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Potent Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Directed to Multiple Epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.04.186619v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deviation from baseline mutation burden provides powerful and robust rare-variants association test for complex diseases 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.04.186619v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The identification of rare variants that contribute to complex diseases is challenging due to low statistical power. Here we propose a novel and powerful rare variants association test based on the deviation of the observed mutational burden in a genomic region from a baseline mutation burden predicted by weighted recursive truncated negative-binomial regression (RUNNER) on genomic features available from public data. Simulation studies show that RUNNER is substantially more powerful than state-of-the-art rare variant association methods (including SKAT, CMC and KBAC), while maintaining correct type 1 error rates under population stratification and in small samples. Applied to real data, RUNNER “rediscovered” known genes of Hirschsprung disease missed by current methods, and detected promising new candidate genes, including NXPE4 for Hirschsprung disease and CXCL16 for Alzheimer’s disease. The proposed approach provides a powerful and robust method to identify rare risk variants for complex diseases.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Barcelo, M.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cherny, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.04.186619</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deviation from baseline mutation burden provides powerful and robust rare-variants association test for complex diseases]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.07.191130v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Improving FnCas12a genome editing by exonuclease fusion 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.07.191130v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Among current reported Cas12a orthologs, Francisella novicida Cas12a (FnCas12a) is less restricted by protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), which will help target previously inaccessible genomic sites. However, the activity of FnCas12a nuclease is relatively low or undetectable in human cells, limiting its application as desirable genome engineering tools. Here, we describe TEXT (Tethering EXonuclease T5 with FnCas12a), a fusion strategy that significantly increased the knockout efficiency of FnCas12a in human cells, at multiple genomic loci in three different cell lines. TEXT shows higher insertions and deletions (indels) efficiency than FnCas12a using different spacer lengths from 18nt to 23nt, in which 18nt results in highest fold increase, with up to 11 folds higher efficiency than FnCas12a. Deep sequencing shows that TEXT substantially increased the deletion frequency and deletion size at the targeted locus. TEXT enhances the activity of FnCas12a nuclease and expand its application in human cell genome engineering.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yongqiang Wu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qichen Yuan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yufeng Zhu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang Gao</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiabao Song</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ziru Yin</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.07.191130</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Improving FnCas12a genome editing by exonuclease fusion]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.09.194670v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Large genetic diversity and strong positive selection in F-box and GPCR genes among the wild isolates of Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.09.194670v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The F-box and chemosensory GPCR (csGPCR) gene families are greatly expanded in nematodes, including the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, compared to insects and vertebrates. However, the intraspecific evolution of these two gene families in nematodes remain unexamined. In this study, we analyzed the genomic sequences of 330 recently sequenced wild isolates of C. elegans using a range of population genetics approaches. We found that F-box and csGPCR genes, especially the Srw family csGPCRs, showed much more diversity than other gene families. Population structure analysis and phylogenetic analysis divided the wild strains into eight non-Hawaiian and three Hawaiian subpopulations. Some Hawaiian strains appeared to be more ancestral than all other strains. F-box and csGPCR genes maintained a great amount of the ancestral variants in the Hawaiian subpopulation and their divergence among the non-Hawaiian subpopulations contributed significantly to population structure. F-box genes are mostly located at the chromosomal arms and high recombination rate correlates with their large polymorphism. Moreover, using both neutrality tests and Extended Haplotype Homozygosity analysis, we identified signatures of strong positive selection in the F-box and csGPCR genes among the wild isolates, especially in the non-Hawaiian population. Accumulation of high-frequency derived alleles in these genes was found in non-Hawaiian population, leading to divergence from the ancestral genotype. In summary, we found that F-box and csGPCR genes harbour a large pool of natural variants, which may be subjected to positive selection. These variants are mostly mapped to the substrate-recognition domains of F-box proteins and the extracellular and intracellular regions of csGPCRs, possibly resulting in advantages during adaptation by affecting protein degradation and the sensing of environmental cues, respectively.

Significance statementThe small nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as an important organism in studying the genetic mechanisms of evolution. F-box and chemosensory GPCR proteins are two of the largest gene families in C. elegans. However, their intraspecific evolution within C. elegans was not studied before. In this work, using the nonsynonymous SNV (single nucleotide variant) data of 330 C. elegans wild isolates, we found that F-box and chemosensory GPCR genes showed larger polymorphisms and stronger positive selection than other genes. The large diversity is likely the result of rapid gene family expansion, high recombination rate, and gene flow. Analysis of subpopulation suggests that positive selection of these genes occurred most strongly in the non-Hawaiian population, which underwent a selective sweep possibly linked to human activities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fuqiang Ma</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chaogu Zheng</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.09.194670</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Large genetic diversity and strong positive selection in F-box and GPCR genes among the wild isolates of Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.11.192948v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The spatial proteome of the human intervertebral disc reveals architectural changes in health, ageing and degeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.11.192948v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The spatiotemporal proteome of the intervertebral disc (IVD) underpins its integrity and function. We present DIPPER, a deep and comprehensive IVD proteomic resource comprising 94 genomewide profiles from 17 individuals. To begin with, protein modules defining key directional trends spanning the lateral and anteroposterior axes were derived from high-resolution spatial proteomes of intact young cadaveric lumbar IVDs. They revealed novel region-specific profiles of regulatory activities, and displayed potential paths of deconstruction in the level- and location-matched aged cadaveric discs. Machine learning methods predicted a "hydration matrisome" that connects extracellular matrix with MRI intensity. Importantly, the static proteome used as point-references can be integrated with dynamic proteome (SILAC/degradome) and transcriptome data from multiple clinical samples, enhancing robustness and clinical relevance. The data, findings and methodology, available on a web interface, will be valuable references in the field of IVD biology and proteomic analytics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Vivian Tam</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peikai Chen</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anita Yee</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nestor Solis</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Theo Klein</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mateusz Kudelko</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rakesh Sharma</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson CW Chan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Christopher M Overall</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lisbet Haglund</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pak C Sham</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kathryn SE Cheah</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Danny Chan</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.11.192948</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The spatial proteome of the human intervertebral disc reveals architectural changes in health, ageing and degeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.25.217158v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High neutralizing potency of swine glyco-humanized polyclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.25.217158v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Perfusion of convalescent plasma (CP) has demonstrated a potential to improve the pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV-2, but procurement and standardization of CP are barriers to its wide usage. Many monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed but appear insufficient to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 unless two or three of them are being combined. Therefore, heterologous polyclonal antibodies of animal origin, that have been used for decades to fight against infectious agents might represent a highly efficient alternative to the use of CP or mAbs in COVID-19 by targeting multiple antigen epitopes. However, conventional heterologous polyclonal antibodies trigger human natural xenogeneic antibody responses particularly directed against animal-type carbohydrate epitopes, mainly the N-glycolyl form of the neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and the Gal 1,3-galactose (Gal), ultimately forming immune complexes and potentially leading to serum sickness or allergy. To circumvent these drawbacks, we engineered animals lacking the genes coding for the cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) and 1,3-galactosyl-transferase (GGTA1) enzymes to produce glyco-humanized polyclonal antibodies (GH-pAb) lacking Neu5Gc and -Gal epitopes. We found that pig IgG Fc domains fail to interact with human Fc receptors and thereby should confer the safety advantage to avoiding macrophage dependent exacerbated inflammatory responses, a drawback possibly associated with antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 or to avoiding a possible antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Therefore, we immunized CMAH/GGTA1 double knockout (DKO) pigs with the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) to elicit neutralizing antibodies. Animals rapidly developed a hyperimmune response with anti-SARS-CoV-2 end-titers binding dilutions over one to a million and end-titers neutralizing dilutions of 1:10,000. The IgG fraction purified and formulated following clinical Good Manufacturing Practices, named XAV-19, neutralized Spike/angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) interaction at a concentration < 1g/mL and inhibited infection of human cells by SARS-CoV-2 in cytopathic assays. These data and the accumulating safety advantages of using glyco-humanized swine antibodies in humans warranted clinical assessment of XAV-19 to fight against COVID-19.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Vanhove, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duvaux, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rousse, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Royer, P.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evanno, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ciron, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lheriteau, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vacher, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gervois, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oger, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jacques, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salama, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duchi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perota, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Delahaut, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ledure, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paulus, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bouillet, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brouard, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cozzi, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Galli, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blanchard, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bach, J.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Soulillou, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.25.217158</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High neutralizing potency of swine glyco-humanized polyclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.26.220608v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Transposable Element-Gene Splicing Modulates the Transcriptional Landscape of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.26.220608v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transposable elements (TEs) occupy nearly 50% of mammalian genomes and are both potential dangers to genome stability and functional genetic elements. TEs can be expressed and exonised as part of a transcript, however, their full contribution to the transcript splicing remains unresolved. Here, guided by long and short read sequencing of RNAs, we show that 26% of coding and 65% of non-coding transcripts of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) contain TEs. Different TE families have unique integration patterns with diverse consequences on RNA expression and function. We identify hPSC-specific splicing of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) as well as LINE L1 elements into protein coding genes that generate TE-derived peptides. Finally, single cell RNA-seq reveals that proliferating hPSCs are dominated by ERV-containing transcripts, and subpopulations express SINE or LINE-containing transcripts. Overall, we demonstrate that TE splicing modulates the pluripotency transcriptome by enhancing and impairing transcript expression and generating novel transcripts and peptides.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Babarinde, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdul, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ward, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duttlinger, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frampton, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cazier, J.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jauch, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Esteban, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hutchins, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.26.220608</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Transposable Element-Gene Splicing Modulates the Transcriptional Landscape of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.30.227496v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Predicting the future development of mild cognitive impairment in the cognitively healthy elderly 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.30.227496v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identifying measures that predict future cognitive impairment in healthy individuals is necessary to inform treatment strategies for candidate dementia-preventative and modifying interventions. Here, we derive such measures by studying "converters" who transitioned from cognitively normal at baseline to mild-cognitive impairment (MCI) in a longitudinal study of 1213 elderly participants. We first establish reduced grey matter density (GMD) in left entorhinal cortex (EC) as a biomarker for impending cognitive decline in healthy individuals, employing a matched sampling control for several dementia risk-factors, thereby mitigating the potential effects of bias on our statistical tests. Next, we determine the predictive performance of baseline demographic, genetic, neuropsychological and MRI measures by entering these variables into an elastic net-regularized classifier. Our trained statistical model classified converters and controls with validation Area-Under-the-Curve>0.9, identifying only delayed verbal memory and left EC GMD as relevant predictors for classification. This performance was maintained on test classification of out-of-sample converters and controls. Our results suggest a parsimonious but powerful predictive model for MCI development in the cognitively healthy elderly.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Strange, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sierra-Marcos, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alfayate, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tohka, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Medina, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.30.227496</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Predicting the future development of mild cognitive impairment in the cognitively healthy elderly]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.03.231340v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
De novo design of ACE2 protein decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.03.231340v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There is an urgent need for the ability to rapidly develop effective countermeasures for emerging biological threats, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We have developed a generalized computational design strategy to rapidly engineer de novo proteins that precisely recapitulate the protein surface targeted by biological agents, like viruses, to gain entry into cells. The designed proteins act as decoys that block cellular entry and aim to be resilient to viral mutational escape. Using our novel platform, in less than ten weeks, we engineered, validated, and optimized de novo protein decoys of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), the membrane-associated protein that SARS-CoV-2 exploits to infect cells. Our optimized designs are hyperstable de novo proteins ([~]18-37 kDa), have high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and can potently inhibit the virus infection and replication in vitro. Future refinements to our strategy can enable the rapid development of other therapeutic de novo protein decoys, not limited to neutralizing viruses, but to combat any agent that explicitly interacts with cell surface proteins to cause disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Linsky, T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vergara, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Codina, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nelson, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walker, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsiang, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Esser-Nobis, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Priya, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mitsumoto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, U. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mason, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berrocal, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clairmont, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castellanos, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Josephson-Day, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baric, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walkey, C. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swanson, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blancas-Mejia, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gale, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Silva, D.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.03.231340</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[De novo design of ACE2 protein decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.06.239178v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modeling Parent-Specific Genetic Nurture in Families with Missing Parental Genotypes: Application to Birthweight and BMI 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.06.239178v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Disaggregation and estimation of genetic effects from offspring and parents has long been of interest to statistical geneticists. Recently, technical and methodological advances have made the genome-wide and loci-specific estimation of direct offspring and parental genetic nurture effects more possible. However, unbiased estimation using these methods requires datasets where both parents and at least one child have been genotyped, which are relatively scarce. Our group has recently developed a method and accompanying software (IMPISH; Hwang et al., 2020) which is able to impute missing parental genotypes from observed data on sibships and estimate their effects on an offspring phenotype conditional on the effects of genetic transmission. However, this method is unable to disentangle maternal and paternal effects, which may differ in magnitude and direction. Here, we introduce an extension to the original IMPISH routine which takes advantage of all available nuclear families to impute parent-specific missing genotypes and obtain asymptotically unbiased estimates of genetic effects on offspring phenotypes. We apply this this method to data from related individuals in the UK Biobank, showing concordance with previous estimates of maternal genetic effects on offspring birthweight. We also conduct the first GWAS jointly estimating offspring-, maternal-, and paternal-specific genetic effects on body mass index.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tubbs, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hwang, L.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.06.239178</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modeling Parent-Specific Genetic Nurture in Families with Missing Parental Genotypes: Application to Birthweight and BMI]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.09.243485v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Trans-cinnamaldehyde potently kills Enterococcus faecalis biofilm cells and prevents biofilm recovery 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.09.243485v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Enterococcus faecalis is a biofilm-forming, nosocomial pathogen that is frequently isolated from failed root canal treatments. Contemporary root canal disinfectants are ineffective in eliminating these biofilms and preventing reinfection. As a result, there is a pressing need to identify novel and safe antibiofilm molecules. The effect of short-term (5 and 15 min) and long-term (24 h) treatments of TC on the viability of E. faecalis biofilms was compared with currently used root canal disinfectants. Treatment for 15 min with TC reduced biofilm metabolic activity as effective as 1% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine. Treatment with TC for 24 h was significantly more effective than 2% chlorhexidine in reducing the viable cell counts of biofilms. This serendipitous effect of TC was sustained for 10 days under growth-favoring conditions. For the first time, our study highlights the strong antibacterial activity of TC against E. faecalis biofilms, and notably, its ability to prevent biofilm recovery after treatment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ali, I. A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, B. P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matinlinna, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Levesque, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neelakantan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.09.243485</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Trans-cinnamaldehyde potently kills Enterococcus faecalis biofilm cells and prevents biofilm recovery]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.12.244186v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Curcumin-Sophorolipid nano-conjugate inhibits Candida albicans filamentation and biofilm development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.12.244186v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that is highly resistant to contemporary antifungals, and a major reason for this appears to be their predominant, filamentation-mediated, biofilm lifestyle. Hence, agents that inhibit biofilms and filamentation of the yeast offer promise as next-generation antifungals. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with several beneficial pharmacological attributes, yet limitations such as poor solubility, acid, and enzyme tolerance have impeded its practical utility. Sophorolipids are biologically-derived surfactants that serve as efficient carriers and delivery agents of hydrophobic molecules, such as curcumin, into biofilms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a novel, curcumin-sophorolipid (CU-ASL) nano-conjugate on Candida albicans biofilms and filamentation. The effects of CU and ASL, in combination, and alone, were investigated on planktonic cells of the yeast. The effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were investigated on biofilm biomass and biofilm architecture. Their effects on filamentation was compared by scanning electron microscopic imaging, and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR. Our results demonstrated that sub-inhibitory concentration of CU-ASL (9.37 {micro}g/mL) significantly inhibited candidal adhesion to substrates, and subsequent biofilm development, maturation, and filamentation. This effect was associated with significant downregulation of a select group of biofilm, adhesins, and hyphal regulatory genes. In conclusion, the curcumin-sophorolipid nano-conjugate is a potent inhibitor of the two major virulence attributes of C. albicans, biofilm formation and filamentation, thus highlighting its promise as a putative anti-candidal agent with low toxicity and biofilm penetrative potential.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rajasekar, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Darne, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Prabhune, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kao, R. Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Solomon, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramage, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Samaranayake, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neelakantan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.12.244186</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Curcumin-Sophorolipid nano-conjugate inhibits Candida albicans filamentation and biofilm development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.13.249813v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sex-Dependent Shared and Non-Shared Genetic Architecture Across Mood and Psychotic Disorders 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.13.249813v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BACKGROUNDSex differences in incidence and/or presentation of schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BIP) are pervasive. Previous evidence for shared genetic risk and sex differences in brain abnormalities across disorders suggest possible shared sex-dependent genetic risk.

METHODSWe conducted the largest to date genome-wide genotype-by-sex (GxS) interaction of risk for these disorders, using 85,735 cases (33,403 SCZ, 19,924 BIP, 32,408 MDD) and 109,946 controls from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and iPSYCH.

RESULTSAcross disorders, genome-wide significant SNP-by-sex interaction was detected for a locus encompassing NKAIN2 (rs117780815; p=3.2x10-8), that interacts with sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase enzymes implicating neuronal excitability. Three additional loci showed evidence (p<1x10-6) for cross-disorder GxS interaction (rs7302529, p=1.6x10-7; rs73033497, p=8.8x10-7; rs7914279, p=6.4x10-7) implicating various functions. Gene-based analyses identified GxS interaction across disorders (p=8.97x10-7) with transcriptional inhibitor SLTM. Most significant in SCZ was a MOCOS gene locus (rs11665282; p=1.5x10-7), implicating vascular endothelial cells. Secondary analysis of the PGC-SCZ dataset detected an interaction (rs13265509; p=1.1x10-7) in a locus containing IDO2, a kynurenine pathway enzyme with immunoregulatory functions implicated in SCZ, BIP, and MDD. Pathway enrichment analysis detected significant GxS of genes regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor signaling in MDD (pFDR<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIn the largest genome-wide GxS analysis of mood and psychotic disorders to date, there was substantial genetic overlap between the sexes. However, significant sex-dependent effects were enriched for genes related to neuronal development, immune and vascular functions across and within SCZ, BIP, and MDD at the variant, gene, and pathway enrichment levels.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Blokland, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grove, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cotsapas, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tobet, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Handa, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St Clair, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lencz, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mowry, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Periyasamy, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cairns, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tooney, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kelly, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kirov, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sullivan, P. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corvin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riley, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Esko, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Milani, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jönsson, E. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Palotie, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ehrenreich, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Begemann, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steixner-Kumar, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iwata, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weinberger, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gejman, P. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanders, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buxbaum, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rujescu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giegling, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Konte, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hartmann, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bramon, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murray, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pato, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.13.249813</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sex-Dependent Shared and Non-Shared Genetic Architecture Across Mood and Psychotic Disorders]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.17.253518v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to host defense against Talaromyces marneffei infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.17.253518v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Talaromyces marneffei is an important thermally dimorphic pathogen causing disseminated mycoses in immunocompromised individuals in southeast Asia. Previous study has suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in antifungal immunity. However, the mechanism underlying the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in host defense against T. marneffei remains unclear. We show that T. marneffei yeasts but not conidia induce potent IL-1{beta} response, which is differentially regulated in discrete immune cell types. Dectin-1/Syk signaling pathway mediates pro-IL-1{beta} production, and NLRP3 inflammasome is activated to trigger the processing of pro-IL-1{beta} into IL-1{beta}. The activated NLRP3 inflammasome partially promotes Th1 and Th17 immune responses against T. marneffei yeasts. In vivo, mice with NLRP3 or caspase-1 deficiency exhibit higher mortality rate and fungal load compared to wild-type mice. Herein, our study provides the first evidence that NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to host defense against T. marneffei infection, which may have implications for future antifungal therapeutic designs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Y. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kui, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pei, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.17.253518</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to host defense against Talaromyces marneffei infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.24.264192v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and protective ability of an attenuated SARS-CoV-2 variant with a deletion at the S1/S2 junction of the spike protein 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.24.264192v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 contains a PRRA polybasic cleavage motif considered critical for efficient infection and transmission in humans. We previously reported that virus variants with spike protein S1/S2 junction deletions spanning this motif are attenuated. Here we characterize a further cell-adapted SARS-CoV-2 variant, Ca-DelMut. Ca-DelMut replicates more efficiently than wild type or parental virus in cells, but causes no apparent disease in hamsters, despite replicating in respiratory tissues. Unlike wild type virus, Ca-DelMut does not induce proinflammatory cytokines in hamster infections, but still triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response. Ca-DelMut-immunized hamsters challenged with wild type SARS-CoV-2 are fully protected, demonstrating sterilizing immunity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.24.264192</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and protective ability of an attenuated SARS-CoV-2 variant with a deletion at the S1/S2 junction of the spike protein]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.26.268060v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Three-dimensionally preserved 'Stage IIIb' fossil down feather supports developmental modularity in feather evolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.26.268060v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We describe a unique three-dimensionally preserved fossil down feather from the Late Cretaceous of Myanmar. Its morphology is highly congruent with Stage IIIb of the widely accepted Prum and Brush model of feather evolution-development. This makes the new specimen the first evidence of this developmental stage in the fossil record. The Stage IIIb diagnosis is robustly supported by the absence of a central rachis and by its paired barbules emanating from radially positioned barbs that are attached to a short calamus. Prum and Brushs model hypothesises a bifurcation in the evolution-development pathway at Stage III. Stage IIIa involves rachis development and branching into barbs. Stage IIIb involves branching of the barbs from the calamus and then further branching of the barbules from the barbs. These two pathways then converge into Stage IIIa+b where feathers produce a rachis, barbs and barbules in nested order, finally leading to Stage IV. Evolution-development studies on the morphogenesis of feathers have unequivocally shown that such feather branching can be controlled by BMP, Noggin, Shh and several other proteins. Therefore, molecular crosstalk can convert a barb into a rachis and vice versa. The topology of this down feather, consistent with specific patterns of modular protein-protein signalling already observed, provides the first definitive evidence that such signalling was responsible for the evolution of a diverse inventory of feather morphologies in non-avialan dinosaurs and early birds since the middle Jurassic.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Roy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, C. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaye, T. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peretti, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.26.268060</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Three-dimensionally preserved 'Stage IIIb' fossil down feather supports developmental modularity in feather evolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.28.271635v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 spike D614G variant exhibits highly efficient replication and transmission in hamsters 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.28.271635v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 causes disease varying in severity from asymptomatic infections to severe respiratory distress and death in humans. The viral factors which determine transmissibility and pathogenicity are not yet clearly characterized. We used the hamster infection model to compare the replication ability and pathogenicity of five SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated from early cases originating in Wuhan, China, in February, and infected individuals returning from Europe and elsewhere in March 2020. The HK-13 and HK-95 isolates showed distinct pathogenicity in hamsters, with higher virus titers and more severe pathological changes in the lungs observed compared to other isolates. HK-95 contains a D614G substitution in the spike protein and demonstrated higher viral gene expression and transmission efficiency in hamsters. Intra-host diversity analysis revealed that further quasi species were generated during hamster infections, indicating that strain-specific adaptive mutants with advantages in replication and transmission will continue to arise and dominate subsequent waves of SARS-CoV-2 dissemination.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cremin, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, T. T.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lao, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, E. L.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, G. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.28.271635</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 spike D614G variant exhibits highly efficient replication and transmission in hamsters]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.29.272187v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EEG Artifact to Signal: Predicting Horizontal Gaze Position from SOBI-DANS Identified Ocular Artifact Components 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.29.272187v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ocular artifact in EEG has long been viewed as a problem for interpreting EEG data in basic and applied research. The removal of such artifacts has been an on-going effort over many decades. We have recently introduced a hybrid method combining second-order blind identification (SOBI) with DANS, a novel automatic identification method, to extract components containing specifically signals associated with horizontal and vertical saccadic eye movements (H and V Comps) and found that these components event-related potentials in response to saccadic eye movement are systematically modulated by movement directions and distances. Here in a case study, taking advantage of signals about gaze positions contained in the ocular artifact components, we introduced a novel concept of EEG-based virtual eye tracking (EVET) and presented its first prototype. Specifically, we determined (1) the amount of data needed for constructing models of horizontal gaze positions; (2) the asymptotic performance levels achieved with such models. We found that for the specific calibration task, 4 blocks of data (4 saccades per target position) are needed for reaching an asymptotic performance with a prediction accuracy of 0.44 and prediction reliability of 1.67. These results demonstrated that it is possible to track horizontal gaze position via EEG alone, ultimately enabling coregistration of eye movement and the neural signals.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cynthia, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.29.272187</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EEG Artifact to Signal: Predicting Horizontal Gaze Position from SOBI-DANS Identified Ocular Artifact Components]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.01.277079v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
starmapVR: immersive visualisation of single cell spatial omic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.01.277079v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationAdvances in high throughput single-cell and spatial omic technologies have enabled the profiling of molecular expression and phenotypic properties of hundreds of thousands of individual cells in the context of their two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) spatial endogenous arrangement. However, current visualisation techniques do not allow for effective display and exploration of the single cell data in their spatial context. With the widespread availability of low-cost virtual reality (VR) gadgets, such as Google Cardboard, we propose that an immersive visualisation strategy is useful.

ResultsWe present starmapVR, a light-weight, cross-platform, web-based tool for visualising single-cell and spatial omic data. starmapVR supports a number of interaction methods, such as keyboard, mouse, wireless controller and voice control. The tool visualises single cells in a 3D space and each cell can be represented by a star plot (for molecular expression, phenotypic properties) or image (for single cell imaging). For spatial transcriptomic data, the 2D single cell expression data can be visualised alongside the histological image in a 2.5D format. The application of starmapVR is demonstrated through a series of case studies. Its scalability has been carefully evaluated across different platforms.

Availability and implementationstarmapVR is freely accessible at https://holab-hku.github.io/starmapVR, with the corresponding source code available at https://github.com/holab-hku/starmapVR under the open source MIT license.

Supplementary InformationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, M. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, D. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.01.277079</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[starmapVR: immersive visualisation of single cell spatial omic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.09.289967v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Efficient cooperation of chloroplasts and mitochondria enhances ATP and sucrose production 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.09.289967v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Efficient photosynthesis requires a balance of ATP and NADPH production/consumption in chloroplasts and the exportation of reducing equivalents from chloroplasts is important for balancing stromal ATP/NADPH ratio. Here we showed that the overexpression of purple acid phosphatase 2 on the outer membranes of chloroplasts and mitochondria can streamline the production and consumption of reducing equivalents in these two organelles, respectively. A higher capacity of consumption of reducing equivalents in mitochondria can indirectly help chloroplasts to balance the ATP/NADPH ratio in stroma and recycle NADP+, the electron acceptors of the linear electron flow. A higher rate of ATP and NADPH production from the linear electron flow, a higher capacity of carbon fixation by the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle and a greater consumption of NADH in mitochondria, enhance photosynthesis in the chloroplasts, ATP production in the mitochondria, sucrose synthesis in the cytosol, and eventually boosting plant growth and seed yields in the overexpression lines.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Voon, C. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, Y.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Labs, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pribil, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leister, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hronkova, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kubasek, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsuyama, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gardestrom, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tikkanen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.09.289967</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Efficient cooperation of chloroplasts and mitochondria enhances ATP and sucrose production]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.15.262782v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Reduction of neuronal activity mediated by blood-vessel regression in the brain 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.15.262782v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The brain vasculature supplies neurons with glucose and oxygen, but little is known about how vascular plasticity contributes to brain function. Using longitudinal in vivo imaging, we reported that a substantial proportion of blood vessels in the adult brain sporadically occluded and regressed. Their regression proceeded through sequential stages of blood-flow occlusion, endothelial cell collapse, relocation or loss of pericytes, and retraction of glial endfeet. Regressing vessels were found to be widespread in mouse, monkey and human brains. Both brief occlusions of the middle cerebral artery and lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammation induced an increase of vessel regression. Blockage of leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells alleviated LPS-induced vessel regression. We further revealed that blood vessel regression caused a reduction of neuronal activity due to a dysfunction in mitochondrial metabolism and glutamate production. Our results elucidate the mechanism of vessel regression and its role in neuronal function in the adult brain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ci, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Propson, N. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poinsatte, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bosco, D. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.-m.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.-b.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adams, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lindner, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hippenmeyer, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stowe, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Margeta, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Korbelin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trepel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bachoo, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, W.-p.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.15.262782</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Reduction of neuronal activity mediated by blood-vessel regression in the brain]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.21.306845v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biochemical reconstitutions reveal principles of human γ-TuRC assembly and function 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.21.306845v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The formation of cellular microtubule networks is regulated by the{gamma} -tubulin ring complex ({gamma}-TuRC). This [~]2.3 MDa assembly of >31 proteins includes{gamma} -tubulin and GCP2-6, as well as MZT1 and an actin-like protein in a "lumenal bridge". The challenge of reconstituting the{gamma} -TuRC has limited dissections of its assembly and function. Here, we report a complete biochemical reconstitution of the human{gamma} -TuRC ({gamma}-TuRC-GFP), a [~]35S complex that nucleates microtubules in vitro. We extend our approach to generate a stable subcomplex,{gamma} -TuRCmini-GFP, which lacks MZT1 and actin. Using mutagenesis, we show that{gamma} -TuRCmini-GFP nucleates microtubules in a guanine nucleotide-dependent manner and proceeds with similar kinetics as reported for native{gamma} -TuRCs. Electron microscopy reveals that{gamma} -TuRC-GFP resembles the native{gamma} -TuRC architecture, while{gamma} -TuRCmini-GFP adopts a partial cone shape presenting only 8-10{gamma} -tubulin subunits and lacks a well-ordered lumenal bridge. Our structure-function analysis suggests that the lumenal bridge facilitates the self-assembly of regulatory interfaces around a microtubule-nucleating "core" in the{gamma} -TuRC.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wieczorek, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Urnavicius, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Molloy, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aher, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chait, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kapoor, T. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.21.306845</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biochemical reconstitutions reveal principles of human γ-TuRC assembly and function]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.24.312587v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hits-Based Quantitative Characterization of SOBI-Recovered P3 Network Configuration: an EEG Source-Imaging Study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.24.312587v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One frequently studied biomarker for health and disease conditions is the P3 component extracted from scalp recorded electroencephalography (EEG). The spatial origin of this significant neural signal is known to be distributed, typically involving large regions of the cerebral cortex as well as subcortical structures. Unlike the temporal characterization of the P3 by amplitude or latency measures from event-related potentials (ERPs), the spatial characterization of the P3 component is relatively rare, typically qualitative, and often reported as differences between populations (group differences between healthy controls and clinical groups). Here we introduce a novel approach to quantitatively characterize the spatial origin of the P3 component by (1) applying second-order blind identification (SOBI) to continuous, high-density EEG data to extract the P3 component, (2) modeling the underlying generators of the SOBI P3 component as a set of equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) in Talairach space using BESA; (3) using the application Talairach Client to determine the "hits" associated with the anatomical structures at three level of resolution (lobe, gyrus, and cell type). We show that the hits information provided by Talairach Client can enable a quantitative characterization of the spatial configuration of the network underlying the P3 component (P3N) via two quantities: cross-individual reliability (or consistency) of a given brain structure as a part of the P3N, and within-individual contribution of a given brain structure to the whole P3N network. We suggest that this method may be used to further differentiate individuals in the absence of differences in P3 amplitude or latency, or when scientific questions or practical application cannot be supported by a yes-no answer regarding the source of a P3 component. Finally, application of our method to a group of 13 participants revealed that frontal structures, particularly BA10, play a special role in the function of a global cortical network underlying novelty processing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Privitera, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hua, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.24.312587</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hits-Based Quantitative Characterization of SOBI-Recovered P3 Network Configuration: an EEG Source-Imaging Study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.26.315127v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Longitudinal multi-omics along gingivitis development reveal a suboptimal-health gum state with periodontitis-like microbiome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.26.315127v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Most adults experience episodes of gingivitis, which can progress to the irreversible, chronic state of periodontitis. However the mechanistic roles of plaque in gingivitis onset and progression to periodontitis remain elusive. Here, we integrated the longitudinal multi-omics data from plaque metagenome, metabolome and salivary cytokines in 40 adults who transit from naturally-occurring gingivitis (NG), to healthy gingivae (baseline) and then to experimental gingivitis (EG). During EG, rapid and consistent alterations in plaque microbiota, metabolites and salivary cytokines emerged as early as 24-72 hours after pause of oral hygiene, defining an asymptomatic  sub-optimal health (SoH) stage. SoH also features a steep and synergetic decrease of plaque-derived betaine and Rothia spp., suggesting an anti-gum-inflammation mechanism by health-promoting microbial residents. Global, cross-cohort meta-analysis revealed a high Microbiome-based Periodontitis Index at SoH state, due to its convergent taxonomical and functional profiles towards those of periodontitis. In contrast, caries SoH features a microbial signature very distinct from caries. Thus SoH is a universal state of polymicrobial inflammations with disease-specific features, which is key to maintaining a disease-preventive plaque.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jing, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.26.315127</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Longitudinal multi-omics along gingivitis development reveal a suboptimal-health gum state with periodontitis-like microbiome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.27.316141v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Task-Free Recovery and Spatial Characterization of a P3-Like Global Network from Resting-State EEG 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.27.316141v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Diagnosis of mental illness, testing of treatment effects, and design of prevention strategies all require brain-based biomarkers that can serve as effective targets of evaluation. The search for such markers often starts with a search for neural correlates from brain imaging studies with measures of functions and behavior of interest. Yet such an approach can produce erroneous results for correlations do not guarantee causation. Only when the markers map onto neurocomputationally-relevant parameters can such markers best serve the intended function. Here we take an alternative approach to begin with targeting the neuroanatomically and neurophysiologically well-defined neuromoduatory systems that are well positioned to serve the computational role of generating globally synchronized neural activity for the purpose of functional integration [1]. By applying second-order blind identification (SOBI) [2], a blind source separation algorithm (BSS), to five minutes of resting-state EEG data (n=13), we provide evidence to support our conclusion that neuroelectrical signals associated with synchronized global network activity can be extracted using the detailed temporal information in the on-going continuously recorded EEG, instead of event-related potentials (ERPs). We report reliable extraction of a SOBI component, which we refer to as the P3-like component, in every individual studied, replicating our earlier report on data from a single participant [3]. We show that individual differences in the neural networks underlying this P3-like component can be revealed in high dimensional space by a vector of hits-based measures [4] for each of the P3-like networks constituent structures. Given that resting-state EEG can be obtained with greater ease at natural non-hospital settings and at much lower cost in comparison with fMRI, and that mobile EEG systems have become increasingly available, the present work offers an enabling technology to support rapid and low-cost assessment of much larger and diverse populations of individuals, addressing several methodological limitations in our current investigation of brain function. Future opportunities and current limitations will be discussed.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Privitera, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.27.316141</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Task-Free Recovery and Spatial Characterization of a P3-Like Global Network from Resting-State EEG]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.02.322073v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Transposable element expression at unique loci in single cells with CELLO-seq 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.02.322073v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The role of Transposable Elements (TEs) in regulating diverse biological processes, from early development to cancer, is becoming increasing appreciated. However, unlike other biological processes, next generation single-cell sequencing technologies are ill-suited for assaying TE expression: in particular, their highly repetitive nature means that short cDNA reads cannot be unambiguously mapped to a specific locus. Consequently, it is extremely challenging to understand the mechanisms by which TE expression is regulated and how they might themselves regulate other protein coding genes. To resolve this, we introduce CELLO-seq, a novel method and computational framework for performing long-read RNA sequencing at single cell resolution. CELLO-seq allows for full-length RNA sequencing and enables measurement of allelic, isoform and TE expression at unique loci. We use CELLO-seq to assess the widespread expression of TEs in 2-cell mouse blastomeres as well as human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Across both species, old and young TEs showed evidence of locus-specific expression, with simulations demonstrating that only a small number of very young elements in the mouse could not be mapped back to with high confidence. Exploring the relationship between the expression of individual elements and putative regulators revealed surprising heterogeneity, with TEs within a class showing different patterns of correlation, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Marioni, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berrens, R. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lun, A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laumer, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bieberich, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, C.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Imaz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaffney, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.02.322073</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Transposable element expression at unique loci in single cells with CELLO-seq]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.06.327874v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
exosome-LncPICALM-AU1 regulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatopulmonary syndrome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.06.327874v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As important mediators of intercellular communication, exosome have can modulate various cellular functions by transferring a variety of intracellular components to target cells. However, little is known about the role of exosome-mediated communication between distant organs. Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe lung injury caused by chronic liver disease. A new long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PICALM-AU1 was found and upregulated in the liver of HPS. It was located in the cholangiocytes of liver and then, secreted as exosome into the serum. PICALM-AU1 carrying serum exosomes induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of PMVECs and promoted lung injury in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of PICALM-AU1 significantly suppressed miR144-3p and subsequently induced ZEB1 expression. Taken together, our findings identified cholangiocyte-derived exosomal lncRNA PICALM-AU1 plays a critical role in the EndMT of HPS lung. And PICALM-AU1 represents a noninvasive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HPS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Belguise, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>lu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.06.327874</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[exosome-LncPICALM-AU1 regulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatopulmonary syndrome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.06.327940v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The transcription factor BCL11A defines a distinctive subset of dopamine neurons in the developing and adult midbrain 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.06.327940v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons are diverse in their projection targets, impact on behavior and susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms that establish this diversity in mDA neurons during development. We find that the transcription factor Bcl11a defines a subset of mDA neurons in the developing and adult murine brain. By combining intersectional labeling and viral-mediated tracing we show that Bcl11a-expressing mDA neurons form a highly specific subcircuit within the dopaminergic system. We demonstrate that Bcl11a-expressing mDA neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) are particularly vulnerable to neurodegeneration in an -synuclein overexpression model of Parkinsons disease. Inactivation of Bcl11a in developing mDA neurons results in anatomical changes, deficits in motor learning and a dramatic increase in the susceptibility to -synuclein-induced degeneration in SN-mDA neurons. In summary, we identify an mDA subpopulation with highly distinctive characteristics defined by the expression of the transcription factor Bcl11a already during development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tolve, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ulusoy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Islam, K. U. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bodea, G. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Öztürk, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Broske, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mentani, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wagener, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Loo, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Britsch, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>T. Khaled, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baader, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Di Monte, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blaess, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.06.327940</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The transcription factor BCL11A defines a distinctive subset of dopamine neurons in the developing and adult midbrain]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.09.334219v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
piRPheno: a manually curated database to prioritize and analyze human disease related piRNAs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.09.334219v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Many studies have uncovered that piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNA) are associated with a broad range of diseases and might be a novel type of biomarkers and targets for precision medicine. However, public resource of high-quality curated human disease-associated piRNAs remains unavailable. Therefore, we developed the piRPheno (http://www.biomedical-web.com/pirpheno) database to provide an up-to-date, interactive and extensible data reference for human piRNA-disease associations. piRPheno includes 9057 experimentally supported associations between 474 piRNAs and 204 diseases through a manual curation of publications. To prioritize the piRNA-disease associations, each association in piRPheno is assigned with a confidence score and clinical correlations based on the experimentally supported evidences. piRPheno is freely available with user-friendly interface and novel applications to enable easy exploration and analysis of the human disease related piRNAs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, G. C.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.09.334219</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[piRPheno: a manually curated database to prioritize and analyze human disease related piRNAs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.11.335398v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A crocodylian-style cloaca in a non-avialan dinosaur 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.11.335398v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Our knowledge of the reproductive biology of dinosaurs covers a range of aspects, from brooding behaviour to nesting style and the timing of sexual maturity. Yet, the basic anatomy and function of the cloaca in non-avialan dinosaurs remains unknown. Here, we describe the outer morphology of the only known non-avialan dinosaur cloaca, preserved in an exceptional specimen of the early-diverging ceratopsian dinosaur Psittacosaurus. We clarify the position of the cloaca with respect to the ischia and caudal vertebrae and document the scales immediately adjacent to the abdomen and tail. We find that the cloaca is from a near-sexually mature subadult individual and is most similar to the cloaca of crocodylians, to the exclusion of lepidosaurians and birds. However, the sex of SMF R 4970 could not be determined as the cloaca and the rest of the specimen does not yield any sexually dimorphic information. This study highlights the ongoing role of exceptional specimens in providing rare soft tissues that help to bridge longstanding gaps in our knowledge of the basic biology of dinosaurs and other extinct reptiles.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bell, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaye, T. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hendrickx, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.11.335398</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A crocodylian-style cloaca in a non-avialan dinosaur]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.12.335646v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Between-subject correlation of heart rate variability predicts movie preferences 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.12.335646v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We introduce a novel and simple method for assessing audiences emotional responses to audiovisuals (e.g. films). Viewers (N=21) watched movies and TV commercials from different genres while wearing photoplethysmography (PPG) optic sensors on their wrists. Heart rate variability (HRV) synchrony was observed among the audience. Based on this between-subject synchrony measure, we identified emotionally arousing segments from the materials. New participants (N=24; N=16) were then invited to watch these identified segments along with some randomly selected segments as control; they reported that the former was more engaging (effect size w=.67; w=.5). This finding was confirmed in an online study with a larger cohort (N=300). While some specific effects varied depending on movie genre or gender, HRV-based editing generally performed better than the control. These findings suggest that HRV synchrony can be used as a new tool for audience psychology, and potentially also for automatically creating short trailers out of movies in a principled manner while taking into account the human perspective.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. Y. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.12.335646</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Between-subject correlation of heart rate variability predicts movie preferences]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.339465v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evidence of antigenic imprinting in sequential Sarbecovirus immunization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.14.339465v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antigenic imprinting, which describes the bias of antibody response due to previous immune history, can influence vaccine effectiveness and has been reported in different viruses. Give that COVID-19 vaccine development is currently a major focus of the world, there is a lack of understanding of how background immunity influence antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. This study provides evidence for antigenic imprinting in Sarbecovirus, which is the subgenus that SARS-CoV-2 belongs to. Specifically, we sequentially immunized mice with two antigenically distinct Sarbecovirus strains, namely SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. We found that the neutralizing antibodies triggered by the sequentially immunization are dominantly against the one that is used for priming. Given that the impact of the background immunity on COVID-19 is still unclear, our results will provide important insights into the pathogenesis of this disease as well as COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, R. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.-C. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, G. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.14.339465</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evidence of antigenic imprinting in sequential Sarbecovirus immunization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.25.353227v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross Sectional Study Of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV Infection) In Camels At Selected Sites Of Amibara District, Afar Region, Ethiopia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.25.353227v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundA Cross sectional study of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Camel was conducted between February 2018 to April 2019 in three selected sites of Amibara district of Afar region, Northeast Ethiopia. The study was aimed to observe the current sero-prevalence status of MERS-CoV, assess the presence of active cases through detection RNA Viral particle and investigate possible risk factors of MERS-CoV in camels. A total of 589 sera were collected and tested with indirect Enzyme linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (iELISA).

ResultThe overall seroprevalance of MERS-CoV was 87.3% (n=514/589, 95% CI: 84.5-89.9). Association of different risk factors with seroprevalance revealed that origin (X2=13.39,P=0.001), sex (X2=4.5 P=0.034), age ((X2=185.7, P=0.001) season (X2=41.7, P=0.000) and reproduction status (X2=96.1, P=0.001) displayed a statistical significant difference among the groups (P<0.05) while herd size did not show a Significant difference among groups (p>0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age (OR=7.39, 95% CI:3.43-15.91), season (OR=4.83, 95% CI:-2.14-10.90), and in adult female camel reproduction status (OR=7.39,95% C I:3.43-15.91) showed statistically significant difference among the groups for MERS CoV antibody detection while risk factors of origin, animal sex and herd size difference were statistically insignificant. A total of 857 nasal swab samples were collected for the detection of MERS-CoV RNA particle. However, all swab samples tested by Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique were Negative for the virus.

ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study revealed a high seroprevalance of MERS CoV in adult camels. However, in spite of high seroprevalance the lack of any RNA viral particle in the study suggests the need for further in depth longitudinal study to detect the circulating virus focusing on juveniles and young camels whereby seroprevalance of antibody is low when compared with adult camel in order to get the active virus before the camel develop antibody. Moreover, the zoonotic significance and potential transmission routes of MERS CoV to pastoral communities should also be investigated and design strategy for the preparedness in control of the diseases in Ethiopia.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lobago, D. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mamo, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aklilu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zewde, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walelign, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muluneh, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aliy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirkena, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tewolde, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gari, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van't Klooster, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Elmasry, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>VonDobschuetz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, D. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perera, R. A. P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jobire, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.25.353227</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross Sectional Study Of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV Infection) In Camels At Selected Sites Of Amibara District, Afar Region, Ethiopia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.26.354787v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tracking cytosine depletion in SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.26.354787v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationDanchin et al. have pointed out that cytosine drives the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. A depletion of cytosine might lead to the attenuation of SARS-CoV-2.

ResultsWe built a website to track the composition change of mono-, di-, and tri-nucleotide of SARS-CoV-2 over time. The website downloads new strains available from GISAID and updates its results daily. Our analysis suggests that the composition of cytosine in coronaviruses is related to their reported mortality. Using 137,315 SARS-CoV-2 strains collected in ten months, we observed cytosine depletion at a rate of about one cytosine loss per month from the whole genome.

AvailabilityThe website is available at http://www.bio8.cs.hku.hk/sarscov2/.

Contactrbluo@cs.hku.hk

Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.26.354787</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tracking cytosine depletion in SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.04.368019v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Computational identification of splicing phenotypes from single cell transcriptomic experiments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.04.368019v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA splicing is an important driver of heterogeneity in single cells, both through the expression of alternative transcripts and as a major determinant of transcriptional kinetics. However, the intrinsic coverage limitations of scRNA-seq technologies make it challenging to associate specific splicing events to cell-level phenotypes. Here, we present BRIE2, a scalable computational method that resolves these issues by regressing single-cell transcriptomic data against cell-level features. We show that BRIE2 effectively identifies differential alternative splicing events that are associated with a disease. Additionally, BRIE2 allows a principled selection of genes (differential momentum genes) that capture heterogeneity in transcriptional kinetics and improve quantitatively RNA velocity analyses. BRIE2, therefore, extends the scope of single-cell transcriptomic experiments towards the identification of splicing phenotypes associated with biological changes at the single-cell level.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanguinetti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.04.368019</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Computational identification of splicing phenotypes from single cell transcriptomic experiments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.06.370916v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Acrylamide Fragment Inhibitors that Induce Unprecedented Conformational Distortions in Enterovirus 71 3C and SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.06.370916v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA viruses are critically dependent upon virally encoded proteases that cleave the viral polyproteins into functional mature proteins. Many of these proteases are structurally conserved with an essential catalytic cysteine and this offers the opportunity to irreversibly inhibit these enzymes with electrophilic small molecules. Here we describe the successful application of quantitative irreversible tethering (qIT) to identify acrylamide fragments that selectively target the active site cysteine of the 3C protease (3Cpro) of Enterovirus 71, the causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease in humans, altering the substrate binding region. Further, we effectively re-purpose these hits towards the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 which shares the 3C-like fold as well as similar catalytic-triad. We demonstrate that the hit fragments covalently link to the catalytic cysteine of Mpro to inhibit its activity. In addition, we provide the first demonstration that targeting the active site cysteine of Mpro can also have profound allosteric effects, distorting secondary structures required for formation of the active dimeric unit of Mpro. These new data provide novel mechanistic insights into the design of EV71 3Cpro and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors and identify acrylamide-tagged pharmacophores for elaboration into more selective agents of therapeutic potential.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Craven, G. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Child, E. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, R. M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Armstrong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mann, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.06.370916</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Acrylamide Fragment Inhibitors that Induce Unprecedented Conformational Distortions in Enterovirus 71 3C and SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.09.374298v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Systematic comparative analysis of Mendelian randomization methods for inferring causal genes of complex phenotypes and the application to psychiatric diseases 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.09.374298v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Isolating causal genes from enormous genome-wide association signals of complex phenotypes remains an open and challenging question. SMR (Summary-based Mendelian Randomization) is a widely used Mendelian randomization (MR) method for inferring causal genes by using a single expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL). In the present study, we explored more powerful MR methods based on multiple eQTLs. Among six representative multiple instrumental variable (IVs) based MR methods, original used in the epidemiological field, not all MR methods worked for the causal gene estimation. But we found the maximum-likelihood based MR method and weighted median-based MR method were preferable to the other four MR methods in terms of valid type 1 errors, acceptable statistical powers and robustness to linkage disequilibrium (LD) in eQTLs. Both of the MR methods were also much more powerful than the SMR. We recalibrated key parameters of the two MR methods in practices and developed a multiple IVs based MR analysis framework for causal gene estimation, named MACG and available at http://pmglab.top/kggsee. In the applications, MACG not only rediscovered many known causal genes of the schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but also reported plenty of promising candidate causal genes. In conclusion, this study provided a powerful tool and encouraging exemplars of mining potential causal genes from huge amounts of GWAS signals with eQTLs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.09.374298</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Systematic comparative analysis of Mendelian randomization methods for inferring causal genes of complex phenotypes and the application to psychiatric diseases]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.18.388108v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deficiency in DNA mismatch repair of methylation damage is a major mutational process in cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.18.388108v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is essential for maintaining genome integrity with its deficiency predisposing to cancer1. MMR is well known for its role in the post-replicative repair of mismatched base pairs that escape proofreading by DNA polymerases following cell division2. Yet, cancer genome sequencing has revealed that MMR deficient cancers not only have high mutation burden but also harbour multiple mutational signatures3, suggesting that MMR has pleotropic effects on DNA repair. The mechanisms underlying these mutational signatures have remained unclear despite studies using a range of in vitro4,5 and in vivo6 models of MMR deficiency. Here, using mutation data from cancer genomes, we identify a previously unknown function of MMR, showing that the loss of non-canonical replication-independent MMR activity is a major mutational process in human cancers. MMR is comprised of the MutS (MSH2/MSH6) and MutL (MLH1/PMS2) complexes7. Cancers with deficiency of MutS exhibit mutational signature contributions distinct from those deficient of MutL. This disparity is attributed to mutations arising from the unrepaired deamination of 5-methylcytosine (5mC), i.e. methylation damage, as opposed to replicative errors by DNA polymerases induced mismatches. Repair of methylation damage is strongly associated with H3K36me3 chromatin but independent of binding of MBD4, a DNA glycosylase that recognise 5mC and can repair methylation damage. As H3K36me3 recruits MutS, our results suggest that MutS is the essential factor in mediating the repair of methylation damage. Cell line models of MMR deficiency display little evidence of 5mC deamination-induced mutations as their rapid rate of proliferation limits for the opportunity for methylation damage. We thus uncover a non-canonical role of MMR in the protection against methylation damage in non-dividing cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oh, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barbour, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.18.388108</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deficiency in DNA mismatch repair of methylation damage is a major mutational process in cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.30.403279v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Central Neural Regulation of Parathyroid Hormone 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.30.403279v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is one of the most important hormones responsible for bone turnover and calcium homeostasis. In mammals, PTH is secreted through the parathyroid glands, unlike in fishes, which are secreted through central nervous system. Studies indicated that a variety of peripheral nerve regulates serum PTH level, however, the mechanism underlying central neural regulation of PTH in mammals remains largely unknown. With an approach including neural-specific retrograde tracing, PTH-Biotin binding assay, and cFos staining, we identified the subfornical organ (SFO) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) as two important brain nuclei that responded to serum PTH and calcium changes. Using chemogenetics, we found that serum PTH was suppressed by stimulation of GABAergic neurons in SFO followed by a decrease in trabecular bone mass. Conversely, stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in SFO promoted serum PTH and bone mass. Moreover, we found that the majority of neurons expressing parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) were GABAergic neurons and the majority of neurons expressing parathyroid hormone 2 receptor (PTH2R) were glutamatergic neurons. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is downstream of the SFO, and chemogenetic activation of glutamatergic neurons in PVN induced an increase in serum PTH. In summary, our study demonstrates for the first time that distinct neuronal subtypes in the SFO are responsible for bidirectional regulation of serum PTH and bone metabolism, which is mediated through the PVN and the peripheral nervous system. These findings reveal important central neural nodes and will advance our understanding of the central neural regulation of PTH at the molecular, cellular and circuit level.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.30.403279</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Central Neural Regulation of Parathyroid Hormone]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.30.404905v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 N protein reveals multiple functional consequences of the C-terminal domain 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.30.404905v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nucleocapsid protein (N) is the most abundant viral protein encoded by SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. N plays key roles at different steps in the replication cycle and is used as a serological marker of infection. Here we characterize the biochemical properties of SARS-CoV-2 N. We define the N domains important for oligomerization and RNA binding that are associated with spherical droplet formation and suggest that N accessibility and assembly may be regulated by phosphorylation. We also map the RNA binding interface using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. Finally, we find that the N protein C-terminal domain is the most immunogenic by sensitivity, based upon antibody binding to COVID-19 patient samples from the US and Hong Kong. Together, these findings uncover domain-specific insights into the significance of SARS-CoV-2 N and highlight the diagnostic value of using N domains as highly specific and sensitive markers of COVID-19.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qavi, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hachim, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kavian, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cole, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moyle, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wagner, N. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sweeney-Gibbons, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rohrs, H. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gross, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basler, C. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farnsworth, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valkenburg, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amarasinghe, G. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, D. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.30.404905</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 N protein reveals multiple functional consequences of the C-terminal domain]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.01.404483v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Topoisomerase 1 inhibition therapy protects against SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation and death in animal models. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.01.404483v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently affecting millions of lives worldwide. Large retrospective studies indicate that an elevated level of inflammatory cytokines and pro-inflammatory factors are associated with both increased disease severity and mortality. Here, using multidimensional epigenetic, transcriptional, in vitro and in vivo analyses, we report that Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) inhibition suppresses lethal inflammation induced by SARS-CoV-2. Therapeutic treatment with two doses of Topotecan (TPT), a FDA-approved Top1 inhibitor, suppresses infection-induced inflammation in hamsters. TPT treatment as late as four days post-infection reduces morbidity and rescues mortality in a transgenic mouse model. These results support the potential of Top1 inhibition as an effective host-directed therapy against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. TPT and its derivatives are inexpensive clinical-grade inhibitors available in most countries. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of repurposing Top1 inhibitors for COVID-19 in humans.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Campisi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jordan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yildiz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parameswaran, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wayman, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaudreault, N. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meekins, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Indran, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morozov, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trujillo, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fstkchyan, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rathnasinghe, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>White, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ray-Jones, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malysheva, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thiecke, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aydillo, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melo, B. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guccione, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sebra, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bakker, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaufman, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moreira, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carossino, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Balasuriya, U. B. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Byun, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miraldi, E. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Albrecht, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schotsaert, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Sastre, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chanda, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeya</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.01.404483</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Topoisomerase 1 inhibition therapy protects against SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation and death in animal models.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.09.417410v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Critical Thermal maximum measurements and its biological relevance: the case of ants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.09.417410v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
O_LIUpper thermal limit (UTL) is a key trait in evaluating ectotherm fitness. Critical Thermal maximum CTmax, often used to characterize the UTL of an organism in laboratory setting, needs to be accurate to characterize this significant and field-relevant threshold. The lack of standardization in CTmax assays has, however, introduce methodological problems in its measurement and incorrect estimation of species upper thermal limit; with potential major implications on the use of CTmax in forecasting community dynamics under climate change. In this study we ask if a satisfactory ramping rate can be identified to produce accurate measures of CTmax for multiple species.
C_LIO_LIWe first identified the most commonly used ramping rates (i.e. 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 {degrees}Cmin-1) based on a literature review, and determined the ramping rate effects on CTmax value measurements in 27 ant species (7 arboreal, 16 ground, 4 subterranean species) from eight subfamilies using both dynamic and static assays. In addition, we used field observations on multiple species foraging activity in function of ground temperatures to identify the most biologically relevant CTmax value to ultimately develop a standardized methodological approach.
C_LIO_LIIntegrating dynamic and static assays provided a powerful approach to identify a suitable ramping rate for the measurements of CTmax values in ants. Our results also showed that among the values tested the ramping rate of 1 {degrees}Cmin-1 is optimal, with convergent evidences from CTmax values measured in laboratory and from foraging thermal maximum measured in the field. Finally, we illustrate how methodological bias in terms of physiological trait measurements can also affect the detection of phylogenetic signal (Pagels{lambda} and Bloombergs K) in subsequent analyses.
C_LIO_LIOverall, this study presents a methodological framework allowing the identification of suitable and standardized ramping rates for the measurement of ant CTmax, which may be used for other ectotherms. Particular attention should be given to CTmax values retrieved from less suitable ramping rate, and the potential biases that functional trait based research may induce on topics such as global warming, habitat conversion or their impacts on analytical interpretations on phylogenetic conservatism.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Leong, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, T. P. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.09.417410</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Critical Thermal maximum measurements and its biological relevance: the case of ants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.18.423504v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evidence for distinct genetic and environmental influences on fear acquisition and extinction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.18.423504v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundAnxiety disorders are highly prevalent with an early age of onset. Understanding the aetiology of disorder emergence and recovery is important for establishing preventative measures and optimising treatment. Experimental approaches can serve as a useful model for disorder and recovery relevant processes. One such model is fear conditioning. We conducted a remote fear conditioning paradigm in monozygotic and dizygotic twins to determine the degree and extent of overlap between genetic and environmental influences on fear acquisition and extinction.

Methods1937 twins aged 22-25 years, including 538 complete pairs from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) took part in a fear conditioning experiment delivered remotely via the Fear Learning and Anxiety Response (FLARe) smartphone app.

In the fear acquisition phase participants were exposed to two neutral shape stimuli, one of which was repeatedly paired with a loud aversive noise, while the other was never paired with anything aversive. In the extinction phase the shapes were repeatedly presented again, this time without the aversive noise. Outcomes were participant ratings of how much they expected the aversive noise to occur when they saw either shape, throughout each phase.

ResultsTwin analyses indicated a significant contribution of genetic effects to the initial acquisition and consolidation of fear, and the extinction of fear (15%, 30% and 15% respectively) with the remainder of variance due to the non-shared environment. Multivariate analyses revealed that the development of fear and fear extinction show moderate genetic overlap (genetic correlations .4-.5).

ConclusionsFear acquisition and extinction are heritable, and share some, but not all of the same genetic influences.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Purves, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krebs, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGregor, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Constantinou, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lester, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barry, T. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Craske, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Breen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eley, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.18.423504</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evidence for distinct genetic and environmental influences on fear acquisition and extinction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.18.423552v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sterilizing immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters conferred by a novel recombinant subunit vaccine 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.18.423552v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is essential to avert the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we developed a subunit vaccine, which is comprised of CHO-expressed spike ectodomain protein (StriFK) and nitrogen bisphosphonates-modified zinc-aluminum hybrid adjuvant (FH002C). This vaccine candidate rapidly elicited the robust humoral response, Th1/Th2 balanced helper CD4 T cell and CD8 T cell immune response in animal models. In mice, hamsters, and non-human primates, 2-shot and 3-shot immunization of StriFK-FH002C generated 28- to 38-fold and 47- to 269-fold higher neutralizing antibody titers than the human COVID-19 convalescent plasmas, respectively. More importantly, the StriFK-FH002C immunization conferred sterilizing immunity to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission, which also protected animals from virus-induced weight loss, COVID-19-like symptoms, and pneumonia in hamsters. Vaccine-induced neutralizing and cell-based receptor-blocking antibody titers correlated well with protective efficacy in hamsters, suggesting vaccine-elicited protection is immune-associated. The StriFK-FH002C provided a promising SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate for further clinical evaluation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>wu, y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.18.423552</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sterilizing immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters conferred by a novel recombinant subunit vaccine]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.27.424498v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Matrix stiffness and blood pressure together regulate vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching and cofilin dependent podosome formation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.27.424498v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a central role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. In pre-atherosclerotic lesions, VSMCs switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype and subsequently remodel the microenvironment, leading to further disease progression. Ageing and associated mechanical changes of the extracellular matrix as well as hypertension are major risk of atherosclerosis. Consequently, we sought here to systematically study the impact of mechanical stimulations on VSMC phenotypic switching, by modulating both stiffness and hydrodynamic pressure. Thereby we find that hemodynamic pressure and matrix stiffness individually affect the VSMC phenotype. However, only the combination of hypertensive pressure and matrix compliance, and as such mechanical stimuli that are prevalent during atherosclerosis, lead to a full phenotypic switch including the formation of matrix degrading podosomes. We further analyse the molecular mechanism in stiffness and pressure sensing and identify a regulation through different, but overlapping pathways, culminating in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton through cofilin. Altogether, our data shows how different pathological mechanical signals combined, but through distinct pathways accelerate a phenotypic switch that will ultimately contribute to atherosclerotic disease progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sit, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xanthis, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marhuenda, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zingaro, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shanahan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, C.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iskratsch, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.27.424498</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Matrix stiffness and blood pressure together regulate vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching and cofilin dependent podosome formation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.28.424606v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The comprehensive roadmaps of reprogramming and transformation unveiled antagonistic roles for bHLH transcription factors in the control of cellular plasticity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.28.424606v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coordinated changes of cellular identity and plasticity are critical for pluripotent reprogramming (PR) and malignant transformation (MT). However, the molecular circuitries orchestrating these modifications, as well as their degree of analogy during reprogramming and transformation, remain unknown. To address this question, we generated "repro-transformable" mice models and dissected comparatively the early events underpinning PR - mediated by Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc - and MT - triggered by oncogenic Ras and c-Myc. Transcriptomic analyses allowed the identification of a unique set of markers - the cell surface glycoprotein Thy1 and the transcription factor (TF) Bcl11b - that are commonly downregulated during PR and MT and delineate cellular intermediates (CI) highly amenable to generate pluripotent or malignant derivatives. Comprehensive transcriptomic, epigenomic and functional analyses of different CI, prone or refractory to PR/MT, unveiled that cellular plasticity acquisition precedes the broad extinction of cellular identity. It also demonstrated the existence of specific and shared molecular features of PR and MT while ensuring the identification of broad-range regulators of cellular plasticity. As a proof-of-concept, we revealed that the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) class A TF Atoh8 constrains rodent and human iPS cells generation as well as MT and direct neuron conversion. Mechanistically, this TF hampers the reactivation of the pluripotent network during PR and limits the acquisition of phenotypic plasticity during MT. Furthermore, an integrated analysis of Atoh8 genome-wide binding, alongside the other bHLH TFs c-Myc, Ascl1 and MyoD promoting reprogramming/transdifferentiation, unveiled how Atoh8 constrains cellular plasticity by occupying a specific subset of MEF enhancers and by finetuning WNT signalling activity. Collectively, by deconvoluting the early steps of the reprogramming and transformation roadmaps, this integrated study uncoupled changes of cellular plasticity and identity to shed light on novel insights into reprogramming and cancer biology.

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=161 SRC="FIGDIR/small/424606v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (35K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1718383org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1714ab8org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e0958borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7a0643_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG One-sentence summaryComparative roadmaps of cellular plasticity acquisition during pluripotent reprogramming and malignant transformation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huyghe, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Furlan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schroeder, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Studer, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mugnier, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Matteo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rama, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gibert, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wajda, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goddard, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gadot, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brevet, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siouda, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mulligan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dante, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gronemeyer, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mendoza-Parra, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Polo, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lavial, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.28.424606</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The comprehensive roadmaps of reprogramming and transformation unveiled antagonistic roles for bHLH transcription factors in the control of cellular plasticity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424895v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Population Differentiation of Rhodobacteraceae Along Coral Compartments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424895v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coral mucus, tissue and skeleton harbor compositionally different microbiota, but how these coral compartments shape the microbial evolution remains unexplored. Here, we focused on the Rhodobacteraceae, which represents a significant but variable proportion (5-50%) of the coral microbiota. We sequenced 234 genomes constituting two divergent populations inhabiting a prevalent coral species Platygyra acuta. One population diverged into two clades colonizing the mucus and skeleton respectively. We reconstructed the ancestral gene changing events that potentially drove the split, and found that the affected genes matched well with the distinct physicochemical features of the mucus and skeleton. Specifically, the mucus clade acquired functions involved in the utilization of coral osmolytes abundant in the mucus (e.g., methylamines, DMSP, taurine and L-proline), whereas the skeleton clade uniquely harbored traits that may promote adaptation to the low-energy and diurnally anoxic skeleton (e.g., sulfur oxidation and swimming motility). These between-clade genetic differences were largely supported by physiological assays. Expanded analyses by including relatives isolated from various marine environments suggest that the mucus and skeleton clades may have diversified in non-coral habitats, but they also consolidated a key role of distinct coral compartments in diversifying many of the above-mentioned traits. The second population varied only at a few dozen nucleotide sites across the whole genomes, and the Slatkin-Maddison test supported that dispersal limitation between coral compartments is another key mechanism driving microbial population differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that different coral compartments represent ecologically distinct and microgeographically separate habitats that drive the evolution of the coral microbiota.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ang, P. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.31.424895</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Population Differentiation of Rhodobacteraceae Along Coral Compartments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424913v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cellsnp-lite: an efficient tool for genotyping single cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424913v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SummarySingle-cell sequencing is an increasingly used technology and has promising applications in basic research and clinical translations. However, genotyping methods developed for bulk sequencing data have not been well adapted for single-cell data, in terms of both computational parallelization and simplified user interface. Here we introduce a software, cellsnp-lite, implemented in C/C++ and based on well supported package htslib, for genotyping in single-cell sequencing data for both droplet and well based platforms. On various experimental data sets, it shows substantial improvement in computational speed and memory efficiency with retaining highly concordant results compared to existing methods. Cellsnp-lite therefore lightens the genetic analysis for increasingly large single-cell data.

AvailabilityThe source code is freely available at https://github.com/single-cell-genetics/cellsnp-lite.

Contactyuanhua@hku.hk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.31.424913</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cellsnp-lite: an efficient tool for genotyping single cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424987v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Paired heavy and light chain signatures contribute to potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization in public antibody responses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424987v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding protective mechanisms of antibody recognition can inform vaccine and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. We discovered a new antibody, 910-30, that targets the SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 receptor binding site as a member of a public antibody response encoded by IGHV3-53/IGHV3-66 genes. We performed sequence and structural analyses to explore how antibody features correlate with SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. Cryo-EM structures of 910-30 bound to the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer revealed its binding interactions and ability to disassemble spike. Despite heavy chain sequence similarity, biophysical analyses of IGHV3-53/3-66 antibodies highlighted the importance of native heavy:light pairings for ACE2 binding competition and for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. We defined paired heavy:light sequence signatures and determined antibody precursor prevalence to be ~1 in 44,000 human B cells, consistent with public antibody identification in several convalescent COVID-19 patients. These data reveal key structural and functional neutralization features in the IGHV3-53/3-66 public antibody class to accelerate antibody-based medical interventions against SARS-CoV-2.

HighlightsO_LIA molecular study of IGHV3-53/3-66 public antibody responses reveals critical heavy and light chain features for potent neutralization
C_LIO_LICryo-EM analyses detail the structure of a novel public antibody class member, antibody 910-30, in complex with SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer
C_LIO_LICryo-EM data reveal that 910-30 can both bind assembled trimer and can disassemble the SARS-CoV-2 spike
C_LIO_LISequence-structure-function signatures defined for IGHV3-53/3-66 class antibodies including both heavy and light chains
C_LIO_LIIGHV3-53/3-66 class precursors have a prevalence of 1:44,000 B cells in healthy human antibody repertoires
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Banach, B. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cerutti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fahad, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oliveira de Souza, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Katsamba, P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsybovsky, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Francino Urdaniz, I. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steiner, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gutierrez-Gonzalez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lopez Acevedo, S. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nazzari, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wolfe, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Olia, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teng, I.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reddem, E. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bimela, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Madan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laflin, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nimrania, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Whitehead, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shapiro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeKosky, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.31.424987</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Paired heavy and light chain signatures contribute to potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization in public antibody responses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.08.426002v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The repertoire of testicular extracellular vesicles cargoes and their involvement in inter-compartmental communication required for spermatogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.08.426002v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the epididymis and prostate are involved in sperm functions and epigenetic inheritance. However, the EVs in the testis remains unexplored. Here, we have established a testis dissociation protocol that allows the isolation of testicular EVs by minimizing the disruption of fragile sperm cells. We showed that testicular EVs were specifically and efficiently uptaken by somatic cells and germ cells in both interstitial space and seminiferous tubules compartments, including the spermatozoa. We profiled the proteome of testicular EVs and probed the cell types that release them. Moreover, we sequenced the small RNAs cargos of testicular EVs and identified sets of small non-coding RNAs that were overlooked in the testis transcriptome. Selected miRNA candidates in testicular EVs were found in sperm RNA payload and demonstrated specific resistance towards ribonuclease A independent of the vesicle membrane. Small molecule inhibition of EVs secretion increased the apoptosis of germ cells via inter-compartmental communication. Together, our study has provided valuable resources on the cargoes of testicular EVs and revealed the inter-compartmental communication that regulates spermatogenesis and may implicate in paternal inheritance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Choy, K. H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yim, H. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>FOK, E. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.08.426002</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The repertoire of testicular extracellular vesicles cargoes and their involvement in inter-compartmental communication required for spermatogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.10.426152v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deciphering 3D Human Sphygmopalpation Pulse Patterns using "X-ray" Images Acquired from Tactile Robotic Fingers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.10.426152v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sphygmopalpation at specific locations of human wrists has been used as a medical measurement technique in China since the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD); it is now generally accepted that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors are able to decipher 28 types of basic pulse patterns using their fingertips. This TCM technique of examining individual arterial pulses by palpation has undergone an upsurge recently in popularity as a low-cost and non-invasive diagnostic technique for monitoring patient health status. We have developed a pulse sensing platform for studying and digitalizing arterial pulse patterns via a TCM approach. This platform consists of a robotic hand with three fingers for pulse measurement and an artificial neural network (ANN) together with pulse signal preprocessing for pulse pattern recognition. The platforms previously reported by other research groups or marketed commercially exhibit one or more of the following imperfections: a single channel for data acquisition, low sensitivity and rigid sensors, lack of control of the applied pressure, and in many reported works, lack of an intelligent data analysis system. The platform presented here features up to three-dimensional (3D) tactile sensing channels for recording data and uses highly sensitive capacitive MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) flexible sensing arrays, pressure-feedback-controlled robotic fingers, and machine learning algorithms. We also proposed a methodology of obtaining "X-ray" image of pulse information constructed based on the sensing data from 3 locations and 3 applied pressures (i.e., mimicking TCM doctors), which contains all arterial pulse information in both spatial and temporal spans, and which could be used as an input to a deep learning algorithm. By applying our developed platform and algorithms, 3 types of consistent pulse patterns, i.e., "Hua" [Formula], "Xi" [Formula], and "Chen" [Formula], as described by TCM doctors", could be identified in a selected group of 3 subjects who were diagnosed by TCM practitioners. We have shown the classification rates is 98.7% in training process and 84.2% in testing result for these 3 basic pulse patterns. The high classification rate of the developed platform could lead to further development of a high-level artificial intelligence system incorporating knowledge from TCM - the robotics finger system could become a standard clinical equipment for digitalizing and visualizing human arterial pulses
]]></description>
<dc:creator>KONG, K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHAN, H.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>XIE, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LEE, F. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LEUNG, A. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>GUAN, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SHEN, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>TAAM WONG, V. C.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.10.426152</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deciphering 3D Human Sphygmopalpation Pulse Patterns using "X-ray" Images Acquired from Tactile Robotic Fingers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.22.427863v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CD8+ T cell epitope variations suggest a potential antigen presentation deficiency for spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.22.427863v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
COVID-19 is caused by a newly identified coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and has become a pandemic around the world. The illustration of the immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and its vaccine development. CD8+ T cells are critical for virus clearance and induce long lasting protection in the host. Here we identified specific HLA-A2 restricted T cell epitopes in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Seven epitope peptides (n-Sp1, 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14) were confirmed to bind with HLA-A2 and potentially be presented by antigen presenting cells to induce host immune responses. Tetramers containing these peptides could interact with specific CD8+ T cells from convalescent COVID-19 patients, and one dominant epitope (n-Sp1) was defined. In addition, these epitopes could activate and generate epitope-specific T cells in vitro, and those activated T cells showed cytotoxicity to target cells. Meanwhile, all these epitopes exhibited high frequency of variations. Among them, n-Sp1 epitope variation 5L>F significantly decreased the proportion of specific T cell activation; n-Sp1 epitope 8L>V variant showed significantly reduced binding to HLA-A2 and decreased the proportion of n-Sp1-specific CD8+ T cell, which potentially contributes to the immune escape of SAR-CoV-2.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Den, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, E. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, O. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.22.427863</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CD8+ T cell epitope variations suggest a potential antigen presentation deficiency for spike protein of SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.24.428017v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Design of a novel DNA Gyrase B inhibitor with a rhodanine scaffold: in silico and in vitro approaches 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.24.428017v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin intermediate-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is one among the WHO high priority pathogens. Among these two, MRSA is the most globally documented pathogen that necessitates the pressing demand for new classes of anti-MRSA drugs. Bacterial gyrase targeted therapeutics are unique strategies to overcome cross-resistance as they are present only in bacteria and absent in higher eukaryotes. The GyrB subunit is essential for the catalytic functions of the bacterial enzyme DNA Gyrase, thereby constituting a promising druggable target. The current study performed a structure-based virtual screening to designing GyrB target-specific candidate molecules. The de novo ligand design of novel hit molecules was performed using a rhodanine scaffold. Through a systematic in silico screening process, the hit molecules were screened for their synthetic accessibility, drug likeliness and pharmacokinetics properties in addition to its target specific interactions. Of the total 374 hit molecules obtained through de novo ligand design, qsl-304 emerged as the most promising ligand. qsl-304 was synthesized through a one-step chemical synthesis procedure, and the in vitro activity was proven, with an IC50 of 31.23 g/mL against the novobiocin resistant clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus sa-P2003. Further studies on time-kill kinetics showed the bacteriostatic nature with the diminished recurrence of resistance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pudipeddi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vasudevan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shanmugam, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stanley, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>P, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neelakantan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Solomon, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.24.428017</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Design of a novel DNA Gyrase B inhibitor with a rhodanine scaffold: in silico and in vitro approaches]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.07.430133v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Strain dynamics of specific contaminant bacteria modulate the performance of ethanol biorefineries 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.07.430133v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bioethanol is a viable alternative for fossil fuels, and its use has lowered CO2 emissions by over 500 million tonnes in Brazil alone by replacing more than 40% of the national gasoline consumption. However, contaminant bacteria reduce yields during fermentation. Our understanding of these contaminants is limited to targeted studies, and the interplay of the microbial community and its impact on fermentation efficiency remains poorly understood. Comprehensive surveying and longitudinal analysis using shotgun metagenomics of two major biorefineries over a production season revealed similar patterns in microbial community structure and dynamics throughout the entire fermentation system. Strain resolution metagenomics identified specific Lactobacillus fermentum strains as strongly associated with poor industrial performance and laboratory-scale fermentations revealed yield reductions of up to 4.63{+/-}1.35% depending on the specific contaminating strains. Selective removal of these strains could reduce emissions from the bioethanol industry by more than 2x106 tonnes per year. Using the large-scale Brazilian ethanol fermentations as a model system for studying microbiome-phenotype relationships this study further demonstrates how high-resolution metagenomics can identify culprits of large scale industrial biomanufacturing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lino, F. S. d. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Misiakou, M.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>da Costa, B. L. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basso, T. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panagiotou, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sommer, M. O. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.07.430133</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Strain dynamics of specific contaminant bacteria modulate the performance of ethanol biorefineries]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.08.430362v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A transferrable and integrative type I-F Cascade for heterologous genome editing and transcription modulation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.08.430362v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Class 1 type I CRISPR-Cas systems represent the most abundant and diverse CRISPR systems in nature. However, their applications for generic genome editing have been hindered by difficulties of introducing the class-specific, multi-component effectors in heterologous hosts for functioning. Here we established a transferrable Cascade system that enables stable integration and expression of a complete and highly active I-F Cascade in the notoriously recalcitrant and diverse P. aeruginosa genomes by conjugation. The transferred Cascade displayed substantially higher DNA interference activity and greater editing capacity than the Cas9 system in diverse genetic backgrounds, including removal of the large (21-kb) integrated cassette with efficiency and simplicity. An advanced {lambda}red-I-F system enabled editing in genotypes with poor homologous recombination capacity, clinical isolates lacking sequence information, and cells containing anti-CRISPR elements Acrs. Lastly, an  all-in-one I-F Cascade-mediated CRISPRi platform was developed for transcription modulation by simultaneous introduction of the Cascade and the mini-CRISPR array expressing desired crRNA in one-step. This study provides a framework for expanding the diverse type I Cascades for widespread, heterologous genome editing and establishment of editing techniques in non-model isolates of pathogens.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Si, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.08.430362</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A transferrable and integrative type I-F Cascade for heterologous genome editing and transcription modulation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.10.430705v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
VIA: Generalized and scalable trajectory inference in single-cell omics data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.10.430705v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inferring cellular trajectories using a variety of omic data is a critical task in single-cell data science. However, accurate prediction of cell fates, and thereby biologically meaningful discovery, is challenged by the sheer size of single-cell data, the diversity of omic data types, and the complexity of their topologies. We present VIA, a scalable trajectory inference algorithm that overcomes these limitations by using lazy-teleporting random walks to accurately reconstruct complex cellular trajectories beyond tree-like pathways (e.g. cyclic or disconnected structures). We show that VIA robustly and efficiently unravels the fine-grained sub-trajectories in a 1.3-million-cell transcriptomic mouse atlas without losing the global connectivity at such a high cell count. We further apply VIA to discovering elusive lineages and less populous cell fates missed by other methods across a variety of data types, including single-cell proteomic, epigenomic, multi-omics datasets, and a new in-house single-cell morphological dataset.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>stassen, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.10.430705</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[VIA: Generalized and scalable trajectory inference in single-cell omics data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.11.429193v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Surface-aerosol stability and pathogenicity of diverse MERS-CoV strains from 2012 - 2018 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.11.429193v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a coronavirus that infects both humans and dromedary camels and is responsible for an ongoing outbreak of severe respiratory illness in humans in the Middle East. While some mutations found in camel-derived MERS-CoV strains have been characterized, the majority of natural variation found across MERS-CoV isolates remains unstudied. Here we report on the environmental stability, replication kinetics and pathogenicity of several diverse isolates of MERS-CoV as well as SARS-CoV-2 to serve as a basis of comparison with other stability studies. While most of the MERS-CoV isolates exhibited similar stability and pathogenicity in our experiments, the camel derived isolate, C/KSA/13, exhibited reduced surface stability while another camel isolate, C/BF/15, had reduced pathogenicity in a small animal model. These results suggest that while betacoronaviruses may have similar environmental stability profiles, individual variation can influence this phenotype, underscoring the importance of continual, global viral surveillance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>van Doremalen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Letko, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fischer, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bushmaker, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yinda, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schulz, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seifert, S. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, N. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hemida, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kayali, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Park, W. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perera, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tamin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thornburg, N. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Queen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Van Kerkhove, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oh, M.-d.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Assiri, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gerber, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munster, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.11.429193</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Surface-aerosol stability and pathogenicity of diverse MERS-CoV strains from 2012 - 2018]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.17.431722v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Homologous and heterologous serological response to the N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.17.431722v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The increasing numbers of infected cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses serious threats to public health and the global economy. Most SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies target the receptor binding domain (RBD) and some the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein, which is the major antigen of SARS-CoV-2. While the antibody response to RBD has been extensively characterized, the antigenicity and immunogenicity of the NTD protein are less well studied. Using 227 plasma samples from COVID-19 patients, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 NTD-specific antibodies could be induced during infection. As compared to the serological response to SARS-CoV-2 RBD, the SARS-CoV-2 NTD response is less cross-reactive with SARS-CoV. Furthermore, neutralizing antibodies are rarely elicited in a mice model when NTD is used as an immunogen. We subsequently demonstrate that NTD has an altered antigenicity when expressed alone. Overall, our results suggest that while NTD offers an alternative strategy for serology testing, it may not be suitable as an immunogen for vaccine development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, O. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, R. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, G. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.17.431722</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Homologous and heterologous serological response to the N-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.19.432011v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Combinatorial engineering of bulk-assembled monodisperse coacervate droplets towards logically integrated protocells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.19.432011v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bottom-up synthetic biology seeks to construct artificial cells from simple building blocks for exploring origin and principles of cellular life and material design. Although cellular life may have emerged spontaneously, programmable integration of building blocks into size, membrane property-controlled compartments (liposome or coacervate) towards cellular organization, without using specialized devices, has proven difficult. Here, we report a self-templated route to monodisperse complex droplets in bulk solution from coacervate-liposome synergy, with nanoliposome controlling coacervate size and coacervate templating on-surface nanoliposome fusion. Nanoliposome-coated monodisperse coacervates are self-assembled within 30 seconds, which are sealed by fusing nanoliposomes into size-controlled giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), with model building blocks combinatorially integrated into droplets. Defect-free membrane is established on coacervate, which render these complex GUVs surviving at extreme osmotic, salty and pH conditions (4 M NaCl, 100 mM HCl, 1 M NaOH), while providing homeostasis for enzymatic reactions, reminiscent of extremophiles.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.19.432011</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Combinatorial engineering of bulk-assembled monodisperse coacervate droplets towards logically integrated protocells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.20.431946v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A neural circuit basis for bilateral olfactory input-enhanced chemosensory avoidance navigation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.20.431946v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Our understanding of how bilaterian animals utilize parallel input channels from paired sensory organs to optimize chemosensory behavior and the underlying neural circuit mechanisms are limited. Here we developed microfluidics-based behavioral and brainwide imaging platforms to study the neural integration of binasal inputs and chemosensory avoidance in larval zebrafish. We show that larval zebrafish efficiently escape from cadaverine-carrying streams by making more frequent swim bouts and larger undirected turns. Binasal inputs are strictly required for the nasal input-dependent component of klinokinesis, while each nasal input additively enhances angular orthokinesis. Throughout brain regions, including those along the olfactory processing pathways, a distributed neural representation with a wide spectrum of ipsilateral-contralateral nasal stimulus selectivity is maintained. Nonlinear sensory information gain with bilateral signal convergence is especially prominent in neurons weakly encoding unilateral cadaverine stimulus, and associated with stronger activation of sensorimotor neurons in the downstream brain regions. Collectively, these results provide insights into how the vertebrate model sums parallel input signals to guide chemosensory avoidance behavior.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sy, S. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, C. H. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, V. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.20.431946</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A neural circuit basis for bilateral olfactory input-enhanced chemosensory avoidance navigation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.432833v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dissecting the genetic architecture of quantitative traits using genome-wide identity-by-descent sharing among full-sibs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.432833v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Additive and dominance genetic variances underlying the expression of quantitative traits are important quantities for predicting short-term responses to selection, but they are notoriously challenging to estimate in most non-model wild populations. Specifically, large-sized or panmictic populations may be characterized by low variance in genetic relatedness among individuals which in turn, can prevent accurate estimation of quantitative genetic parameters. We used estimates of genome-wide identity-by-descent (IBD) sharing from autosomal SNP loci to estimate quantitative genetic parameters for ecologically important traits in nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) from a large, outbred population. Using empirical and simulated datasets, with varying sample sizes and pedigree complexity, we assessed the performance of different crossing schemes in estimating additive genetic variance and heritability for all traits. We found that low variance in relatedness characteristic of wild outbred populations with high migration rate can impair the estimation of quantitative genetic parameters and bias heritability estimates downwards. On the other hand, the use of a half-sib/full-sib design allowed precise estimation of genetic variance components, and revealed significant additive variance and heritability for all measured traits, with negligible dominance contributions. Genome-partitioning and QTL mapping analyses revealed that most traits had a polygenic basis and were controlled by genes at multiple chromosomes. Furthermore, different QTL contributed to variation in the same traits in different populations suggesting heterogenous underpinnings of parallel evolution at the phenotypic level. Our results provide important guidelines for future studies aimed at estimating adaptive potential in the wild, particularly for those conducted in outbred large-sized populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sillanpaa, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rastas, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.01.432833</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dissecting the genetic architecture of quantitative traits using genome-wide identity-by-descent sharing among full-sibs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.433325v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Periodic synchronization of dengue epidemics in Thailand: the roles played by temperature and immunity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.433325v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The spatial distribution of dengue and its vectors (spp. Aedes) may be the widest it has ever been, and projections suggest that climate change may allow the expansion to continue. However, the largest impacts of climate change on dengue might be in regions where the pathogen is already endemic. In these areas, the waxing and waning of immunity has a large impact on temporal dynamics of cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever. Here, we use 51 years of data across 72 provinces and characterise spatio-temporal patterns of dengue in Thailand, where dengue has caused almost 1.5 million cases over the last thirty years, and examine the roles played by temperature and dynamics of immunity in giving rise to those patterns. We find that timescales of multiannual oscillations in dengue vary in space and time and uncover an interesting spatial phenomenon: Thailand has experienced multiple, periodic synchronization events. We show that patterns in synchrony of dengue are consistent with those observed in temperature. Applying a temperature-driven dengue model, we explore how dynamics of immunity interact with temperature to produce the observed multiannual dynamics and patterns in synchrony. While multiannual oscillations are readily produced by immunity in absence of multiannual timescales in temperature, synchrony in temperature can synchronise dengue dynamics in different locations. However, at higher mean temperatures and lower seasonal variation, immune dynamics become more predominant, and dengue dynamics become more insensitive to multiannual fluctuations in temperature. These findings can help underpin predictions of disease patterns as global temperatures rise.

Author summary
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Carreras, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grabowski, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheppard, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salje, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clapham, H. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iamsirithaworn, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doung-Ngern, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lessler, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cummings, D. A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.01.433325</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Periodic synchronization of dengue epidemics in Thailand: the roles played by temperature and immunity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.15.435450v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Trans -cinnamaldehyde attenuates Enterococcus faecalis virulence and inhibits biofilm formation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.15.435450v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Enterococcus faecalis as an important nosocomial pathogen is critically implicated in the pathogenesis of endocarditis, urinary tract and surgical wound infections. Its major virulence attributes (biofilm formation, production of proteases and hemolytic toxins) enable it to cause extensive host tissue damage. With the alarming increase in enterococcal resistance to antibiotics, novel therapeutics are required to inhibit E. faecalis biofilm formation and virulence. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), the main phytochemical in cinnamon essential oils has demonstrated promising activity against a wide range of pathogens. Here, we comprehensively investigated the effect of TC on planktonic growth, biofilm formation, proteolytic and hemolytic activities, as well as gene regulation in E. faecalis. Our findings revealed that sub-inhibitory concentrations of TC reduced biofilm formation, biofilm exopolysaccharides as well as its proteolytic and hemolytic activities. Mechanistic studies revealed significant down regulation of the quorum sensing fsr locus and downstream gelE, which are major virulence regulators in E. faecalis. Taken together, our study highlights the potential of TC to inhibit E. faecalis biofilm formation and its virulence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ali, I. A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matinlinna, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Levesque, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neelakantan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.15.435450</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Trans -cinnamaldehyde attenuates Enterococcus faecalis virulence and inhibits biofilm formation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.18.436005v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RENET2: High-Performance Full-text Gene-Disease Relation Extraction with Iterative Training Data Expansion 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.18.436005v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundRelation extraction is a fundamental task for extracting gene-disease associations from biomedical text. Existing tools have limited capacity, as they can extract gene-disease associations only from single sentences or abstract texts.

ResultsIn this work, we propose RENET2, a deep learning-based relation extraction method, which implements section filtering and ambiguous relations modeling to extract gene-disease associations from full-text articles. We designed a novel iterative training data expansion strategy to build an annotated full-text dataset to resolve the scarcity of labels on full-text articles. In our experiments, RENET2 achieved an F1-score of 72.13% for extracting gene-disease associations from an annotated full-text dataset, which was 27.22%, 30.30% and 29.24% higher than the best existing tools BeFree, DTMiner and BioBERT, respectively. We applied RENET2 to (1) ~1.89M full-text articles from PMC and found ~3.72M gene-disease associations; and (2) the LitCovid articles set and ranked the top 15 proteins associated with COVID-19, supported by recent articles.

ConclusionRENET2 is an efficient and accurate method for full-text gene-disease association extraction. The source-code, manually curated abstract/full-text training data, and results of RENET2 are available at https://github.com/sujunhao/RENET2.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ting, H.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.18.436005</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RENET2: High-Performance Full-text Gene-Disease Relation Extraction with Iterative Training Data Expansion]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.19.436127v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Representation learning of RNA velocity reveals robust cell transitions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.19.436127v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWRNA velocity is a promising technique to reveal transient cellular dynamics among a heterogeneous cell population and quantify their transitions from single-cell transcriptome experiments. However, the cell transitions estimated from high dimensional RNA velocity are often unstable or inaccurate, partly due to the high technical noise and less informative projection. Here, we present VeloAE, a tailored representation learning method to learn a low-dimensional representation of RNA velocity on which cell transitions can be robustly estimated. From various experimental datasets, we show that VeloAE can both accurately identify stimulation dynamics in time-series designs and effectively capture the expected cellular differentiation in different biological systems. VeloAE therefore enhances the usefulness of RNA velocity for studying a wide range of biological processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.19.436127</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Representation learning of RNA velocity reveals robust cell transitions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.22.436366v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide screen identifies curli amyloid fibril as a bacterial component promoting host neurodegeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.22.436366v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Growing evidence indicate that gut microbiota play a critical role in regulating the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinsons disease (PD). The molecular mechanism underlying such microbe-host interaction is unclear. In this study, by feeding C. elegans expressing human -syn with E. coli knockout mutants, we conducted a genome-wide screen to identify bacterial genes that promote host neurodegeneration. The screen yielded 38 genes that fall into several genetic pathways, including curli formation, lipopolysaccharide assembly, adenosylcobalamin biosynthesis among others. We then focused on the curli amyloid fibril and found that genetically deleting or pharmacologically inhibiting the curli major subunit CsgA in E. coli reduced -syn-induced neuronal death, restored mitochondrial health, and improved neuronal functions. CsgA secreted by the bacteria colocalized with -syn inside neurons and promoted -syn aggregation through cross-seeding. Similarly, curli also promoted neurodegeneration in C. elegans models of AD, ALS, and HD and in human neuroblastoma cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.22.436366</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide screen identifies curli amyloid fibril as a bacterial component promoting host neurodegeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.27.437331v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MQuad enables clonal substructure discovery using single cell mitochondrial variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.27.437331v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mitochondrial mutations are increasingly recognised as informative endogenous genetic markers that can be used to reconstruct cellular clonal structure using single-cell RNA or DNA sequencing data. However, there is a lack of effective computational methods to identify informative mtDNA variants in noisy and sparse single-cell sequencing data. Here we present an open source computational tool MQuad that accurately calls clonally informative mtDNA variants in a population of single cells, and an analysis suite for complete clonality inference, based on single cell RNA or DNA sequencing data. Through a variety of simulated and experimental single cell sequencing data, we showed that MQuad can identify mitochondrial variants with both high sensitivity and specificity, outperforming existing methods by a large extent. Furthermore, we demonstrated its wide applicability in different single cell sequencing protocols, particularly in complementing single-nucleotide and copy-number variations to extract finer clonal resolution. MQuad is a Python package available via https://github.com/single-cell-genetics/MQuad.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, A. W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.27.437331</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MQuad enables clonal substructure discovery using single cell mitochondrial variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.30.437674v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Organ-specific microbiota enhances the terrestrial lifestyle of a brachyuran crab 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.30.437674v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Brachyuran crabs originated in the oceans and evolved specific morphological and physiological adaptations to live in freshwater, intertidal and even terrestrial habitats but the role of a selection mechanism involving symbiotic microorganisms long these colonization processes are not known. In this work we investigated the associated microbiota of three populations of a terrestrial brachyuran crab, Chiromantes haematocheir, to find evidence of a conserved crab-specific microbiome unrelated to the population of origin and dissimilar from environmental microbial assemblages. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS sequences were obtained from selected crab organs and environmental matrices to profile microbial communities. In spite of the presence of truly marine larval stages and no gregarious behaviour, favouring microbiota exchanges, we found common, organ-specific microbiota, associated to the gut and the gills of the crabs (with more than 15% of the genera detected specifically enriched only in one organ). Our results suggest an early establishment of a new common, stable microbiota in the transition from water to land.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bacci, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fratini, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meriggi, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C. L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iannucci, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mengoni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cavalieri, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cannicci, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.30.437674</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Organ-specific microbiota enhances the terrestrial lifestyle of a brachyuran crab]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.01.438060v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Time-varying Dynamic Network Model For Dynamic Resting State Functional Connectivity in fMRI and MEG imaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.01.438060v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dynamic resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) characterizes fluctuations that occurs over time in functional brain networks. Existing methods to extract dynamic RSFCs, such as sliding-window and clustering methods, have various limitations due to their inherent non-adaptive nature and high-dimensionality including an inability to reconstruct brain signals, insufficiency of data for reliable estimation, insensitivity to rapid changes in dynamics, and a lack of generalizability across multimodal functional imaging datasets. To overcome these deficiencies, we develop a novel and unifying time-varying dynamic network (TVDN) framework for examining dynamic resting state functional connectivity. TVDN includes a generative model that describes the relation between low-dimensional dynamic RSFC and the brain signals, and an inference algorithm that automatically and adaptively learns to detect dynamic state transitions in data and a low-dimensional manifold of dynamic RSFC. TVDN is generalizable to handle multimodal functional neuroimaging data (fMRI and MEG/EEG). The resulting estimated low-dimensional dynamic RSFCs manifold directly links to the frequency content of brain signals. Hence we can evaluate TVDN performance by examining whether learnt features can reconstruct observed brain signals. We conduct comprehensive simulations to evaluate TVDN under hypothetical settings. We then demonstrate the application of TVDN with real fMRI and MEG data, and compare the results with existing benchmarks. Results demonstrate that TVDN is able to correctly capture the dynamics of brain activity and more robustly detect brain state switching both in resting state fMRI and MEG data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cummings, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raj, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagarajan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.01.438060</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Time-varying Dynamic Network Model For Dynamic Resting State Functional Connectivity in fMRI and MEG imaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.02.437747v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
XAV-19, a novel swine glyco-humanized polyclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 spike, efficiently neutralizes B.1.1.7 British and B.1.351 South-African variants. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.02.437747v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Amino acid substitutions and deletions in Spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants can reduce the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In contrast, heterologous polyclonal antibodies raised against S protein, through the recognition of multiple target epitopes, have the potential to maintain neutralization capacities. XAV-19 is a swine glyco-humanized polyclonal neutralizing antibody raised against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Wuhan-Hu-1 Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. XAV-19 target epitopes were found distributed all over the RBD and particularly cover the receptor binding motives (RBM), in direct contact sites with the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2). Therefore, in Spike/ACE2 interaction assays, XAV-19 showed potent neutralization capacities of the original Wuhan Spike and of the United Kingdom (Alpha/B.1.1.7) and South African (Beta/B.1.351) variants. These results were confirmed by cytopathogenic assays using Vero E6 and live virus variants including the Brazil (Gamma/P.1) and the Indian (Delta/B.1.617.2) variants. In a selective pressure study with the Beta strain on Vero E6 cells conducted over 1 month, no mutation was associated with addition of increasing doses XAV-19. The potential to reduce viral load in lungs was confirmed in a human ACE2 transduced mouse model. XAV-19 is currently evaluated in patients hospitalized for COVID-19-induced moderate pneumonia in a phase 2a-2b (NCT04453384) where safety was already demonstrated and in an ongoing 2/3 trial (NCT04928430) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XAV-19 in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Owing to its polyclonal nature and its glyco-humanization, XAV-19 may provide a novel safe and effective therapeutic tool to mitigate the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) including the different variants of concern identified so far.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Vanhove, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marot, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaborit, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evanno, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malet, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ciron, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Royer, P.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lheriteau, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Denie, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raffi, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duvaux, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marcelin, A.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Calvez, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.02.437747</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[XAV-19, a novel swine glyco-humanized polyclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 spike, efficiently neutralizes B.1.1.7 British and B.1.351 South-African variants.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.05.438455v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ECNano: A Cost-Effective Workflow for Target Enrichment Sequencing and Accurate Variant Calling on 4,800 Clinically Significant Genes Using a Single MinION Flowcell 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.05.438455v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe application of long-read sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION sequencer is getting more diverse in the medical field. Having a high sequencing error of ONT and limited throughput from a single MinION flowcell, however, limits its applicability for accurate variant detection. Medical exome sequencing (MES) targets clinically significant exon regions, allowing rapid and comprehensive screening of pathogenic variants. By applying MES with MinION sequencing, the technology can achieve a more uniform capture of the target regions, shorter turnaround time, and lower sequencing cost per sample.

MethodWe introduced a cost-effective optimized workflow, ECNano, comprising a wet-lab protocol and bioinformatics analysis, for accurate variant detection at 4,800 clinically important genes and regions using a single MinION flowcell. The ECNano wet-lab protocol was optimized to perform long-read target enrichment and ONT library preparation to stably generate high-quality MES data with adequate coverage. The subsequent variant-calling workflow, Clair-ensemble, adopted a fast RNN-based variant caller, Clair, and was optimized for target enrichment data. To evaluate its performance and practicality, ECNano was tested on both reference DNA samples and patient samples.

ResultsECNano achieved deep on-target depth of coverage (DoC) at average >100x and >98% uniformity using one MinION flowcell. For accurate ONT variant calling, the generated reads sufficiently covered 98.9% of pathogenic positions listed in ClinVar, with 98.96% having at least 30x DoC. ECNano obtained an average read length of 1,000 bp. The long reads of ECNano also covered the adjacent splice sites well, with 98.5% of positions having [&ge;] 30x DoC. Clair-ensemble achieved >99% recall and accuracy for SNV calling. The whole workflow from wet-lab protocol to variant detection was completed within three days.

ConclusionWe presented ECNano, an out-of-the-box workflow comprising (1) a wet-lab protocol for ONT target enrichment sequencing and (2) a downstream variant detection workflow, Clair-ensemble. The workflow is cost-effective, with a short turnaround time for high accuracy variant calling in 4,800 clinically significant genes and regions using a single MinION flowcell. The long-read exon captured data has potential for further development, promoting the application of long-read sequencing in personalized disease treatment and risk prediction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, H. C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, W.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, I. F.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.05.438455</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ECNano: A Cost-Effective Workflow for Target Enrichment Sequencing and Accurate Variant Calling on 4,800 Clinically Significant Genes Using a Single MinION Flowcell]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.12.439575v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Plasma exosomal miRNA analysis of Alzheimer's disease reveals the dysfunction of a neural network 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.12.439575v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Exosomal microRNA (miRNA) is an emerging source for biomarkers of Alzheimers disease (AD). Here, we profiled miRNA expression in AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and controls. The assessment and validation of differentially expressed miRNA represented their potential to be novel biomarkers for AD and MCI. We conducted 13 co-expression networks and a miRNA network module linked to neural function emerged as the most significantly associated with AD diagnosis. The conservation analysis revealed the M1 was highly preserved in controls but dysfunction in AD and MCI. The module pattern between MCI and NC was similar, but significantly differed from AD, suggesting that the neural network regulated by miRNA changed during the mild cognitive stage, and the total miRNA expression altered in AD stage. Additionally, 24 out of 26 M1 hub-miRNAs were derived from brain tissue, and 15 had been reported as AD biomarkers. We consequently proposed the other 11 miRNAs could play important roles in AD. Our study highlights that co-expression network analysis can provide a new path for finding novel biomarkers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuzhe, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.12.439575</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Plasma exosomal miRNA analysis of Alzheimer's disease reveals the dysfunction of a neural network]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.14.439735v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MicroRNA-202 safeguards meiotic progression by preventing premature degradation of REC8 mediated by separase 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.14.439735v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis but the in vivo functions of single miRNAs in this highly complex developmental process remain unclear. Here, we reported that miR-202, a member of the let-7 family, played an important role in mouse spermatogenesis by phenotypic evaluation of miR-202 knockout (KO) mice. In miR-202 KO mice, germ cells underwent apoptosis. Multiple processes in meiosis I including synapsis and crossover formation were disrupted, and inter-sister chromatid synapses were detected. More importantly, we found that upon miR-202 KO, meiotic-specific cohesin protein REC8 was prematurely cleaved by precociously activated separase, whose mRNA was a direct target of miR-202-3p. Our findings identify miR-202 as a novel regulator of meiosis and contribute to the list of miRNAs that play specific and important roles in developmental processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.14.439735</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MicroRNA-202 safeguards meiotic progression by preventing premature degradation of REC8 mediated by separase]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.440387v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Age-dependent genetic architecture underlines similar heritability of body size in sticklebacks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.440387v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Heritable variation in traits under natural selection is a prerequisite for evolutionary response. While it is recognised that trait heritability may vary spatially and temporally depending under which environmental conditions traits are expressed, less is known about the possibility that genetic variance contributing to the expected selection response in a given trait may vary at different stages of ontogeny. Specifically, whether different loci underlie the expression of a trait throughout development - thus providing an additional source of variation for selection to act on - is unclear. Here we show that the heritability (h2) of body size, an important life history trait, remains constant across ontogeny in a stickleback fish. Nevertheless, both analyses of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genetic correlations across ages show that different chromosomes/loci contribute to this heritability in different ontogenic time-points. This suggests that body size can respond to selection at different stages of ontogeny but that this response is determined by different loci at different points of development. Hence, this illustrates the notion that diverse genetic architectures may underline similar (expected) phenotypic outcomes, and that similar selection pressures may lead to genetically heterogeneous responses depending on what life stage selection is acting on.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sillanpaa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.19.440387</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Age-dependent genetic architecture underlines similar heritability of body size in sticklebacks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.440414v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Low dose inocula of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant initiate more robust infections in the upper respiratory tract of hamsters than earlier D614G variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.440414v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There is a lack of experimental evidence to explain how the B.1.1.7 variant spreads more quickly than pre-existing variants in humans. We found that B.1.1.7 displays increased competitive fitness over earlier D614G lineages in an in-vitro system. Furthermore,, we demonstrated that B.1.1.7 variant is able to replicate and shed more efficiently in the nasal cavity than other variants with lower dose and shorter duration of exposure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, R. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, T. T.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, J. S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, G. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.19.440414</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Low dose inocula of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant initiate more robust infections in the upper respiratory tract of hamsters than earlier D614G variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.20.440583v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SENSV: Detecting Structural Variations with Precise Breakpoints using Low-Depth WGS Data from a Single Oxford Nanopore MinION Flowcell 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.20.440583v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Structural variation (SV) is a major cause of genetic disorders. In this paper, we show that low-depth (specifically, 4x) whole-genome sequencing using a single Oxford Nanopore MinION flow cell suffices to support sensitive detection of SV, in particular, pathogenic SV for supporting clinical diagnosis. Existing SV calling software, when using 4x ONT WGS data, often fails to detect pathogenic SV especially in the form of long deletion, terminal deletion, duplication, and unbalanced translocation. Our new SV calling software SENSV is able to achieve high sensitivity for all types of SV and a breakpoint precision typically {+/-}100 bp, both features are important for clinical concerns. The improvement achieved by SENSV stems from several new algorithms. We evaluated SENSV and other software using both real and simulated data. The former was based on 24 patient samples, each diagnosed with a genetic disorder. SENSV found the pathogenic SV in 22 out of 24 cases (all heterozygous, size from hundreds of Kbp to a few Mbp), reporting breakpoints within 100 bp of the true answers. No existing software can detect the pathogenic SV in more than 10 out of 24 cases, even when the breakpoint requirement is relaxed to {+/-}2,000 bp.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Leung, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, I. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.20.440583</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SENSV: Detecting Structural Variations with Precise Breakpoints using Low-Depth WGS Data from a Single Oxford Nanopore MinION Flowcell]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.29.441938v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNA methylation affects pre-mRNA transcriptional initiation and processing in Arabidopsis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.29.441938v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundDNA methylation may regulate pre-mRNA transcriptional initiation and processing, thus affecting gene expression. Unlike animal cells, plants, especially Arabidopsis thaliana, have relatively low DNA methylation levels, limiting our ability to observe any correlation between DNA methylation and pre-mRNA processing using typical short-read sequencing. However, with newly developed long-read sequencing technologies, such as Oxford Nanopore Technology Direct RNA sequencing (ONT DRS), combined with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we were able to precisely analyze the relationship between DNA methylation and pre-mRNA transcriptional initiation and processing using DNA methylation-related mutants.

ResultsUsing ONT DRS, we generated more than 2 million high-quality full-length long reads of native mRNA for each of the wild type Col-0 and mutants defective in DNA methylation, identifying a total of 117,474 isoforms. We found that low DNA methylation levels around splicing sites tended to prevent splicing events from occurring. The lengths of the poly(A) tail of mRNAs were positively correlated with DNA methylation. DNA methylation before transcription start sites or around transcription termination sites tended to result in gene-silencing or read-through events.

Furthermore, using ONT DRS, we identified novel transcripts that we could not have otherwise, since transcripts with intron retention and fusion transcripts containing the uncut intergenic sequence tend not to be exported to the cytoplasm. Using the met1-3 mutant with activated constitutive heterochromatin regions, we confirmed the effects of DNA methylation on pre-mRNA processing.

ConclusionThe combination of ONT DRS with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was a powerful tool for studying the effects of DNA methylation on splicing site selection and pre-mRNA processing, and therefore regulation of gene expression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LAM, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.29.441938</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNA methylation affects pre-mRNA transcriptional initiation and processing in Arabidopsis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.02.442314v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomic sequences and RNA binding proteins predict RNA splicing kinetics in various single-cell contexts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.02.442314v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA splicing is a key step of gene expression in higher organisms. Accurate quantification of the two-step splicing kinetics is of high interests not only for understanding the regulatory machinery, but also for estimating the RNA velocity in single cells. However, the kinetic rates remain poorly understood due to the intrinsic low content of unspliced RNAs and its stochasticity across contexts. Here, we estimated the relative splicing efficiency across a variety of single-cell RNA-Seq data with scVelo. We further extracted three large feature sets including 92 basic genomic sequence features, 65,536 octamers and 120 RNA binding proteins features and found they are highly predictive to RNA splicing efficiency across multiple tissues on human and mouse. A set of important features have been identified with strong regulatory potentials on splicing efficiency. This predictive power brings promise to reveal the complexity of RNA processing and to enhance the estimation of single-cell RNA velocity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.02.442314</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomic sequences and RNA binding proteins predict RNA splicing kinetics in various single-cell contexts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.14.444120v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Desert fish populations tolerate extreme salinity change to overcome hydrological constraints 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.14.444120v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The unstable nature of freshwater ponds in arid landscapes represent a sizable challenge for strictly aquatic organisms, such as fishes. Yet the Arabian Desert, bordering the coastline of the Red Sea, plays host to a species very well adapted to such extreme environments: the Arabian pupfish, Aphanius dispar. In this study, we estimated patterns of hydrological connectivity; population structure and stable isotope for samples of A. dispar living in small, isolated ponds of nearly-freshwater in the Arabian desert and highly saline coastal lagoons along the Red Sea. The genomic and hydrological analyses indicate that populations are largely separated by drainage origin, as fish from desert ponds appear to be transported to coastal lagoons of the Red Sea along ephemeral river systems arising from flash flood events. Further, our study indicates there is an ecological change when being washed from pond environments to coastal waters, due to a significant shift in muscle stable isotopes ratios between both groups. Considering that the genetic breaks are mostly observed between drainage origin, this study suggests that A. dispar can survive large changes in salinity and ecological regimes over small time-scales.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonzi, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Norstog, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sourisse, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berumen, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Angel, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parkes, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCabe, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.14.444120</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Desert fish populations tolerate extreme salinity change to overcome hydrological constraints]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.18.444731v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hypertrophic Chondrocytes Serve as a Reservoir for Unique Marrow Associated Skeletal Stem and Progenitor Cells, Osteoblasts, and Adipocytes During Skeletal Development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.18.444731v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hypertrophic chondrocytes give rise to osteoblasts during skeletal development; however, the process by which these non-mitotic cells make this transition is not well understood. Prior studies have also suggested that skeletal stem and progenitor cells (SSPCs) localize to the surrounding periosteum and serve as a major source of marrow associated SSPCs, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and adipocytes during skeletal development. To further understand the cell transition process by which hypertrophic chondrocytes contribute to osteoblasts or other marrow associated cells, we utilized inducible and constitutive hypertrophic chondrocyte lineage tracing and reporter mouse models (Col10a1CreERT2; R26-tdTomatof/+ and Col10a1Cre; R26-tdTomatof/+) in combination with a PDGFRa-H2B-GFP transgenic line, single cell RNA-sequencing, bulk RNA-sequencing, immunofluorescence staining, and cell transplantation assays. Our data demonstrate that hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo a process of dedifferentiation to generate marrow associated SSPCs that serve as a primary source of osteoblasts during skeletal development. These hypertrophic chondrocyte derived SSPCs commit to a CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cell phenotype during skeletal development and demonstrate unique abilities to recruit vasculature and promote bone marrow establishment, while also contributing to the adipogenic lineage.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Long, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leinroth, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirando, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharma, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheah, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karner, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hilton, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.18.444731</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hypertrophic Chondrocytes Serve as a Reservoir for Unique Marrow Associated Skeletal Stem and Progenitor Cells, Osteoblasts, and Adipocytes During Skeletal Development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.28.446151v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Differences in social brain function in autism spectrum disorder are linked to the serotonin transporter 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.28.446151v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alterations in the serotonergic control of brain pathways responsible for facial-emotion processing in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be a target for intervention. However, the molecular underpinnings of autistic-neurotypical serotonergic differences are challenging to access in vivo. Receptor-Enriched Analysis of functional Connectivity by Targets (REACT) has helped define molecular-enriched fMRI brain networks based on a priori information about the spatial distribution of neurochemical systems from available PET templates. Here, we used REACT to estimate the dominant fMRI signal related to the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) distribution during processing of aversive facial expressions of emotion processing in adults with and without ASD. We first predicted a group difference in baseline (placebo) functioning of this system. We next used a single 20 mg oral dose of citalopram, i.e. a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, to test the hypothesis that network activity in people with and without ASD would respond differently to inhibition of 5-HTT. To confirm the specificity of our findings, we also repeated the analysis with 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT4 receptor maps.

We found a baseline group difference in the 5-HTT-enriched response to faces in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. A single oral dose of citalopram  shifted the response in the ASD group towards the neurotypical baseline but did not alter response in the control group.

Our findings suggest that the 5HTT-enriched functional network is dynamically different in ASD during processing of socially relevant stimuli. Whether this acute neurobiological response to citalopram in ASD translates to a clinical target will be an important next step.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, N. M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dipasquale, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turkheimer, F. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Findon, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wichers, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dimitrov, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murphy, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stoencheva, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robertson, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murphy, D. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daly, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McAlonan, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.28.446151</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Differences in social brain function in autism spectrum disorder are linked to the serotonin transporter]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.03.446796v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ring Finger Protein 213 Assembles into a Sensor for ISGylated Proteins with Antimicrobial Activity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.03.446796v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ISG15 is an interferon-stimulated, ubiquitin-like protein that can conjugate to substrate proteins (ISGylation) to counteract microbial infection, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we used a viral-like particle trapping technology to identify ISG15-binding proteins and discovered Ring Finger Protein 213 (RNF213) as an ISG15 interactor and cellular sensor of ISGylated proteins. RNF213 is a poorly-characterized, interferon-induced megaprotein that is frequently mutated in Moyamoya disease, a rare cerebrovascular disorder. We found that interferon induces ISGylation and oligomerization of RNF213 on lipid droplets, where it acts as a sensor for ISGylated proteins. We showed that RNF213 has broad antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo, counteracting infection with Listeria monocytogenes, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), and we observed a striking co-localization of RNF213 with intracellular bacteria. Together, our findings provide novel molecular insights into the ISGylation pathway and reveal RNF213 as a key antimicrobial effector.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Thery, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martina, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Asselman, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Repo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sedeyn, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moschonas, G. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bredow, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vessely, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leandro, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eggermont, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Sutter, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boucher, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hochepied, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Festjens, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Callewaert, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saelens, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dermaut, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knobeloch, K.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beling, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Radoshevich, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eyckerman, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Impens, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.03.446796</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ring Finger Protein 213 Assembles into a Sensor for ISGylated Proteins with Antimicrobial Activity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.08.447604v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Analysis of subcellular transcriptomes by RNA proximity labeling with Halo-seq 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.08.447604v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Thousands of RNA species display nonuniform distribution within cells. However, quantification of the spatial patterns adopted by individual RNAs remains difficult, in part by a lack of quantitative tools for subcellular transcriptome analysis. In this study, we describe an RNA proximity labeling method that facilitates the quantification of subcellular RNA populations with high spatial specificity. This method, termed Halo-seq, pairs a light-activatable, radical generating small molecule with highly efficient Click chemistry to efficiently label and purify spatially defined RNA samples. We compared Halo-seq with previously reported similar methods and found that Halo-seq displayed a higher efficiency of RNA labeling, indicating that it is well suited to the investigation of small, precisely localized RNA populations. We then used Halo-seq to quantify nuclear, nucleolar, and cytoplasmic transcriptomes, characterize their dynamic nature following perturbation, and identify RNA sequence features associated with their composition. Specifically, we found that RNAs containing AU-rich elements are relatively enriched in the nucleus. This enrichment becomes stronger upon treatment with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B, both expanding the role of HuR in RNA export and generating a comprehensive set of transcripts whose export from the nucleus depends on HuR.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Engel, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, H.-Y. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goering, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spitale, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taliaferro, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.08.447604</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Analysis of subcellular transcriptomes by RNA proximity labeling with Halo-seq]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.08.447608v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MCGA: a multi-strategy conditional gene-based association framework integrating with isoform-level expression profiles reveals new susceptible and druggable candidate genes of schizophrenia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.08.447608v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Linkage disequilibrium and disease-associated variants in non-coding regions make it difficult to distinguish truly associated genes from redundantly associated genes for complex diseases. In this study, we proposed a new conditional gene-based framework called MCGA that leveraged an improved effective chi-squared statistic to control the type I error rates and remove the redundant associations. MCGA initially integrated two conventional strategies to map genetic variants to genes, i.e., mapping a variant to its physically nearby gene and mapping a variant to a gene if the variant is a gene-level expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) of the gene. We further performed a simulation study and demonstrated that the isoform-level eQTL was more powerful than the gene-level eQTL in the association analysis. Then the third strategy, i.e., mapping a variant to a gene if the variant is an isoform-level eQTL of the gene, was also integrated with MCGA. We applied MCGA to predict the potential susceptibility genes of schizophrenia and found that the potential susceptibility genes identified by MCGA were enriched with many neuronal or synaptic signaling-related terms in the Gene Ontology knowledgebase and antipsychotics-gene interaction terms in the drug-gene interaction database (DGIdb). More importantly, nine susceptibility genes were the target genes of multiple approved antipsychotics in DrugBank. Comparing the susceptibility genes identified by the above three strategies implied that strategy based on isoform-level eQTL could be an important supplement for the other two strategies and help predict more candidate susceptibility isoforms and genes for complex diseases in a multi-tissue context.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.08.447608</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MCGA: a multi-strategy conditional gene-based association framework integrating with isoform-level expression profiles reveals new susceptible and druggable candidate genes of schizophrenia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.08.447634v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The benefits of herbivory outweigh the costs of bioerosion in a eutrophic coral community 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.08.447634v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Herbivores play an integral part in maintaining the health of coral reefs by suppressing the growth of algae and accumulation of sediment and facilitating coral growth. However, in predator-depleted systems where densities of herbivores are unnaturally high, grazing can have detrimental effects on corals through excessive bioerosion. Yet, these benefits and costs are rarely investigated concurrently, especially in eutrophic systems where grazers may play a disproportionate role. We used a year-long exclusion experiment to elucidate the effect of natural densities of the dominant herbivore (the sea urchin Diadema setosum) on coral communities in a heavily fished and eutrophic system (Hong Kong, China). To assess benthic community response to grazing, we monitored the survival and growth of three locally abundant coral species (Pavona decussata, Platygyra carnosus and Porites sp.), algal and sediment accumulation, and bioerosion of coral skeletons across seasons. We found that urchins maintained our experimental coral assemblages, and when excluded, there was a 25 to 75-fold increase in algal-sediment matrix accumulation. Contrary to predictions, there was no general response of corals to urchin presence; Porites sp. survivorship increased while P. decussata was unaffected, and growth rates of both species was unchanged. Surprisingly, P. carnosus experienced higher mortality and bioerosion of up to 33% of their buoyant weight when urchins were present. Therefore, under natural densities, sea urchins clear substrate of algae and sediment, increase survival, maintain growth rates and health of coral assemblages, yet can accelerate the bioerosion of species with porous skeletons following mortality.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dytnerski, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marshall, K. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell, B. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.08.447634</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The benefits of herbivory outweigh the costs of bioerosion in a eutrophic coral community]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.15.448515v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
HKG: An open genetic variant database of 205 Hong Kong Cantonese exomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.15.448515v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
HKG is the first fully accessible variant database for Hong Kong Cantonese, constructed from 205 novel whole-exome sequencing data. There has long been a research gap in the understanding of the genetic architecture of southern Chinese subgroups, including Hong Kong Cantonese. HKG detected 196,325 high-quality variants with 5.93% being novel, and 25,472 variants were found to be unique in HKG compared to other Chinese populations (CHN). PCA illustrates the uniqueness of HKG in CHN, and IBD analysis revealed that it is related mostly to southern Chinese with a similar effective population size. An admixture study estimated the ancestral composition of HKG and CHN, with a gradient change from north to south, consistent with their geological distribution. ClinVar, CIViC and PharmGKB annotated 599 clinically significant variants and 360 putative loss-of-function variants, substantiating our understanding of population characteristics for future medical development. Among the novel variants, 96.57% were singleton and 6.85% were of high impact. With a good representation of Hong Kong Cantonese, we demonstrated better variant imputation using reference with the addition of HKG data, thus successfully filling the data gap in southern Chinese to facilitate the regional and global development of population genetics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, H. C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, T. M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, M. T.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, W. M.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, I. F.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.15.448515</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[HKG: An open genetic variant database of 205 Hong Kong Cantonese exomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.24.449858v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Diversity of Treponema denticola and other oral treponeme lineages in subjects with periodontitis and gingivitis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.24.449858v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
More than 75 species/species-level phylotypes of taxa belonging to the genus Treponema inhabit the human oral cavity. Treponema denticola is commonly associated with periodontal disease, but the etiological roles and ecological distributions of other oral treponemes remain more obscure. Here, we compared the clinical distributions of phylogroup 1 and 2 oral treponemes in subgingival plaque sampled from Chinese subjects with periodontitis (n=10) and gingivitis (n=8), via the sequence analysis of the highly-conserved pyrH  housekeeping gene. Two PCR primer sets that respectively targeted oral phylogroup 1 and 2 treponeme pyrH genes were used to construct plasmid clone-amplicon libraries for each subject, which were sequenced for bioinformatic analysis. 1,204 quality-filtered, full-length pyrH gene sequences were obtained from the cohort (median: 61.5; range: 59-83 of cloned pyrH sequences per subject), which were assigned to 34  pyrH genotypes (pyrH001-pyrH034; 97% sequence-identity cut-off). 18 pyrH genotypes (536 pyrH sequences) corresponded to phylogroup 1 treponeme taxa (including Treponema vincentii, Treponema medium). 16 pyrH genotypes (668 pyrH sequences) corresponded to T. denticola and other phylogroup 2 treponemes. Periodontitis subjects contained a greater diversity of phylogroup 2 pyrH genotypes, compared to gingivitis subjects (Mann-Whitney U-test). One T. denticola pyrH genotype (pyrH001) was highly prevalent: detected in 10/10 periodontitis and 6/8 gingivitis subjects. Several subjects harboured multiple T. denticola pyrH genotypes. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and PERMANOVA tests revealed no significant differences in overall pyrH genotype compositions between periodontitis and gingivitis subjects. In conclusion, our results clearly show that subjects with periodontitis and gingivitis commonly harbour highly-diverse oral treponeme communities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zeng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watt, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.24.449858</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Diversity of Treponema denticola and other oral treponeme lineages in subjects with periodontitis and gingivitis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.27.449895v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MicroRNA-202 prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during mouse spermatogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.27.449895v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during spermatogenesis are tightly regulated by a number of genes including those coding enzymes for miRNA biogenesis. However, whether and how single miRNAs regulate these processes remain unclear. Here, we report that miR-202, a member of the let-7 family, prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation in spermatogenesis by regulating the timely expression of many genes including those for other key regulators. In miR-202 knockout (KO) mice, the undifferentiated spermatogonial pool is reduced, ultimately causing agametic seminiferous tubules. SYCP3, STRA8 and DMRT6 are expressed earlier in KO mice than in wild-type (WT) littermates, and Dmrt6 mRNA is a direct target of miR-202-5p. Moreover, the precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation were also observed in KO spermatogonial stem cells when cultured and induced in vitro, and could be rescued by the knockdown of Dmrt6. Therefore, we have not only shown that miR-202 is a novel regulator of meiotic initiation but also added a new module to the underlying regulatory network.

Summary statementA single miRNA, miR-202, prevents precocious differentiation and meiotic initiation during spermatogenesis. miR-202, DMRT6 and STRA8 act together as a novel module in the regulatory network of meiotic initiation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hossen, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.27.449895</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MicroRNA-202 prevents precocious spermatogonial differentiation and meiotic initiation during mouse spermatogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453773v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Untangling Microbiota Diversity and Assembly Patterns in the World's Largest Water Diversion Canal 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453773v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Large water diversion projects are important constructions for reallocation of human-essential water resources. Deciphering microbiota dynamics and assembly mechanisms underlying canal water ecosystem services especially during long-distance diversion is the prerequisite for water quality monitoring, biohazard warning and sustainable management. Using a 1432-km canal of the South-to-North Water Diversion Projects as a model system, we answer three central questions: how bacterial and micro-eukaryotic communities spatio-temporally develop, how much ecological stochasticity contributes to microbiota assembly, and which immigrating populations better survive and navigate across the canal. We applied quantitative ribosomal RNA gene sequence analyses to investigate canal water microbial communities sampled over a year, as well as null model- and neutral model-based approaches to disentangle the microbiota assembly processes. Our results showed clear microbiota dynamics in community composition driven by seasonality more than geographic location, and seasonally dependent influence of environmental parameters. Overall, bacterial community was largely shaped by deterministic processes, whereas stochasticity dominated micro-eukaryotic community assembly. We defined a local growth factor (LGF) and demonstrated its innovative use to quantitatively infer microbial proliferation, unraveling taxonomically dependent population response to local environmental selection across canal sections. Using LGF as a quantitative indicator of immigrating capacities, we also found that most micro-eukaryotic populations (82%) from the source lake water sustained growth in the canal and better acclimated to the hydrodynamical water environment than bacteria (67%). Taxa inferred to largely propagate include Limnohabitans sp. and Cryptophyceae, potentially contributing to water auto-purification. Combined, our work poses first and unique insights into the microbiota assembly patterns and dynamics in the worlds largest water diversion canal, providing important ecological knowledge for long-term sustainable water quality maintenance in such a giant engineered system.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ju, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.26.453773</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Untangling Microbiota Diversity and Assembly Patterns in the World's Largest Water Diversion Canal]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453782v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Correlational networking guides the discovery of cryptic proteases for lanthipeptide maturation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453782v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacterial natural product biosynthetic genes, canonically clustered, have been increasingly found to rely on cryptic enzymes encoded elsewhere in the genome for completion of biosynthesis. The study and application of lanthipeptides are frequently hindered by cryptic proteases required for final maturation. Here, we establish a global correlation network bridging the gap between lanthipeptide precursors and cryptic proteases. Applying our analysis to 161,954 bacterial genomes, we establish 5,209 correlations between precursors and cryptic proteases, with 91 prioritized. We use network predictions and co-expression analysis to reveal a previously missing protease for the maturation of class I lanthipeptide paenilan. We further discover widely distributed bacterial M16B metallopeptidases of previously unclear biological function as a new family of lanthipeptide proteases. We show the involvement of a pair of bifunctional M16B proteases in the production of novel class III lanthipeptides with high substrate specificity. Together, these results demonstrate the strength of our correlational networking approach to the discovery of cryptic lanthipeptide proteases and potentially other missing enzymes for natural products biosynthesis.

Graphical abstract O_FIG_DISPLAY_L [Figure 1] M_FIG_DISPLAY C_FIG_DISPLAY
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xue, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Older, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walla, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagarkatti, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagarkatti, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.26.453782</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Correlational networking guides the discovery of cryptic proteases for lanthipeptide maturation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453822v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The generation of a Bcl11a lineage tracing mouse model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453822v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The transcription factor B-cell lymphoma/leukaemia 11A (BCL11A) has essential functions in physiological processes as well as haematological and solid malignancies, however, its contribution to tissue development and tumour progression is poorly understood. Here we show the generation of a Bcl11a lineage tracing mouse model to allow for in vivo tracking of Bcl11a-expressing cells and their progeny. We validate the model in the mammary gland by using flow cytometry and whole-tissue 3D imaging to locate labelled cells after induction of tracing in early development. We show that Bcl11a is predominantly expressed in long-lived luminal progenitors which populate mammary alveoli upon pregnancy, confirming bona fide labelling of Bcl11a cells. The Bcl11a lineage tracing mouse model therefore provides a powerful resource to study Bcl11a cells in development, homeostasis, and cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pensa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khaled, W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.26.453822</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The generation of a Bcl11a lineage tracing mouse model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.10.455823v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ACE2 Pathway Regulates Thermogenesis and Energy Metabolism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.10.455823v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identification of key regulators of energy homeostasis holds important therapeutic promise for metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. ACE2 cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) to generate Ang-(1-7) which acts mainly through the Mas receptor. Here, we identify ACE2 pathway as a critical regulator in the maintenance of thermogenesis and energy expenditure. We found that ACE2 is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and that cold stimulation increases ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) levels in BAT and serum. ACE2 knockout mice (ACE2-/y), Mas knockout mice (Mas-/-), and the mice transplanted with brown adipose tissue from Mas-/- mice displayed impaired thermogenesis. In contrast, impaired thermogenesis of db/db obese diabetic mice and high-fat diet-induced obese mice were ameliorated by overexpression of ACE2 or continuous infusion of Ang-(1-7). Activation of ACE2 pathway was associated with improvement of metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, lipids and energy expenditure in multiple animal models. Consistently, ACE2 pathway remarkably enhanced the browning of white adipose tissue. Mechanistically, we showed that ACE2 pathway activated Akt/FoxO1 and PKA pathway, leading to induction of UCP1 and activation of mitochondrial function. Our data propose that adaptive thermogenesis requires regulation of ACE2 pathway and highlight novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rotimi, C. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.10.455823</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ACE2 Pathway Regulates Thermogenesis and Energy Metabolism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.11.455941v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modeling the SARS-CoV-2 mutation based on geographical regions and time 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.11.455941v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic was first detected in late-December 2019. So far, it has caused 203,815,431 confirmed cases and 4,310,623 deaths in the world. We collected sequences from 150,659 COVID-19 patients. Based on the previous phylogenomic analysis, we found three major branches of the virus RNA genomic mutation located in Asia, America, and Europe which is consistent with other studies. We selected sites with high mutation frequencies from Asia, America, and Europe. There are only 13 common mutation sites in these three regions. It infers that the viral mutations are highly dependent on their location and different locations have specific mutations. Most mutations can lead to amino acid substitutions, which occurred in 3/5UTR, S/N/M protein, and ORF1ab/3a/8/10. Thus, the mutations may affect the pathogenesis of the virus. In addition, we applied an ARIMA model to predict the short-term frequency change of these top mutation sites during the spread of the disease. We tested a variety of settings of the ARIMA model to optimize the prediction effect of three patterns. This model can provide good help for predicting short-term mutation frequency changes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wei, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.11.455941</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modeling the SARS-CoV-2 mutation based on geographical regions and time]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.18.456880v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integration of RT-LAMP and Microfluidic Technology for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater as an Advanced Point-of-care Platform 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.18.456880v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Development of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system based on integration of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and microfluidic technology is expected to speed up SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics allowing early intervention. In the current work, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and RT-LAMP assays were performed on extracted RNA of 7 wastewater samples from COVID-19 hotspots. RT{square}LAMP assay was also performed on wastewater samples without RNA extraction. Current detection of SARS-CoV-2 is mainly by RT-qPCR of ORF (ORF1ab) and N genes so we targeted both to find the best surrogate marker for SARS-CoV-2 detection. We also performed RT-LAMP with/without RNA extraction inside microfluidic device to target both genes. Positivity rates of RT-qPCR and RT-LAMP performed on extracted RNA were 100.0% (7/7) and 85.7% (6/7), respectively. RT-qPCR results revealed that all 7 wastewater samples were positive for N gene (Ct range 37-39), and negative for ORF1ab, suggesting that N gene could be used as a surrogate marker for detection of SARS-CoV-2. RT-LAMP of N and ORF (ORF1a) genes performed on wastewater samples without RNA extraction indicated that all 7 samples remains pink (negative). The color remains pink in all microchannels except microchannels which subjected to RT-LAMP for targeting N region after RNA extraction (yellow color) in 6 out of 7 samples. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 was successfully detected from wastewater samples using RT-LAMP in microfluidic chips.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Donia, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shahid, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahmad, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Javed, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nawaz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yaqub, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bokhari, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.18.456880</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integration of RT-LAMP and Microfluidic Technology for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater as an Advanced Point-of-care Platform]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.20.457085v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Covalent inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78 disconnects the transduction of ER stress signals to inflammation and lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.20.457085v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation and metabolic dysfunctions may halt the pathogenesis of obesity and thereby reduce the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disesases and cancers. The present study was designed to elucidate the mechnaisms by which plant-derived celastrol ameliorated inflammation and lipid accumulation in obesity. The mouse model of diet-induced obesity was induced by feeding high-fat diet for 3 months and subsequently intervented with celastrol for 21 days. Hepatic and adipose tissues were analysed for lipid accumulation, macrophage activation and biomarker expression. As result, celastrol effectively reduced body weight, suppressed ER stress, inflammation and lipogenesis while promoted hepatic lipolysis. RNA-sequencing revealed that celastrol-loaded nanomicelles restored the expression of 49 genes that regulate ER stress, inflammation and lipid metabolism. On the other hand, celastrol-PEG4-alkyne was synthesized for identifying celastrol-bound proteins in RAW264.7 macrophages. ER chaperone GRP78 was identified by proteomics approach for celastrol binding to the residue Cys41. Upon binding and conjugation, celastrol diminished the chaperone activity of GRP78 by 130-fold and reduced ER stress in palmitate-challenged cells, while celastrol analogue lacking quinone methide failed to exhibit anti-obesity effects. Thus, covalent GRP78 inhibition may induce the reprograming of ER signaling, inflammation and metabolism against diet-induced obesity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngo, F. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.20.457085</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Covalent inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78 disconnects the transduction of ER stress signals to inflammation and lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.25.457587v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Diterpenoid Vinigrol activates ATF4/DDIT3-mediated PERK/eIF2 arm of unfolded protein response to drive breast cancer cell death 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.25.457587v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vinigrol is a natural diterpenoid with unprecedented chemical structure, driving great efforts into its total synthesis and the chemical analogs in the past decades. Despite its pharmacological efficacies reported on anti-hypertension and anti-clot, comprehensive functional investigations on Vinigrol and the underlying molecular mechanisms are entirely missing. In this study, we carried out a complete functional prediction of Vinigrol using a transcriptome-based strategy, Connectivity Map, and identified "anti-cancer" as the most prominent biofunction ahead of anti-hypertension and anti-depression/psychosis. A broad cytotoxicity was subsequently confirmed on multiple cancer types. Further mechanistic investigation on MCF7 cells revealed that its anti-cancer effect is mainly through activating PERK/eIF2 arm of unfolded protein response (UPR) and subsequent upregulation of p53/p21 to halt the cell cycle. The other two branches of UPR, IRE1 and ATF6, are functionally irrelevant to Vinigrol-induced cell death. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene activation, repression, and knockout systems identified essential contribution of ATF4/DDIT3 not ATF6 to the death process. This study unraveled a broad anti-cancer function of Vinigrol and its underlying targets and regulatory mechanisms, and also paved the way for further inspection on the structure-efficacy relationship of the whole compound family, making them a novel cluster of chemical hits for cancer therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wei, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>wang, h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.25.457587</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Diterpenoid Vinigrol activates ATF4/DDIT3-mediated PERK/eIF2 arm of unfolded protein response to drive breast cancer cell death]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.10.459580v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Stem cell-derived macrophages as a new platform for studying host-pathogen interactions in livestock 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.10.459580v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Infectious diseases of farmed and wild animals pose a recurrent threat to food security and human health. The macrophage, a key component of the innate immune system, is the first line of defence against many infectious agents and plays a major role in shaping the adaptive immune response. However, this phagocyte is a target and host for many pathogens. Understanding the molecular basis of interactions between macrophages and pathogens is therefore crucial for the development of effective strategies to combat important infectious diseases. We explored how pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can provide a limitless in vitro supply of genetically and experimentally tractable macrophages from livestock. Porcine and bovine PSC-derived macrophages (PSCdMs) exhibited molecular and functional characteristics of ex vivo primary macrophages. Pig PSCdMs were productively infected by Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), two of the most economically important and devastating viruses in pig farming. Moreover, Pig PSCdMs were readily amenable to genetic modification by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing applied in parental stem cells, or directly by lentiviral vector transduction. PSCs and differentiated derivatives therefore provide a useful and ethical experimental platform to investigate the genetic and molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions in livestock.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Meek, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watson, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eory, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McFarlane, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wynne, F. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCleary, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dunn, L. E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Charlton, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Craig, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shih, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Regan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taylor, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sutherland, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gossner, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chintoan-Uta, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fletcher, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beard, P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hassan, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grey, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hope, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stevens, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nowak-imialek, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niemann, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ROSS, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tait-Burkard, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brown, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lefevre, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thompson, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McColl, B. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lawrence, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Archibald, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steinbach, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crooke, H. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burdon, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.10.459580</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Stem cell-derived macrophages as a new platform for studying host-pathogen interactions in livestock]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.13.460031v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Predictors of human-infective RNA virus discovery in the United States, China and Africa, an ecological study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.13.460031v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe variation in the pathogen type as well as the spatial heterogeneity of predictors make the generality of any associations with pathogen discovery debatable. Our previous work confirmed that the association of a group of predictors differed across different types of RNA viruses, yet there have been no previous comparisons of the specific predictors for RNA virus discovery in different regions. The aim of the current study was to close the gap by investigating whether predictors of discovery rates within three regions--the United States, China and Africa--differ from one another and from those at the global level.

MethodsBased on a comprehensive list of human-infective RNA viruses, we collated published data on first discovery of each species in each region. We used a Poisson boosted regression tree (BRT) model to examine the relationship between virus discovery and 33 predictors representing climate, socio-economics, land use, and biodiversity across each region separately. The discovery probability in three regions in 2010-2019 was mapped using the fitted models and historical predictors.

ResultsThe numbers of human-infective virus species discovered in the United States, China and Africa up to 2019 were 95, 80 and 107 respectively, with China lagging behind the other two regions. In each region, discoveries were clustered in hotspots. BRT modelling suggested that in all three regions RNA virus discovery was best predicted by land use and socio- economic variables, followed by climatic variables and biodiversity, though the relative importance of these predictors varied by region. Map of virus discovery probability in 2010- 2019 indicated several new hotspots outside historical high-risk areas. Most new virus species since 2010 in each region (6/6 in the United States, 19/19 in China, 12/19 in Africa) were discovered in high risk areas as predicted by our model.

ConclusionsThe drivers of spatiotemporal variation in virus discovery rates vary in different regions of the world. Within regions virus discovery is driven mainly by land-use and socio- economic variables; climate and biodiversity variables are consistently less important predictors than at a global scale. Potential new discovery hotspots in 2010-2019 are identified. Results from the study could guide active surveillance for new human-infective viruses in local high risk areas.

FundingDarwin Trust of Edinburgh; European Union.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chase-Topping, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, C.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woolhouse, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.13.460031</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Predictors of human-infective RNA virus discovery in the United States, China and Africa, an ecological study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.27.462085v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Functional and Highly Crosslinkable HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins Enriched in a Pretriggered Conformation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.27.462085v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Binding to the receptor, CD4, drives the pretriggered, "closed" (State-1) conformation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer into more "open" conformations (States 2 and 3). Broadly neutralizing antibodies, which are elicited inefficiently, mostly recognize the State-1 Env conformation, whereas the more commonly elicited poorly neutralizing antibodies recognize States 2/3. HIV-1 Env metastability has created challenges for defining the State-1 structure and developing immunogens mimicking this labile conformation. The availability of functional State-1 Envs that can be efficiently crosslinked at lysine and/or acidic amino acid residues might assist these endeavors. To that end, we modified HIV-1AD8 Env, which exhibits an intermediate level of triggerability by CD4. We introduced lysine/acidic residues at positions that exhibit such polymorphisms in natural HIV-1 strains. Env changes that were tolerated with respect to gp120-gp41 processing, subunit association and virus entry were further combined. Two common polymorphisms, Q114E and Q567K, as well as a known variant, A582T, additively rendered pseudoviruses resistant to cold, soluble CD4 and a CD4-mimetic compound, phenotypes indicative of stabilization of the pretriggered State-1 Env conformation. Combining these changes resulted in two lysine-rich HIV-1AD8 Env variants (E.2 and AE.2) with neutralization- and cold-resistant phenotypes comparable to those of natural, less triggerable Tier 2/3 HIV-1 isolates. Compared with these and the parental Envs, the E.2 and AE.2 Envs were cleaved more efficiently and exhibited stronger gp120-trimer association in detergent lysates. These highly crosslinkable Envs enriched in a pretriggered conformation should assist characterization of the structure and immunogenicity of this labile state.

IMPORTANCEThe development of an efficient vaccine is critical for combating HIV-1 infection worldwide. However, the instability of the pretriggered shape (State 1) of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) makes it difficult to raise neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1. Here, by introducing multiple changes in Env, we derived two HIV-1 Env variants that are enriched in State 1 and can be efficiently crosslinked to maintain this shape. These Env complexes are more stable in detergent, assisting their purification. Thus, our study provides a path to a better characterization of the native pretriggered Env, which should assist vaccine development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qualizza, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deshpande, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kappes, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sodroski, J. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.27.462085</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Functional and Highly Crosslinkable HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins Enriched in a Pretriggered Conformation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.30.462145v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Why can we detect lianas from space? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.30.462145v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Lianas, woody vines acting as structural parasites of trees, have profound effects on the composition and structure of tropical forests, impacting tree growth, mortality, and forest succession. Remote sensing offers a powerful tool for quantifying the scale of liana infestation, provided the availability of robust detection methods. We analyze the consistency and global specificity of spectral signals from liana-infested tree crowns and forest stands, examining the underlying mechanisms. We compiled a database, including leaf reflectance spectra from 5424 leaves, fine-scale airborne reflectance data from 999 liana-infested canopies, and coarse-scale satellite reflectance data covering hectares of liana-infested forest stands. To unravel the mechanisms of the liana spectral signal, we applied mechanistic radiative transfer models across scales, corroborated by field data on liana leaf chemistry and canopy structure. We find a consistent liana spectral signature at canopy and stand scales across sites. This signature mainly arises at the canopy level due to direct effects of leaf angles, resulting in a larger apparent leaf area, and indirect effects from increased light scattering in the NIR and SWIR regions, linked to lianas less costly leaf construction compared to trees. The existence of a consistent global spectral signal for lianas suggests that large-scale quantification of liana infestation is feasible. However, because the traits identified are not exclusive to lianas, accurate large-scale detection requires rigorously validated remote sensing methods. Our models highlight challenges in automated detection, such as potential misidentification due to leaf phenology, tree life-history, topography, and climate, especially where the scale of liana infestation is less than a single remote sensing pixel. The observed cross-site patterns also prompt ecological questions about lianas adaptive similarities across environments, indicating possible convergent evolution due to shared constraints on leaf biochemical and structural traits.

Open data statementOf the 17 datasets used, 10 are published and publicly accessible, with links provided in this submission (Appendix S1: Section S1). Upon acceptance, remaining seven datasets will be provided via Smithsonians Dspace. The open-source model code is available as R-package ccrtm (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/ccrtm/index.html) and on github (https://github.com/MarcoDVisser/ccrtm). Code will be archived in Zenodo should the manuscript be accepted for publication
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Visser, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Detto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meunier, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bongalov, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coomes, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nunes, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guzman Q., J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanchez-Azofeifa, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Foster, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Broadbent, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Verbeeck, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marvin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chandler, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Heijden, G. M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boyd, D. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Foody, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cutler, M. E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Serbin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnitzer, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodriguez-Ronderos, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pacala, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.30.462145</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Why can we detect lianas from space?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.463167v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Salicylaldehyde ester-mediated protein semi-synthesis enables studies on the tetra-acetylation of HMGB1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.463167v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1) protein is a nonhistone chromatin-associated protein that has been widely reported to be a representative damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and to play a pivotal role in proinflammatory process once it is in an extracellular location. Accumulating evidence has shown HMGB1 undergoes extensive PTMs that remarkably regulated its conformation, localization, and intermolecular interaction. However, the PTMrelated study has been dramatically hindered by the difficulty to access to homogenous proteins with site-specific PTMs of interest. Here, we introduce a protein semi-synthesis strategy via salicylaldehyde ester-mediated chemical ligations (Ser/Thr ligation and Cys/Pen ligation, STL/CPL). This methodology has enabled us to generate N-terminal acetylated HMGB1 proteins in high purity. Further studies revealed that the acetylation on N-terminus regulates its interaction with heparin and modulates its stability, representing a regulatory switch to control the HMGB1s activity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wei, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.05.463167</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Salicylaldehyde ester-mediated protein semi-synthesis enables studies on the tetra-acetylation of HMGB1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.463282v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 hijacks neutralizing dimeric IgA for enhanced nasal infection and injury 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.463282v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Robust severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in nasal turbinate (NT) accounts for high viral transmissibility, yet whether neutralizing IgA antibodies can control it remains unknown. Here, we evaluated receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific monomeric B8-mIgA1 and B8-mIgA2, and dimeric B8-dIgA1 and B8-dIgA2 against intranasal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in Syrian hamsters. These antibodies exhibited comparably potent neutralization against authentic virus by competing with human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor for RBD binding. While reducing viruses in lungs, pre-exposure intranasal B8-dIgA1 or B8-dIgA2 led to 81-fold more infectious viruses and severer damage in NT than placebo. Virus-bound B8-dIgA1 and B8-dIgA2 could engage CD209 as an alternative receptor for entry into ACE2-negative cells and allowed viral cell-to-cell transmission. Cryo-EM revealed B8 as a class II neutralizing antibody binding trimeric RBDs in 3-up or 2-up/1-down conformation. Therefore, RBD-specific neutralizing dIgA engages an unexpected action for enhanced SARS-CoV-2 nasal infection and injury in Syrian hamsters.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robinot, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, H. Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, V. K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chik, K. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Man, H.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, M.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chakrabarti, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.05.463282</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 hijacks neutralizing dimeric IgA for enhanced nasal infection and injury]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.06.463323v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Developmental cell death of cortical projection neurons is controlled by a Bcl11a/Bcl6-dependent pathway 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.06.463323v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Developmental neuron death plays a pivotal role in refining organization and wiring during neocortex formation. Aberrant regulation of this process results in neurodevelopmental disorders including impaired learning and memory. Underlying molecular pathways are incompletely determined. Loss of Bcl11a in cortical projection neurons induces pronounced cell death in upper-layer cortical projection neurons during postnatal corticogenesis. We used this genetic model to explore genetic mechanisms by which developmental neuron death is controlled. Unexpectedly, we found Bcl6, previously shown to be involved in transition of cortical neurons from progenitor to postmitotic differentiation state to provide a major check point regulating neuron survival during late cortical development. We show that Bcl11a is a direct transcriptional regulator of Bcl6. Deletion of Bcl6 exerts death of cortical projection neurons. In turn, reintroduction of Bcl6 into Bcl11a mutants prevents induction of cell death in these neurons. Together, our data identify a novel Bcl11a/Bcl6-dependent molecular pathway in regulation of developmental cell death during corticogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wiegreffe, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wahl, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Natalie, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonnefont, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vanderhaeghen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Britsch, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.06.463323</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Developmental cell death of cortical projection neurons is controlled by a Bcl11a/Bcl6-dependent pathway]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.08.463665v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces inflammatory bone loss in golden Syrian hamsters 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.08.463665v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extrapulmonary complications of different organ systems have been increasingly recognized in patients with severe or chronic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, limited information on the skeletal complications of COVID-19 is known, even though inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract have been known to perturb bone metabolism and cause pathological bone loss. In this study, we characterized the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on bone metabolism in an established golden Syrian hamster model for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 causes significant multifocal loss of bone trabeculae in the long bones and lumbar vertebrae of all infected hamsters. The bone loss progressively worsens from the acute phase to the post-recovery phase. Mechanistically, the bone loss was associated with SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine dysregulation which upregulates osteoclastic differentiation of monocyte-macrophage lineage. The pro-inflammatory cytokines further trigger a second wave of cytokine storm in the skeletal tissues to augment their pro-osteoclastogenesis effect. Our findings in this established hamster model suggest that pathological bone loss may be a neglected complication which warrants more extensive investigations during the long-term follow-up of COVID-19 patients. The benefits of potential prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against pathological bone loss should be further evaluated.



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=188 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/463665v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (81K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ada9b8org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1617fcaorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@cdcd3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@75a0ab_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG Graphical abstractSARS-CoV-2 infection causes pathological bone loss in golden Syrian hamsters through induction of cytokine storm and inflammation-induced osteoclastogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, V. K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, T. T. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chik, K. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, J. O. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, K. M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, K. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.08.463665</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 infection induces inflammatory bone loss in golden Syrian hamsters]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.13.464307v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants, SARS-CoV, and other sarbecoviruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.13.464307v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The repeated emergence of highly pathogenic human coronaviruses as well as their evolving variants highlight the need to develop potent and broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. By screening monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from COVID-19-convalescent patients, we found one mAb, 2-36, with cross-neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV. We solved the cryo-EM structure of 2-36 in complex with SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV spike, revealing a highly conserved epitope in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Antibody 2-36 neutralized not only all current circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants and SARS-COV, but also a panel of bat and pangolin sarbecoviruses that can use human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor. We selected 2-36-escape viruses in vitro and confirmed that K378T in SARS-CoV-2 RBD led to viral resistance. Taken together, 2-36 represents a strategic reserve drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of possible diseases caused by pre-emergent SARS-related coronaviruses. Its epitope defines a promising target for the development of a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Casner, R. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cerutti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iketani, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shapiro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.13.464307</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants, SARS-CoV, and other sarbecoviruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.17.464746v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neural dynamics of retrieval suppression in abolishing item-specific cortical pattern of unwanted emotional memories 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.17.464746v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
When reminded of an unpleasant experience, people often try to exclude the unwanted memory from awareness, a process known as retrieval suppression. Despite the importance of this form of mental control to mental health, the ability to track, in real time, individual memories as they are suppressed remains elusive. Here we used multivariate decoding on EEG data to track how suppression unfolds in time and to reveal its impact on cortical patterns related to individual memories. We presented reminders to aversive scenes and asked people to either suppress or to retrieve the scene. During suppression, mid-frontal theta power within the first 500 ms distinguished suppression from passive viewing of the reminder, indicating that suppression rapidly recruited control. During retrieval, we could discern EEG cortical patterns relating to individual memories-initially, based on theta-driven, visual perception of the reminders (0-500 ms) and later, based on alpha-driven, reinstatement of the aversive scene (500-3000 ms). Critically, suppressing retrieval weakened (during 420-600 ms) and eventually abolished item-specific cortical patterns, a robust effect that persisted until the reminder disappeared (1200-3000 ms). Actively suppressing item-specific cortical patterns, both during an early (300-680 ms) window and during sustained control, predicted later episodic forgetting. Thus, both rapid and sustained control contribute to abolishing cortical patterns of individual memories, limiting awareness, and precipitating later forgetting. These findings reveal how suppression of individual memories from awareness unfolds in time, presenting a precise chronometry of this process.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anderson, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.17.464746</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neural dynamics of retrieval suppression in abolishing item-specific cortical pattern of unwanted emotional memories]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.21.465252v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nasal prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection by intranasal influenza-based boost vaccination 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.21.465252v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundVaccines in emergency use are efficacious against COVID-19, yet vaccine-induced prevention against nasal SARS-CoV-2 infection remains suboptimal.

MethodsSince mucosal immunity is critical for nasal prevention, we investigated an intramuscular PD1-based receptor-binding domain (RBD) DNA vaccine (PD1-RBD-DNA) and intranasal live attenuated influenza-based vaccines (LAIV-CA4-RBD and LAIV-HK68-RBD) against SARS-CoV-2.

FindingsSubstantially higher systemic and mucosal immune responses, including bronchoalveolar lavage IgA/IgG and lung polyfunctional memory CD8 T cells, were induced by the heterologous PD1-RBD-DNA/LAIV-HK68-RBD as compared with other regimens. When vaccinated animals were challenged at the memory phase, prevention of robust SARS-CoV-2 infection in nasal turbinate was achieved primarily by the heterologous regimen besides consistent protection in lungs. The regimen-induced antibodies cross-neutralized variants of concerns. Furthermore, LAIV-CA4-RBD could boost the BioNTech vaccine for improved mucosal immunity.

InterpretationOur results demonstrated that intranasal influenza-based boost vaccination is required for inducing mucosal and systemic immunity for effective SARS-CoV-2 prevention in both upper and lower respiratory systems.

FundingThis study was supported by the Research Grants Council Collaborative Research Fund (C7156-20G, C1134-20G and C5110-20G), General Research Fund (17107019) and Health and Medical Research Fund (19181052 and 19181012) in Hong Kong; Outbreak Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (JSGG20200225151410198); the Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission of Hong Kong; and National Program on Key Research Project of China (2020YFC0860600, 2020YFA0707500 and 2020YFA0707504); and donations from the Friends of Hope Education Fund. Z.C.s team was also partly supported by the Theme-Based Research Scheme (T11-706/18-N).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, R. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.21.465252</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nasal prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection by intranasal influenza-based boost vaccination]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.25.465682v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identifying barriers to gene flow and hierarchical conservation units from seascape genomics: a modelling framework applied to a marine predator 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.25.465682v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing decline of large marine vertebrates must be urgently mitigated, particularly under increasing levels of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures. However, characterizing the connectivity among populations remains one of the greatest challenges for the effective conservation of an increasing number of endangered species. Achieving conservation targets requires an understanding of which seascape features influence dispersal and subsequent genetic structure. This is particularly challenging for adult-disperser species, and when distribution-wide sampling is difficult. Here, we developed a two-step modelling framework to investigate how seascape features drive the genetic connectivity of marine species without larval dispersal, to better guide the design of marine protected area networks and corridors. We applied this framework to the endangered grey reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, a reef-associated shark distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific. In the first step, we developed a seascape genomic approach based on isolation-by-resistance models involving circuit theory applied to 515 shark samples, genotyped for 4,491 nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphisms, to explore which parameters drive their population genetic differentiation. We show that deep oceanic areas act as strong barriers to dispersal, while proximity to habitat facilitates dispersal. In the second step, we predicted the resulting genetic differentiation across the entire distribution range of the species, providing both local and global-scale conservation units for future management guidance. We found that grey reef shark populations are more fragmented than expected for such a mobile species, raising concerns about the resilience of isolated populations under high anthropogenic pressures. We recommend the use of this framework to identify barriers to gene flow and to help in the delineation of conservation units at different scales, together with its integration across multiple species when considering marine spatial planning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Boussarie, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momigliano, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robbins, W. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonnin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cornu, J.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fauvelot, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kiszka, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Manel, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mouillot, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vigliola, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.25.465682</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identifying barriers to gene flow and hierarchical conservation units from seascape genomics: a modelling framework applied to a marine predator]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.01.466860v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Global Increases in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Neutralization Sensitivity Due to Alterations in the Membrane-Proximal External Region of the Envelope Glycoprotein Can be Minimized by Distant State 1-Stabilizing Changes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.01.466860v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Binding to the receptor, CD4, drives the pretriggered, "closed" (State-1) conformation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer ((gp120/gp41)3) into more "open" conformations. HIV-1 Env on the viral membrane is maintained in a State-1 conformation that resists binding and neutralization by commonly elicited antibodies. Premature triggering of Env before the virus engages a target cell typically leads to increased susceptibility to spontaneous inactivation or ligand-induced neutralization. Here, we show that single amino acid substitutions in the gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of a primary HIV-1 strain result in viral phenotypes indicative of premature triggering of Env to downstream conformations. Specifically, the MPER changes reduced viral infectivity and globally increased virus sensitivity to poorly neutralizing antibodies, soluble CD4, a CD4-mimetic compound, and exposure to cold. By contrast, the MPER mutants exhibited decreased sensitivity to the State-1 preferring inhibitor, BMS-806, and to the PGT151 broadly neutralizing antibody. Depletion of cholesterol from virus particles did not produce the same State 1-destabilizing phenotypes as MPER alterations. Notably, State 1-stabilizing changes in Env distant from the MPER could minimize the phenotypic effects of MPER alteration, but did not affect virus sensitivity to cholesterol depletion. Thus, membrane-proximal gp41 elements contribute to the maintenance of the pretriggered Env conformation. The conformationally disruptive effects of MPER changes can be minimized by distant State 1-stabilizing Env modifications, a strategy that may be useful in preserving the native pretriggered state of Env.

IMPORTANCEThe pretriggered shape of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) is a major target for antibodies that can neutralize many strains of the virus. An effective HIV-1 vaccine may need to raise these types of antibodies, but this goal has proven difficult. One reason is that the pretriggered shape of Env is unstable and dependent on interactions near the viral membrane. Here we show that the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of Env plays an important role in maintaining Env in a pretriggered shape. Alterations in the MPER resulted in global changes in Env conformation that disrupted its pretriggered shape. We also found that these disruptive effects of MPER changes can be minimized by distant Env modifications that stabilize the pretriggered shape. These modifications may be useful for preserving the native shape of Env for structural and vaccine studies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Esnault, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, T.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sodroski, J. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.01.466860</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Global Increases in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Neutralization Sensitivity Due to Alterations in the Membrane-Proximal External Region of the Envelope Glycoprotein Can be Minimized by Distant State 1-Stabilizing Changes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.03.467145v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A phosphoinositide and RAB switch controls early macropinocytosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.03.467145v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Macropinocytosis is a non-selective endocytic process by which cells take up large amounts of extracellular fluids into giant vesicles known as macropinosomes. This mechanism is used by immune cells to sample the surroundings for antigens and can be exploited by cancer cells for nutrient uptake. What determines the fate of macropinosomes after they have been internalized is largely unknown. Here we investigate the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase VPS34/PIK3C3 and its product phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) in macropinosome fate determination. Inhibition of VPS34 led to a decrease in macropinosome survival and fluid phase uptake as well as preventing recruitment of early endosomal factors, including the small GTPase RAB5 and its effectors, to the forming macropinosomes. Instead, forming macropinosomes under VPS34 inhibition accumulated regulators of endocytic recycling, including RAB8A, RAB10, RAB11A, and PtdIns4P, which led to fusion of macropinosomes with the plasma membrane.

Whereas RAB5 was critical for macropinosome formation, macropinosome fusion with the plasma membrane depended on RAB8A. Thus, macropinosome maturation is regulated by a PtdIns3P-controlled switch that balances macropinosome fate between the default, endolysosomal maturation and an alternative, secretory route.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Spangenberg, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sneeggen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mateo Tortola, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valenzuela-Montenegro, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stenmark, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raiborg, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schink, K. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.03.467145</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A phosphoinositide and RAB switch controls early macropinocytosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.05.467536v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Construction of lux-based promoter-reporter platforms in Mycobacterium bovis BCG for screening of drug repurposing small-molecule compounds as new anti-tuberculosis drugs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.05.467536v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains and hyper-virulent strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are big therapeutic challenges for tuberculosis (TB) control. Repurposing bioactive small-molecule compounds has recently become a new therapeutic approach against TB. This study aimed to construct a rapid screening system to identify novel anti-TB agents from a library of small-molecule compounds.

In this study, a total of 320 small-molecule compounds were used to screen for their ability to suppress the expression of a key virulence gene, phoP, of M. tuberculosis complex using luminescence (lux)-based promoter-reporter platforms. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations on drug-resistant M. tuberculosis and cytotoxicity to human macrophage were determined. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted to determine the drug mechanisms of the selected compounds as novel antibiotics or anti-virulent agents against the M. tuberculosis complex.

Six compounds displayed bactericidal activity against M. bovis BCG, in which Ebselen demonstrated the lowest cytotoxicity to macrophage and was considered as a potential antibiotic for TB. Another ten compounds did not inhibit the in vitro growth of the M. tuberculosis complex but down-regulated the expression of phoP specifically. Of them, ST-193 and ST-193 (hydrochloride) showed low cytotoxicity and could dysregulate the entire phoP-associated gene network, and thus identified as potential anti-virulence agents for M. tuberculosis. This study provides a rapid screening platform coupled with a systematic validation and eventually suggested one potential antibiotic and two anti-virulence agents for M. tuberculosis infections.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. W.-t.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WU, K. K.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>GAO, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, K. K.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajwani, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHABURTE, G. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NG, T. T.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. T. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lao, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yam, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kao, R. Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, G. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.05.467536</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Construction of lux-based promoter-reporter platforms in Mycobacterium bovis BCG for screening of drug repurposing small-molecule compounds as new anti-tuberculosis drugs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.13.468472v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A live attenuated influenza virus-vectored intranasal COVID-19 vaccine provides rapid, prolonged, and broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.13.468472v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Remarkable progress has been made in developing intramuscular vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); however, they are limited with respect to eliciting local immunity in the respiratory tract, which is the primary infection site for SARS-CoV-2. To overcome the limitations of intramuscular vaccines, we constructed a nasal vaccine candidate based on an influenza vector by inserting a gene encoding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, named CA4-dNS1-nCoV-RBD (dNS1-RBD). A preclinical study showed that in hamsters challenged 1 day and 7 days after single-dose vaccination or 6 months after booster vaccination, dNS1-RBD largely mitigated lung pathology, with no loss of body weight, caused by either the prototype-like strain or beta variant of SARS-CoV-2. Lasted data showed that the animals could be well protected against beta variant challenge 9 months after vaccination. Notably, the weight loss and lung pathological changes of hamsters could still be significantly reduced when the hamster was vaccinated 24 h after challenge. Moreover, such cellular immunity is relatively unimpaired for the most concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants. The protective immune mechanism of dNS1-RBD could be attributed to the innate immune response in the nasal epithelium, local RBD-specific T cell response in the lung, and RBD-specific IgA and IgG response. Thus, this study demonstrates that the intranasally delivered dNS1-RBD vaccine candidate may offer an important addition to fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, compensating limitations of current intramuscular vaccines, particularly at the start of an outbreak.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.13.468472</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A live attenuated influenza virus-vectored intranasal COVID-19 vaccine provides rapid, prolonged, and broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.19.469299v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The global spread and invasion capacities of alien ants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.19.469299v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ecological and economic impacts of biological invasions are usually highly conspicuous, but these are the outcome of a global, multistage process that is obscured from view. For most taxa, we lack a large-scale picture of the movements of alien species, the biases and barriers that promote or inhibit their spread at each stage, and blind spots in our ability to detect species during their spread. For instance, countries rely heavily on customs interceptions to prevent new species introductions, but their efficacy for detecting invaders remains unclear. To address these gaps, we synthesize and provide data at unprecedented geographic resolution on the global diversity and distribution of alien ants, a pervasive group strongly impacting humans and ecosystems. From >145,000 records spanning 602 regions, we identify 522 ant species exhibiting human-mediated spread, doubling recent estimates of their diversity. We show that movements of alien ant species across regions globally are non-random and, moreover, that these flows differ by the extents to which species invade--ranging from arrival to indoor establishment, naturalization, and harmful status. Importantly, we find that almost two-thirds of the 309 species that naturalize globally--most of which are ground- and litter-dwelling--are absent from customs interceptions, which record disproportionately high numbers of arboreal species. Our results illustrate the vast, yet uneven extent of ant invasions globally, and suggest that most alien species bypass biosecurity controls while spreading successfully worldwide. This raises doubts on the efficacy of current customs interceptions procedures and highlights a need for radically new approaches.

Significance statementBiological invasions impact humans and ecosystems tremendously. Invasions are difficult to address because little is known about large-scale patterns of spread, species capacities to invade ecosystems, and the efficacy of existing biosecurity measures. This paper tackles these issues for alien ants, one of the most damaging groups of invasive animals. An unprecedented dataset reveals that 522 ant species exhibit human-mediated spread, 270 more than previously known. Species are grouped under four levels of invasion capacity corresponding to different invasion barriers. Geographic sources and sinks for the groups differ globally. Two-thirds of species with naturalization capacity have never been recorded at customs interceptions, which fail to detect many litter-dwelling species. Novel detection and control strategies for inconspicuous alien organisms are needed.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, M. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Economo, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.19.469299</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The global spread and invasion capacities of alien ants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.30.470533v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Australia as a global sink for the genetic diversity of avian influenza A virus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.30.470533v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Most of our understanding of the ecology and evolution of avian influenza A virus (AIV) in wild birds is derived from studies conducted in the northern hemisphere on waterfowl, with a substantial bias towards dabbling ducks. However, relevant environmental conditions and patterns of avian migration and reproduction are substantially different in the southern hemisphere. Through the sequencing and analysis of 333 unique AIV genomes collected from wild birds collected over 15 years we show that Australia is a global sink for AIV diversity and not integrally linked with the Eurasian gene pool. Rather, AIV are infrequently introduced to Australia, followed by decades of isolated circulation and eventual extinction. The number of co-circulating viral lineages varies per subtype. AIV haemagglutinin (HA) subtypes that are rarely identified at duck-centric study sites (H8-12) had more detected introductions and contemporary co-circulating lineages in Australia. Combined with a lack of duck migration beyond the Australian-Papuan region, these findings suggest introductions by long-distance migratory shorebirds. In addition, we found no evidence of directional or consistent patterns in virus movement across the Australian continent. This feature corresponds to patterns of bird movement, whereby waterfowl have nomadic and erratic rainfall-dependant distributions rather than consistent intra-continental migratory routes. Finally, we detected high levels of virus gene segment reassortment, with a high diversity of AIV genome constellations across years and locations. These data, in addition to those from other studies in Africa and South America, clearly show that patterns of AIV dynamics in the Southern Hemisphere are distinct from those in the temperate north.

Author SummaryA result of the ever-growing poultry industry is a dramatic global increase in the incidence of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus outbreaks. In contrast, wild birds are believed to be the main reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza A virus. Due to intensive research and surveillance of AIV in waterfowl in the Northern Hemisphere, we have a better understanding of AIV ecology and evolution in that region compared to the Southern Hemisphere, which are characterised by different patterns of avian migration and ecological conditions. We analysed 333 unique AIV genomes collected from wild birds in Australia to understand how Australia fits into global AIV dynamics and how viruses are maintained and dispersed within the continent of Australia. We show that the Southern Hemisphere experiences differing evolutionary dynamics to those seen in Northern Hemisphere with Australia representing a global sink for AIV.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wille, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grillo, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ban de Gouvea Pedroso, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burgess, G. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crawley, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dickason, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hansbro, P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoque, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horwood, P. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kirkland, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kung, N. Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lynch, S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McArthur, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ORiley, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Read, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Warner, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoye, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lisovski, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hurt, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Butler, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Broz, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davies, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mileto, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neave, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stevens, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Breed, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klaassen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, F. Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.30.470533</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Australia as a global sink for the genetic diversity of avian influenza A virus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.06.471341v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cistrome and transcriptome analysis identifies unique androgen receptor (AR) and AR- V7 splice variant chromatin binding and transcriptional activities 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.06.471341v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) splice variant, AR-V7, plays an important role in resistance to androgen deprivation therapy in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Studies seeking to determine whether AR-V7 is a partial mimic of the AR, or also has unique activities, and whether the AR-V7 cistrome contains unique binding sites have yielded conflicting results. One limitation in many studies has been the low level of AR variant compared to AR. Here, LNCaP and VCaP cell lines in which AR-V7 expression can be induced to match the level of AR, were used to compare the activities of AR and AR-V7. The two AR isoforms shared many targets, but overall had distinct transcriptomes. Optimal induction of novel targets sometimes required more receptor isoform than classical targets such as PSA. The isoforms displayed remarkably different cistromes with numerous differential binding sites. Some of the unique AR-V7 sites were located proximal to the transcription start sites (TSS). A de novo binding motif similar to a half ARE was identified in many AR-V7 preferential sites and, in contrast to conventional half ARE sites that bind AR-V7, FOXA1 was not enriched at these sites. This supports the concept that the AR isoforms have unique actions with the potential to serve as biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Paul, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robertson, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bingman, W. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dash, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krause, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shafi, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Piyarathna, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coarfa, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weigel, N. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.06.471341</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cistrome and transcriptome analysis identifies unique androgen receptor (AR) and AR- V7 splice variant chromatin binding and transcriptional activities]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.11.472236v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Isolation and comparative analysis of antibodies that broadly neutralize sarbecoviruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.11.472236v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The devastation caused by SARS-CoV-2 has made clear the importance of pandemic preparedness. To address future zoonotic outbreaks due to related viruses in the sarbecovirus subgenus, we identified a human monoclonal antibody, 10-40, that neutralized or bound all sarbecoviruses tested in vitro and protected against SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in vivo. Comparative studies with other receptor-binding domain (RBD)-directed antibodies showed 10-40 to have the greatest breadth against sarbecoviruses and thus its promise as an agent for pandemic preparedness. Moreover, structural analyses on 10-40 and similar antibodies not only defined an epitope cluster in the inner face of the RBD that is well conserved among sarbecoviruses, but also uncovered a new antibody class with a common CDRH3 motif. Our analyses also suggested that elicitation of this class of antibodies may not be overly difficult, an observation that bodes well for the development of a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine.

One sentence summaryA monoclonal antibody that neutralizes or binds all sarbecoviruses tested and represents a reproducible antibody class.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iketani, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Casner, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reddem, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cerutti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castagna, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corredor, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cunningham, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chavez, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perlin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsuji, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shapiro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.11.472236</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Isolation and comparative analysis of antibodies that broadly neutralize sarbecoviruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.14.472719v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Striking Antibody Evasion Manifested by the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.14.472719v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) was only recently detected in southern Africa, but its subsequent spread has been extensive, both regionally and globally1. It is expected to become dominant in the coming weeks2, probably due to enhanced transmissibility. A striking feature of this variant is the large number of spike mutations3 that pose a threat to the efficacy of current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccines and antibody therapies4. This concern is amplified by the findings from our study. We found B.1.1.529 to be markedly resistant to neutralization by serum not only from convalescent patients, but also from individuals vaccinated with one of the four widely used COVID-19 vaccines. Even serum from persons vaccinated and boosted with mRNA-based vaccines exhibited substantially diminished neutralizing activity against B.1.1.529. By evaluating a panel of monoclonal antibodies to all known epitope clusters on the spike protein, we noted that the activity of 17 of the 19 antibodies tested were either abolished or impaired, including ones currently authorized or approved for use in patients. In addition, we also identified four new spike mutations (S371L, N440K, G446S, and Q493R) that confer greater antibody resistance to B.1.1.529. The Omicron variant presents a serious threat to many existing COVID-19 vaccines and therapies, compelling the development of new interventions that anticipate the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iketani, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chik, K. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, T. T.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yoon, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sobieszczyk, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.14.472719</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Striking Antibody Evasion Manifested by the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.16.472909v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Declining population sizes and loss of genetic diversity in commercial fishes: a simple method for a first diagnostic 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.16.472909v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Exploited fish species may have or are experiencing declines in population sizes coupled with a decrease in genetic diversity. This can lead to the loss of adaptive potential to face current and future environmental changes. However, little is known about this subject while research on it is urgently needed. Thus, this study aims to answer a simple, even naive question, given the complexity of the subject: Could we use a simple method to obtain information on the loss of genetic diversity in exploited fish species? We investigated the use of the levels of genetic diversity in the widely used genetic marker Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Estimates of genetic diversity in COI were obtained for populations of seven fish species with different commercial importance from the East China Sea. These estimates were contrasted against a large dataset of fish species distributed worldwide (N=1426), a dataset of East-Asian fish species (N=118), two farmed species with expected low genetic diversity, and four long-term managed species from the Mediterranean Sea. We found that estimates of genetic diversity in COI match the expectations from theoretical predictions, known population declines, and fishing pressures. Thus, the answer to our question is affirmative and we conclude that estimates of genetic diversity in COI provide an effective first diagnostic of the conservation status of exploited fish species. This simple and cost-effective tool can help prioritize research, management, and conservation on species with suspected loss of genetic diversity potentially eroding their adaptive potential to global change.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Petit-Marty, N. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Min, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, I. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Terrasa, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guijarro, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ordines, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramirez-Amaro, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Massuti, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.16.472909</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Declining population sizes and loss of genetic diversity in commercial fishes: a simple method for a first diagnostic]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.19.473333v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Gene expression is a poor predictor of the metabolite abundance in cancer cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.19.473333v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer characterized by global changes in metabolite levels. However, compared with the study of gene expression, profiling of metabolites in cancer samples remains relatively understudied. We obtained metabolomic profiling and gene expression data from 454 human solid cancer cell lines across 24 cancer types from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database, to evaluate the feasibility of inferring metabolite levels from gene expression data. For each metabolite, we trained multivariable LASSO regression models to identify gene sets that are most predictive of the level of each metabolite profiled. Even when accounting for cell culture conditions or cell lineage in the model, few metabolites could be accurately predicted. In some cases, the inclusion of the upstream and downstream metabolites improved prediction accuracy, suggesting that gene expression is a poor predictor of steady-state metabolite levels. Our analysis uncovered a single robust relationship between the expression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) and 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA), however, this relationship could only be validated in cancer samples with high purity, as NNMT is not expressed in immune cells. Together, our findings reveal the challenge of inferring metabolite levels from metabolic enzyme levels and suggest that direct metabolomic profiling is necessary to study metabolism in cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barbour, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.19.473333</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Gene expression is a poor predictor of the metabolite abundance in cancer cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.22.473934v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Waning immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinees in Hong Kong 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.22.473934v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundNearly 4 billion doses of the BioNTech-mRNA and Sinovac-inactivated vaccines have been administrated globally, yet different vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) remain incompletely investigated.

MethodsWe compare the immunogenicity and durability of these two vaccines among fully vaccinated Hong Kong people.

FindingsStandard BioNTech and Sinovac vaccinations were tolerated and induced neutralizing antibody (NAb) (100% and 85.7%) and spike-specific CD4 T cell responses (96.7% and 82.1%), respectively. The geometric mean NAb IC50 and median frequencies of reactive CD4 subsets were consistently lower among Sinovac-vaccinees than BioNTech-vaccinees. Against VOCs, NAb response rate and geometric mean IC50 against B1.351 and B.1.617.2 were significantly lower for Sinovac (14.3%, 15 and 50%, 23.2) than BioNTech (79.4%, 107 and 94.1%, 131). Three months after vaccinations, NAbs to VOCs dropped near to detection limit, along with waning memory T cell responses, mainly among Sinovac-vaccinees.

InterpretationOur results indicate that Sinovac-vaccinees may face higher risk to pandemic VOCs breakthrough infection.

FundingThis study was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council Collaborative Research Fund (C7156-20GF to Z.C and C1134-20GF); the National Program on Key Research Project of China (Grant 2020YFC0860600, 2020YFA0707500 and 2020YFA0707504); Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (JSGG20200225151410198 and JCYJ20210324131610027); HKU Development Fund and LKS Faculty of Medicine Matching Fund to AIDS Institute; Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Fund, Innovation and Technology Commission and generous donation from the Friends of Hope Education Fund. Z.C.s team was also partly supported by the Theme-Based Research Scheme (T11-706/18-N).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Peng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Man, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.22.473934</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Waning immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinees in Hong Kong]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.27.474218v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Vaccine-breakthrough infection by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant elicits broadly cross-reactive immune responses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.27.474218v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has posted a new crisis for COVID-19 pandemic control. Within a month, Omicron is dominating over Delta variant in several countries probably due to immune evasion. It remains unclear whether vaccine-induced memory responses can be recalled by Omicron infection. Here, we investigated host immune responses in the first vaccine-breakthrough case of Omicron infection in Hong Kong. We found that the breakthrough infection rapidly recruited potent cross-reactive broad neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against current VOCs, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron, from unmeasurable IC50 values to mean 1:2929 at around 9-12 days, which were higher than the mean peak IC50 values of BioNTech-vaccinees. Cross-reactive spike- and nucleocapsid-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses were detected. Similar results were also obtained in the second vaccine-breakthrough case of Omicron infection. Our preliminary findings may have timely implications to booster vaccine optimization and preventive strategies of pandemic control.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. M.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, B. H.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chuang, V. W.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, O. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.27.474218</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Vaccine-breakthrough infection by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant elicits broadly cross-reactive immune responses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.29.474431v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Symphonizing pileup and full-alignment for deep learning-based long-read variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.29.474431v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deep learning-based variant callers are becoming the standard and have achieved superior SNP calling performance using long reads. In this paper, we present Clair3, which leveraged the best of two major method categories: pile-up calling handles most variant candidates with speed, and full-alignment tackles complicated candidates to maximize precision and recall. Clair3 ran faster than any of the other state-of-the-art variant callers and performed the best, especially at lower coverage.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.29.474431</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Symphonizing pileup and full-alignment for deep learning-based long-read variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.30.474610v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Robust expansion of phylogeny for fast-growing genome sequence data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.30.474610v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Massive sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes has led to a great demand for adding new samples to a reference phylogeny instead of building the tree from scratch. To address such challenge, we proposed an algorithm  TIPars by integrating parsimony analysis with pre-computed ancestral sequences. Compared to four state-of-the-art methods on four benchmark datasets (SARS-CoV-2, Influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus and 16S rRNA genes), TIPars achieved the best performance in most tests. It took only 21 seconds to insert 100 SARS-CoV-2 genomes to a 100k-taxa reference tree using near 1.4 gigabytes of memory. Its efficient and accurate phylogenetic placements and incrementation for phylogenies with highly similar and divergent sequences suggest that it will be useful in a wide range of studies including pathogen molecular epidemiology, microbiome diversity and systematics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ye, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.30.474610</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Robust expansion of phylogeny for fast-growing genome sequence data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.05.475037v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An elite broadly neutralizing antibody protects SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant challenge 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.05.475037v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The strikingly high transmissibility and antibody evasion of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant have posted great challenges on the efficacy of current vaccines and antibody immunotherapy.Here, we screened 34 BNT162b2-vaccinees and cloned a public broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) ZCB11 from an elite vaccinee. ZCB11 neutralized all authentic SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including Omicron and OmicronR346K with potent IC50 concentrations of 36.8 and 11.7 ng/mL, respectively. Functional analysis demonstrated that ZCB11 targeted viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) and competed strongly with ZB8, a known RBD-specific class II NAb. Pseudovirus-based mapping of 57 naturally occurred single mutations or deletions revealed that only S371L resulted in 11-fold neutralization resistance, but this phenotype was not observed in the Omicron variant. Furthermore,prophylactic ZCB11 administration protected lung infection against both the circulating pandemic Delta and Omicron variants in golden Syrian hamsters. These results demonstrated that vaccine-induced ZCB11 is a promising bNAb for immunotherapy against pandemic SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, V. K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, J. O.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Man, H.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.05.475037</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An elite broadly neutralizing antibody protects SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant challenge]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.05.475046v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Relaxed risk of predation drives parallel evolution of stickleback behaviour 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.05.475046v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The occurrence of similar phenotypes in multiple independent populations (viz. parallel evolution) is a testimony of evolution by natural selection. Parallel evolution implies that populations share a common phenotypic response to a common selection pressure associated with habitat similarity. Examples of parallel evolution at the genetic and phenotypic levels are fairly common, but the driving selective agents often remain elusive. Similarly, the role of phenotypic plasticity in facilitating early stages of parallel evolution is unclear. We investigated whether the relaxation of predation pressure associated with the colonization of freshwater ponds by nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) likely explains the divergence in complex behaviours between marine and pond populations, and whether this divergence is parallel. Using laboratory-raised individuals exposed to different levels of perceived predation risk, we calculated vectors of phenotypic divergence for four behavioural traits between habitats and predation risk treatments. We found a significant correlation between the directions of evolutionary divergence and phenotypic plasticity, suggesting that habitat divergence in behaviour is aligned with the response to relaxation of predation pressure. Finally, we show that this alignment is found across multiple pairs of populations, and that the relaxation of predation pressure has likely driven parallel evolution of behaviour in this species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Päiviö, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merilä, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.05.475046</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Relaxed risk of predation drives parallel evolution of stickleback behaviour]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.07.475319v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
APOE ε4 effects on hippocampal atrophy in the healthy elderly reflect future cognitive decline 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.07.475319v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The APOE {varepsilon}4 allele is the primary genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimers disease (AD). A cardinal problem in determining APOE {varepsilon}4s effect on cognition and brain structure in older individuals is dissociating prodromal changes - linked to increased AD risk - from potential phenotypic differences. To address this, we used cognitive and neuroimaging data from a large cohort of cognitively normal 69-86 year-olds with up to 8 yearly follow-ups to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal differences between APOE {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}3 homozygotes and {varepsilon}3/{varepsilon}4 heterozygotes. Although we found a significant age-by-genotype interaction in right hippocampal volume, once our analyses were conditionalised by future diagnosis to account for prodromal mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, this effect was no longer observed. Likewise, longitudinally, rate of hippocampal atrophy was determined not by genotype, but by future diagnosis. Thus, we provide direct evidence in support of the prodromal hypothesis of APOE {varepsilon}4 on brain structure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Calero, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Medina, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strange, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.07.475319</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[APOE ε4 effects on hippocampal atrophy in the healthy elderly reflect future cognitive decline]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.12.476031v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant exhibits altered pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness in the golden Syrian hamster model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.12.476031v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant first identified in South Africa in November 2021 is characterized by an unusual number of amino acid mutations in its spike that renders existing vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies dramatically less effective. The in vivo pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness of this new Variant of Concerns are unknown. We investigated these virological attributes of the Omicron variant in comparison with those of the currently dominant Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in the golden Syrian hamster COVID-19 model. Omicron-infected hamsters developed significantly less body weight losses, clinical scores, respiratory tract viral burdens, cytokine/chemokine dysregulation, and tissue damages than Delta-infected hamsters. The Omicron and Delta variant were both highly transmissible (100% vs 100%) via contact transmission. Importantly, the Omicron variant consistently demonstrated about 10-20% higher transmissibility than the already-highly transmissible Delta variant in repeated non-contact transmission studies (overall: 30/36 vs 24/36, 83.3% vs 66.7%). The Delta variant displayed higher fitness advantage than the Omicron variant without selection pressure in both in vitro and in vivo competition models. However, this scenario drastically changed once immune selection pressure with neutralizing antibodies active against the Delta variant but poorly active against the Omicron variant were introduced, with the Omicron variant significantly outcompeting the Delta variant. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that while the Omicron variant is less pathogenic than the Delta variant, it is highly transmissible and can outcompete the Delta variant under immune selection pressure. Next-generation vaccines and antivirals effective against this new VOC are urgently needed.

One Sentence SummaryThe novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, though less pathogenic, is highly transmissible and outcompetes the Delta variant under immune selection pressure in the golden Syrian hamster COVID-19 model.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, C. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, V. K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, J. O.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, T. T.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chik, K. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, C. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, D.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.12.476031</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant exhibits altered pathogenicity, transmissibility, and fitness in the golden Syrian hamster model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.14.476424v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
FRET monitoring of transcription factor activities in living bacteria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.14.476424v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacteria adapt to the constantly changing environments largely by transcriptional regulation through the activities of various transcription factors (TFs). However, techniques that monitor the in situ TF-promoter interactions in living bacteria are lacking. Herein, we developed a whole-cell TF-promoter binding assay based on the intermolecular Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a fluorescent unnatural amino acid CouA which is genetically encoded into defined sites in TFs and the live cell fluorescent nucleic acid stain SYTO 9. We show that this new FRET pair monitors the intricate TF-promoter interactions elicited by various types of signal transduction systems with specificity and sensitivity. Furthermore, the assay is applicable to identify novel modulators of the regulatory systems of interest and monitor TF activities in bacteria colonized in C. elegans. In conclusion, we established a tractable and sensitive TF-promoter binding assay in living bacteria which not only complements currently available approaches for DNA-protein interactions but also provides novel opportunities for functional annotation of bacterial signal transduction systems and studies of the bacteria-host interface.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.14.476424</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[FRET monitoring of transcription factor activities in living bacteria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.19.477009v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Computation of Antigenicity Predicts SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Breakthrough Variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.19.477009v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It has been reported that multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs) including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) can reduce neutralisation by antibodies, resulting in vaccine breakthrough infections. Virus-antiserum neutralisation assays are typically performed to monitor potential vaccine breakthrough strains. However, such experimental-based methods are slow and cannot instantly validate whether newly emerging variants can break through current vaccines or therapeutic antibodies. To address this, we sought to establish a computational model to predict the antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants by sequence alone and in real time. In this study, we firstly identified the relationship between the antigenic difference transformed from the amino acid sequence and the antigenic distance from the neutralisation titres. Based on this correlation, we obtained a computational model for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein to predict the fold decrease in virus-antiserum neutralisation titres with high accuracy (~0.79). Our predicted results were comparable with experimental neutralisation titres of variants, including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.429 (Epsilon), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.526 (Iota), B.1.617.1 (Kappa), and C.37 (Lambda), as well as SARS-CoV. Here, we firstly predicted the fold of decrease of B.1.1.529 (Omicron) as 17.4-fold less susceptible to neutralisation. We visualised all 1521 SARS-CoV-2 lineages to indicate variants including B.1.621 (Mu), B.1.630, B.1.633, B.1.649, and C.1.2, which can induce vaccine breakthrough infections in addition to reported VOCs B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Our study offers a quick approach to predict the antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants as soon as they emerge. Furthermore, this approach can facilitate future vaccine updates to cover all major variants. An online version can be accessed at http://jdlab.online.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, H.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Danchin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, I. F.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yau, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.19.477009</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Computation of Antigenicity Predicts SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Breakthrough Variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.21.477237v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
XPD protects CTCF-Cohesin binding sites from somatic mutagenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.21.477237v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) is a DNA helicase with critical functions in transcription initiation and nucleotide excision repair. Missense mutations in XPD are putative drivers in around 10% of bladder cancers (BLCA), but the associated mutational process remains poorly understood. Here, we examine the somatic mutational landscape of XPD wild-type (n=343) and mutant (n=39) BLCA whole genomes. The genome-wide distribution of somatic mutations is significantly altered in XPD mutants, affecting both APOBEC and non-APOBEC associated mutational processes. Specifically, XPD mutants are enriched in T[C>T]N mutations (SBS2) with altered correlation with replication timing. At a locoregional genomic level, mutant XPD BLCA had striking T>G mutation hotspots at CTCF-cohesin binding sites (CBS) with evidence linking XPD to genomic uracil repair. Leveraging differential distribution of somatic mutations, we developed a machine-learning model for predicting pathogenic XPD mutations, which we validated in an independent TCGA cohort with 100% accuracy. Our model enabled the discovery of missed XPD mutation calls and uncovered pathogenic non-hotspot XPD mutations in bladder cancer. Our study reveals how XPD mutations redistribute somatic mutations in cancer genomes and provides a genome sequencing approach to differentiate driver and passenger XPD mutations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Barbour, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ou, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong-Brown, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.21.477237</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[XPD protects CTCF-Cohesin binding sites from somatic mutagenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.23.477429v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Global success in oyster reef restoration despite ongoing recovery debt 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.23.477429v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Habitat destruction and biodiversity loss from exploitation of ecosystems have led to increased restoration and conservation efforts worldwide. Disturbed ecosystems accumulate a recovery debt - the accumulated loss of ecosystem services - and quantifying this debt presents a valuable tool to develop better ecosystem restoration practices. Here, we quantified the ongoing recovery debt following structural restoration of oyster habitats, one of the most degraded marine ecosystems worldwide. We found that whilst restoration initiates a rapid increase in biodiversity and abundance of 2- to 5-fold relative to unrestored habitat, recovery rate decreases substantially within a few years post-restoration and accumulated global recovery debt persists at >35% per annum. Therefore, while efficient restoration methods will produce enhanced recovery success and minimise recovery debt, potential future coastal development should be weighed up against not just the instantaneous damage to ecosystem functions and services but also the potential for generational loss of services and long-term recovery.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hemraj, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bishop, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hancock, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Minuti, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thurstan, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zu Ermgassen, P. S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell, B. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.23.477429</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Global success in oyster reef restoration despite ongoing recovery debt]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.25.477789v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lineage-mosaic and mutation-patched spike proteins for broad-spectrum COVID-19 vaccine 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.25.477789v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The widespread SARS-CoV-2 in humans results in the continuous emergence of new variants. Recently emerged Omicron variant with multiple spike mutations sharply increases the risk of breakthrough infection or reinfection, highlighting the urgent need for new vaccines with broad-spectrum antigenic coverage. Using inter-lineage chimera and mutation patch strategies, we engineered a recombinant monomeric spike variant (STFK1628x), which showed high immunogenicity and mutually complementary antigenicity to its prototypic form (STFK). In hamsters, a bivalent vaccine comprised of STFK and STFK1628x elicited high titers of broad-spectrum antibodies to neutralize all 14 circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron; and fully protected vaccinees from intranasal SARS-CoV-2 challenges of either the ancestral strain or immune-evasive Beta variant. Strikingly, the vaccination of hamsters with the bivalent vaccine completely blocked the within-cage virus transmission to unvaccinated sentinels, for either the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 or Beta variant. Thus, our study provides new insights and antigen candidates for developing next-generation COVID-19 vaccines.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.25.477789</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lineage-mosaic and mutation-patched spike proteins for broad-spectrum COVID-19 vaccine]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.31.478441v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Peptide location fingerprinting identifies species- and tissue-conserved structural remodelling of proteins as a consequence of ageing and disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.31.478441v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extracellular matrix (ECM) in the intervertebral disc (IVD), lung and artery are thought to undergo the age-dependant accumulation of damage by chronic exposure to mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species, proteases and glycation. It is unknown whether this damage accumulation is species-dependant (via differing lifespans and hence cumulative exposures) or whether it can influence the progression of age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis. Peptide location fingerprinting (PLF) is a new proteomic analysis method, capable of the non-targeted identification of structure-associated changes within proteins. Here we applied PLF to publicly available ageing human IVD (outer annulus fibrosus), ageing mouse lung and human arterial atherosclerosis datasets and identified novel target proteins alongside common age-associated differences within protein structures which were conserved between tissue regions, organs, sexes and species and in age-related disease. We identify peptide yield differences across protein structures which coincide with biological regions, potentially reflecting the functional consequences of ageing or atherosclerosis for macromolecular assemblies (collagen VI and fibrin), enzyme/inhibitor activity (cathepsin B and alpha-2 macroglobulin), activation states (complement C3 and thrombin) and interaction states (laminins, perlecan, fibronectin, filamin-A, collagen XIV and apolipoprotein-B). Furthermore, we show that alpha-2 macroglobulin, prothrombin, collagen XIV and apolipoprotein-B all exhibit possible shared structural consequences in IVD ageing and arterial atherosclerosis, providing novel links between an age-related disease and intrinsic ageing. Crucially, we also demonstrate that fibronectin, laminin beta chains and filamin-A all exhibit conserved age-associated structural differences between mouse lung and human IVD, providing evidence that ECM, and their associating proteins, may be subjected to potentially similar mechanisms or consequences of ageing across species, irrespective of differences in lifespan and tissue function.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Eckersley, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ozols, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ward, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoyland, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trafford, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, X.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schiller, H. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sherratt, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.31.478441</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Peptide location fingerprinting identifies species- and tissue-conserved structural remodelling of proteins as a consequence of ageing and disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.31.478576v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Egg-adaptation pathway of human influenza H3N2 virus is contingent on natural evolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.31.478576v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Egg-adaptive mutations in influenza hemagglutinin (HA) often emerge during the production of egg-based seasonal influenza vaccines, which contribute to the largest share in the global influenza vaccine market. While some egg-adaptive mutations have minimal impact on the HA antigenicity (e.g. G186V), others can alter it (e.g. L194P). Here, we show that the preference of egg-adaptation pathway in human H3N2 HA is strain-dependent. In particular, Thr160 and Asn190, which are found in many recent H3N2 strains, restrict the emergence of L194P but not G186V. Our results further suggest that natural amino acid variants at other HA residues also play a role in determining the egg-adaptation pathway. Consistently, recent human H3N2 strains from different clades acquire different mutations during egg passaging. Overall, these results demonstrate that natural mutations in human H3N2 HA can influence the egg-adaption pathway, which has important implications in seed strain selection for egg-based influenza vaccine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, T. J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.31.478576</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Egg-adaptation pathway of human influenza H3N2 virus is contingent on natural evolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.03.478952v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Perivascular macrophages collaborate to facilitate chemotherapy resistance in cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.03.478952v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A subset of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) identified by their expression of the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (Lyve-1) reside proximal to blood vasculature and contribute to disease progression. Using a spontaneous murine model of mammary adenocarcinoma (MMTV-PyMT), we show that Lyve-1+ TAMs, which co-express heme oxygenase-1, form coordinated multi-cellular  nest structures in the perivascular niche. We show that TAM nest formation is dependent on IL-6 and a communication axis involving CCR5 and its cognate ligands CCL3/4. We demonstrate that Lyve-1+ TAM nests are associated with CD8+ T-cell exclusion from the tumor and the resistance to immune-stimulating chemotherapeutics. This study highlights an unappreciated collaboration between TAMs and uncovers a spatially driven therapeutic resistance mechanism of these cells in cancer which can be therapeutically targeted.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Anstee, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Opzoomer, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dean, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muller, H. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bahri, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liakath-Ali, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choy, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Caron, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sosnowska, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beatson, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muliaditan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gillett, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watt, F. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burchell, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kordasti, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Withers, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lawrence, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arnold, J. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.03.478952</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Perivascular macrophages collaborate to facilitate chemotherapy resistance in cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.09.479815v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Role of Notch Signaling in Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem-like Cells Maintenance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.09.479815v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human endometrium undergoes cycles of regeneration in reproductive women. The endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (eMSC) contribute to this process. Notch signaling is essential for the homeostasis of somatic stem cells. However, its role in eMSC remains unclear. The gain and loss function shows that activation of Notch signaling promotes eMSC maintenance, while inhibition displays opposite effect. Activation of Notch pathway better maintains eMSC in a quiescent state. However, these quiescent eMSC can re-enter into the cell cycle depending on Notch and Wnt activity in the microenvironment, suggesting a crosstalk between two signaling pathways. In a mouse menstrual-like model, we observe that Notch signaling is highly involved in the dynamic endometrial remodeling event. Suppression of Notch signaling significantly reduces the proliferation of Notch1+ label-retaining stromal cells and consequently delays the endometrial repair. Our data demonstrate the importance of Notch signaling in regulating the endometrial stem/progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, E. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.09.479815</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Role of Notch Signaling in Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem-like Cells Maintenance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.16.480781v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CRISPR-Detector: Fast and Accurate Detection, Visualization, and Annotation of Genome Wide Mutations Induced by Gene Editing Events 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.16.480781v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The leading edge of genome editing, driven by CRISPR/Cas technology, is revolutionizing biotechnologies. In pace with the burst of novel genome editing methods, bioinformatic tools to monitor the on/off-target events need to be more evolved as well. Existing tools suffer from limitations in speed and scalability, and they especially struggle with whole genome sequencing (WGS) data analysis which has the potential to detect off-target mutations at a genome-wide level via an unbiased manner. Here, we introduce our CRISPR-detector tool, which is a web-hosted or locally deployable pipeline with five key innovations: 1) optimized scalability allowing for WGS data analysis beyond BED (Browser Extensible Data) file-defined regions; 2) improved accuracy benefiting from haplotype-based variant calling to handle sequencing errors; 3) treated and control sample co-analysis to remove background variants existing prior to genome editing; 4) integrated structural variation (SV) calling; and 5) functional and clinical annotation of editing-induced mutations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.16.480781</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CRISPR-Detector: Fast and Accurate Detection, Visualization, and Annotation of Genome Wide Mutations Induced by Gene Editing Events]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.05.483096v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Phenethylamine-producing gut bacteria induces diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome by increasing serotonin biosynthesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.05.483096v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite the strong association between gut microbial dysbiosis, serotonin (5-HT) dysregulation and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), the mechanism by which changes in the gut microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of IBS-D, particularly the role of dysregulated 5-HT production, remains unclear. The present study identified Ruminococcus gnavus in the human gut microbiota as a key risk factor of IBS-D. R. gnavus was significantly enriched in IBS-D patients and exhibited positive correlation with serum 5- HT level and severity of diarrhea symptoms. We showed that R. gnavus induced diarrhea-like symptoms in mice by promoting microbial shunting of essential aromatic amino acids to aromatic trace amines including phenethylamine and tryptamine, thereby stimulating the biosynthesis of peripheral 5-HT, a potent stimulator for gastrointestinal transit. This study identify gut-microbial metabolism of dietary amino acids as a cause of IBS-D and lays a foundation for developing novel therapeutic target for the treatment of IBS-D.

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/483096v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (38K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@48400aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1645aedorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18d878dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@be4b30_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, E. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, C. F. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H. L. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Z.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.05.483096</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Phenethylamine-producing gut bacteria induces diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome by increasing serotonin biosynthesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.06.483197v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2): Virus accomplice or host defender 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.06.483197v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The current coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has seriously disrupted the daily life of human, mainly attributed to the fact that we know too little about SARS-CoV-2. Increasing studies show that viral infection alters host cells glucose metabolism, which is crucial for viral nucleic acid replication. Here, we integrated RNA-sequencing results and found that SARS-CoV-2 infection alters the aerobic glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (oxiPPP), and DNA replication in lung tissues and cells. However, the direction of metabolic flux and DNA replication were dominated by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a host cell-expressed viral receptor protein. More interesting, although hosts with high expression of ACE2 are more likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the invading virus cannot perform nucleic acid replication well due to the restriction of glucose metabolism, and eventually resulting prolonged infection-cycle or infection failure. Our findings, after a typical epidemiological investigation and modeling analysis, preliminarily explain the reasons for the emergence of asymptomatic infections or lower copy virus at early stage in host with higher ACE2 levels, which will provide important help for the development of more accurate and effective detection methods for diagnosing COVID-19.

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=103 SRC="FIGDIR/small/483197v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (70K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@b51fcforg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13b7f9corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@136fe46org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16fc92a_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.06.483197</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2): Virus accomplice or host defender]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.09.483703v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is more stable than the ancestral strain on various surfaces 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.09.483703v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Omicron BA.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern spreads quickly around the world and outcompetes other circulating strains. We examined the stability of this SARS-CoV-2 variant on various surfaces and revealed that the Omicron variant is more stable than its ancestral strain on smooth and porous surfaces.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.09.483703</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is more stable than the ancestral strain on various surfaces]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.10.483751v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dynamic evolution of recently duplicated genes in Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.10.483751v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As a major origin of evolutionary novelties, gene duplication is a widespread phenomenon across species. However, the evolutionary force that determines the fate of duplicate genes is still under debate. Here, we studied the functional evolution of duplicate genes at both macroevolution and microevolution scales using the genomic sequences of eleven Caenorhabditis species and 773 C. elegans wild isolates. We found that compared to older duplicate genes and single-copy genes, recently duplicated gene copies showed rapid turnover, large genetic diversity, and signs of balancing and positive selection within the species. Young duplicate genes have low basal expression restricted to a few tissues but show highly responsive expression towards pathogenic infections. Recently duplicated genes are enriched in chemosensory perception, protein degradation, and innate immunity, implicating their functions in enhancing adaptability to external perturbations. Importantly, we found that young duplicate genes are rarely essential, while old duplicate genes have the same level of essentiality as singletons, suggesting that essentiality develops over a long time. Together, our work in C. elegans demonstrates that natural selection shapes the dynamic evolutionary trajectory of duplicate genes.

SignificanceThe "evolution by gene duplication" theory suggests that gene duplications provide the genetic materials for mutation and selection to act upon, expand the repertoire of molecular functions, and enable evolutionary novelty. Although various models were proposed to describe the fate of duplicate genes, empirical evidence for these models is limited. We analyzed gene duplications in eleven nematode Caenorhabditis species and studied the intraspecific variation of these duplicate genes among C. elegans wild strains. We found that compared to older duplicate gens and single-copy genes, recently duplicated genes show rapid turnover, large genetic diversity, and strong signs of balancing and positive selection but rarely develop essential functions. Our results describe the evolutionary trajectory of duplicate genes shaped by natural selection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.10.483751</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dynamic evolution of recently duplicated genes in Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.15.483967v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inbreeding depression in an outbred nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) population 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.15.483967v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inbreeding depression refers to the reduced fitness of offspring produced by related individuals and is expected to be rare in large outbred populations. When it occurs, marked fitness loss is possible as large populations can carry large loads of recessive harmful mutations which are normally sheltered at the heterozygous state. Using experimental cross data and genome-wide identity-by-descent (IBD) relationships from an outbred marine nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) population, we documented a significant decrease in offspring survival probability with increasing parental IBD sharing associated with an average inbreeding load (B) of 15.896. Interestingly, we found that this relationship was also underlined by a positive effect of paternal inbreeding coefficient on offspring survival, suggesting that certain combinations of parental inbreeding and genetic relatedness among mates may promote offspring survival. Apart from demonstrating substantial inbreeding load in an outbred population, the results also highlight the potential caveat associated with artificial establishment of families in experimental studies: wild founder individuals are often - and perhaps mistakenly - assumed to be unrelated.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rastas, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merilä, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.15.483967</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inbreeding depression in an outbred nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) population]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.21.485232v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DCATS: differential composition analysis for complex single-cell experimental designs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.21.485232v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Differential composition analysis - the identification of cell types that have statistically significantly change in abundance between multiple experimental conditions - is one of the most common tasks in single cell omic data analysis. However, it remains challenging to perform differential composition analysis in the presence of complex experimental designs and uncertainty in cell type assignment. Here, we introduce a statistical model and an open source R package, DCATS, for differential composition analysis based on a beta-binomial regression framework that addresses these challenges. Our empirical evaluation shows that DCATS consistently maintain high sensitively and specificity compared to state-of-the-art methods.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.21.485232</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DCATS: differential composition analysis for complex single-cell experimental designs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.22.485374v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Graphical R2D2 Estimator for the Precision Matrices 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.22.485374v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biological networks are important for the analysis of human diseases, which summarize the regulatory interactions and other relationships between different molecules. Understanding and constructing networks for molecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, can help elucidate the mechanisms of complex biological systems. The Gaussian Graphical Models (GGMs) are popular tools for the estimation of biological networks. Nonetheless, reconstructing GGMs from high-dimensional datasets is still challenging. Current methods cannot handle the sparsity and high-dimensionality issues arising from datasets very well. Here we developed a new GGM, called the GR2D2 (Graphical R2-induced Dirichlet Decomposition) model, based on the R2D2 priors for linear models. Besides, we provided a data-augmented block Gibbs sampler algorithm. The R code is available at https://github.com/RavenGan/GR2D2. The GR2D2 estimator shows superior performance in estimating the precision matrices compared to existing techniques in various simulation settings. When the true precision matrix is sparse and of high dimension, the GR2D2 provides the estimates with smallest information divergence from the underlying truth. We also compare the GR2D2 estimator to the graphical horseshoe estimator in five cancer RNA-seq gene expression datasets grouped by three cancer types. Our results show that GR2D2 successfully identifies common cancer pathways and cancer-specific pathways for each dataset.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.22.485374</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Graphical R2D2 Estimator for the Precision Matrices]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.30.486333v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multiethnic Polygenic Risk Prediction in Diverse Populations through Transfer Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.30.486333v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Polygenic risk scores (PRS) leverage the genetic contribution of an individuals genotype to a complex trait by estimating disease risk. Traditional PRS prediction methods are predominantly for European population. The accuracy of PRS prediction in non-European populations is diminished due to much smaller sample size of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In this article, we introduced a novel method to construct PRS for non-European populations, abbreviated as TL-Multi, by conducting transfer learning framework to learn useful knowledge from European population to correct the bias for non-European populations. We considered non-European GWAS data as the target data and European GWAS data as the informative auxiliary data. TL-Multi borrows useful information from the auxiliary data to improve the learning accuracy of the target data while preserving the efficiency and accuracy. To demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed method, we applied TL-Multi to predict the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian population and the risk of asthma in Indian population by borrowing information from European population. TL-Multi achieved better prediction accuracy than the competing methods including Lassosum and meta-analysis in both simulations and real applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tian, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.30.486333</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multiethnic Polygenic Risk Prediction in Diverse Populations through Transfer Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.30.486361v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Variable Selection via Grace-AKO with Applications in Genomics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.30.486361v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationVariable selection is a common statistical approach to identifying genes associated with clinical outcomes of scientific interest. There are thousands of genes in genomic studies, while only a limited number of individual samples are available. Therefore, it is important to develop a method to identify genes associated with outcomes of interest that can control finite-sample false discovery rate (FDR) in high-dimensional data settings.

ResultsThis article proposes a novel method named Grace-AKO for graph-constrained estimation (Grace), which incorporates aggregation of multiple knockoffs (AKO) with the network-constrained penalty. Grace-AKO can control FDR in finite-sample settings and improve model stability simultaneously. Simulation studies show that Grace-AKO has better performance in finite-sample FDR control than the original Grace model. We apply Grace-AKO to the prostate cancer data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program by incorporating prostate-specific antigen (PSA) pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) as the prior information. Grace-AKO finally identifies 47 candidate genes associated with PSA level, and more than 75% of the detected genes can be validated.

Availability and implementationWe developed an R package for Grace-AKO available at: https://github.com/mxxptian/GraceAKO

Contactdoraz@hku.hk or zl2509@cumc.columbia.edu
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tian, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.30.486361</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Variable Selection via Grace-AKO with Applications in Genomics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.31.484925v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prediction of brain functions from structural connectome using graph neural network 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.31.484925v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWThe relationship between brain structure and function remains elusive, amidst the tremendous advances in brain mapping techniques. In this work, we attempt to partially disentangle this relationship by connecting task-evoked functional MRI (fMRI) responses with the underlying structural connectome using graph neural network (GNN). MRI data (n = 1,063) were collected from the Human Connectome Project. We demonstrate that our GNN-based model predicts task-evoked fMRI responses with high fidelity. Using a graph attention mechanism, it is possible to infer the subsets of neighboring cortical regions whose structural connections are important for the prediction of the functional responses of individual cortical regions. Notably, for each cortical region, such subset of neighboring cortical regions is predominantly localized to the ipsilateral hemisphere and much smaller than that with direct structural connections. We found that the higher cognitive functions subserved by the cingulo-opercular, dorsal attention, frontoparietal and default mode clusters may depend on neighboring cortical regions across a wide range of functional brain clusters in the ipsilateral hemisphere, whilst the sensory functions subserved by the visual1 and auditory clusters on neighboring cortical regions across much fewer functional brain clusters.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hui, E. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.31.484925</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prediction of brain functions from structural connectome using graph neural network]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.02.486825v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Robustness of the ferret model for influenza risk assessment studies: a cross-laboratory exercise 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.02.486825v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ferrets represent the preferred animal model for assessing the transmission potential of newly emerged zoonotic influenza viruses. However, heterogeneity among established experimental protocols and facilities across different laboratories may lead to variable results, complicating interpretation of transmission experimental data. Between 2018-2020, a global exercise was conducted by 11 participating laboratories to assess the range of variation in ferret transmission experiments using two common stock H1N1 influenza viruses that possess different transmission characteristics in ferrets. Inoculation route, dose, and volume were standardized, and all participating laboratories followed the same experimental conditions for respiratory droplet transmission, including a strict 1:1 donor:contact ratio. Additional host and environmental parameters likely to affect influenza transmission kinetics were monitored throughout. Overall transmission outcomes for both viruses across 11 laboratories were concordant, suggesting the robustness of the ferret model for zoonotic influenza risk assessment. To attain high confidence in identifying zoonotic influenza viruses with moderate-to-high or low transmissibility, our analyses support that as few as three but as many as five laboratories, respectively, would need to independently perform viral transmission experiments with concordant results. This exercise facilitates the development of a more homogenous protocol for ferret transmission experiments that are employed for the purposes of risk assessment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Belser, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, E. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barclay, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barr, I. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fouchier, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hatta, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herfst, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kawaoka, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lakdawala, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, L. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neumann, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perez, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Subbarao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sutton, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Webby, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bestebroer, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhagwat, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blanchard, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Caceres, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carnaccini, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiba, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choy, K.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeBeauchamp, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Meulder, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferreri, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frise, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geiger, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hurt, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeevan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kercher, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kormuth, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Le Sage, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lexmond, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maines, T. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patel, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Septer, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.02.486825</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Robustness of the ferret model for influenza risk assessment studies: a cross-laboratory exercise]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.11.487828v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Key mutations on spike protein altering ACE2 receptor utilization and potentially expanding host range of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.11.487828v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Increasing evidence supports inter-species transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants from human to domestic or wild animals during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which is posing great challenges to epidemic control. Clarifying the host range of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants will provide instructive information for the containment of viral spillover. The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 is the key determinant of receptor utilization, and therefore amino acid mutations on S will probably alter viral host range. Here, in order to evaluate the impact of S mutations, we constructed 20 Hela cell lines stably expressing ACE2 orthologs from different animals, and prepared 27 pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 carrying different spike mutants, among which 20 bear single mutation and the other 7 were cloned from emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including D614G, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.135), Lambda (B.1.429) and Mu (B.1.525). Using pseudoviral reporter assay, we identified that the substitutions of T478I and N501Y enabled the pseudovirus to utilize chicken ACE2, indicating potential infectivity to avian species. Furthermore, the S mutants of real SARS-CoV-2 variants comprising N501Y showed significantly acquired abilities to infect cells expressing mouse ACE2, indicating a critical role of N501Y in expanding SARS-CoV-2 host range. In addition, A262S and T478I significantly enhanced the utilization of various mammals ACE2. In summary, our results indicated that T478I and N501Y substitutions were two S mutations important for receptor adaption of SARS-CoV-2, potentially contributing to spillover of the virus to many other animal hosts. Therefore, more attention should be paid to SARS-CoV-2 variants with these two mutations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, S.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, J.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, X.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.11.487828</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Key mutations on spike protein altering ACE2 receptor utilization and potentially expanding host range of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.11.487875v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tomographic-encoded multiphoton (TEMP) microscopy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.11.487875v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Axial scanning in multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is typically realized by mechanically shifting either the objective or the sample. However, the scan speed is usually hindered by the mechanical inertia of the bulky mass. Although the extended depth of field provided by the non-diffracting beam allows fast volumetric imaging, it abandons the axial resolution. Here, we demonstrate a novel and powerful tomographic technique using the Bessel droplet in MPM, termed Tomographic-Encoded MultiPhoton (TEMP) microscopy. We show that benefiting from the high-order nonlinear excitation in MPM, the side-lobes cancellation and smaller beam focus of the Bessel droplet realize better image quality. The TEMP microscopy allows fast axial scanning, less risks of photodamage and photobleaching, and high-resolution and high-contrast imaging. Furthermore, fewer raw images are required for the 3D image reconstruction. To demonstrate its usability and advantages for scattering tissues and biomedical applications, we showcase the TEMP microscopy with highly scattering fluorescence microspheres and mouse brain slice. More details can be visualized by the Bessel droplet compared with the conventional Gaussian and Bessel beam. More importantly, the TEMP technique is an easy-plug-in method for the current microscopy system. The TEMP microscopy is promising for fast volumetric multiphoton imaging, especially for highly scattering tissues.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, C. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.11.487875</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tomographic-encoded multiphoton (TEMP) microscopy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.27.489808v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
UniTVelo: temporally unified RNA velocity reinforces single-cell trajectory inference 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.27.489808v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The recent breakthrough of single-cell RNA velocity methods brings attractive promises to reveal directed trajectory on cell differentiation, states transition and response to perturbations. However, the existing RNA velocity methods are often found to return erroneous results, partly due to model violation or lack of temporal regularization. Here, we present UniTVelo, a statistical framework of RNA velocity that models the dynamics of spliced and unspliced RNAs via flexible transcription activities. Uniquely, it also supports the inference of a unified latent time across the transcriptome. With ten datasets, we demonstrate that UniTVelo returns the expected trajectory in different biological systems, including hematopoietic differentiation and those even with weak kinetics or complex branches.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.27.489808</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[UniTVelo: temporally unified RNA velocity reinforces single-cell trajectory inference]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.03.490410v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-task learning uncovers robust translation cis-regulatory features 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.03.490410v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Many studies have found that sequence in the 5 untranslated regions (UTRs) impacts the translation rate of an mRNA, but the regulatory grammar that underpins this translation regulation remains elusive. Deep learning methods deployed to analyse massive sequencing datasets offer new solutions to motif discovery. However, existing works focused on extracting sequence motifs in individual datasets, which may not be generalisable to other datasets from the same cell type. We hypothesise that motifs that are genuinely involved in controlling translation rate are the ones that can be extracted from diverse datasets generated by different experimental techniques. In order to reveal more generalised cis-regulatory motifs for RNA translation, we develop a multi-task translation rate predictor, MTtrans, to integrate information from multiple datasets. Compared to single-task models, MTtrans reaches a higher prediction accuracy in all the benchmarked datasets generated by various experimental techniques. We show that features learnt in human samples are directly transferable to another dataset in yeast systems, demonstrating its robustness in identifying evolutionarily conserved sequence motifs. Furthermore, our newly generated experimental data corroborated the effect of most of the identified motifs based on MTtrans trained using multiple public datasets, further demonstrating the utility of MTtrans for discovering generalisable motifs. MTtrans effectively integrates biological insights from diverse experiments and allows robust extraction of translation-associated sequence motifs in 5UTR.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fong, J. H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, A. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.03.490410</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-task learning uncovers robust translation cis-regulatory features]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.03.490460v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Clair3-Trio: high-performance Nanopore long-read variant calling in family trios with Trio-to-Trio deep neural networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.03.490460v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurate identification of genetic variants from family child-mother-father trio sequencing data is important in genomics. However, state-of-the-art approaches treat variant calling from trios as three independent tasks, which limits their calling accuracy for Nanopore long-read sequencing data. For better trio variant calling, we introduce Clair3-Trio, the first variant caller tailored for family trio data from Nanopore long-reads. Clair3-Trio employs a Trio-to-Trio deep neural network model, which allows it to input the trio sequencing information and output all of the trios predicted variants within a single model to improve variant calling. We also present MCVLoss, a novel loss function tailor-made for variant calling in trios, leveraging the explicit encoding of the Mendelian inheritance. Clair3-Trio showed comprehensive improvement in experiments. It predicted far fewer Mendelian inheritance violation variations than current state-of-the-art methods. We also demonstrated that our Trio-to-Trio model is more accurate than competing architectures. Clair3-Trio is accessible as a free, open-source project at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/Clair3-Trio.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahmed, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.03.490460</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Clair3-Trio: high-performance Nanopore long-read variant calling in family trios with Trio-to-Trio deep neural networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.05.490805v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ACE2 nanoparticles prevent cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.05.490805v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The continual evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has challenged the efficacy of many COVID19 vaccines and treatment options. One strategy that evades viral escape is using the entry receptor, human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (hACE2). Soluble hACE2 receptor domains show potential as decoys but genetic modifications are necessary to provide sufficient efficacy. However, these engineered constructs are potentially susceptible to viral escape. We combined native hACE2 with viral vectors to form nanoparticles presenting hACE2 analogous to human cells. Cell-based viral infection assays and cryogenic in-situ tomography show that hACE2 nanoparticles sequester viruses through aggregation, efficiently blocking entry of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in model cell systems and human respiratory tract explants using native hACE2. Thus, we show that hACE2 nanoparticles have high potential as pan-variant COVID19 therapeutics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sauvanet, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lemos, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bezault, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodriguez de Francisco, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, K.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nicholls, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Volkmann, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanein, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.05.490805</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ACE2 nanoparticles prevent cell entry of SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.06.490971v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Assembly-free discovery of human novel sequences using long reads 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.06.490971v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA sequences that are absent in the human reference genome are classified as novel sequences. The discovery of these missed sequences is crucial for exploring the genomic diversity of populations and understanding the genetic basis of human diseases. However, various DNA lengths of reads generated from different sequencing technologies can significantly affect the results of novel sequences. In this work, we designed an Assembly-Free Novel Sequence (AF-NS) approach to identify novel sequences from Oxford Nanopore Technology long reads. Among the newly detected sequences using AF-NS, more than 95% were omitted from those using long-read assemblers, and 85% were not present in short reads of Illumina. We identified the common novel sequences among all the samples and revealed their association with the binding motifs of transcription factors. Regarding the placements of the novel sequences, we found about 70% enriched in repeat regions and generated 430 for one specific subpopulation that might be related to their evolution. Our study demonstrates the advance of the Assembly-Free approach to capture more novel sequences over other assembler based methods. Combining the long-read data with powerful analytical methods can be a robust way to improve the completeness of novel sequences.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.06.490971</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Assembly-free discovery of human novel sequences using long reads]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.09.491254v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Three-dose vaccination-induced immune responses protect against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-BA.2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.09.491254v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe ongoing outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 infections in Hong Kong, the model city of universal masking of the world, has resulted in a major public health crisis. Although the third vaccination resulted in strong boosting of neutralization antibody, vaccine efficacy and corelates of immune protection against the major circulating Omicron BA.2 remains to be investigated.

MethodsWe investigated the vaccine efficacy against the Omicron BA.2 breakthrough infection among 470 public servants who had received different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine regimens including two-dose BNT162b2 (2xBNT, n=169), three-dose BNT162b2 (3xBNT, n=170), two-dose CoronaVac (2xCorV, n=34), three-dose CoronaVac (3xCorV, n=67) and third-dose BNT162b2 following 2xCorV (2xCorV+1BNT, n=32). Humoral and cellular immune responses after three-dose vaccination were further characterized and correlated with clinical characteristics of BA.2 infection.

FindingsDuring the BA.2 outbreak, 27.7% vaccinees were infected. The timely third-dose vaccination provided significant protection with lower incidence rates of breakthrough infections (2xBNT 49.2% vs 3xBNT 13.1%, p <0.0001; 2xCorV 44.1% vs 3xCoV 19.4%, p=0.003). Investigation of immune response on blood samples derived from 92 subjects in three-dose vaccination cohorts collected before the BA.2 outbreak revealed that the third-dose vaccination activated spike (S)-specific memory B cells and Omicron cross-reactive T cell responses, which correlated with reduced frequencies of breakthrough infections and disease severity rather than with types of vaccines. Moreover, the frequency of S-specific activated memory B cells was significantly lower in infected vaccinees than uninfected vaccinees before vaccine-breakthrough infection whereas IFN-{gamma}+ CD4 T cells were negatively associated with age and viral clearance time. Critically, BA.2 breakthrough infection boosted cross-reactive memory B cells with enhanced cross-neutralizing antibodies to Omicron sublineages, including BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5, in all vaccinees tested.

InterpretationOur results imply that the timely third vaccination and immune responses are likely required for vaccine-mediated protection against Omicron BA.2 pandemic. Although BA.2 conferred the highest neutralization resistance compared with variants of concern tested before the emergence of BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5, the third dose vaccination-activated S-specific memory B cells and Omicron cross-reactive T cell responses contributed to reduced frequencies of breakthrough infection and disease severity. Neutralizing antibody potency enhanced by BA. 2 breakthrough infection with previous 3 doses of vaccines (CoronaVac or BNT162b2) may reduce the risk for infection of ongoing BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5.

FundingHong Kong Research Grants Council Collaborative Research Fund, Health and Medical Research Fund, Wellcome Trust, Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, the Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission of Hong Kong, China, National Program on Key Research Project, Emergency Key Program of Guangzhou Laboratory, donations from the Friends of Hope Education Fund and the Hong Kong Theme-Based Research Scheme.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yiu, C.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, I. F.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.09.491254</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Three-dose vaccination-induced immune responses protect against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-BA.2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.11.491576v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hippocampus Modulates Natural Sound Processing at Early Auditory Centers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.11.491576v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite its prominence in learning and memory, hippocampal influence in early auditory processing centers remains unknown. Here, we examined how hippocampal activity modulates sound-evoked responses in the auditory midbrain and thalamus using optogenetics and functional MRI (fMRI) in rodents. Ventral hippocampus (vHP) excitatory neuron stimulation at 5 Hz evoked robust hippocampal activity that propagates to the primary auditory cortex. We then tested 5Hz vHP stimulation paired with either natural vocalizations or artificial/noise acoustic stimuli. vHP stimulation enhanced auditory responses to vocalizations (with a negative or positive valence) in the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, and auditory cortex, but not to their temporally reversed counterparts (artificial sounds) or broadband noise. Meanwhile, pharmacological vHP inactivation diminished response selectivity to vocalizations. These results directly reveal the large-scale hippocampal participation in natural sound processing at early centers of the ascending auditory pathway. They expand our present understanding of hippocampus in global auditory networks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, E. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leong, A. T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.11.491576</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hippocampus Modulates Natural Sound Processing at Early Auditory Centers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.17.492220v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular analysis of a public cross-neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.17.492220v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs) continue to emerge, cross-neutralizing antibody responses become key towards next-generation design of a more universal COVID-19 vaccine. By analyzing published data from the literature, we report here that the combination of germline genes IGHV2-5/IGLV2-14 represents a public antibody response to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that potently cross-neutralizes all VOCs to date, including Omicron and its sub-lineages. Detailed molecular analysis shows that the complementarity-determining region H3 sequences of IGHV2-5/IGLV2-14-encoded RBD antibodies have a preferred length of 11 amino acids and a conserved HxIxxI motif. In addition, these antibodies have a strong allelic preference due to an allelic polymorphism at amino-acid residue 54 of IGHV2-5, which locates at the paratope. These findings have important implications for understanding cross-neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and its heterogenicity at the population level as well as the development of a universal COVID-19 vaccine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.17.492220</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular analysis of a public cross-neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.21.492809v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ecological Dynamics Imposes Fundamental Challenges in Microbial Source Tracking 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.21.492809v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Quantifying the contributions of possible environmental sources ("sources") to a specific microbial community ("sink") is a classical problem in microbiology known as microbial source tracking (MST). Solving the MST problem will not only help us understand how microbial communities were formed, but also have far-reaching applications in pollution control, public health, and forensics. Numerous computational methods, referred to as MST solvers hereafter, have been developed in the past and applied to various real datasets to demonstrate their utility across different contexts. Yet, those MST solvers do not consider microbial interactions and priority effects in microbial communities. Here, we revisit the performance of several representative MST solvers. We show compelling evidence that solving the MST problem using existing MST solvers is impractical when ecological dynamics plays a role in community assembly. In particular, we clearly demonstrate that the presence of either microbial interactions or priority effects will render the MST problem mathematically unsolvable for any MST solver. We further analyze data from fecal microbiota transplantation studies, finding that the state-of-the-art MST solvers fail to identify donors for most of the recipients. Finally, we perform community coalescence experiments to demonstrate that the state-of-the-art MST solvers fail to identify the sources for most of the sinks. Our findings suggest that ecological dynamics imposes fundamental challenges in solving the MST problem using computational approaches.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ying, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weiss, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.21.492809</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ecological Dynamics Imposes Fundamental Challenges in Microbial Source Tracking]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.24.493226v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Morphological profiling by high-throughput single-cell biophysical fractometry 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.24.493226v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Complex and irregular cell architecture is known to statistically exhibit fractal geometry, i.e., a pattern resembles a smaller part of itself. Although fractal variations in cells are proven to be closely associated with the disease-related phenotypes that are otherwise obscured in the standard cell-based assays, fractal analysis with single-cell precision remains largely unexplored. To close this gap, here we develop an image-based approach that quantifies a multitude of single-cell biophysical fractal-related properties at subcellular resolution. Taking together with its high-throughput single-cell imaging performance (~10,000 cells/sec), this technique, termed single-cell biophysical fractometry, offers sufficient statistical power for delineating the cellular heterogeneity, in the context of classification of lung-cancer cell subtypes and tracking of cell-cycle progression. Further correlative fractal analysis shows that single-cell biophysical fractometry can enrich the standard morphological profiling depth and spearhead systematic fractal analysis of how cell morphology encodes cellular health and pathological conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, D. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, Q. T. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, E. Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.24.493226</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Morphological profiling by high-throughput single-cell biophysical fractometry]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.26.493264v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CSR-1 RNA interference pathway restricts holocentromere protein CENP-A/HCP-3 localization in Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.26.493264v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
CSR-1 is an argonaute of a RNA interference pathway that is important for chromosome segregation in C. elegans. Live-cell imaging revealed that CSR-1 depletion slows down spindle pole separation in a kinetochore-dependent manner. In csr-1(RNAi) embryos, the kinetochores may be misattached to the microtubules and chromosome segregation is disrupted. On the holocentromeres, there are increased levels of some kinetochore proteins, including the centromeric epigenetic mark, CENP-A or HCP-3. Without affecting HCP-3 expression level, HCP-3 density is higher on stretched chromatin fibers in CSR-1-depleted embryos. The increased HCP-3 deposition on chromatin after CSR-1 depletion is at least partially independent of HCP-3 loading factors, KNL-2 and LIN-53, suggesting a non-classical, improper HCP-3 loading pathway. Negative regulation of HCP-3 holocentromere loading by CSR-1 required its slicer activity and the b isoform. CSR-1 acts as a HCP-3 repressor for its chromosomal occupancy, shedding light on the role of RNAi pathways in specifying the localization of centromere proteins.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K. W. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.26.493264</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CSR-1 RNA interference pathway restricts holocentromere protein CENP-A/HCP-3 localization in Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.26.493517v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 subvariants evolved to extend antibody evasion 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.26.493517v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5 have surged dramatically to become dominant in the United States and South Africa, respectively1,2. These novel subvariants carrying additional mutations in their spike proteins raise concerns that they may further evade neutralizing antibodies, thereby further compromising the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic monoclonals. We now report findings from a systematic antigenic analysis of these surging Omicron subvariants. BA.2.12.1 is only modestly (1.8-fold) more resistant to sera from vaccinated and boosted individuals than BA.2. However, BA.4/5 is substantially (4.2-fold) more resistant and thus more likely to lead to vaccine breakthrough infections. Mutation at spike residue L452 found in both BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5 facilitates escape from some antibodies directed to the so-called class 2 and 3 regions of the receptor-binding domain3. The F486V mutation found in BA.4/5 facilitates escape from certain class 1 and 2 antibodies but compromises the spike affinity for the viral receptor. The R493Q reversion mutation, however, restores receptor affinity and consequently the fitness of BA.4/5. Among therapeutic antibodies authorized for clinical use, only bebtelovimab retains full potency against both BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5. The Omicron lineage of SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, successively yielding subvariants that are not only more transmissible but also more evasive to antibodies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iketani, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohri, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bowen, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shah, J. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meyers, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sobieszczyk, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.26.493517</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 subvariants evolved to extend antibody evasion]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.29.493908v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Invigorating human MSCs for transplantation therapy via Nrf2/DKK1 co- stimulation in a mice acute-on-chronic liver failure model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.29.493908v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Boosting stem cell resilience against an extrinsically harsh recipient environment is critical to therapeutic efficiency of stem cell-based transplantation innovations in liver disease contexts. We aimed to establish the efficacy of a transient plasmid-based preconditioning strategy to boost mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) capacity for anti-inflammation/antioxidant defense and paracrine actions on recipient hepatocytes. In MSCs, the master antioxidant regulator Nrf2 was found to bind directly to the antioxidant response element in the DKK1 promoter region. Activation of Nrf2 and DKK1 enhanced the anti-stress capacities of MSCs in vitro. In an acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) murine model, transient co-overexpression of Nrf2 and DKK1 via plasmid transfection markedly improved MSC resilience against inflammatory and oxidative assaults, boosted MSC transplantation efficacy and promoted recipient liver regeneration because of a shift from the activation of the anti-regenerative IFN-{gamma}/STAT1 pathway to the pro-regenerative IL-6/STAT3 pathway in the liver. Moreover, specific ablation of DKK1 receptor CKAP4 but not LRP6 in recipient hepatocytes nullified therapeutic benefits from MSC transplantation. In long-term observations, tumorigenicity was undetected in mice following transplantation of such transiently preconditioned MCSs. In conclusion, co-stimulation of Nrf2/DKK1 signaling decisively and safely improves the efficacy of human MSC-based therapies in mouse ACLF models through apparently CKAP4-dependent paracrine mechanisms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Che, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tipoe, G. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.29.493908</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Invigorating human MSCs for transplantation therapy via Nrf2/DKK1 co- stimulation in a mice acute-on-chronic liver failure model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.08.495397v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Application of metallo-supramolecular branched polymer improves particle distribution and orientation in single-particle cryo-EM 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.08.495397v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent technological breakthroughs in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enabled rapid atomic structure determination of biological macromolecules. A major bottleneck in the current single particle cryo-EM pipeline is the preparation of good quality frozen cryo-EM grids, which is mostly a trial-and-error process. Among many issues, preferred particle orientation and sample damage by air-water interface (AWI) are common practical problems. Here we reported a method of applying metallo-supramolecular branched polymer (MSBP) in the cryo-sample preparation for high-resolution single-particle cryo-EM. Our data shows that MSBP keeps a majority of particles away from air-water interface and mitigates preferred orientation as verified by the analyses of apoferritin, hemagglutinin (HA) trimer and various sample proteins. The use of MSBP is a simple method to improve particle distribution for high-resolution structure determination in single-particle cryo-EM.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.08.495397</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Application of metallo-supramolecular branched polymer improves particle distribution and orientation in single-particle cryo-EM]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.15.496356v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inferring CTCF insulators and anchored loops across human tissues and cell types 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.15.496356v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a transcription regulator which is involved in many cellular processes. How CTCF recognizes DNA sequence to exert chromosome barrier or enhancer blocking effects remains to be fully interrogated. Despite many computational tools were developed to predict CTCF-mediated loops qualitatively or quantitatively, few could specially evaluate the regulatory potential of DNA sequence at CTCF binding sites (CBSs) and how it affects chromatin loop formation. Here, we developed a deep learning model, DeepAnchor, to precisely characterize the binding patterns for different types of CBSs. By incorporating base-wise genomic/epigenomic features, we revealed distinct chromatin and sequence features for CTCF-mediated insulation and looping at a high resolution, such as two sequence motifs flanking the core CTCF motif at loop-associated CBSs. Besides, we leveraged the predicted anchor score to optimize the loop extrusion model and achieved the best performance in predicting CTCF-anchored loops. We established a compendium of context-specific CTCF-anchored loops across 52 human tissue/cell types and found that genomic disruption of CTCF-anchored loops may represent a general causal mechanism of disease pathogenesis. These computational models, together with the established resource, could facilitate the mechanistic research on how the CTCF-mediated cis-regulatory elements (CREs) shapes context-specific gene regulation in cell development and disease progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Plewczynski, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.15.496356</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inferring CTCF insulators and anchored loops across human tissues and cell types]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.17.496488v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long non-coding RNA as environmental regulator in a non-model fish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.17.496488v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The majority of the transcribed genome does not have coding potential but is composed of non-coding transcripts that are involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of protein-coding genes. Regulation of gene expression is important in determining the response of organisms to changes in the environment, and therefore their persistence as population or species under global change. However, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are scarcely studied especially in non-model organisms due to the lack of a reliable pipeline for their accurate identification and annotation. Here, we present a pipeline which uses a combination of alignment-dependent and independent methods for the identification of conserved and species-specific lncRNAs from RNA-Seq data. Validation of this pipeline was performed using existing RNA-Seq data from Acanthochromis polyacanthus brain tissue, identifying a total of 4,728 lncRNAs across the genome, the majority of which (3,272) are intergenic. To investigate the possible implications of these intergenic lncRNAs (lincRNAs), we estimated the expression changes of lincRNAs and coding genes in response to ocean acidification. We found lincRNAs which neighbour or possibly trans-regulate differentially expressed coding genes related to pH regulation, neural signal transduction and ion transport, which are known to be important in the response to ocean acidification in fish. Overall, this pipeline enables the use of existing RNA sequencing data to reveal additional underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the response to environmental changes by integrating the study of lncRNAs with gene expression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suresh, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonzi, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sourisse, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramirez-Calero, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Romeo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petit-Marty, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pegueroles, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.17.496488</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long non-coding RNA as environmental regulator in a non-model fish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.19.496753v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The domain-separation low-dimensional language network dynamics in the resting-state support the flexible functional segregation and integration during language and speech processing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.19.496753v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Modern linguistic theories and network science propose that the language and speech processing is organized into hierarchical, segregated large-scale subnetworks, with a core of dorsal (phonological) stream and ventral (semantic) stream. The two streams are asymmetrically recruited in receptive and expressive language or speech tasks, which showed flexible functional segregation and integration. We hypothesized that the functional segregation of the two streams was supported by the underlying network segregation. A dynamic conditional correlation approach was employed to construct frame-wise time-varying language networks and investigate the temporal reoccurring patterns. We found that the time-varying language networks in the resting-state robustly clustered into four low-dimensional states, which dynamically reconfigured following a domain-separation manner. Spatially, the hub distributions of the first three states highly resembled the neurobiology of primary auditory processing and lexical-phonological processing, motor and speech production processing, and semantic processing, respectively. The fourth state was characterized by the weakest functional connectivity and subserved as a baseline state. Temporally, the first three states appeared exclusively in limited time bins ([~]15%), and most of the time (> 55%), the language network kept inactive in state 4. Machine learning-based dFC-linguistics prediction analyses showed that dFCs of the four states significantly predicted individual linguistic performance. These findings suggest a domain-separation manner of language network dynamics in the resting-state, which forms a dynamic "meta-networking" (network of networks) framework.

HighlightsO_LIThe time-varying language network in the resting-state is robustly clustered into four low-dimensional states.
C_LIO_LISpatially, the first three dFC states are cognitively meaningful, which highly resemble the neurobiology of primary auditory processing and lexical-phonological representation, speech production processing, and semantic processing, respectively.
C_LIO_LITemporally, the first three states appeared exclusively in limited time bins ([~]15%), and most of the time (> 55%), the language network kept inactive in state 4.
C_LIO_LIA dynamic "meta-networking" framework of language network in the resting-state is proposed.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.19.496753</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The domain-separation low-dimensional language network dynamics in the resting-state support the flexible functional segregation and integration during language and speech processing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.497271v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNA packaging via hierarchical chromatin structures revealed by live-cell 3D imaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.497271v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-molecule localization microscopy is a powerful superresolution imaging technique to study biological questions by visualizing subcellular fine structures with nanometer-scale precision. However, its application in live-cell imaging studies has been impeded by the paucity of self-blinking organic fluorophores that enable high spatiotemporal resolution and labeling/localization density at a moderate laser intensity. Herein, we report a self-blinking Si-rhodamine dye 6-HESiR with a suitably increased "ON" fraction and a fluorogenic self-blinking dsDNA probe 6-HoeHESiR as a powerful tool for 3D superresolution imaging of native chromatin in eukaryotes without the use of photoswitching buffer and high laser intensity. With the probe 6-HoeHESiR, 3D superresolution imaging of in vitro reconstituted nucleosomal arrays and chromatin fibers yielded results consistent with EM analysis. Similar euchromatin and heterochromatin structures were visualized in fixed and live cells with high spatiotemporal resolution and labeling density, providing the first live-cell evidence for a hierarchical model of chromatin organization. 3D imaging results obtained in the presence of selective inhibitors of histone deacetylases also corroborate chromatin fiber decompaction upon hyperacetylation of histones.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHENG, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.22.497271</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNA packaging via hierarchical chromatin structures revealed by live-cell 3D imaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.26.497684v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Improving the workflow to crack Small, Unbalanced, Noisy, but Genuine (SUNG) datasets in bioacoustics: the case of bonobo calls 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.26.497684v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite the accumulation of data and studies, deciphering animal vocal communication remains highly challenging. While progress has been made with some species for which we now understand the information exchanged through vocal signals, researchers are still left struggling with sparse recordings composing Small, Unbalanced, Noisy, but Genuine (SUNG) datasets. SUNG datasets offer a valuable but distorted vision of communication systems. Adopting the best practices in their analysis is therefore essential to effectively extract the available information and draw reliable conclusions. Here we show that the most recent advances in machine learning applied to a SUNG dataset succeed in unraveling the complex vocal repertoire of the bonobo, and we propose a workflow that can be effective with other animal species. We implement acoustic parameterization in three feature spaces along with three classification algorithms (Support Vector Machine, xgboost, neural networks) and their combination to explore the structure and variability of bonobo calls, as well as the robustness of the individual signature they encode. We underscore how classification performance is affected by the feature set and identify the most informative features. We highlight the need to address data leakage in the evaluation of classification performance to avoid misleading interpretations. Finally, using a Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), we show that classifiers generate parsimonious data descriptions which help to understand the clustering of the bonobo acoustic space. Our results lead to identifying several practical approaches that are generalizable to any other animal communication system. To improve the reliability and replicability of vocal communication studies with SUNG datasets, we thus recommend: i) comparing several acoustic parameterizations; ii) adopting Support Vector Machines as the baseline classification approach; iii) explicitly evaluating data leakage and possibly implementing a mitigation strategy; iv) visualizing the dataset with UMAPs applied to classifier predictions rather than to raw acoustic features.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Arnaud, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pellegrino, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keenan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St-Gelais, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mathevon, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Levrero, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coupe, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.26.497684</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Improving the workflow to crack Small, Unbalanced, Noisy, but Genuine (SUNG) datasets in bioacoustics: the case of bonobo calls]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.28.497880v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Chromosome-level Assembly of the Japanese Eel Genome, Insights into Gene Duplication and Chromosomal Reorganization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.28.497880v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWJapanese eels (Anguilla japonica) are commercially important species that have been harvested extensively for foods. Currently, this and related species (American and European eels) are difficult to breed on a commercial basis. Wild stock is used for aquaculture. Due to pollution, overfishing, and international trafficking, eel populations are declining. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists Japanese eels as critically endangered and on its red list. Here we presented a high-quality genome assembly for Japanese eels and demonstrated that large chromosome reorganizations occurred in the events of third-round whole-genome duplications (3R-WRD). Following multiple chromosomal fusion and fission rearrangement, the Anguilla lineage has reduced the haploid chromosomal number of 19 from the ancestral proto-chromosomal number of 25. Phylogenetic analysis of expanded gene families showed the gene families of olfactory receptors and voltage-gated Ca2+-channel expanded significantly. The expansion of olfactory receptors (group {delta} and {zeta} genes) and voltage-gated Ca2+-channel gene families are important for olfaction and neurophysiological functions. Following 3R-WGD, additional tandem (TD) and proximal (PD) duplications occurred to acquire immune-related genes for adaptation. The Japanese eel assembly presented here can be used to study other Anguilla species that are related to evolution and conservation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WAN, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WU, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>JIAN, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NG, A. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHUNG, C. Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHOW, E. Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WONG, A. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LAI, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHAN, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, E. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WONG, C. K.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.28.497880</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Chromosome-level Assembly of the Japanese Eel Genome, Insights into Gene Duplication and Chromosomal Reorganization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.29.498077v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CoxMKF: A Knockoff Filter for High-Dimensional Mediation Analysis with a Survival Outcome in Epigenetic Studies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.29.498077v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationIt is of scientific interest to identify DNA methylation CpG sites that might mediate the effect of an environmental exposure on a survival outcome in high-dimensional mediation analysis. However, there is a lack of powerful statistical methods that can provide a guarantee of false discovery rate (FDR) control in finite-sample settings.

ResultsIn this article, we propose a novel method called CoxMKF, which applies aggregation of multiple knockoffs to a Cox proportional hazards model for a survival outcome with high-dimensional mediators. The proposed CoxMKF can achieve FDR control even in finite-sample settings, which is particularly advantageous when the sample size is not large. Moreover, our proposed CoxMKF can overcome the randomness of the unstable model-X knockoffs. Our simulation results show that CoxMKF controls FDR well in finite samples. We further apply CoxMKF to a lung cancer data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project with 754 subjects and 365 306 DNA methylation CpG sites, and identify four DNA methylation CpG sites that might mediate the effect of smoking on the overall survival among lung cancer patients.

AvailabilityThe R package CoxMKF is publicly available at https://github.com/MinhaoYaooo/CoxMKF.

Contactzl2509@cumc.columbia.edu.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tian, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.29.498077</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CoxMKF: A Knockoff Filter for High-Dimensional Mediation Analysis with a Survival Outcome in Epigenetic Studies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.03.498435v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A systematic investigation of lactic acid bacteria-derived biosynthetic gene clusters reveals diverse antagonistic bacteriocins in the human microbiome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.03.498435v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce various bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs), which endow LAB with a protective role for the host. However, the biosynthetic potentials of LAB-derived SMs remain elusive, particularly in their diversity, abundance, and distribution in the human microbiome. To gain an insight into the biosynthetic capacity of LAB, we analyzed the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from 31,977 LAB genomes and 748 human microbiome metagenomes, identifying 130,051 BGCs. The found BGCs were clustered into 2,849 gene cluster families (GCFs), most of which are species-specific, niche-specific, and uncharacterized yet. We found that most LAB BGCs encoded bacteriocins with pervasive antagonistic activities predicted by machine learning models, potentially playing protective roles in the human microbiome. Class II bacteriocins, the most abundant LAB SMs, are particularly enriched and predominant in vaginal microbiomes. Together with experimental validation, our metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis showed that class II bacteriocins with antagonistic potential might regulate microbial communities in the vagina, thereby contributing to homeostasis. These discoveries of the diverse and prevalent antagonistic SMs are expected to stimulate the mechanism study of LABs protective roles in the host and highlight the potential of LAB as a new source of antibacterial SMs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kalimuthu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neelakantan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, Y.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.03.498435</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A systematic investigation of lactic acid bacteria-derived biosynthetic gene clusters reveals diverse antagonistic bacteriocins in the human microbiome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.04.498779v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Duet: SNP-Assisted Structural Variant Calling and Phasing Using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.04.498779v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWhole genome sequencing (WGS) using the long-read Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION sequencer provides a cost-effective option for structural variant (SV) detection in clinical applications. Despite the advantage of using long reads, however, accurate SV calling and phasing are still challenging.

ResultsWe introduce Duet, an SV detection tool optimized for SV calling and phasing using ONT data. The tool uses novel features integrated from both SV signatures and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) signatures, which can accurately distinguish SV haplotype from a false signal. Duet was benchmarked against state-of-the-art tools on multiple ONT sequencing datasets of sequencing coverage ranging from 8X to 40X. At low sequencing coverage of 8X, Duet performs better than all other tools in SV calling, SV genotyping and SV phasing. When the sequencing coverage is higher (20X to 40X), the F1-score for SV phasing is further improved in comparison to the performance of other tools, while its performance of SV genotyping and SV calling remains comparable or higher than other tools.

ConclusionDuet can perform accurate SV calling, SV genotyping and SV phasing using low-coverage ONT data, making it very useful for low-coverage genomes. It has great performance when scaled to high-coverage genomes, which is adaptable to various clinical applications. Duet is open source and is available at https://github.com/yekaizhou/duet.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahmed, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.04.498779</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Duet: SNP-Assisted Structural Variant Calling and Phasing Using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.18.500414v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Updating memories of unwanted emotions during human sleep 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.18.500414v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Post-learning sleep contributes to memory consolidation. Yet, it remains contentious whether sleep affords opportunities to modify or update emotional memories, such as those people would prefer to forget. Here we attempted to update memories during sleep using spoken positive emotional words paired with cues to recent memories for aversive events. Affect updating using positive words during human non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep, compared with using neutral words instead, reduced negative affect judgments in post-sleep tests, suggesting that the recalled events were perceived as less aversive. EEG analyses showed that emotional words modulated theta and spindle/sigma activity. Specifically, to the extent that theta power was larger for the positive word than for the following memory cue, participants judged the memory cues less negatively. Moreover, to the extent that sigma power was larger for the emotional word than for the following memory cue, participants showed higher forgetting of unwanted memories. Notably, when the onset of individual positive word coincided with the upstate of slow oscillations, a state characterized by increased cortical excitability during NREM sleep, affective updating was more successful. In sum, the affect content of memories was altered via strategic spoken words presentations during sleep, in association with theta power increases and slow-oscillation upstates. These findings offer novel possibilities for modifying unwanted memories during sleep, without requiring conscious confrontations with aversive memories that people would prefer to avoid.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ken, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.18.500414</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Updating memories of unwanted emotions during human sleep]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.18.500444v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Organic Electrochemical Transistor as an On-site Signal Amplifier for Electrochemical Aptamer-based Sensing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.18.500444v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors are typically deployed as individual, passive, surface-functionalized electrodes, but they exhibit limited sensitivity especially when the area of the electrode is reduced for miniaturization purposes. We demonstrated that organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), electrolyte gated tran-istors with volumetric gating, can serve as on-site amplifiers to improve the sensitivity of single electrode-based E-AB sensors. By monolithically integrating an Au working/sensing electrode, on-chip Ag/AgCl reference electrode and Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) counter electrode -- also serving as the OECT channel, we can simultaneously perform OECT testing and traditional electroanalytical measurement on E-AB sensors including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square-wave voltammetry (SWV). This device can directly amplify the current from the E-AB sensor via the in-plane current modulation in the counter electrode/transistor channel. The integrated OECT-based E-AB sensor is able to sense transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-{beta}1) with 3 to 4 orders of magnitude enhancement of sensitivity compared to that in a single electrode-based E-AB sensor (292 {micro}A/dec vs. 85 nA/dec for OECT vs. single electrode SWV). This approach is believed to be universal, which can be applied to a wide range of tethered electrochemical reporter-based sensors to enhance sensitivity, aiding in sensor miniaturization and easing the burden on backend signal processing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ji, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rivnay, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.18.500444</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Organic Electrochemical Transistor as an On-site Signal Amplifier for Electrochemical Aptamer-based Sensing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.20.500751v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Testis-specific H2BFWT disrupts nucleosome integrity through reductions of DNA-histone interactions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.20.500751v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During spermatogenesis, multiple testis-specific histone variants are involved in the dynamic chromatin transitions. H2BFWT is a primate testis-specific H2B variant with hitherto unclear functions, and SNPs of H2BFWT are closely associated with male non-obstructive infertility. Here, we found that H2BFWT is preferentially localized in the sub-telomeric regions and the promoters of genes highly expressed in testis from differentiated spermatogonia to early spermatocytes. Cryo-EM structural analysis shows that H2BFWT nucleosomes are defined by weakened interactions between H2A-H2BFWT dimer and H4, and between histone octamer and DNA. Furthermore, one of its SNPs, H2BFWTH100R further destabilizes nucleosomes and increases the nucleosome unwrapping rate by interfering with the interaction with H4K91. Our results suggest that H2BFWT may be necessary for the regulation of spermatogenesis-related gene expression by decreasing transcriptional barriers, and that H2BFWTH100R overdrives its nucleosome-destabilizing effects which causes infertility.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ding, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, M. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, T. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ishibashi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.20.500751</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Testis-specific H2BFWT disrupts nucleosome integrity through reductions of DNA-histone interactions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.21.500558v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Symbiosis-driven development in an early branching metazoan 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.21.500558v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microbes can initiate developmental gene regulatory cascades in animals. The molecular mechanisms underlying microbe-induced animal development and the evolutionary steps to integrate microbial signals into regulatory programs remain poorly understood. In the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana, a dinoflagellate endosymbiont initiates the life stage transition from the sessile polyp to the sexual medusa. We found that metabolic products derived from symbiont carotenoids may be important to initiate C. xamachana development, in addition to expression of conserved genes involved in medusa development of non-symbiotic jellyfish. We also revealed the transcription factor COUP is expressed during metamorphosis, potentially as a co-regulator of nuclear receptor RXR. These data suggest relatively few steps may be necessary to integrate symbiont signals into gene regulatory networks and cements the role of the symbiont as a key trigger for life history transition in C. xamachana.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ohdera, A. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Darymple, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Avila-Magana, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharp, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watson, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCauley, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steinworth, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Diaz-Almeyda, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kitchen, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poole, A. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bellantuono, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haridas, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grigoriev, I. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goentoro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vallen, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LaJeunesse, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loesgen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>martindale, m. q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeGennaro, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fitt, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Medina, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.21.500558</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Symbiosis-driven development in an early branching metazoan]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.26.501649v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Age-related seroprevalence trajectories of seasonal coronaviruses in children 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.26.501649v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Four seasonal coronaviruses, including HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1 cause approximately 15-30% of common colds in adults. However, the frequency and timing of early infection with four seasonal coronaviruses in the infant are still not well studied. Here, we evaluated the serological response to four seasonal coronaviruses in 1886 children under 18-year-old to construct the viral infection rates. The antibody levels were also determined from the plasma samples of 485 pairs postpartum women and their newborn babies. This passive immunity waned at one year after birth and the resurgence of the IgGs were found thereafter with the increase of the age. Taken together, our results show the age-related seroprevalence trajectories of seasonal coronaviruses in children and provide useful information for deciding vaccine strategy for coronaviruses in the future.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, K.-o.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, R. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fernando, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tun, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.26.501649</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Age-related seroprevalence trajectories of seasonal coronaviruses in children]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.10.503531v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Development of highly potent non-covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.10.503531v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causal agent of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is an urgent need for potent, specific antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is an essential enzyme for the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, and thus is a target for coronavirus drug discovery. Nearly all inhibitors of coronavirus 3CLpro reported so far are covalent inhibitors. Here, we report the development of specific, non-covalent inhibitors of 3CLpro. The most potent one, WU-04, effectively blocks SARS-CoV-2 replications in human cells with EC50 values in the 10-nM range. WU-04 also inhibits the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with high potency, indicating that it is a pan-inhibitor of coronavirus 3CLpro. WU-04 showed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity similar to that of PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) in K18-hACE2 mice when the same dose was administered orally. Thus, WU-04 is a promising drug candidate for coronavirus treatment.

One-Sentence SummaryA oral non-covalent inhibitor of 3C-like protease effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shuai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schindewolf, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Menachery, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.10.503531</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Development of highly potent non-covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.15.503962v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ERStruct: A Python Package for Inferring the Number of Top Principal Components from Whole Genome Sequencing Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.15.503962v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Large-scale multi-ethnic DNA sequencing data is increasingly available owing to decreasing cost of modern sequencing technologies. Inference of the population structure with such sequencing data is fundamentally important. However, the ultra-dimensionality and complicated linkage disequilibrium patterns across the whole genome make it challenging to infer population structure using traditional principal component analysis (PCA) based methods and software. We present the ERStruct Python Package, which enables the inference of population structure using whole-genome sequencing data. By leveraging parallel computing and GPU acceleration, our package achieves significant improvements in the speed of matrix operations for large-scale data. Additionally, our package features adaptive data splitting capabilities to facilitate computation on GPUs with limited memory. Our Python package ERStruct is an efficient and user-friendly tool for estimating the number of top informative PCs that capture population structure from whole genome sequencing data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.15.503962</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ERStruct: A Python Package for Inferring the Number of Top Principal Components from Whole Genome Sequencing Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.17.504252v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MMP14 cleaves PTH1R in the chondrocyte derived osteoblast lineage, curbing signaling intensity for proper bone anabolism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.17.504252v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bone homeostasis is regulated by hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH). While PTH can stimulate osteo-progenitor expansion and bone synthesis, how PTH-signaling intensity in progenitors is controlled is unclear. Endochondral bone osteoblasts arise from perichondrium-derived osteoprogenitors and hypertrophic chondrocytes (HC). We found, via single-cell transcriptomics, HC descendent cells activate membrane-type 1 metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) and the PTH pathway as they transition to osteoblasts in neonatal and adult mice. Unlike Mmp14 global knockouts, HC lineage-specific Mmp14 null mutants (Mmp14{Delta}HC) produce more bone. Mechanistically, MMP14 cleaves the extracellular domain of PTH1R, dampening PTH signaling and PTH signaling is enhanced in Mmp14{Delta}HC mutants. We found HC-derived osteoblasts contribute [~]50% of osteogenesis promoted by treatment with PTH 1-34 and this response was amplified in Mmp14{Delta}HC. MMP14 control of PTH signaling likely applies also to both HC- and non- HC-derived osteoblasts because their transcriptomes are highly similar. Our study identifies a novel paradigm of MMP14 activity-mediated titration of PTH signaling in the osteoblast lineage, contributing new insights into bone metabolism with therapeutic significance for bone-wasting diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chu, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, A. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheah, K. S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.17.504252</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MMP14 cleaves PTH1R in the chondrocyte derived osteoblast lineage, curbing signaling intensity for proper bone anabolism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.19.504616v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SpatialDM: Rapid identification of spatially co-expressed ligand-receptor reveals cell-cell communication patterns 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.19.504616v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cell-cell communication is a key aspect of dissecting the complex cellular microenvironment. Existing single-cell and spatial transcriptomics-based methods primarily focus on identifying cell-type pairs for a specific interaction, while less attention has been paid to the prioritisation of interaction features or the identification of interaction spots in the spatial context. Here, we introduce SpatialDM, a statistical model and toolbox leveraging a bivariant Morans statistic to detect spatially co-expressed ligand and receptor pairs, their local interacting spots (single-spot resolution), and communication patterns. By deriving an analytical null distribution, this method is scalable to millions of spots and shows accurate and robust performance in various simulations. On multiple datasets including melanoma, Ventricular-Subventricular Zone (SVZ), and intestine, SpatialDM reveals promising communication patterns and identifies differential interactions between conditions, hence enabling the discovery of context-specific cell cooperation and signalling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LI, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.19.504616</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SpatialDM: Rapid identification of spatially co-expressed ligand-receptor reveals cell-cell communication patterns]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.02.505700v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Organoid-based single-cell spatiotemporal gene expression landscape of human embryonic development and hematopoiesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.02.505700v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell level characterization of embryonic development is a major benchmark of human developmental biology. Spatiotemporal analysis of stem-cell-derived embryos offers conceptual and technical advances in the field. Here, we defined the single-cell spatiotemporal gene expression landscape of human embryonic development with stem-cell-derived organoids. We established the human embryonic organoid (HEMO) from expanded potential stem cells and achieved both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues in the same organoid. Time-series single-cell RNA sequencing paired with single-cell resolution spatial revealed human embryonic development signatures such as extraembryonic placenta, yolk sac hematopoiesis neural crest, blood vessels, and cardiac mesoderm. Hematopoietic tissues eventually predominated HEMO with erythropoiesis, mekagaryopiesis, and myelopoiesis. Cell-cell communication network analysis demonstrated that trophoblast-like tissues supplied WNT signaling in neural crest cells to facilitate maturation and migration. Single-cell resolution spatial transcriptomics defined the yolk sac erythro-megakaryopoietic niche. Vitronectin-integrin signaling, a major contributor to megakaryocyte maturation, was predominant in the yolk sac niche in HEMO and to human fetal samples. Overall, our study advances the spatiotemporal analysis of human embryonic development in stem-cell-derived organoids.

HighlightsO_LIModeling human embryonic development from stem cells
C_LIO_LIUsed of both 10X Chromium and 10X Visium to define the gene expression landscape of embryonic development and hematopoiesis
C_LIO_LIWNT signaling as a regulator of neural crest maturation and EMT
C_LIO_LIVTN-ITGA2B as the main contributor to Mk maturation within the yolk sac erythro-megakaryopoietic niche
C_LI

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=158 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/505700v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (38K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1710d00org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@10ca8e0org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@2310d1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@252728_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ebrahimkhani, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.02.505700</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Organoid-based single-cell spatiotemporal gene expression landscape of human embryonic development and hematopoiesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.09.507141v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Positive effects of tree diversity on tropical forest restoration in a field-scale experiment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.09.507141v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Experiments under controlled conditions have established that ecosystem functioning is generally positively related to levels of biodiversity, but it is unclear how widespread these effects are in real-world settings and whether they can be harnessed for ecosystem restoration. We used a long-term, field-scale tropical restoration experiment to test how the diversity of planted trees affected recovery measured across a 500 ha area of selectively logged forest using multiple sources of satellite data. Replanting with species rich mixtures of tree seedlings that had higher phylogenetic and functional diversity accelerated restoration rates. Our results are consistent with a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the lowland dipterocarp rainforests of SE Asia and demonstrate that using diverse mixtures of species can enhance initial recovery after logging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Veryard, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Brien, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anthony, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Both, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burslem, D. F. R. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fernandez-Miranda Cagigal, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Godfray, H. C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Godoong, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saner, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schmid, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sau Wai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reynolds, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hector, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.09.507141</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Positive effects of tree diversity on tropical forest restoration in a field-scale experiment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.09.507208v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A dynamic template complex mediates Munc18-chaperoned SNARE assembly 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.09.507208v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Munc18 chaperones assembly of three membrane-anchored soluble N-ethylmaleimide- sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) into a four-helix bundle to mediate membrane fusion between vesicles and plasma membranes, leading to neurotransmitter or insulin release, GLUT4 translocation, or other exocytotic processes. Yet, the molecular mechanism underlying chaperoned SNARE assembly is not well understood. Recent evidence suggests that Munc18-1 and Munc18-3 simultaneously bind their cognate SNAREs to form ternary template complexes - Munc18-1:Syntaxin-1:VAMP2 for synaptic vesicle fusion and Munc18-3:Syntaxin-4:VAMP2 for GLUT4 translocation and insulin release, which facilitate binding of SNAP-25 or SNAP-23 to conclude SNARE assembly. Here, we further investigate the structure, dynamics, and function of the template complexes using optical tweezers. Our results suggest that the synaptic template complex transitions to an activated state with a rate of [~]0.05 s-1 and [~]6.8 kBT higher energy for efficient SNAP-25 binding. The transition depends upon the linker region of syntaxin-1 upstream of its helical bundle-forming SNARE motif. In addition, the template complex is stabilized by a poorly characterized disordered loop region in Munc18-1. While the synaptic template complex efficiently binds both SNAP-25 and SNAP-23, the GLUT4 template complex strongly favors SNAP-23 over SNAP-25, despite similar stabilities of their assembled SNARE bundles. Together, our data demonstrate that a highly dynamic template complex mediates efficient and specific SNARE assembly.

SignificanceMunc18-1 chaperones coupled folding and assembly of three synaptic SNAREs, syntaxin-1, VAMP2, and SNAP-25, into a four-helix bundle to mediate membrane fusion and neurotransmitter release. Recent evidence suggests that Munc18-1, syntaxin-1, and VAMP2 first form a weak template complex and then bind to SNAP-25 to complete SNARE assembly. However, the dynamics and function of the template complex are not well understood. Using optical tweezers, we found that the template complex undergoes a conformational change to bind SNAP-25 in a way dependent upon the syntaxin linker region and that Munc18 kinetically proofreads SNARE pairing not governed by its thermodynamic stability. Our study reveals a more dynamic template complex than that seen in its cryo-EM structure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.09.507208</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A dynamic template complex mediates Munc18-chaperoned SNARE assembly]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.12.507623v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Environment-wide and epigenome-wide association study of adiposity in "Children of 1997" birth cohort 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.12.507623v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundIncreasing childhood adiposity is a global issue requiring potentially local solutions to ensure it does not continue into adulthood. We systematically identified potentially modifiable targets of adiposity at the onset and end of puberty in Hong Kong the most economically developed major Chinese city.

MethodsWe conducted an environment-wide association study (EWAS) and an epigenome-wide association study of adiposity to systematically assess associations with body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in Hong Kongs population-representative "Children of 1997" birth cohort. Univariable linear regression was used to select exposures related to adiposity at ~11.5 years (BMI n[&le;]7,119, WHR n=5,691) and ~17.6 years (n = 3,618) at Bonferroni-corrected significance, and multivariable linear regression to adjust for potential confounders followed by replication (n=308) and CpG by CpG analysis (n=286) at ~23 years. Findings were compared with evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.

ResultsAt ~11.5 and ~17.6 years the EWAS identified 14 and 37 exposures associated with BMI, as well as seven and 12 associated with WHR respectively. Most exposures had directionally consistent associations at ~23 years. Maternal second-hand smoking, maternal weight, and birth weight were consistently associated with adiposity. Diet (including dairy intake and artificially sweetened beverages), physical activity, snoring, binge eating, and earlier puberty were positively associated with BMI at ~17.6 years, while eating before sleep was inversely associated with BMI at ~17.6 years. Findings for birth weight, dairy intake, binge eating, and possibly earlier puberty are consistent with available evidence from RCTs or MR studies We found 21 CpGs related to BMI and 18 to WHR.

ConclusionsThese novel insights into potentially modifiable factors associated with adiposity at the outset and the end of puberty could, if causal, inform future interventions to improve population health in Hong Kong and similar Chinese settings.

FundingThis study was supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund Research Fellowship, Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong SAR Government (#04180097). The DNA extraction was supported by CFS-HKU1.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au Yeung, S. L. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baccarelli, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>M. Leung, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.12.507623</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Environment-wide and epigenome-wide association study of adiposity in "Children of 1997" birth cohort]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.21.508814v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanistic insights into zearalenone-accelerated colorectal cancer in mice using integrative multi-omics approaches 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.21.508814v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Zearalenone (ZEA), a secondary metabolite of Fusarium fungi found in cereal-based foods, promotes the growth of colon, breast, and prostate cancer cells in vitro. However, the lack of animal studies hinders a deeper mechanistic understanding of the cancer-promoting effects of ZEA. This study aimed to determine the effect of ZEA on colon cancer progression and its underlying mechanisms. Through integrative analyses of transcriptomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, and host phenotypes, we investigated the impact of a 4-week ZEA intervention on colorectal cancer in xenograft mice. Our results showed a twofold increase in tumor weight with the 4-week ZEA intervention. ZEA exposure significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of BEST4, DGKB, and Ki67 and the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and AKT. Serum metabolomic analysis revealed that the levels of amino acids, including histidine, arginine, citrulline, and glycine, decreased significantly in the ZEA group. Furthermore, ZEA lowered the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota and reduced the abundance of nine genera, including Tuzzerella and Rikenella. Further association analysis indicated that Tuzzerella was negatively associated with the expression of BEST4 and DGKB genes, serum uric acid levels, and tumor weight. Additionally, circulatory hippuric acid levels positively correlated with tumor weight and the expression of oncogenic genes, including ROBO3, JAK3, and BEST4. Altogether, our results indicated that ZEA promotes colon cancer progression by enhancing the BEST4/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway, lowering circulatory amino acid concentrations, altering gut microbiota composition, and suppressing short chain fatty acids production.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lo, E. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gallego, C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Nezami, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.21.508814</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanistic insights into zearalenone-accelerated colorectal cancer in mice using integrative multi-omics approaches]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.23.509242v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Enhancing Sox/Oct cooperativity induces higher-grade developmental reset 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.23.509242v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology by Shinya Yamanaka has truly enabled the stem cell field. After 16 years of intense research, the delivery methods and culture media have improved but the original factors--Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Myc (OSKM)--remain central for driving reprogramming.

Here we define structural elements in chimeric Sox2/Sox17 transcription factors that rescued the ability of nonfunctional Oct factors to induce pluripotency. Most importantly, we discovered a single amino acid swap in the DNA-binding domain of Sox2, A61V, that stabilizes the Sox/Oct heterodimer on DNA through hydrophobic interaction with Oct. The highly cooperative Sox2AV mutant enables iPSC generation with Oct4 orthologs, such as Oct2 and Oct6, as well as rescues otherwise detrimental Oct4 mutants and domain deletions. Sox2AV has a dramatic effect on the cell fate reset, significantly improving the developmental potential of OSKM iPSCs. Moreover, by swapping multiple beneficial elements of Sox17 into Sox2 we have built a chimeric super-SOX factor--Sox2-17--that delivers unprecedented reprogramming efficiency and kinetics in five tested species. Sox2-17 enhances five-, four-, and three-factor reprogramming up to hundreds of times, enables two-factor generation of human iPSCs, and allows integration-free reprogramming of otherwise non-permissive aged human, non-human primate, and cattle fibroblasts.

Our study demonstrates that a complete developmental reset requires both robust activation of regulatory elements controlled by the canonical SoxOct motif and limiting cellular proliferation driven by Oct4 and Myc. A high level of Sox2 expression and Sox2/Oct4 heterodimerization emerge as the key determinants of high-grade pluripotency that fades along the naive-to-primed continuum. Transient expression of SK cocktail can restore the naivety, providing a powerful technology to induce more complete developmental reset in pluripotent cells across species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>MacCarthy, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malik, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Velychko, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keshet, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jauch, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cojocaru, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scholer, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Velychko, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.23.509242</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Enhancing Sox/Oct cooperativity induces higher-grade developmental reset]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.30.510297v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deciphering Spatial Domains by Integrating Histopathological Image and Transcriptomics via Contrastive Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.30.510297v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics have enabled measurements of gene expression at cell/spot resolution meanwhile retaining both the spatial information and the histopathological images of the tissues. Deciphering the spatial domains of spots in the tissues is a vital step for various downstream tasks in spatial transcriptomics analysis. Existing methods have been developed for this purpose by combining gene expression and histopathological images to conquer noises in gene expression. However, current methods only use the histopathological images to construct spot relations without updating in the training stage, or simply concatenate the information from gene expression and images into one feature vector. Here, we propose a novel method ConGI to accurately decipher spatial domains by integrating gene expression and histopathological images, where the gene expression is adapted to image information through contrastive learning. We introduce three contrastive loss functions within and between modalities to learn the common semantic representations across all modalities while avoiding their meaningless modality-private noise information. The learned representations are then used for deciphering spatial domains through a clustering method. By comprehensive tests on tumor and normal spatial transcriptomics datasets, ConGI was shown to outperform existing methods in terms of spatial domain identification. More importantly, the learned representations from our model have also been used efficiently for various downstream tasks, including trajectory inference, clustering, and visualization.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.30.510297</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deciphering Spatial Domains by Integrating Histopathological Image and Transcriptomics via Contrastive Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.03.510566v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Intranasal delivery of NS1-deleted influenza virus vectored COVID-19 vaccine restrains the SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory response 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.03.510566v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) variants and "anatomical escape" characteristics threaten the effectiveness of current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines. There is an urgent need to understand the immunological mechanism of broad-spectrum respiratory tract protection to guide broader vaccines development. In this study, we investigated immune responses induced by an NS1-deleted influenza virus vectored intranasal COVID-19 vaccine (dNS1-RBD) which provides broad-spectrum protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Intranasal delivery of dNS1-RBD induced innate immunity, trained immunity and tissue-resident memory T cells covering the upper and lower respiratory tract. It restrained the inflammatory response by suppressing early phase viral load post SARS-CoV-2 challenge and attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1B, and IFN-{gamma}) levels, thereby reducing excess immune-induced tissue injury compared with the control group. By inducing local cellular immunity and trained immunity, intranasal delivery of NS1-deleted influenza virus vectored vaccine represents a broad-spectrum COVID-19 vaccine strategy to reduce disease burden.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.03.510566</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Intranasal delivery of NS1-deleted influenza virus vectored COVID-19 vaccine restrains the SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory response]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.12.511862v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An integrated cell barcoding and computational analysis pipeline for scalable analysis of differentiation at single-cell resolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.12.511862v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pluripotent stem cells provide a scalable approach to analyse molecular regulation of cell differentiation across multiple developmental lineage trajectories. In this study, we engineered barcoded iPSCs to generate an atlas of multilineage differentiation from pluripotency, encompassing a time-course of WNT-induced differentiation perturbed using modulators of WNT, BMP, and VEGF signalling. Computational mapping of in vitro cell types to in vivo developmental lineages revealed a diversity of iPSC-derived cell types comprising mesendoderm lineage cell types including lateral plate and paraxial mesoderm, neural crest, and primitive gut. Coupling this atlas of in vitro differentiation with Summary data-based Mendelian Randomisation analysis of human complex traits, we identify the WNT-inhibitor protein TMEM88 as a putative regulator of mesendodermal cell types governing development of diverse cardiovascular and anthropometric traits. Using genetic loss of function models, we show that TMEM88 is required for differentiation of diverse endoderm and mesoderm cell lineages in vitro and that TMEM88 knockout in vivo results in a significant dysregulation of arterial blood pressure. This study provides an atlas of multilineage iPSC differentiation coupled with new molecular, computational, and statistical genetic tools to dissect genetic determinants of mammalian developmental physiology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Werner, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shim, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lukowski, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andersen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pham, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Powell, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, P. P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boden, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Palpant, N. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.12.511862</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An integrated cell barcoding and computational analysis pipeline for scalable analysis of differentiation at single-cell resolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.12.512003v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inferring cell diversity in single cell data using consortium-scale epigenetic data as a biological anchor for cell identity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.12.512003v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Methods for cell clustering and gene expression from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data are essential for biological interpretation of cell processes. Here we present TRIAGE-Cluster which uses genome-wide epigenetic data from diverse bio-samples to identify genes demarcating cell diversity in scRNA-seq data. TRIAGE-Cluster integrates patterns of repressive chromatin deposited across diverse cell types with weighted density estimation to determine cell type clusters in a 2D UMAP space. We then present TRIAGE-ParseR, a machine learning method that evaluates gene expression rank lists to define gene groups governing the identity and function of cell types. We demonstrate the utility of this two-step approach using atlases of in vivo and in vitro cell diversification and organogenesis. We also provide a web accessible dashboard for analysis and download of data and software. Collectively, genome-wide epigenetic repression provides a versatile strategy to define cell diversity and study gene regulation of scRNA-seq data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shim, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sinniah, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pham, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>White, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boden, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Palpant, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.12.512003</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inferring cell diversity in single cell data using consortium-scale epigenetic data as a biological anchor for cell identity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.18.512656v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic architecture of behavioural resilience to ocean acidification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.18.512656v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genetic variation is essential for adaptation to rapid environmental changes. Identifying genetic variation associated with climate-change related phenotypes is therefore the necessary first step towards predictive models of genomic vulnerability.

Here we used a whole-genome scan to identify candidate genetic variants associated with differences in behavioural resilience to ocean acidification in a coral reef fish. We identified three genomic regions that differ between individuals that are behaviourally tolerant compared with behaviourally sensitive to elevated CO2. These include a dopamine receptor (drd4rs), cadherin related family member 5-like (cdhr5l), Synapse-associated protein 1 (syap1), and GRB2 Associated Regulator of MAPK1 Subtype 2 (garem2), which have previously been found to modify behaviour related to boldness, novelty seeking, and learning in other species, and differ between behaviourally tolerant and sensitive individuals.

Consequently, the identified genes are promising candidates in the search of the genetic underpinnings and adaptive potential of behavioural resilience to ocean acidification in fishes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lehmann, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Welch, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arold, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nilsson, G. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>tegner, j.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munday, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.18.512656</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic architecture of behavioural resilience to ocean acidification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.21.513145v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PAM-less Exonuclease-assisted Cas12a for visual detection of Vibrio Species 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.21.513145v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Foodborne pathogens, including Vibrio spp. and norovirus, cause substantial economic and healthcare burdens worldwide. Rapid and sensitive point-of-care testing on-farm or restaurants for batch inspection of pathogenic contamination in raw food products is essential. Here, we present an easy-to-design, cost-effective PAM-less Exonuclease-assisted Cas12A Nucleic-acid Detection (PECAN) assay paired with nucleic acid amplification systems for rapid and sensitive visual detection of 2 pathogenic Vibrio species: Vibrio parahaemolyticus (TDH) and Vibrio Cholerae (ctxA) without protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site limitation. With T7 exonuclease, PAM-less detection could be achieved with a low concentration of cas12a, costing $0.8 USD per reaction. The system could also be adapted for PAM-less cas12a nucleic acid detection in-field or in-lab for sensitive DNA or RNA detection. We also constructed a low-cost reusable 3D printed heater chassis and reusable sodium acetate heat packs for field use without generating solid waste.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raykar, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, K. T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.21.513145</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PAM-less Exonuclease-assisted Cas12a for visual detection of Vibrio Species]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.10.515904v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
INSIDER: Interpretable Sparse Matrix Decomposition for Bulk RNA Expression Data Analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.10.515904v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA-Seq is widely used to capture transcriptome dynamics across tissues from different biological entities even across biological conditions, with the aim of understanding the contribution of gene activities to phenotypes of biosamples. However, due to variation from tissues and biological entities (or other biological conditions), joint analysis of bulk RNA expression profiles across multiple tissues from a number of biological entities to achieve the aim is hindered. Moreover, it is crucial to consider interactions between biological variables. For example, different brain disorders may affect brain regions heterogeneously. Thus, modeling the disorder-region interaction can shed light on the heterogeneity. To address these key challenges, we propose a general and flexible statistical framework based on matrix factorization, named INSIDER (https://github.com/kai0511/insider).

INSIDER decomposes variation from different biological variables into a shared low-rank latent space. In particular, it considers interactions between biological variables and introduces the elastic net penalty to induce sparsity, thus facilitating interpretation. In the framework, the biological variables and interaction terms can be defined based on the research questions and study design. Besides, it enables us to compute the  adjusted expression profiles for biological variables that control variation from other biological variables. Lastly, it allows various downstream analyses, such as clustering donors with donor representations, revealing development trajectory in its application to the BrainSpan data, and uncovering mechanisms underlying variables like phenotype and interactions between biological variables (e.g., phenotypes and tissues).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHAO, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HUANG, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LIN, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SO, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.10.515904</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[INSIDER: Interpretable Sparse Matrix Decomposition for Bulk RNA Expression Data Analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.17.516978v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Human Early Syncytiotrophoblasts Are Highly Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.17.516978v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing and devastating pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a global public health crisis. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and can potentially pose a serious risk to maternal and neonatal health. Cases of abnormal pregnancy and vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to foetus have been reported but no firm conclusions are drawn. Trophoblasts are the major constituents of the placenta to protect and nourish the developing foetus. However, direct in vivo investigation of trophoblasts susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and of COVID-19 and pregnancy is challenging. Here we report that human early syncytiotrophoblasts (eSTBs) are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-dependent manner. From human expanded potential stem cells (hEPSCs), we derived bona fide trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) that resembled those originated from the blastocyst and the placenta in generating functional syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and extravillus trophoblasts (EVTs) and in low expression of HLA-A/B and amniotic epithelial (AME) cell signature. The EPSC-TSCs and their derivative trophoblasts including trophoblast organoids could be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, eSTBs expressed high levels of ACE2 and produced substantially higher amounts of virion than Vero E6 cells which are widely used in SARS-CoV-2 research and vaccine production. These findings provide experimental evidence for the clinical observations that opportunistic SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can occur. At low concentrations, two well characterized antivirals, remdesivir and GC376, effectively eliminated infection of eSTBs by SARS-CoV-2 and middle east respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and rescued their developmental arrest caused by the virus infection. Several human cell lines have been used in coronavirus research. However, they suffer from genetic and/or innate immune defects and have some of the long-standing technical challenges such as cell transfection and genetic manipulation. In contrast, hEPSCs are normal human stem cells that are robust in culture, genetically stable and permit efficient gene-editing. They can produce and supply large amounts of physiologically relevant normal and genome-edited human cells such as eSTBs for isolation, propagation and production of coronaviruses for basic research, antivirus drug tests and safety evaluation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>RUAN, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, C. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, T. T. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, P. C. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, D.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.17.516978</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Human Early Syncytiotrophoblasts Are Highly Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.22.517073v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Environmental and genetic drivers of population differences in SARS-CoV-2 immune responses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.22.517073v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Humans display vast clinical variability upon SARS-CoV-2 infection1-3, partly due to genetic and immunological factors4. However, the magnitude of population differences in immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and the mechanisms underlying such variation remain unknown. Here we report single-cell RNA-sequencing data for peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 222 healthy donors of various ancestries stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 or influenza A virus. We show that SARS-CoV-2 induces a weaker, but more heterogeneous interferon-stimulated gene activity than influenza A virus, and a unique pro-inflammatory signature in myeloid cells. We observe marked population differences in transcriptional responses to viral exposure that reflect environmentally induced cellular heterogeneity, as illustrated by higher rates of cytomegalovirus infection, affecting lymphoid cells, in African-descent individuals. Expression quantitative trait loci and mediation analyses reveal a broad effect of cell proportions on population differences in immune responses, with genetic variants having a narrower but stronger effect on specific loci. Additionally, natural selection has increased immune response differentiation across populations, particularly for variants associated with SARS-CoV-2 responses in East Asians. We document the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which Neanderthal introgression has altered immune functions, such as its impact on the myeloid response in Europeans. Finally, colocalization analyses reveal an overlap between the genetic architecture of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 severity. Collectively, these findings suggest that adaptive evolution targeting immunity has also contributed to current disparities in COVID-19 risk.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Aquino, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bisiaux, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Neill, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mendoza-Revilla, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merkling, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kerner, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hasan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Libri, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bondet, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Cevins, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Menager, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luca, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pique-Regi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barba-Spaeth, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pietropaoli, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schwartz, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leroux-Roels, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J. T. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abel, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Casanova, J.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valkenburg, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duffy, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patin, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rotival, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quintana-Murci, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.22.517073</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Environmental and genetic drivers of population differences in SARS-CoV-2 immune responses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.23.516835v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Region- and variance-based DNA methylation analyses reveal novel disease genes and pathways for systemic lupus erythematosus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.23.516835v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype autoimmune disease with unclear pathogenesis. DNA methylation is an important regulatory mechanism on gene expression, providing a key angle to understand disease mechanisms. To understand the pathways involved in SLE, and to develop biomarkers for its diagnosis and treatment, we analyzed DNA methylation profiles on blood cells from SLE patients and healthy controls.

ResultsWe identified most differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in T cells, while majority of differentially variable sites (DVSs) were found in B cells, featuring hypervariability in enhancers. We observed a prominent T cell receptor (TCR) signaling cluster with consistent hypermethylation and a B cell receptor (BCR) cluster with highly increased variability in SLE. Genes involved in innate immunity were often found hypomethylated, while adaptive immunity genes were featured with hypermethylation. Using a machine learning approach, we identified 60 genes that accurately distinguished SLE patients from healthy individuals, which also showed correlation with disease activities.

ConclusionsThis study highlights the role of lymphocyte receptor aberrations in the disease and identified a list of genes showing great potential as biomarkers and shedding new light on disease mechanisms, through novel analyses of methylation data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.23.516835</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Region- and variance-based DNA methylation analyses reveal novel disease genes and pathways for systemic lupus erythematosus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.27.518064v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Reactivating Positive Personality Traits During Sleep Impacts Self-Evaluative Memories 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.27.518064v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Positive self-view is evident by a bias in favor of positive self-referential processing, as individuals tend to endorse positive characteristics over negative ones when making self-judgments. While research suggests that a positivity bias can contribute to psychological well-being, it remains unclear how to enhance positive self-referential processing. Here, we reported an integrated training procedure that aimed at enhancing individuals positive self-referential processing. Specifically, participants engaged in a cue-approach training task (CAT) during wakefulness where they gave speeded motor responses to positive personality traits. In a subsequent nap, we unobtrusively re-played half of the trained positive traits during participants slow-wave sleep to reactivate memories associated with these positive traits (targeted memory reactivation, TMR). Upon awakening, we found that CAT+TMR enhanced participants positive self-referential processing, as evidenced by faster endorsement of positive traits. Further analysis revealed that this enhancement was associated with specific brainwave patterns during sleep: delta (1-4 Hz) traveling waves moving from posterior to anterior brain regions. These findings demonstrate the potential benefits of integrated wakeful cue-approach training and sleep-based memory reactivation in strengthening positive self-referential processing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.27.518064</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Reactivating Positive Personality Traits During Sleep Impacts Self-Evaluative Memories]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.28.518277v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bioavailability of Schisandrin B and its effect on 5-Fluorouracil metabolism in a xenograft mouse model of colorectal cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.28.518277v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Schisandrin B (Sch-B) is a predominant bioactive lignan in the fruit of a traditional Chinese medicinal plant Schisandra Chinensis with widely reported anti-cancer properties. Using a xenograft mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC), we showed potent anti-tumor effects of Sch-B and synergistic effects when co-treated with the chemotherapy drug, fluorouracil (5-FU). To explore the underlying anti-tumor mechanism of Sch-B, we first compared the bioavailability, metabolism and tissue distribution of Sch-B and its metabolites among healthy and tumor-bearing mice. To understand the drug-phytochemical interactions associated with the synergy between Sch-B and 5-FU, we examined their reciprocal influence on drug metabolism, tissue distribution, and multidrug resistance (MDR) gene expression in tumor-bearing mice. Using a targeted metabolomics approach, three Sch-B metabolites and two bioactive 5-FU metabolites were quantified and found to reach tumor tissue. Generally, Sch-B metabolites were present at higher levels in tumor-bearing than healthy mice, whereas 5-FU metabolite accumulation was remarkably higher in the co-treatment than 5-FU alone group. Moreover, MDR genes were significantly downregulated upon co-treatment, demonstrating the capacity of Sch-B to reverse MDR in chemotherapy. This study showed that Sch-B may serve as a promising adjuvant to chemotherapy drugs via favorably modulating drug metabolism and bioavailability, and attenuating MDR.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, P.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Co, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, M. L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Nezami, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.28.518277</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bioavailability of Schisandrin B and its effect on 5-Fluorouracil metabolism in a xenograft mouse model of colorectal cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.01.518778v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modulating the epigenetic state promotes the reprogramming of transformed cells to pluripotency in a line-specific manner 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.01.518778v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Somatic cell reprogramming and oncogenic transformation share surprisingly similar features, yet transformed cells are highly resistant to reprogramming. There must be barriers that block transformed cells from reprogramming, but the nature of those barriers is unclear. In this study, we generated a systematic panel of transformed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using a variety of oncogenic transgenes, and discovered transformed cell lines that remain compatible with reprogramming when transfected with Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/Myc. By comparing the reprogramming-capable and incapable transformed lines we identified multiple stages of failure in the reprogramming process. Some transformed lines failed very early, whilst other lines seemed to progress through a normal-looking reprogramming process. Finally, we show that MEK inhibition overcomes one critical reprogramming barrier by indirectly suppressing a hyperactive epigenetic state in some of the transformed cells. This study reveals that the barriers underlying resistance to reprogramming vary between the different transformation methods.

Key findingsO_LISomatic cell reprogramming of transformed cells is context-specific
C_LIO_LIInhibition of MEK converts some cell lines to reprogramming-capable
C_LIO_LITransformed cell lines are characterized by a hyperactive chromatin state
C_LIO_LIMEK inhibition indirectly affects chromatin to enable reprogramming
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Babarinde, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jauch, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hutchins, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.01.518778</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modulating the epigenetic state promotes the reprogramming of transformed cells to pluripotency in a line-specific manner]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.03.518997v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Covidscope: An atlas-scale COVID-19 resource for single-cell meta analysis at sample and cell levels 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.03.518997v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With the recent advancement in single-cell technologies and the increased availability of integrative tools, challenges arise in easy and fast access to large collections of cell atlas. Existing cell atlas portals rarely are open sourced and adaptable, and do not support meta-analysis at cell level. Here, we present an open source, highly optimised and scalable architecture, named Scope+, to allow quick access, meta-analysis and cell-level selection of the atlas data. We applied this architecture to our well-curated 5 million Covid-19 blood and immune cells, as a portal, Covidscope (https://covidsc.d24h.hk/). We achieved efficient access to atlas-scale data via three strategies, such as server-side rendering, novel database optimization strategies and an innovative architectural design. Scope+ serves as an open source architecture for researchers to build on with their own atlas, and demonstrated its capability in the Covidscope portal for an effective meta-analysis to atlas data at cellular resolution for reproducible research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, C. L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, K. H. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.03.518997</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Covidscope: An atlas-scale COVID-19 resource for single-cell meta analysis at sample and cell levels]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.14.520176v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PD-L1 regulates inflammatory macrophage development from human pluripotent stem cells by maintaining interferon-gamma signal 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.14.520176v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) serves as a pivotal immune checkpoint in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. PD-L1 is expressed in macrophages in response to interferon-gamma (IFN{gamma}). We examined whether PD-L1 might regulate macrophage development. We established PD-L1-/- human pluripotent stem cells, differentiated them into macrophages, and observed a 60% reduction of CD11B+CD45+ macrophages in PD-L1-/-, orthogonally verified with PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-1166 reduced macrophages to the same fold. Single-cell RNA sequencing further confirmed the 60% reduction of macrophages as well as the down-regulation of macrophage-defining transcription factors SPI1, KLF6, and MAFB. Further, PD-L1-/- macrophages reduced the level of inflammatory signals such as NF{kappa}B, TNF, and chemokines CXCL and CCL families. Whilst anti-inflammatory TGF-{beta} was upregulated. Finally, we identified that PD-L1-/- macrophages significantly down-regulated interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) despite IFN{gamma} in differentiation media. Mechanistically, PD-L1-/- macrophages reduced IFNGR1 expression explaining that cells could not respond to IFN{gamma}. These data suggest that PD-L1 regulates inflammatory macrophage development by maintaining the IFN{gamma} signal.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.14.520176</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PD-L1 regulates inflammatory macrophage development from human pluripotent stem cells by maintaining interferon-gamma signal]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.15.518621v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification of a key genetic factor governing arabinan utilization in the gut microbiome suggests a novel therapeutic target for constipation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.15.518621v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Probiotics have been widely used to improve impaired gastro-intestinal motility, yet their efficacy varied substantially across strains. Here, by a large-scale genetic screen plus in vivo measurements, we identified a key genetic factor (abfA cluster governing arabinan utilization) in probiotic Bifidobacterium longum harnessing the treatment efficacy against functional constipation (FC). Intriguingly, it also presents in a range of gut resident microbiota and played a protective role against FC. Next, our longitudinal multi-omics study in humans revealed that the exogenous abfA-cluster- carrying B. longum can well establish itself in the gut, and enrich arabinan-utilization residents and beneficial metabolites (e.g., acetate, butyrate, chenodeoxycholic acid and uracil). Finally, transplantation of abfA-cluster-enriched human microbiota to FC- induced germ-free mice recapitulated the marked gut-motility improvement and elevated production of beneficial metabolites. Collectively, our proof-of-concept study actively demonstrated a critical yet underexplored role of microbial abfA cluster in ameliorating FC, establishing generalizable principles for developing functional-genomics-directed probiotic therapies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.15.518621</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification of a key genetic factor governing arabinan utilization in the gut microbiome suggests a novel therapeutic target for constipation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.16.520702v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ClpP/ClpX deficiency impairs mitochondrial functions and mTORC1 signaling during spermatogenesis and meiosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.16.520702v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Caseinolytic protease proteolytic subunit (ClpP) and caseinolytic protease X (ClpX) are mitochondrial matrix peptidases that activate mitochondrial unfolded protein response to maintain protein homeostasis in the mitochondria. However, the role of ClpP and ClpX in spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the importance of ClpP/ClpX for meiosis and spermatogenesis with two conditional knockout (cKO) mouse models. We found that ClpP/ClpX deficiency reduced mitochondrial functions and quantity in spermatocytes, affected energy supply during meiosis and attenuated zygotene-pachytene transformation of the male germ cells. The dysregulated spermatocytes finally underwent apoptosis resulting in decreased testicular size and vacuolar structures within the seminiferous tubules. We found mTORC1 pathway was over-activated after deletion of ClpP/ClpX in spermatocytes. Long-term inhibition of the mTORC1 signaling via rapamycin treatment in vivo partially rescue spermatogenesis. The data reveal the novel roles of ClpP and ClpX in regulating meiosis and spermatogenesis.

One-Sentence SummaryClpP/ClpX is required for maintaining mitochondrial functions in spermatocytes during meiosis and spermatogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hua, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, W. S. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.16.520702</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ClpP/ClpX deficiency impairs mitochondrial functions and mTORC1 signaling during spermatogenesis and meiosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.17.520855v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evaluation of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis enrichment in metagenomic samples using ONT adaptive sequencing and amplicon sequencing for identification and variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.17.520855v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sensitive detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB) in small percentages in metagenomic samples is essential for microbial classification and drug resistance prediction, and assisting in diagnosis and treatment planning. However, traditional methods, such as bacterial culture and microscopy, are time-consuming and sometimes have limited TB detection sensitivity. Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing allows rapid and simple sample preparation for whole genome and amplicon sequencing. Its recently developed adaptive sequencing selects reads from targets, while allowing real-time base-calling during sequencing to achieve sequence enrichment or depletion. Another common enrichment method is PCR amplification of the target TB genes. In this study, we compared both methods with MinION sequencing for TB detection and variant calling in metagenomic samples using both simulation runs and those with synthetic and patient samples. We found that both methods effectively enrich TB reads from a high percentage of human and other microbial DNA. We provide a simple automatic analysis framework, including quality filtering, taxonomic classification, variant calling, and antimicrobial resistance prediction, to support these detection workflows for clinical use, openly available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/ONT-TB-NF. Depending on the patients medical condition and sample type (commonly including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood samples, sputum, and tissues), we discuss the findings and recommend that users optimize their workflow to improve the detection limit.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, G. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, T. T.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lao, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yam, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, K. K.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.17.520855</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evaluation of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis enrichment in metagenomic samples using ONT adaptive sequencing and amplicon sequencing for identification and variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.18.520670v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The episodic resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 virus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.18.520670v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 activity has intensified globally since 2021, replacing the dominant clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 virus. H5N1 viruses have spread rapidly to four continents, causing increasing reports of mass mortality in wild birds and poultry. The ecological and virological properties required for future mitigation strategies are unclear. Using epidemiological, spatial and genomic approaches, we demonstrate changes in the source of resurgent H5 HPAI and reveal significant shifts in virus ecology and evolution. Outbreak data indicates key resurgent events in 2016/17 and 2020/21 that contributed to the panzootic spread of H5N1 in 2021/22, including an increase in virus diffusion velocity and persistence in wild birds. Genomic analysis reveals that the 2016/17 epizootics originated in Asia, where HPAI H5 reservoirs are documented as persistent. However, in 2020/21, 2.3.4.4b H5N8 viruses emerged in domestic poultry in Africa, featuring several novel mutations altering the HA structure, receptor binding, and antigenicity. The new H5N1 virus emerged from H5N8 through reassortment in wild birds along the Adriatic flyway around the Mediterranean Sea. It was characterized by extensive reassortment with low pathogenic avian influenza in domestic and wild birds as it spread globally. In contrast, earlier outbreaks of H5N8 were caused by a more stable genetic constellation, highlighting dynamic changes in HPAI H5 genomic evolution. These results suggest a shift in the epicenter of HPAI H5 beyond Asia to new regions in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North and South America. The persistence of HPAI H5 with resurgence potential in domestic birds indicates that elimination strategies remain a high priority.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xie, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wille, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zanin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Shesheny, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ducatez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kayali, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Webby, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dhanasekaran, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.18.520670</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The episodic resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 virus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.07.523072v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A converged ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for the degradation of TOC and TOM tail-anchored receptors 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.07.523072v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In plants, thousands of nucleus-encoded proteins translated in the cytosol are sorted to chloroplasts and mitochondria by binding to specific receptors of the TOC (translocon at the outer membranes of chloroplasts) and the TOM (translocon at the outer membranes of mitochondria) complexes for import into those organelles. The degradation pathways for these receptors are unclear. Here, we discovered a converged ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for the degradation of Arabidopsis thaliana TOC and TOM tail-anchored receptors. The receptors are ubiquitinated by E3 ligase(s) and pulled from the outer membranes by the AAA+ ATPase CDC48, after which a previously characterized cytosolic protein, TTOP, binds to the exposed transmembrane domains (TMDs) at the C termini of the receptors and CDC48, and delivers these complexes to the 26S proteasome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, J. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.07.523072</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A converged ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for the degradation of TOC and TOM tail-anchored receptors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.15.524100v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-throughput quantification of camelid cytokine mRNA expression in PBMCs by microfluidic qPCR technology 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.15.524100v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Camelids are economically and socially important in several parts of the world and might carry pathogens with epizootic or zoonotic potential. However, biological research in these species is limited due to lack of reagents. Here, we developed RT-qPCR assays to quantify a panel of camelid innate and adaptive immune response genes, which can be monitored in a single run. Validation of the assays was performed with PHA, PMA-ionomycin, and Poly I:C-stimulated PBMCs from alpaca, dromedary camel and llama, including normalization by multiple reference genes. Further, comparative gene expression analyses for the different camelid species were performed by a unique microfluidic qPCR assay. Compared to unstimulated samples, PHA and PMA-ionomycin stimulation elicited robust Th1 and Th2 responses in PBMCs from camelid species. Additional activation of type I and type III IFN signalling pathways was described exclusively in PHA-stimulated dromedary lymphocytes, in contrast to those from alpaca and llama. We also found that PolyI:C stimulation induced robust antiviral response genes in alpaca PBMCs. The proposed methodology should be useful for the measurement of immune responses to infection or vaccination in camelid species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rodon, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Te, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ballester, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Segales, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vergara-Alert, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bensaid, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.15.524100</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-throughput quantification of camelid cytokine mRNA expression in PBMCs by microfluidic qPCR technology]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.20.524992v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Towards a reliable spatial analysis of missing features via spatially-regularized imputation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.20.524992v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWImputation of missing features in spatial transcriptomics is urgently demanded due to technology limitations, while most existing computational methods suffer from moderate accuracy and cannot estimate the reliability of the imputation. To fill the research gaps, we introduce a computational model, TransImp, that imputes the missing feature modality in spatial transcriptomics by mapping it from single-cell reference. Uniquely, we derived a set of attributes that can accurately predict imputation uncertainty, hence enabling us to select reliably imputed genes. Also, we introduced a spatial auto-correlation metric as a regularization to avoid overestimating spatial patterns. Multiple datasets from various platforms have demonstrated that our approach significantly improves the reliability of downstream analyses in detecting spatial variable genes and interacting ligand-receptor pairs. Therefore, TransImp offers a way towards a reliable spatial analysis of missing features for both matched and unseen modalities, e.g., nascent RNAs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.20.524992</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Towards a reliable spatial analysis of missing features via spatially-regularized imputation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.25.525599v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Item-specific memory reactivation supports overnight memory consolidation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.25.525599v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Memory consolidation stabilizes newly acquired information. Understanding how individual memories are reactivated during sleep is essential in theorizing memory consolidation. Via unobtrusively re-playing auditory memory cues to sleeping human participants, we identified the reactivation of individual memories during slow-wave sleep (SWS). Using representational similarity analysis (RSA) on cue-elicited electroencephalogram (EEG), we found functionally segregated item-specific representations: the early post-cue EEG activity (0-2 seconds) contained comparable representations for memory cues and for non-memory control cues, thus reflecting sensory processing. Critically, the later EEG activity (2.5-3 s) showed greater item-specific representations for post-sleep remembered items than for forgotten and control cues, demonstrating the reactivation and consolidation of individual memories. Moreover, spindles preferentially supported item-specific memory reactivation for items that were not tested before sleep. These findings delineated how cue-triggered item-specific memory reactivation, subserved by spindles during SWS, contributed to memory consolidation. These results will benefit future research aiming to perturb specific memory episodes during sleep.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Antony, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.25.525599</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Item-specific memory reactivation supports overnight memory consolidation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.26.525795v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Protein Representation Learning via Knowledge Enhanced Primary Structure Modeling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.26.525795v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWProtein representation learning has primarily benefited from the remarkable development of language models (LMs). Accordingly, pre-trained protein models also suffer from a problem in LMs: a lack of factual knowledge. The recent solution models the relationships between protein and associated knowledge terms as the knowledge encoding objective. However, it fails to explore the relationships at a more granular level, i.e., the token level. To mitigate this, we propose Knowledge-exploited Auto-encoder for Protein (KeAP), which performs tokenlevel knowledge graph exploration for protein representation learning. In practice, non-masked amino acids iteratively query the associated knowledge tokens to extract and integrate helpful information for restoring masked amino acids via attention. We show that KeAP can consistently outperform the previous counterpart on 9 representative downstream applications, sometimes surpassing it by large margins. These results suggest that KeAP provides an alternative yet effective way to perform knowledge enhanced protein representation learning. Code and models are available at https://github.com/RL4M/KeAP.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.26.525795</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Protein Representation Learning via Knowledge Enhanced Primary Structure Modeling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.30.526177v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Stochastic dispersal assembly dominates tropical invertebrate community assembly regardless of land use intensity. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.30.526177v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how community assembly processes drive biodiversity patterns is a central goal of community ecology. While it is generally accepted that ecological communities are assembled by both stochastic and deterministic processes, quantifying their relative importance remains challenging. Few studies have investigated how the relative importance of stochastic and deterministic community assembly processes vary among taxa and along gradients of habitat degradation. Using data on 1,645 arthropod species across seven taxonomic groups in Malaysian Borneo, we quantified the importance of ecological stochasticity and of a suite of community assembly processes across a gradient of logging intensity. The relationship between logging and community assembly varied depending on the specific combination of taxa and stochasticity metric used, but, in general, the processes that govern invertebrate community assembly were remarkably robust to changes in land use intensity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Granville, N. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barclay, M. V. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boyle, M. J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fayle, T. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hardwick, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kinneen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kitching, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maunsell, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharp, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stork, N. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ewers, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.30.526177</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Stochastic dispersal assembly dominates tropical invertebrate community assembly regardless of land use intensity.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.01.526642v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unraveling the causal genes and transcriptomic determinants of human telomere length 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.01.526642v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Telomere length (TL) shortening is a pivotal indicator of biological aging and is associated with many human diseases. The genetic determinates of human TL have been widely investigated, however, most existing studies were conducted based on adult tissues which are heavily influenced by lifetime exposure. Based on the analyses of terminal restriction fragment (TRF) length of telomere, individual genotypes, and gene expressions on 166 healthy placental tissues, we systematically interrogated TL-modulated genes and their potential functions. We found that placental TL is relatively longer across human tissues and which maintenance is mostly connected to genes responsible for alternative lengthening of telomeres. Trans-ancestral TL genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on 644,553 individuals identified 20 novel genetic associations and provided increased polygenic determination of human TL. Next, we integrated the powerful TL GWAS with placental expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping to prioritize 31 likely causal genes, among which 4 were functionally validated, including MMUT, RRM1, KIAA1429, and YWHAZ. Finally, modeling transcriptomic signatures and TRF-based TL improved the prediction performance of human TL. This study deepened our understanding of causal genes and transcriptomic determinants of human TL, promoting the mechanistic research on fine-grained TL regulation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shuai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.01.526642</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unraveling the causal genes and transcriptomic determinants of human telomere length]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.01.526741v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Imprinted anti-hemagglutinin and anti-neuraminidase antibody responses after childhood infections of A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.01.526741v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Immune imprinting is a driver known to shape the anti-hemagglutinin (HA) antibody landscape of individuals born within the same birth cohort. With the HA and neuraminidase (NA) proteins evolving at different rates under immune selection pressures, anti-HA and anti-NA antibody responses since childhood influenza infections have not been evaluated in parallel at the individual level. This is partly due to the limited knowledge of changes in NA antigenicity, as seasonal influenza vaccines have focused on generating neutralising anti-HA antibodies against HA antigenic variants. Here we systematically characterised the NA antigenic variants of seasonal A(H1N1) viruses from 1977 to 1991 and completed the antigenic profile of N1 NAs from 1977 to 2015. We identified that NA proteins of A/USSR/90/77, A/Singapore/06/86, and A/Texas/36/91 were antigenically distinct and mapped N386K as a key determinant of the NA antigenic change from A/USSR/90/77 to A/Singapore/06/86. With comprehensive panels of HA and NA antigenic variants of A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, we determined hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase inhibition (NI) antibodies from 130 subjects born between 1950-2015. Age-dependent imprinting was observed for both anti-HA and anti-NA antibodies, with the peak HI and NI titers predominantly detected from subjects at 4-12 years old during the year of initial virus isolation, except the age-independent anti-HA antibody response against A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. More participants possessed antibodies that reacted to multiple antigenically distinct NA proteins than those with antibodies that reacted to multiple antigenically distinct HA proteins. Our results support the need to include NA proteins in seasonal influenza vaccine preparations.

IMPORTANCESeasonal influenza vaccines have aimed to generate neutralizing anti-HA antibodies for protection since licensure. More recently, anti-NA antibodies have been established as an additional correlate of protection. While HA and NA antigenic changes occurred discordantly, the anti-HA and anti-NA antibody profiles have rarely been analysed in parallel at the individual level, due to the limited knowledge on NA antigenic changes. By characterizing NA antigenic changes of A(H1N1) viruses, we determined the anti-HA and anti-NA antibody landscape against antigenically distinct A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses using sera of 130 subjects born between 1950-2015. We observed age-dependent imprinting of both anti-HA and anti-NA antibodies against strains circulated during the first decade of life. 67.7% (88/130) and 90% (117/130) of participants developed cross-reactive antibodies to multiple HA and NA antigens at titers [&ge;]1:40. With slower NA antigenic changes and cross-reactive anti-NA antibody responses, including NA protein in influenza vaccine preparation may enhance vaccine efficacy. (150 words)
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Daulagala, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mann, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yung, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nizami, S. I. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daniels, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wentworth, D. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.01.526741</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Imprinted anti-hemagglutinin and anti-neuraminidase antibody responses after childhood infections of A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.07.527570v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lack of neutralizing antibodies against the current circulating influenza viruses during the Omicron outbreak in Hong Kong 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.07.527570v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We report the seroprevalence to the circulating influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 viruses from plasma samples collected from 479 adults between 2021 and 2022. Our results show that there is lack of neutralizing antibodies to these viruses and highlight the importance of promoting influenza vaccination during the emerging of COVID-19.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, D. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.07.527570</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lack of neutralizing antibodies against the current circulating influenza viruses during the Omicron outbreak in Hong Kong]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527599v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural stability of the oyster gut microbiome contributes to the host's physiological tolerance to temperature fluctuations on tropical rocky shores 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527599v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extreme high thermal conditions on tropical rocky shores are challenging to the survival of intertidal ectotherms. Yet, many species are highly successful in these environments in part due to their ability to regulate intrinsic mechanisms associated with physiological stress and their metabolic demand. More recently, there has been a growing awareness that other extrinsic mechanisms, such as animal-associated microbial communities, can also influence the tolerance and survival of ectotherms under stressful conditions. However, the extent to which the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms are functionally linked as part of the overall adaptive response of intertidal animals to temperature change and stress is poorly understood. Here, we examined the dynamics and potential interactions of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms in the tropical high-supratidal oyster, Isognomon nucleus. We found that oysters modulate their internal biochemistry (oxidized PUFA products, including 5-F2t-IsoP, 10-F4t-NeuroP, 13-F4t-NeuroP, and 16-F1t-PhytoP) as part of their adaptive regulation to cope with physiological stress during periods of extreme high temperatures when emersed. However, while we detected variation in alpha diversity (ASV richness and Shannon diversity index), dominant microbial taxa and microbial functions across time, no association was found with the host biochemical profiles. The findings here suggest that the thermal condition within oysters can independently influence their intrinsic biochemical responses and extrinsic microbiome profiles. Together, these mechanisms may contribute to the thermal tolerance and survival of the oysters in the challenging conditions of the tropical high-supratidal zone.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Arromrak, B. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williams, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ganmanee, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Durand, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaitan-Espitia, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.08.527599</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural stability of the oyster gut microbiome contributes to the host's physiological tolerance to temperature fluctuations on tropical rocky shores]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527779v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
In-group Social Conformity Updates the Neural Representation of Facial Attractiveness 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527779v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
People readily change their behavior to comply with others. However, to which extent they will internalize the social influence remains elusive. In this preregistered electroencephalogram (EEG) study, we investigated how learning from ones in-group or out-group members about facial attractiveness would change explicit attractiveness ratings and spontaneous neural representations of facial attractiveness. Specifically, we quantified the neural representational similarities of learned faces with prototypical attractive faces during a face perception task without overt social influence and intentional evaluation. We found that participants changed their explicit attractiveness ratings to both in-group and out-group influences. Moreover, social conformity updated spontaneous neural representation of facial attractiveness, an effect particularly evident when participants learned from their in-group members and among those who perceived tighter social norms. These findings offer insights into how group affiliations and individual differences in perceived social norms modulate the internalization of social influence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.08.527779</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[In-group Social Conformity Updates the Neural Representation of Facial Attractiveness]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527780v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long-term epidemiology and evolution of swine influenza viruses in Vietnam 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527780v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Swine influenza virus (SwIV) surveillance in Hanoi, Vietnam from 2013-2019 found gene pool enrichment from imported swine from Asia and North America. Long-term maintenance, persistence and reassortment of SwIV lineages was observed. Co-circulation of H1-{delta}1a viruses with other SwIV genotypes raises concern due to its zoonotic potential.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheung, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bui, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Younas, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, H. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pham, N. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bui, V. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dhanasekaran, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.08.527780</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long-term epidemiology and evolution of swine influenza viruses in Vietnam]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.09.527828v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ImmuneMirror: a Machine Learning-based Integrative Pipeline and Web Server for Neoantigen Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.09.527828v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neoantigens are derived from tumors but are absent in normal tissues. Emerging evidence suggests that neoantigens can stimulate tumor-specific T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses, and neoantigens are potential immunotherapy targets. We developed ImmuneMirror as a stand-alone open-source pipeline (https://github.com/weidai2/ImmuneMirror/) and a web server (http://immunemirror.hku.hk/App/) incorporating a balanced random forest model for neoantigen prediction and prioritization; the model was trained and tested using known immunogenic neopeptides collected from 19 published studies. The area under the curve (AUC) of our model was 0.87. We utilized ImmuneMirror in gastrointestinal tract cancers and discovered a subgroup of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with a low neoantigen load but a high tumor mutation burden (TMB>10 mutations per Mbp). Although the efficacy of PD-1 blockade has been demonstrated in advanced MSI-H patients, almost half of such patients do not respond well. Our study may identify MSI-H patients who do not benefit from this treatment. Additionally, the neopeptide YMCNSSCMGV-TP53G245V, derived from a hotspot mutation restricted by HLA-A02, was identified as an actionable target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This is the largest study to comprehensively evaluate neoantigen prediction models using experimentally validated neopeptides. Our results demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of ImmuneMirror for neoantigen prediction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chuwdhury, G. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, K.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kam, N.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.09.527828</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ImmuneMirror: a Machine Learning-based Integrative Pipeline and Web Server for Neoantigen Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.13.528411v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Vulture: Cloud-enabled scalable mining of microbial reads in public scRNA-seq data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.13.528411v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rapidly growing collection of public single-cell sequencing data have become a valuable resource for molecular, cellular and microbial discovery. Previous studies mostly overlooked detecting pathogens in human single-cell sequencing data. Moreover, existing bioinformatics tools lack the scalability to deal with big public data. We introduce Vulture, a scalable cloud-based pipeline that performs microbial calling for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, enabling meta-analysis of host-microbial studies from the public domain. In our scalability benchmarking experiments, Vulture can outperform the state-of-the-art cloud-based pipeline Cumulus with a 40% and 80% reduction of runtime and cost, respectively. Furthermore, Vulture is 2-10 times faster than PathogenTrack and Venus, while generating comparable results. We applied Vulture to two COVID-19, three hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and two gastric cancer human patient cohorts with public sequencing reads data from scRNA-seq experiments and discovered cell-type specific enrichment of SARS-CoV2, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and H. pylori positive cells, respectively. In the HCC analysis, all cohorts showed hepatocyte-only enrichment of HBV, with cell subtype-associated HBV enrichment based on inferred copy number variations. In summary, Vulture presents a scalable and economical framework to mine unknown host-microbial interactions from large-scale public scRNA-seq data. Vulture is available via an open-source license at https://github.com/holab-hku/Vulture.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, K. H. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.13.528411</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Vulture: Cloud-enabled scalable mining of microbial reads in public scRNA-seq data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.13.528424v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Orthographic deficits but typical visual perceptual processing in Chinese adults with reading disability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.13.528424v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Visual orthographic deficits have been reported as one of the core deficits in reading disability (RD), however, whether the deficits are orthographic-specific or domain general in all visual processing is still in debate. Hereby, we conducted an fMRI and an EEG study to examine visual orthographic deficits in Chinese adults with RD. In the fMRI study, we found that there was reduced brain activation in the left inferior temporal gyrus and right cuneus gyrus in orthographic processing (lexical minus perceptual), but not in visual perceptual processing (perceptual minus null) in adults with RD, suggesting orthographic-specific deficits. In the EEG study, adults with RD showed typical visual binding as indicated by intermodulation SSVEPs (steady-state visual-evoked potentials) for both real and pseudo characters, suggesting normal neural phase locking in the visual modality. These results consistently suggest orthographic specific deficits but normal visual perceptual processing in adults with RD, deepening our understanding of the underlying deficits associated with RD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ku, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.13.528424</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Orthographic deficits but typical visual perceptual processing in Chinese adults with reading disability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.19.526965v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Positive coping supports children's emotional wellness: Behavioral evidence and neuroendocrine mechanisms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.19.526965v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A positive coping style is recognized as a stable disposition to foster emotional wellness and resilience, enabling an adaptive process of assessing and dealing with environmental challenges. Such an adaptive process is believed to rely on a nuanced interplay of the hippocampal system and the primary stress hormone cortisol activity. As a hallmark of diurnal cortisol rhythm, cortisol awakening response (CAR) is sensitive to upcoming stress and subserves the preparation of the hippocampal system for rapid behavioral adaption. Yet, little is known about how the hippocampal system and CAR contribute to the merit of positive coping on emotional wellness. By two studies, we investigate the effects of positive coping on childrens emotional wellness and CAR, as well as longitudinal changes in hippocampal-neocortical functional systems involved in emotional processing. Behaviorally, positive coping predicted better emotional regulation ability, but lower anxiety and lower response caution in emotional decision-making. At the endocrine and neurocognitive level, positive coping was associated with greater CAR, which further predicted higher connectivity of the hippocampus with ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and stimulus-sensitive neocortex one year later. Furthermore, CAR mediated an indirect association between positive coping and longitudinal increases in hippocampal-neocortical connectivity. Positive coping and CAR together could account for the maturity of vlPFC through longitudinal changes in hippocampal-neocortical connectivity. Overall, our findings suggest a cognitive-neuroendocrinal framework in which positive coping shapes hippocampal-neocortical maturation via stress hormone response to support emotional wellness.

SignificanceThe role of the hippocampal system in regulating stress response is well recognized, but its contribution to emotional well-being is not yet understood. Here we show that the protective effects of positive coping on emotional well-being are contingent on two factors: the cortisol awakening response (CAR), which is sensitive to upcoming stress, and hippocampal development. We found that positive coping practices promoted emotional wellness, enhanced emotional decision-making and increased CAR in young children. Longitudinal neuroimaging analysis revealed that positive coping-related CAR predicted greater hippocampal connectivity with stimulus-sensitive neocortex one year later. Importantly, CAR acted as a mediator of the promotive influence of positive coping on the longitudinal development of hippocampal-neocortical connectivity, which contributed to the maturity of prefrontal control systems. Our findings emphasize the importance of hippocampal-neocortical development in resilient coping and emotional wellness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tian, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.19.526965</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Positive coping supports children's emotional wellness: Behavioral evidence and neuroendocrine mechanisms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.22.529597v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Retrieved Sequence Augmentation for Protein Representation Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.22.529597v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The advancement of protein representation learning has been significantly influenced by the remarkable progress in language models. Accordingly, protein language models perform inference from individual sequences, thereby limiting their capacity to incorporate evolutionary knowledge present in sequence variations. Existing solutions, which rely on Multiple Sequence Alignments (MSA), suffer from substantial computational overhead and suboptimal generalization performance for de novo proteins. In light of these problems, we introduce a novel paradigm called Retrieved Sequence Augmentation (RSA) that enhances protein representation learning without necessitating additional alignment or preprocessing. RSA associates query protein sequences with a collection of structurally or functionally similar sequences in the database and integrates them for subsequent predictions. We demonstrate that protein language models benefit from retrieval enhancement in both structural and property prediction tasks, achieving a 5% improvement over MSA Transformer on average while being 373 times faster. Furthermore, our model exhibits superior transferability to new protein domains and outperforms MSA Transformer in de novo protein prediction. This study fills a much-encountered gap in protein prediction and brings us a step closer to demystifying the domain knowledge needed to understand protein sequences. Code is available at https://github.com/HKUNLP/RSA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.22.529597</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Retrieved Sequence Augmentation for Protein Representation Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.22.529606v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
APLNR marks a cardiac progenitor derived with human induced pluripotent stem cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.22.529606v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cardiomyocytes can be readily derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, yet its efficacy varies across different batches of the same and different hiPSC lines. To unravel the inconsistencies of in vitro cardiac differentiation, we utilized single cell transcriptomics on hiPSCs undergoing cardiac differentiation and identified cardiac and extra-cardiac lineages throughout differentiation. We further identified APLNR as a surface marker for in vitro cardiac progenitors and immunomagnetically isolated them. Differentiation of isolated in vitro APLNR+ cardiac progenitors derived from multiple hiPSC lines resulted in predominantly cardiomyocytes accompanied with cardiac mesenchyme. Transcriptomic analysis of differentiating in vitro APLNR+ cardiac progenitors revealed transient expression of cardiac progenitor markers before further commitment into cardiomyocyte and cardiac mesenchyme. Analysis of in vivo human and mouse embryo single cell transcriptomic datasets have identified APLNR expression in early cardiac progenitors of multiple lineages. This platform enables generation of in vitro cardiac progenitors from multiple hiPSC lines without genetic manipulation, which has potential applications in studying cardiac development, disease modelling and cardiac regeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lam, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keung, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, Y. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.22.529606</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[APLNR marks a cardiac progenitor derived with human induced pluripotent stem cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.28.530147v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
How is Emotional Evidence from Multiple Sources Used in Perceptual Decision Making? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.28.530147v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Judging the emotional nature of a scene requires us to deliberately integrate pieces of evidence with varying intensity of emotion. Our existing knowledge about emotion-related perceptual decision making is largely based on paradigms using single stimulus and, when involving multiple stimuli, rapid decisions. Consequently, it remains unclear how we sample and integrate multiple pieces of emotional evidence deliberately to form an overall judgment. Findings from non-emotion rapid decision-making studies show humans down-sample and downweight extreme evidence. However, deliberate decision making may rely on a different attention mode than in rapid decision making; and extreme emotional stimuli are inherently salient. Given these critical differences, it is imperative to directly examine the deliberate decision-making process about multiple emotional stimuli. In the current study, human participants (N=33) viewed arrays of faces with expressions ranging from extremely fearful to extremely happy freely with their eye movement tracked. They then decided whether the faces were more fearful or happier on average. In contrast to conclusions drawn from non-emotion and rapid decision-making studies, eye movement measures revealed that participants attentionally sampled extreme emotional evidence more than less extreme evidence. Computational modeling results showed that even though participants exhibited biased attention distribution, they weighted various emotional evidence equally. These findings provide novel insights into how people sample and integrate multiple pieces of emotional evidence, contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of emotion-related decision making, and shed light on the mechanisms of pathological affective decisions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ngai, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsiao, J. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luhmann, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohanty, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.28.530147</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[How is Emotional Evidence from Multiple Sources Used in Perceptual Decision Making?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.08.531452v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long-term reliable neural decoding based on flexible implantable microelectronics and machine learning for seizure prediction application 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.08.531452v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neural decoding is useful for understanding brain functions and developing neural interface applications. However, neural interfaces based on rigid electronics often suffer from recording instability due to the foreign body responses caused by their mechanical mismatch with soft tissues, limiting the longitudinal accuracy of neural decoding methods. Herein, it is reported that flexible electronics can be integrated with machine learning algorithms to achieve long-term reliable neural decoding. Wet-spun conductive polymer microfibers showed mechanical robustness and flexibility, low impedance, and chronic biocompatibility, enabling intracerebral neural recordings in epileptic mice at a high signal-to-noise ratio eight weeks after implantation. When the signals recorded by the flexible electrodes were used in machine learning analyses with diverse complex algorithms, they consistently showed higher prediction accuracy for epileptic seizures than stiff metal electrode signals, particularly in the case of using long-term recordings for testing or small-sample datasets for training. A real-time warning system based on the flexible neural electrodes was built that predicted seizures eight minutes in advance with a low false alarm rate. Our work bridges flexible electronics and artificial intelligence for neural decoding applications such as long-term treatment of chronic neurological disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, K.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.08.531452</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long-term reliable neural decoding based on flexible implantable microelectronics and machine learning for seizure prediction application]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.14.532529v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SpatialScope: A unified approach for integrating spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data using deep generative models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.14.532529v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rapid emergence of spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies are revolutionizing our under-standing of tissue spatial architecture and their biology. Current ST technologies based on either next generation sequencing (seq-based approaches) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (image-based approaches), while providing hugely informative insights, remain unable to provide spatial characterization at transcriptome-wide single-cell resolution, limiting their usage in resolving detailed tissue structure and detecting cellular communications. To overcome these limitations, we developed SpatialScope, a unified approach to integrating scRNA-seq reference data and ST data that leverages deep generative models. With innovation in model and algorithm designs, SpatialScope not only enhances seq-based ST data to achieve single-cell resolution, but also accurately infers transcriptome-wide expression levels for image-based ST data. We demonstrate the utility of SpatialScope through comprehensive simulation studies and then apply it to real data from both seq-based and image-based ST approaches. SpatialScope provides a spatial characterization of tissue structures at transcriptome-wide single-cell resolution, greatly facilitating the downstream analysis of ST data, such as detection of cellular communication by identifying ligand-receptor interactions from seq-based ST data, localization of cellular subtypes, and detection of spatially differently expressed genes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, S. S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.14.532529</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SpatialScope: A unified approach for integrating spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data using deep generative models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.16.532904v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
De novo mutation rates in sticklebacks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.16.532904v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutation rate is a fundamental parameter in population genetics. Apart from being an important scaling parameter for demographic and phylogenetic inference, it allows one to understand at what rate new genetic diversity is generated and what is the expected level of genetic diversity in a population at equilibrium. However, except for well-established model organisms, accurate estimates of de novo mutation rates are available for a very limited number of organisms from the wild. We estimated mutation rates ({micro}) in two marine populations of the nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) with the aid of several 2- and 3-generational family pedigrees, deep (>50x) whole genome re-sequencing and a high-quality reference genome. After stringent filtering, we discovered 295 germline mutations from 106 offspring translating to {micro} = 4.64 x 10-9 and {micro} = 4.08 x 10-9 per base, per generation, in the two populations, respectively. Twenty percent of the mutations were shared by full-sibs showing that the level of parental mosaicism was relatively high. Since the estimated {micro} was 3.2 times smaller than the commonly used substitution rate, recalibration with {micro} led to substantial increase in estimated divergence times between different stickleback species. Our estimates of de novo mutation rate should provide a useful resource for research focused on fish population genetics and that of sticklebacks in particular.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sands, A. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schierup, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.16.532904</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[De novo mutation rates in sticklebacks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.17.533073v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Determinants of genetic diversity in sticklebacks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.17.533073v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding what determines species and population differences in levels of genetic diversity has important implications for our understanding of evolution, as well as for the conservation and management of wild populations. Previous comparative studies have emphasized the roles of linked selection, life-history trait variation and genomic properties, rather than pure demography, as important determinants of genetic diversity. However, these findings are based on coarse estimates across a range of highly diverged taxa, and it is unclear how well they represent the processes within individual species. We assessed genome-wide genetic diversity ({pi}) in 45 nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) populations and found that{pi} varied 15-fold among populations ({pi}min{approx}0.00015,{pi} max{approx}0.0023) whereas estimates of recent effective population sizes varied 122-fold. Analysis of inbreeding coefficients (FROH) estimated from runs of homozygosity revealed strong negative association between{pi} and FROH. Genetic diversity was also negatively correlated with mean body size and longevity, but these associations were not statistically significant after controlling for demographic effects (FROH). The results give strong support for the view that populations demographic features, rather than life history differences, are the chief determinants of genetic diversity in the wild.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kivikoski, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loytynoja, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momigliano, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.17.533073</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Determinants of genetic diversity in sticklebacks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.21.533716v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrating long-read RNA sequencing improves locus-specific quantification of transposable element expression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.21.533716v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transposable elements (TEs) can influence human diseases by disrupting genome integrity, yet their quantification has been challenging due to the repetitive nature of these sequences across the genome. We developed LocusMasterTE, a method that integrates long-read with short-read RNA-seq to increase the accuracy of TE expression quantification. By incorporating fractional transcript per million (TPM) values from long-read sequencing data into an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, LocusMasterTE reassigns multi-mapped reads, enhancing accuracy in short-read-based TE quantification. Validated with simulated and human datasets, LocusMasterTE holds promise for revealing new insights into TE functions through precise quantification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barbour, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.21.533716</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrating long-read RNA sequencing improves locus-specific quantification of transposable element expression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.27.534490v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mutation nsp6 L232F associated with MERS-CoV zoonotic transmission confers higher viral replication in human respiratory tract cultures ex-vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.27.534490v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes zoonotic disease. Dromedary camels are the source of zoonotic infection. We identified a mutation of amino acid leucine to phenylalanine in the codon 232 position of the non-structural protein 6 (nsp6) (nsp6 L232F) that is repeatedly associated with zoonotic transmission. We generated a pair of isogenic recombinant MERS-CoV with nsp6 232L and 232F residues, respectively, and showed that the nsp6 L232F mutation confers higher replication competence in ex-vivo culture of human nasal and bronchial tissues and in lungs of mice experimentally infected in-vivo. Mechanistically, the nsp6 L232F mutation appeared to modulate autophagy and was associated with higher exocytic virus egress, while innate immune responses and zippering activity of the endoplasmic reticulum remained unaffected. Our study suggests that MERS-CoV nsp6 may contribute to viral adaptation to humans. This highlights the importance of continued surveillance of MERS-CoV in both camels and humans.

ImportanceViral host adaptation plays an important role in zoonotic transmission of coronaviruses. For MERS-CoV that widely circulates in dromedary camels from Arabian Peninsula, camel-to human transmissions are ongoing, raising the possibility of human adaptive evolution for MERS-CoV. Here, we analysed MERS-CoV sequences and identified an amino acid mutation L232F in nsp6 to occur repeatedly in human MERS-CoV over the years since the first outbreak in 2012. We found the nsp6 L232F confers increase viral replication in-vitro, in ex-vivo upper human respiratory tract cultures and in mice, using a reverse genetics approach. Our results showed the nsp6 L232F may be advantageous for MERS-CoV to replicate in humans. This study highlighted a human adaptation of MERS-CoV and a need for continued surveillance of MERS-CoV to identify any further adaptations in humans, which may be relevant to the pandemic potential of MERS-CoV.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, R. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, D. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, K. P. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nicholls, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NG, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, H. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.27.534490</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mutation nsp6 L232F associated with MERS-CoV zoonotic transmission confers higher viral replication in human respiratory tract cultures ex-vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.03.535352v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
XClone: detection of allele-specific subclonal copy number variations from single-cell transcriptomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.03.535352v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Somatic copy number alterations (CNAs) are major mutations that contribute to the development and progression of various cancers. Despite a few computational methods proposed to detect CNAs from single-cell transcriptomic data, the technical sparsity of such data makes it challenging to identify allele-specific CNAs, particularly in complex clonal structures. In this study, we present a statistical method, XClone, that strengthens the signals of read depth and allelic imbalance by effective smoothing on cell neighborhood and gene coordinate graphs to detect haplotype-aware CNAs from scRNA-seq data. By applying XClone to multiple datasets with challenging compositions, we demonstrated its ability to robustly detect different types of allele-specific CNAs and potentially indicate whole genome duplication, therefore enabling the discovery of corresponding subclones and the dissection of their phenotypic impacts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H. Y. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stegle, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.03.535352</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[XClone: detection of allele-specific subclonal copy number variations from single-cell transcriptomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.07.536075v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A statistical framework for quantifying the nuclear export rate of influenza viral mRNAs. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.07.536075v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Influenza A virus transcribes viral mRNAs from the eight segmented viral genome when it infects. The kinetics of viral transcription, nuclear export of viral transcripts, and their potential variation between the eight segments are poorly characterised. Here we introduce a statistical framework for estimating the nuclear export rate of each segment from a snapshot of in situ mRNA localisation. This exploits the cell-to-cell variation at a single time point observed by an imaging-based in situ transcriptome assay. Using our model, we revealed the variation in the mRNA nuclear export rate of the eight viral segments. Notably, the two influenza viral antigens hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were the slowest segments in the nuclear export, suggesting the possibility that influenza A virus uses the nuclear retention of viral transcripts to delay the expression of antigenic molecules. Our framework presented in this study can be widely used for investigating the nuclear retention of nascent transcripts produced in a transcription burst.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Miura, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kiuchi, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ushirogawa, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naito, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saito, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.07.536075</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A statistical framework for quantifying the nuclear export rate of influenza viral mRNAs.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.08.536123v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Antibodies that neutralize all current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern by conformational locking 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.08.536123v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve and evade most existing neutralizing antibodies, including all clinically authorized antibodies. We have isolated and characterized two human monoclonal antibodies, 12-16 and 12-19, which exhibited neutralizing activities against all SARS-CoV-2 variants tested, including BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5. They also blocked infection in hamsters challenged with Omicron BA.1 intranasally. Structural analyses revealed both antibodies targeted a conserved quaternary epitope located at the interface between the N-terminal domain and subdomain 1, revealing a previously unrecognized site of vulnerability on SARS-CoV-2 spike. These antibodies prevent viral receptor engagement by locking the receptor-binding domain of spike in the down conformation, revealing a novel mechanism of virus neutralization for non-RBD antibodies. Deep mutational scanning showed that SARS-CoV-2 could mutate to escape 12-19, but the responsible mutations are rarely found in circulating viruses. Antibodies 12-16 and 12-19 hold promise as prophylactic agents for immunocompromised persons who do not respond robustly to COVID-19 vaccines.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Casner, R. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iketani, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dadonaite, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohri, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reddem, E. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, V. K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. C.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bloom, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shapiro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.08.536123</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Antibodies that neutralize all current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern by conformational locking]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.17.536840v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CamoTSS: analysis of alternative transcription start sites for cellular phenotypes and regulatory patterns from 5' scRNA-seq data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.17.536840v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Five-prime single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has been widely employed to profile cellular transcriptomes, however, its power of analysing transcription start sites (TSS) has not been fully utilised. Here, we present a computational method suite, CamoTSS, to precisely identify TSS and quantify its expression by leveraging the cDNA on read 1, which enables effective detection of alternative TSS usage. With various experimental data sets, we have demonstrated that CamoTSS can accurately identify TSS and the detected alternative TSS usages showed strong specificity in different biological processes, including cell types across human organs, the development of human thymus, and cancer conditions. As evidenced in nasopharyngeal cancer, alternative TSS usage can also reveal regulatory patterns including systematic TSS dysregulations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hon, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.17.536840</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CamoTSS: analysis of alternative transcription start sites for cellular phenotypes and regulatory patterns from 5' scRNA-seq data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.18.537282v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cell Type-Specific Regulation by a Heptad of Transcription Factors in Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.18.537282v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) rely on a complex interplay of transcription factors (TFs) to regulate differentiation into mature blood cells. A heptad of TFs - FLI1, ERG, GATA2, RUNX1, TAL1, LYL1, LMO2 - bind regulatory elements in bulk CD34+ HSPCs. However, whether specific heptad-TF combinations have distinct roles in regulating hematopoietic differentiation remained unknown. We mapped genome-wide chromatin contacts and TF binding profiles in HSPC subsets (HSC, CMP, GMP, MEP) and found that heptad occupancy and enhancer-promoter interactions varied significantly across cell types and were associated with cell-type-specific gene expression. Distinct regulatory elements were enriched with specific heptad-TF combinations, including stem-cell-specific elements with ERG, and myeloid- and erythroid-specific elements with combinations of FLI1, RUNX1, GATA2, TAL1, LYL1, and LMO2. These findings suggest that specific heptad-TF combinations play critical roles in regulating hematopoietic differentiation and provide a valuable resource for development of targeted therapies to manipulate specific HSPC subsets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Subramanian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thoms, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cornejo, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koch, F. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jacquelin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Joshi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brownlee, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woll, P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fajardo, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beck, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Curtis, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yehson, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Antonenas, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Brien, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trickett, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Powell, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, I. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pitson, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gandhi, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lane, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vafaee, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gottgens, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rokny, H. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pimanda, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.18.537282</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cell Type-Specific Regulation by a Heptad of Transcription Factors in Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.21.537873v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sensory Eye Dominance Plasticity in the Human Adult Visual Cortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.21.537873v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sensory eye dominance occurs when the visual cortex weighs one eyes data more heavily than those of the other. Encouragingly, mechanisms underlying sensory eye dominance in human adults retain a certain degree of plasticity. Notably, perceptual training using dichoptically presented motion signal-noise stimuli has been shown to elicit changes in sensory eye dominance both in visually impaired and normal observers. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these learning-driven improvements are not well understood. Here, we measured changes in fMRI responses before and after a five-day visual training protocol to determine the neuroplastic changes along the visual cascade. Fifty visually normal observers received training on a dichoptic or binocular variant of a signal-in-noise (left-right) motion discrimination task over five consecutive days. We show significant shifts in sensory eye dominance following training, but only for those who received dichoptic training. Pattern analysis of fMRI responses revealed that responses of V1 and hMT+ predicted sensory eye dominance for both groups, but only before training. After dichoptic (but not binocular) visual training, responses of V1 and hMT+ could no longer predict sensory eye dominance. Our data suggest that perceptual training-driven changes in eye dominance are driven by a reweighting of the two eyes data in both primary and task-related extrastriate visual areas. These findings may provide insight into developing region-targeted rehabilitative paradigms for the visually impaired, particularly those with severe binocular imbalance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>KAM, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, D. H. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.21.537873</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sensory Eye Dominance Plasticity in the Human Adult Visual Cortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.04.539500v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Association between Commensal Flagellated Bacteria and Cardiovascular Benefits in Humans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.04.539500v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundIncreasing evidence has shown associations between gut microbiota and cardiovascular risks. However, whether sex influences the cardiovascular outcome of gut microbiota remains elusive.

MethodsThe gut microbiota metagenomic data from two previous population-based cohorts and the proteomics data from human liver samples were analyzed.

ResultsThrough a sex-based analysis of 500 Functional Genomics Project (500FG) cohort, we found that the capacity of producing flagellin in Eubacterium rectale, Roseburia Intestinalis and Roseburia inulinivorans partially explained the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 in female participants. By comparing the bacterial species showing positive correlations with HDL-C and the flagellin species found in human liver samples, we found that E. rectale and R. inulinivorans appeared to be the major prevalent flagellated species in gut microbiota contributed to the hosts HDL-C level. The analysis of the Chinese-based cohort in which the male participants had relatively higher abundance of these two bacteria, the abovementioned positive correlation was also observed.

ConclusionsThe flagellin-producing function of E. rectale and R. inulinivorans in the gut microbiota partially explained the HDL-C level in the host, and there is a sex-specific difference in the sensitivity of this beneficial interaction. Our findings suggest a potential interaction between commensal bacteria and the host that yields a cardiovascular benefit.

Clinical PerspectiveO_ST_ABSWhat is new?C_ST_ABSO_LIThe flagellin-producing capacity of certain species in gut microbiota is positively associated with the HDL-C and ApoA1 levels in human.
C_LIO_LIBy comparing the flagellated bacteria in the gut and flagellin species in the liver, Eubacterium rectale and Roseburia inulinivorans are shown to be the most prevalent species contributing to such cardiovascular benefits.
C_LIO_LIThe sensitivity of such beneficial interaction with the gut flagellated bacteria is different between male and female.
C_LI

What are the clinical implications? (maximum 100 words, formatted as 2-3 bullets)O_LIBeside the role in metabolic inflammation, gut microbiota can be beneficial against cardiovascular risk by modulating HDL-C level through certain flagellated species.
C_LIO_LIThe interaction between flagellated bacteria in the gut and the host provide a different insight in exploring potential therapeutic targets to increase HDL-C level.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yiu, J. H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chin, K. T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, E. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharma, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dorweiler, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, C. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.04.539500</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Association between Commensal Flagellated Bacteria and Cardiovascular Benefits in Humans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.06.539696v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Endogenous fine-mapping of functional regulatory elements in complex genetic loci 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.06.539696v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The vast majority of genetic loci associated with polygenic complex traits are located in non-coding regions of the human genome. However, many of these regions exhibit high- order gene regulatory relationships and complicated linkage disequilibrium (LD) configurations, which bring challenges to accurately identify causal variants and their target genes controlling specific molecular processes or traits. We employed multiplexed single-cell CRISPR interference and activation perturbations to explore the links between cis-regulatory element (CRE) and target gene expression within tight LD in the endogenous chromatin context. We validated the prevalence of multiple causality in perfect LD (pLD) for independent expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL), and revealed fine-grained genetic effects on gene expression within pLD. These effects are difficult to decipher using conventional eQTL fine-mapping or to predict via existing computational methods. We found that nearly half of the casual CREs lack classical epigenetic markers, potentially affecting gene expression through hidden regulatory mechanisms. Integrative analysis on different types of perturbation effects suggested a high regulatory plasticity of the human genome. These findings will propel further in-depth exploration of functional genomic elements, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of gene expression regulatory patterns and the development of complex traits.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.06.539696</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Endogenous fine-mapping of functional regulatory elements in complex genetic loci]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.08.539676v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bacterial Cytochrome P450-catalyzed Post-translational Macrocyclization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.08.539676v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacterial cytochrome P450s represent an emerging enzyme family that can modify ribosomally synthesized peptides to generate structurally complex macrocyclic skeletons. However, the functional sequence space of this type of enzyme is largely unexplored. In this study, we conduct a systematic genome mining of small ribosomal peptide-tailoring P450s from genomes of actinobacteria via a precursor-centric, primary sequence-, and structure-guided strategy. We uncovered 1,957 putative P450s, prioritized two representative families for functional study, and characterized two P450 enzymes that can respectively catalyze Tyrosine-to-Tryptophan and Tryptophan-to-Tryptophan crosslinks to form 3-mer or 4-mer macrocycle. These two P450 enzymes exhibit broad substrate selectivity, suggesting a promising starting template for engineering unnatural cyclic peptide construction. Our work expanded the enzymatic catalysis of P450s and could inspire the community to discover hidden peptide-modifying enzymes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, B.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.08.539676</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bacterial Cytochrome P450-catalyzed Post-translational Macrocyclization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.10.540197v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Paternal CHH methylation potentiates stress responses against Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis progenies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.10.540197v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an induced immune mechanism in plants, involving epigenetic regulation by chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation, which can be inherited to progeny following stress exposure. Intersexual epigenetic conflict sometimes leads to unequal expression of maternal and paternal alleles in offspring, resulting in parent-of-origin effects of inheritance. To better understand the parental contributions of epialleles in plant defense, isogenic Arabidopsis parental lines were mock-treated (M) and Pseudomonas syringae (Pst)-treated (P) for reciprocal crosses to produce F1 progenies (MP, PM). Together with their self-fertilized F1 descendants (MM, PP), the genome-wide inherited DNA methylation and transcriptomic changes against Pst were analyzed. F1 descendants shared widespread DNA methylation and transcriptional changes at transposable elements (TEs) and genes. The confrontation of epigenomes triggers the reprogramming of DNA methylation in reciprocal crosses, resulting in transgressive segregation that also shows the parental effect of Pst treatment. Compared to PM, the MP (Pst-primed paternal genome) was found to contributes to CHH hypermethylation, which is associated with processes in plant-pathogen interaction, including carbohydrate metabolism, glutathione metabolism and stronger translation process, which potentially contribute to improved disease resistance in MP in response to Pst challenge. Our data suggested a parent-of-origin effect of defense priming that contributes differently toward improved defense response in progenies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, E. Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, D. W.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.10.540197</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Paternal CHH methylation potentiates stress responses against Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis progenies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.16.540978v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exonuclease assisted mapping of protein-RNA interactions (ePRINT) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.16.540978v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA processing is a fundamental mode of gene regulation that is perturbed in a variety of diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate key aspects of RNA processing including alternative splicing, mRNA degradation and localization by physically binding RNA molecules. Current methods to map these interactions, such as CLIP, rely on purifying single proteins at a time. We have developed a new method (ePRINT) to map RBP-RNA interaction networks on a global scale without purifying individual RBPs. ePRINT allows precise mapping of the 5 end of the RBP binding site, and can uncover direct and indirect targets of an RBP of interest. Importantly, ePRINT can also uncover RBPs that are differentially activated between cell fate transitions, for instance, as neural progenitors differentiate into neurons. Given its versatility, ePRINT has vast application potential as an investigative tool for RNA regulation in development, health and disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hawkins, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mondaini, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Namboori, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Javed, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhinge, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.16.540978</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exonuclease assisted mapping of protein-RNA interactions (ePRINT)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.16.541058v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep learning and host variable embedding augment microbiome-based simultaneous detection of multiple diseases 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.16.541058v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microbiome has emerged as a promising indicator or predictor of human diseases. However, previous studies typically labeled each specimen as either healthy or with a specific disease, ignoring the prevalence of complications or comorbidities in actual cohorts, which may confound the microbial-disease associations. For instance, a patient may suffer from multiple diseases, making it challenging to detect their health status accurately. Furthermore, host phenotypes such as physiological characteristics and lifestyles can alter the microbiome structure, but this information has not yet been fully utilized in data models. To address these issues, we propose a highly explainable deep learning (DL) method called Meta-Spec. Using a deep neural network (DNN) based approach, it encodes and embeds the refined host variables with microbiome features, enabling the detection of multiple diseases and their correlations simultaneously. Our experiments showed that Meta-Spec outperforms regular machine learning (ML) strategies for multi-label disease screening in several cohorts. More importantly, Meta-Spec can successfully detect comorbidities that are often missed by regular ML approaches. In addition, due to its high interpretability, Meta-Spec captures key factors that shape disease patterns from host variables and microbial members. Hence, these efforts improve the feasibility and sensitivity of microbiome-based disease screening in practical scenarios, representing a significant step towards personalized medicine and better health outcomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xing, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knight, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.16.541058</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep learning and host variable embedding augment microbiome-based simultaneous detection of multiple diseases]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541685v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ChAdOx1 COVID vaccines express RBD open prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spikes on the cell surface 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541685v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been proven to be an effective means of decreasing COVID-19 mortality, hospitalization rates, and transmission. One of the vaccines deployed worldwide is ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, which uses an adenovirus vector to drive the expression of the original SARS-CoV-2 spike on the surface of transduced cells. Using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging, we determined the native structures of the vaccine product expressed on cell surfaces in situ. We show that ChAdOx1-vectored vaccines expressing the Beta SARS-CoV-2 variant produce abundant native prefusion spikes predominantly in one-RBD-up conformation. Furthermore, the ChAdOx1 vectored HexaPro stabilized spike yields higher cell surface expression, enhanced RBD exposure, and reduced shedding of S1 compared to the wild-type. We demonstrate in situ structure determination as a powerful means for studying antigen design options in future vaccine development against emerging novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and broadly against other infectious viruses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gilbert, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Radecke, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mendonca, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Howe, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shah, P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krebs, A.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duyvesteyn, H. M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Allen, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lambe, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bissett, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spencer, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stuart, D. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.22.541685</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ChAdOx1 COVID vaccines express RBD open prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spikes on the cell surface]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.23.541921v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Regulation of hippocampal mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function by a Bcl11b/C1ql2/Nrxn3(25b+) pathway 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.23.541921v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The transcription factor Bcl11b has been linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with synaptic dysfunction. Bcl11b is highly expressed in dentate gyrus granule neurons and is required for the structural and functional integrity of mossy fiber-CA3 synapses. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remained unclear. We show that the synaptic organizer molecule C1ql2 is a direct functional target of Bcl11b that regulates synaptic vesicle recruitment and long-term potentiation at mossy fiber-CA3 synapses in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate C1ql2 to exert its functions through direct interaction with a specific splice variant of neurexin-3, Nrxn3(25b+). Interruption of C1ql2-Nrxn3(25b+) interaction by expression of a non-binding C1ql2 mutant or by deletion of Nrxn3 in the dentate gyrus granule neurons recapitulates major parts of the Bcl11b as well as C1ql2 mutant phenotype. Together, this study identifies a novel C1ql2-Nrxn3(25b+)-dependent signaling pathway through which Bcl11b controls mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function. Thus, our findings contribute to the mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders accompanied by synaptic dysfunction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Britsch, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koumoundourou, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rannap, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Bruyckere, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nestel, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reissner, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Egorov, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Missler, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heimrich, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Draguhn, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.23.541921</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Regulation of hippocampal mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function by a Bcl11b/C1ql2/Nrxn3(25b+) pathway]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.26.542293v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Association of an estrogen-sensitive Pax1-Col11a1-Mmp3 signaling axis with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.26.542293v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common and progressive spinal deformity in children that exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with girls at more than five-fold greater risk of severe disease compared to boys. Despite its medical impact, the molecular mechanisms that drive AIS are largely unknown. We previously defined a female-specific AIS genetic risk locus in an enhancer near the PAX1 gene. Here we sought to define the roles of PAX1 and newly-identified AIS-associated genes in the developmental mechanism of AIS. In a genetic study of 10,519 individuals with AIS and 93,238 unaffected controls, significant association was identified with a variant in COL11A1 encoding collagen (1) XI (rs3753841; NM_080629.2_c.4004C>T; p.(Pro1335Leu); P=7.07e-11, OR=1.118). Using CRISPR mutagenesis we generated Pax1 knockout mice (Pax1-/-). In postnatal spines we found that PAX1 and collagen (1) XI protein both localize within the intervertebral disc (IVD)-vertebral junction region encompassing the growth plate, with less collagen (1) XI detected in Pax1-/- spines compared to wildtype. By genetic targeting we found that wildtype Col11a1 expression in costal chondrocytes suppresses expression of Pax1 and of Mmp3, encoding the matrix metalloproteinase 3 enzyme implicated in matrix remodeling. However, this suppression was abrogated in the presence of the AIS-associated COL11A1P1335L mutant. Further, we found that either knockdown of the estrogen receptor gene Esr2, or tamoxifen treatment, significantly altered Col11a1 and Mmp3 expression in chondrocytes. We propose a new molecular model of AIS pathogenesis wherein genetic variation and estrogen signaling increase disease susceptibility by altering a Pax1-Col11a1-Mmp3 signaling axis in spinal chondrocytes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wise, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khanshour, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ushiki, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Otomo, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koike, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Einarsdottir, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Antunes, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kidane, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pei, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grishin, N. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evers, B. M. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, J. P. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herring, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Terao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gurnett, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gerdhem, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ikegawa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rios, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahituv, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.26.542293</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Association of an estrogen-sensitive Pax1-Col11a1-Mmp3 signaling axis with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.28.542672v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Heterogeneous genomic architecture of skeletal armour traits in sticklebacks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.28.542672v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Whether populations adapt to similar selection pressures using the same underlying genetic variants depends on population history and the distribution of standing genetic variation at the metapopulation level. Studies of sticklebacks provide a case in point: when colonising and adapting to freshwater habitats, three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus; TSSs) with high gene flow tend to fix the same adaptive alleles in the same major loci, whereas nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius; NPSs) with limited gene flow tend to utilize a more heterogeneous set of loci. In accordance with this, we report results of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses using a F2 back-cross design showing that lateral plate number variation in the western European lineage of NPSs mapped to three moderate-effect QTL, contrary to one major QTL in TSSs and these QTL were different from the four previously identified QTL in the eastern European lineage of NPSs. Furthermore, several QTL were identified associated with variation in lateral plate size, and three moderate-effect QTL with body size. Together, these findings indicate that genetic underpinnings of skeletal armour variation in Pungitius sticklebacks are more polygenic and heterogenous than those in three-spined sticklebacks, indicating limited genetic parallelism underlying armour trait evolution in the family Gasterostidae.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kemppainen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rastas, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merilae, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.28.542672</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Heterogeneous genomic architecture of skeletal armour traits in sticklebacks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.30.542904v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GIMLET: A Unified Graph-Text Model for Instruction-Based Molecule Zero-Shot Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.30.542904v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Molecule property prediction has gained significant attention in recent years. The main bottleneck is the label insufficiency caused by expensive lab experiments. In order to alleviate this issue and to better leverage textual knowledge for tasks, this study investigates the feasibility of employing natural language instructions to accomplish molecule-related tasks in a zero-shot setting. We discover that existing molecule-text models perform poorly in this setting due to inadequate treatment of instructions and limited capacity for graphs. To overcome these issues, we propose GIMLET, which unifies language models for both graph and text data. By adopting generalized position embedding, our model is extended to encode both graph structures and instruction text without additional graph encoding modules. GIMLET also decouples encoding of the graph from tasks instructions in the attention mechanism, enhancing the generalization of graph features across novel tasks. We construct a dataset consisting of more than two thousand molecule tasks with corresponding instructions derived from task descriptions. We pretrain GIMLET on the molecule tasks along with instructions, enabling the model to transfer effectively to a broad range of tasks. Experimental results demonstrate that GIMLET significantly outperforms molecule-text baselines in instruction-based zero-shot learning, even achieving closed results to supervised GNN models on tasks such as toxcast and muv.1
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Z.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.30.542904</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GIMLET: A Unified Graph-Text Model for Instruction-Based Molecule Zero-Shot Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.31.543184v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Boosting variant-calling performance with multi-platform sequencing data using Clair3-MP 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.31.543184v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWith the continuous advances in third-generation sequencing technology and the increasing affordability of next-generation sequencing technology, sequencing data from different sequencing technology platforms is becoming more common. While numerous benchmarking studies have been conducted to compare variant-calling performance across different platforms and approaches, little attention has been paid to the potential of leveraging the strengths of different platforms to optimize overall performance, especially integrating Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing data.

ResultsWe investigated the impact of multi-platform data on the performance of variant calling through carefully designed experiments with a deep learning-based variant caller named Clair3-MP (Multi-Platform). Through our research, we not only demonstrated the capability of ONT-Illumina data for improved variant calling, but also identified the optimal scenarios for utilizing ONT-Illumina data. In addition, we revealed that the improvement in variant calling using ONT-Illumina data comes from an improvement in difficult genomic regions, such as the large low-complexity regions and segmental and collapse duplication regions. Moreover, Clair3-MP can incorporate reference genome stratification information to achieve a small but measurable improvement in variant calling. Clair3-MP is accessible as an open-source project at: https://github.com/HKU-BAL/Clair3-MP.

ConclusionsThese insights have important implications for researchers and practitioners alike, providing valuable guidance for improving the reliability and efficiency of genomic analysis in diverse applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.31.543184</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Boosting variant-calling performance with multi-platform sequencing data using Clair3-MP]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/218347v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
AQMM: Enabling Absolute Quantification of Metagenome and Metatranscriptome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/218347v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Metatranscriptome has become increasingly important along with the application of next generation sequencing in the studies of microbial functional gene activity in environmental samples. However, the quantification of target active gene is hindered by the current relative quantification methods, especially when tracking the sharp environmental change. Great needs are here for an easy-to-perform method to obtain the absolute quantification. By borrowing information from the parallel metagenome, an absolute quantification method for both metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data to per gene/cell/volume/gram level was developed. The effectiveness of AQMM was validated by simulated experiments and was demonstrated with a real experimental design of comparing activated sludge with and without foaming. Our method provides a novel bioinformatic approach to fast and accurately conduct absolute quantification of metagenome and metatranscriptome in environmental samples. The AQMM can be accessed from https://github.com/biofuture/aqmm.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, X.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-11-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/218347</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[AQMM: Enabling Absolute Quantification of Metagenome and Metatranscriptome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-11-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/220061v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Assessment of the aging of the brown adipose tissue by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the progeria mouse model LmnaG609G/G609G 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/220061v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important energy metabolic organ that is closely related to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Aging is one of the most important determinants of BAT activity. In this study, we used 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging to assess the aging of the BAT in LmnaG609G/G609G mice. To evaluate the BAT activity, LmnaG609G/G609G and wild-type (WT) mice were injected with 18F-FDG, and PET/CT imaging was performed. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVMax) of the BAT was measured and the target/nontarget (T/NT) values of BAT were calculated. The transcription and the protein expression levels of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), beta3-adrenergic receptor ({beta}3-AR), and the PRdomain-containing16 (PRDM16), were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting or immunohistochemical analysis. Apoptosis and cell senescence of the BAT, in WT and LmnaG609G/G609G mice, was detected by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and by CDKN2A/p16INK4a immunohistochemical staining, respectively. At 14 weeks of age, the BAT SUVMax and the expression levels of UCP1, {beta}3-AR and PRDM16 in LmnaG609G/G609G mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. At the same time, the number of p16INK4a and TUNEL positively stained cells (%) increased in LmnaG609G/G609G mice. LmnaG609G/G609G mice are an ideal model for studying BAT aging. The aging characteristics and the aging mechanism of BAT in LmnaG609G/G609G mice can mimic normal BAT aging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-11-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/220061</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Assessment of the aging of the brown adipose tissue by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the progeria mouse model LmnaG609G/G609G]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-11-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/252270v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Polygenic scores without external summary statistics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/252270v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Polygenic scores (PGS) are estimated scores representing the genetic tendency of an individual for a disease or trait and have become an indispensible tool in a variety of analyses. Typically they are linear combination of the genotypes of a large number of SNPs, with the weights calculated from an external source, such as summary statistics from large meta-analyses. Recently cohorts with genetic data have become very large, such that it would be a waste if the raw data were not made use of in constructing PGS. Making use of raw data in calculating PGS, however, presents us with problems of overfitting. Here we discuss the essence of overfitting as applied in PGS calculations and highlight the difference between overfitting due to the overlap between the target and the discovery data (OTD), and overfitting due to the overlap between the target the the validation data (OTV). We propose two methods -- cross prediction and split validation -- to overcome OTD and OTV respectively. Using these two methods, PGS can be calculated using raw data without overfitting. We show that PGSs thus calculated have better predictive power than those using summary statistics alone for six phenotypes in the UK Biobank data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mak, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Porsch, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-01-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/252270</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Polygenic scores without external summary statistics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-01-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/256784v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
clusterProfiler: universal enrichment tool for functional and comparative study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/256784v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
I present the open-source software package clusterProfiler (https://github.com/GuangchuangYu/clusterProfiler) for functional enrichment analysis. clusterProfiler provides a universal interface for functional enrichment analysis for internal supported ontologies/pathways as well as annotation data provided by users or obtained from online databases. It enables comparative analysis and offers comprehensive visualization tools for result interpretation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-01-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/256784</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[clusterProfiler: universal enrichment tool for functional and comparative study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-01-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/263244v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inflation versus filling-in: why we feel we see more than we actually do in peripheral vision 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/263244v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Do we perceive fine details in the visual periphery? Here, we propose that phenomenology in the visual periphery can be characterized by an inflated sense of perceptual capacity, as observers overestimate the quality of their perceptual inputs. Distinct from the well-known perceptual phenomenon of "filling-in" where perceptual content is generated or completed endogenously, inflation can be characterized by incorrect introspection at the subjective level. The perceptual content itself may be absent or weak (i.e., not necessarily filled-in), and yet such content is mistakenly regarded by the system as rich. Behaviorally, this can be reflected by metacognitive deficits in the degree to which confidence judgments track task accuracy, and decisional biases for observers to think particular items are present, even when they are not. In two experiments using paradigms which exploit unique attributes of peripheral vision (crowding and summary statistics), we provide evidence that both types of deficits are present in peripheral vision, as observers reports are marked by overconfidence in discrimination judgments and high numbers of false alarms in detection judgments. We discuss potential mechanisms which may be the cause of inflation and propose future experiments to further explore this unique sensory phenomenon.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Odegaard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/263244</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inflation versus filling-in: why we feel we see more than we actually do in peripheral vision]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/269324v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rifampicin or capreomycin induced remodelling of the Mycobacterium smegmatis mycolic acid layer is mitigated in synergistic combinations with cationic antimicrobial peptides 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/269324v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The mycobacterial cell wall affords natural resistance to antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) modify the surface properties of mycobacteria and can act synergistically with antibiotics from differing classes. Here we investigate the response of Mycobacterium smegmatis to the presence of rifampicin or capreomycin, either alone or in combination with two synthetic, cationic, -helical AMPs; distinguished by the presence (D-LAK120-HP13) or absence (D-LAK120-A) of a kink-inducing proline. Using a combination of high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR of bacteria, diphenylhexatriene (DPH) fluorescence anisotropy and laurdan emission spectroscopy we show that M. smegmatis responds to challenge with rifampicin or capreomycin by substantially altering its metabolism and, in particular, by remodelling the cell envelope. In NMR spectra of bacteria, reductions in intensity for mycolic acid lipid -(CH2)-, -CH3, R2CH-COOH, R2CH-OH and also -CH2-(CH==CH)- and -CH=CH- resonances were observed following challenge with rifampicin and capreomycin, while the latter also caused an increase in trehalose. These changes are consistent with a reduction of trehalose dimycolate and increase of trehalose monomycolate and are associated with an increase in rigidity of the mycolic acid layer observed following challenge by capreomycin but not rifampicin. Challenge with D-LAK120-A or D-LAK120-HP13 induced no or modest changes respectively in these metabolites and did not induce a significant increase in rigidity of the mycolic acid layer. Further, the response to rifampicin or capreomycin was significantly reduced when these were combined respectively with D-LAK120-HP13 and D-LAK120-A, suggesting a possible mechanism for the synergy of these combinations. The remodelling of the mycomembrane in M. smegmatis is therefore identified as an important countermeasure deployed against rifampicin or capreomycin, but this can be mitigated, and rifampicin or capreomycin efficacy potentiated, by combining with AMPs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Man, D. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kanno, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Manzo, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robertson, B. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mason, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-02-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/269324</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rifampicin or capreomycin induced remodelling of the Mycobacterium smegmatis mycolic acid layer is mitigated in synergistic combinations with cationic antimicrobial peptides]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-02-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/284166v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Role of anterograde motor Kif5b in clathrin-coated vesicle uncoating and clathrin-mediated endocytosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/284166v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Kif5b-driven anterograde transport and clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) are responsible for opposite intracellular trafficking, contributing to plasma membrane homeostasis. However, whether and how the two trafficking processes coordinate remain unclear. Here, we show that Kif5b directly interacts with clathrin heavy chain (CHC) at a region close to that for uncoating catalyst (Hsc70) and preferentially localizes on large clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs). Uncoating in vitro is decreased for CCVs from the cortex of kif5b conditional knockout (mutant) mouse and facilitated by adding CHC-binding Kif5b fragments, while cell peripheral distribution of CHC or Hsc70 keeps unaffected by Kif5b depletion. Furthermore, cellular entry of vesicular stomatitis virus that internalized into large CCV is inhibited in cells by Kif5b depletion or introducing a dominant-negative Kif5b fragment. These findings showed a new role of Kif5b in CCV uncoating and CME, indicating Kif5b as a molecular knot connecting anterograde transport to CME.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ni, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, W.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yung, W.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, R.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kao, Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, Z.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, X.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.-j.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-d.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-03-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/284166</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Role of anterograde motor Kif5b in clathrin-coated vesicle uncoating and clathrin-mediated endocytosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-03-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/294090v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inheritance of neural substrates for motivation and pleasure experience 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/294090v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite advances in the understanding of the reward system and the role of dopamine in recent decades, the heredity of the underlying neural mechanisms is not known. In the present study, a Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task was used to examine the haemodynamic activation of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a key hub of the reward system, in 86 healthy monozygotic twins and 88 dizygotic twins during the anticipation of monetary incentives. The participants also completed self-report measures of pleasure experience. Using a voxel-wise heritability mapping method, activation of the bilateral NAcc during the anticipation of monetary gains was found to have significant heritability (h2 = 0.20-0.49). Moreover, significant shared genetic covariance was observed between pleasure experience and NAcc activation when anticipating monetary gain. These findings suggest that NAcc activation and self-reported pleasure experience may both be heritable, and their phenotypic correlation may be partially explained by shared genetic variation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Y.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, E. F. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Docherty, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gur, R. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gur, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-04-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/294090</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inheritance of neural substrates for motivation and pleasure experience]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-04-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/302398v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Germline genetics encode the resistance, risk, and lymphatic metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer in the southern Chinese population 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/302398v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Early identification of the risk for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at the asymptomatic phase could lead to better prognosis. Here we developed a machine learning method to quantify systematic impact of all rare germline mutations on each pathway. We collected 106 TNBC patients and 287 elder healthy women controls. The spectra of activity profiles in multiple pathways were mapped and most pathway activities exhibited globally suppressed by the portfolio of individual germline mutations in TNBC patients. Accordingly, all individuals were delineated into two types: A and B. Type A patients could be differentiated from controls (AUC = 0.89) and sensitive to BRCA1/2 damages; Type B patients can be also differentiated from controls (AUC = 0.69) but probably being protected from BRCA1/2 damages. Further we found that Individuals with the lowest activity of selected pathways had extreme high relative risk (up to 21.67 in type A) and increased lymph node metastasis in these patients. Our study showed that genomic DNA contains information of unimaginable pathogenic factors. And this information is in a distributed form that could be applied to risk assessment for more cancer types.

SignificanceWe identified individuals who are more susceptible to triple negative breast cancer. Our method performs much better than previous assessments based on BRCA1/2 damages, even polygenic risk scores. We disclosed previously unimaginable pathogens in a distributed form on genome and extended risk prediction to scenarios for other cancers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-04-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/302398</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Germline genetics encode the resistance, risk, and lymphatic metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer in the southern Chinese population]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-04-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/310458v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Clairvoyante: a multi-task convolutional deep neural network for variant calling in Single Molecule Sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/310458v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The accurate identification of DNA sequence variants is an important, but challenging task in genomics. It is particularly difficult for single molecule sequencing, which has a per-nucleotide error rate of ~5%-15%. Meeting this demand, we developed Clairvoyante, a multi-task five-layer convolutional neural network model for predicting variant type (SNP or indel), zygosity, alternative allele and indel length from aligned reads. For the well-characterized NA12878 human sample, Clairvoyante achieved 99.73%, 97.68% and 95.36% precision on known variants, and 98.65%, 92.57%, 87.26% F1-score for whole-genome analysis, using Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore data, respectively. Training on a second human sample shows Clairvoyante is sample agnostic and finds variants in less than two hours on a standard server. Furthermore, we identified 3,135 variants that are missed using Illumina but supported independently by both PacBio and Oxford Nanopore reads. Clairvoyante is available open-source (https://github.com/aquaskyline/Clairvoyante), with modules to train, utilize and visualize the model.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sedlazeck, F. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schatz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/310458</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Clairvoyante: a multi-task convolutional deep neural network for variant calling in Single Molecule Sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/311985v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Skyhawk: An Artificial Neural Network-based discriminator for reviewing clinically significant genomic variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/311985v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationMany rare diseases and cancers are fundamentally diseases of the genome. In the past several years, genome sequencing has become one of the most important tools in clinical practice for rare disease diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy. However, variant interpretation remains the bottleneck as is not yet automated and may take a specialist several hours of work per patient. On average, one-fifth of this time is spent on visually confirming the authenticity of the candidate variants.

ResultsWe developed Skyhawk, an artificial neural network-based discriminator that mimics the process of expert review on clinically significant genomics variants. Skyhawk runs in less than one minute to review ten thousand variants, and about 30 minutes to review all variants in a typical whole-genome sequencing sample. Among the false positive singletons identified by GATK HaplotypeCaller, UnifiedGenotyper and 16GT in the HG005 GIAB sample, 79.7% were rejected by Skyhawk. Worked on the Variants with Unknown Significance (VUS), Skyhawk marked most of the false positive variants for manual review and most of the true positive variants no need for review.

AvailabilitySkyhawk is easy to use and freely available at https://github.com/aquaskyline/Skyhawk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schatz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/311985</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Skyhawk: An Artificial Neural Network-based discriminator for reviewing clinically significant genomic variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/312082v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Further expansion of methane metabolism in the Archaea 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/312082v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The recent discovery of key methane-metabolizing genes in the genomes from the archaeal phyla Bathyarchaeota and Verstraetearchaeota has expanded our understanding of the distribution of methane metabolism outside of the phylum Euryarchaeota. Here, we recovered two near-complete crenarchaeotal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from circumneutral hot springs that contain genes for methanogenesis, including the genes that encode for the key methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) complex. These newly recovered archaea phylogenetically cluster with Geoarchaeota (deep lineage of archaeal order Thermoproteales), and the MCR-encoding genes clustered with the recently reported methanogens within the Verstraetearchaeota. In addition, genes encoding hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase were identified in the newly recovered methanogens, indicating they might carry out the {beta}-oxidation process. Together, our findings further expanded the methane metabolism outside the phylum Euryarchaeota.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goh, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, P. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hugenholtz, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tyson, G. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/312082</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Further expansion of methane metabolism in the Archaea]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/314880v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Global emergence and population dynamics of divergent serotype 3 CC180 pneumococci 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/314880v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite inclusion in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Serotype 3 increased in carriage since the implementation of PCV13 in the United States, while invasive disease rates remain unchanged. We investigated the persistence of serotype 3 in carriage and disease, through genomic analyses of a global sample of 301 serotype 3 isolates of the Netherlands3-31 (PMEN31) clone CC180, combined with associated patient data and PCV utilization among countries of isolate collection. We assessed phenotypic variation between dominant clades in capsule charge (zeta potential), capsular polysaccharide shedding, and susceptibility to opsonophagocytic killing, which have previously been associated with carriage duration, invasiveness, and vaccine escape. We identify a recent shift in the CC180 population attributed to a lineage termed Clade II, which was estimated by Bayesian coalescent analysis to have first appeared in 1968 [95% HPD: 1939-1989] and increased in prevalence and effective population size thereafter. Clade II isolates are divergent from the pre-PCV13 serotype 3 population in non-capsular antigenic composition, competence, and antibiotic susceptibility, the last resulting from the acquisition of a Tn916-like conjugative transposon. Differences in recombination rates among clades correlated with variations in the ATP-binding subunit of Clp protease as well as amino acid substitutions in the comCDE operon. Opsonophagocytic killing assays elucidated the low observed efficacy of PCV13 against serotype 3. Variation in PCV13 use among sampled countries was not independently correlated with the CC180 population shift; therefore, genotypic and phenotypic differences in protein antigens and, in particular, antibiotic resistance may have contributed to the increase of Clade II. Our analysis emphasizes the need for routine, representative sampling of isolates from disperse geographic regions, including historically under-sampled areas. We also highlight the value of genomics in resolving antigenic and epidemiological variations within a serotype, which may have implications for future vaccine development.nnAuthor SummaryStreptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial pneumoniae, meningitis, and otitis media. Despite inclusion in the most recent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV13, serotype 3 remains epidemiologically important globally. We investigated the persistence of serotype 3 using whole-genome sequencing data form 301 isolates collected among 24 countries from 1993-2014. Through phylogenetic analysis, we identified three distinct lineages within a single clonal complex, CC180, and found one has recently emerged and grown in prevalence. We then compared genomic difference among lineages as well as variations in pneumococcal vaccine use among sampled countries. We found that the recently emerged lineage, termed Clade II, has a higher prevalence of antibiotic resistance compared to other lineages, diverse surface protein antigens, and a higher rate of recombination, a process by which bacteria can uptake and incorporate genetic material from its surroundings. Differences in vaccine use among sampled countries did not appear to be associated with the emergence of Clade II. We highlight the need to routine, representative sampling of bacterial isolates from diverse geographic areas and show the utility of genomic data in resolving epidemiological differences within a pathogen population.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Azarian, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mitchell, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Georgieva, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thompson, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghoulia, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pollard, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>von Gottberg, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>du Plessis, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Antonio, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwambana-Adams, B. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clarke, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Everett, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cornick, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sadowy, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hryniewicz, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skoczynska, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moisi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGee, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beall, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Metcalf, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Breiman, R. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Brien, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gladstone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bentley, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanage, W. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/314880</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Global emergence and population dynamics of divergent serotype 3 CC180 pneumococci]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/316141v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Polymer brush bilayers at thermal equilibrium: A theoretical approach 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/316141v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
By means of the density functional theory (DFT) framework, the longstanding problem of the polymer brush bilayers at thermal equilibrium is studied. The calculated density profiles reveal that the brushes balance compression and interpenetration when they come into contact. The equation of state of the polymer brush bilayers is obtained and it represents scaling of the pressure with molecular parameters and distance between substrates. The results of this study may shed light in our understanding of some severe Musculoskeletal diseases which degrade the synovium. The significance of this study lays on the fact that the molecular structure is investigated through fundamental physical laws. So, this study bridges between theoretical biological physics and medicine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Farzin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/316141</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Polymer brush bilayers at thermal equilibrium: A theoretical approach]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/316737v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Trans-ethnic polygenic analysis supports genetic overlaps of lumbar disc degeneration with height, body mass index, and bone mineral density 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/316737v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is age-related break-down in the fibrocartilaginous joints between lumbar vertebrae. It is a major cause of low back pain and is conventionally assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Like most other complex traits, LDD is likely polygenic and influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. However, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of LDD have uncovered few susceptibility loci due to the limited sample size. Previous epidemiology studies of LDD also reported multiple heritable risk factors, including height, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), lipid levels, etc. Genetics can help elucidate causality between traits and suggest loci with pleiotropic effects. One such approach is polygenic score (PGS) which summarizes the effect of multiple variants by the summation of alleles weighted by estimated effects from GWAS. To investigate genetic overlaps of LDD and related heritable risk factors, we calculated the PGS of height, BMI, BMD and lipid levels in a Chinese population-based cohort with spine MRI examination and a Japanese case-control cohort of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) requiring surgery. Because most large-scale GWASs were done in European populations, PGS of corresponding traits were created using weights from European GWASs. We calibrated their prediction performance in independent Chinese samples, then tested associations with MRI-derived LDD scores and LDH affection status. The PGS of height, BMI, BMD and lipid levels were strongly associated with respective phenotypes in Chinese, although phenotype variances explained were lower than in Europeans which would reduce the power to detect genetic overlaps. Despite of this, the PGS of BMI and lumbar spine BMD were significantly associated with LDD scores; and the PGS of height was associated with the increased the liability of LDH. Furthermore, linkage disequilibrium score regression suggested that, osteoarthritis, another degenerative disorder that shares common features with LDD, also showed genetic correlations with height, BMI and BMD. The findings suggest a common key contribution of biomechanical stress to the pathogenesis of LDD and will direct the future search for pleiotropic genes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karasugi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karppinen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Samartzis, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, T. S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiba, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kawaguchi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, K. M.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ikegawa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheah, K. S.-E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/316737</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Trans-ethnic polygenic analysis supports genetic overlaps of lumbar disc degeneration with height, body mass index, and bone mineral density]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/323634v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NOVEL INSIGHTS INTO SELECTION FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN COMPLEX MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/323634v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent research has demonstrated selection for antibiotic resistance occurs at very low antibiotic concentrations in single species experiments, but the relevance of these findings when species are embedded in complex microbial communities is unclear. We show the strength of selection for naturally occurring resistance alleles in a complex community remains constant from low sub-inhibitory to above clinically relevant concentrations. Selection increases with antibiotic concentration before reaching a plateau where selection remains constant over a two order magnitude concentration range. This is likely to be due to cross-protection of the susceptible bacteria in the community following rapid extracellular antibiotic degradation by the resistant population, shown experimentally through a combination of chemical quantification and bacterial growth experiments. Metagenome and 16S rRNA analyses on sewage-derived bacterial communities evolved under cefotaxime exposure show preferential enrichment for blaCTX-M genes over all other beta-lactamase genes, as well as positive selection and co-selection for antibiotic resistant, opportunistic pathogens. These findings have far reaching implications for our understanding of the evolution of antibiotic resistance, by challenging the long-standing assumption that selection occurs in a dose-dependent manner.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Murray, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buckling, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Snape, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaze, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/323634</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NOVEL INSIGHTS INTO SELECTION FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN COMPLEX MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/324004v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CardiacProfileR: An R package for extraction and visualisation of heart rate profiles from wearable fitness trackers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/324004v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A persons heart rate profile, which consists of resting heart rate, increase of heart rate upon exercise and recovery of heart rate after exercise, is traditionally measured by electrocardiography during a controlled exercise stress test. A heart rate profile is a useful clinical tool to identify individuals at risk of sudden death and other cardiovascular conditions. Nonetheless, conducting such exercise stress tests routinely is often inconvenient and logistically challenging for patients. The widespread availability of affordable wearable fitness trackers, such as Fitbit and Apple Watch, provides an exciting new means to collect longitudinal heart rate and physical activity data. We reason that by combining the heart rate and physical activity data from these devices, we can construct a persons heart rate profile. Here we present an open source R package CardiacProfileR for extraction, analysis and visualisation of heart rate dynamics during physical activities from data generated from common wearable heart rate monitors. This package represents a step towards quantitative deep phenotyping in humans. CardiacProfileR is available via an MIT license at https://github.com/VCCRI/CardiacProfileR.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Djordjevic, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cawood, B. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rispin, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yim, L. H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/324004</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CardiacProfileR: An R package for extraction and visualisation of heart rate profiles from wearable fitness trackers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/326538v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Replication of MERS and SARS coronaviruses in bat cells offers insights to their ancestral origins 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/326538v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Previous findings of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-related viruses in bats, and the ability of Tylonycteris-BatCoV HKU4 spike protein to utilize MERS-CoV receptor, human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 hDPP4, suggest a bat ancestral origin of MERS-CoV. We developed 12 primary bat cell lines from seven bat species, including Tylonycteris pachypus, Pipistrellus abramus and Rhinolophus sinicus (hosts of Tylonycteris-BatCoV HKU4, Pipistrellus-BatCoV HKU5 and SARS-related-CoV respectively), and tested their susceptibilities to MERS-CoVs, SARS-CoV and human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). Five cell lines, including P. abramus and R. sinicus but not T. pachypus cells, were susceptible to human MERS-CoV EMC/2012. However, three tested camel MERS-CoV strains showed different infectivities, with only two strains capable of infecting three and one cell lines respectively. SARS-CoV can only replicate in R. sinicus cells, while HCoV-229E cannot replicate in any bat cells. Bat dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) sequences were closely related to those of human and non-human primates but distinct from dromedary DPP4 sequence. Critical residues for binding to MERS-CoV spike protein were mostly conserved in bat DPP4. DPP4 was expressed in the five bat cells susceptible to MERS-CoV, with significantly higher mRNA expression levels than those in non-susceptible cells (P=0.0174), supporting that DPP4 expression is critical for MERS-CoV infection in bats. However, overexpression of T. pachypus DPP4 failed to confer MERS-CoV susceptibility in T. pachypus cells, suggesting other cellular factors in determining viral replication. The broad cellular tropism of MERS-CoV should prompt further exploration of host diversity of related viruses to identify its ancestral origin.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, R. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, H. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, E. Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahmed, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kok, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wernery, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, P. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/326538</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Replication of MERS and SARS coronaviruses in bat cells offers insights to their ancestral origins]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/328971v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
New sequential touch method for determining bacterial contact transfer rate from finger to surface 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/328971v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacteria can be transferred via surface touch. To evaluate the transfer rate, traditional single-touch methods require measuring the number of bacteria on donor and recipient surfaces, which is typically characterized by high levels of uncertainty. In this study, two concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 were inoculated on a clean thumb. For each set of trials, sequential touches were made between the thumb and each of 30 sterile glass slides, and each slide was placed in a sterile petri dish. The transferred bacteria on each slide were directly cultured in situ, and the colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted. The bacterial contact transfer rate was calculated by fitting the series of CFUs with the formula established. The average transfer rate was 12.9% under these conditions. The goodness of fit was compared in terms of the number of slides used in a set of trials and the number of CFUs counted on the slides. The use of more slides in a set of trials allowed more accurate evaluation of the transfer rate. The use of fewer than 20 slides was unacceptable. The high density of CFUs on the slides made counting them difficult, but if fewer than five CFUs were counted in a set of trials, the fit would be significantly influenced. To further evaluate the method, the dermal resident microflora on the thumb were also used to perform contact transfer tests. No statistically significant difference was found in the estimated transfer rate between the standard strain and the resident microflora.nnIMPORTANCEDiseases can be transferred indoors via the surface route because bacteria and viruses can be transferred to and from the hands when a fomite is touched. Various methods have been used to estimate the bacterial contact transfer rate between hands and surfaces. Evaluated transfer rates have had significant deviations and varied significantly across studies, partially due to the use of the single hand-surface touch method, inefficient hand/surface sampling, and complicated bacteria culture.nnIn this study, the bacterial contact transfer rate was evaluated with a new method involving sequential touches between a donor and a series of recipients. The bacteria on the recipients were cultured in situ without hand/surface sampling, which simplified the process of surface bacteria quantification. The new method significantly reduces experimental complexity, decreases random errors in the data, and provides a new method for understanding microbial transfers between surfaces.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/328971</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[New sequential touch method for determining bacterial contact transfer rate from finger to surface]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/330720v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Age-specific differences in the dynamics of protective immunity to influenza 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/330720v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Influenza A viruses evolve rapidly to escape host immunity, such that individuals can be infected multiple times with the same subtype. The form and duration of protective immunity after each influenza infection are poorly understood. Here, we quantify the dynamics of protective immunity against influenza A virus infections by fitting individual-level mechanistic models to longitudinal serology from children and adults in a household cohort study. We find that most protection in children is explained by antibody titers measured by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. In contrast, in adults, HI antibody titers explain a smaller fraction of protection. Protection against circulating strains wanes to approximately 50% of peak levels 3.5-7 years after infection in both age groups, and wanes faster against influenza A(H3N2) than A(H1N1)pdm09. Protection against H3N2 lasts longer in adults than in children. Our results suggest that the focus of influenza antibody responses changes over time from the highly mutable hemagglutinin head to other epitopes, consistent with the immunological theory of original antigenic sin, and that this change of focus might affect protection. Additionally, we estimate that imprinting, or primary infection with a subtype of one phylogenetic group, has little to no effect on the risk of non-medically attended influenza infections in adults. We also find no evidence of long-term cross-protection between subtypes. This work underscores the need for longitudinal data on multiple components of the immune response to better understand the development of immunity and differences in susceptibility within populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ranjeva, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Subramanian, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, V. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, D. K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perera, R. A. P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cobey, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/330720</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Age-specific differences in the dynamics of protective immunity to influenza]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/335620v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Novel RNA aptamers targeting gastrointestinal cancer biomarkers CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 with superior affinity and specificity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/335620v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in the world and it remains difficult to cure in Western countries, primarily because most patients present with advanced disease. Currently, CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 are commonly used as tumor markers for gastric cancer by immunoassays. However, the drawback and conundrum of immunoassay are the unceasing problem in standardization of quality of antibodies and time/effort for the intensive production. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of a standardized assay to detect gastric cancer at the early stage.nnAptamers are DNA or RNA oligonucleotides with structural domain which recognize ligands such as proteins with superior affinity and specificity when compared to antibodies. In this study, SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) technique was adopted to screen a random 30mer RNA library for aptamers targeting CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 respectively. Combined with high-throughput sequencing, we identified 6 aptamers which are specifically target for these three biomarkers of gastrointestinal cancer. Intriguingly, the predicted secondary structures of RNA aptamers from each antigen showed significant structural similarity, suggesting the structural recognition between the aptamers and the antigens. Moreover, we determined the dissociation constants of all the aptamers to their corresponding antigens by fluorescence spectroscopy, which further demonstrating high affinities between the aptamers and the antigens. In addition, immunostaining of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS using CEA Aptamer probe showed positive fluorescent signal which proves the potential of the aptamer as a detection tool for gastric cancer. Furthermore, substantially decreased cell viability and growth were observed when human colorectal cell line LS-174T was transfected with each individual aptamers. Taking together, these novel RNA aptamers targeting gastrointestinal cancer biomarker CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 will aid further development and standardization of clinical diagnostic method with better sensitivity and specificity, and potentially future therapeutics development of gastric cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, C. O. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yung, M. M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pon, Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, T. c. k.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/335620</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Novel RNA aptamers targeting gastrointestinal cancer biomarkers CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 with superior affinity and specificity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/337675v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ARGs-OSP: online searching platform for antibiotic resistance genes distribution in metagenomic database and bacterial whole genome database 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/337675v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) have been emerging as one of the top global issue s in both medical and environmental fields. The metagenomic analysis has been widely adopted in ARG-related studies, revealing a universal presence of ARGs in diverse environments from medical settings to natural habitats, even in drinking water and ancient permafrost. With the tremendous resources of accessible metagenomic datasets, it would be feasible and beneficial to construct a global profile of antibiotic resistome as a guidance of its phylogenetic and ecological distribution. And such information should be shared by an open webpage to avoid the unnecessary repeat of data processing and the bias caused by incompatible search method.nnResultsTwo dataset collections, the Whole Genome Database (WGD, 54,718 complete and draft bacterial genomes) and the Metagenomic Database (MGD, 854 metagenomic datasets of 7 eco-types), were downloaded and analyzed using a standard method of ARG online analysis platform (ARGs-OAP v1.0). The representativeness of WGD and MGD was evaluated to have a comprehensive coverage of ARGs in bacterial genomes and metagenomes. Besides, an ARGs online searching platform (ARGs-OSP, http://args-osp.herokuapp.com/) was developed in this study to make the data accessible to other researchers via the search and download functionality. Finally, flexible usage of the ARGs-OAP was demonstrated by evaluating the co-occurrence of class 1 integrases and total ARGs across different environments.nnConclusionsThe ARGs-OSP is presented in this study as the valuable sources and references for future studies with versatile research interests, meanwhile avoiding unnecessary re-computations and re-analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, C.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-06-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/337675</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ARGs-OSP: online searching platform for antibiotic resistance genes distribution in metagenomic database and bacterial whole genome database]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-06-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/368696v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
KS-Burden: Assessing distributional differences of rare variants in dichotomous traits 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/368696v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A number of rare variant tests have been developed to explore the effect of low frequency genetic variations on complex phenotypes. However, an often neglected aspect in these tests is the position of genetic variations. Here we are proposing a way to assess the differences in spatial organization of rare variants by assessing their distributional differences between affected and unaffected subjects. To do so, we have formulated an adaptation of the well know Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test, combining both KS and a simple gene burden approach, called KS-Burden.nnThe performance of our test was evaluated under a comprehensive simulations framework using real data and various scenarios. Our results show that the KS-Burden test is able to outperform the commonly used SKAT-O test, as well as others, in the presents of clusters of causal variants within a genomic region. Furthermore, our test is able to maintain competitive statistical power in scenarios unfavorable to its original assumptions. Hence, the KS-Burden test is a valuable alternative to existing tests and provides better statistical power in the presents of causal clusters within a gene.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Porsch, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/368696</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[KS-Burden: Assessing distributional differences of rare variants in dichotomous traits]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/372383v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Whole-Genome Genomics Correlates of Response To Anti-PD1 Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Natural Killer/T Cell Lymphoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/372383v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractThis study aims to identify recurrent genetic alterations in relapsed or refractory (RR) natural-killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) patients who have achieved complete response (CR) with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade therapy. Seven of the eleven patients treated with pembrolizumab achieved CR while the remaining four had progressive disease (PD). Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), we found recurrent clonal structural rearrangements (SR) of the PD-L1 gene in four of the seven (57%) CR patients pretreated tumors. These PD-L1 SRs consist of inter-chromosomal translocations, tandem duplication and micro-inversion that disrupted the suppressive function of PD-L1 3UTR. Interestingly, recurrent JAK3-activating (p.A573V) mutations were also validated in two CR patients tumors that did not harbor the PD-L1 SR. Importantly, these mutations were absent in the four PD cases. With immunohistochemistry (IHC), PD-L1 positivity could not discriminate patients who archived CR (range: 6%-100%) from patients who had PD (range: 35%-90%). PD-1 blockade with pembrolizumab is a potent strategy for RR NKTL patients and genomic screening could potentially accompany PD-L1 IHC positivity to better select patients for anti-PD-1 therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lim, J. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Q.-q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nairismagi, M.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laurensia, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chia, B. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, R.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iqbal, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheah, D. M. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, C. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajasegaran, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mow, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Q.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grigoropoulos, N. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goh, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Phipps, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rotzschke, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loh, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farid, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au-Yeung, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, S.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hwang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chng, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tousseyn, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teh, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khor, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rozen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bei, J.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/372383</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Whole-Genome Genomics Correlates of Response To Anti-PD1 Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Natural Killer/T Cell Lymphoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/373753v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Increased GITRL impairs the function of MDSCs and exacerbates primary Sjögren’s syndrome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/373753v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is largely unclear how MDSCs contribute to the development of primary Sjogrens syndrome (pSS). In experimental SS (ESS) mice, MDSCs were significantly increased but exhibited gradually diminished suppressive capacity during the disease progression. The ligand for glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related protein (GITRL) was increased with the development of pSS, and the increased GITRL was found to down-regulate the function of MDSCs while blocking GITR signal in MDSCs significantly restored their function and ameliorated ESS progression in mice. In pSS patients, expanded MDSCs expressed lower level of arginase were observed in patients with higher SSDAI. Moreover, the increased GITRL in serum was also found to closely correlate with the aberrant function of MDSCs. Together, our studies have demonstrated a critical role of GITRL in modulating the suppressive capacity of MDSCs in pSS, which may facilitate the validation of GITRL as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pSS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rui, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/373753</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Increased GITRL impairs the function of MDSCs and exacerbates primary Sjögren’s syndrome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/374165v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Asgard archaea are diverse, ubiquitous, and transcriptionally active microbes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/374165v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Asgard is a newly proposed archaeal superphylum. Phylogenetic position of Asgard archaea and its relationships to the origin of eukaryotes is attracting increasingly research interest. However, in-depth knowledge of their diversity, distribution, and activity of Asgard archaea remains limited. Here, we used phylogenetic analysis to cluster the publicly available Asgard archaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences into 13 subgroups, including five previously unknown subgroups. These lineages were widely distributed in anaerobic environments, with the majority of 16S rRNA gene sequences (92%) originating from sediment habitats. Co-occurrence analysis revealed potential relationships between Asgard, Bathyarchaeota, and Marine Benthic Group D archaea. Genomic analysis suggested that Asgard archaea are potentially mixotrophic microbes with divergent metabolic capabilities. Importantly, metatranscriptomics confirmed the versatile lifestyles of Lokiarchaeota and Thorarchaeota, which can fix CO2 using the tetrahydromethanopterin Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, perform acetogenesis, and degrade organic matters. Overall, this study broadens the understandings of Asgard archaea ecology, and also provides the first evidence to support a transcriptionally active mixotrophic lifestyle of Asgard archaea, shedding light on the potential roles of these microorganisms in the global biogeochemical cycling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/374165</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Asgard archaea are diverse, ubiquitous, and transcriptionally active microbes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/385716v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mini viral RNAs act as innate immune agonists during influenza virus infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/385716v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Influenza A virus infection usually causes a mild to moderately severe respiratory disease in humans. However, infection with the 1918 H1N1 pandemic or highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of the H5N1 subtype, can lead to viral pneumonia, systemic disease and death. The molecular processes that determine the outcome of influenza virus infection are multifactorial and involve a complex interplay between host, viral, and bacterial factors1. However, it is generally accepted that a strong innate immune dysregulation known as  cytokine storm contributes to the pathology of pandemic and avian influenza virus infections2-4. The RNA sensor Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) plays an important role in sensing viral infection and initiating a signalling cascade that leads to interferon (IFN) expression5. Here we show that short aberrant RNAs (mini viral RNAs; mvRNAs), produced by the viral RNA polymerase during the replication of the viral RNA genome, bind and activate the intracellular pathogen sensor RIG-I, and lead to the expression of interferon-{beta}. We find that erroneous polymerase activity, dysregulation of viral RNA replication, or the presence of avian-specific amino acids underlie mvRNA generation and cytokine expression in mammalian cells and propose an intramolecular copy-choice mechanism for mvRNA generation. By deep-sequencing RNA samples from lungs of ferrets infected with influenza viruses we show that mvRNAs are generated during infection of animal models. We propose that mvRNAs act as main agonists of RIG-I during influenza virus infection and the ability of influenza virus strains to generate mvRNAs should be considered when assessing their virulence potential.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>te Velthuis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bauer, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharps, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siegers, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Killip, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>French, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oliva-Martin, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Randall, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Wit, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Riel, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fodor, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/385716</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mini viral RNAs act as innate immune agonists during influenza virus infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/388926v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Are these cardiomyocytes? Protocol development reveals impact of sample preparation on the accuracy of identifying cardiomyocytes by flow cytometry 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/388926v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Modern differentiation protocols enable efficient, yet imperfect, differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CM). As the number of laboratories and studies implementing this technology expands, the accurate assessment of cell identity in differentiation cultures is paramount to well-defined studies that can be replicated among laboratories. While flow cytometry is apt for routine assessment, a standardized protocol for assessing cardiomyocyte identity in hPSC-CM cultures has not yet been established. To address this gap, the current study leveraged targeted mass spectrometry to confirm the presence of troponin proteins in hPSC-CM and systematically evaluated multiple anti-troponin antibodies and sample preparation protocols for their suitability in assessing cardiomyocyte identity. Results demonstrate challenges of interpreting data generated by published methods and informed the development of a robust protocol for routine assessment of hPSC-CM. Overall, the new data, workflow for evaluating fit-for-purpose use of antibodies, and standardized protocol described here should benefit investigators new to this field as well as those with expertise in hPSC-CM differentiation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Waas, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weerasekera, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kropp, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Romero-Tejeda, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boheler, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burridge, P. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gundry, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/388926</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Are these cardiomyocytes? Protocol development reveals impact of sample preparation on the accuracy of identifying cardiomyocytes by flow cytometry]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/393959v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mesenchymal stem cells protect retinal ganglion cells from degeneration via mitochondrial donation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/393959v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is extremely hard to repair or regenerate and is often coupled with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based treatment has been demonstrated beneficial for RGC against degeneration. However, underlying mechanisms of MSC-provided RGC protection are largely unknown other than neuropectective paracrine actions. In this study, we sought to investigate whether mitochondrial donation can preserve RGC functions, in a mitochondrial Ndufs4 deficient mouse model of RGC degeneration. The results revealed intravitreal transplanted by induced pluripotent stem cell derived-MSCs (iPSC-MSC) could donate their mitochondria through crossing inner limited membrane to host RGCs. Furthermore, the donated mitochondria effectively protected against RGC death and largely preserved retinal function in Ndufs4-KO mice. Importantly, the protective effects of mitochondrial donation from MSCs were associated with management of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data identified a novel role of MSCs-mitochondrial donation in protection of RGC from degeneration, and highlight a viable therapeutic strategy by manipulating stem cell mitochondrial donation for the treatment of retina degeneration in future.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>JIANG, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, H.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/393959</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mesenchymal stem cells protect retinal ganglion cells from degeneration via mitochondrial donation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/394189v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ultrafast clustering of single-cell flow cytometry data using FlowGrid 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/394189v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Flow cytometry is a popular technology for quantitative single-cell profiling of cell surface markers. It enables expression measurement of tens of cell surface protein markers in millions of single cells. It is a powerful tool for discovering cell sub-populations and quantifying cell population heterogeneity. Traditionally, scientists use manual gating to identify cell types, but the process is subjective and is not effective for large multidimensional data. Many clustering algorithms have been developed to analyse these data but most of them are not scalable to very large data sets with more than ten million cells.nnHere, we present a new clustering algorithm that combines the advantages of density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN with the scalability of grid-based clustering. This new clustering algorithm is implemented in python as an open source package, FlowGrid. FlowGrid is memory efficient and scales linearly with respect to the number of cells. We have evaluated the performance of FlowGrid against other state-of-the-art clustering programs and found that FlowGrid produces similar clustering results but with substantially less time. For example, FlowGrid is able to complete a clustering task on a data set of 23.6 million cells in less than 12 seconds, while other algorithms take more than 500 seconds or get into error.nnFlowGrid is an ultrafast clustering algorithm for large single-cell flow cy-tometry data. The source code is available at https://github.com/VCCRI/FlowGrid.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ye, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/394189</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ultrafast clustering of single-cell flow cytometry data using FlowGrid]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/404319v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The effect of liver enzymes on adiposity: a Mendelian randomization study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/404319v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Poorer liver function is positively associated with diabetes in Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Observationally, adiposity is associated with poorer liver function. To clarify the etiology, we assessed the association of liver function with adiposity observationally and using two sample MR for validation.nnIn the "Children of 1997" birth cohort, we used multivariable linear regression to assess the associations of ALT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (IU/L) at [~]17.5 years with body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2). Using MR, genetic variants predicting ALT, ALP and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) (100% change in concentration), were applied to genome-wide association studies of BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (standard deviations) to obtain unconfounded inverse-variance weighting estimates.nnObservationally, ALT was positively associated with BMI (0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09 to 0.11). ALP was inversely associated with BMI (-0.018, 95% CI -0.024 to -0.012). Using MR, ALT was inversely associated with BMI (-0.14, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.07), but not WC or WHR. ALP and GGT were unrelated to adiposity.nnPoorer liver function might not cause adiposity; instead higher ALT might reduce BMI. Whether ALT contributes to diabetes by reducing muscle mass, given the no association of ALT with WC or WHR, requires investigation.nnAbbreviations
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LIU, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au Yeung, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, J. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/404319</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The effect of liver enzymes on adiposity: a Mendelian randomization study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/406041v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Divergence in the face of gene flow in two Charadrius plovers along the Chinese coast 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/406041v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Speciation with gene flow is an alternative to the nascence of new taxa in strict allopatric separation. Indeed, many taxa have parapatric distributions at present. It is often unclear if these are secondary contacts, e.g. caused by past glaciation cycles or the manifestation of speciation with gene flow, which hampers our understanding of how different forces drive diversification. Here we studied genetic, phenotypic and ecological aspects of divergence in a pair of incipient species, the Kentish (Charadrius alexandrinus) and the white-faced Plovers (C. dealbatus), shorebirds with parapatric breeding ranges along the Chinese coast. We assessed divergence based on molecular markers with different modes of inheritance and quantified phenotypic and ecological divergence in aspects of morphometric, dietary and climatic niches. These analyses revealed small to moderate levels of genetic and phenotypic distinctiveness with symmetric gene flow across the contact area at the Chinese coast. The two species diverged approximately half a million years ago in dynamical isolation and secondary contact due to cycling sea level changes between the Eastern and Southern China Sea in the mid-late Pleistocene. We found evidence of character displacement and ecological niche differentiation between the two species, invoking the role of selection in facilitating divergence despite gene flow. These findings imply that the ecology can indeed counter gene flow through divergent selection and thus contribute to incipient speciation in these plovers. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of using integrative datasets to reveal the evolutionary history and underlying mechanisms of speciation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Que, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heckel, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martinez, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pagani-Nunez, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dingle, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Szekely, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/406041</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Divergence in the face of gene flow in two Charadrius plovers along the Chinese coast]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/408831v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Radiomics Analysis Using Stability Selection Supervised Principal Component Analysis for Right-censored Survival Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/408831v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Radiomics is a newly emerging field that involves the extraction of a large number of quantitative features from biomedical images through the use of data-characterization algorithms. Radiomics provides a noninvasive approach for personalized therapy decision by identifying distinctive imaging features for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response. So far, many of the published radiomics studies utilize existing out of the box algorithms to identify the prognostic markers from biomedical images that are not specific to radiomics data. T o better utilize biomedical image, we propose a novel machine learning approach, stability selection supervised principal component analysis (SSSuperPCA) that identify a set of stable features from radiomics big data coupled with dimension reduction for right censored survival outcomes. In this paper, we describe stability selection supervised principal component analysis for radiomics data with right-censored survival outcomes. The proposed approach allows us to identify a set of stable features that are highly associated with the survival outcomes, control the per-family error rate, and predict the survival in a simple yet meaningful manner. We evaluate the performance of SSSuperPCA using simulations and real data sets for non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer, and compare it with other machine learning algorithms. The results demonstrate that our method has a competitive edge over other existing methods in identifying the prognostic markers from biomedical big imaging data for the prediction of right-censored survival outcomes. An R package SSSuperPCA is available at the website: http://web.hku.hk/[~]herbpang/SSSuperPCA.html
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yan, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vardhanabhuti, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. W. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/408831</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Radiomics Analysis Using Stability Selection Supervised Principal Component Analysis for Right-censored Survival Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/415000v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A multidrug resistant clinical P. aeruginosa isolate in the MLST550 clonal complex: uncoupled quorum sensing modulates the interplay of virulence and resistance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/415000v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a prevalent and pernicious pathogen equipped with both extraordinary capabilities to infect the host and to develop antimicrobials resistance (AMR). Monitoring the emergence of AMR high risk clones and understanding the interplay of their pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance is of paramount importance to avoid resistance dissemination and to control P. aeruginosa infections. In this study, we report the identification of a multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strain PA154197 isolated from a blood stream infection in Hong Kong. PA154197 belongs to a distinctive MLST550 clonal complex shared by two international P. aeruginosa isolates VW0289 and AUS544. Comparative genome and transcriptome analysis with the reference strain PAO1 led to the identification of a variety of genetic variations in antibiotic resistance genes and the hyper-expression of three multidrug efflux pumps MexAB-OprM, MexEF-OprN, and MexGHI-OpmD in PA154197. Unlike many resistant isolates displaying an attenuated virulence, PA154197 produces a significantly high level of the P. aeruginosa major virulence factor pyocyanin (PYO) and displays an uncompromised virulence compared to PAO1. Further analysis revealed that the secondary quorum sensing system Pqs which primarily controls the PYO production is hyper-active in PA154197 independent of the master QS systems Las and Rhl. Together, these investigations disclose a unique, uncoupled QS mediated pathoadaptation mechanism in clinical P. aeruginosa which may account for the high pathogenic potentials and antibiotics resistance in the MDR isolate PA154197.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bougouffa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bajic, V. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woo, P. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/415000</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A multidrug resistant clinical P. aeruginosa isolate in the MLST550 clonal complex: uncoupled quorum sensing modulates the interplay of virulence and resistance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/436790v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sox2 and FGF20 define a temporal separation between specification and differentiation required for organ of Corti development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/436790v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The mouse organ of Corti develops in two steps: progenitor specification and differentiation. Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling is important in this developmental pathway, as deletion of FGF receptor 1 (Fgfr1) or its ligand, Fgf20, leads to the loss of hair cells and supporting cells from the organ of Corti. However, whether FGF20-FGFR1 signaling is required during specification or differentiation, and how it interacts with the transcription factor Sox2, also important for hair cell and supporting cell development, has been a topic of debate. Here, we show that while FGF20-FGFR1 signaling functions during progenitor differentiation, FGFR1 has an FGF20-independent, Sox2-dependent role in specification. We also show that a combination of reduction in Sox2 expression and Fgf20 deletion recapitulates the Fgfr1-deletion phenotype. Furthermore, we uncovered a strong genetic interaction between Sox2 and Fgf20, especially in regulating the development of hair cells and supporting cells towards the basal end and the outer compartment of the organ of Corti. To explain this genetic interaction and its effects on the basal end of the organ of Corti, we provide evidence that decreased Sox2 expression delays specification, which begins at the organ of Corti apex, while Fgf20-deletion results in premature onset of differentiation, which begins near the organ of Corti base. Thereby, Sox2 and Fgf20 interact to ensure that specification occurs before differentiation towards the cochlear base. These findings reveal an intricate developmental program regulating organ of Corti development along the basal-apical axis of the cochlea.

Author summaryThe mammalian cochlea contains the organ of Corti, a specialized sensory epithelium populated by hair cells and supporting cells that detect sound. Hair cells are susceptible to injury by noise, toxins, and other insults. In mammals, hair cells cannot be regenerated after injury, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Understanding genetic pathways that regulate hair cell development in the mammalian organ of Corti will help in developing methods to regenerate hair cells to treat hearing loss. Many genes are essential for hair cell and supporting cell development in the mouse organ of Corti. Among these are Sox2, Fgfr1, and Fgf20. Here, we investigate the relationship between these three genes to further define their roles in development.

Interestingly, we found that Sox2 and Fgf20 interact to affect hair cell and supporting cell development in a spatially-graded manner. We found that cells toward the outer compartment and the base of the organ of Corti are more strongly affected by the loss of Sox2 and Fgf20. We provide evidence that this spatially-graded effect can be partially explained by the roles of the two genes in the precise timing of two sequential stages of organ of Corti development, specification and differentation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huh, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ornitz, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/436790</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sox2 and FGF20 define a temporal separation between specification and differentiation required for organ of Corti development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/437061v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomic characterization of additional cancer-driver genes using a weighted iterative regression accurately modelling background mutation rate 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/437061v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genomic identification of driver mutations and genes in cancer cells are critical for precision medicine. Due to difficulty in modeling distribution of background mutations, existing statistical methods are often underpowered to discriminate driver genes from passenger genes. Here we propose a novel statistical approach, weighted iterative zero-truncated negative-binomial regression (WITER), to detect cancer-driver genes showing an excess of somatic mutations. By solving the problem of inaccurately modeling background mutations, this approach works even in small or moderate samples. Compared to alternative methods, it detected more significant and cancer-consensus genes in all tested cancers. Applying this approach, we estimated 178 driver genes in 26 different cancers types. In silico validation confirmed 90.5% of predicted genes as likely known drivers and 7 genes unique for individual cancers as likely new drivers. The technical advances of WITER enable the detection of driver genes in TCGA datasets as small as 30 subjects, rescuing more genes missed by alternative tools.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>TO, K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/437061</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomic characterization of additional cancer-driver genes using a weighted iterative regression accurately modelling background mutation rate]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/440800v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Decreased kinesin-1 mitigates NMDA-induced exicitotoxicity and ischemia-evoked neurodegeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/440800v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is highly compartmentalized in neurons and the dysfunction has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent failure to exploit NMDAR antagonization as a potential therapeutic target has driven the need to identify molecular mechanisms that regulate NMDAR compartmentalization. Here, we report that neural activity-dependent reduction of Kif5b, the heavy chain of kinesin-1, protected neurons against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity and ischemia-provoked neurodegeneration. Direct binding of Kinesin-1 to the GluN2B cytoplasmic tails regulated levels of NMDAR at extrasynaptic sites and the subsequent influx of calcium mediated by extrasynaptic NMDAR via regulating the insertion of NMDARs into neuronal surface. Transient increase of Kif5b restored the surface levels of NMDAR and the decreased neuronal susceptibility to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. Our findings reveal that kinesin-1 regulates extrasynaptic NMDAR targeting and signaling, and the reduction of kinesin-1 could be regulated by neural activity and could be exploited to postpone or halt neurodegeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, M.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yung, W.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, A. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/440800</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Decreased kinesin-1 mitigates NMDA-induced exicitotoxicity and ischemia-evoked neurodegeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/453936v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Maudsley Environmental Risk Score for Psychosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/453936v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Risk prediction algorithms have long been used in health research and practice (e.g., in prediction of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.) However, similar tools have not been developed for mental health problems, despite extensive research on risk factors. For example, for psychotic disorders, attempts to sum environmental risk are rare, usually unsystematic and dictated by available data. In light of this, we sought to develop a valid, easy to use measure of the total environmental risk for psychotic disorders, which can be used in research and clinical practice.nnWe first reviewed the literature to identify well-replicated and validated environmental risk factors for psychosis and, then, used the largest available meta-analyses to derive current best estimates of risk. We devised a method of scoring individuals based on the level of exposure to each risk factor, using odds ratios from the meta-analyses, to produce an Environmental Risk Score (ERS).nnSix risk factors (ethnic minority status, urbanicity, high paternal age, obstetric complications, cannabis use, and childhood adversity) were used to generate the ERS. A distribution for different levels of risk based on permuted data showed that most of population would be at low/moderate risk with a small minority at increased environmental risk for psychosis.nnThis is the first systematic approach to develop an aggregate measure of environmental risk for psychoses. This can be used as a continuous measure of liability to disease or transformed to a relative risk. Its predictive ability will improve with the collection of additional, population specific data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Vassos, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kempton, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trotta, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stilo, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gayer-Anderson, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Di Forti, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murray, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/453936</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Maudsley Environmental Risk Score for Psychosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/472548v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Reproduction and longevity A Mendelian randomization study of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and ischemic heart disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/472548v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundAccording to well-established evolutionary biology theory reproduction trades-off against longevity, implying that upregulating the reproductive axis might drive major diseases. We assessed whether the central driver of reproduction gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) had a causal effect on the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, i.e. ischemic heart disease (IHD). As a contrast we similarly examined the role of GnRH2 because it is more a driver of female sexual behavior.nnMethodsWe applied strong (p-value <5x10-6) and independent genetic predictors of GnRH1 and GnRH2 to an extensively genotyped IHD case (n=76,014) - control (n=264,785) study using multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO estimates.nnResultsGnRH1, predicted by 11 genetic variants, was positively associated with IHD (IVW odds ratio (OR) 1.04 per effect size, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.08), but GnRH2, predicted by 15 genetic variants, was not (IVW OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.02).nnConclusionsGnRH1 is a potential IHD genetic target. Apart from demonstrating a central tenet of evolutionary biology in humans, our study suggests that existing treatments and environmental factors targeting GnRH1, its drivers or consequences could be re-purposed to prevent and treat IHD. Given, the importance of reproduction to the human species, many such exposures likely exist.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-11-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/472548</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Reproduction and longevity A Mendelian randomization study of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and ischemic heart disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-11-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/484113v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Novel genes for autism implicate both excitatory and inhibitory cell lineages in risk 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/484113v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We present the largest exome sequencing study to date focused on rare variation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n=35,584). Integrating de novo and case-control variation with an enhanced Bayesian framework incorporating evolutionary constraint against mutation, we implicate 99 genes in ASD risk at a false discovery rate (FDR) [&le;] 0.1. Of these 99 risk genes, 46 show higher frequencies of disruptive de novo variants in individuals ascertained for severe neurodevelopmental delay, while 50 show higher frequencies in individuals ascertained for ASD, and comparing ASD cases with disruptive mutations in the two groups shows differences in phenotypic presentation. Expressed early in brain development, most of the risk genes have roles in neuronal communication or regulation of gene expression, and 12 fall within recurrent copy number variant loci. In human cortex single-cell gene expression data, expression of the 99 risk genes is also enriched in both excitatory and inhibitory neuronal lineages, implying that disruption of these genes alters the development of both neuron types. Together, these insights broaden our understanding of the neurobiology of ASD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Satterstrom, F. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kosmicki, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Breen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Rubeis, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, J.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Collins, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grove, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klei, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stevens, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reichert, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mulhern, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Artomov, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gerges, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheppard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhaduri, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Norman, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brand, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schwartz, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guerrero, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dias, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aleksic, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anney, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barbosa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bishop, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brusco, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bybjerg-Grauholm, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carracedo, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiocchetti, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coon, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cuccaro, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Curro, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dalla Bernardina, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Domenici, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fallerini, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fernandez-Prieto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferrero, G. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freitag,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-11-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/484113</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Novel genes for autism implicate both excitatory and inhibitory cell lineages in risk]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-11-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/491878v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Estimating driver-tissues by robust selective expression of genes associated with complex diseases or traits 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/491878v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The driver tissues or cell-types of many human diseases, in which susceptibility genes cause the diseases, remain elusive. We developed a framework to detect the causal-tissues of complex diseases or traits according to selective expression of disease-associated genes in genome-wide association study (GWAS). The core method of the framework is a new robust z-score to estimate genes expression selectivity. Through extensive computing simulations and comparative analyses in a large-scale schizophrenia GWAS, we demonstrate the robust z-score is more sensitive than existing methods to detect multiple selectively expressed tissues, which further lead to the estimation of more biological sensible driver tissues. The effectiveness of this framework is further validated in five representative complex diseases with the usage of GWAS summary statistics and transcript-level expression in GTEx project. Finally, we also demonstrate that the prioritized tissues and the robust selective expression can enhance characterization of directly associated genes of a disease as well. Interesting results include the estimation of lung as a driver tissue of rheumatoid arthritis, consistent with clinical observations of morbidity between rheumatoid arthritis and lung diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/491878</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Estimating driver-tissues by robust selective expression of genes associated with complex diseases or traits]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/496711v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Native CRISPR-Cas mediated in situ genome editing reveals extensive resistance synergy in the clinical multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/496711v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is imposing a global public health threat. Despite its importance, resistance characterization in the native background of clinically isolated resistant pathogens is frequently hindered by the lack of genome editing tools in these "non-model" strains. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is both a prototypical multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen and a model species for understanding CRISPR-Cas functions. In this study, we report the successful development of the first native type I-F CRISPR-Cas mediated, one-step genome editing technique in a paradigmatic MDR strain PA154197. The technique is readily applicable in additional type I-F CRISPR-containing, clinical/environmental P. aeruginosa isolates. A two-step In-Del strategy is further developed to edit genomic locus lacking an effective PAM (protospacer adjacent motif) or within an essential gene, which together principally allows any type of non-lethal genomic manipulations in these strains. Exploiting these powerful techniques, a series of reverse mutations are constructed and the key resistant determinants of the MDR PA154197 are elucidated which include over-production of two multidrug efflux pumps MexAB-OprM and MexEF-OprN, and a typical fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance mutation T83I in the drug target gene gyrA. Characterizing antimicrobial susceptibilities in isogenic strains containing various combinations of single, double, or all three key resistance determinants reveal that i) extensive synergy exists between the target mutation and over-production of efflux pumps, and between the two over-produced tripartite efflux pumps to confer clinically significant FQ resistance; ii) while basal level MexAB-OprM confers resistance only to penicillins, its over-production leads to substantial resistance to all antipseudonmonal {beta}-lactams and additional resistance to FQs; iii) despite the acquisition and over-production of multiple resistant mutations, no obvious evolutionary trade-off of collateral sensitivity is developed in PA154197. Together, these results provide new insights into resistance development in clinical MDR P. aeruginosa strains and demonstrate the great potentials of native CRISPR systems in AMR research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/496711</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Native CRISPR-Cas mediated in situ genome editing reveals extensive resistance synergy in the clinical multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/498238v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modelling the distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using climate, host density and interspecies competitive effects 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/498238v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Florida faces the challenge of repeated introduction and autochthonous transmission of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Empirically-based predictive models of the spatial distribution of these species would aid surveillance and vector control efforts. To predict the occurrence and abundance of these species, we fit mixed-effects zero-inflated negative binomial regression to a mosquito surveillance dataset with records from more than 200,000 trap days, covering 73% of the land area and ranging from 2004 to 2018 in Florida. We found an asymmetrical competitive interaction between adult populations of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for the sampled sites. Wind speed was negatively associated with the occurrence and abundance of both vectors. Our model predictions show high accuracy (72.9% to 94.5%) in the validation tests leaving out a random 10% subset of sites and data from 2018, suggesting a potential for predicting the distribution of the two Aedes vectors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Borgert, B. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alto, B. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boohene, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brabant, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brew, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deutsch, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeValerio, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dinglasan, R. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dixon, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Faella, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fisher-Grainger, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Glass, G. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayes, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoel, D. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horton, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Janusauskaite, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kellner, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kraemer, M. U. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leveen, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lucas, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Medina, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morreale, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petrie, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reiner, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riles, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salje, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Solis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stuck, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vasquez, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williams, K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, R.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cummings, D. A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/498238</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modelling the distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using climate, host density and interspecies competitive effects]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/510693v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-ATOM: Ultrahigh-throughput single-cell quantitative phase imaging with subcellular resolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/510693v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A growing body of evidence has substantiated the significance of quantitative phase imaging (QPI) in enabling cost-effective and label-free cellular assay, which provides useful insights into understanding biophysical properties of cells and their roles in cellular functions. However, available QPI modalities are limited by the loss of imaging resolution at high throughput and thus run short of sufficient statistical power at the single cell precision to define cell identities in a large and heterogeneous population of cells - hindering their utility in mainstream biomedicine and biology. Here we present a new QPI modality, coined multi-ATOM that captures and processes quantitative label-free single-cell images at ultra-high throughput without compromising sub-cellular resolution. We show that multi-ATOM, based upon ultrafast phase-gradient encoding, outperforms state-of-the-art QPI in permitting robust phase retrieval at a QPI throughput of >10,000 cell/sec, bypassing the need for interferometry which inevitably compromises QPI quality under ultrafast operation. We employ multi-ATOM for large-scale, label-free, multi-variate, cell-type classification (e.g. breast cancer sub-types, and leukemic cells versus peripheral blood mononuclear cells) at high accuracy (>94%). Our results suggest that multi-ATOM could empower new strategies in large-scale biophysical single-cell analysis with applications in biology and enriching disease diagnostics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wnag, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheah, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/510693</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-ATOM: Ultrahigh-throughput single-cell quantitative phase imaging with subcellular resolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/529313v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An evaluation of the Air Quality Health Index Program on respiratory diseases in Hong Kong: an interrupted time series analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/529313v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundOn December 30th, 2013, the Hong Kong government implemented the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to reduce short-term impacts of air pollution on the population. However, whether air quality alert programs, such as the AQHI, reduce morbidity is still questionable. Using a quasi-experimental design, we conducted the first evaluation of the AQHI in Hong Kong focusing on respiratory morbidity.

MethodInterrupted time series with Poisson segmented regression from 2010 to 2016 were used to detect any sudden or gradual changes in emergency respiratory hospital admissions, adjusted for air pollutants (NO2, SO2, PM10, O3), temperature and humidity, when the AQHI policy was implemented. Findings were validated using three false policy periods. We also assessed changes by specific respiratory diseases (respiratory tract infections (RTI), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia) and by age.

ResultsFrom January 1st, 2010-December 31st, 2016, 10576.98 deseasonalized, age- and sex-standardized hospital admissions for respiratory diseases occurred in Hong Kong. On implementation of the AQHI, RTI admissions immediately dropped by 14% (relative risk (RR) 0.86 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.98). In age specific analysis, immediate reductions in hospital admissions, were only apparent in children for RTI (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96) and pneumonia (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.60-0.96).

ConclusionHong Kongs AQHI helped reduced hospital admissions in children, particularly for RTI and pneumonia. To maximize the health benefits of the policy, at risk groups need to be able to follow the behavioral changes recommended by the AQHI index.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mason, T. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Linwei, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King Pan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/529313</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An evaluation of the Air Quality Health Index Program on respiratory diseases in Hong Kong: an interrupted time series analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/529651v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Selection for antibiotic resistance is reduced when embedded in a natural microbial community 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/529651v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most pressing, global threats to public health. In single-species experiments selection for antibiotic resistance occurs at very low antibiotic concentrations. However, it is unclear how far these findings can be extrapolated to natural environments, where species are embedded within complex communities. We competed isogenic strains of Escherichia coli, differing exclusively in a single chromosomal resistance determinant, in the presence and absence of a pig fecal microbial community across a gradient of antibiotic concentration for two relevant antibiotics: gentamicin and kanamycin. We show that the minimal selective concentration was increased by more than one order of magnitude for both antibiotics when embedded in the community. We identified two general mechanisms were responsible for the increase in minimal selective concentration: an increase in the cost of resistance and a protective effect of the community for the susceptible phenotype. These findings have implications for our understanding of the evolution and selection of antibiotic resistance, and can inform future risk assessment efforts on antibiotic concentrations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Klümper, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Recker, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buckling, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaze, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/529651</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Selection for antibiotic resistance is reduced when embedded in a natural microbial community]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/531137v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Positive effects of low LDL-C and statins on bone mineral density: an integrated epidemiological observation analysis and Mendelian Randomization study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/531137v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is suggested to play a role in osteoporosis but its association with bone metabolism remains unclear. Effects of LDL-C-lowering drugs on bone are also controversial. We aim to determine whether LDL-C is linked causally to BMD and assess the effects of LDL-C-lowering drugs on BMD.

MethodsAssociation between blood lipid levels and BMD was examined by epidemiological observation analyses in US representative cohort NHANES III (N=3,638) and Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study (HKOS; N=1,128). Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR), employing genetic data from GWAS of blood lipids (N=188,577), total body BMD (TB-BMD) (N=66,628) and estimated BMD (eBMD) (N=142,487), was performed to infer causality between blood lipids and BMD. Genetic proxies for LDL-C-lowering drugs were used to examine the drugs effects on BMD.

ResultsIn NHANES III cohort, each SD decrease in LDL-C was associated with 0.045 SD increase in femoral neck BMD (95% CI: 0.009 to 0.081; P=0.015). A similar increase in BMD was observed in HKOS at femoral neck and lumbar spine. In MR analysis, decrease in genetically predicted LDL-C was associated with increase in TB-BMD [estimate per SD decrease, 0.038 (95% CI: 0.002 to 0.074); P=0.038] and eBMD [0.076 (0.042 to 0.111); P=1.20x10-5]. Reduction of TB-BMD was causally associated with increased LDL-C [0.035 (0.033 to 0.066); P=0.034]. Statins LDL-C-lowering proxies were associated with increased TB-BMD [0.18 (0.044 to 0.316); P=9.600x10-3] and eBMD [0.143 (0.062 to 0.223); P=5.165x10-4].

ConclusionsNegative causal association exists between LDL-C level and BMD. Statins LDL-C-lowering effect increases BMD, suggesting its protective effect on bone.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, G. H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, P. C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, K. C.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, I. C.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/531137</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Positive effects of low LDL-C and statins on bone mineral density: an integrated epidemiological observation analysis and Mendelian Randomization study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/537514v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Disrupts Consolidation of Fear Memories 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/537514v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Anxiety disorders pose one of the biggest threats to mental health worldwide, yet current therapeutics have been mostly ineffective due to issues with relapse, efficacy, and toxicit. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising therapy for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders including anxiety, but very little is known about the effects of DBS on fear memories. In this study, we used a modified plus-maze discriminative and showed that DBS of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) was able to disrupt consolidation, but not acquisition or retrieval of fear memories. We validated these results using a standard tone-footshock fear conditioning paradigm. We further demonstrated short-term changes in dopaminergic receptor and c-Fos expression in the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and established a partial casual role of dopamine 2 receptors in this effect. Lastly, we showed changes in neurotransmitter levels in the vHPC. This study highlights the potential therapeutic effect of vmPFC DBS to treat anxiety disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tan, S. Z. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, Y.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/537514</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Disrupts Consolidation of Fear Memories]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/543058v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Kilohertz in vivo imaging of neural activity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/543058v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding information processing in the brain requires us to monitor neural activity in vivo at high spatiotemporal resolution. Using an ultrafast two-photon fluorescence microscope (2PFM) empowered by all-optical laser scanning, we imaged neural activity in vivo at up to 3,000 frames per second and submicron spatial resolution. This ultrafast imaging method enabled monitoring of both supra- and sub-threshold electrical activity down to 345 m below the brain surface in head fixed awake mice.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chavarha, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/543058</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Kilohertz in vivo imaging of neural activity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/555250v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromatin compartment dynamics in a haploinsufficient model of cardiac laminopathy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/555250v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pathogenic mutations in A-type nuclear lamins cause dilated cardiomyopathy, which is postulated to result from dysregulated gene expression due to changes in chromatin organization into active and inactive compartments. To test this, we performed genome-wide chromosome conformation analyses (Hi-C) in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) with a haploinsufficient mutation for lamin A/C. Compared to gene-corrected cells, mutant hiPSC-CMs have marked electrophysiological and contractile alterations, with modest gene expression changes. While large-scale changes in chromosomal topology are evident, differences in chromatin compartmentalization are limited to a few hotspots that escape inactivation during cardiogenesis. These regions exhibit upregulation of multiple non-cardiac genes including CACNA1A, encoding for neuronal P/Q-type calcium channels. Pharmacological inhibition of the resulting current partially mitigates the electrical alterations. On the other hand, A/B compartment changes do not explain most gene expression alterations in mutant hiPSC-CMs. We conclude that global errors in chromosomal compartmentation are not the primary pathogenic mechanism in heart failure due to lamin A/C haploinsufficiency.

SummaryBertero et al. observe that lamin A/C haploinsufficiency in human cardiomyocytes markedly alters electrophysiology, contractility, gene expression, and chromosomal topology. Contrary to expectations, however, changes in chromatin compartments involve just few regions, and most dysregulated genes lie outside these hotspots.

Condensed titleGenomic effects of lamin A/C haploinsufficiency
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bertero, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fields, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leonard, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beussman, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sniadecki, N. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, D.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, H.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pabon, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shendure, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Noble, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murry, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/555250</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromatin compartment dynamics in a haploinsufficient model of cardiac laminopathy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/562918v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Ps and Qs of alarmone synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/562918v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During the stringent response, bacteria synthesize guanosine-3,5-bis(diphosphate) (ppGpp) and guanosine-5-triphosphate 3-diphosphate (pppGpp), which act as secondary messengers to promote cellular survival and adaptation. (p)ppGpp  alarmones are synthesized and/or hydrolyzed by proteins belonging to the RelA/SpoT Homologue (RSH) family. Many bacteria also encode  small alarmone synthetase (SAS) proteins (e.g. RelP, RelQ) which may also be capable of synthesizing a third alarmone: guanosine-5-phosphate 3-diphosphate (pGpp). Here, we report the biochemical properties of the Rel (RSH), RelP and RelQ proteins from Staphylococcus aureus (Sa-Rel, Sa-RelP, Sa-RelQ, respectively). Sa-Rel synthesized pppGpp more efficiently than ppGpp, but lacked the ability to produce pGpp. However, Sa-Rel efficiently hydrolyzed all three alarmones in a Mn(II) ion-dependent manner. The removal of the C-terminal regulatory domain of Sa-Rel increased its rate of (p)ppGpp synthesis ca. 10-fold, but had negligible effects on its rate of (pp)pGpp hydrolysis. Sa-RelP and Sa-RelQ efficiently synthesized pGpp in addition to pppGpp and ppGpp. The alarmone-synthesizing abilities of Sa-RelQ, but not Sa-RelP, were allosterically-stimulated by the addition of pppGpp, ppGpp or pGpp. The respective (pp)pGpp-synthesizing activities of Sa-RelP/Sa-RelQ were compared and contrasted with SAS homologues from Enterococcus faecalis (Ef-RelQ) and Streptococcus mutans (Sm-RelQ, Sm-RelP). Results indicated that EF-RelQ, Sm-RelQ and Sa-RelQ were functionally-equivalent; but exhibited considerable variations in their respective biochemical properties, and the degrees to which alarmones and single-stranded RNA molecules allosterically stimulated their respective alarmone-synthesizing activities. The respective (pp)pGpp-synthesizing capabilities of Sa-RelP and Sm-RelP proteins were inhibited by pGpp, ppGpp and pppGpp. Our results support the premise that RelP and RelQ proteins may synthesize pGpp in addition to (p)ppGpp within S. aureus and other Gram-positive bacterial species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watt, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/562918</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Ps and Qs of alarmone synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/583450v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
variant2literature: full text literature search for genetic variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/583450v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationWhole genome sequencing (WGS) by next-generation sequencing produces millions of variants for an individual. The retrieval of biomedical literature for such a large number of genetic variants remains challenging, because in many cases the variants are only present in tables as images, or in the supplementary documents of which the file formats are diverse.nnResultsThe proposed tool named variant2literature from the TaiGenomics (Toolkits for AI genomics) resolves the problem by incorporating text recognition with image processing. In addition to the adoption of advanced image-based text retrieval, the recall rate of finding the literature containing the variants of interest is further improved by employing the skill of variant normalization. Different variant presentations are transformed into chromosome coordinates (standard VCF format) such that false negatives can be largely avoided. variant2literature is available in two ways. First, a web-based interface is provided to search all the literature in PMC Open Access Subset. Second, the command-line executable can be downloaded such that the users are free to search all the files in a specified directory locally.nnAvailabilityhttp://variant2literature.taigenomics.com/nnContactchienyuchen@ntu.edu.tw
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, C.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chou, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, Y.-C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-03-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/583450</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[variant2literature: full text literature search for genetic variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-03-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/614867v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic risk loadings influence the susceptibility and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/614867v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveUsing three European and two Chinese genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we investigated the performance of genetic risk scores (GRS) for predicting the susceptibility and severity of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), using renal disease as a proxy for severity.

MethodsWe used four GWASs to test the performance of GRS both cross validating within the European population and between European and Chinese populations. The performance of GRS in SLE risk prediction was evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. We then analyzed the polygenic nature of SLE statistically. We also partitioned patients according to their age-of-onset and evaluated the predictability of GRS in disease severity in each age group.

ResultsWe found consistently that the best GRS in the prediction of SLE used SNPs associated at the level of P<1e-05 in all GWAS datasets and that SNPs with P-values above 0.2 were inflated for SLE true positive signals. The GRS results in an area under the ROC curve ranging between 0.64 and 0.72, within European and between the European and Chinese populations. We further showed a significant positive correlation between a GRS and renal disease in two independent European GWAS (Pcohort1=2.44e-08; Pcohort2=0.00205) and a significant negative correlation with age of SLE onset (Pcohort1=1.76e-12; Pcohort2=0.00384). We found that the GRS performed better in prediction of renal disease in the  later onset compared to the  earlier onset group.

ConclusionThe GRS predicts SLE in both European and Chinese populations and correlates with poorer prognostic factors: young age of onset and lupus nephritis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tombleson, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bielowka, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Odhams, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roberts, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cunninghame Graham, D. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vyse, T. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/614867</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic risk loadings influence the susceptibility and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/617381v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LFMD: a new likelihood-based method to detect low-frequency mutations without molecular tags 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/617381v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsy become more prevalent in research and in the clinic, there is an increasing need for better methods to reduce cost and improve sensitivity and specificity of low-frequency mutation detection (where the Alternative Allele Frequency, or AAF, is less than 1%). Here we propose a likelihood-based approach, called Low-Frequency Mutation Detector (LFMD), which combines the advantages of duplex sequencing (DS) and the bottleneck sequencing system (BotSeqS) to maximize the utilization of duplicate reads. Compared with the existing state-of-the-art methods, DS, Du Novo, UMI-tools, and Unified Consensus Maker, our method achieves higher sensitivity, higher specificity (< 4 x 10-10 errors per base sequenced) and lower cost (reduced by ~70% at best) without involving additional experimental steps, customized adapters or molecular tags. LFMD is useful in areas where high precision is required, such as drug resistance prediction and cancer screening. As an example of LFMDs applications, mitochondrial heterogeneity analysis of 28 human brain samples across different stages of Alzheimers Disease (AD) showed that the canonical oxidative damage related mutations, C:G>A:T, are significantly increased in the mid-stage group. This is consistent with the Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging, suggesting that AD may be linked to the aging of brain cells induced by oxidative damage.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ye, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baum, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/617381</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LFMD: a new likelihood-based method to detect low-frequency mutations without molecular tags]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/634014v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
OTUB1 is a key regulator of RIG-I dependent immune signalling and is targeted for proteasomal degradation by influenza A NS1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/634014v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deubiquitylases (DUBs) regulate critical signaling pathways at the intersection of host innate immunity and viral pathogenesis. Although RIG-I activation is heavily dependent on ubiquitylation, DUBs that regulate this pathway have not been identified. Using a ubiquitin C-terminal electrophile, we profiled DUBs that function during influenza A virus (IAV) infection, and isolated OTUB1 as a key regulator of RIG-I dependent antiviral responses. OTUB1 was interferon-inducible, and interacted with RIG-I, viral PB2 and NS1. Upon infection, OTUB1 relocalised from the nucleus to mitochondrial membranes, and activated the RIG-I signaling complex via hydrolysis of K48 polyubiquitin chains and by forming a repressive complex with UBCH5c. Using a reconstituted system composed of in vitro translated [35S]IRF3, purified RIG-I, mitochondrial membranes and cytosol expressing OTUB1 variants, we recapitulated the mechanism of OTUB1-dependent RIG-I activation. A wide range of IAV NS1 proteins triggered proteasomal degradation of OTUB1, thereby antagonizing the RIG-I signaling cascade and antiviral responses.nnHighlightsO_LIOTUB1 is induced during influenza A virus infections in an IFN-I dependent mannernC_LIO_LIOTUB1 regulates the RIG-I complex by hydrolysing K48-linked polyubiquitin chains and by sequestering UBCH5c to prevent K48 polyubiquitylationnC_LIO_LIOptimal K63 versus K48 polyubiquitin chain concentrations determine RIG-I activationnC_LIO_LIInfluenza NS1 targets OTUB1 for proteasomal degradationnC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jahan, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Biquand, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munoz-Moreno, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Le Quang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doak, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>te Velthuis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Sastre, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Demeret, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/634014</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[OTUB1 is a key regulator of RIG-I dependent immune signalling and is targeted for proteasomal degradation by influenza A NS1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/634170v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Biogeography of coelurosaurian theropods and its impact on their evolutionary history 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/634170v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ABSTRACTThe Coelurosauria are a group of mostly feathered theropods that gave rise to birds, the only dinosaurs that survived the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event and are still found today. Between their first appearance in the Middle Jurassic up to the end Cretaceous, coelurosaurs were party to dramatic geographic changes on the Earth’s surface, including the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, and the formation of the Atlantic Ocean. These plate tectonic events are thought to have caused vicariance or dispersal of coelurosaurian faunas, influencing their evolution. Unfortunately, few coelurosaurian biogeographic hypotheses are supported by quantitative evidence. Here, we report the first, broadly-sampled quantitative analysis of coelurosaurian biogeography using the likelihood-based package BioGeoBEARS. Mesozoic geographic configurations and changes are reconstructed and employed as constraints in this analysis, including their associated uncertainties. We use a comprehensive time-calibrated coelurosaurian evolutionary tree produced from the Theropod Working Group phylogenetic data matrix. Six biogeographic models in the BioGeoBEARS package with different assumptions about the evolution of spatial distribution are tested against the geographic constraints. Our results statistically favour the DIVALIKE+J and DEC+J models, which allow vicariance and founder events, supporting continental vicariance as an important factor in coelurosaurian evolution. Ancestral range estimation indicates frequent dispersal events via the Apulian Route (connecting Europe and Africa during the Early Cretaceous) and the Bering Land Bridge (connecting North America and Asia during the Late Cretaceous). These quantitative results are consistent with commonly inferred Mesozoic dinosaurian dispersals and continental-fragmentation-induced vicariance events. In addition, we recognise the importance of Europe as a dispersal centre and gateway in the Early Cretaceous, as well as other vicariance events like those triggered by the disappearance of land-bridges.View Full Text
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ding, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Upchurch, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Connor, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Field, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/634170</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Biogeography of coelurosaurian theropods and its impact on their evolutionary history]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/648113v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Uncovering bi-directional causal relationships between plasma proteins and psychiatric disorders: A proteome-wide study leveraging GWAS summary data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/648113v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Psychiatric disorders represent a major public health burden yet their etiologies remain poorly understood, and treatment advances are limited. In addition, there are no reliable biomarkers for diagnosis or progress monitoring.

Here we performed a proteome-wide causal association study covering 3522 plasma proteins and 24 psychiatric traits or disorders, based on large-scale GWAS data and the principle of Mendelian randomization (MR). We have conducted ~95,000 MR analyses in total; to our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study on the causal relationship between plasma proteins and psychiatric traits.

The analysis was bi-directional: we studied how proteins may affect psychiatric disorder risks, but also looked into how psychiatric traits/disorders may be causal risk factors for changes in protein levels. We also performed a variety of additional analysis to prioritize protein-disease associations, including HEIDI test for distinguishing functional association from linkage, analysis restricted to cis- acting variants and replications in independent datasets from the UK Biobank. Based on the MR results, we constructed directed networks linking proteins, drugs and different psychiatric traits, hence shedding light on their complex relationships and drug repositioning opportunities. Interestingly, many top proteins were related to inflammation or immune functioning. The full results were also made available online in searchable databases.

In conclusion, identifying proteins causal to disease development have important implications on drug discovery or repurposing. Findings from this study may also guide the development of blood-based biomarkers for the prediction or diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, as well as assessment of disease progression or recovery.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chau, C. K.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, A. L.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SO, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/648113</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Uncovering bi-directional causal relationships between plasma proteins and psychiatric disorders: A proteome-wide study leveraging GWAS summary data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/652065v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Accelerated diversification correlated with functional traits shapes extant diversity of the early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/652065v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundA major goal of phylogenetic systematics is to understand both the patterns of diversification and the processes by which these patterns are formed. Few studies have focused on the ancient, species-rich Magnoliales clade and its diversification pattern. Within Magnoliales, the pantropically distributed Annonaceae are by far the most genus-rich and species-rich family-level clade, with c. 110 genera and c. 2,400 species. We investigated the diversification patterns across Annonaceae and identified traits that show varied associations with diversification rates using a time-calibrated phylogeny of 835 species (34.6% sampling) and 11,211 aligned bases from eight regions of the plastid genome (rbcL, matK, ndhF, psbA-trnH, trnL-F, atpB-rbcL, trnS-G, and ycf1). Two hypotheses that might explain patterns of diversification--the  museum model and heterogeneous diversification rates--are also evaluated.nnResultsTwelve rate shifts were identified using BAMM: in Annona, Artabotrys, Asimina, Drepananthus, Duguetia, Goniothalamus, Guatteria, Uvaria, Xylopia, the tribes Miliuseae and Malmeeae, and the Desmos-Dasymaschalon-Friesodielsia-Monanthotaxis clade (which collectively account for over 80% of the total species richness in the family). TurboMEDUSA and method-of-moments estimator analyses showed largely congruent results. A positive relationship between species richness and diversification rate is revealed using PGLS. We further explore the possible role of selected traits (habit, pollinator trapping, floral sex expression, pollen dispersal unit, anther septation, and seed dispersal unit) in shaping diversification patterns, based on inferences of BiSSE, MuSSE, HiSSE, and FiSSE analyses. Our results suggest that the liana habit, the presence of circadian pollinator trapping, androdioecy, and the dispersal of seeds as single-seeded monocarp fragments are closely correlated with higher diversification rates; pollen aggregation and anther septation, in contrast, are associated with lower diversification rates.nnConclusionOur results show that the high species richness in Annonaceae is likely the result of recent increased diversification rather than the steady accumulation of species via the  museum model. BAMM, turboMEDUSA, and the method-of-moments estimator all indicate heterogeneity in diversification rates across the phylogeny, with different traits associated with shifts in diversification rates in different Annonaceae clades.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xue, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Landis, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Soltis, P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Soltis, D. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saunders, R. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/652065</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Accelerated diversification correlated with functional traits shapes extant diversity of the early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/658997v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neuron-Glial Antigen 2 (NG2)-based Glial Induction ofHuman BMSCs: A fast & safe glial progenitor cell-based therapy for congenital myelin disorders of the central nervous system 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/658997v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ABSTRACT/ SUMMARYOligodendrocytes (OLs) are the only myelinating glia in the central nervous system (CNS). In congenital myelin disorders, OL dysfunction or death results in loss of myelin. This causes progressive and irreversible impairment to motor and cognitive functions, and is amongst the most disabling neurological disorder.

Neonatal engraftment by glial progenitor cells (GPCs) allows the robust myelination of congenitally dysmyelinated brain, thereby preserving brain function and quality of life of patients. However, endogenous sources of glial progenitors are hard to obtain without causing secondary injury, while use of exogenous sources such as embryonic stem cells and induced-pluripotent stem cells face considerable ethical and safety issues.

To circumvent such hurdles, we asked whether NG2+ cells in the bone marrow could be a potential cell source for GPCs. We successfully generated glial progenitor cells (GPCs) from human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) from 3 donors using a 14- day induction protocol. The generated hBMSC-GPCs were highly enriched in OPC marker expression, including OLIG2, PDGFR, NG2, SOX10 and O4, and showed efficient differentiation into myelinogenic oligodendrocytes when transplanted into postnatal day 7 (P7) myelin-deficient shiverer mice. Remyelination of the shiverer mouse brain significantly extended lifespan and improved motor function.

The novel induction protocol described here provides a method for fast, simple and effective glial therapy for myelin disorders, overcoming existent hurdles of cell source restriction and time frame requirement.

Graphical Abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=153 SRC="FIGDIR/small/658997v8_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (35K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@104a62corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@399a67org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c81ee1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16374da_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG Highlights- Human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can be programmed to myelinating glia (GPCs, glial progenitor cells), via a novel 14-day in vitro induction protocol
- Transplantation of these hBM-GPCs robustly remyelinated myelin deficient shiverer mice.
- hBM-GPC transplant significantly extended lifespan, increased body weight and improved motor function
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lam, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shea, G. K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, K. L. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. T.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, A. Y. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, D. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/658997</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neuron-Glial Antigen 2 (NG2)-based Glial Induction ofHuman BMSCs: A fast & safe glial progenitor cell-based therapy for congenital myelin disorders of the central nervous system]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/681767v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mutational processes of distinct POLE exonuclease domain mutants drive an enrichment of a specific TP53 mutation in colorectal cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/681767v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cancer genomes with mutations in the exonuclease domain of Polymerase Epsilon (POLE) present with an extraordinarily high somatic mutation burden. In vitro studies have shown that distinct POLE mutants exhibit different polymerase activity and yet, how these POLE mutants generate mutations across cancer genomes and influence driver events remains poorly understood. Here we analyzed 7,345 colorectal cancer samples, including nine whole genome sequenced samples harboring POLE mutations. Our analysis identified differential mutation spectra across the mutants including methylation-independent enrichment of C>T mutations in POLE V411L. In contrast, analysis of other genomic regions showed similar mutation profiles across the different POLE mutants. Notably, we found that POLE mutants with the TP53 R213* mutation, caused by a TT[C>T]GA substitution, have significantly higher relative frequency of this mutational context compared with samples without this mutation. This finding demonstrates that variations in underlying mutation spectra can increase the likelihood of specific driver mutation formation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barbour, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poulos, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Katainen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aaltonen, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-06-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/681767</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mutational processes of distinct POLE exonuclease domain mutants drive an enrichment of a specific TP53 mutation in colorectal cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-06-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/683151v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantifying within-host evolution of H5N1 influenza in humans and poultry in Cambodia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/683151v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) periodically cross species barriers and infect humans. The likelihood that an AIV will evolve mammalian transmissibility depends on acquiring and selecting mutations during spillover, but data from natural infection is limited. We analyze deep sequencing data from infected humans and domestic ducks in Cambodia to examine how H5N1 viruses evolve during spillover. Overall, viral populations in both species are predominated by low-frequency (<10%) variation shaped by purifying selection and genetic drift, and half of the variants detected within-host are never detected on the H5N1 virus phylogeny. However, we do detect a subset of mutations linked to human receptor binding and replication (PB2 E627K, HA A150V, and HA Q238L) that arose in multiple, independent humans. PB2 E627K and HA A150V were also enriched along phylogenetic branches leading to human infections, suggesting that they are likely human-adaptive. Our data show that H5N1 viruses generate putative human-adapting mutations during natural spillover infection, many of which are detected at >5% frequency within-host. However, short infection times, genetic drift, and purifying selection likely restrict their ability to evolve extensively during a single infection. Applying evolutionary methods to sequence data, we reveal a detailed view of H5N1 virus adaptive potential, and develop a foundation for studying host-adaptation in other zoonotic viruses.

Author summaryH5N1 avian influenza viruses can cross species barriers and cause severe disease in humans. H5N1 viruses currently cannot replicate and transmit efficiently among humans, but animal infection studies and modeling experiments have suggested that human adaptation may require only a few mutations. However, data from natural spillover infection has been limited, posing a challenge for risk assessment. Here, we analyze a unique dataset of deep sequence data from H5N1 virus-infected humans and domestic ducks in Cambodia. We find that well-known markers of human receptor binding and replication arise in multiple, independent humans. We also find that 3 mutations detected within-host are enriched along phylogenetic branches leading to human infections, suggesting that they are likely human-adapting. However, we also show that within-host evolution in both humans and ducks are shaped heavily by purifying selection and genetic drift, and that a large fraction of within-host variation is never detected on the H5N1 phylogeny. Taken together, our data show that H5N1 viruses do generate human-adapting mutations during natural infection. However, short infection times, purifying selection, and genetic drift may severely limit how much H5N1 viruses can evolve during the course of a single infection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Moncla, L. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bedford, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dussart, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horm, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rith, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buchy, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karlsson, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friedrich, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horwood, P. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-06-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/683151</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantifying within-host evolution of H5N1 influenza in humans and poultry in Cambodia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-06-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/709063v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biases in GWAS - the dog that did not bark 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/709063v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGenome wide association studies (GWAS) of specific diseases are central to scientific discovery. Bias from inevitably recruiting only survivors of genetic make-up and disease specific competing risk has not been comprehensively considered.nnMethodsWe identified sources of bias using directed acyclic graphs, and tested for them in the UK Biobank GWAS by making comparisons across the survival distribution, proxied by age at recruitment.nnResultsAssociations of genetic variants with some diseases depended on their effect on survival. Variants associated with common harmful diseases had weaker or reversed associations with subsequent diseases that shared causes.nnConclusionGenetic studies of diseases that involve surviving other common diseases are open to selection bias that can generate systematic type 2 error. GWAS ignoring such selection bias are most suitable for monogenetic diseases. Genetic effects on age at recruitment may indicate potential bias in disease-specific GWAS and relevance to population health.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/709063</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biases in GWAS - the dog that did not bark]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/714592v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Serotonergic treatment normalizes midbrain dopaminergic neuron increase after periaqueductal gray stimulation-induced anticipatory fear in a rat model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/714592v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundElectrical stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) in rats has been shown to elicit panic-like behaviour and can be a useful tool for modelling anticipatory fear and agoraphobia.nnMethodsIn this study, we further analysed our previous data on the effects of escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRI) and buspirone (a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist) on dlPAG-induced anticipatory fear behaviour in a rat model using freezing as a measure. We then used tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry to probe the effects on dopaminergic neurons.nnResultsAlthough acute treatment of escitalopram, but not buspirone, was effective in reducing anticipatory freezing behaviour, chronic administrations of both drugs were comparably effective. We found that the number of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) was lowered in both chronic buspirone and escitalopram groups. We showed a strong correlation between the number of dopaminergic neurons and freezing in the VTA. We further showed positive correlations between dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and substantia nigra pars compacta in escitalopram and buspirone groups, respectively.nnLimitationsAlthough our data strongly hint to a role of dopaminergic mechanisms in the dlPAG induced fear response, more in-depth studies with larger sample sizes are needed to understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying the interactions between serotonergic drugs and dopaminergic cell number and fear behavior.nnConclusionChronic treatment with an SSRI and a 5-HT1A agonist decrease the number of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. These effects seem to be associated with reduced dlPAG-induced anticipatory freezing behaviour.nnKey PointsO_LIChronic treatment of escitalopram and buspirone was effective in reducing dlPAG induced anticipatory freezing behaviour.nC_LIO_LIThe number of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) was lowered in both chronic buspirone and escitalopram groups and was correlated to freezing.nC_LIO_LIWe found positive correlations between dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and substantia nigra pars compacta in escitalopram and buspirone groups, respectively.nC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tan, S. Z. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Temel, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, A. T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perucho, J. A. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blokland, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aquili, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/714592</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Serotonergic treatment normalizes midbrain dopaminergic neuron increase after periaqueductal gray stimulation-induced anticipatory fear in a rat model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/716621v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Survival bias and competing risk can severely bias Mendelian Randomization studies of specific conditions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/716621v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundMendelian randomization (MR) provides unconfounded estimates. MR is open to selection bias particularly when the underlying sample is selected on surviving the genetically instrumented exposure and other conditions that share etiology with the outcome (competing risk before recruitment). Few methods to address this bias exist.

MethodsWe use directed acyclic graphs to show this selection bias can be addressed by adjusting for common causes of survival and outcome. We use multivariable MR to obtain a corrected MR estimate, specifically, the effect of statin use on ischemic stroke, because statins affect survival and stroke typically occurs later in life than ischemic heart disease so is open to competing risk.

ResultsIn univariable MR the genetically instrumented effect of statin use on ischemic stroke was in a harmful direction in MEGASTROKE and the UK Biobank (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 2.20). In multivariable MR adjusted for major causes of survival and ischemic stroke, (blood pressure, body mass index and smoking initiation) the effect of statin use on stroke in the UK Biobank was as expected (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98) with a Q-statistic indicating absence of genetic pleiotropy or selection bias, but not in MEGASTROKE.

ConclusionMR studies concerning late onset chronic conditions with shared etiology based on samples recruited in later life need to be conceptualized within a mechanistic understanding, so as to any identify potential bias due to competing risk before recruitment, and to inform the analysis and interpretation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lopez, P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au Yeung, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hunag, J. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/716621</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Survival bias and competing risk can severely bias Mendelian Randomization studies of specific conditions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/729491v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Post-EMT: Cadherin-11 mediates cancer hijacking fibroblasts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/729491v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Current prevailing knowledge on EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition) deems epithelial cells acquire the characters of mesenchymal cells to be capable of invading and metastasizing on their own. One of the signature events of EMT is called "cadherin switch", e.g. the epithelial E-cadherin switching to the mesenchymal Cadherin-11. Here, we report the critical events after EMT that cancer cells utilize cadherin-11 to hijack the endogenous cadherin-11 positive fibroblasts. Numerous 3-D cell invasion assays with high-content live cell imaging methods reveal that cadherin-11 positive cancer cells adhere to and migrate back and forth dynamically on the cell bodies of fibroblasts. By adhering to fibroblasts for co-invasion through 3-D matrices, cancer cells acquire higher invasion speed and velocity, as well as significantly elevated invasion persistence, which are exclusive characteristics of fibroblast invasion. Silencing cadherin-11 in cancer cells or in fibroblasts, or in both, significantly decouples such physical co-invasion. Additional bioinformatics studies and PDX (patient derived xenograft) studies link such cadherin-11 mediated cancer hijacking fibroblasts to the clinical cancer progression in human such as triple-negative breast cancer patients. Further animal studies confirm cadherin-11 mediates cancer hijacking fibroblasts in vivo and promotes significant solid tumor progression and distant metastasis. Moreover, overexpression of cadherin-11 strikingly protects 4T1-luc cells from implant rejection against firefly luciferase in immunocompetent mice. Overall, our findings report and characterize the critical post-EMT event of cancer hijacking fibroblasts in cancer progression and suggest cadherin-11 can be a therapeutic target for solid tumors with stroma. Our studies hence provide significant updates on the "EMT" theory that EMT cancer cells can hijack fibroblasts to achieve full mesenchymal behaviors in vivo for efficient homing, growth, metastasis and evasion of immune surveillance. Our studies also reveal that cadherin-11 is the key molecule that helps link cancer cells to stromal fibroblasts in the "Seed & Soil" theory.

Graphical Abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=117 SRC="FIGDIR/small/729491v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (40K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@11317f1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@88fffaorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5da692org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@62f6ed_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tonkova, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, K. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alexander, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, B. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Konstantopoulos, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friedl, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khong, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, M.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brenner, M. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Segall, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/729491</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Post-EMT: Cadherin-11 mediates cancer hijacking fibroblasts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/732685v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The effect of liver enzymes on body composition: a Mendelian randomization study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/732685v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundHigher alanine transaminase (ALT) is positively associated with diabetes but inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) in Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, suggesting liver function may affect body composition. To clarify, we assessed the association of liver function with muscle and fat mass observationally with two-sample MR as a validation.nnMethodsIn the population-representative "Children of 1997" birth cohort, we used multivariable linear regression to assess the adjusted associations of ALT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (IU/L) at ~17.5 years with muscle mass (kg) and body fat percentage (%). Genetic variants predicting ALT, ALP and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) (100% change in concentration) were applied to fat-free and fat mass (kg) in the UK Biobank (n=~331,000) to obtain unconfounded estimates using MR.nnResultsObservationally, ALT was positively associated with muscle mass (0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 0.12) and fat percentage (0.15, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.17). ALP was inversely associated with muscle mass (-0.03, 95% CI -0.04 to -0.02) and fat percentage (-0.02, 95% CI -0.03 to -0.01). Using MR, ALT was inversely associated with fat-free mass (-0.41, 95% CI -0.64 to -0.19) and fat mass (-0.58, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.30). ALP was not clearly associated with body composition. GGT was positively associated with fat-free (0.30, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.06) and fat mass (0.41, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.71).nnConclusionALT reducing fat-free mass provides a possible pathway for the positive association of ALT with diabetes, and suggests a potential target of intervention.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LIU, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au Yeung, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, J. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schooling, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/732685</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The effect of liver enzymes on body composition: a Mendelian randomization study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/760462v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Targeted Sequencing Workflows for Comprehensive Drug Resistance Profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures using Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore MinION: Comparison of analytical and diagnostic performance, turnaround time and cost 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/760462v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with complex drug resistance profiles necessitates a rapid and extensive drug susceptibility test for comprehensive guidance of patient treatment. Here, we developed two targeted-sequencing workflows based on Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore MinION for the prediction of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis towards 12 anti-tuberculous agents.nnA total of 163 M. tuberculosis cultured isolates collected from Hong Kong and Ethiopia were subjected to a multiplex PCR for simultaneous amplification of 19 drug-resistance associated genetic regions. The amplicons were then barcoded and sequenced in parallel on MiSeq and MinION in respective batch sizes of 24 and 12 samples. Both platforms successfully sequenced all samples with average depths of coverage of 1,127x and 1,649x respectively. Utilizing a self-developed Web-based bioinformatics pipeline, Bacteriochek-TB, for variant analysis, we found that the MiSeq and MinION result could achieve 100% agreement if variants with an allele frequency of <40% reported by MinION were excluded. For drug resistance prediction, both workflows achieved an average sensitivity of 94.8% and specificity of 98.0% when compared with phenotypic drug susceptibility test. The turnaround times for the MiSeq and MinION workflows were 38 and 15 hours, facilitating the delivery of treatment guidance at least 17-18 days earlier than pDST respectively. The higher cost per sample on the MinION platform (US$71.56) versus the MiSeq platform (US$67.83) was attributed to differences in batching capabilities.nnOur study demonstrated the interchangeability of MiSeq and MinION sequencing workflows for generation of accurate and actionable results for the treatment of tuberculosis.nnImportanceTB therapy involving different combinations of antibiotics have been introduced to address the issue of drug resistance. However, this practice has led to increasing numbers of M. tuberculosis with complex drug resistance profiles. Molecular assays for rapid and comprehensive drug resistance profiling of M. tuberculosis are lacking.nnHere, we described targeted-sequencing workflows based on Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore MinION for the detection of drug resistance mutations scattered across 19 genetic regions in M. tuberculosis. A bioinformatics pipeline was also developed to translate raw datasets into clinician-friendly reports that provide comprehensive genetic information for the prediction of drug resistance towards 12 antibiotics.nnThis is the first study to evaluate and compare the uses of Illumina and Nanopore platforms for diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Remarkably, our diagnostic strategy is compatible with different sequencing platforms that can be applied in diagnostic centres with different levels of throughput and financial support for TB diagnosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tafess, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, T. T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lao, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, K. K.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajwani, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, S. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, L. P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, C. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gonzalez, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sayada, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, O. C.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nega, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ameni, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yam, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, G. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/760462</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Targeted Sequencing Workflows for Comprehensive Drug Resistance Profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures using Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore MinION: Comparison of analytical and diagnostic performance, turnaround time and cost]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/765628v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PARC: ultrafast and accurate clustering of phenotypic data of millions of single cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/765628v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationNew single-cell technologies continue to fuel the explosive growth in the scale of heterogeneous single-cell data. However, existing computational methods are inadequately scalable to large datasets and therefore cannot uncover the complex cellular heterogeneity.nnResultsWe introduce a highly scalable graph-based clustering algorithm PARC - phenotyping by accelerated refined community-partitioning - for ultralarge-scale, high-dimensional single-cell data (> 1 million cells). Using large single cell mass cytometry, RNA-seq and imaging-based biophysical data, we demonstrate that PARC consistently outperforms state-of-the-art clustering algorithms without sub-sampling of cells, including Phenograph, FlowSOM, and Flock, in terms of both speed and ability to robustly detect rare cell populations. For example, PARC can cluster a single cell data set of 1.1M cells within 13 minutes, compared to >2 hours to the next fastest graph-clustering algorithm, Phenograph. Our work presents a scalable algorithm to cope with increasingly large-scale single-cell analysis.nnAvailability and Implementationhttps://github.com/ShobiStassen/PARC
]]></description>
<dc:creator>stassen, s. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, D. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/765628</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PARC: ultrafast and accurate clustering of phenotypic data of millions of single cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/768515v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatial expression pattern of ZNF391 gene in the brains of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders or major depressive disorder identifies new cross-disorder biotypes: A trans-diagnostic, top-down approach 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/768515v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGiven the struggle in the field of psychiatry to realize the precise diagnosis and treatment, it is in an urgent need to redefine psychiatric disorders based on objective biomarkers. The results generated from large psychiatric genomic consortia show us some new vantage points to understand the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, how to relate these captured signals to the more refined disease dimensions has yet to be established.nnMethodsWe chose a top-down, cross-disorder approach by using the summary statistics of GWAS from large psychiatric genomic consortia to build a genomic structural equation model (SEM) for SCZ, BD and MDD to detect their common factor (CF), and to map a potential causal core gene for the CF, followed by the transcriptional prediction of the identified causal gene in our sample and the discovery of new biotypes based on the prediction pattern of the causal gene in the brain. We then characterized the biotypes in the context of their demographic features, cognitive functions and neuroimaging traits.nnOutcomesA common factor emerged from a well-fitting genomic SEM of SCZ, BD and MDD (loading 0.42, 0.35 and 0.09 for SCZ, BD and MDD, respectively). One genomic region in chromosome 6 was implicated in the genetic make-up of the common factor, with fine-mapping analysis marking ZNF391 as a potential causal core gene (posterior possibility = 0.96). Gene expression inference analysis identified eight brain regions showing different expression levels of ZNF391 between patients and controls, with three biotypes arising from clustering patients based on their expression pattern of ZNF391 in the brain. The three biotypes performed significantly differently in working memory (PDMS_TC = 0.015, PDMS_TC_A = 0.0318, PDMS_t0D = 0.015) and demonstrated different gray matter volumes in right inferior frontal orbital gyrus (RIFOG) in the same order as working memory (biotype 3 > biotype 2 > biotype 1, PRIFOG = 0.0027). Using ZNF391 as instrumental variable (IV), a partial casual path could be linked from RIFOG to working memory ({beta}RIFOG->DMS_TC0D = 4.95, P = 0.0056; {beta} RIFOG->DMS_TC = 2.53, P = 0.059; {beta}RIFOG->DMS_TC_A = 2.57, P = 0.056).nnInterpretationThe general predisposition to several psychiatric disorders may be influenced by variations of ZNF391, through its effects on right inferior frontal orbital gyrus and working memory. This illustrates the potential of a trans-diagnostic, top-down approach in understanding the commonality of psychiatric disorders.nnEvidence before this studyThe results from recent cross-disorder genome-wide association studies (GWAS)using large samples indicate that there is notable genetic overlapping between psychiatric disorders. However, the structural relationship of these disorders at the genomic level and the details of refined disease dimensions affected by the associated loci in a cross-disorder pattern remains unknown. We searched the published studies (up to Sep 7, 2019) in PubMed using the combination of the following keywords "((cross disorder) OR (schizophrenia AND bipolar disorder AND major depressive disorder) AND (genome AND structural equation) AND (cognition OR imaging))", no published study was found. We then removed the term "structural equation", 23 original studies were found. To the best of our knowledge, none of these studies explored the organized structure between three disorders. Further, of 23 articles we found, the majority of them took an approach of either polygenic risk score (PRS) or candidate gene to test the association with either psychological traits such as loneliness or neuroimaging measures in one (schizophrenia) or two (schizophrenia and bipolar) disorders. Hitherto, no study has been conducted to redefine three disorders based on the biological markers generated from the cross-disorder genomic studies.nnAdded value of this studyAdopting a novel approach of genomic structural equation modelling, we used the latest results of GWAS of three major psychiatric disorders to detect their common factor, further, to identify the loci associated with such as a common factor, and the locis transcription consequences in the brain. Propelled by the phenomenon "genes do not read DSM", we used a cutting-edge clustering algorithm to redefine three disorders based on the cerebral spatial expression pattern of associated core gene. Our study provides another piece of evidence as to the potentials of utilizing the signals arising from large population-scale GWAS to dissect and redefine psychiatric disorders.nnImplications of all the available evidenceConsistent with previous case-control cross-disorder GWAS, our study suggests that a common factor exists in three major psychiatric disorders and the biological information of core gene associated with the common factor could be used as an objective marker to explain three disorders and their pathophysiology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/768515</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatial expression pattern of ZNF391 gene in the brains of patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders or major depressive disorder identifies new cross-disorder biotypes: A trans-diagnostic, top-down approach]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/771212v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The impact of Relative Language Distance on Bilingual Language Control - a functional imaging study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/771212v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cross-linguistic activation is unavoidable in bilinguals and they require language control to manage it. In this study, it is posited that Relative Language Distance (RLD; the extent of lexical feature-similarity between bilinguals languages) can affect the extent of cross-linguistic activation and hence influence bilingual language control. This was investigated via an er-fMRI word-translation task on three similar bilingual groups but with varying RLDs: Dutch-English (low-RLD), Hindi-English (intermediate-RLD) and Cantonese-English (high-RLD). Cross-linguistic conflict and the degree of conflict monitoring/control necessary to manage it were expected to increase with decreasing RLD across groups and be appropriately reflected in the activity of conflict monitoring/control neural regions, such as the ACC (anterior cingulate cortex). Analysis revealed a significantly differential ACC response across the groups, reflecting its adaptation to differential conflict monitoring/control demands generated by RLD. The findings provide emerging evidence for RLD as a dimension of bilingualism impacting bilingual language control processes and neurobiology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ramanujan, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/771212</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The impact of Relative Language Distance on Bilingual Language Control - a functional imaging study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/779751v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exploring the effect of Relative Language Distance on Bilingual Brain Structure: a cross-sectional VBM study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/779751v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is known that bilinguals perpetual need for language control influences their brain structure in significant ways. But bilinguals language control needs are themselves influenced by key dimensions of the bilingual experience - variation in the age of bilingualism-onset, relative language proficiency, exposure and immersion has indeed been shown to have differential effects on bilingual neurostructural profiles. An under-studied dimension of bilingualism that could also generate differing bilingual language control needs is the extent of similarity between bilinguals language pairs, referred to in the present study as Relative Language Distance (RLD). The goal of the present study was to explore whether the experience of managing "close" and "distant" languages has any impact at all on bilingual brain structure. To this end, exploratory morphometric analysis of grey matter volumes was carried out on three groups, all very similar in their bilingual profiles except for the factor of RLD - high-distance Cantonese-English (hd-CE), intermediate distance Hindi-English (id-HE) and low-distance Dutch-English (ld-DE) speakers. The results after controlling for contribution of other bilingual dimensions revealed significant bilateral putaminal volume differences between the groups that varied along the relative language distance gradient in the pattern of CE>HE>DE. This might be attributable to the differing articulatory control needs that variation in L1-L2 RLD generates. The present study reveals how the dimension of Relative Language Distance could impact bilingual brain structure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ramanujan, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/779751</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exploring the effect of Relative Language Distance on Bilingual Brain Structure: a cross-sectional VBM study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/784322v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Choosing Your Battles: Which Resistance Genes Warrant Global Action? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/784322v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The increasing accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in pathogens poses a severe threat to the treatment of bacterial infections. However, not all ARGs do not pose the same threats to human health. Here, we present a framework to rank the risk of ARGs based on three factors: "anthropogenic enrichment", "mobility", and "host pathogenicity". The framework is informed by all available bacterial genomes (55,000), plasmids (16,000), integrons (3,000), and 850 metagenomes covering diverse global eco-habitats. The framework prioritizes 3% of all known ARGs in Rank I (the most at risk of dissemination amongst pathogens) and 0.3% of ARGs in Rank II (high potential emergence of new resistance in pathogens). We further validated the framework using a list of 38 ARG families previously identified as high risk by the World Health Organization and published literature, and found that 36 of them were properly identified as top risk (Rank I) in our approach. Furthermore, we identified 43 unreported Rank I ARG families that should be prioritized for public health interventions. Within the same gene family, homologous genes pose different risks, host range, and ecological distributions, indicating the need for high resolution surveillance into their sequence variants. Finally, to help strategize the policy interventions, we studied the impact of industrialization on high risk ARGs in 1,120 human gut microbiome metagenomes of 36 diverse global populations. Our findings suggest that current policies on controlling the clinical antimicrobial consumptions could effectively control Rank I, while greater antibiotic stewardship in veterinary settings could help control Rank II. Overall, our framework offered a straightforward evaluation of the risk posed by ARGs, and prioritized a shortlist of current and emerging threats for global action to fight ARGs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Groussin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poyet, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Topp, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gillings, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanage, W. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tiedje, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alm, E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/784322</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Choosing Your Battles: Which Resistance Genes Warrant Global Action?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/798827v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cooperative pattern formation in multi-species bacterial colonies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/798827v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Self-organization is a hallmark of all living systems [1]. In particular, coordinated cellular behavior, commonly orchestrated at the population level through reciprocal interactions among different cell species [2-4], regulates the spatial arrangement of specialized cell types to generate tissue patterning and form complex body layouts [5, 6]. The overwhelming complexity of living systems, however, makes deciphering the underlying mechanisms difficult and limits our knowledge of basic pattern-forming mechanism in vivo [7, 8]. A successful strategy is then to work with synthetic, engineered systems, in which cellular interactions can be more easily tailored and studied [9-13]. Here, we demonstrate a simple mechanism through which different populations of cells can self-organize in periodic patterns. Programmed population interactions are shown to lead to coordinated out-ofphase spatial oscillations of two engineered populations of Escherichia coli. Using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches, we show how such patterns arise autonomously from reciprocal density-dependent activation of cellular motility between the two species, without the need of any preexisting positional or orientational cues. Moreover, by re-designing the interaction, the original out-of-phase spatial oscillation rhythm of the two populations can be accordingly turned into in-phase oscillations. The robustness and versatility of the underlying pattern-formation process suggest that it could both be generically encountered in nature, for instance in the complex bacterial ecosystems found in biofilms [14-16], and used to promote the mixing or demixing of active particles in a controlled way.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Curatolo, A. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daerr, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tailleur, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/798827</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cooperative pattern formation in multi-species bacterial colonies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/808931v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evaluation of Commercially Available Exosomal Isolation Kits from Human Plasma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/808931v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Exosomes are cell-derived lipid bilayer particles which are abundant in biological fluids. Exosome is an emerging source of biomarkers to diagnose various human diseases. Sequencing based exosomal studies could provide a comprehensive view of exosomal RNA and protein. To extracted these inclusions, exosomes should be isolated from the plasma first. Several exosome isolation methods were introduced since the discover of exosome. To promote the clinical application of exosomal inclusions, different isolation methods should be compared. We isolated exosomes from human plasma by using user-friendly and commercially available kits, SBI ExoQuick and QIAGEN exoRNeasy. Subsequently, small RNA sequencing was performed with two groups of isolated exosome samples and one group of plasma samples. No fundamental differences of exRNA yield between SC and EQ were found. In RNA profile analysis, the small RNA aligned reads, miRNA pattern, sample clustering varied as a result of methodological differences. Small RNA isolated by ExoQuick presented better data quality and RNA profile than exoRNeasy. This study compared sRNA sequencing data generated from two exosome isolation kits, it provides a reference for future small RNA studies and biomarker prediction in human plasma exosome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuzhe, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/808931</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evaluation of Commercially Available Exosomal Isolation Kits from Human Plasma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/812875v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification of a Central Neural Circuit that Regulates Anxiety-induced Bone Loss 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/812875v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The homeostasis of bone metabolism is finely regulated by the central nervous system and recent studies have suggested that mood disorders, such as anxiety, are closely related to bone metabolic abnormalities; however, our understanding of central neural circuits regulating bone metabolism is still largely limited. In this study, we first demonstrate that confined isolation of human participants under normal gravity resulted in decreased bone density and elevated anxiety levels. We then used an established mouse model to dissect the neural circuitry regulating anxiety-induced bone loss. Combining electrophysiological, optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches, we demonstrate that GABAergic neural circuitry in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) modulates anxiety-induced bone loss; importantly, the GABAergic input in VMHdm arose from a specific group of somatostatin neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which is both indispensable for anxiety-induced bone loss and able to trigger bone loss in the absence of stressors. VGLUT2 neurons in Nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS) and peripheral sympathetic system were employed by this BNST-VMH neural circuit to regulate anxiety-induced bone loss. Overall, we uncovered new GABAergic neural circuitry from the forebrain to hypothalamus, used in the regulation of anxiety-induced bone loss, and revealed a population of somatostatin neurons in BNST not previously implicated in bone mass regulation. These findings thus identify the underlying central neural mechanism of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, that influences bone metabolism at the circuit level.nnOne Sentence SummaryIdentification of a new GABAergic neural circuit from forebrain to hypothalamus used for regulation of anxiety-induced bone loss.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/812875</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification of a Central Neural Circuit that Regulates Anxiety-induced Bone Loss]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/820142v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Asymmetric molecular architecture of the human γ-tubulin ring complex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/820142v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The{gamma} -tubulin ring complex ({gamma}-TuRC) is an essential regulator of centrosomal and acentrosomal microtubule formation 1-4. Metazoan{gamma} -TuRCs isolate as [~]2 MDa complexes containing the conserved proteins{gamma} -tubulin, GCP2 and GCP3, as well as the expanded subunits GCP4, GCP5, and GCP6 3,5,6. However, in current structural models,{gamma} -TuRCs assemble solely from subcomplexes of{gamma} -tubulin, GCP2 and GCP3 7. The role of the metazoan-specific subunits in{gamma} -TuRC assembly and architecture are not currently known, due to a lack of high resolution structural data for the native complex. Here, we present a cryo-EM structure of the native human{gamma} -TuRC at 3.8[A] resolution. Our reconstruction reveals an asymmetric, single helical-turn and cone-shaped structure built from at least 34 polypeptides. Pseudo-atomic models indicate that GCP4, GCP5 and GCP6 form distinct Y-shaped assemblies that structurally mimic GCP2/GCP3 subcomplexes and are distal to the{gamma} -TuRC "seam". Evolutionary expansion in metazoan-specific subunits diversifies the{gamma} -TuRC by introducing large (>100,000 [A]2) surfaces that could interact with different regulatory factors. We also identify an unanticipated structural bridge that includes an actin-like protein and spans the{gamma} -TuRC lumen. Despite its asymmetric composition and architecture, the human{gamma} -TuRC arranges{gamma} -tubulins into a helical geometry poised to nucleate microtubules. The observed compositional complexity of the{gamma} -TuRC could self-regulate its assembly into a cone-shaped structure to control microtubule formation across diverse contexts, e.g. within biological condensates 8 or alongside existing filaments 9.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wieczorek, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Urnavicius, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Molloy, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chait, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kapoor, T. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/820142</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Asymmetric molecular architecture of the human γ-tubulin ring complex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/825372v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TP63, SOX2 and KLF5 Establish Core Regulatory Circuitry and Construct Cancer Specific Epigenome in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/825372v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transcriptional network is controlled by master transcription factors (TFs) and cis-regulatory elements through interacting with target sequences and recruiting epigenetic regulators. By integration of enhancer profiling and chromatin accessibility, we establish super-enhancer (SE) mediated core regulatory circuitry (CRC) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and identify tumor cells-dependent CRC TFs-TP63, SOX2 and KLF5. They preferentially co-occupy SE loci and form a positive interconnected auto-regulatory loop through SEs to orchestrate chromatin and transcriptional programming. SE-associated oncogene-ALDH3A1 is identified as a novel CRC target contributing to ESCC viability. Using circular chromosome conformation capture sequencing (4C-seq) and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, the direct interaction between TP63 promoter and functional enhancers which is mediated by CRC TFs is identified. Deletion of each enhancer decreases expression of CRC TFs and impairs cell viability, phenocopying the knockdown of each CRC TF. Targeting epigenetic regulation by inhibition of either the BET bromodomain or HDAC disrupts the CRC program and its dependent global epigenetic modification, consequently suppressing ESCC tumor growth. Importantly, combination of both compounds result in synergistic anti-tumor effect.nnGraphical AbstractnnO_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=162 SRC="FIGDIR/small/825372v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">nView larger version (58K):norg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1a9f923org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@238c90org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e14f58org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@120249a_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG HIGHLIGHTSO_LISuper-enhancers mediated transcriptional regulatory circuitry is established for ESCCnC_LIO_LITP63, SOX2 and KLF5 as CRC TFs co-localize super-enhancer loci to orchestrate chromatin accessibility and transcriptional dysregulationnC_LIO_LIComplex interaction between functional enhancers and TP63 promoter is mediated by CRC TFsnC_LIO_LIALDH3A1 is a key downstream target of ESCC CRC and is essential for ESCC cell survivalnC_LIO_LIBET degrader-ARV-771 and HDAC inhibitor-Romidepsin synergistically inhibit ESCC tumor growthnC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ying, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dakle, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, J.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, R. Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaur, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, J.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mayakonda, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hazawa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aswad, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeitany, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kanojia, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, X.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fullwood, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, D.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koeffler, H. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/825372</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TP63, SOX2 and KLF5 Establish Core Regulatory Circuitry and Construct Cancer Specific Epigenome in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/844803v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The independent and combined influence of schizophrenia polygenic risk score and heavy cannabis use on risk for psychotic disorder: A case-control analysis from the EUGEI study. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/844803v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background: Some recent studies have challenged the direction of causality for the association between cannabis use and psychotic disorder, suggesting that cannabis use initiation is explained by common genetic variants associated with risk of schizophrenia. We used data from the European Union Gene-Environment Interaction consortium (EUGEI) case-control study to test for the independent and combined effect of heavy cannabis use, and of Schizophrenia Polygenic risk score (SZ PRS), on risk for psychotic disorder. Methods: Genome-wide data were obtained from 492 first episode psychosis patients (FEPp) and from 787 controls of European Ancestry, and used to generate SZ PRS from the summary results of an independent meta-analysis. Information on pattern of cannabis use was used to build a 7-level frequency-type composite cannabis use measure that we previously found was a strong predictor of psychotic disorder. Results: SZ PRS did not predict cannabis initiation (b=0.027; p=0.51) or how frequently controls (b=0.027; p=0.06) or FEPp (b=0.006; p=0.91) used it, or the type of cannabis they used (Controls: b = 0.032; p=0.31); FEPp: b= 0.005; p=0.89). The frequency-type composite cannabis use measure (OR=1.32; 95% CI 1.22-1.44) and SZ PRS (OR=2.29; 95%CI 1.71-3.05) showed independent effects from each other on the OR for psychotic disorder. Conclusion: SZ PRS does not predict an individual s propensity to try cannabis, frequency of use, or the potency of the cannabis used. Our findings provide the first evidence that SZ PRS and heavy cannabis use exert effects independent from each other on the risk for psychotic disorder.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Di Forti, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu-Choi, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quattrone, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Richards, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freeman, T. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tripoli, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gayer-Anderson, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodriguez, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jongsma, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferraro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>La Cascia, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tosato, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tarricone, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berardi, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Szoke, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arango, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bobes, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanjuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Santos, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arrojo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Velthorst, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>BERNARDO, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Del Ben, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Selten, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, P. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kirkbride, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rutten, B. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Haan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van os, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lynskey, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vassos, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Donovan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murray, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>EU-GEI WP2 Group,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/844803</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The independent and combined influence of schizophrenia polygenic risk score and heavy cannabis use on risk for psychotic disorder: A case-control analysis from the EUGEI study.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/845743v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Emergence of opposite neurons in a decentralized firing-rate model of multisensory integration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/845743v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Multisensory integration areas such as dorsal medial superior temporal (MSTd) and ventral intraparietal (VIP) areas in macaques combine visual and vestibular cues to produce better estimates of self-motion. Congruent and opposite neurons, two types of neurons found in these areas, prefer congruent inputs and opposite inputs from the two modalities, respectively. A recently proposed computational model of congruent and opposite neurons reproduces their tuning properties and shows that congruent neurons optimally integrate information while opposite neurons compute disparity information. However, the connections in the network are fixed rather than learned, and in fact the connections of opposite neurons, as we will show, cannot arise from Hebbian learning rules. We therefore propose a new model of multisensory integration in which congruent neurons and opposite neurons emerge through Hebbian and anti-Hebbian learning rules, and show that these neurons exhibit experimentally observed tuning properties.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Niu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/845743</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Emergence of opposite neurons in a decentralized firing-rate model of multisensory integration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/858530v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Highly diverse Asgard archaea participate in organic matter degradation in coastal sediments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/858530v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Asgard is an archaeal superphylum that might hold the key to understand the origin of eukaryotes, but its diversity and ecological roles remain poorly understood. Here, we reconstructed 15 metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAGs) from coastal sediments covering most known Asgard archaea and a novel group, which is proposed as a new Asgard phylum named as the "Gerdarchaeota". Genomic analyses predict that Gerdarchaeota are facultative anaerobes in utilizing both organic and inorganic carbon. Unlike their closest relatives Heimdallarchaeota, Gerdarchaeota have genes encoding for cellulase and enzymes involving in the tetrahydromethanopterin-based Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Transcriptomic evidence showed that all known Asgard archaea are capable of degrading organic matter, including peptides, amino acids and fatty acids, in different ecological niches in sediments. Overall, this study broadens the diversity of the mysterious Asgard archaea and provides evidence for their ecological roles in coastal sediments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friedrich, M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Richter-Heitmann, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nimzyk, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kulkarni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/858530</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Highly diverse Asgard archaea participate in organic matter degradation in coastal sediments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/865782v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Clair: Exploring the limit of using a deep neural network on pileup data for germline variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/865782v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-molecule sequencing technologies have emerged in recent years and revolutionized structural variant calling, complex genome assembly, and epigenetic mark detection. However, the lack of a highly accurate small variant caller has limited the new technologies from being more widely used. In this study, we present Clair, the successor to Clairvoyante, a program for fast and accurate germline small variant calling, using single molecule sequencing data. For ONT data, Clair achieves the best precision, recall and speed as compared to several competing programs, including Clairvoyante, Longshot and Medaka. Through studying the missed variants and benchmarking intentionally overfitted models, we found that Clair may be approaching the limit of possible accuracy for germline small variant calling using pileup data and deep neural networks. Clair requires only a conventional CPU for variant calling and is an open source project available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/Clair.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.-I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, H. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/865782</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Clair: Exploring the limit of using a deep neural network on pileup data for germline variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/867309v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sierra: Discovery of differential transcript usage from polyA-captured single-cell RNA-seq data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/867309v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
High-throughput single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool for studying gene expression in single cells. Most current scRNA-seq bioinformatics tools focus on analysing overall expression levels, largely ignoring alternative mRNA isoform expression. We present a computational pipeline, Sierra, that readily detects differential transcript usage from data generated by commonly used polyA-captured scRNA-seq technology. We validate Sierra by comparing cardiac scRNA-seq cell-types to bulk RNA-seq of matched populations, finding significant overlap in differential transcripts. Sierra detects differential transcript usage across human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the Tabula Muris, and 3UTR shortening in cardiac fibroblasts. Sierra is available at https://github.com/VCCRI/Sierra.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Patrick, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Humphreys, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oshlack, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harvey, R. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/867309</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sierra: Discovery of differential transcript usage from polyA-captured single-cell RNA-seq data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/870022v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cytokines and schizophrenia revisited: a two-sample multi-marker Mendelian randomization approach 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/870022v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex mental disorder with recent evidence suggesting a critical immune component underpinning its pathophysiology. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) provided an opportunity to probe the immune changes in schizophrenia by harnessing the increasing availability of summary-level data from large GWAS consortia.

ObjectiveTo map the extensive immune response of schizophrenia in terms of cytokines/chemokines and to explore the effect of cytokines induced by schizophrenia (SCZ-induced cytokines) on the brain structure and function

Sources and methodsUsing the summary-level data generated from GWAS of schizophrenia, cytokines in the peripheral blood and imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs), we performed two rounds of two-sample MR analysis; the identified cytokines from first round of analysis (schizophrenia => cytokines) were modeled for its underlying structure and subsequent clustering analysis further grouped SCZ-induced cytokines based on their genetic similarities. The multi-phenotype summary statistics of each cytokine module were then used as instrumental variables (IVs) for the second round of MR analysis to detect their effect on brain structure and function.

ResultsThe first round of MR analysis identified nine cytokines, the highlight of which includes IL18 (OR = 1.292, P = 8.37 x 10-42) and TNFa (OR = 0.721, P = 7.33 x 10-6), to be causally associated with schizophrenia. These SCZ-induced cytokines could be clustered into three modules. The second round of MR analysis (cytokine module => IDPs) indicated that module B (SCGFb-IP10-CTACK-IL6) significantly increased the level of IDPs including IDP_T1_SIENAX_peripheral_grey_normalised_volume ({beta} = 0.0453, P = 4.40x1010), IDP_dMRI_TBSS_MD_Posterior_corona_radiata_R ({beta}= 0.0584, P = 8.89x 10-16) and IDP_dMRI_TBSS_MD_Cingulum_hippocampus_R ({beta} = 0.0563, P = 9.88x 10-15), with module C (IL18-GROa-TNFa) increasing the level of IDP_dMRI_TBSS_L2_Posterior_thalamic_radiation_R ({beta}= 0.0341, P = 2.67x 10-6).

ConclusionOur study, for the first time, mapped the causal link from schizophrenia to the comprehensive immune responses, and the findings suggest immune networks play a role in pathophysiology of schizophrenia by mediating the deviations of total gray matter volume and white matter fibers possibly in the mesolimbic system.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/870022</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cytokines and schizophrenia revisited: a two-sample multi-marker Mendelian randomization approach]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/000513v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lack of evidence for the presence of an interferon in invertebrate 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/000513v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In vertebrates, the interferon (IFN) response is the primary form of innate antiviral defense. Previously (2005), a partial cDNA which could encode an interferon-like protein (IntlP) is reported in shrimp, later Rosa et al. (2008) argue that this partial cDNA should encode a portion of insect mitochondrial ATP synthase (MAS) B-chain. Recently (2009), it is demonstrated IntlP also possess antibacterial activity beside antiviral activity reported before. Lacking of a consensus opinion to the question of whether this gene encodes IntlP or MAS, we try to provide more evidences to identify this gene exactly. Here we obtain the full length cDNAs of IntlP/ MAS in Litopenaeus vannamei, and perform the tissue distribution and induced expression analysis. Our results confirm that IntlP is coded by a mistaken ORF and the actual protein indeed is a L. vannamei mitochondrial ATP synthase (LvMAS) whose function is unknown in antiviral responses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pei-Hui Wang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2013-11-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/000513</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lack of evidence for the presence of an interferon in invertebrate]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2013-11-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/003889v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatial epidemiology of networked metapopulation: An overview 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/003889v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
An emerging disease is one infectious epidemic caused by a newly transmissible pathogen, which has either appeared for the first time or already existed in human populations, having the capacity to increase rapidly in incidence as well as geographic range. Adapting to human immune system, emerging diseases may trigger large-scale pandemic spreading, such as the transnational spreading of SARS, the global outbreak of A(H1N1), and the recent potential invasion of avian influenza A(H7N9). To study the dynamics mediating the transmission of emerging diseases, spatial epidemiology of networked metapopulation provides a valuable modeling framework, which takes spatially distributed factors into consideration. This review elaborates the latest progresses on the spatial metapopulation dynamics, discusses empirical and theoretical findings that verify the validity of networked metapopulations, and the application in evaluating the effectiveness of disease intervention strategies as well.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin WANG</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang Li</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2014-06-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/003889</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatial epidemiology of networked metapopulation: An overview]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2014-06-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/011668v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A novel computational approach for genome-wide prediction of small RNAs in bacteria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/011668v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are the most abundant post-transcriptional regulators in bacteria. They serve ubiquitous roles that control nearly every aspects of bacterial physiology. Identification of important features from sRNAs sequences will guide the computational prediction of new sRNA sequences for a better understanding of the pervasive sRNA-mediated regulation in bacteria. In this study, we have performed systematic analyses of many sequence and structural features that are possibly related to sRNA properties and identified a subset of significant features that effectively discriminate sRNAs sequences from random sequences. we then used a neural network model that integrated these subfeatures on unlabeled testing datasets, and it had achieved a 92.2% recall and 89.8% specificity. Finally, we applied this prediction model for genome-wide identification of sRNAs-encoded genes using a sliding-window approach. We recovered multiple known sRNAs and hundreds of predicted new sRNAs. These candidate novel sRNAs deserve extensive study to better understand the sRNA-mediated regulatory network in bacteria.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lei Li</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoi Shan Kwan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2014-11-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/011668</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A novel computational approach for genome-wide prediction of small RNAs in bacteria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2014-11-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/015149v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Learning Immune-Defectives Graph through Group Tests 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/015149v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This paper deals with an abstraction of a unified problem of drug discovery and pathogen identification. Here, the "lead compounds" are abstracted as inhibitors, pathogenic proteins as defectives, and the mixture of "ineffective" chemical compounds and non-pathogenic proteins as normal items. A defective could be immune to the presence of an inhibitor in a test. So, a test containing a defective is positive iff it does not contain its "associated" inhibitor. The goal of this paper is to identify the defectives, inhibitors, and their "associations" with high probability, or in other words, learn the Immune Defectives Graph (IDG). We propose a probabilistic non-adaptive pooling design, a probabilistic two-stage adaptive pooling design and decoding algorithms for learning the IDG. For the two-stage adaptive-pooling design, we show that the sample complexity of the number of tests required to guarantee recovery of the inhibitors, defectives and their associations with high probability, i.e., the upper bound, exceeds the proposed lower bound by a logarithmic multiplicative factor in the number of items. For the non-adaptive pooling design, in the large inhibitor regime, we show that the upper bound exceeds the proposed lower bound by a logarithmic multiplicative factor in the number of inhibitors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Abhinav Ganesan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sidharth Jaggi</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Venkatesh Saligrama</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2015-02-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/015149</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Learning Immune-Defectives Graph through Group Tests]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2015-02-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/016857v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SumVg: Total heritability explained by all variants in genome-wide association studies based on summary statistics with standard error estimates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/016857v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become increasingly popular these days and one of the key questions is how much heritability could be explained by all variants in GWAS. We have previously proposed an approach to answer this question, based on recovering the "true" z-statistics from a set of observed z-statistics. Only summary statistics are required. However, methods for standard error (SE) estimation are not available yet, thereby limiting the interpretation of the results. In this study we developed resampling-based approaches to estimate the SE and the methods are implemented in an R package. We found that delete-d-jackknife and parametric bootstrap approaches provide good estimates of the SE. Methods to compute the sum of heritability explained and the corresponding SE are implemented in the R package SumVg, available at https://sites.google.com/site/honcheongso/software/var-totalvgnnContactpcsham@hku.hk, hcso85@gmail.com
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hon-Cheong SO</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pak C. SHAM</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2015-03-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/016857</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SumVg: Total heritability explained by all variants in genome-wide association studies based on summary statistics with standard error estimates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2015-03-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/026278v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modeling Continuous Admixture 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/026278v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractHuman migration and human isolation serve as the driving forces of modern human civilization. Recent migrations of long isolated populations has resulted in genetically admixed populations. The history of population admixture is generally complex; however, understanding the admixture process is critical to both evolutionary and medical studies. Here, we utilized admixture induced linkage disequilibrium (LD) to infer occurrence of continuous admixture events, which is common for most existing admixed populations. Unlike previous studies, we expanded the typical continuous admixture model to a more general admixture scenario with isolation after a certain duration of continuous gene flow, and we demonstrated that such treatment significantly improved the accuracy of inference under complex admixture scenarios. Based on the extended models, we developed a method based on weighted LD to infer the admixture history considering continuous and complex demographic process of gene flow between populations. We evaluated the performance of the method by computer simulation and applied our method to real data analysis of a few well-known admixed populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ying Zhou</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hongxiang Qiu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shuhua Xu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2015-09-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/026278</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modeling Continuous Admixture]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2015-09-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/030841v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantifying the unobserved protein-coding variants in human populations provides a roadmap for large-scale sequencing projects 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/030841v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Introduction Introduction Results Discussion 1. Preliminaries 2.1 Performance Guarantees 2. The UnseenEst Algorithm 3. Datasets 4. Validation experiments 5. Related works 6.1 Faithful samples 6.2 Chebyshev construction 6.3 Proof of Proposition... 6. Proofs of the... References References  Recent efforts aggregating the genomes and exomes of tens of thousands of individuals have provided unprecedented insights into the landscape of rare human genetic variation1,2 and generated critical resources for clinical and population genetics. The recently announced U.S. Precision Med ...
]]></description>
<dc:creator>James Zou</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gregory Valiant</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paul Valiant</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Konrad Karczewski</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu On Chan</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaitlin Samocha</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Monkol Lek</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Exome Aggregation Consortium</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shamil Sunyaev</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mark Daly</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Daniel MacArthur</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2015-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/030841</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantifying the unobserved protein-coding variants in human populations provides a roadmap for large-scale sequencing projects]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2015-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/033944v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modeling Continuous Admixture 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/033944v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human migration and human isolation serve as the driving forces of modern human civilization. Recent migrations of long isolated populations have resulted in genetically admixed populations. The history of population admixture is generally complex; however, understanding the admixture process is critical to both evolutionary and medical studies. Here, we utilized admixture induced linkage disequilibrium (LD) to infer occurrence of continuous admixture events, which is common for most existing admixed populations. Unlike previous studies, we expanded the typical continuous admixture model to a more general admixture scenario with isolation after a certain duration of continuous gene flow. Based on the extended models, we developed a method based on weighted LD to infer the admixture history considering continuous and complex demographic process of gene flow between populations. We evaluated the performance of the method by computer simulation and applied our method to real data analysis of a few well-known admixed populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ying Zhou</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hongxiang Qiu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shuhua Xu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2015-12-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/033944</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modeling Continuous Admixture]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2015-12-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/035998v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep, Staged Transcriptomic Resources for the Novel Coleopteran Models Atrachya menetriesi and Callosobruchus maculatus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/035998v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite recent efforts to sample broadly across metazoan and insect diversity, current sequence resources in the Coleoptera do not adequately describe the diversity of the clade. Here we present deep, staged transcriptomic data for two coleopteran species, Atrachya menetriesi (Faldermann 1835) and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius 1775). Our sampling covered key stages in ovary and early embryonic development in each species. We utilized this data to build combined assemblies for each species which were then analysed in detail. The combined A. menetriesi assembly consists of 228,096 contigs with an N50 of 1,598 bp, while the combined C. maculatus assembly consists of 128,837 contigs with an N50 of 2,263 bp. For these assemblies, 34.6% and 32.4% of contigs were identified using Blast2GO, and 97% and 98.3% of the BUSCO set of metazoan orthologs were present, respectively. We also carried out manual annotation of developmental signalling pathways and found that nearly all expected genes were present in each transcriptome. Our analyses show that both transcriptomes are of high quality. Lastly, we performed read mapping utilising our timed, stage specific RNA samples to identify differentially expressed contigs. The resources presented here will provide a firm basis for a variety of experimentation, both in developmental biology and in comparative genomic studies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Matthew Alan Benton</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nathan James Kenny</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kai Hans Conrads</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siegfried Roth</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeremy A Lynch</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-01-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/035998</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep, Staged Transcriptomic Resources for the Novel Coleopteran Models Atrachya menetriesi and Callosobruchus maculatus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-01-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/053421v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Fractional Dosing of Yellow Fever Vaccine to Extend Supply: A Modeling Study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/053421v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe ongoing yellow fever (YF) epidemic in Angola strains the global vaccine supply, prompting WHO to adopt dose sparing for its vaccination campaign in Kinshasa in July-August 2016. Although a 5-fold fractional-dose vaccine is similar to standard-dose vaccine in safety and immunogenicity, efficacy is untested. There is an urgent need to ensure the robustness of fractional-dose vaccination by elucidating the conditions under which dose fractionation would reduce transmission.nnMethodsWe estimate the effective reproductive number for YF in Angola using disease natural history and case report data. With simple mathematical models of YF transmission, we calculate the infection attack rate (IAR, the proportion of population infected over the course of an epidemic) under varying levels of transmissibility and five-fold fractional-dose vaccine efficacy for two vaccination scenarios: (i) random vaccination in a hypothetical population that is completely susceptible; (ii) the Kinshasa vaccination campaign in July-August 2016 with different age cutoff for fractional-dose vaccines.nnFindingsWe estimate the effective reproductive number early in the Angola outbreak was between 5{middle dot}2 and 7{middle dot}1. If vaccine action is all-or-nothing (i.e. a proportion VE of vaccinees receives complete and the remainder receive no protection), n-fold fractionation can dramatically reduce IAR as long as efficacy VE exceeds 1/n. This benefit threshold becomes more stringent if vaccine action is leaky (i.e. the susceptibility of each vaccinee is reduced by a factor that is equal to the vaccine efficacy VE). The age cutoff for fractional-dose vaccines chosen by the WHO for the Kinshasa vaccination campaign (namely, 2 years) provides the largest reduction in IAR if the efficacy of five-fold fractional-dose vaccines exceeds 20%.nnInterpretationDose fractionation is a very effective strategy for reducing infection attack rate that would be robust with a large margin for error in case fractional-dose VE is lower than expected.nnFundingNIH-MIDAS, HMRF-Hong Kong
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Joseph T. Wu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corey M. Peak</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gabriel M. Leung</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marc Lipsitch</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/053421</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Fractional Dosing of Yellow Fever Vaccine to Extend Supply: A Modeling Study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/074799v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Relating dynamic brain states to dynamic machine states: human and machine solutions to the speech recognition problem 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/074799v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There is widespread interest in the relationship between the neurobiological systems supporting human cognition and emerging computational systems capable of emulating these capacities. Human speech comprehension, poorly understood as a neurobiological process, is an important case in point. Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems with near-human levels of performance are now available, which provide a computationally explicit solution for the recognition of words in continuous speech. This research aims to bridge the gap between speech recognition processes in humans and machines, using novel multivariate techniques to compare incremental 'machine states', generated as the ASR analysis progresses over time, to the incremental 'brain states', measured using combined electro-and magneto-encephalography (EMEG), generated as the same inputs are heard by human listeners. This direct comparison of dynamic human and machine internal states, as they respond to the same incrementally delivered sensory input, revealed a significant correspondence between neural response patterns in human superior temporal cortex and the structural properties of ASR-derived phonetic models. Spatially coherent patches in human temporal cortex responded selectively to individual phonetic features defined on the basis of machine-extracted regularities in the speech to lexicon mapping process. These results demonstrate the feasibility of relating human and ASR solutions to the problem of speech recognition, and suggest the potential for further studies relating complex neural computations in human speech comprehension to the rapidly evolving ASR systems that address the same problem domain.nnAuthor SummaryThe ability to understand spoken language is a defining human capacity. But despite decades of research, there is still no well-specified account of how sound entering the ear is neurally interpreted as a sequence of meaningful words. At the same time, modern computer-based Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems are capable of nearhuman levels of performance, especially where word-identification is concerned. In this research we aim to bridge the gap between human and machine solutions to speech recognition. We use a novel combination of neuroimaging and statistical methods to relate human and machine internal states that are dynamically generated as spoken words are heard by human listeners and analysed by ASR systems. We find that the stable regularities discovered by the ASR process, linking speech input to phonetic labels, can be significantly related to the regularities extracted in the human brain. Both systems may have in common a representation of these regularities in terms of articulatory phonetic features, consistent with an analysis process which recovers the articulatory gestures that generated the speech. These results suggest a possible partnership between human-and machine-based research which may deliver both a better understanding of how the human brain provides such a robust solution to speech understanding, and generate insights that enhance the performance of future ASR systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cai Wingfield</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li Su</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xunying Liu</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao Zhang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Philip Woodland</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andrew Thwaites</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Elisabeth Fonteneau</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>William D Marslen-Wilson</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/074799</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Relating dynamic brain states to dynamic machine states: human and machine solutions to the speech recognition problem]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/096503v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
When GWAS meets the Connectivity Map: drug repositioning for seven psychiatric disorders 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/096503v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Our knowledge of disease genetics has advanced rapidly during the past decade, with the advent of high-throughput genotyping technologies such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, few methodologies were developed and systemic studies performed to identify novel drug candidates utilizing GWAS data. In this study we focus on drug repositioning, which is a cost-effective approach to shorten the developmental process of new therapies. We proposed a novel framework of drug repositioning by comparing GWAS-imputed transcriptome with drug expression profiles from the Connectivity Map. The approach was applied to 7 psychiatric disorders. We discovered a number of novel repositioning candidates, many of which are supported by preclinical or clinical evidence. We found that the predicted drugs are significantly enriched for known psychiatric medications, or therapies considered in clinical trials. For example, drugs repurposed for schizophrenia are strongly enriched for antipsychotics (p = 4.69E-06), while those repurposed for bipolar disorder are enriched for antipsychotics (p = 2.26E-07) and antidepressants (p = 1.17E-05). These findings provide support to the usefulness of GWAS signals in guiding drug discoveries and the validity of our approach in drug repositioning. We also present manually curated lists of top repositioning candidates for each disorder, which we believe will serve as a useful resource for researchers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, C. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yim, S. H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2016-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/096503</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[When GWAS meets the Connectivity Map: drug repositioning for seven psychiatric disorders]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2016-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/113134v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distinct projection patterns of different classes of layer 2 principal neurons in the olfactorycortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/113134v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Processing of olfactory information in the anterior piriform cortex (APC) is widely thought to be non-topographic due to distributed projections from the olfactory bulb (OB). Layer 2 principal neurons in the APC can be divided into 2 subtypes: semilunar (SL) and superficial pyramidal (SP) cells. Although it is known that SL and SP cells receive differential inputs from the OB, little is known about their projection pattern to downstream structures, such as the posterior piriform cortex (PPC). Here we examined feedforward and feedback axonal projections of SL and SP cells using a combination of mouse genetics, and retrograde labeling. Retrograde tracing from the OB or PPC showed that the APC projects to these higher and lower brain regions mainly through layer 2b cells, while dual-labeling revealed a sizeable fraction of cells extending collaterals to both target regions. Furthermore, a transgenic mouse line specifically labeling SL cells showed that they send profuse axonal projections to olfactory cortical areas, but not to the OB. These findings support a model in which information flow from SL to SP cells and back to the OB forms a hierarchical feedback circuit whereas the two cell types process recurrent and feedforward information in a parallel manner.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mazo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grimaud, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murthy, V. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-03-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/113134</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distinct projection patterns of different classes of layer 2 principal neurons in the olfactorycortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-03-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/115980v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Discovering the Interactions between Circular RNAs and RNA-binding Proteins from CLIP-seq Data using circScan 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/115980v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Although tens of thousands of circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified in mammalian genomes, only few of them have been characterized with biological functions. Here, we report a new approach, circScan, to identify regulatory interactions between circRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) by discovering back-splicing reads from Cross-Linking and Immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (CLIP-seq) data. By using our method, we have systematically scanned ~1500 CLIP-seq datasets, and identified ~12540 and ~1090 novel circRNA-RBP interactions in human and mouse genomes, respectively, which include all known interactions between circRNAs and Argonaute (AGO) proteins. More than twenty novel interactions were further experimentally confirmed by RNA Immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (RIP-qPCR). Importantly, we uncovered that some natural circRNAs interacted with cap-independent translation factors eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) and N6-Methyladenosine (m6A), indicating they can be translated into proteins. These findings demonstrate that circRNAs are regulated by various RBPs, suggesting they may play important roles in diverse biological processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, K.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, L.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/115980</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Discovering the Interactions between Circular RNAs and RNA-binding Proteins from CLIP-seq Data using circScan]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/132563v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Translating GWAS Findings Into Therapies For Depression And Anxiety Disorders: Drug Repositioning Using Gene-Set Analyses And Testing For Enrichment Of Psychiatric Drug Classes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/132563v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Depression and anxiety disorders are the first and sixth leading cause of disability worldwide according to latest reports from the World Health Organization. Despite their high prevalence and the significant disability resulted, there are limited advances in new drug development. On the other hand, the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has greatly improved our understanding of the genetic basis underlying psychiatric disorders.nnIn this work we employed gene-set analyses of GWAS summary statistics for drug repositioning. We explored five related GWAS datasets, including two on major depressive disorder (MDD-PGC and MDD-CONVERGE, with the latter focusing on severe melancholic depression), one on anxiety disorders, and two on depressive symptoms and neuroticism in the population. We extracted gene-sets associated with each drug from DSigDB and examined their association with each GWAS phenotype. We also performed repositioning analyses on meta-analyzed GWAS data, integrating evidence from all related phenotypes.nnImportantly, we showed that the repositioning hits are generally enriched for known psychiatric medications or those considered in clinical trials, except for MDD-PGC. Enrichment was seen for antidepressants and anxiolytics but also for antipsychotics. We also revealed new candidates or drug classes for repositioning, some of which were supported by experimental or clinical studies. For example, the top repositioning hit using meta-analyzed p-values was fendiline, which was shown to produce antidepressant-like effects in mouse models by inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase and reducing ceramide levels. Taken together, our findings suggest that human genomic data such as GWAS are useful in guiding drug discoveries for depression and anxiety disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/132563</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Translating GWAS Findings Into Therapies For Depression And Anxiety Disorders: Drug Repositioning Using Gene-Set Analyses And Testing For Enrichment Of Psychiatric Drug Classes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/136648v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Element-Free Multiscale Modeling Of Large Deformation Behavior Of Red Blood Cell Membrane With Malaria Infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/136648v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In normal physiological and healthy conditions, red blood cells (RBCs) deform readily as they pass through the microcapillaries and the spleen. In this paper, we examine the effects of Plasmodium falciparum infection and maturation on the large deformation behavior of malaria-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) by means of a three-dimensional (3D) multiscale meshfree method. We numerically simulated the optical tweezers experiment and observed the force-displacement response of the iRBC membrane as malaria infection progresses. Our simulation results agree well with experimental data and confirm that the deformability of malaria-infected cells decreases significantly as malaria infection progresses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ademiloye, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/136648</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Element-Free Multiscale Modeling Of Large Deformation Behavior Of Red Blood Cell Membrane With Malaria Infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/136796v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Does Temperature Change Worsen Or Mitigate The Effect Of Malaria Infection On Erythrocyte Deformability? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/136796v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION REFERENCES This paper attempts to investigate whether temperature change worsen or mitigate the effect of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection and maturation on the deformability of malaria-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) or erythrocytes. P. falciparum infection is the most lethal malaria parasitic infection affecting humans [1]. Upon infection, the merozoites enter the bloodstream and develop through the ring (Pf-rRBC), trophozoite (Pf-tRBC) and schizont (Pf-tRBC) stages, which is usually accompanied by significant changes in body temperature. Hence, this study aims to draw a connection between temperature change and erythrocyte deformability upon malaria infection. ...
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ademiloye, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/136796</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Does Temperature Change Worsen Or Mitigate The Effect Of Malaria Infection On Erythrocyte Deformability?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/138958v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Combined Use Of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MRI Parameters Can Differentiate Early Stage Hepatitis-B Fibrotic Livers From Healthy Livers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/138958v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This study investigated a combined use of IVIM parameters Dslow (D), PF (f) and Dfast (D*) for liver fibrosis evaluation. 16 healthy volunteers (F0) and 33 hepatitis-b patients (stage F1= 15, stage F2-4 = 18) were included. With a 1.5-T MR scanner and respiration-gating, IVIM diffusion weighted imaging was acquired using a single-shot echo-planar imaging sequence with ten b-values of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, 200, 400, and 800 s/mm2. Signal measurement was performed on right liver parenchyma. With a 3-dimensional tool, Dslow, PF, and Dfast values were placed along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a plane was defined to separate healthy volunteers from patients. 3-dimensional tool demonstrated healthy volunteers and all patients with liver fibrosis could be separated. Classification and Regression Tree showed a combination of PF (PF < 12.55%), Dslow (Dslow < 1.152 x10-3 mm2/s) and Dfast (Dfast <13.36 x10-3 mm2/s) could differentiate healthy subjects and all fibrotic livers (F1-F4) with an area under the curve of logistic regression (AUC) of 0.986. The AUC for differentiation of healthy livers vs. F2-4 livers was 1. PF offered the best diagnostic value, followed by Dslow; however, all three parameters of PF, Dslow, and Dfast contributed to liver fibrosis detection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, J. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, P.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/138958</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Combined Use Of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MRI Parameters Can Differentiate Early Stage Hepatitis-B Fibrotic Livers From Healthy Livers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/139402v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Area Morphometry In Elderly Chinese Men And Women: Radiographic Quantifications At Baseline And Changes At Year-4 Follow-Up 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/139402v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The manuscript submitted does not contain information about medical device(s)/drug(s). No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.nnStudy DesignA population-based radiographic study with longitudinal follow-up.nnObjectiveTo develop a quantitative index for lumbar disc space narrowing (DSN) evaluation in elderly subjects; to determine how DSN in the elderly is influenced by osteoporosis and gender.nnSummary of Background DataThere is paucity of research on quantitative classification of lumbar DSN based on disc areal morphometry.nnMethodsWith the database of Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (Hong Kong) and Osteoporotic Fractures in Women (Hong Kong) Studies and those who attended the year-4 follow-up (n = 1519 for men and n = 1546 for women), data of 491 women and 592 men were randomly selected. The anterior, middle, and posterior heights, anteroposterior diameter and area of intervertebral discs (T4T5 to L4L5) were measured on lateral radiographs. Disc Area Index for Lumbar Spine (DAIL, disc area divided by the mean of the sum of square of the adjacent upper and lower vertebrae mid-height anterior-posterior diameter) was developed and compared with semi-quantitative DSN expert grading.nnResultsDAIL correlated with semi-quantitative grading, with sensitivity and specificity varying from 87.3% to 96.8% for grade-1 DSN (<30% reduction in disc height), and 92.9 % to 100% for grade-3 DSN (>60% reduction in disc height). The thoracolumbar disc area loss among men and women during 4-years follow-up period varied between 1.32% and 3.56%, and it was greater for women (mean: 2.44%) than for men (mean: 1.90%, p=0.044). Majority of lumbar DSN progressions during 72 to 76 years old were progression from normal disc space to grade-1DSN. Osteoporosis was associated with greater disc area decrease, both for thoracic and lumbar discs.nnConclusionLumbar DSN can be quantified using DAIL. In elderly Chinese, intervertebral disc narrowing over a 4-year period was greater in women than men, and associated with the presence of osteoporosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaplar, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Griffith, J. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, J. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, A. W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/139402</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Area Morphometry In Elderly Chinese Men And Women: Radiographic Quantifications At Baseline And Changes At Year-4 Follow-Up]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/140590v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic Overlap Of Depression With Cardiometabolic Diseases And Implications For Drug Repurposing For Comorbidities 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/140590v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Numerous studies have suggested associations between depression and cardiometabolic abnormalities or diseases, such as coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying this comorbidity, and whether the relationship differs by depression subtypes. Using the polygenic risk score (PRS) approach and linkage disequilibrium (LD) score regression, we investigated the genetic overlap of various depression-related phenotypes with a comprehensive panel of 20 cardiometabolic traits. GWAS results for major depressive disorder (MDD) were taken from the PGC and CONVERGE studies, with the latter focusing on severe melancholic depression. GWAS results on general depressive symptoms (DS) and neuroticism were also included. We also identified the shared genetic variants and inferred enriched pathways. In addition, we looked for drugs over-represented among the top shared genes, with an aim to finding repositioning opportunities for comorbidities.nnWe found significant polygenic sharing between MDD, DS and neuroticism with various cardiometabolic traits. In general, positive polygenic associations with CV risks were observed for most depression phenotypes except MDD-CONVERGE. Counterintuitively, PRS representing severe melancholic depression was associated with reduced CV risks. Enrichment analyses of shared SNPs revealed many interesting pathways, such as those related to inflammation, that underlie the comorbidity of depressive and cardiometabolic traits. Using a gene-set analysis approach, we also revealed a number of repositioning candidates, some of which were supported by prior studies, such as bupropion and glutathione. Our study highlights shared genetic bases of depression with cardiometabolic traits, and suggests the associations vary by depression subtypes. To our knowledge, this is the also first study to make use of human genomic data to guide drug discovery or repositioning for comorbid disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, B. C.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, C. K.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/140590</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic Overlap Of Depression With Cardiometabolic Diseases And Implications For Drug Repurposing For Comorbidities]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/143040v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
OMSV enables accurate and comprehensive identification of large structural variations from nanochannel-based single-molecule optical maps 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/143040v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human genomes contain structural variations (SVs) that are associated with various phenotypic variations and diseases. SV detection by sequencing is incomplete due to limited read length. Nanochannel-based optical mapping (OM) allows direct observation of SVs up to hundreds of kilo-bases in size on individual DNA molecules, making it a promising alternative technology for identifying large SVs. SV detection from optical maps is non-trivial due to complex types of error present in OM data, and no existing methods can simultaneously handle all these complex errors and the wide spectrum of SV types. Here we present a novel method, OMSV, for accurate and comprehensive identification of SVs from optical maps. OMSV detects both homozygous and heterozygous SVs, SVs of various types and sizes, and SVs with and without creating/destroying restriction sites. In an extensive series of tests based on real and simulated data, OMSV achieved both high sensitivity and specificity, with clear performance gains over the latest existing method. Applying OMSV to a human cell line, we identified hundreds of SVs >2kbp, with 65% of them missed by sequencing-based callers. Independent experimental validations confirmed the high accuracy of these SVs. We also demonstrate how OMSV can incorporate sequencing data to determine precise SV break points and novel sequences in the SVs not contained in the reference. We provide OMSV as open-source software to facilitate systematic studies of large SVs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, T.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, Y. Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, I. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, G. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, A. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J. J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, E. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sibert, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yiu, S.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-05-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/143040</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[OMSV enables accurate and comprehensive identification of large structural variations from nanochannel-based single-molecule optical maps]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-05-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/153163v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ATP sensing in living plant cells reveals tissue gradients and stress dynamics of energy physiology 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/153163v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Growth and development of plants is ultimately driven by light energy captured through photosynthesis. ATP acts as universal cellular energy cofactor fuelling all life processes, including gene expression, metabolism, and transport. Despite a mechanistic understanding of ATP biochemistry, ATP dynamics in the living plant have been largely elusive. Here we establish live MgATP2- assessment in plants using the fluorescent protein biosensor ATeam1.03-nD/nA. We generate Arabidopsis sensor lines and investigate the sensor in vitro under conditions appropriate for the plant cytosol. We establish an assay for ATP fluxes in isolated mitochondria, and demonstrate that the sensor responds rapidly and reliably to MgATP2- changes in planta. A MgATP2- map of the Arabidopsis seedling highlights different MgATP2- concentrations between tissues and in individual cell types, such as root hairs. Progression of hypoxia reveals substantial plasticity of ATP homeostasis in seedlings, demonstrating that ATP dynamics can be monitored in the living plant.nnOne-sentence SummarySensing of MgATP2- by fluorimetry and microscopy allows dissection of ATP fluxes of isolated organelles, and dynamics of cytosolic MgATP2- in vivo.nnFunding AgenciesThis work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through the Emmy-Noether programme (SCHW1719/1-1; M.S. and GR4251/1-1; C.G.), the Research Training Group GRK 2064 (M.S.; A.J.M.), the Priority Program SPP1710 (A.J.M.) and a grant (SCHW1719/5-1; M.S.) as part of the package PAK918. The Seed Fund grant CoSens from the Bioeconomy Science Center, NRW (A.J.M.; M.S.) is gratefully acknowledged. The scientific activities of the Bioeconomy Science Center were financially supported by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research within the framework of the NRW Strategieprojekt BioSC (No. 313/323-400-002 13). A.Co. received funding by the Ministero dellIstruzione, dellUniversita e della Ricerca through the FIRB 2010 programme (RBFR10S1LJ_001) and Piano di Sviluppo di Ateneo 2015 (Universita degli Studi di Milano). M.Z. received funding by the Ministero dellIstruzione, dellUniversita e della Ricerca (Italy) through the PRIN 2010 programme (PRIN2010CSJX4F). S.W. and T.N. received travel support by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). V.D.C. was supported by the European Social Fund, Operational Programme 2007/2013, and an Erasmus+ Traineeship grant. M.D.F was supported by The Human Frontier Science Program (RPG0053/2012), and the Leverhulme Foundation (RPG-2015-437). I.M.M. was supported by a grant from the Danish Council for Independent Research - Natural Sciences. V.C.P. was supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund (Funding Support to Partner State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong) of the HKSAR.nnAbbreviationsAAC - ADP/ATP carrier; AK - adenylate kinase; cAT - carboxyatractyloside; CCCP - carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone; CFP - cyan fluorescent protein; CLSM - confocal laser scanning microscopy; ETC - electron transport chain; FRET - Forster Resonance Energy Transfer; LSFM - light sheet fluorescence microscopy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>De Col, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fuchs, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nietzel, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Elsaesser, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voon, C. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Candeo, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seeliger, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fricker, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grefen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moller, I. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bassi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zancani, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meyer, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Costa, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wagner, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schwarzlaender, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/153163</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ATP sensing in living plant cells reveals tissue gradients and stress dynamics of energy physiology]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/164129v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dependence of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR threshold b-value selection for separating perfusion and diffusion compartment and liver fibrosis diagnostic performance. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/164129v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PurposeTo explore how the selection of threshold b-value impacts Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) diffusion parameters of PF (f), Dslow (D),and Dfast (D*) values and their performance for liver fibrosis detection.nnMaterials and MethodsFifteen healthy volunteers and 33 hepatitis-b patients were included. With a 1.5 T MR scanner and respiration gating, IVIM data was acquired with 10 b-values of 10,20,40,60,80,100,150, 200, 400, and 800 s/mm2. Signal measurement was performed on right liver. Segmented-unconstrained analysis was used to compute IVIM parameters, and six threshold b-values between 40 and 200 s/mm2 were compared. PF, Dslow, and Dfast values were placed along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a plane was defined to separate volunteers from patients.nnResultsHigher threshold b-values were associated with higher PF measurement; while lower threshold b-values led to higher Dslow and Dfast measurements. The dependence of PF, Dslow, and Dfast on threshold b-value differed between healthy livers and fibrotic livers; with the healthy livers showing a higher dependence. Threshold b-value=60 s/mm2 showed the largest mean distance between healthy liver datapoints vs. fibrotic liver datapoints in 3-dimensional space.nnConclusionFor segmented-unconstrained analysis, the selection of threshold b-value=60 s/mm2 improves IVIM diffusion differentiation between healthy livers and fibrotic livers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, P.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/164129</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dependence of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR threshold b-value selection for separating perfusion and diffusion compartment and liver fibrosis diagnostic performance.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/165654v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Systematic selection of reference genes for normalization of circulating RNA transcripts in pregnant women based on RNA-seq data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/165654v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA transcripts circulating in peripheral blood represent an important source of non-invasive biomarkers. To accurately quantify the levels of a circulating transcript, one needs to normalize the data with internal control reference genes, which are detected at relatively constant levels across different blood samples. A few stably-expressed reference gene candidates have to be selected from transcriptome data before validation of their stable expression by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. However, there is a lack of transcriptome, let alone whole-transcriptome, data from maternal blood. To overcome this shortfall, we performed RNA-seq on blood samples from women presented with preterm labor. Of 11215 exons detected in the maternal blood whole-transcriptome, we systematically identified a panel of 395 genes comprising exons that were detected at a coefficient of variation (CV) ranging from 7.75%-17.7%. Their levels were considerably less variable than any GAPDH exon (minimum CV, 27.3%). Upon validation, selected genes from this panel remained as more stably expressed than GAPDH in maternal blood. This panel is over-represented with genes involved with actin cytoskeleton, macromolecular complex and the integrin signaling pathway. This groundwork provides a starting point for systematically selecting reference gene candidates for normalizing the levels of circulating RNA transcripts in maternal blood.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chim, S. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, S. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, J. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, A. S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, O.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-07-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/165654</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Systematic selection of reference genes for normalization of circulating RNA transcripts in pregnant women based on RNA-seq data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-07-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/165852v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pitch discrimination performance of ferrets and humans on a go/no-go task. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/165852v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Animal models are widely used to examine the neurophysiological basis of human pitch perception, and it is therefore important to understand the similarities and differences in pitch processing across species. Pitch discrimination performance is usually measured using two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) procedures in humans and go/no-go tasks in animals, potentially confounding human-to-animal comparisons. We have previously shown that pitch discrimination thresholds of ferrets on a 2AFC task are markedly poorer than those reported for go/no-go tasks in other non-human species (Walker et al., 2009). To better compare the pitch discrimination performance of ferret with other species, here we measure pitch change detection thresholds of ferrets and humans on a common, appetitive go/no-go task design. We found that ferrets pitch thresholds were ~10 times larger than that of humans on the go/no-go task, and were within the range of thresholds reported in other non-human species. Interestingly, ferrets thresholds were 100 times larger than human thresholds on a 2AFC pitch discrimination task using the same stimuli. These results emphasize that sensory discrimination thresholds can differ across tasks, particularly for non-human animals. Performance on our go/no-go task is likely to reflect different neurobiological processes than that on our 2AFC task, as the former required the subjects only to detect a pitch change while the latter required them to label the direction of the pitch change.nnABBREVIATIONSnnHIGHLIGHTSO_LIPitch discrimination thresholds of ferrets were 10 times larger than those of humans on a go/no-go tasknC_LIO_LIFerrets pitch thresholds are similar to those reported for a range of other mammalsnC_LIO_LIPitch thresholds of ferrets, but not humans, were drastically better on the go/no-go task than a 2AFC task using the same stimulinC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Walker, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davies, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bizley, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-07-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/165852</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pitch discrimination performance of ferrets and humans on a go/no-go task.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-07-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/170241v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exploring repositioning opportunities and side-effects of statins: a Mendelian randomization study of HMG-CoA reductase inhibition with 55 complex traits 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/170241v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Statin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. Besides reduction of cardiovascular risks, statins have been proposed for the prevention or treatment of other disorders, but results from clinical studies are mixed. There are also controversies concerning the adverse effects caused by statins.nnIn this study we employed a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach across a wide range of complex traits to explore repositioning opportunities and side-effects of statins. MR is analogous to a "naturalistic" randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is much less susceptible to confounding and reverse causation as compared to observational studies.nnWe employed two genetic instruments (rs12916 and rs17238484) in the HMGCR gene which have been shown to provide reliable estimates of the risk of statins on type 2 diabetes and weight gain. We observed in the single- and joint-SNP analysis that low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction from HMG-CoA reductase inhibition results in increased depressive symptoms. This finding appeared to be supported by nominally significant results of raised major depression risk in single-SNP MR analysis of rs17238484, and analyses using LDL-C as the exposure. Several other outcomes also reached nominal significance (p < 0.05) in single- or joint-SNP analyses; for example, we observed causal associations of LDL-C lowering from HMG-CoA reductase inhibition with reduced risks of schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, as well as increased forearm bone mineral density, sleep duration and extreme longevity (highest q-value = 0.289). We also found evidence of casual relationships of LDL-C levels with schizophrenia, anorexia, sleep duration and longevity, following the same association directions as in analyses of HMGCR variants. These findings were at least partially supported by previous clinical studies. We did not observe associations with cognitive test profiles, renal outcomes, autoimmune diseases or cancers. While MR has its limitations and our findings remain to be confirmed in further studies, this work demonstrates the potential of a phenome-wide approach to reveal novel therapeutic indications and unknown drug side-effects.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-07-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/170241</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exploring repositioning opportunities and side-effects of statins: a Mendelian randomization study of HMG-CoA reductase inhibition with 55 complex traits]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-07-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/172478v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Liver physiological T1rho dynamics associated with age and gender 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/172478v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PurposeUsing a single breathhold black blood sequence, the current study aims to understand the physiological ranges of liver T1rho relaxation for women and men.nnMaterials and MethodsThis volunteer study was conducted with institutional ethics committee approval, and included 62 females (age mean: 38.9 years; range: 18-75 years) and 34 males (age mean: 44.7 years, range: 24-80 years). MRI was conducted with a 3.0 T scanner, with six spin-lock times of 0, 10, 20, 25, 35, 50msec and a single breathhold of 12 seconds. Six slices were acquired for each examination.nnResultsFemale liver T1rho value ranged between 35.07 to 51.97ms, showed an age-dependent decrease with younger women had a higher measurement. Male Liver T1rho values ranged between 34.94 to 43.39 ms, and there was no evidential age-dependence. For females, there was a trend that liver T1rho value could be 4%-5% lower during menstrual phase than nonmenstrual phase. For both females and males, no evidential association was seen between body mass index and liver T1rho.nnConclusionLiver T1rho physiological value for males have relatively narrow distribution, while physiological value for females have wider distribution, and decreases with age.nnKey points1. Liver T1rho shows an age-dependency in women, with young women showing higher measurement. This age-dependency of liver T1rho measurement is not evidential in men. Post-menopausal women have similar liver T1rho value as men.nn2. Women at menstrual phase may have slight lower liver T1rho measurement.nn3. No association was noted between body mass index and liver T1rhonn4. When blood signal suppression sequence is used, in a population of 62 healthy women and 34 healthy men, the highest measured liver T1rho was 52 msec for young women, 44.7 msec for post-menopausal women, and 43.4 msec for men.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-08-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/172478</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Liver physiological T1rho dynamics associated with age and gender]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-08-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/173641v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Implications of de novo mutations in guiding drug discovery: A study of four neuropsychiatric disorders 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/173641v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent studies have suggested an important role of de novo mutations (DNMs) in neuropsychiatric disorders. As DNMs are not subject to elimination due to evolutionary pressure, they are likely to have greater disruptions on biological functions. While a number of sequencing studies have been performed on neuropsychiatric disorders, the implications of DNMs for drug discovery remain to be explored.nnIn this study, we employed a gene-set analysis approach to address this issue. Four neuropsychiatric disorders were studied, including schizophrenia (SCZ), autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. We first identified gene-sets associated with different drugs, and analyzed whether the gene-set pertaining to each drug overlaps with DNMs more than expected by chance. We also assessed which medication classes are enriched among the prioritized drugs. We discovered that neuropsychiatric drug classes were indeed significantly enriched for DNMs of all four disorders; in particular, antipsychotics and antiepileptics were the most strongly enriched drug classes for SCZ and epilepsy respectively. Interestingly, we revealed enrichment of several unexpected drug classes, such as lipid-lowering agents for SCZ and anti-neoplastic agents. By inspecting individual hits, we also uncovered other interesting drug candidates or mechanisms (e.g. histone deacetylase inhibition and retinoid signaling) that might warrant further investigations. Taken together, this study provided evidence for the usefulness of DNMs in guiding drug discovery or repositioning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-08-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/173641</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Implications of de novo mutations in guiding drug discovery: A study of four neuropsychiatric disorders]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-08-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/179440v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
IVIM parameters have good scan-rescan reproducibility when evidential motion contaminated and poorly fitted image data are removed 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/179440v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundIntravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) diffusion MRI is a promising technique for liver pathology evaluation, but this techniques scan-rescan reproducibility has been reported to be unsatisfactory.nnObjectiveTo understand whether IVIM MRI parameters for liver parenchyma can be good after removal of motion contaminated and/or poorly fitted image data.nnMaterial and MethodsEighteen healthy volunteers had liver scanned twice at the same session to assess scan-rescan repeatability, and again in another session after an average interval of 13 days to assess reproducibility. Diffusion weighted image were acquired with a 3T scanner using respiratory-triggered echo-planar sequence and 16 b-values (0 to 800 s/mm2). Measurement was performed on the right liver with segmented-unconstrained least square fitting. Image series with evidential anatomical mismatch, apparent artifacts, and poorly fitted signal intensity vs. b-value curve were excluded. A minimum of three slices was deemed necessary for IVIM parameter estimation of a liver.nnResultsWith total 54 examinations, 6 scans did not satisfy inclusion criteria, leading to a success rate of 89%; and 14 volunteers were finally included. With each scan a mean of 5.3 slices (range: 3-10 slices) were utilized for analysis. Using threshold b-value=80s/mm2, the coefficient of variation and within-subject coefficient of variation for repeatability and reproducibility were: 2.86% and 4.24% for Dslow, 3.81% and 4.24%, for PF, 18.16% and 24.88% for Dfast; and those for reproducibility were 2.48% and 3.24% for Dslow; 4.91% and 5.38% for PF; 21.18% and 30.89% for Dfast.nnConclusionIVIM parameter scan-rescan reproducibility can be potentially good.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chevallier, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loffroy, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/179440</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[IVIM parameters have good scan-rescan reproducibility when evidential motion contaminated and poorly fitted image data are removed]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/181214v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Type 2 diabetes promotes cell centrosome amplification and the role of AKT-ROS-dependent signalling of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/181214v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Type2 diabetes is associated with oxidative stress which can cause cell centrosome amplification. The study investigated centrosome amplification in type 2 diabetes and the underlying mechanisms. We found that centrosome amplification was increased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the type 2 diabetic patients, which correlated with the levels of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. High glucose, insulin and palmitic acid, alone or in combinations, induced ROS production and centrosome amplification. Together, they increased AKT activation as well as the expression, binding and centrosome translation of ROCK1 and 14-3-3{sigma}. Results from further analyses showed that AKT-ROS-dependent upregulations of expression, binding and centrosome translocation of ROCK1 and 14-3-3{sigma} was the molecular pathway underlying the centrosome amplification induced by high glucose, insulin and palmitic acid. Moreover, the increases in AKT activation and ROS production as well as expression, binding and centrosome distribution of ROCK1 and 14-3-3{sigma} were confirmed in the PBMC from the patients with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, our results show that type 2 diabetes promotes cell centrosome amplification, and suggest that the diabetic pathophysiological factors-activated AKT-ROS-dependent signalling of ROCK1 and 14-3-3{sigma} is the underlying molecular mechanism.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/181214</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Type 2 diabetes promotes cell centrosome amplification and the role of AKT-ROS-dependent signalling of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/181628v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Folding membrane proteins by deep transfer learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/181628v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Computational elucidation of membrane protein (MP) structures is challenging partially due to lack of sufficient solved structures for homology modeling. Here we describe a high-throughput deep transfer learning method that first predicts MP contacts by learning from non-membrane proteins (non-MPs) and then predicting three-dimensional structure models using the predicted contacts as distance restraints. Tested on 510 non-redundant MPs, our method has contact prediction accuracy at least 0.18 better than existing methods, predicts correct folds for 218 MPs (TMscore>0.6), and generates three-dimensional models with RMSD less than 4[A] and 5[A] for 57 and 108 MPs, respectively. A rigorous blind test in the continuous automated model evaluation (CAMEO) project shows that our method predicted high-resolution three-dimensional models for two recent test MPs of 210 residues with RMSD [~]2[A]. We estimated that our method could predict correct folds for 1,345-1,871 reviewed human multi-pass MPs including a few hundred new folds, which shall facilitate the discovery of drugs targeting at membrane proteins.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/181628</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Folding membrane proteins by deep transfer learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/188482v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterization of Azotobacter vinelandii and Kits for Its Synthetic Biology Applications 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/188482v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Azotobacter vinelandii, a Gram-negative aerobic bacterium with an intracellular anaerobic environment that maintains the oxygen-sensitive enzymatic cascades for nitrogen fixation, could be used to express oxygen-sensitive proteins. However, little is known about the properties of A. vinelandii for synthetic biology applications. We therefore first characterized and optimized the conditions for growing and screening BioBrick constructs in A. vinelandii in the presence of 2 antibiotics, ampicillin and chloramphenicol, and then developed two sets of BioBricks for regulated protein expression. The first kit used T7 RNA polymerase, whose expression is under the control of a nitrogen-repressible nifH promoter. The commonly used T7-dependent system in Escherichia coli can then be used in A. vinelandii. Because its intracellular anaerobic environment is favorable for processes such as magnetosome biogenesis, we attempted to migrate the biogenesis machineries from the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense to A. vinelandii. During this undertaking, another insertion kit construct was developed to allow protein conjugation onto magnetosomes. The kit consists of mamC, a gene encoding a transmembrane protein on magnetosomes, and multiple restriction sites downstream of mamC for fusing a gene of interest. This insertion kit allows the attachment of any desired protein onto the magnetosome membrane by fusing with the mamC protein. We demonstrated the function of this kit by fusing mamC to a GFP nanobody. This kit will facilitate the conjugation of any target protein onto magnetosomes for downstream applications in the future.nnFinancial DisclosureWe received sponsorship from the 2012-15 Teaching Development Grants Triennium, Faculty of Engineering and Biochemistry Program, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.nnCompeting InterestsThe authors declare that no competing interests exist.nnEthics StatementN/A.nnData AvailabilityAll data are fully available without restriction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loo, J. F. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seak, L. C. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-09-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/188482</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterization of Azotobacter vinelandii and Kits for Its Synthetic Biology Applications]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-09-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/188839v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cholecystokinin release triggered by presynaptic NMDA receptors produces LTP and sound-sound associative memory formation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/188839v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Memory is stored in neural networks via changes in synaptic strength mediated in part by NMDA-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP). There is evidence that entorhinal cortex enables neocortical neuroplasticity through cholecystokinin (CCK)-containing neocortical projections. Here we show that a CCKB antagonist blocks high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced LTP in the auditory cortex, whereas local infusion of CCK induces LTP. CCK-/- mice lacked neocortical LTP and showed deficits in a cue-cue associative learning paradigm; administration of CCK rescued associative learning. HFS of CCK-containing entorhino-neocortical projection neurons in anesthetized mice enabled cue-cue associative learning. Furthermore, when one cue was pre-conditioned to footshock, the mouse showed a freezing response to the other cue, indicating that the mice had formed an association. HFS-induced neocortical LTP was completely blocked by either NMDA antagonist or CCK-BR antagonist, while application of either NMDA or CCK induced LTP after low-frequency stimulation (LFS). Moreover, in the presence of CCK LTP was still induced, even after blockade of NMDA receptors. Local application of NMDA induced CCK release in the neocortex. To identify how NMDA receptor switches LTP, a stimulation protocol of 25 pulse-pairs was adopted to replace HFS; NMDA-dependent LTP was induced with the inter-pulse intervals between 10 and 100 ms, but not with those of 5 and 200 ms. LTP-mediated plasticity was linked to localization of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2a on cortical CCK terminals originating in the entorhinal cortex. These novel findings suggest that presynaptic NMDA receptors on CCK terminals control the release of CCK, which enables neocortical LTP and formation of cue-cue associative memory.nnOne Sentence SummaryPresynaptic NMDA receptors switches the release of CCK from entorhinal neurons, which enables neocortical LTP and formation of sound-sound associative memory.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baibado, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jesky, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, L.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, X.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-09-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/188839</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cholecystokinin release triggered by presynaptic NMDA receptors produces LTP and sound-sound associative memory formation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-09-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/194696v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA-Seq Resolves Cellular Heterogeneity and Transcriptional Dynamics during Spermatogonia Stem Cells Establishment and Differentiation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/194696v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The transition of gonocytes to spermatogonia and subsequent differentiation provide the foundation of spermatogenesis. However, systematic understanding on the cellular and molecular basis of this process is still limited, mainly impeded by the asynchrony in development and the lack of stage-specific markers. Using single-cell RNA sequencing on Oct4-GFP+/KIT- cells isolated from PND5.5 mice, we dissected the cellular heterogeneity and established molecular regulations. We demonstrated that gonocyte-spermatogonial transition was characterized by gene expression change related to apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and regulation of migration processes. Pseudotime analysis reconstructed developmental dynamics of the spermatogonial populations and unraveled sequential cellular and molecular transitions. We also identified CD87 as a neonatal stem cell marker which are potentially involved in the intial establishment of SSC pool. Lastly, we uncovered an unexpected subpopulation of spermatogonia primed to differentiation within the undifferentiated compartment, which is characterized by the lack of self-renewal genes and enhanced Oct4 expression and retinoic acid signaling response. Our study thus provides a novel understanding of cellular and molecular changes during spermatogonial establishment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, A. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fouchet, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/194696</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell RNA-Seq Resolves Cellular Heterogeneity and Transcriptional Dynamics during Spermatogonia Stem Cells Establishment and Differentiation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/198309v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Forward-reverse mutation cycles between stages of cancer development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/198309v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier, prominent occurrences of interstitial loss-of-heterozygosities (LOHs) were found in different cancers as a type of single-nucleotide-variations (SNVs), at rates far exceeding those of the commonly investigated gain-of-heterozygosities (GOHs) type of SNVs. Herein, such co-occurrences of LOHs and GOHs were confirmed in 102 cases of four cancer types analyzed with three different next-generation sequencing platforms, comparing non-tumor, paratumor, and tumor tissues with white-blood-cell controls; and in 246 pan-cancer cases of whole-genome tumor-control pairs. Unexpectedly, large numbers of SNVs enriched with CG>TG GOHs and copy-number-variations (CNVs) proximal to these GOHs were detected in the non-tumor tissues, which were extensively reversed in paratumors showing prominent TG>CG LOHs with proximal CNVs, and less so in tumors to form forward-reverse mutation cycles. Lineage effects in the reversions, likely resulting from directional selection, supported a sequential rather than parallel mode of evolution as described in a  Stage Specific Populations model of cancer development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kumar, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shazia, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, S.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, G. K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mat, W.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, S.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, T. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>International Cancer Genome Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, E.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-10-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/198309</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Forward-reverse mutation cycles between stages of cancer development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-10-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/200915v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SSEalign: accurate function prediction of bacterial unannotated protein, based on effective training dataset 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/200915v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The functions of numerous bacterial proteins remain unknown because of the variety of their sequences. The performances of existing prediction methods are highly weak toward these proteins, leading to the annotation of "hypothetical protein" deposited in NCBI database. Elucidating the functions of these unannotated proteins is an urgent task in computational biology. We report a method about secondary structure element alignment called SSEalign based on an effective training dataset extracting from 20 well-studied bacterial genomes. The experimentally validated same genes in different species were selected as training positives, while different genes in different species were selected as training negatives. Moreover, SSEalign used a set of well-defined basic alignment elements with the backtracking line search algorithm to derive the best parameters for accurate prediction. Experimental results showed that SSEalign achieved 91.2% test accuracy, better than existing prediction methods. SSEalign was subsequently applied to identify the functions of those unannotated proteins in the latest published minimal bacteria genome JCVI-syn3.0. Results indicated that At least 99 proteins out of 149 unannotated proteins in the JCVI-syn3.0 genome could be annotated by SSEalign. In conclusion, our method is effective for the identification of protein homology and the annotation of uncharacterized proteins in the genome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/200915</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SSEalign: accurate function prediction of bacterial unannotated protein, based on effective training dataset]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.14.876532v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Novel pelagiphages prevail in the ocean 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.14.876532v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Viruses play a key role in biogeochemical cycling and host mortality, metabolism, physiology and evolution in the ocean. Viruses that infect the globally abundant marine SAR11 bacteria (pelagiphages) were reported to be an important component of the marine viral community. In this study, ten pelagiphages that infect three different Pelagibacter strains were isolated from various geographical locations and were genomically characterized. All ten pelagiphages are novel, representing four new lineages of the Podoviridae family. Although they share limited homology with cultured phage isolates, they are all closely related to some environmental viral fragments. Two HTVC023P-type pelagiphages are shown to be related to the abundant VC_6 and VC_8 viral populations of the Global Oceans Viromes (GOV) datasets. Interestingly, HTVC103P-type pelagiphages contain a structural module similar to that in SAR116 phage HMO-2011. Three HTVC111P-type pelagiphages and HTVC106P are also novel and related to GOV VC_41 and VC_67 viral populations, respectively. Remarkably, these pelagiphage represented phage groups are all globally distributed and predominant. Half of the top ten most abundant known marine phage groups are represented by pelagiphages. The HTVC023P-type group is the most abundant known viral group, exceeding the abundance of HTVC010P-type and HMO-2011-type groups. Furthermore, the HTVC023P-type group is also abundant throughout the water column. Altogether, this study has greatly broadened our understanding of pelagiphages regarding their genetic diversity, phage-host interactions and the distribution pattern. Availability of these newly isolated pelagiphages and their genome sequences will allow us to further explore their phage-host interactions and ecological strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2019.12.14.876532</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Novel pelagiphages prevail in the ocean]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.14.876599v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nilotinib activates endothelial TLR4 to exacerbate atherosclerosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.14.876599v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The use of nilotinib (Tasigna(R)), a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor for treating chronic myeloid leukemia, increases risks for atherosclerosis. Here, we demonstrate that in endothelial cells, nilotinib activated TLR4, triggerd expression of inflammatory molecules, and increased monocyte attachment, which were all inhibited by knockdown of TLR4 or TLR4 inhibitor, CLI-095. Orally administered nilotinib profoundly accelerated atherosclerotic lesion formation in ApoE-/- mice, while co-administration of CLI-095 effectively reduced lesion areas. Our findings reveal TLR4 activation as an underlying mechanism of the pro-atherosclerotic effect of nilotinib and suggest TLR4 inhibition as an effective therapeutic approach to address vascular safety issue of nilotinib.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, X. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2019.12.14.876599</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nilotinib activates endothelial TLR4 to exacerbate atherosclerosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.15.876722v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Optical activation of TrkB receptors 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.15.876722v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), via activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), plays a critical role in neuronal proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. Dysregulation of TrkB signaling is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. Precise activation of TrkB receptors with spatial and temporal resolution is greatly desired to study the dynamic nature of TrkB signaling and its role in related diseases. Here we develop different optogenetic approaches that use light to activate TrkB receptors. Utilizing the photosensitive protein Arabidopsis thaliana cryptochrome 2 (CRY2), the light-inducible homo-interaction of the intracellular domain of TrkB (iTrkB) in the cytosol or on the plasma membrane is able to induce the activation of downstream MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling as well as the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. Moreover, we prove that such strategies are generalizable to other optical homo-dimerizers by demonstrating the optical TrkB activation based on the light-oxygen-voltage domain of aureochrome 1 from Vaucheria frigida. The results open up new possibilities of many other optical platforms to activate TrkB receptors to fulfill customized needs. By comparing all the different strategies, we find that the CRY2-integrated approach to achieve light-induced cell membrane recruitment and homo-interaction of iTrkB is most efficient in activating TrkB receptors. The optogenetic strategies presented are promising tools to investigate BDNF/TrkB signaling with tight spatial and temporal control.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hope, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2019.12.15.876722</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Optical activation of TrkB receptors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.30.891135v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Influenza H3 and H1 hemagglutinins have different genetic barriers for resistance to broadly neutralizing stem antibodies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2019.12.30.891135v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the past decade, the discovery and characterization of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to the highly conserved stem region of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) have provided valuable insights for development of a universal influenza vaccine. However, the genetic barrier for resistance to stem bnAbs has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we performed a series of deep mutational scanning experiments to probe for resistance mutations. We found that the genetic barrier to resistance to stem bnAbs is generally very low for the H3 subtype but substantially higher for the H1 subtype. Several resistance mutations in H3 cannot be neutralized by stem bnAbs at the highest concentration tested, do not reduce in vitro viral fitness and in vivo pathogenicity, and are often present in circulating strains as minor variants. Thus, H3 HAs have a higher propensity than H1 HAs to escape major stem bnAbs and creates a potential challenge in the development of a bona fide universal influenza vaccine.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARYAcquisition of resistance by influenza virus to broadly neutralizing hemagglutinin stem antibodies varies tremendously depending on subtype.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thompson, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arlian, B. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lerner, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bloom, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2019.12.30.891135</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Influenza H3 and H1 hemagglutinins have different genetic barriers for resistance to broadly neutralizing stem antibodies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.02.893453v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The transcriptional landscape of cultivated strawberry (Fragraia x ananassa) and its diploid ancestor (Fragraia x vesca) during fruit development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.02.893453v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cultivated strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) comes from four diploid ancestors: F.vesca, F.viridis, F. iinumae and F.nipponica. Among them, the F.vesca is the most dominance subgenome for cultivated strawberry. It is not well understood how gene expression contributes to differences during fruit development between diploid and octoploid strawberry. Here, we used comprehensive transcriptomic analyses of F.vesca and F. x ananassa to investigate gene expression at different stages of fruit development. In total, we obtained a total of 3,187 (turning stage) and 3,061 (red stage) differentially expressed genes with the pairwise comparisons between diploid and octoploid. Genes involved in flavonoids and phenlypropanoids biosynthesis, were almost up-regulated in the both turning and red stages of octoploid, and we also discovery a ripe-fruit specific module associated with several flavonoids biosynthesis genes, including FveMYB10, FveMYB9/11, and FveRAP by using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Furthermore, we identified the species-specific regulated network in the octoploid and diploid fruit. Notably, we found that the WAK and F-box genes were enriched in the octoploid and diploid fruits, respectively. As a whole, this study contributes to shed new light on the flavonoid biosynthetic and fruit size of strawberry, with important implications for future molecular breeding in the cultivated strawberry.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.02.893453</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The transcriptional landscape of cultivated strawberry (Fragraia x ananassa) and its diploid ancestor (Fragraia x vesca) during fruit development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.07.898056v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Decoding the regulatory architecture of the maize leaf 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.07.898056v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The transcription regulatory network underlying essential and complex functionalities inside a eukaryotic cell is defined by the combinatorial actions of transcription factors (TFs). However, TF binding studies in plants are too few in number to produce a general picture of this complex regulatory netowrk. Here, we used ChIP-seq to determine the binding profiles of 104 TF expressed in the maize leaf. With this large dataset, we could reconstruct a transcription regulatory network that covers over 77% of the expressed genes, and reveal its scale-free topology and functional modularity like a real-world network. We found that TF binding occurs in clusters covering [~]2% of the genome, and shows enrichment for sequence variations associated with eQTLs and GWAS hits of complex agronomic traits. Machine-learning analyses were used to identify TF sequence preferences, and showed that co-binding is key for TF specificity. The trained models were used to predict and compare the regulatory networks in other species and showed that the core network is evolutionarily conserved. This study provided an extensive description of the architecture, organizing principle and evolution of the transcription regulatory network inside the plant leaf.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mejia Guerra, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Franco, J. A. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tzeng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buckler, E. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.07.898056</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Decoding the regulatory architecture of the maize leaf]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.09.899997v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Directional motion of membrane vesicles on conical surfaces 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.09.899997v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The spontaneous directional motion of vesicles on both the outer and inner surfaces of a conical substrate is observed in this work. We showed that the motion is ultra-fast and the maximum velocity can be as high as 2.14 nm/s. The driving force behind is attributed to the reduction of the bending energy along the conical surface, which possesses high curvature gradient.

SummaryWe observed and explained the spontaneous directional motion of vesicles on both the concave and convex surfaces of a cone.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhenpeng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.09.899997</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Directional motion of membrane vesicles on conical surfaces]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.09.900019v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Millipede genomes reveal unique adaptation of genes and microRNAs during myriapod evolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.09.900019v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Myriapoda including millipedes and centipedes is of major importance in terrestrial ecology and nutrient recycling. Here, we sequenced and assembled two chromosomal-scale genomes of millipedes Helicorthomorpha holstii (182 Mb, N50 18.11 Mb mainly on 8 pseudomolecules) and Trigoniulus corallinus (449 Mb, N50 26.78 Mb mainly on 15 pseudomolecules). Unique defense systems, genomic features, and patterns of gene regulation in millipedes, not observed in other arthropods, are revealed. Millipedes possesses a unique ozadene defensive gland unlike the venomous forcipules in centipedes. Sets of genes associated with anti-microbial activity are identified with proteomics, suggesting that the ozadene gland is not primarily an antipredator adaptation (at least in T. corallinus). Macro-synteny analyses revealed highly conserved genomic blocks between centipede and the two millipedes. Tight Hox and the first loose ecdysozoan ParaHox homeobox clusters are identified, and a myriapod-specific genomic rearrangement including Hox3 is also observed. The Argonaute proteins for loading small RNAs are duplicated in both millipedes, but unlike insects, an argonaute duplicate has become a pseudogene. Evidence of post-transcriptional modification in small RNAs, including species-specific microRNA arm switching that provide differential gene regulation is also obtained. Millipede genomes reveal a series of unique genomic adaptations and microRNA regulation mechanisms have occurred in this major lineage of arthropod diversity. Collectively, the two millipede genomes shed new light on this fascinating but poorly understood branch of life, with a highly unusual body plan and novel adaptations to their environment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barton-Owen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baril, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swale, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngai, S.-m.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.09.900019</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Millipede genomes reveal unique adaptation of genes and microRNAs during myriapod evolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.12.903583v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dissociation of connectivity for syntactic irregularity and perceptual ambiguity in musical chord stimuli 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.12.903583v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Previously syntactic irregularity has been most studied with chord sequences. However, the same chord may be interpreted as having different harmonic functions, implying perceptual ambiguity. Hence, syntactic irregularity and perceptual ambiguity may be processed simultaneously. We devised 3 different 5-chord sequences in which the ending chord differed with the tonic (T), submediant (SM), and supertonic (ST). In terms of syntactic regularity, T is most regular, ST is most irregular. However, in terms of perceptual ambiguity, the most irregular ST had the salient highest voice. Therefore, the SM was the most ambiguous condition. We investigated how the human brain separates syntactic irregularity and perceptual ambiguity in terms of effective connectivity in bilateral inferior frontal gyri (IFGs) and superior temporal gyri (STGs) with magnetoencephalography in 19 subjects. Correct rate was lower for the most ambiguous chord (SM) (P = 0.020) as expected. Connectivity from the right to the left IFG was enhanced for the most irregular chord (ST) (P = 0.024, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected), whereas connectivity from the right to the left STG was enhanced for the most ambiguous chord (SM) (P < 0.001, FDR corrected). The correct rate was negatively correlated with connectivity in the STG, further reflecting perceptual ambiguity (P = 0.026). We found that syntactic irregularity and perceptual ambiguity in music are dissociated in connectivity between bilateral IFGs and STGs, respectively.

Significance StatementWe provide the first neurophysiological evidence of the processing of perceptual ambiguity, other than syntactic irregularity, implied in musical chords. We found that the notion of "perceptually ambiguity" is applicable to musical chord stimuli different in syntactic irregularity, and that perceptual ambiguity is separate from syntactic irregularity. Our data demonstrate that the brain interprets the three conditions of musical chords as both "from regular to irregular" and "from ambiguous to unambiguous" conditions simultaneously. This study is the first to unveil dissociation of connectivity by syntactic irregularity and perceptual ambiguity involved in musical chord stimuli.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kim, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.12.903583</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dissociation of connectivity for syntactic irregularity and perceptual ambiguity in musical chord stimuli]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.12.903609v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Increased fronto-temporal connectivity by modified melody in real music 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.12.903609v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In real music, the original melody may appear intact, with little elaboration only, or significantly modified. Since a melody is most easily perceived in music, hearing significantly modified melody may change a brain connectivity. Mozart KV 265 is comprised of a theme with an original melody of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and its significant variations. We studied whether effective connectivity changes with significantly modified melody, between bilateral inferior frontal gyri (IFGs) and Heschls gyri (HGs) using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Among the 12 connectivities, the connectivity from the left IFG to the right HG was consistently increased with significantly modified melody compared to the original melody in 2 separate sets of the same rhythmic pattern with different melody (p = 0.005 and 0.034, Bonferroni corrected). Our findings show that the modification of an original melody in a real music changes the brain connectivity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kim, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seol, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.12.903609</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Increased fronto-temporal connectivity by modified melody in real music]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.20.912097v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The effects of seasonal climate variability on dengueannual incidence in Hong Kong: A modellingstudy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.20.912097v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In recent years, dengue has been rapidly spreading and growing in the tropics and subtropics. Located in southern China, Hong Kongs subtropical monsoon climate may favour dengue vector populations and increase the chance of disease transmissions during the rainy summer season. An increase in local dengue incidence has been observed in Hong Kong ever since the first case in 2002, with an outbreak reaching historically high case numbers in 2018. However, the effects of seasonal climate variability on recent outbreaks are unknown. As the local cases were found to be spatially clustered, we developed a Poisson generalized linear mixed model using pre-summer monthly total rainfall and mean temperature to predict annual dengue incidence (the majority of local cases occur during or after the summer months), over the period 2002-2018 in three pre-defined areas of Hong Kong. Using leave-one-out cross-validation, 5 out of 6 observations of area-specific outbreaks during the major outbreak years 2002 and 2018 were able to be predicted. 42 out of a total of 51 observations (82.4%) were within the 95% confidence interval of the annual incidence predicted by our model. Our study found that the rainfall before and during the East Asian monsoon (pre-summer) rainy season is negatively correlated with the annual incidence in Hong Kong while the temperature is positively correlated. Hence, as mosquito control measures in Hong Kong are intensified mainly when heavy rainfalls occur during or close to summer, our study suggests that a lower-than-average intensity of pre-summer rainfall should also be taken into account as an indicator of increased dengue risk.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, P.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sucipto, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsegaye, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, T.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pfeiffer, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pfeiffer, D. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.20.912097</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The effects of seasonal climate variability on dengueannual incidence in Hong Kong: A modellingstudy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.20.913368v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomic and protein structure modelling analysis depicts the origin and infectivity of 2019-nCoV, a new coronavirus which caused a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.20.913368v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Detailed genomic and structure-based analysis of a new coronavirus, namely 2019-nCoV, showed that the new virus is a new type of bat coronavirus and is genetically fairly distant from the human SARS coronavirus. Structure analysis of the spike (S) protein of this new virus showed that its S protein only binds weakly to the ACE2 receptor on human cells whereas the human SARS coronavirus exhibits strongly affinity to the ACE receptor. These findings suggest that the new virus does not readily transmit between humans and should theoretically not able to cause very serious human infection. These data are important to guide design of infection control policy and inform the public on the nature of threat imposed by 2019-nCov when results of direct laboratory tests on this virus are not expected to be available in the near future.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dong, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-01-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.20.913368</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomic and protein structure modelling analysis depicts the origin and infectivity of 2019-nCoV, a new coronavirus which caused a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-01-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.30.927822v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A large cross-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies 69 novel risk loci for primary open-angle glaucoma and includes a genetic link with Alzheimer's disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.30.927822v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We conducted a large multi-ethnic meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) on a total of 34,179 cases vs 349,321 controls, and identified 127 independent risk loci, almost doubling the number of known loci for POAG. The majority of loci have broadly consistent effect across European, Asian and African ancestries. We identify a link, both genome-wide and at specific loci, between POAG and Alzheimers disease. Gene expression data and bioinformatic functional analyses provide further support for the functional relevance of the POAG risk genes. Several drug compounds target these risk genes and may be potential candidates for developing novel POAG treatments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gharahkhani, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jorgenson, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hysi, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khawaja, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pendergrass, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hewitt, A. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Segre, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Igo, R. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choquet, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qassim, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Josyula, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cooke Bailey, J. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonnemaijer, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iglesias, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siggs, O. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vitart, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thiadens, A. A. H. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karjalainen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uebe, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melles, R. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nair, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luben, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simcoe, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amersinghe, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cree, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hohn, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poplawski, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vithana, E. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NEIGHBORHOOD consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ANZRAG consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Biobank Japan project,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>FinnGen study,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>GIGA s</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.01.30.927822</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A large cross-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies 69 novel risk loci for primary open-angle glaucoma and includes a genetic link with Alzheimer's disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.01.929851v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
rG4-seeker enables high-confidence identification of novel and non-canonical rG4 motifs from rG4-seq experiments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.01.929851v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We recently developed the rG4-seq method to detect and map in vitro RNA G-quadruplex (rG4s) structures on a transcriptome-wide scale. rG4-seq of purified human HeLa RNA has revealed many non-canonical rG4s and the effects adjacent sequences have on rG4 formation. In this study, we aimed to improve the outcomes and false-positive discrimination in rG4-seq experiments using a bioinformatic approach. By establishing connections between rG4-seq library preparation chemistry and the underlying properties of sequencing data, we identified how to mitigate indigenous sampling errors and background noise in rG4-seq. We applied these findings to develop a novel bioinformatics pipeline named rG4-seeker(https://github.com/TF-Chan-Lab/rG4-seeker), which uses tailored noise models to autonomously assess and optimize rG4 detections in a replicate-independent manner. Compared with previous methods, rG4-seeker exhibited better false-positive discrimination and improved sensitivity for non-canonical rG4s. Using rG4-seeker, we identified novel features in rG4 formation that were missed previously. rG4-seeker provides a reliable and sensitive approach for rG4-seq investigations, laying the foundations for further elucidation of rG4 biology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chow, E. Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.01.929851</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[rG4-seeker enables high-confidence identification of novel and non-canonical rG4 motifs from rG4-seq experiments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.936781v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Directed effective connectivity and synaptic weights of invitro neuronal cultures revealed from high-density multielectrode array recordings 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.936781v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Studying connectivity of neuronal cultures can provide insights for understanding brain networks but it is challenging to reveal neuronal connectivity from measurements. We apply a novel method that uses a theoretical relation between the time-lagged cross-covariance and the equal-time cross-covariance to reveal directed effective connectivity and synaptic weights of cortical neuron cultures at different days in vitro from multielectrode array recordings. Using a stochastic leaky-integrate-and-fire model, we show that the simulated spiking activity of the reconstructed networks can well capture the measured network bursts. The neuronal networks are found to be highly nonrandom with an over-representation of bidirectionally connections as compared to a random network of the same connection probability, with the fraction of inhibitory nodes comparable to the measured fractions of inhibitory neurons in various cortical regions in monkey, and have small-world topology with basic network measures comparable to those of the nematode C. elegans chemical synaptic network. Our analyses further reveal that (i) the excitatory and inhibitory incoming degrees have bimodal distributions the excitatory and inhibitory incoming degrees have bimodal distributions, which are that distributions that have been indicated to be optimal against both random failures and attacks in undirected networks; (ii) the distribution of the physical length of excitatory incoming links has two peaks indicating that excitatory signal is transmitted at two spatial scales, one localized to nearest nodes and the other spatially extended to nodes millimeters away, and the shortest links are mostly excitatory towards excitatory nodes and have larger synaptic weights on average; (iii) the average incoming and outgoing synaptic strength is non-Gaussian with long tails and, in particular, the distribution of outgoing synaptic strength of excitatory nodes with excitatory incoming synaptic strength is lognormal, similar to the measured excitatory postsynaptic potential in rat cortex.

Author summaryTo understand how the brain processes signal and carries out its function, it is useful to know the connectivity of the underlying neuronal circuits. For large-scale neuronal networks, it is difficult to measure connectivity directly using electron microscopy techniques and methods that can estimate connectivity from electrophysiological recordings are thus highly desirable. Existing methods focus mainly on estimating functional connectivity, which is defined by statistical dependencies between neuronal activities but the relevant direct casual interactions are captured by effective connectivity. Here we apply a novel covariance-relation based method to estimate the directed effective connectivity and synaptic weights of cortical neuron cultures from recordings of multielectrode array of over 4000 electrodes taken at different days in vitro. The neuronal networks are found to be nonrandom, small-world, excitation/inhibition balanced as measured in monkey cortex, and with feeder hubs. Our analyses further suggest some form of specialisation of nodes in receiving excitatory and inhibitory signals and the transmission of excitatory signals at two spatial scales, one localized to nearest nodes and the other spatially extended to nodes millimeters away, and reveal that the distributions of the average incoming and outgoing synaptic strength are skewed with long tails.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ching, E. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.06.936781</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Directed effective connectivity and synaptic weights of invitro neuronal cultures revealed from high-density multielectrode array recordings]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.12.945162v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An in vitro vesicle formation assay to analyze protein sorting in the secretory transport pathway 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.12.945162v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The fidelity of protein transport in the secretory transport pathway relies on the accurate sorting of proteins to their correct destination. To deepen our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, it is important to develop a robust approach to systematically reveal cargo proteins that depend on a specific cargo sorting machinery to be efficiently packaged into vesicles. Here, we used an in vitro assay that reconstitutes packaging of human cargo proteins into vesicles to quantify cargo capture. Quantitative mass spectrometry analyses of the isolated vesicles revealed novel cytosolic proteins that are associated with vesicle membranes in a GTP-dependent manner or that interact with GTP-bound Sar1A on vesicle membranes. Functional analysis indicates that two of them, FAM84B and PRRC1, regulate anterograde trafficking. Comparing control cells with cells depleted of the cargo receptors, SURF4 or ERGIC53, we revealed specific clients of each of these two export adaptors. Moreover, our results indicate that vesicles enriched with a specific cargo protein contain specific transmembrane cargo and SNARE proteins. A SNARE protein, Vti1B, is identified to be in vesicles enriched with a planar cell polarity protein, Frizzled6, and promotes vesicular release of Frizzled6. Our results indicate that the vesicle formation assay in combination with quantitative mass spectrometric analysis is a robust and powerful tool to reveal novel cytosolic and transmembrane proteins that regulate trafficking of a specific cargo protein.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poljak, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.12.945162</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An in vitro vesicle formation assay to analyze protein sorting in the secretory transport pathway]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.20.957076v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterizing Sleep-Wake Circadian Rhythm Consolidation in Early Childhood and Its Association with Motor Development Using Actigraphy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.20.957076v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWearable devices have been widely used in clinical studies to study daily activity patterns, but the analysis remains the major obstacle for researchers.

Study ObjectiveThis study proposed a novel method to characterize sleep-activity rhythms using actigraphy and further used it to describe early childhood daily rhythm formation and examine its association with physical development.

MethodsWe developed a machine learning-based Penalized Multi-band Learning (PML) algorithm to sequentially infer dominant periodicities based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and further characterize daily rhythms. We implemented and applied the algorithm to Actiwatch data collected from a 262 healthy infant cohort at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month old, with 159, 101, 111, and 141 subjects participating at each time point respectively. Autocorrelation analysis and Fishers test for harmonic analysis with Bonferroni correction were applied to compare with PML. The association between activity rhythm features and early childhood motor development, assessed by Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-Second Edition (PDMS-2), was studied through linear regression.

ResultsPML results showed that 1-day periodicity is most dominant at 6 and 12 months, whereas 1-day, 1/3-day, and 1/2-day periodicities are most dominant at 18 and 24 months. These periodicities are all significant in Fishers test, with 1/4-day periodicity also significant at 12 months. Autocorrelation effectively detected 1-day periodicity but not others. At 6 months, PDMS-2 is associated with assessment seasons. At 12 months, PDMS-2 is associated with seasons and FFT signals at 1/3-day periodicity (P<.001) and 1/2-day periodicity (P=.04). In particular, subcategories of stationary, locomotion, and gross motor are associated with FFT signals at 1/3-day periodicity (P<.001).

ConclusionsThe proposed PML algorithm can effectively conduct circadian rhythm analysis using time-series wearable device data. Application of the method effectively characterized sleep-wake rhythm development and identified the association between daily rhythm formation and motor development during early childhood.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kane, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.20.957076</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterizing Sleep-Wake Circadian Rhythm Consolidation in Early Childhood and Its Association with Motor Development Using Actigraphy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.24.963348v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Increasing Host Cellular Receptor--Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Expression by Coronavirus may Facilitate 2019-nCoV Infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.24.963348v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing outbreak of a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) causes an epidemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans. 2019-nCoV rapidly spread to national regions and multiple other countries, thus, pose a serious threat to public health. Recent studies show that spike (S) proteins of 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV may use the same host cell receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for entering into host cells. The affinity between ACE2 and 2019-nCoV S is much higher than ACE2 binding to SARS-CoV S protein, explaining that why 2019-nCoV seems to be more readily transmitted from the human to human. Here, we reported that ACE2 can be significantly upregulated after infection of various viruses including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Basing on findings here, we propose that coronavirus infection can positively induce its cellular entry receptor to accelerate their replication and spread, thus drugs targeting ACE2 expression may be prepared for the future emerging infectious diseases caused by this cluster of viruses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.24.963348</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Increasing Host Cellular Receptor--Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Expression by Coronavirus may Facilitate 2019-nCoV Infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.28.969139v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multithreaded two-pass connected components labelling and particle analysis in ImageJ 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.28.969139v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sequential region labelling, also known as connected components labelling, is a standard image segmentation problem that joins contiguous foreground pixels into blobs. Despite its long development history and widespread use across diverse domains such as bone biology, materials science, and geology, connected components labelling can still form a bottleneck in image processing pipelines. Here, I describe a multithreaded implementation of classical two-pass sequential region labelling and introduce an efficient collision resolution step,  bucket fountain. Code was validated on test images and against commercial software (Avizo). It was performance tested on images from 2 MB (161 particles) to 6.5 GB (437,508 particles) to determine whether theoretical linear scaling (O(n)) had been achieved, and on 1 - 40 CPU threads to measure speed improvements due to multithreading. The new implementation achieves linear scaling (b = 0.905 - 1.052, time {propto} pixelsb; R2 = 0.985 - 0.996), which improves with increasing thread number up to 8-10 threads, suggesting that it is memory bandwidth limited. This new implementation of sequential region labelling reduces the time required from hours to a few tens of seconds for images of several GB, and is limited only by hardware scale. It is available open source and free of charge in BoneJ.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Doube, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-02-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.02.28.969139</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multithreaded two-pass connected components labelling and particle analysis in ImageJ]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-02-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.03.972679v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromosomal-level reference genome of the incense tree Aquilaria sinensis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.03.972679v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Trees in the genus Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae) are known as lign aloes, and are native to the forests of southeast Asia. Lign aloes produce agarwood as an antimicrobial defence. Agarwood has a long history of cultural and medicinal use, and is of considerable commercial value. However, due to habitat destruction and over collection, lign aloes are threatened in the wild. We present a chromosomal-level assembly for Aquilaria sinensis, a lign aloe endemic to China known as the incense tree, based on Illumina short-read, 10X Genomics linked-read, and Hi-C sequencing data. Our 783.8Mbp A. sinensis genome assembly is of high physical contiguity, with a scaffold N50 of 87.6Mbp, and high completeness, with a 95.8% BUSCO score for eudicotyledon genes. We include 17 transcriptomes from various plant tissues, providing a total of 35,965 gene models. We reveal the first complete set of genes involved in sesquiterpenoid production, plant defence, and agarwood production for the genus Aquilaria, including genes involved in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids via the mevalonic acid (MVA), 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP), and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways. We perform a detailed repeat content analysis, revealing that transposable elements account for [~]61% of the genome, with major contributions from gypsy-like and copia-like LTR retroelements. We also provide a comparative analysis of repeat content across sequenced species in the order Malvales. Our study reveals the first chromosomal-level genome assembly for a tree in the genus Aquilaria and provides an unprecedented opportunity to address a variety of applied, genomic and evolutionary questions in the Thymelaeaceae more widely.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, S. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baril, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swale, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, D. T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.03.972679</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromosomal-level reference genome of the incense tree Aquilaria sinensis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.08.982637v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Aerodynamic Characteristics and RNA Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol in Wuhan Hospitals during COVID-19 Outbreak 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.08.982637v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 has spread rapidly and sparked global concern. While the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through human respiratory droplets and contact with infected persons is clear, the aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been little studied.

MethodsThirty-five aerosol samples of three different types (total suspended particle, size segregated and deposition aerosol) were collected in Patient Areas (PAA) and Medical Staff Areas (MSA) of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Renmin) and Wuchang Fangcang Field Hospital (Fangcang), and Public Areas (PUA) in Wuhan, China during COVID-19 outbreak. A robust droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method was employed to quantitate the viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and determine aerosol RNA concentration.

ResultsThe ICU, CCU and general patient rooms inside Renmin, patient hall inside Fangcang had undetectable or low airborne SARS-CoV-2 concentration but deposition samples inside ICU and air sample in Fangcang patient toilet tested positive. The airborne SARS-CoV-2 in Fangcang MSA had bimodal distribution with higher concentration than those in Renmin during the outbreak but turned negative after patients number reduced and rigorous sanitization implemented. PUA had undetectable airborne SARS-CoV-2 concentration but obviously increased with accumulating crowd flow.

ConclusionsRoom ventilation, open space, proper use and disinfection of toilet can effectively limit aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Gathering of crowds with asymptomatic carriers is a potential source of airborne SARS-CoV-2. The virus aerosol deposition on protective apparel or floor surface and their subsequent resuspension is a potential transmission pathway and effective sanitization is critical in minimizing aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gali, N. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Westerdahl, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, K.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.08.982637</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Aerodynamic Characteristics and RNA Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol in Wuhan Hospitals during COVID-19 Outbreak]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.13.990978v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rapidly predicting vancomycin resistance of Enterococcus faecium through MALDI-TOF MS spectra obtained in real-world clinical microbiology laboratory 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.13.990978v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Enterococcus faecium is one of the leading pathogens in the world. In this study, we proposed a strategy to rapidly and accurately distinguish vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) and vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEfm) to help doctors correctly determine the use of vancomycin by a machine learning (ML)-based algorithm. A predictive model was developed and validated to distinguish VREfm and VSEfm by analyzing MALDI-TOF MS spectra of unique E. faecium isolates from different specimen types. Firstly, 5717 mass spectra, including 2795 VREfm and 2922 VSEfm, were used to develop the algorithm. And 2280 mass spectra of isolates, namely 1222 VREfm and 1058 VSEfm, were used to externally validate the algorithm. The random forest-based algorithm demonstrated good classification performances for overall specimens, whose mean AUROC in 5-fold cross validation, time-wise validation, and external validation was all greater than 0.84. For the detection of VREfm in blood, sterile body fluid, urinary tract, and wound, the AUROC in external validation was also greater than 0.84. The predictions with algorithms were significantly more accurate than empirical antibiotic use. The accuracy of antibiotics administration could be improved by 30%. And the algorithm could provide rapid antibiotic susceptibility results at least 24 hours ahead of routine laboratory tests. The turn-around-time of antibiotic susceptibility could be reduced by 50%. In conclusion, a ML algorithm using MALDI-TOF MS spectra obtained in routine workflow accurately differentiated VREfm from VSEfm, especially in blood and sterile body fluid, which can be applied to facilitate the clinical testing process due to its accuracy, generalizability, and rapidness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, K.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tseng, Y.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, T.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, M.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.13.990978</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rapidly predicting vancomycin resistance of Enterococcus faecium through MALDI-TOF MS spectra obtained in real-world clinical microbiology laboratory]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.15.992164v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome architecture and transcription data reveal allelic bias during the cell cycle 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.15.992164v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Every human somatic cell inherits a maternal and a paternal genome, which work together to give rise to cellular phenotypes. However, the allele-specific relationship between gene expression and genome structure through the cell cycle is largely unknown. By integrating haplotype-resolved genome-wide chromosome conformation capture, mature and nascent mRNA, and protein binding data, we investigate this relationship both globally and locally. We introduce the maternal and paternal 4D Nucleome, enabling detailed analysis of the mechanisms and dynamics of genome structure and gene function for diploid organisms. Our analyses find significant coordination between allelic expression biases and local genome conformation, and notably absent expression bias in universally essential cell cycle and glycolysis genes. We propose a model in which coordinated biallelic expression reflects prioritized preservation of essential gene sets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lindsly, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ronquist, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wicha, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rehemtulla, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muir, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajapakse, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.15.992164</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome architecture and transcription data reveal allelic bias during the cell cycle]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.16.993204v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A high-throughput genome-integrated assay reveals spatial dependencies governing Tcf7l2 binding 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.16.993204v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
2 SummaryPredicting where transcription factors bind in the genome from their in-vitro DNA binding affinity is confounded by the large number of possible interactions with nearby transcription factors. To characterise the binding logic for the Wnt effector transcription factor Tcf7l2, we have developed a high-throughput screening platform in which thousands of 99-bp synthesised DNA sequences are inserted into a specific genomic locus through CRISPR/Cas9-based homology-directed repair, followed by measurement of Tcf7l2 binding by DamID. Using this platform at two genomic loci in mouse embryonic stem cells, we show that while the binding of Tcf7l2 closely follows the in-vitro motif binding strength and is influenced by local chromatin accessibility, it is also strongly affected by the surrounding 99-bp of sequence. The presence of nearby Oct4 and Klf4 motifs promote Tcf7l2 binding, particularly in the adjacent ~20 to 50-bp nearby and oscillating with a 10.8-bp phasing relative to these cofactor motifs, which matches the turn of a DNA helix. This novel high-throughput DamID assay provides a powerful platform to determine local DNA sequence grammars that causally influence transcription factor binding in controlled genomic contexts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Szczesnik, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sherwood, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.16.993204</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A high-throughput genome-integrated assay reveals spatial dependencies governing Tcf7l2 binding]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.18.995316v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A cross-kingdom conserved ER-phagy receptor maintains endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis during stress 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.18.995316v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Eukaryotes have evolved various quality control mechanisms to promote proteostasis in the ER. Selective removal of certain ER domains via autophagy (termed as ER-phagy) has emerged as a major quality control mechanism. However, the degree to which ER-phagy is employed by other branches of ER-quality control remains largely elusive. Here, we identify a cytosolic protein, C53, that is specifically recruited to autophagosomes during ER-stress, in both plant and mammalian cells. C53 interacts with ATG8 via a distinct binding epitope, featuring a shuffled ATG8 interacting motif (sAIM). C53 senses proteotoxic stress in the ER lumen by forming a tripartite receptor complex with the ER-associated ufmylation ligase UFL1 and its membrane adaptor DDRGK1. The C53/UFL1/DDRGK1 receptor complex is activated by stalled ribosomes and induces the degradation of internal or passenger proteins in the ER. Consistently, the C53 receptor complex and ufmylation mutants are highly susceptible to ER stress. Thus, C53 forms an ancient quality control pathway that bridges selective autophagy with ribosome-associated quality control at the ER.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Stephani, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Picchianti, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gajic, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beveridge, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skarwan, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanchez de Medina Hernandez, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohseni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clavel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naumann, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matuszkiewicz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turco, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loefke, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Durnberger, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schutzbier, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdrakhmanov, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Savova, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chia, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Djamei, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schaffner, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abel, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mechtler, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ikeda, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martens, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clausen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dagdas, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.18.995316</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A cross-kingdom conserved ER-phagy receptor maintains endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis during stress]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.24.006486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-Throughput 5' UTR Engineering for Enhanced Protein Production in Non-Viral Gene Therapies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.24.006486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite significant clinical progress in cell and gene therapies, maximizing protein expression in order to enhance potency remains a major challenge. One approach to increase protein expression is by optimizing translation through the engineering of 5 untranslated regions (5 UTRs). Here, we developed a high-throughput strategy to design, screen, and optimize novel 5UTRs that enhance protein expression from a strong human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. We first identified naturally occurring 5 UTRs with high translation efficiencies and used this information with in silico genetic algorithms to generate synthetic 5 UTRs. A total of [~]12,000 5 UTRs were then screened using a recombinase-mediated integration strategy that greatly enhances the sensitivity of high-throughput screens by eliminating copy number and position effects that limit lentiviral approaches. Using this approach, we identified three synthetic 5 UTRs that outperformed commonly used non-viral gene therapy plasmids in expressing protein payloads. Furthermore, combinatorial assembly of these 5 UTRs enabled even higher protein expression than obtained with each individual 5 UTR. In summary, we demonstrate that high-throughput screening of 5 UTR libraries with recombinase-mediated integration can identify genetic elements that enhance protein expression, which should have numerous applications for engineered cell and gene therapies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maria Novoa, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, G. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wehrspaun, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kellis, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, T. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.24.006486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-Throughput 5' UTR Engineering for Enhanced Protein Production in Non-Viral Gene Therapies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.007286v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The type 2 diabetes gene product STARD10 is a phosphoinositide binding protein that controls insulin secretory granule biogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.007286v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveRisk alleles for type 2 diabetes at the STARD10 locus are associated with lowered STARD10 expression in the {beta}-cell, impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion and decreased circulating proinsulin:insulin ratios. Although likely to serve as a mediator of intracellular lipid transfer, the identity of the transported lipids, and thus the pathways through which STARD10 regulates {beta}-cell function, are not understood. The aim of this study was to identify the lipids transported and affected by STARD10 in the {beta}-cell and its effect on proinsulin processing and insulin granule biogenesis and maturation.

MethodsWe used isolated islets from mice deleted selectively in the {beta}-cell for Stard10 ({beta}StarD10KO) and performed electron microscopy, pulse-chase, RNA sequencing and lipidomic analyses. Proteomic analysis of STARD10 binding partners was executed in INS1 (832/13) cell line. X-ray crystallography followed by molecular docking and lipid overlay assay were performed on purified STARD10 protein.

Results{beta}StarD10KO islets had a sharply altered dense core granule appearance, with a dramatic increase in the number of "rod-like" dense cores. Correspondingly, basal secretion of proinsulin was increased. Amongst the differentially expressed genes in {beta}StarD10KO islets, expression of the phosphoinositide binding proteins Pirt and Synaptotagmin 1 were decreased while lipidomic analysis demonstrated changes in phosphatidyl inositol levels. The inositol lipid kinase PIP4K2C was also identified as a STARD10 binding partner. STARD10 bound to inositides phosphorylated at the 3 position and solution of the crystal structure of STARD10 to 2.3 [A] resolution revealed a binding pocket capable of accommodating polyphosphoinositides.

ConclusionOur data indicate that STARD10 binds to, and may transport, phosphatidylinositides, influencing membrane lipid composition, insulin granule biosynthesis and insulin processing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Carrat, G. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haythorne, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tomas, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haataja, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andreas, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arvan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Piunti, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pullen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Georgiadou, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stylianides, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amirruddin, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salem, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Distaso, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cakebread, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heesom, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hodson, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Briant, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, A. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sessions, R. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alpy, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, A. P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benke, P. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Torta, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, A. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leclerc, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Solimena, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wigley, D. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rutter, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.25.007286</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The type 2 diabetes gene product STARD10 is a phosphoinositide binding protein that controls insulin secretory granule biogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.009100v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An ectosymbiosis-based mechanism of eukaryogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.009100v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The mechanisms proposed for eukaryogenesis are divisible into mitochondria-early and mitochondria-late ones, where the mitochondriate-eukaryotes (MTEs) were evolutionary precursors or products of the amitochondriate-eukaryotes (AMIs) respectively. Analysis of prokaryote-to-eukaryote gene transfers in eukaryogenesis showed two tranches of high-intensity transfers from prokaryotes to eukaryotes mediated by endosymbioses that gave rise to mitochondria and chloroplasts, and hundreds of medium-intensity transfers which included the transfer of hydrogenase and pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase genes from the Thermoanaerobacter-Hungateiclostridium-Sporanaerobacter group to the AMIs. Since 94.5% of these medium-intensity transfers generated more than 100 inter-proteome similarity hits between each donor-recipient pair, they were not readily explicable by horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) or endosymbioses, pointing instead to the participation of a large number of ectosymbiotic transfers. The euryarchaeon Aciduliprofundum boonei (Abo) and the gammaproteobacterium Escherichia coli (Eco) were the foremost contributors of archaeal and bacterial genes for the eukaryotic DNA-apparatus respectively, and the Abo/Eco ratios for the prokaryote-derived genes in eukaryotes decreased from Microsporidia to other AMIs, and even more so in the MTEs. These findings supported an ectosymbiosis-based mechanism of eukaryogenesis with Abo as the Archaeal Parent of Eukarya, and Microsporidia as the eukaryotes phylogenetically closest to the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.25.009100</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An ectosymbiosis-based mechanism of eukaryogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.26.009001v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CHEER: hierarCHical taxonomic classification for viral mEtagEnomic data via deep leaRning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.26.009001v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ABSTRARCTThe fast accumulation of viral metagenomic data has contributed significantly to new RNA virus discovery. However, the short read size, complex composition, and large data size can all make taxonomic analysis difficult. In particular, commonly used alignment-based methods are not ideal choices for detecting new viral species. In this work, we present a novel hierarchical classification model named CHEER, which can conduct read-level taxonomic classification from order to genus for new species. By combining k-mer embedding-based encoding, hierarchically organized CNNs, and carefully trained rejection layer, CHEER is able to assign correct taxonomic labels for reads from new species. We tested CHEER on both simulated and real sequencing data. The results show that CHEER can achieve higher accuracy than popular alignment-based and alignment-free taxonomic assignment tools. The source code, scripts, and pre-trained parameters for CHEER are available via GitHub: https://github.com/KennthShang/CHEER.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.26.009001</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CHEER: hierarCHical taxonomic classification for viral mEtagEnomic data via deep leaRning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.27.011353v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SCYN: Single cell CNV profiling method using dynamic programming 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.27.011353v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Copy number variation is crucial in deciphering the mechanism and cure of complex disorders and cancers. The recent advancement of scDNA sequencing technology sheds light upon addressing intratumor heterogeneity, detecting rare subclones, and reconstructing tumor evolution lineages at single-cell resolution. Nevertheless, the current circular binary segmentation based approach proves to fail to efficiently and effectively identify copy number shifts on some exceptional trails. Here, we propose SCYN, a CNV segmentation method powered with dynamic programming. SCYN resolves the precise segmentation on two in silico datasets. Then we verified SCYN manifested accurate copy number inferring on triple negative breast cancer scDNA data, with array comparative genomic hybridization results of purified bulk samples as ground truth validation. We tested SCYN on two datasets of the newly emerged 10x Genomics CNV solution. SCYN successfully recognizes gastric cancer cells from 1% and 10% spike-ins 10x datasets. Moreover, SCYN is about 150 times faster than state of the art tool when dealing with the datasets of approximately 2000 cells. SCYN robustly and efficiently detects segmentations and infers copy number profiles on single cell DNA sequencing data. It serves to reveal the tumor intra-heterogeneity. The source code of SCYN can be accessed in https://github.com/xikanfeng2/SCYN. The visualization tools are hosted on https://sc.deepomics.org/.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qing, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.27.011353</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SCYN: Single cell CNV profiling method using dynamic programming]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.28.013938v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Coupled Co-clustering-based Unsupervised Transfer Learning for the Integrative Analysis of Single-Cell Genomic Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.28.013938v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Unsupervised methods, such as clustering methods, are essential to the analysis of single-cell genomic data. Most current clustering methods are designed for one data type only, such as scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq or sc-methylation data alone, and a few are developed for the integrative analysis of multiple data types. Integrative analysis of multimodal single-cell genomic data sets leverages the power in multiple data sets and can deepen the biological insight. We propose a coupled co-clustering-based unsupervised transfer learning algorithm (coupleCoC) for the integrative analysis of multimodal single-cell data. Our proposed coupleCoC builds upon the information theoretic co-clustering framework. We applied coupleCoC for the integrative analysis of scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq data, sc-methylation and scRNA-seq data, and scRNA-seq data from mouse and human. We demonstrate that coupleCoC improves the overall clustering performance and matches the cell subpopulations across multimodal single-cell genomic data sets. The software and data sets are available at https://github.com/cuhklinlab/coupleCoC.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZENG, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.28.013938</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Coupled Co-clustering-based Unsupervised Transfer Learning for the Integrative Analysis of Single-Cell Genomic Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.30.015008v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evolutionary origins of the SARS-CoV-2 sarbecovirus lineage responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.30.015008v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There are outstanding evolutionary questions on the recent emergence of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2/hCoV-19 in Hubei province that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, including (1) the relationship of the new virus to the SARS-related coronaviruses, (2) the role of bats as a reservoir species, (3) the potential role of other mammals in the emergence event, and (4) the role of recombination in viral emergence. Here, we address these questions and find that the sarbecoviruses - the viral subgenus responsible for the emergence of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 - exhibit frequent recombination, but the SARS-CoV-2 lineage itself is not a recombinant of any viruses detected to date. In order to employ phylogenetic methods to date the divergence events between SARS-CoV-2 and the bat sarbecovirus reservoir, recombinant regions of a 68-genome sarbecovirus alignment were removed with three independent methods. Bayesian evolutionary rate and divergence date estimates were consistent for all three recombination-free alignments and robust to two different prior specifications based on HCoV-OC43 and MERS-CoV evolutionary rates. Divergence dates between SARS-CoV-2 and the bat sarbecovirus reservoir were estimated as 1948 (95% HPD: 1879-1999), 1969 (95% HPD: 1930-2000), and 1982 (95% HPD: 1948-2009). Despite intensified characterization of sarbecoviruses since SARS, the lineage giving rise to SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating unnoticed for decades in bats and been transmitted to other hosts such as pangolins. The occurrence of a third significant coronavirus emergence in 17 years together with the high prevalence and virus diversity in bats implies that these viruses are likely to cross species boundaries again.

In BriefThe Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the sarbecovirus subgenus which shows frequent recombination in its evolutionary history. We characterize the extent of this genetic exchange and identify non-recombining regions of the sarbecovirus genome using three independent methods to remove the effects of recombination. Using these non-recombining genome regions and prior information on coronavirus evolutionary rates, we obtain estimates from three approaches that the most likely divergence date of SARS-CoV-2 from its most closely related available bat sequences ranges from 1948 to 1982.

Key PointsO_LIRaTG13 is the closest available bat virus to SARS-CoV-2; a sub-lineage of these bat viruses is able to infect humans. Two sister lineages of the RaTG13/SARS-CoV-2 lineage infect Malayan pangolins.
C_LIO_LIThe sarbecoviruses show a pattern of deep recombination events, indicating that there are high levels of co-infection in horseshoe bats and that the viral pool can generate novel allele combinations and substantial genetic diversity; the sarbecoviruses are efficient  explorers of phenotype space.
C_LIO_LIThe SARS-CoV-2 lineage is not a recent recombinant, at least not involving any of the bat or pangolin viruses sampled to date.
C_LIO_LINon-recombinant regions of the sarbecoviruses can be identified, allowing for phylogenetic inference and dating to be performed. We constructed three such regions using different methods.
C_LIO_LIWe estimate that RaTG13 and SARS-CoV-2 diverged 40 to 70 years ago. There is a diverse unsampled reservoir of generalist viruses established in horseshoe bats.
C_LIO_LIWhile an intermediate host responsible for the zoonotic event cannot be ruled out, the relevant evolution for spillover to humans very likely occurred in horseshoe bats.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Boni, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lemey, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perry, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castoe, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rambaut, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robertson, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-03-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.30.015008</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evolutionary origins of the SARS-CoV-2 sarbecovirus lineage responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-03-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.31.017608v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Automated Feature Extraction from Population Wearable Device Data Identified Novel Loci Associated with Sleep and Circadian Rhythms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.31.017608v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Wearable devices have been increasingly used in research to provide continuous physical activity monitoring, but how to effectively extract features remains challenging for researchers. To analyze the generated actigraphy data in large-scale population studies, we developed computationally efficient methods to derive sleep and activity features through a Hidden Markov Model-based sleep/wake identification algorithm, and circadian rhythm features through a Penalized Multi-band Learning approach adapted from machine learning. Unsupervised feature extraction is useful when labeled data are unavailable, especially in large-scale population studies. We applied these two methods to the UK Biobank wearable device data and used the derived sleep and circadian features as phenotypes in genome-wide association studies. We identified 53 genetic loci with p<5x10-8 including genes known to be associated with sleep disorders and circadian rhythms as well as novel loci associated with Body Mass Index, mental diseases and neurological disorders, which suggest shared genetic factors of sleep and circadian rhythms with physical and mental health. Further cross-tissue enrichment analysis highlights the important role of the central nervous system and the shared genetic architecture with metabolism-related traits and the metabolic system. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of our unsupervised methods for wearable device data when additional training data cannot be easily acquired, and our study further expands the application of wearable devices in population studies and genetic studies to provide novel biological insights.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.03.31.017608</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Automated Feature Extraction from Population Wearable Device Data Identified Novel Loci Associated with Sleep and Circadian Rhythms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.05.026146v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CovProfile: profiling the viral genome and gene expressions of SARS-COV2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.05.026146v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected more than one million people worldwide to date. Knowing its genome and gene expressions is essential to understand the virus mechanism. Here, we propose a computational tool CovProfile to detect the viral genomic variations as well as viral gene expressions from the sequences obtained from Nanopore devices. We applied CovProfile to 11 samples, each from a terminally ill patient, and discovered that all the patients are infected by multiple viral strains, which might affect the reliability of phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, the expression of viral genes ORF1ab gene, S gene, M gene, and N gene are high among most of the samples. While performing the tests, we noticed a consistent abundance of transcript segments of MUC5B, presumably from the host, across all the samples.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.05.026146</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CovProfile: profiling the viral genome and gene expressions of SARS-COV2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.16.045815v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Horseshoe crab genomes reveal the evolutionary fates of genes and microRNAs after three rounds (3R) of whole genome duplication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.16.045815v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Whole genome duplication (WGD) has occurred in relatively few sexually reproducing invertebrates. Consequently, the WGD that occurred in the common ancestor of horseshoe crabs ~135 million years ago provides a rare opportunity to decipher the evolutionary consequences of a duplicated invertebrate genome. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly for the mangrove horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (1.7Gb, N50 = 90.2Mb, with 89.8% sequences anchored to 16 pseudomolecules, 2n = 32), and a resequenced genome of the tri-spine horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus (1.7Gb, N50 = 109.7Mb). Analyses of gene families, microRNAs, and synteny show that horseshoe crabs have undergone three rounds (3R) of WGD, and that these WGD events are shared with spiders. Comparison of the genomes of C. rotundicauda and T. tridentatus populations from several geographic locations further elucidates the diverse fates of both coding and noncoding genes. Together, the present study represents a cornerstone for a better understanding of the consequences of invertebrate WGD events on evolutionary fates of genes and microRNAs at individual and population levels, and highlights the genetic diversity with practical values for breeding programs and conservation of horseshoe crabs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Owen, T. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Narayana, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baril, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swale, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngai, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panagiotou, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, J.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ismail, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pati, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>John, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tobe, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bendena, W. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, S. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.16.045815</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Horseshoe crab genomes reveal the evolutionary fates of genes and microRNAs after three rounds (3R) of whole genome duplication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.19.049254v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrated analyses of single-cell atlases reveal age, gender, and smoking status associations with cell type-specific expression of mediators of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and highlights inflammatory programs in putative target cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.19.049254v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, creates an urgent need for identifying molecular mechanisms that mediate viral entry, propagation, and tissue pathology. Cell membrane bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and associated proteases, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and Cathepsin L (CTSL), were previously identified as mediators of SARS-CoV2 cellular entry. Here, we assess the cell type-specific RNA expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and CTSL through an integrated analysis of 107 single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-Seq studies, including 22 lung and airways datasets (16 unpublished), and 85 datasets from other diverse organs. Joint expression of ACE2 and the accessory proteases identifies specific subsets of respiratory epithelial cells as putative targets of viral infection in the nasal passages, airways, and alveoli. Cells that co-express ACE2 and proteases are also identified in cells from other organs, some of which have been associated with COVID-19 transmission or pathology, including gut enterocytes, corneal epithelial cells, cardiomyocytes, heart pericytes, olfactory sustentacular cells, and renal epithelial cells. Performing the first meta-analyses of scRNA-seq studies, we analyzed 1,176,683 cells from 282 nasal, airway, and lung parenchyma samples from 164 donors spanning fetal, childhood, adult, and elderly age groups, associate increased levels of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and CTSL in specific cell types with increasing age, male gender, and smoking, all of which are epidemiologically linked to COVID-19 susceptibility and outcomes. Notably, there was a particularly low expression of ACE2 in the few young pediatric samples in the analysis. Further analysis reveals a gene expression program shared by ACE2+TMPRSS2+ cells in nasal, lung and gut tissues, including genes that may mediate viral entry, subtend key immune functions, and mediate epithelial-macrophage cross-talk. Amongst these are IL6, its receptor and co-receptor, IL1R, TNF response pathways, and complement genes. Cell type specificity in the lung and airways and smoking effects were conserved in mice. Our analyses suggest that differences in the cell type-specific expression of mediators of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry may be responsible for aspects of COVID-19 epidemiology and clinical course, and point to putative molecular pathways involved in disease susceptibility and pathogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Muus, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luecken, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eraslan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Waghray, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heimberg, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sikkema, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobayashi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vaishnav, E. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Subramanian, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smillie, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jagadeesh, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duong, E. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fiskin, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Torlai Triglia, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ansari, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buchanan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haber, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Montoro, D. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adams, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aliee, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Allon, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andrusivova, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Angelidis, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ashenberg, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bassler, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becavin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benhar, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bergenstrahle, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bergenstrahle, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bolt, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Braun, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bui, L. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chaffin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chichelnitskiy, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Conlon, T. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cuoco, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deprez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fischer, D. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>G</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.04.19.049254</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrated analyses of single-cell atlases reveal age, gender, and smoking status associations with cell type-specific expression of mediators of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and highlights inflammatory programs in putative target cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.12.092080v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
De Novo Assembly of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Genome Reveals Candidate Regulatory Regions for Sexually Dichromatic Red Plumage Coloration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.12.092080v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are common, mid-sized passerines widely distributed in North America. As an iconic species with strong sexual dichromatism, it has been the focus of extensive ecological and evolutionary research, yet genomic studies investigating the evolution of genotype-phenotype association of plumage coloration and dichromatism are lacking. Here we present a new, highly contiguous assembly for C. cardinalis. We generated a 1.1 Gb assembly comprised of 4,762 scaffolds, with a scaffold N50 of 3.6 Mb, a contig N50 of 114.4 kb and a longest scaffold of 19.7 Mb. We identified 93.5% complete and single-copy orthologs from an Aves dataset using BUSCO, demonstrating high completeness of the genome assembly. We annotated the genomic region comprising the CYP2J19 gene, which plays a pivotal role in the red coloration in birds. Comparative analyses demonstrated non-exonic regions unique to the CYP2J19 gene in passerines and a long insertion upstream of the gene in C. cardinalis. Transcription factor binding motifs discovered in the unique insertion region in C. cardinalis suggest potential androgen-regulated mechanisms underlying sexual dichromatism. Pairwise Sequential Markovian Coalescent (PSMC) analysis of the genome reveals fluctuations in historic effective population size between 100,000-250,000 in the last 2 millions years, with declines concordant with the beginning of the Pleistocene epoch and Last Glacial Period. This draft genome of C. cardinalis provides an important resource for future studies of ecological, evolutionary, and functional genomics in cardinals and other birds.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.12.092080</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[De Novo Assembly of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Genome Reveals Candidate Regulatory Regions for Sexually Dichromatic Red Plumage Coloration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.14.081042v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The plate-to-rod transition in trabecular bone loss is elusive 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.14.081042v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Changes in trabecular micro-architecture are key to our understanding of osteoporosis. Previous work focusing on structure model index (SMI) measurements have concluded that disease progression entails a shift from plates to rods in trabecular bone, but SMI is heavily biased by bone volume fraction. As an alternative to SMI, we proposed the Ellipsoid Factor (EF) as a continuous measure of local trabecular shape between plate-like and rod-like extremes. We investigated the relationship between EF distributions, SMI and bone volume fraction of the trabecular geometry in a murine model of disuse osteoporosis as well as from human vertebrae of differing bone volume fraction. We observed a moderate shift in EF median (at later disease stages in mouse tibia) and EF mode (in the vertebral samples with low bone volume fraction) towards a more rod-like geometry, but not in EF maximum and minimum. These results support the notion that the plate to rod transition does not coincide with the onset of bone loss and is considerably more moderate, when it does occur, than SMI suggests. A variety of local shapes not straightforward to categorise as rod or plate exist in all our trabecular bone samples.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Felder, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Monzem, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Souza, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mills, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boyde, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doube, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.14.081042</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The plate-to-rod transition in trabecular bone loss is elusive]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.14.093583v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exosomes Facilitate Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Genome into Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.14.093583v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ABSTRACTThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into a worldwide pandemic. Early data suggest that the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 appear to be higher among patients with underlying cardiovascular risk factors. Despite the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, in cardiomyocytes, there has been no conclusive evidence of direct viral infection although the presence of inflammation and viral genome within the hearts of COVID-19 patients have been reported. Here we transduced A549 lung epithelial cells with lentivirus overexpressing selected genes of the SARS-CoV-2. We then isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the supernatant of A549 cells and detected the presence of viral RNA within the purified EVs. Importantly, we observed that human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were able to actively uptake these EVs and viral genes were subsequently detected in the cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, uptake of EVs containing viral genes led to an upregulation of inflammation-related genes in hiPSC-CMs. Thus, our findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 RNA-containing EVs represent an indirect route of viral RNA entry into cardiomyocytes.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kwon, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nukala, S. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Srivastava, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miyamoto, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ismail, N. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, S.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, S.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.14.093583</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exosomes Facilitate Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Genome into Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.17.100578v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Conjugate graph resolves the complex structures at the virus integration loci with NGS data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.17.100578v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Oncovirus integrations cause copy number variations (CNVs) and complex structural variations (SVs) on host genomes. However, the understanding of how inserted viral DNA impacts the local genome remains limited. The linear structure of the oncovirus integrated local genomic map (LGM) will lay the foundations to understand how oncovirus integrations emerge and compromise the host genome s functioning. We propose a conjugate graph model to reconstruct the rearranged local genomic map at integrated loci. Simulation tests prove the reliability and credibility of the algorithm. Applications of the algorithm to whole-genome sequencing data of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected cancer samples gained biological insights on oncovirus integrations. We observed five affection patterns of oncovirus integrations from the HPV and HBV-integrated cancer samples, including the exon loss, promoter gain, hyper-amplification of tumor gene, the viral cis-regulation inserted at the single intron and at the intergenic region. We found that the focal duplicates and host SVs are frequent in the HPV-integrated LGMs, while the focal deletions and complex virus SVs are prevalent in HBV-integrated LGMs. Furthermore, with the results yields from our method, we found the enhanced microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) might lead to both HPV and HBV integrations, and conjectured that the HPV integrations might mainly occur during the DNA replication process. The conjugate graph algorithm code and LGM construction pipeline, available at https://github.com/deepomicslab/FuseSV.

Key pointsO_LIConjugate graph model resolves complex local genomic strcuture at oncovirus integration loci.
C_LIO_LILocal genome maps reveal five affection patterns of oncovirus integrations.
C_LIO_LIMicrohomology bases and small insertions are enriched at the junctions of structural variations and virus integrations.
C_LIO_LIHPV and HBV integrations may be induced by the enhanced microhomology-meditated mechanism.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.17.100578</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Conjugate graph resolves the complex structures at the virus integration loci with NGS data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.19.103788v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
AnAms1.0: A high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of a domestic cat Felis catus of American Shorthair breed 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.19.103788v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is one of the most popular companion animals in the world. Comprehensive genomic resources will aid the development and application of veterinary medicine including to improve feline health, in particular, to enable precision medicine which is promising in human application. However, currently available cat genome assemblies were mostly built based on the Abyssinian cat breed which is highly inbred and has limited power in representing the vast diversity of the cat population. Moreover, the current reference assembly remains fragmented with sequences contained in thousands of scaffolds. We constructed a reference-grade chromosome-scale genome assembly of a domestic cat, Felis catus genome of American Shorthair breed, Anicom American shorthair 1.0 (AnAms1.0) with high contiguity (scaffold N50 > 120 Mb), by combining multiple advanced genomic technologies, including PacBio long-read sequencing as well as sequence scaffolding by long-range genomic information obtained from Hi-C and optical mapping data. Homology-based and ab initio gene annotation was performed with the Iso-Seq data. Analyzed data is be publicly accessible on Cats genome informatics (Cats-I, https://cat.annotation.jp/), a cat genome database established as a platform to facilitate the accumulation and sharing of genomic resources to improve veterinary care.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Isobe, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matsumoto, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sakamoto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hirakawa, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ishihara, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nakayama, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sasamoto, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tanizawa, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watanabe, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watanabe, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yagura, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nakamura, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.19.103788</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[AnAms1.0: A high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of a domestic cat Felis catus of American Shorthair breed]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.20.103549v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Intra-host Variation and Evolutionary Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Population in COVID-19 Patients 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.20.103549v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As of middle May 2020, the causative agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, has infected over 4 million people with more than 300 thousand death as official reports1,2. The key to understanding the biology and virus-host interactions of SARS-CoV-2 requires the knowledge of mutation and evolution of this virus at both inter- and intra-host levels. However, despite quite a few polymorphic sites identified among SARS-CoV-2 populations, intra-host variant spectra and their evolutionary dynamics remain mostly unknown. Here, using deep sequencing data, we achieved and characterized consensus genomes and intra-host genomic variants from 32 serial samples collected from eight patients with COVID-19. The 32 consensus genomes revealed the coexistence of different genotypes within the same patient. We further identified 40 intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNVs). Most (30/40) iSNVs presented in single patient, while ten iSNVs were found in at least two patients or identical to consensus variants. Comparison of allele frequencies of the iSNVs revealed genetic divergence between intra-host populations of the respiratory tract (RT) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT), mostly driven by bottleneck events among intra-host transmissions. Nonetheless, we observed a maintained viral genetic diversity within GIT, showing an increased population with accumulated mutations developed in the tissue-specific environments. The iSNVs identified here not only show spatial divergence of intra-host viral populations, but also provide new insights into the complex virus-host interactions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>luo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.20.103549</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Intra-host Variation and Evolutionary Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Population in COVID-19 Patients]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.25.115527v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Proteomic responses to ocean acidification in the brain of juvenile coral reef fish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.25.115527v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Elevated CO2 levels predicted to occur by the end of the century can affect the physiology and behaviour of marine fishes. For one important survival mechanism, the response to chemical alarm cues from conspecifics, substantial among-individual variation in the extent of behavioural impairment when exposed to elevated CO2 has been observed in previous studies. Whole brain transcriptomic data has further emphasized the importance of parental phenotypic variation in the response of juvenile fish to elevated CO2. In this study, we investigate the genome-wide proteomic responses of this variation in the brain of 5-week old spiny damselfish, Acanthochromis polyacanthus. We compared the expression of proteins in the brains of juvenile A. polyacanthus from two different parental behavioural phenotypes (sensitive and tolerant) that had been experimentally exposed to short-term, long-term and inter-generational elevated CO2. Our results show differential expression of key proteins related to stress response and epigenetic markers with elevated CO2 exposure. Proteins related to neurological development were also differentially expressed particularly in the long-term developmental treatment, which might be critical for juvenile development. By contrast, exposure to elevated CO2 in the parental generation resulted in only three differentially expressed proteins in the offspring, revealing potential for inter-generational acclimation. Lastly, we found a distinct proteomic pattern in juveniles due to the behavioural sensitivity of parents to elevated CO2, even though the behaviour of the juvenile fish was impaired regardless of parental phenotype. Our data shows that developing juveniles are affected in their brain protein expression by elevated CO2, but the effect varies with the length of exposure as well as due to variation of parental phenotypes in the population.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tsang, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Welch, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munday, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.25.115527</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Proteomic responses to ocean acidification in the brain of juvenile coral reef fish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.26.116020v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Simeprevir suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication and synergizes with remdesivir 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.26.116020v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global threat to human health. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we identified and validated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor simeprevir as an especially promising repurposable drug for treating COVID-19. Simeprevir potently reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load by multiple orders of magnitude and synergizes with remdesivir in vitro. Mechanistically, we showed that simeprevir inhibits the main protease (Mpro) and unexpectedly the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Our results thus reveal the viral protein targets of simeprevir, and provide preclinical rationale for the combination of simeprevir and remdesivir for the pharmacological management of COVID-19 patients.

One Sentence SummaryDiscovery of simeprevir as a potent suppressor of SARS-CoV-2 viral replication that synergizes with remdesivir.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lo, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, K. P. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khan, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaur, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. K. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, H. H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Che, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, P. M.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, K.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dikic, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, P.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, F. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, D. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, V. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aik, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-05-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.05.26.116020</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Simeprevir suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication and synergizes with remdesivir]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-05-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.02.129031v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
FIRM: Fast Integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing data across Multiple platforms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.02.129031v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is being used extensively to measure the mRNA expression of individual cells from deconstructed tissues, organs, and even entire organisms to generate cell atlas references, leading to discoveries of novel cell types and deeper insight into biological trajectories. These massive datasets are usually collected from many samples using different scRNA-seq technology platforms, including the popular SMART-Seq2 (SS2) and 10X platforms. Inherent heterogeneities between platforms, tissues, and other batch effects makes scRNA-seq data difficult to compare and integrate, especially in large-scale cell atlas efforts; yet, accurate integration is essential for gaining deeper insights into cell biology. Through comprehensive data exploration, we found that accurate integration is often hampered by differences in cell-type compositions. Herein we describe FIRM, an algorithm that addresses this problem and achieves efficient and accurate integration of heterogeneous scRNA-seq datasets across multiple tissue types, platforms, and experimental batches. We applied FIRM to numerous large-scale scRNA-seq datasets from mouse, mouse lemur, and human, comparing its performance in dataset integration with other state-of-the-art methods. FIRM-integrated datasets show accurate mixing of shared cell type identities and superior preservation of original structure without overcorrection, generating robust integrated datasets for downstream exploration and analysis. It is also a facile way to transfer cell type labels and annotations from one dataset to another, making it a reliable and versatile tool for scRNA-seq analysis, especially for cell atlas data integration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ming, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.02.129031</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[FIRM: Fast Integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing data across Multiple platforms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.130872v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Induction of Muscle Regenerative Multipotent Stem Cells from Human Adipocytes by PDGF-AB and 5-Azacytidine. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.130872v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Terminally differentiated murine osteocytes and adipocytes can be reprogrammed using platelet-derived growth factor-AB and 5-Azacytidine into multipotent stem cells with stromal cell characteristics. To generate a product that is amenable for therapeutic application, we have modified and optimised culture conditions to reprogram human adipocytes into induced multipotent stem cells (iMS) and expand them in vitro. The basal transcriptomes of adipocyte-derived iMS cells and matched adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells were remarkably similar. However, there were distinct changes in histone modifications and CpG methylation at cis-regulatory regions consistent with an epigenetic landscape that was primed for tissue development and differentiation. In a non-specific tissue injury xenograft model, iMS cells contributed directly to new muscle, bone, cartilage and blood vessels with no evidence of teratogenic potential. In a cardiotoxin muscle injury model, iMS cells contributed specifically to satellite cells and myofibres without ectopic tissue formation. Taken together, human adipocyte derived iMS cells regenerate tissues in a context dependent manner without ectopic or neoplastic growth.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yeola, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Subramanian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oliver, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lucas, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thoms, J. A. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Olivier, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chacon, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tursky, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Power, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hardy, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCarroll, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kavallaris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hesson, L. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beck, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Curtis, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hardeman, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walsh, W. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mobbs, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chandrakanthan, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pimanda, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.04.130872</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Induction of Muscle Regenerative Multipotent Stem Cells from Human Adipocytes by PDGF-AB and 5-Azacytidine.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.133272v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNMT3b Dysfunction Promotes DNA cleavages at Centromeric R-loops to Increase Centromere Instability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.04.133272v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This study investigates how DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) dysfunction causes genome instability. We showed that in DNMT3b deficient cells, R-loops contribute to prominent {gamma}H2AX signal, which was mapped to repetitive satellite sequences including centromere regions. By ChIP and DRIP analyses, our data revealed that centromeric R-loops in DNMT3b deficient cells are removed by XPG/XPF, thus generating DNA breaks in centromeres to increase mitotic aberration. In immunodeficiency-centromeric instability-facial anomalies (ICF) patient cells carrying the loss-of-function mutation at DNMT3b, knockdown of XPG/XPF in ICF cells also reduces DNA breaks in centromere while bringing up centromeric R-loop to the level similar to that in wild-type cells. These results suggest that DNMT3b has a critical function in preventing XPG/XPF-mediated cleavages at centromeric R-loop sites. Finally, we showed the involvement of non-homologous end-joining repair at centromeric sites in ICF cells. Thus, DNA cleavages at centromeric R-loops with error-prone repair undermine centromere stability in ICF cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shih, H.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chou, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, Z.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.04.133272</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNMT3b Dysfunction Promotes DNA cleavages at Centromeric R-loops to Increase Centromere Instability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.06.137729v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A new pipeline to automatically segment and semi-automatically measure bone length on 3D models obtained by Computed Tomography 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.06.137729v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The characterization of developmental phenotypes often relies on the accurate linear measurement of structures that are small and require laborious preparation. This is tedious and prone to errors, especially when repeated for the multiple replicates that are required for statistical analysis, or when multiple distinct structures have to be analysed. To address this issue, we have developed a pipeline for characterization of long-bone length and inter-vertebral distance using X-ray microtomography (XMT) scans. The pipeline involves semi-automated algorithms for automatic thresholding and fast interactive isolation and 3D-model generation of the main limb bones, using either the open-source ImageJ plugin BoneJ or the commercial Mimics Innovation Suite package. The tests showed the appropriate combination of scanning conditions and analysis parameters yields fast and comparable length results, highly correlated with the measurements obtained via ex vivo skeletal preparations. Moreover, since XMT is not destructive, the samples can be used afterwards for histology or other applications. Our new pipelines will help developmental biologists and evolutionary researchers to achieve fast, reproducible and non-destructive length measurement of bone samples from multiple animal species.

Summary statementBeltran Diaz et al. present a semi-automated pipeline for fast and versatile characterization of bone length from micro-CT images of mouse developmental samples.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Beltran Diaz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Veer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panagiotopoulou, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosello-Diez, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.06.137729</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A new pipeline to automatically segment and semi-automatically measure bone length on 3D models obtained by Computed Tomography]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.07.138297v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ozone nanobubble treatment effectively reduced pathogenic Gram positive and negative bacteria in freshwater and safe for tilapia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.07.138297v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
High concentrations of pathogenic bacteria in water usually results in outbreaks of bacterial diseases in farmed fish. Here, we explored the potential application of an emerging nanobubble technology in freshwater aquaculture. Specifically, we aimed to determine if this technology was effective at reducing the concentration of pathogenic bacteria in the water, and to assess whether it was safe for fish. An ozone nanobubble (NB-O3) treatment protocol was established based on examination of nanobubble size, concentration, disinfection property, and impact on fish health. A 10-min treatment with NB-O3 in 50 L water generated approximately 2-3 x 107 bubbles with majority sizes less than 130 nm and ozone level of [~]800 mV ORP. A single treatment with water contaminated with either Streptococcus agalactiae or Aeromonas veronii effectively reduced 96.11-97.92 % of the bacterial load. This same protocol was repeated 3 times with 99.93-99.99 % reduction in the bacterial concentration. In comparison, bacterial concentration the control tanks remained the same level during the experiments. In fish-cultured water with the presence of organic matter (e.g. mucus, feces, bacterial flora, feed, etc.), the disinfection property of NB-O3 was reduced i.e bacterial concentration was reduced by 42.94 %, 84.94 % and 99.27 % after the first, second and third treatments, respectively. To evaluate the safety of NB-O3 to fish, juvenile Nile tilapia were exposed to NB-O3 treatment for 10 minutes. No mortality was observed during the treatment or 48 h post treatment. Gill histology examination revealed that a single NB-O3 treatment caused no alteration morphology. However, damage in the gill filaments was noticed in the fish receiving two or three consecutive exposures within the same day. Results of all the experiments conducted in this study suggest that NB-O3 technology is promising for controlling pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture systems, and may be useful at reducing the risk of bacterial disease outbreaks in farmed fish.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jhunkeaw, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khongcharoen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rungrueng, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sangpo, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panphut, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thapinta, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Senapin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St-Hilaire, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.07.138297</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ozone nanobubble treatment effectively reduced pathogenic Gram positive and negative bacteria in freshwater and safe for tilapia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.08.141143v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Identification of A ROS Responsive Motif that is regulated by snoRNP in Arabidopsis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.08.141143v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A GGGCC motif (site II like motif) was identified from the upstream sequences of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and light induced genes in Arabidopsis. This motif is highly enriched within the -50 to -250 bp region of the induced genes, and it is also specifically distributed in the same region in mouse and human genome. EMSA experiments revealed that several nuclear factors (NFs) bind to this motif, and the binding activities altered under H2O2 treatment. Two C/D family snoRNP proteins, namely fibrillarin 2 and NOP56, were identified from the site II like motif binding NFs. Several C/D family snoRNA, including R63, U24a and Z15, were also cloned from the motif binding NFs. These data suggest new regulatory roles of snoRNP in Arabidopsis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.08.141143</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Identification of A ROS Responsive Motif that is regulated by snoRNP in Arabidopsis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.09.134460v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Rare Deletion in SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 Dramatically Alters the Predicted Three-Dimensional Structure of the Resultant Protein 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.09.134460v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The function of the SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein p6, encoded by ORF6, is not fully known. Based upon its similarity to p6 from SARS-CoV, it may play a similar role, namely as an antagonist of type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Here we report the sequencing of a SARS-CoV-2 strain passaged six times after original isolation from a clinical patient in Hong Kong. The genome sequence shows a 27 nt in-frame deletion ({Delta}27,264-27,290) within ORF6, predicted to result in a 9 aa deletion ({Delta}FKVSIWNLD) from the central portion of p6. This deletion is predicted to result in a dramatic alteration in the three-dimensional structure of the resultant protein (p6{Delta}22-30), possibly with significant functional implications. Analysis of the original clinical sample indicates that the deletion was not present, while sequencing of subsequent passages of the strain identifies the deletion as a majority variant. This suggests that the deletion originated ab initio during passaging and subsequently propagated into the majority, possibly due to the removal of selective pressure through the IFN-deficient Vero E6 cell line. The specific function of the SARS-CoV-2 p6 N-terminus, if any, has not yet been determined. However, this deletion is predicted to cause a shift from N-endo to N-ecto in the transmembrane localization of the SARS-CoV-2 p6{Delta}22-30 N-terminus, possibly leading to the ablation of its native function.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Riojas, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frank, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Puthuveetil, N. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flores, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parker, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, S. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, D. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benton, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bradford, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hazbon, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rashid, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.09.134460</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Rare Deletion in SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 Dramatically Alters the Predicted Three-Dimensional Structure of the Resultant Protein]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.16.155010v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A reference-guided approach for epigenetic characterization of single cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.16.155010v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The recent advancements in single-cell technologies, including single-cell chromatin accessibility sequencing (scCAS), have enabled profiling the epigenetic landscapes for thousands of individual cells. However, the characteristics of scCAS data, including high dimensionality, high degree of sparsity and high technical variation, make the computational analysis challenging. Reference-guided approach, which utilizes the information in existing datasets, may facilitate the analysis of scCAS data. We present RA3 (Reference-guided Approach for the Analysis of single-cell chromatin Acessibility data), which utilizes the information in massive existing bulk chromatin accessibility and annotated scCAS data. RA3 simultaneously models 1) the shared biological variation among scCAS data and the reference data, and 2) the unique biological variation in scCAS data that identifies distinct subpopulations. We show that RA3 achieves superior performance in many scCAS datasets. We also present several approaches to construct the reference data to demonstrate the wide applicability of RA3.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.16.155010</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A reference-guided approach for epigenetic characterization of single cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.16.155994v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterization of the evolutionary dynamics of influenza A H3N2 hemagglutinin 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.16.155994v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Virus evolution drives the annual influenza epidemics in human population worldwide. However, it has been challenging to evaluate the mutation effect of the influenza virus on evading the population immunity. In this study, we introduce a novel statistical and computational approach to measure the dynamic molecular determinants underlying epidemics by the effective mutations (EMs), and account for the time of waning mutation advantage against herd immunity by the effective mutation periods (EMPs). Extensive analysis is performed on the genome and epidemiology data of 13-year worldwide H3N2 epidemics involving nine regions in four continents. We showed that the identified EM processed similar profile in geographically adjacent regions, while only 40% are common to Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania, indicating that the regional specific mutations also contributed significantly to the global H3N2 epidemics. The mutation dynamics calibrated that around 90% of the common EMs underlying global epidemics were originated from South East Asia, led by Thailand and India, and the rest were originated from North America. New Zealand was found to be the dominate sink region of H3N2 circulation, followed by UK. All regions might act as the intersection in the H3N2 transmission network. The proposed methodology provided a way to characterize key amino acids from the genetic epidemiology point of view. This approach is not restricted by the genomic region or type of the virus, and will find broad applications in identifying therapeutic targets for combating infectious diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. C.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zee, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeoh, E.-k.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.16.155994</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterization of the evolutionary dynamics of influenza A H3N2 hemagglutinin]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.20.162636v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unambiguous observation of vesicle fusion in the interior of a cone 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.20.162636v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
When a vesicle was put onto the inner surface of a cone, it would spontaneously move to the bottom of the cone. The mechanism was explained elsewhere. In this work, we showed that when we put two vesicles onto the inner surface of a cone, both of them would spontaneously climb to the bottom of the cone. Whats following is the unambiguous fusion of these two vesicles. The probability of fusion was greatly enhanced by the confined space and close contact between these two vesicles. Our result may shed new insights on the fusions of vesicles in complex environments in biological systems, especially in the axonal and nerve growth processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ge, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.20.162636</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unambiguous observation of vesicle fusion in the interior of a cone]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.27.175190v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Stabilizing selection of seasonal influenza receptor binding in populations with partial immunity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.27.175190v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutations that alter cellular receptor binding of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) have profound effects on immune escape. Despite its high mutation rate, it is not fully understood why human influenza HA displays limited antigenic diversity across circulating viruses. We applied phylogenetic analysis and phylodynamic modeling to understand the evolutionary and epidemiological effects of binding avidity adaptation in humans using net charge as a marker for receptor binding avidity. Using 686 human influenza A/H3N2 HA sequences, we found that HA net charge followed an age-specific pattern. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that many binding variants have reduced fitness. Next, we developed an individual-based disease dynamic model embedded with within-host receptor binding adaptation and immune escape in a population with varied partial immunity. The model showed that mean binding avidity was unable to adapt to values that maximized transmissibility due to competing selective forces between within- and between-host levels. Overall, we demonstrated stabilizing selection of virus binding in a population with increasing partial immunity. These findings have potential implications in understanding the evolutionary mechanisms that determine the intensity of seasonal influenza epidemics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hay, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Junus, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riley, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-06-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.06.27.175190</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Stabilizing selection of seasonal influenza receptor binding in populations with partial immunity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-06-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.02.185611v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SPRDA: a matrix completion approach based on the structural perturbation to infer disease-associated Piwi-Interacting RNAs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.02.185611v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Emerging evidence suggests that PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are one of the most influential small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate RNA silencing. piRNA and PIWI proteins have been confirmed for disease diagnosis and treatment as novel biomarkers due to its abnormal expression in various cancers. However, the current research is not strong enough to further clarify the functions of piRNA in cancer and its underlying mechanism. Therefore, how to provide large-scale and serious piRNA candidates for biological research has grown up to be a pressing issue. The main motivation of this work is tantamount to fill the gap in research on large-scale prediction of disease-related piRNAs. In this study, a novel computational model based on the structural perturbation method is proposed, called SPRDA. In detail, the duplex network is constructed based on the piRNA similarity network and disease similarity network extracted from piRNA sequence information, Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity information and gene-disease association information. The structural perturbation method is then used to predict the potential associations on the duplex network, which is more predictive than other network structures in terms of structural consistency. In the five-fold cross-validation, SPRDA shows high performance on the benchmark dataset piRDisease, with an AUC of 0.9529. Furthermore, the predictive performance of SPRDA for 10 diseases shows the robustness of the proposed method. Overall, the proposed approach can provide unique insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and will advance the field of oncology diagnosis and treatment.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>You, Z.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>wang, l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhan, Z.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.02.185611</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SPRDA: a matrix completion approach based on the structural perturbation to infer disease-associated Piwi-Interacting RNAs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.07.191478v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CUT&RUN reveals unique positioning of pre-initiated RNA polymerase II in the steady state of transcription 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.07.191478v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
CUT&RUN is a powerful tool to study protein-DNA interactions in vivo. DNA fragments cleaved by the targeted micrococcal nuclease identify the footprints of DNA-binding proteins on the chromatin. We performed CUT&RUN on human lung carcinoma cell line A549 maintained in a multi-well cell culture plate to profile RNA polymerase II. Long (>270 bp) DNA fragments released by CUT&RUN corresponded to the bimodal peak around the transcription start sites, as previously seen with chromatin immunoprecipitation. However, we found that short (<120 bp) fragments identify a well-defined peak localised at the transcription start sites. This distinct DNA footprint of short fragments, which constituted only about 5% of the total reads, suggests the transient positioning of RNA polymerase II before promoter-proximal pausing, which has not been detected in the physiological settings by standard chromatin immunoprecipitation. We showed that the positioning of the large-size-class DNA footprints around the short-fragment peak was associated with the directionality of transcription, demonstrating the biological significance of distinct CUT&RUN footprints of RNA polymerase II.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Miura, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.07.191478</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CUT&RUN reveals unique positioning of pre-initiated RNA polymerase II in the steady state of transcription]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.12.198424v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Friendly regulates membrane depolarization induced mitophagy in Arabidopsis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.12.198424v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The oxidative environment within the mitochondria makes them particularly vulnerable to proteotoxic stress. To maintain a healthy mitochondrial network, eukaryotes have evolved multi-tiered quality control pathways. If the stress cannot be alleviated, defective mitochondria are selectively removed by autophagy via a process termed mitophagy. Despite significant advances in metazoans and yeast, in plants, the molecular underpinnings of mitophagy are largely unknown. Here, using time-lapse imaging, electron tomography and biochemical assays, we show that uncoupler treatments cause loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and induce autophagy in Arabidopsis. The damaged mitochondria are selectively engulfed by autophagosomes that are ATG5 dependent and labelled by ATG8 proteins. Friendly, a member of the Clustered Mitochondria protein family, is recruited to the damaged mitochondria to mediate mitophagy. In addition to stress, mitophagy is also induced during de-etiolation, a major cellular transformation during photomorphogenesis that involves chloroplast biogenesis. De-etiolation triggered mitophagy regulates cotyledon greening, pointing towards an inter-organellar cross-talk mechanism. Altogether our results demonstrate how plants employ mitophagy to recycle damaged mitochondria during stress and development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Juncai Ma</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zizhen Liang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jierui Zhao</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pengfei Wang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wenlong Ma</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Juan A. Fernandez Andrade</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yonglun Zeng</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nenad Grujic</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liwen Jiang</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yasin Dagdas</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Byung-Ho Kang</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.12.198424</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Friendly regulates membrane depolarization induced mitophagy in Arabidopsis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.14.202424v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Limits to the cellular control of sequestered cryptophyte prey in the marine ciliate Mesodinium rubrum 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.14.202424v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The marine ciliate Mesodinium rubrum is famous for its ability to acquire and exploit chloroplasts and other cell organelles from some cryptophyte algal species. We sequenced genomes and transcriptomes of free-swimming Teleaulax amphioxeia, as well as well-fed and starved M. rubrum in order to understand cellular processes upon sequestration under different prey and light conditions. From its prey, the ciliate acquires the ability to photosynthesize as well as the potential to metabolize several essential compounds including lysine, glycan, and vitamins that elucidate its specific prey dependency. M. rubrum does not express photosynthesis related genes itself, but elicits considerable transcriptional control of the acquired cryptophyte organelles. This control is limited as light dependent transcriptional changes found in free-swimming T. amphioxeia got lost after sequestration. We found strong transcriptional rewiring of the cryptophyte nucleus upon sequestration, where 35% of the T. amphioxeia genes were significantly differentially expressed within well-fed M. rubrum. Qualitatively, 68% of all genes expressed within well-fed M. rubrum originated from T. amphioxeia. Quantitatively, these genes contributed up to 48% to the global transcriptome in well-fed M. rubrum and down to 11% in starved M. rubrum. This tertiary endosymbiosis system functions for several weeks, when deprived of prey. After this point in time, the ciliate dies if not supplied with fresh prey cells. M. rubrum represents one evolutionary way of acquiring photosystems from its algal prey, and might represent a step on the evolutionary way towards a permanent tertiary endosymbiosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Altenburger, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Drumm, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Cuetos, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hansen, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>John, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lundholm, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.14.202424</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Limits to the cellular control of sequestered cryptophyte prey in the marine ciliate Mesodinium rubrum]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.15.191114v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic variants for head size share genes and pathways with cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.15.191114v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The size of the human head is determined by growth in the first years of life, while the rest of the body typically grows until early adulthood1. Such complex developmental processes are regulated by various genes and growth pathways2. Rare genetic syndromes have revealed genes that affect head size3, but the genetic drivers of variation in head size within the general population remain largely unknown. To elucidate biological pathways underlying the growth of the human head, we performed the largest genome-wide association study on human head size to date (N = 79,107). We identified 67 genetic loci, 50 of which are novel, and found that these loci are preferentially associated with head size and mostly independent from height. In subsequent neuroimaging analyses, the majority of genetic variants demonstrated widespread effects on the brain, whereas the effects of 17 variants could be localized to one or two specific brain regions. Through hypothesis-free approaches, we find a strong overlap of head size variants with both cancer pathways and cancer genes. Gene set analyses showed enrichment for different types of cancer and the p53, Wnt and ErbB signalling pathway. Genes overlapping or close to lead variants - such as TP53, PTEN and APC - were enriched for genes involved in macrocephaly syndromes (up to 37-fold) and high-fidelity cancer genes (up to 9-fold), whereas this enrichment was not seen for human height variants. This indicates that genes regulating early brain and cranial growth are associated with a propensity to neoplasia later in life, irrespective of height. Our results warrant further investigations of the link between head size and cancer, as well as its clinical implications in the general population.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Knol, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poot, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, T. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Satizabal, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Auwera, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duperron, M.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jian, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hostettler, I. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Dam-Nolen, D. H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lamballais, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pawlak, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carrion-Castillo, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Erp, T. G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reinbold, C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scholz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haberg, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kämpe, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, G. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Avinun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Atkins, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, F.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amod, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsuchida, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teunissen, M. W. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beiser, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beyer, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bis, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bos, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bryan, R. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bülow, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Caspers, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Catheline, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cecil, C. A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dalvie, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dartigues, J.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeCarli, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Enlund-Cerullo,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.15.191114</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic variants for head size share genes and pathways with cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.16.207951v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DLPAlign: A Deep Learning based Progressive Alignment for Multiple Protein Sequences 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.16.207951v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This paper proposed a novel and straightforward approach to improve the accuracy of progressive multiple protein sequence alignment. We trained a decision-making model based on the convolutional neural networks and bi-directional long short term memory networks, and based on this model, we progressively aligned the input sequences by calculating different posterior probability matrixes.

To test the accuracy of this approach, we have implemented a multiple sequence alignment tool called DLPAlign and compared its performance with eleven leading alignment methods on three empirical alignment benchmarks (BAliBASE, OXBench and SABMark). Our results show that DLPAlign can get the best total-column scores on the three benchmarks. When evaluated against the 711 low similarity families with average PID [&le;] 30%, DLPAlign improved about 2.8% over the second-best MSA software.

Besides, we also compared the performance of DLPAlign and other alignment tools on a real-life application, namely protein secondary structure prediction on four protein sequences related to SARS-COV-2, and DLPAlign provides the best result in all cases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kuang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.16.207951</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DLPAlign: A Deep Learning based Progressive Alignment for Multiple Protein Sequences]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.23.217190v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Wireless AI-Powered IoT Sensors for Laboratory Mice Behavior Recognition 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.23.217190v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2018, there are more than 100 million animals used in research, education, and testing per year. Of the laboratory animals used for research, 95 percent are mice and rats as reported by the Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR). We present here our work in developing wireless Artificial Intelligent (AI)-powered IoT Sensors (AIIS) for laboratory mice motion recognition utilizing embedded micro-inertial measurement units (uIMUs). Based on the AIIS, we have demonstrated a small-animal motion tracking and recognition system that could recognize 5 common behaviors of mice in cages with accuracy of ~76.23%. The key advantage of this AIIS-based system is to enable high throughput behavioral monitoring of multiple to a large group of laboratory animals, in contrast to traditional video tracking systems that usually track only single or a few animals at a time. The system collects motion data (i.e., three axes linear accelerations and three axes angular velocities) from the IoT sensors attached to different mice, and classifies these data into different behaviors using machine learning algorithms. One of the challenging problems for data analysis is that the distribution of behavior samples is extremely imbalanced. Behaviors such as sleeping and walking dominate the entire sample set from different mice. However, machine learning algorithms often require a balanced sample set to achieve optimal performance. Thus, several methods are proposed to solve the imbalanced sample problem. Data processing methods for data segmentation, feature extraction, feature selection, imbalanced learning, and machine learning are explored to process motion data including sleeping, walking, rearing, digging, shaking, grooming, drinking and scratching. For example, by tuning the parameters of a machine-learning algorithm (i.e., Support Vector Machine (SVM)), the average accuracy of classifying five behaviors (i.e., sleeping, walking, rearing, digging and shaking) is 48.07% before solving the imbalance sample issue. To address this problem, an iteration of sample and feature selection is applied to improve the SVM performance. A combination of oversampling and undersampling is used to handle imbalanced classes, and feature selection provides the optimal number of features. The accuracy increases from 48.07% to 76.23% when the optimized combination is used. We further obtained an average accuracy of 86.46% by removing shaking, which is proved to have a negative effect on the overall performance, out of these five behaviors. Furthermore, we were able to classify less frequent behaviors including rearing, digging, grooming, drinking and scratching at an average accuracy of 96.35%.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, H.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.23.217190</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Wireless AI-Powered IoT Sensors for Laboratory Mice Behavior Recognition]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.23.217620v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Crystal structure of steroid reductase SRD5A reveals conserved steroid reduction mechanism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.23.217620v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Steroid hormones are essential in stress response, immune system regulation, and reproduction in mammals. Steroids with 3-oxo-{Delta}4 structure, such as testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone, could be catalyzed by steroid 5-reductases (SRD5As) to generate their corresponding 3-oxo-5 steroids, which are essential for multiple physiological and pathological processes. Abnormal activities of SRD5As will lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia, alopecia, prostatic cancer or infertility due to the poor quality of sperms. However, the detailed reduction mechanisms of SRD5As remain elusive. Here we report the crystal structure of PbSRD5A, which shares 60.6% and 51.5% sequence similarities with human SRD5A1 and -2 respectively, from Proteobacteria bacterium in complex with the cofactor NADPH at 2.0 [A] resolution. PbSRD5A exists as a monomer comprised of seven transmembrane segments (TMs). The TM1-4 enclose a hydrophobic cavity for steroids substrates binding, whereas TM5-7 coordinate with cofactor NADPH through extensive hydrogen bonds network. Homology-based structural models of HsSRD5A1 and -2, together with extensive biochemical characterizations, for the first time unveiled the substrate recognition of SRD5As and provide an important framework for further understanding of the mechanism of NADPH mediated steroids 3-oxo-{Delta}4 reduction. Based on these analyses, the design of therapeutic molecules targeting SRD5As with improved specificity and therapeutic efficacy would be possible.

One Sentence SummaryStructural and biochemical characterizations decipher the evolutionarily conserved mechanism in steroid 5-reductases catalyzing NADPH mediated steroids reduction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chi, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.23.217620</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Crystal structure of steroid reductase SRD5A reveals conserved steroid reduction mechanism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.26.222026v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Membrane (M) Protein Inhibits Type I and III Interferon Production by Targeting RIG-I/MDA-5 Signaling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.26.222026v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has quickly spread worldwide and has infected more than ten million individuals. One of the typical features of COVID-19 is that both type I and III interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral immunity are suppressed. However, the molecular mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 evades this antiviral immunity remains elusive. Here, we report that the SARS-CoV-2 membrane (M) protein inhibits the production of type I and III IFNs induced by the cytosolic dsRNA-sensing pathway of RIG-I/MDA-5-MAVS signaling. The SARS-CoV2 M protein also dampens type I and III IFN induction stimulated by Sendai virus infection or poly (I:C) transfection. Mechanistically, the SARS-CoV-2 M protein interacts with RIG-I, MAVS, and TBK1 and prevents the formation of a multi-protein complex containing RIG-I, MAVS, TRAF3, and TBK1, thus impeding IRF3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and activation. Consequently, the ectopic expression of the SARS-CoV2 M protein facilitates the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Taken together, the SARS-CoV-2 M protein antagonizes type I and III IFN production by targeting RIG-I/MDA-5 signaling, which subsequently attenuates antiviral immunity and enhances viral replication. This study provides insight into the interpretation of the SARS-CoV-2-induced antiviral immune suppression and sheds light on the pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, M.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nan, M.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.26.222026</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Membrane (M) Protein Inhibits Type I and III Interferon Production by Targeting RIG-I/MDA-5 Signaling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.28.223503v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
New measures of agency from an adaptive sensorimotor task 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.28.223503v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Self-agency, the sense that one is the author or owner of ones behaviors, is impaired in multiple psychological and neurological disorders, including functional movement disorders, Parkinsons Disease, alien hand syndrome, schizophrenia, and dystonia. Existing assessments of self-agency, many of which focus on agency of movement, can be prohibitively time-consuming and often yield ambiguous results. Here, we introduce a short online motion tracking task that quantifies movement agency through both first-order perceptual and second-order metacognitive judgments. The task assesses the degree to which a participant can distinguish between a motion stimulus whose trajectory is influenced by the participants cursor movements and a motion stimulus whose trajectory is random. We demonstrate the tasks reliability in healthy participants and discuss how its efficiency, reliability, and ease of online implementation make it a promising new tool for both diagnosing and understanding disorders of agency.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajananda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knotts, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.28.223503</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[New measures of agency from an adaptive sensorimotor task]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.28.225789v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Drug Screening with Zebrafish Visual Behavior Identifies Carvedilol as a Potential Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.28.225789v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an incurable inherited retinal degeneration affecting approximately 1 in 4,000 individuals globally. The goal of this work was to identify drugs that can help patients suffering from the disease. To accomplish this, we screened drugs on a zebrafish RP model. This model expresses a truncated human rhodopsin transgene (Tg(rho:Hsa.RH1_Q344X)) causing significant rod degeneration by 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). Consequently, the larvae displayed a deficit in visual motor response (VMR) under scotopic condition. The diminished VMR was leveraged to screen an ENZO SCREEN-WELL(R) REDOX library since oxidative stress is postulated to play a role in RP progression. Our screening identified a beta-blocker, carvedilol, that ameliorated the deficient VMR of the RP larvae and increased their rod number. Carvedilol can act directly on rods as it affected the adrenergic pathway in a rod-like human Y79 cell line. Since carvedilol is an FDA-approved drug, our findings suggest that carvedilol can potentially be repurposed to treat RP patients.

Summary StatementThis paper presents the utilization of zebrafish visual behavior, a novel paradigm to screen and identify drugs to treat retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable retinal-degenerative disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ganzen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>James, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mumm, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Rijn, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, C. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsujikawa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, Y. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.28.225789</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Drug Screening with Zebrafish Visual Behavior Identifies Carvedilol as a Potential Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.30.229112v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic signatures for lineage/sublineage classification of HPV16, 18, 52 and 58 variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.30.229112v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Increasing evidences indicate that high-risk HPV variants are heterogeneous in carcinogenicity and ethnic dispersion. In this work, we identified genetic signatures for convenient determination of lineage/sublineage of HPV16, 18, 52 and 58 variants. Using publicly available genomes, we found that E2 of HPV16, L2 of HPV18, L1 and LCR of HPV52, and L2, LCR and E1 of HPV58 contain the proper genetic signature for lineage/sublineage classification. Sets of hierarchical signature nucleotide positions (SNPs) were further confirmed for high accuracy (>98%) by classifying HPV genomes obtained from Chinese females, which included 117 HPV16 variants, 48 HPV18 variants 117 HPV52 variants and 89 HPV58 variants. The circulation of HPV variants posing higher cancer risk in Eastern China, such as HPV16 A4 and HPV58 A3, calls for continuous surveillance in this region. The marker genes and signature nucleotide positions may facilitate cost-effective diagnostic detections of HPV variants in clinical settings.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-07-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.07.30.229112</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic signatures for lineage/sublineage classification of HPV16, 18, 52 and 58 variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-07-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.04.236299v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Time-resolved expression analysis comparing two selective retinal cell ablation paradigms in zebrafish reveals shared and cell-specific regenerative regulatory networks. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.04.236299v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Retinal Muller glia (MG) can act as stem-like cells to generate new neurons in both zebrafish and mice. In zebrafish, retinal regeneration is innate and robust, resulting in the replacement of lost neurons and restoration of visual function. In mice, exogenous stimulation of MG is required to reveal a dormant and, to date, limited regenerative capacity. Zebrafish studies have been key in revealing factors that promote regenerative responses in the mammalian eye. Increased understanding of how the regenerative potential of MG is regulated in zebrafish may therefore aid efforts to promote retinal repair therapeutically. Developmental signaling pathways are known to coordinate regeneration following widespread retinal cell loss. In contrast, less is known about how regeneration is regulated in the context of retinal degenerative disease, i.e., following the loss of specific retinal cell types. To address this knowledge gap, we compared transcriptomic responses underlying regeneration following targeted loss of rod photoreceptors or bipolar cells. In total, 2,531 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with the majority being paradigm specific, including during early MG activation phases, suggesting the nature of the injury/cell loss informs the regenerative process from initiation onward. For example, early modulation of Notch signaling was implicated in the rod but not bipolar cell ablation paradigm and components of JAK/STAT signaling were implicated in both paradigms. To examine candidate gene roles in rod cell regeneration, including several immune-related factors, CRISPR/Cas9 was used to create G0 mutant larvae (i.e., "crispants"). Rod cell regeneration was inhibited in stat3 crispants, while mutating stat5a/b, c7b and txn accelerated rod regeneration kinetics. These data support emerging evidence that discrete responses follow from selective retinal cell loss and that the immune system plays a key role in regulating "fate-biased" regenerative processes.

Author SummaryBlinding diseases are linked to the loss of specific types of neurons in the retina. In humans, this eventually leads to loss of sight. In zebrafish, however, lost retinal neurons are regenerated resulting in restored vision. Our lab has developed zebrafish models that induce the loss of disease-relevant retinal neurons, thereby allowing us to study how individual cell types are regenerated. Here, to better understand how these processes are regulated, we compared gene expression changes occurring during loss and regeneration of two different retinal cell types, rod photoreceptors and bipolar interneurons. The majority of gene changes were specific to each cell type studied, providing strong evidence that genetic programs underlying stem cell activation vary depending on the cell type lost. We also found that the immune system was implicated as a regulator of regeneration in both models, but that individual immune-related genes were more strongly associated with one of the two models. Furthermore, disrupting multiple genes involved in immune system signaling led to enhanced rod regeneration. We hope that a better understanding of how retinal cell regeneration is regulated in zebrafish will aid efforts to develop regenerative therapeutics designed to restore sight to patients who have lost their vision.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Walker, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Emmerich, K. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>White, D. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saxena, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mumm, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.04.236299</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Time-resolved expression analysis comparing two selective retinal cell ablation paradigms in zebrafish reveals shared and cell-specific regenerative regulatory networks.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.18.255018v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Effect of Task on Object Processing revealed by EEG decoding 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.18.255018v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent studies showed that task demand affects object representations in higher-level visual areas and beyond, but not so much in earlier areas. There are, however, limitations in those studies including the relatively weak manipulation of task due to the use of familiar real-life objects, the low temporal resolution in fMRI, and the emphasis on the amount and not the source of information carried by brain activations. In the current study, observers categorized images of artificial objects in one of two orthogonal dimensions, shape and texture, while their brain activity was recorded with electroencephalogram (EEG). Results showed that object processing along the texture dimension was affected by task demand starting from a relatively late time (320-370ms time window) after image onset. The findings are consistent with the view that task exerts an effect on the later phases of object processing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, L. Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. C.- N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.18.255018</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Effect of Task on Object Processing revealed by EEG decoding]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.22.260612v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Simultaneous transcriptome and methylome profiles of single mouse oocytes provide novel insights on maturation and aging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.22.260612v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundAdvanced maternal aging has become a worldwide public health issue that contributes to female fertility decline and significant risk to embryo development. Despite transcriptional and epigenetic alterations reported in oocyte maturation and development, the dynamics of gene expression and DNA dynamics associated with aging remain elusive. Here we generated simultaneous transcriptome and methylome profiles of mouse oocytes during aging and maturation at single-cell and single-base resolution to examine key biological processes and identify the key targets for novel treatment options.

ResultsWe report the dynamics in transcriptome and DNA methylome in mouse oocytes during maternal aging and oocyte maturation. Age-associated gene expression changes showed mitochondrial dysfunction in GV oocytes and defects of chromosome segregation and spindle assembly in MII oocytes. EIF2 signaling protein synthesis pathway was also impaired during aged oocyte maturation. Moreover, distinctive DNA methylation patterns were demonstrated during maternal aging in GV and MII oocytes. A positive correlation between gene expression and methylation in gene body was characterized. Furthermore, we identified several promising biomarkers, including IL-7, to assess oocyte quality, which are potential therapeutic targets for improve oocyte maturation. More importantly, we built the first mouse oocyte maturation and age prediction model using transcriptome data and validated its feasibility in published data.

ConclusionsThis work provides a better understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms during mouse oocyte aging, points a new direction of oocyte quality assessment, and paves the way for developing novel treatments to improve oocyte maturation and quality in the future.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SUEN, A. H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, J. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J. Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.22.260612</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Simultaneous transcriptome and methylome profiles of single mouse oocytes provide novel insights on maturation and aging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.27.267716v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The immunodominant and neutralization linear epitopes for SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.27.267716v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) becomes a tremendous threat to global health. Although vaccines against the virus are under development, the antigen epitopes on the virus and their immunogenicity are poorly understood. Here, we simulated the three-dimensional structures of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with high performance computer, predicted the B cell epitopes on spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 using structure-based approaches, and then validated the epitope immunogenicity by immunizing mice. Almost all 33 predicted epitopes effectively induced antibody production, six of which were immunodominant epitopes in patients identified via the binding of epitopes with the sera from domestic and imported COVID-19 patients, and 23 were conserved within SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and bat coronavirus RaTG13. We also found that the immunodominant epitopes of domestic SARS-CoV-2 were different from that of the imported, which may be caused by the mutations on S (G614D) and N proteins. Importantly, we validated that eight epitopes on S protein elicited neutralizing antibodies that blocked the cell entry of both D614 and G614 pseudo-virus of SARS-CoV-2, three and nine epitopes induced D614 or G614 neutralizing antibodies, respectively. Our present study shed light on the immunodominance, neutralization, and conserved epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 which are potently used for the diagnosis, virus classification and the vaccine design tackling inefficiency, virus mutation and different species of coronaviruses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, T.-r.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, G.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, C.-p.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, E.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, X.-m.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.-q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, S.-j.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, H.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, X.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, C.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, B.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, C.-g.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, R.-t.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.27.267716</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The immunodominant and neutralization linear epitopes for SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.27.271080v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Age and gender dependence of liver diffusion parameters and the evidence of intravoxel incoherent motion modelling of perfusion component is constrained by diffusion component. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.27.271080v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectivesTo establish reference values for middle aged subjects and investigate age and gender dependence of liver diffusion MRI parameters.

MethodsThe IVIM type of liver diffusion scan was based on a single-shot spin-echo type echo-planar sequence using a 1.5-T magnet with 16 b-values. DDVD (diffusion-derived vessel density) was the signal difference between b=0 and b=2 s/mm2 images after removing visible vessels. IVIM analysis was performed with full-fitting and segmented-fitting, and with threshold b-value of 60 or 200 s/mm2, and fitting started from b=2 s/mm2. 32 men (age range: 25-71 years) and 26 men (age: 22-69 years) had DDVD and IVIM analysis respectively, while 36 women (age: 20-71 years) had DDVD and IVIM analysis.

ResultsDDVD had an age-related reduction noted for women. IVIM results of full fitting had good agreement with segmented fitting with threshold b of 60 s/mm2 results, but less so with results of threshold b of 200 s/mm2. As age increases, female subjects Dslow measure had significant reduction, and PF and Dfast measure had significant increase. For the age group of 40-55 years, DDVD, Dslow, PF, and Dfast were 12.27{+/-}3.90, 1.072{+/-}0.067 (10-3mm2/s), 0.141{+/-}0.025, 61.0{+/-}14.0 (10-3mm2/s), and 13.4{+/-}3.6, 1.069{+/-}0.074 mm2/s, 0.119{+/-}0.014, 57.1{+/-}13.2 mm2/s, for men and women, respectively.

ConclusionDDVD measure suggest that aging may be associated with reduction in liver perfusion. Lower Dslow measurement can lead to artificial higher PF and Dfast measurement, providing the evidence of IVIM modeling of perfusion component is constrained by diffusion component.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Che-Nordin, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.27.271080</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Age and gender dependence of liver diffusion parameters and the evidence of intravoxel incoherent motion modelling of perfusion component is constrained by diffusion component.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.28.271528v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exploring the distribution of  statistical feature parameters for natural sound textures 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.28.271528v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sounds like "running water" and "buzzing bees" are classes of sounds which are a collective result of many similar acoustic events and are known as "sound textures". Recent psychoacoustic study using sound textures by [1] reported that natural sounding textures can be synthesized from white noise by imposing statistical features such as marginals and correlations computed from the outputs of cochlear models responding to the textures. The outputs being the envelopes of bandpass filter responses, the  cochlear envelope. This suggests that the perceptual qualities of many natural sounds derive directly from such statistical features, and raises the question of how these statistical features are distributed in the acoustic environment. To address this question, we collected a corpus of 200 sound textures from public online sources and analyzed the distributions of the textures marginal statistics (mean, variance, skew, and kurtosis), cross-frequency correlations and modulation power statistics. A principal component analysis of these parameters revealed a great deal of redundancy in the texture parameters. For example, just two marginal principal components, which can be thought of as measuring the sparseness or burstiness of a texture, capture as much as 66% of the variance of the 128 dimensional marginal parameter space, while the first two principal components of cochlear correlations capture as much as 90% of the variance in over 1000 correlation parameters. Knowledge of the statistical distributions documented here may help guide the choice of acoustic stimuli with high ecological validity in future research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harper, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.28.271528</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exploring the distribution of  statistical feature parameters for natural sound textures]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.30.274068v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
mRNA translation control by Dhx36 binding to 5' UTR G-quadruplex structures is essential for skeletal muscle stem cell regenerative functions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.30.274068v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Skeletal muscle has a remarkable ability to regenerate owing to its resident stem cells, also called satellite cells (SCs), that are normally quiescent. When stimulated by damage, SCs activate and expand to form new fibers. The mechanisms underlying SC proliferative progression remain poorly understood. Here we show that Dhx36, a helicase that unwinds RNA quadruplex (rG4) structures, is essential for muscle regeneration by regulating SC expansion. We find that Dhx36 (initially named RHAU) is barely expressed at quiescence and is highly induced during SC activation and proliferation. Inducible deletion of Dhx36 in adult SCs causes defective proliferation and muscle regeneration after damage. System-wide mapping in proliferating SCs revealed Dhx36 binding predominantly to rG4 structures at various regions of mRNAs, while integrated polysome profiling showed that Dhx36 promotes mRNA translation via 5UTR rG4 binding. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Dhx36 specifically regulates the translation of Gnai2 mRNA by unwinding its 5UTR rG4 structures and identify Gnai2 as a downstream effector of Dhx36 for SC expansion. Altogether our findings uncover Dhx36 as an indispensable post-transcriptional regulator of SC function and muscle regeneration through binding and unwinding rG4 structures at 5UTR of target mRNAs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Campanario Sanz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Umar, M. I. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Isern, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mann, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perdiguero, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagamine, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munoz-Canoves, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-08-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.08.30.274068</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[mRNA translation control by Dhx36 binding to 5' UTR G-quadruplex structures is essential for skeletal muscle stem cell regenerative functions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-08-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.01.278812v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Insulin-Induced Conformational Changes in the Full-Length Insulin Receptor: Structural Insights Gained from Molecular Modeling Analyses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.01.278812v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Insulin receptor plays an important role in regulation of energy metabolism. Dysfunction of insulin receptor (IR) can lead to many disease states, such as diabetes mellitus. Deciphering the complex dynamic structure of human IR and its mechanism of activation would greatly aid in understanding IR-mediated signaling pathways and in particular, in designing new drugs (including nonpeptidal insulin analogs) to treat diabetes mellitus. Experimental evidence about IR structure has been gradually obtained by biologists over the past three decades. Based on the available experimental structures of IR in different states, here we employ molecular modeling approach to construct the full-length IR structures in different states and model its structural and conformational changes during insulin-induced IR activation. Several key possible intermediate states are constructed based on structural alignment, rotation and computational modeling. Based on the structures of the full-length IR in different states, it appears that there are two possible conformational transition pathways: one is symmetric, and the other one is asymmetric. Structural changes and motions of different domains of the full-length IR along the pathways are analyzed. The role of insulin binding to IR in facilitating the conformational transition of the receptor is modeled. Information and insights derived from our present structural modeling analyses may aid in understanding the complex dynamic, structural and conformational changes during the process of IR activation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.01.278812</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Insulin-Induced Conformational Changes in the Full-Length Insulin Receptor: Structural Insights Gained from Molecular Modeling Analyses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.08.285460v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dating Alphaproteobacteria evolution with eukaryotic fossils 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.08.285460v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Elucidating the timescale of evolution of bacteria is key to testing hypotheses on their co-evolution with eukaryotic hosts, which, however, is largely limited by the scarcity of bacterial fossils. Here, we incorporate eukaryotic fossils to date the divergence times of Alphaproteobacteria, based on the endosymbiosis theory that mitochondria evolved from an alphaproteobacterial lineage. We estimate that Alphaproteobacteria arose ~1900 million years (Ma) ago, followed by rapid divergence of their major clades. We show that the origin of Rickettsiales, an order of obligate intracellular bacteria whose hosts are mostly animals, predates the emergence of animals for ~700 Ma but coincides with that of eukaryotes. This, together with reconstruction of ancestral hosts, strongly suggests that early Rickettsiales lineages had established previously underappreciated interactions with unicellular eukaryotes. Our mitochondria-based approach displays higher precision and robustness to uncertainties compared with the traditional strategy using cyanobacterial fossils, and suggests that previous applications using divergence times of the modern hosts of symbiotic bacteria to date the bacterial tree of life may need to be revisited.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.08.285460</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dating Alphaproteobacteria evolution with eukaryotic fossils]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.09.287623v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unexpectedly high mutation rate of a deep-sea hyperthermophilic anaerobic archaeon 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.09.287623v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents resemble the early Earth, and thus the dominant Thermococcaceae inhabitants, which occupy an evolutionarily basal position of the archaeal tree and take an obligate anaerobic hyperthermophilic free-living lifestyle, are likely excellent models to study the evolution of early life. Here, we determined that unbiased mutation rate of a representative species, Thermococcus eurythermalis, exceeded that of all known free-living prokaryotes by 1-2 orders of magnitude, and thus rejected the long-standing hypothesis that low mutation rates were selectively favored in hyperthermophiles. We further sequenced multiple and diverse isolates of this species and calculated that T. eurythermalis has a lower effective population size than other free-living prokaryotes by 1-2 orders of magnitude. These data collectively indicate that the high mutation rate of this species is not selectively favored but instead driven by random genetic drift. The availability of these unusual data also helps explore mechanisms underlying microbial genome size evolution. We showed that genome size is negatively correlated with mutation rate and positively correlated with effective population size across 30 bacterial and archaeal lineages, suggesting that increased mutation rate and random genetic drift are likely two important mechanisms driving microbial genome reduction. Future determinations of the unbiased mutation rate of more representative lineages with highly reduced genomes such as Prochlorococcus and Pelagibacterales that dominate marine microbial communities are essential to test these hypotheses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.09.287623</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unexpectedly high mutation rate of a deep-sea hyperthermophilic anaerobic archaeon]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.09.289280v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Myogenic Vasoconstriction Requires Canonical Gq/11 Signaling of Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor in Murine Vasculature 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.09.289280v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe myogenic response is an inherent vasoconstrictive property of resistance arteries to keep blood flow constant in response to increases in intravascular pressure. Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptors (AT1R) are broadly distributed, mechanoactivated receptors, which have been proposed to transduce myogenic vasoconstriction. However, the AT1R subtype(s) involved and their downstream G protein- and {beta}-arrestin-mediated signaling pathways are still elusive.

ObjectiveTo characterize the function of AT1aR and AT1bR in the regulation of the myogenic response of resistance size arteries and possible downstream signaling cascades mediated by Gq/11 and/or {beta}-arrestins.

MethodsWe used Agtr1a-/-, Agtr1b-/- and tamoxifen-inducible smooth muscle-specific AT1aR knockout mice (SM-Agtr1a mice). FR900359, [Sar1, Ile4, Ile8] Ang II (SII) and TRV120055 were used as selective Gq/11 protein inhibitor and biased agonists to activate non-canonical {beta}-arrestin and canonical Gq/11 signaling of the AT1R, respectively.

ResultsMyogenic and Ang II-induced vasoconstrictions were diminished in the perfused renal vasculature of Agtr1a-/- and SM-Agtr1a mice. Similar results were observed in isolated pressurized mesenteric and cerebral arteries. Myogenic tone and Ang II-induced vasoconstrictions were normal in arteries from Agtr1b-/- mice. The Gq/11 blocker FR900359 decreased myogenic tone and Ang II vasoconstrictions while selective biased targeting of AT1R {beta}-arrestin signaling pathways had no effects.

ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that myogenic arterial constriction requires Gq/11-dependent signaling pathways of mechanoactivated AT1aR but not G protein-independent, noncanonical alternative signaling pathways in the murine mesenteric, cerebral and renal circulation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cui, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kassmann, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nickel, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alenina, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anistan, Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schleifenbaum, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bader, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Welsh, D. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gollasch, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.09.289280</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Myogenic Vasoconstriction Requires Canonical Gq/11 Signaling of Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor in Murine Vasculature]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.10.289561v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) de-amidation by the gut microbiome and evidence for indirect upregulation of the NAD+ metabolome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.10.289561v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a prominent strategy to elevate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels to treat age-related pathologies, where it is assumed to be directly incorporated into the NAD+ metabolome through the canonical recycling pathway. During oral delivery, NMN is exposed to the gut microbiome, which can modify the NAD+ metabolome through enzyme activities that are not present in mammals. Here, we show that orally delivered NMN can undergo direct deamidation and incorporation in mammalian tissue via the de novo pathway, and that this deamidation is reduced in animals treated with antibiotics to ablate the gut microbiome. Further, we show that antibiotics treatment increases the overall availability of NAD+ metabolites in the gut epithelium, with one possibility that the gut microbiome could be in competition with the host for dietary NAD+ precursors. Together, these data highlight previously undescribed interactions between orally delivered NMN and the gut microbiome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kim, L.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chalmers, T. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, G. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Das, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, E. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tucker, S. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sinclair, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quek, L.-E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.10.289561</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) de-amidation by the gut microbiome and evidence for indirect upregulation of the NAD+ metabolome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.21.306712v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The gut microbiome stability of a butterflyfish is disrupted on severely degraded Caribbean coral reefs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.21.306712v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Environmental degradation has the potential to alter key mutualisms that underline the structure and function of ecological communities. While it is well recognized that the global loss of coral reefs alters fish communities, the effects of habitat degradation on microbial communities associated with fishes remain largely unknown despite their fundamental roles in host nutrition and immunity. Using a gradient of reef degradation, we show that the gut microbiome of a facultative, coral-feeding butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus) is significantly more variable among individuals at degraded reefs with very low live coral cover (~0%) than reefs with higher coral cover (~30%), mirroring a known pattern of microbial imbalance observed in immunodeficient humans and other stressed or diseased animals. We demonstrate that fish gut microbiomes on severely degraded reefs have a lower abundance of Endozoicomonas and a higher diversity of anaerobic fermentative bacteria, which suggests a broader and less coral dominated diet. The observed shifts in fish gut bacterial communities across the habitat gradient extend to a small set of potentially beneficial host associated bacteria (i.e., the core microbiome) suggesting essential fish-microbiome interactions are vulnerable to severe coral degradation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Clever, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sourisse, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Preziosi, R. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eisen, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guerra, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scott, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilkins, L. G. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Altieri, A. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McMillan, W. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leray, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.21.306712</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The gut microbiome stability of a butterflyfish is disrupted on severely degraded Caribbean coral reefs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.23.308304v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dual symbiosis in the deep-sea hydrothermal vent snail Gigantopelta aegis revealed by its hologenome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.23.308304v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Animals endemic to deep-sea hydrothermal vents often form obligatory relationships with bacterial symbionts, maintained by intricate host-symbiont interactions. Endosymbiosis with more than one symbiont is uncommon, and most genomic studies focusing on such  dual symbiosis systems have not investigated the host and the symbionts to a similar depth simultaneously. Here, we report a novel dual symbiosis among the peltospirid snail Gigantopelta aegis and its two Gammaproteobacteria endosymbionts - one being a sulphur oxidiser and the other a methane oxidiser. We assembled high-quality genomes for all three parties of this holobiont, with a chromosome-level assembly for the snail host (1.15 Gb, N50 = 82 Mb, 15 pseudo-chromosomes). In-depth analyses of these genomes reveal an intimate mutualistic relationship with complementarity in nutrition and metabolic codependency, resulting in a system highly versatile in transportation and utilisation of chemical energy. Moreover, G. aegis has an enhanced immune capability that likely facilitates the possession of more than one type of symbiont. Comparisons with Chrysomallon squamiferum, another chemosymbiotic snail in the same family but only with one sulphur-oxidising endosymbiont, show that the two snails sulphur-oxidising endosymbionts are phylogenetically distant, agreeing with previous results that the two snails have evolved endosymbiosis independently and convergently. Notably, the same capabilities of biosynthesis of specific nutrition lacking in the host genome are shared by the two sulphur-oxidising endosymbionts of the two snail genera, which may be a key criterion in the selection of symbionts by the hosts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>YANG, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bougouffa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Van Dover, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, J.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.23.308304</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dual symbiosis in the deep-sea hydrothermal vent snail Gigantopelta aegis revealed by its hologenome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.24.311464v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neural correlates of auditory pattern learning in the auditory cortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.24.311464v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Learning of new auditory stimuli requires repetitive exposure to the stimulus. Fast and implicit learning of sounds presented at random times enables efficient auditory perception. However, it is unclear how such sensory encoding is processed on a neural level. We investigated neural responses that are developed from a passive, repetitive exposure to a specific sound in the auditory cortex of anesthetized rats, using electrocorticography. We presented a series of random sequences that are generated afresh each time, except for a specific reference sequence that remains constant and re-appears at random times across trials. We compared induced activity amplitudes between reference and fresh sequences. Neural responses from both primary and non-primary auditory cortical regions showed significantly decreased induced activity amplitudes for reference sequences compared to fresh sequences, especially in the beta band. This is the first study showing that neural correlates of auditory pattern learning can be evoked even in anesthetized, passive listening animal models.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abichacra, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sutter, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-09-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.24.311464</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neural correlates of auditory pattern learning in the auditory cortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-09-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.30.320283v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Changes in the plasmodesma structure and permeability at the bundle sheath and mesophyll interface during the maize C4 leaf development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.30.320283v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Plasmodesmata are intercellular channels that facilitate molecular diffusion between neighboring plant cells. The development and functions of plasmodesmata are controlled by multiple intra- and intercellular signaling pathways. Plasmodesmata are critical for dual-cell C4 photosynthesis in maize because plasmodesmata at the mesophyll and bundle sheath interface mediate exchange of CO2-carrying organic acids. We examined developmental profiles of plasmodesmata and chloroplasts in the maize leaf from young cells in the base to mature cell in the tip using microscopy approaches. Young mesophyll and bundle sheath cells in the leaf base had proplastids, and their plasmodesmata were simple, devoid of cytoplasmic sleeves. In maturing cells where Kranz anatomy and dimorphic chloroplasts were evident, we observed extensive remodeling of plasmodesmata that included acquisition of an electron-dense ring on the mesophyll side and cytoplasmic sleeves on the bundle sheath side. Interestingly, the changes in plasmodesmata involved a drop in symplastic dye mobility and suberin accumulation in the cell wall, implying a more stringent mesophyll-bundle sheath transport. We compared kinetics of the plasmodesmata and the cell wall modification in wildtype leaves with leaves from ppdk and dct2 mutants with defective C4 pathways. Plasmodesmata development, symplastic transport inhibition, and cell wall suberization were accelerated in the mutant lines, probably due to the aberrant C4 cycle. Transcriptomic analyses of the mutants confirmed the expedited changes in the cell wall. Our results suggest that a regulatory machinery at the mesophyll-bundle sheath boundary suppresses erroneous flux of C4 metabolites in the maize leaf.

Significance StatementPlasmodesmata in the maize Kranz anatomy mediate the exchange of organic acids between mesophyll and bundle sheath. Since solute diffusion through plasmodesmata is governed by solute concentration gradients, a balanced distribution of C4 metabolites is critical for concentration of CO2 in the bundle sheath. Plasmodesmata bridging the mesophyll and bundle sheath cytoplasm have a cylindrical cavity, which can facilitate molecular movements, and a valve-like attachment. Construction of the sophisticated plasmodesmata was linked to C4 photosynthesis, and plasmodesmata assembly finished more rapidly in maize mutants with defective C4 pathways than in wild-type plants. These results suggest that the specialized plasmodesmata contribute to controlled transport of C4 metabolites.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.09.30.320283</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Changes in the plasmodesma structure and permeability at the bundle sheath and mesophyll interface during the maize C4 leaf development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.12.336834v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scATAC-Seq reveals epigenetic heterogeneity associated with an EMT-like process in male germline stem cells and its regulation by G9a 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.12.336834v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundEpithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a phenomenon in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits. It contributes to organogenesis and tissue homeostasis, as well as stem cell differentiation. Emerging evidence indicates that heterogeneous expression of EMT gene markers presents in sub-populations of germline stem cells (GSCs). However, the functional implications of such heterogeneity are largely elusive.

ResultsWe unravelled an EMT-like process in GSCs by in vitro extracellular matrix (ECM) model and single-cell genomics approaches. We found that histone methyltransferase G9a regulated an EMT-like program in GSC in vitro and contributed to neonatal germ cell migration in vivo. Through modulating ECM, we demonstrated that GSCs exist in interconvertible epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cell states. GSCs gained higher migratory ability after transition to a mesenchymal-like cell state, which was largely mediated by the TGF-{beta} signaling pathway. Dynamics of epigenetic regulation at the single-cell level was also found to align with the EMT-like process. Chromatin accessibility profiles generated by single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) clustered GSCs into epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like states, which were associated with differentiation status. The high-resolution data revealed regulators in the EMT-like process, including transcription factors Zeb1. We further identified putative enhancer-promoter interactions and cis-co-accessibility networks at loci such as Tgfb1, Notch1 and Lin28a. Lastly, we identified HES1 as the putative target underlying G9as regulation.

ConclusionOur work provides the foundation for understanding the EMT-like process and a comprehensive resource for future investigation of epigenetic regulatory networks in GSCs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suen, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, A. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, J. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hobbs, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.12.336834</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scATAC-Seq reveals epigenetic heterogeneity associated with an EMT-like process in male germline stem cells and its regulation by G9a]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.13.337006v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Do auditory mismatch responses differ between acoustic features? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.13.337006v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mismatch negativity (MMN) is the electroencephalographic (EEG) waveform obtained by subtracting event-related potential (ERP) responses evoked by unexpected deviant stimuli from responses evoked by expected standard stimuli. While the MMN is thought to reflect an unexpected change in an ongoing, predictable stimulus, it is unknown whether MMN responses evoked by changes in different stimulus features have different magnitudes, latencies, and topographies. The present study aimed to investigate whether MMN responses differ depending on whether sudden stimulus change occur in pitch, duration, location or vowel identity respectively.

To calculate ERPs to standard and deviant stimuli, EEG signals were recorded in normal-hearing participants (N=20; 13 males, 7 females) who listened to roving oddball sequences of artificial syllables. In the roving paradigm, any given stimulus is repeated several times to form a standard, and then suddenly replaced with a deviant stimulus which differs from the standard. Here, deviants differed from preceding standards along one of four features (pitch, duration, vowel or interaural level difference). The feature levels were individually chosen to match behavioral discrimination performance.

We identified neural activity evoked by unexpected violations along all four acoustic dimensions. Evoked responses to deviant stimuli increased in amplitude relative to the responses to standard stimuli. A univariate (channel-by-channel) analysis yielded no significant differences between MMN responses following violations of different features. However, in a multivariate analysis (pooling information from multiple EEG channels), acoustic features could be decoded from the topography of mismatch responses, although at later latencies than those typical for MMN. These results support the notion that deviant feature detection may be subserved by a different process than general mismatch detection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>AN, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SHING, H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>schnupp, j. w. h.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.13.337006</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Do auditory mismatch responses differ between acoustic features?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.26.353797v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Disruption of a GATA2, TAL1, ERG regulatory circuit promotes erythroid transition in healthy and leukemic stem cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.26.353797v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Changes in gene regulation and expression govern orderly transitions from hematopoietic stem cells to terminally differentiated blood cell types. These transitions are disrupted during leukemic transformation but knowledge of the gene regulatory changes underpinning this process is elusive. We hypothesised that identifying core gene regulatory networks in healthy hematopoietic and leukemic cells could provide insights into network alterations that perturb cell state transitions. A heptad of transcription factors (LYL1, TAL1, LMO2, FLI1, ERG, GATA2, RUNX1) bind key hematopoietic genes in human CD34+ haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and have prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These factors also form a densely interconnected circuit by binding combinatorially at their own, and each others, regulatory elements. However, their mutual regulation during normal haematopoiesis and in AML cells, and how perturbation of their expression levels influences cell fate decisions remains unclear. Here, we integrated bulk and single cell data and found that the fully connected heptad circuit identified in healthy HSPCs persists with only minor alterations in AML, and that chromatin accessibility at key heptad regulatory elements was predictive of cell identity in both healthy progenitors and in leukemic cells. The heptad factors GATA2, TAL1 and ERG formed an integrated sub-circuit that regulates stem cell to erythroid transition in both healthy and leukemic cells. Components of this triad could be manipulated to facilitate erythroid transition providing a proof of concept that such regulatory circuits could be harnessed to promote specific cell type transitions and overcome dysregulated haematopoiesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Thoms, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knezevic, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harvey, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seneviratne, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carter, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Subramanian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skhinas, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chacon, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shah, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Jong, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beck, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gottgens, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Larsson, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zanini, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pimanda, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.10.26.353797</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Disruption of a GATA2, TAL1, ERG regulatory circuit promotes erythroid transition in healthy and leukemic stem cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.01.363663v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Light-inducible Deformation of Mitochondria in Live Cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.01.363663v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, are dynamic organelles that undergo constant morphological changes. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondria morphologies and functions can be modulated by mechanical cues. However, the mechano-sensing and -responding properties of mitochondria and the correlation between mitochondrial morphologies and functions are unclear due to the lack of methods to precisely exert mechano-stimulation on and deform mitochondria inside live cells. Here we present an optogenetic approach that uses light to induce deformation of mitochondria by recruiting molecular motors to the outer mitochondrial membrane via light-activated protein-protein hetero-dimerization. Mechanical forces generated by motor proteins distort the outer membrane, during which the inner mitochondrial membrane can also be deformed. Moreover, this optical method can achieve subcellular spatial precision and be combined with other optical dimerizers and molecular motors. This method presents a novel mitochondria-specific mechano-stimulator for studying mitochondria mechanobiology and the interplay between mitochondria shapes and functions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.01.363663</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Light-inducible Deformation of Mitochondria in Live Cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.01.363739v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Temporal patterns in the evolutionary genetic distance of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.01.363739v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundDuring the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the genetic mutations occurred in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cumulatively or sporadically. In this study, we employed a computational approach to identify and trace the emerging patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 mutations, and quantify accumulative genetic distance across different periods and proteins.

MethodsFull-length human SARS-CoV-2 strains in United Kingdom were collected. We investigated the temporal variation in the evolutionary genetic distance defined by the Hamming distance since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.

FindingsOur results showed that the SARS-CoV-2 was in the process of continuous evolution, mainly involved in spike protein (S protein), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region of open reading frame 1 (ORF1) and nucleocapsid protein (N protein). By contrast, mutations in other proteins were sporadic and genetic distance to the initial sequenced strain did not show an increasing trend.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zee, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.01.363739</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Temporal patterns in the evolutionary genetic distance of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.04.366856v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Non-lesioned subcortical brain volumes are associated with post-stroke sensorimotor behavior across 28 cohorts worldwide: An ENIGMA Stroke Recovery study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.04.366856v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background and PurposeUp to two-thirds of stroke survivors experience persistent sensorimotor impairments. Recovery relies on the integrity of spared brain areas to compensate for damaged tissue. Subcortical regions play critical roles in the control and regulation of sensorimotor circuits. The goal of this work is to identify associations between volumes of spared subcortical nuclei and sensorimotor behavior at different timepoints after stroke.

MethodsWe pooled high-resolution T1-weighted MRI brain scans and behavioral data in 828 individuals with unilateral stroke from 28 cohorts worldwide. Cross-sectional analyses using linear mixed-effects models related post-stroke sensorimotor behavior to non-lesioned subcortical volumes (Bonferroni-corrected, p<0.004). We tested subacute ([&le;]90 days) and chronic ([&ge;]180 days) stroke subgroups separately, with exploratory analyses in early stroke ([&le;]21 days) and across all time. Sub-analyses in chronic stroke were also performed based on class of sensorimotor deficits (impairment, activity limitations) and side of lesioned hemisphere.

ResultsWorse sensorimotor behavior was associated with a smaller ipsilesional thalamic volume in both early (n=179; d=0.68) and subacute (n=274, d=0.46) stroke. In chronic stroke (n=404), worse sensorimotor behavior was associated with smaller ipsilesional putamen (d=0.52) and nucleus accumbens (d=0.39) volumes, and a larger ipsilesional lateral ventricle (d=-0.42). Worse chronic sensorimotor impairment specifically (measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment; n=256) was associated with smaller ipsilesional putamen (d=0.72) and larger lateral ventricle (d=-0.41) volumes, while several measures of activity limitations (n=116) showed no significant relationships. In the full cohort across all time (n=828), sensorimotor behavior was associated with the volumes of the ipsilesional nucleus accumbens (d=0.23), putamen (d=0.33), thalamus (d=0.33), and lateral ventricle (d=-0.23).

ConclusionsWe demonstrate significant relationships between post-stroke sensorimotor behavior and reduced volumes of subcortical gray matter structures that were spared by stroke, which differ by time and class of sensorimotor measure. These findings may provide additional targets for improving post-stroke sensorimotor outcomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liew, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zavaliangos-Petropulu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schweighofer, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jahanshad, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lang, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lohse, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Banaj, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barisano, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baugh, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhattacharya, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bigjahan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Borich, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boyd, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brodtmann, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buetefisch, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Byblow, W. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cassidy, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ciullo, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Conforto, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Craddock, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dula, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Egorova, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fercho, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gregory, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanlon, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holguin, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hordacre, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hwang, D. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kautz, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khlif, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuceyeski, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lotze, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>MacIntosh, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Margetis, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohamed, F. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nord</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.04.366856</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Non-lesioned subcortical brain volumes are associated with post-stroke sensorimotor behavior across 28 cohorts worldwide: An ENIGMA Stroke Recovery study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.09.367581v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromosome-level de novo assembly of Coprinopsis cinerea A43mut B43mut pab1-1 #326 and genetic variant identification of mutants using Nanopore MinION sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.09.367581v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The homokaryotic Coprinopsis cinerea strain A43mut B43mut pab1-1 #326 is a widely used experimental model for developmental studies in mushroom-forming fungi. It can grow on defined artificial media and complete the whole lifecycle within two weeks. The mutations in mating type factors A and B result in the special feature of clamp formation and fruiting without mating. This feature allows investigations and manipulations with a homokaryotic genetic background. Current genome assembly of strain #326 was based on short-read sequencing data and was highly fragmented, leading to the bias in gene annotation and downstream analyses. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of strain #326. Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) MinION sequencing was used to get long reads. Illumina short reads was used to polish the sequences. A combined assembly yield 13 chromosomes and a mitochondrial genome as individual scaffolds. The assembly has 15,250 annotated genes with a high synteny with the C. cinerea strain Okayama-7 #130. This assembly has great improvement on contiguity and annotations. It is a suitable reference for further genomic studies, especially for the genetic, genomic and transcriptomic analyses in ONT long reads. Single nucleotide variants and structural variants in six mutagenized and cisplatin-screened mutants could be identified and validated. A 66 bp deletion in Ras GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP) was found in all mutants. To make a better use of ONT sequencing platform, we modified a high-molecular-weight genomic DNA isolation protocol based on magnetic beads for filamentous fungi. This study showed the use of MinION to construct a fungal reference genome and to perform downstream studies in an individual laboratory. An experimental workflow was proposed, from DNA isolation and whole genome sequencing, to genome assembly and variant calling. Our results provided solutions and parameters for fungal genomic analysis on MinION sequencing platform.

HighlightO_LIA chromosome-level genome assembly of C. cinerea #326
C_LIO_LIA fast and efficient high-molecular-weight fungal genomic DNA isolation protocol
C_LIO_LIStructural variant and single nucleotide variant calling using Nanopore reads
C_LIO_LIA series of solutions and reference parameters for fungal genomic analysis on MinION
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.09.367581</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromosome-level de novo assembly of Coprinopsis cinerea A43mut B43mut pab1-1 #326 and genetic variant identification of mutants using Nanopore MinION sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.13.381178v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Applications of genetic-epigenetic tissue mapping for plasma DNA in prenatal testing, transplantation and oncology 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.13.381178v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We developed Genetic-Epigenetic Tissue Mapping (GETMap) to determine the tissue composition of plasma DNA carrying genetic variants not present in the constitutional genome through comparing their methylation profiles with relevant tissues. We validated this approach by showing that, in pregnant women, circulating DNA carrying fetal-specific alleles was entirely placenta-derived. In lung-transplant recipients, we showed that, at 72 hours after transplantation, the lung contributed only a median of 17% to the plasma DNA carrying donor-specific alleles and hematopoietic cells contributed a median of 78%. In hepatocellular cancer patients, the liver was identified as the predominant source of plasma DNA carrying tumor-specific mutations. In a pregnant woman with lymphoma, plasma DNA molecules carrying cancer mutations and fetal-specific alleles were accurately shown to be derived from the lymphocytes and placenta, respectively. Analysis of tissue origin for plasma DNA carrying genetic variants is potentially useful for noninvasive prenatal testing, transplantation monitoring and cancer screening.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gai, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Agbor-Enoh, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jang, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, R. H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, E. S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, R. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valantine, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, Y. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.13.381178</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Applications of genetic-epigenetic tissue mapping for plasma DNA in prenatal testing, transplantation and oncology]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.14.382556v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Schizophrenia and autism-associated mutations and disrupted m6A signal by YTHDF1 cause defects in microtubule function and neurodevelopment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.14.382556v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Subcellular mRNA localization and local translation are crucial for spatially regulated gene expression in neurons. However, the precise mechanisms governing the selective transport and translation of mRNAs contributing to processes such as axonal growth and branching are only partially understood. Here, we present evidence of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-mediated translational control of the RNA-binding protein, APC, influencing cytoskeletal dynamics at the growth cone. Our findings demonstrate that m6A modifications occur on Apc mRNA, facilitating its recognition by YTHDF1 to promote APC translation in neuronal somata. Additionally, we observe that disrupting the m6A pathway impairs the transport and local translation of {beta}-actin mRNA in the axon and growth cones, a deficiency that can be rescued by the exogenous expression of APC protein in cultured neurons. Furthermore, we establish the essential role of YTHDF1 in axon development, particularly in callosal projection neurons during cortical development. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism involving m6A-mediated regulation of APC protein translation, linking epitranscriptomics to axonal mRNA targeting, cytoskeletal dynamics, and axon development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Roy, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fujiwara, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sukegawa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oomoto, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ito, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Joshi, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagata, K.-i.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, K.-o.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.14.382556</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Schizophrenia and autism-associated mutations and disrupted m6A signal by YTHDF1 cause defects in microtubule function and neurodevelopment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.24.395368v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Memory Transfer of Random Time Patterns Across Modalities 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.24.395368v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Perception is sensitive to statistical regularities in the environment, including temporal characteristics of sensory inputs. Interestingly, temporal patterns implicitly learned within one modality can also be recognised in another modality. However, it is unclear how cross-modal learning transfer affects neural responses to sensory stimuli. Here, we recorded neural activity of human volunteers (N=24, 12 females, 12 males) using electroencephalography (EEG), while participants were exposed to brief sequences of randomly-timed auditory or visual pulses. Some trials consisted of a repetition of the temporal pattern within the sequence, and subjects were tasked with detecting these trials. Unknown to the participants, some trials reappeared throughout the experiment, enabling implicit learning. Replicating previous behavioural findings, we showed that participants benefit from temporal information learned in audition, and that they can apply this information to stimuli presented in vision. Such memory transfer was not observed from vision to audition. However, using an analysis of EEG response learning curves, we showed that learning temporal structures both within and across modalities modulates single-trial EEG response amplitudes in both conditions (audition to vision and vision to audition). Interestingly, the neural correlates of temporal learning within modalities relied on modality-specific brain regions, while learning transfer affected activity in frontal regions, suggesting distinct mechanisms. The cross-modal effect could be linked to frontal beta-band activity. The neural effects of learning transfer were similar both when temporal information learned in audition was transferred to visual stimuli and vice versa. Thus, both modality-specific mechanisms for learning of temporal information, and general mechanisms which mediate learning transfer across modalities, have distinct physiological signatures that are observable in the EEG.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cappotto, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajendran, V. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.24.395368</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Memory Transfer of Random Time Patterns Across Modalities]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.24.395392v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Snowball Earths, population bottlenecks, and the evolution of marine photosynthetic bacteria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.24.395392v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Prochlorococcus are the most abundant photosynthetic organisms in the modern ocean. A massive DNA loss event occurred in their early evolutionary history, leading to highly reduced genomes in nearly all lineages, as well as enhanced efficiency in both nutrient uptake and light absorption. The environmental landscape that shaped this ancient genome reduction, however, remained unknown. Through careful molecular clock analyses, we established that this Prochlorococcus genome reduction occurred during the Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth climate catastrophe. The lethally low temperature and exceedingly dim light during the Snowball Earth event would have inhibited Prochlorococcus growth and proliferation and caused severe population bottlenecks. These bottlenecks are recorded as an excess of deleterious mutations that accumulated across genomic regions in the descendant lineages. Prochlorococcus adaptation to extreme environmental conditions during Snowball Earth intervals can be inferred by tracing the evolutionary paths of genes that encode key metabolic potential. This metabolic potential includes modified lipopolysaccharide structure, strengthened peptidoglycan biosynthesis, the replacement of a sophisticated circadian clock with an hourglass-like mechanism that resets daily for dim light adaption, and the adoption of ammonia diffusion as an efficient membrane transporter-independent mode of nitrogen acquisition. In this way, the Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth event altered the physiological characters of Prochlorococcus, shaping their ecologically vital role as the most abundant primary producers in the modern oceans.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SUN, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crowe, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.11.24.395392</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Snowball Earths, population bottlenecks, and the evolution of marine photosynthetic bacteria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.03.409755v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-Level Attention Graph Neural Network for Clinically Interpretable Pathway-Level Biomarkers Discovery 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.03.409755v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Precision medicine, regarded as the future of healthcare, is gaining increasing attention these years. As an essential part of precision medicine, clinical omics have been successfully applied in disease diagnosis and prognosis using machine learning techniques. However, existing methods mainly make predictions based on gene-level individual features or their random combinations, none of the previous work has considered the activation of signaling pathways. Therefore, the model interpretability and accuracy are limited, and reasonable signaling pathways are yet to be discovered. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-level attention graph neural network (MLA-GNN), which applies weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to format the omic data of each patient into graph-structured data, and then constructs multi-level graph features, and fuses them through a well-designed multi-level graph feature fully fusion (MGFFF) module to conduct multi-task prediction. Moreover, a novel full-gradient graph saliency mechanism is developed to make the MLA-GNN interpretable. MLA-GNN achieves state-of-the-art performance on transcriptomic data from TCGA-LGG/TCGA-GBM and proteomic data from COVID-19/non-COVID-19 patient sera. More importantly, the proposed model's decision can be interpreted in the signaling pathway level and is consistent with the clinical understanding.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xing, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, M. Q.- H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.03.409755</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-Level Attention Graph Neural Network for Clinically Interpretable Pathway-Level Biomarkers Discovery]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.11.420000v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Synthetic Transcription Platform for Programmable Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.11.420000v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Precise, scalable, and sustainable control of genetic and cellular activities in mammalian cells is key to developing precision therapeutics and smart biomanufacturing. We created a highly tunable, modular, versatile CRISPR-based synthetic transcription system for the programmable control of gene expression and cellular phenotypes in mammalian cells. Genetic circuits consisting of well-characterized libraries of guide RNAs, binding motifs of synthetic operators, transcriptional activators, and additional genetic regulatory elements expressed mammalian genes in a highly predictable and tunable manner. We demonstrated the programmable control of reporter genes episomally and chromosomally, with up to 25-fold more activity than seen with the EF1 promoter, in multiple cell types. We used these circuits to program the secretion of human monoclonal antibodies and to control T-cell effector function marked by interferon-{gamma} production. Antibody titers and interferon-{gamma} concentrations significantly correlated with synthetic promoter strengths, providing a platform for programming gene expression and cellular function in diverse applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, W. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaidukov, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, M.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, G. C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Utomo, R. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wroblewska, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weiss, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, T. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.11.420000</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Synthetic Transcription Platform for Programmable Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.14.422614v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Effects of crossover interference on genomic recombination landscape 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.14.422614v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Map distance is one of the key measures in genetics and indicates the expected number of crossovers between two loci. Map distance is estimated from the observed recombination frequency using mapping functions, the most widely used of those, Haldane and Kosambi, being developed at the time when the number of markers was low and unobserved crossovers had a substantial effect on the recombination fractions. In contemporary high-density marker data, the probability of multiple crossovers between adjacent loci is negligible and different mapping functions yield the same result, that is, the recombination frequency between adjacent loci is equal to the map distance in Morgans. However, high-density linkage maps contain an interpretation problem: the map distance over a long interval is additive and its association with recombination frequency is not defined. Here, we demonstrate with high-density linkage maps from humans and stickleback fishes that the inverse of Haldane or Kosambi mapping functions fail to predict the recombination frequency from map distance, and show that this is because the expected number of crossovers is not sufficient to predict recombination frequency. We formulate a piecewise function to calculate the probability of no crossovers between the markers that yields more accurate predictions of recombination frequency from map distance. Our results demonstrate that the association between map distance and recombination frequency is context-dependent and no universal solution exists. We anticipate that our study will motivate further research on this subject to yield a more accurate mathematical description of map distance in the context of modern data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kivikoski, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rastas, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Löytynoja, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merilä, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.14.422614</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Effects of crossover interference on genomic recombination landscape]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.14.422792v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A DeepFake framework for prediction of cell type specific transcriptional states induced by drug treatment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.14.422792v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Drug treatment induces cell type-specific transcriptional programs, and as the number of combinations of drugs and cell types grows, the cost for exhaustive screens measuring the transcriptional drug response becomes intractable. We developed DeepCellState, a deep learning autoencoder-based framework, for predicting the induced transcriptional state in a cell type after drug treatment, based on the drug response in another cell type. Training the method on a large collection of transcriptional drug perturbation profiles, prediction accuracy improves significantly over baseline and alternative deep learning approaches when applying the method to two cell types, with improved accuracy when generalizing the framework to additional cell types. Treatments with drugs or whole drug families not seen during training are predicted with similar accuracy, and the same framework can be used for predicting the results from other interventions, such as gene knock-downs. Finally, analysis of the trained model shows that the internal representation is able to learn regulatory relationships between genes in a fully data-driven manner.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Umarov, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arner, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.14.422792</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A DeepFake framework for prediction of cell type specific transcriptional states induced by drug treatment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.15.422121v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of young and aged spermatogonial stem cells reveals molecular targets regulating differentiation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.15.422121v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility, possess lifelong self-renewal activity. Aging leads to the decline in stem cell function and increased risk of paternal age-related genetic diseases. In the present study, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of mouse SSC (Oct4-GFP+/KIT-) and differentiating progenitors (Oct4-GFP+/KIT+) isolated from young and aged testes. Our transcriptome data revealed enormous complexity of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs and alternative splicing regulation during SSC differentiation. Further comparison between young and aged SSCs suggested these differentiation programs were affected by aging. We identified aberrant expression of genes associated with meiosis and TGF-{beta} signaling, alteration in alternative splicing regulation and differential expression of specific lncRNAs such as Fendrr. Epigenetic profiling revealed reduced H3K27me3 deposition at numerous pro-differentiation genes during SSC differentiation as well as aberrant H3K27me3 distribution at genes in Wnt and TGF-{beta} signaling upon aging. Finally, aged SSCs exhibited gene body hypomethylation, which is accompanied by an elevated 5hmC level. We believe this in-depth molecular analysis will serve as a reference for future analysis of SSC aging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suen, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, A. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.15.422121</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of young and aged spermatogonial stem cells reveals molecular targets regulating differentiation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.17.423344v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide DNA mutations in Arabidopsis plants after multigenerational exposure to high temperature 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.17.423344v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundElevated temperatures can cause physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses in plants that can greatly affect their growth and development. Mutations are the most fundamental force driving biological evolution. However, how long-term elevations in temperature influence the accumulation of mutations in plants remains unknown.

ResultsHere we report that multigenerational exposure of Arabidopsis to extreme heat and moderate warming resulted in significantly increased mutation rates in single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small indels. We observed distinctive mutational spectra under extreme and moderately elevated temperatures, with significant increases in transition (C:G[-&gt;]T:A) and transversion (A:T[-&gt;]T:A) frequencies. Mutation occurred more frequently in intergenic regions, coding regions (especially nonsynonymous mutations), and transposable elements (TEs). At elevated temperatures, more mutations accumulated in genes associated with defense responses, DNA repair, and signaling, including the transcriptional response-related genes HSP70 and HSFA1A. Methylation was observed more frequently at mutation sites, indicating that it contributed significantly to the mutation process at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the mutations in lines and populations grown under elevated temperatures were significantly biased toward low gene density regions, special trinucleotides (GC context), tandem repeats, and adjacent simple repeats. Additionally, 24% (n = 64) of SNVs and 43% (n = 40) of indels found in all mutation accumulation lines overlapped significantly with genetic variations reported in 1001 Genomes, suggesting a non-uniform distribution of de novo mutations through the genome.

ConclusionCollectively, our results suggest that elevated temperatures can accelerate the accumulation, and alter the molecular profiles, of DNA mutations in plants, thus providing significant insight into how environmental temperatures fuel plant evolution.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teng, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.17.423344</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide DNA mutations in Arabidopsis plants after multigenerational exposure to high temperature]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.18.423377v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mitragyna alkaloids derived from the medicinal plant Mitragyna speciosa Korth. and cisplatin synergistically inhibit cell proliferation of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) cell lines 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.18.423377v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ethnopharmacological relevanceMitragyna speciosa (Korth.) or kratom is a medicinal plant indigenous to Southeast Asia. The leaves of M. speciosa is used as a medication in pain management including cancer related pain, in a similar way as opioids and cannabis. Despite its well-known analgesic effect, there is a scarce of information on the cancer-suppressing potential of M. speciosa and its active constituents.

Aim of the studyTo assess the potential applicability of M. speciosa alkaloids (mitragynine, speciociliatine or paynantheine) as chemosensitizers for cisplatin in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines.

Materials and MethodsThe cytotoxic effects of the extracts, fractions and compounds were determined by conducting in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Based on the cytotoxic screening, the alkaloid extract of M. speciosa exhibited potent inhibitory effect on the NPC cell line HK-1, and therefore, was chosen for further fractionation and purification. NPC cell lines HK-1 and C666-1 were treated with combinations of cisplatin and M. speciosa alkaloids in 2D monolayer culture. The effect of the drug combination on cell migration was tested using in vitro wound healing and spheroid invasion assays.

ResultsIn our bioassay guided isolation, both methanolic and alkaloid extracts showed mild to moderate cytotoxic effect against the HK-1 cell line. Both NPC cell lines were insensitive to single agent and combination treatments of the M. speciosa alkaloids. However, mitragynine and speciociliatine sensitised the HK-1 and C666-1 to cisplatin ~4- and >5-fold, respectively in 2D monolayer culture. The combination of mitragynine and cisplatin also significantly inhibited cell migration of the NPC cell lines. Similarly, combination of mitragynine and cisplatin inhibited growth and invasion of HK-1 spheroids in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the spheroids did not rapidly develop resistance to the drug combinations at high concentrations over 10 days.

ConclusionCollectively, data shows that both mitragynine and speciociliatine could be potential chemosensitizers for cisplatin. Further extensive drug mechanistic studies and investigations in animal models are necessary to delineate the applicability of M. speciosa alkaloids for NPC therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Domnic, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdul Rahman, S. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chear, N. J. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Singh, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohana Kumaran, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.18.423377</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mitragyna alkaloids derived from the medicinal plant Mitragyna speciosa Korth. and cisplatin synergistically inhibit cell proliferation of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) cell lines]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.21.423722v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
VirStrain: a strain identification tool for RNA viruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.21.423722v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
1Genome epidemiology, which uses genomic data to analyze the source and spread of infectious diseases, provides important information beyond interview-based methods. Given fast accumulation of sequenced viral genomes, a basic need in genome epidemiology is to identify which reference genomes are identical or closest to the ones in a sequenced sample. Then the associated metadata such as the geographical locations can be utilized to infer the transmission network. In this work, we deliver VirStrain, a fast and accurate tool for conducting strain-level analysis from short reads. By using a greedy covering algorithm, we are able to derive unique k-mer combinations for highly similar reference genomes. VirStrain is able to detect the most possible strain and also multiple strains that may simultaneously infect the same host. We tested VirStrain on three types of RNA viruses whose reference genomes have different similarity distri-butions. For each types of virus, we assessed VirStrain across multiple bench-mark datasets of different properties and complexity. The experimental results on both simulated and real sequencing data show that VirStrain outperforms other strain identification tools.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.21.423722</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[VirStrain: a strain identification tool for RNA viruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.21.423879v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide reversal of glial and neurovascular cell transcriptomic aging signatures by GLP-1R agonism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.21.423879v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pharmacological reversal of brain aging is a long-sought yet challenging strategy for the prevention and treatment of age-related neurodegeneration, due to the diverse cell types and complex cellular pathways impacted by the aging process. Here, we report the genome-wide reversal of transcriptomic aging signatures in multiple major brain cell types, including glial and mural cells, by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment. The age-related expression changes reversed by GLP-1RA encompass both shared and cell type-specific functional pathways that are implicated in aging and neurodegeneration. Concomitantly, Alzheimers disease (AD)-associated transcriptomic signature in microglia that arises from aging is reduced. These results show the feasibility of reversing brain aging by pharmacological means, provide mechanistic insights into the neurological benefits of GLP-1RAs in diabetic patients, and imply that GLP-1R agonism may be a generally applicable pharmacological intervention for patients at risk of age-related neurodegeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vong, J. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>IP, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wing, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, V. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.21.423879</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide reversal of glial and neurovascular cell transcriptomic aging signatures by GLP-1R agonism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.22.423783v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rare coding variants in 35 genes associate with circulating lipid levels: a multi-ancestry analysis of 170,000 exomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.22.423783v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Large-scale gene sequencing studies for complex traits have the potential to identify causal genes with therapeutic implications. We performed gene-based association testing of blood lipid levels with rare (minor allele frequency<1%) predicted damaging coding variation using sequence data from >170,000 individuals from multiple ancestries: 97,493 European, 30,025 South Asian, 16,507 African, 16,440 Hispanic/Latino, 10,420 East Asian, and 1,182 Samoan. We identified 35 genes associated with circulating lipid levels. Ten of these: ALB, SRSF2, JAK2, CREB3L3, TMEM136, VARS, NR1H3, PLA2G12A, PPARG and STAB1 have not been implicated for lipid levels using rare coding variation in population-based samples. We prioritize 32 genes identified in array-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci based on gene-based associations, of which three: EVI5, SH2B3, and PLIN1, had no prior evidence of rare coding variant associations. Most of the associated genes showed evidence of association in multiple ancestries. Also, we observed an enrichment of gene-based associations for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol drug target genes, and for genes closest to GWAS index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Our results demonstrate that gene-based associations can be beneficial for drug target development and provide evidence that the gene closest to the array-based GWAS index SNP is often the functional gene for blood lipid levels.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hindy, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dornbos, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chaffin, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aguilar-Salinas, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Antonacci-Fulton, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ardissino, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arnett, D. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aslibekyan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Atzmon, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ballantyne, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barajas-Olmos, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barzilai, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bielak, L. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bis, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blangero, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boerwinkle, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonnycastle, L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bottinger, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bowden, D. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bown, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brody, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Broome, J. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burtt, N. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cade, B. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Centeno-Cruz, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-D. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chowdhury, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Contreras-Cubas, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cordova, E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Correa, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cupples, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Curran, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Danesh,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.22.423783</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rare coding variants in 35 genes associate with circulating lipid levels: a multi-ancestry analysis of 170,000 exomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.28.424622v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Landscapes and dynamic diversifications of B-cell receptor repertoires in COVID-19 patients 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.28.424622v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Great international efforts have been put into the development of prophylactic vaccines and neutralizing antibodies. However, the knowledge about the B cell immune response induced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still limited. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization of the dynamics of immunoglobin heavy chain (IGH) repertoire in COVID-19 patients. By using next-generation sequencing technology, we examined the temporal changes in the landscape of the patients immunological status, and found dramatic changes in the IGH within the patients immune system after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Although different patients have distinct immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, by employing clonotype overlap, lineage expansion and clonotype network analyses, we observed a higher clonotype overlap and substantial lineage expansion of B cell clones during 2-3 weeks of illness, which is of great importance to B-cell immune responses. Meanwhile, for preferences of V gene usage during SARS-CoV-2 infection, IGHV3-74 and IGHV4-34 and IGHV4-39 in COVID-19 patients were more abundant than that of healthy controls. Overall, we present an immunological resource for SARS-CoV-2 that could promote both therapeutic development as well as mechanistic research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bi, Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.28.424622</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Landscapes and dynamic diversifications of B-cell receptor repertoires in COVID-19 patients]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.29.424767v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Direct measurement of B lymphocyte gene expression biomarkers in peripheral blood enables early prediction of seroconversion after vaccination 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.29.424767v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vaccination is a common and efficient means to reduce the mortality and morbidity of emerging infectious diseases. Among responders, injected antigen induces acquired immunity pathways and leads to the final production of antigen-specific antibodies. The whole process may take weeks to months, depending on the antigen. Typically, seroconversion to influenza vaccine is expected after one month with a responder rate of ~50%.

An early biomarker to predict response is desirable. Peripheral blood gene expression (or transcript abundance, TA) datasets in the public domain were analyzed for early biomarkers among responders. As peripheral blood samples (such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMC) are cell mixture samples containing various blood cell-types (leukocyte subpopulations, LS). We first develop a model that enables the determination of TA in B lymphocytes of certain genes directly in PBMC samples without the need of prior cell isolation. These genes are called B cell informative genes. Then a ratio of two B cell informative genes (a target gene and a stably expressed reference gene) measured in PBMC was used as a new biomarker to gauge the target gene expression in B lymphocytes. This method having an obvious advantage over conventional methods by eliminating the tedious procedure of cell sorting and enables directly determining TA of a leukocyte subpopulation in cell mixture samples is called Direct LS-TA method.

By using a B lymphocyte-specific gene such as TNFRSF17 or TXNDC5 as target genes with either TNFRSF13C or FCRLA as reference genes, the B cell biomarkers were determined directly in PBMC which was highly correlated with TA of target genes in purified B lymphocytes. These Direct LS-TA biomarkers in PBMC increased significantly early after vaccination in both the discovery dataset and a meta-analysis of 7 datasets. Responders had almost a 2-fold higher Direct LS-TA biomarker level of TNFRSF17 (SMD=0.84, 95% CI=0.47-1.21 after log2). And Direct LS-TA biomarkers of TNFRSF17 and TXNDC5 measured at day 7 predict responder with sensitivity values of higher than 0.7. The Area-under curves (AUC) in receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis were over 0.8.

Here, we report a straightforward approach to directly analyses B lymphocyte gene expression in PBMC, which could be used in a routine clinical setting as it avoids the labor-intensive procedures of B lymphocyte isolation. And the method allows the practice of precision medicine in the prediction of vaccination response.

Furthermore, response to vaccination could be predicted as early as on day 7. As vaccination response is based on the similar acquired immunology pathway in the upcoming worldwide vaccination campaign against COVID-19, these biomarkers could also be useful to predict seroconversion for individuals.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, A. Y. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2020-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.29.424767</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Direct measurement of B lymphocyte gene expression biomarkers in peripheral blood enables early prediction of seroconversion after vaccination]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2020-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.30.424907v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell and single-variant resolution analysis of clonal evolution in human liver cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.30.424907v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genetic heterogeneity of tumor is closely related to clonal evolution, phenotypic diversity and treatment resistance. Such heterogeneity has been characterized in liver cancer at single-cell sub-chromosomal scale, and a more precise single-variant resolution analysis is lacking. Here we employed a strategy to analyze both the single-cell genomic mutations and transcriptomic changes in 5 patients with liver cancer. Target sequencing was done for a total of 480 single cells in a patient-specific manner. DNA copy number status of point mutations was obtained from single-cell mutational profiling. The clonal structures of liver cancers were then uncovered at single-variant resolution, and mutation combinations in single cells enabled reconstruction of their evolutionary history. A common origin but independent evolutionary fate was revealed for primary liver tumor and intrahepatic metastatic portal vein tumor thrombus. The mutational signature suggested early evolutionary process may be related to specific etiology like aristolochic acids. By parallel single-cell RNA-Seq, the transcriptomic phenotype was found to be related with genetic heterogeneity in liver cancer. We reconstructed the single-cell and single-variant resolution clonal evolutionary history of liver cancer, and dissection of both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity provides knowledge for mechanistic understanding of liver cancer initiation and progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghazanfar, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>yang, g.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Z.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.30.424907</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell and single-variant resolution analysis of clonal evolution in human liver cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424979v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Benchmarking Oxford Nanopore read assemblers for high-quality molluscan genomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.424979v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Choosing the optimum assembly approach is essential to achieving a high-quality genome assembly suitable for comparative and evolutionary genomic investigations. Significant recent progress in long-read sequencing technologies such as PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) also brought about a large variety of assemblers. Although these have been extensively tested on model species such as Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster, such benchmarking has not been done in Mollusca which lacks widely adopted model species. Molluscan genomes are notoriously rich in repeats and are often highly heterozygous, making their assembly challenging. Here, we benchmarked 10 assemblers based on ONT raw reads from two published molluscan genomes of differing properties, the gastropod Chrysomallon squamiferum (356.6Mb, 1.59% heterozygosity) and the bivalve Mytilus coruscus (1593Mb, 1.94% heterozygosity). By optimising the assembly pipeline, we greatly improved both genomes from previously published versions. Our results suggested that 40-50X of ONT reads are sufficient for high-quality genomes, with Flye being the recommended assembler for compact and less heterozygous genomes exemplified by C. squamiferum, while NextDenovo excelled for more repetitive and heterozygous molluscan genomes exemplified by M. coruscus. A phylogenomic analysis utilising the two updated genomes with other 32 published high-quality lophotrochozoan genomes resulted in maximum support across all nodes, and we show that improved genome quality also leads to more complete matrices for phylogenomic inferences. Our benchmarking will ensure the efficiency in future assemblies for molluscs and perhaps also other marine phyla with few genomes available.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sigwart, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kocot, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2020.12.31.424979</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Benchmarking Oxford Nanopore read assemblers for high-quality molluscan genomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.12.426467v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dimensionality reduction by UMAP reinforces sample heterogeneity analysis in bulk transcriptomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.12.426467v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transcriptome profiling and differential gene expression constitute a ubiquitous tool in biomedical research and clinical application. Linear dimensionality reduction methods especially principal component analysis (PCA) are widely used in detecting sample-to-sample heterogeneity in bulk transcriptomic datasets so that appropriate analytic methods can be used to correct batch effects, remove outliers and distinguish subgroups. In response to the challenge in analysing transcriptomic datasets with large sample size such as single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), non-linear dimensionality reduction methods were developed. t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE) and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) show the advantage of preserving local information among samples and enable effective identification of heterogeneity and efficient organisation of clusters in scRNA-seq analysis. However, the utility of t-SNE and UMAP in bulk transcriptomic analysis has not been carefully examined. Therefore, we compared major dimensionality reduction methods (linear: PCA; nonlinear: multidimensional scaling (MDS), t-SNE, and UMAP) in analysing 71 bulk transcriptomic datasets with large sample sizes. UMAP was found superior in preserving sample level neighbourhood information and maintaining clustering accuracy, thus conspicuously differentiating batch effects, identifying pre-defined biological groups and revealing in-depth clustering structures. We further verified that new clustering structures visualised by UMAP were associated with biological features and clinical meaning. Therefore, we recommend the adoption of UMAP in visualising and analysing of sizable bulk transcriptomic datasets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, Y.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.12.426467</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dimensionality reduction by UMAP reinforces sample heterogeneity analysis in bulk transcriptomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.15.426526v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
In vivo structure and dynamics of the RNA genome of SARS-Cov-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.15.426526v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the largest positive strand RNA viruses. Here we developed a simplified SPLASH assay and comprehensively mapped the in vivo RNA-RNA interactome of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the viral life cycle. We observed canonical and alternative structures including 3-UTR and 5-UTR, frameshifting element (FSE) pseudoknot and genome cyclization in cells and in virions. We provide direct evidence of interactions between Transcription Regulating Sequences (TRS-L and TRS-Bs), which facilitate discontinuous transcription. In addition, we reveal alternative short and long distance arches around FSE, forming a "high-order pseudoknot" embedding FSE, which might help ribosome stalling at frameshift sites. More importantly, we found that within virions, while SARS-CoV-2 genome RNA undergoes intensive compaction, genome cyclization is weakened and genome domains remain stable. Our data provides a structural basis for the regulation of replication, discontinuous transcription and translational frameshifting, describes dynamics of RNA structures during life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, and will help to develop antiviral strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, J. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kudla, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.15.426526</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[In vivo structure and dynamics of the RNA genome of SARS-Cov-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.15.426902v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanisms Driving Genome Reduction of a Novel Roseobacter Lineage Showing Vitamin B12 Auxotrophy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.15.426902v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Members of the marine Roseobacter group are key players in the global carbon and sulfur cycles. While over 300 species have been described, only 2% possess reduced genomes (mostly 3-3.5 Mbp) compared to an average roseobacter (>4 Mbp). These taxonomic minorities are phylogenetically diverse but form a Pelagic Roseobacter Cluster (PRC) at the genome content level. Here, we cultivated eight isolates constituting a novel Roseobacter lineage which we named  CHUG. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic read recruitment analyses showed that CHUG members were globally distributed and active in marine environments. CHUG members possess some of the smallest genomes (~2.52 Mb) among all known roseobacters, but they do not exhibit canonical features of genome streamlining like higher coding density or fewer paralogues and pseudogenes compared to their sister lineages. While CHUG members are clustered with traditional PRC members at the genome content level, they show important differences. Unlike other PRC members, neither the relative abundances of CHUG members nor their gene expression levels are correlated with chlorophyll a concentration across the global samples. Moreover, CHUG members cannot synthesize vitamin B12, a key metabolite made by most roseobacters but not by many phytoplankton species and thus thought to mediate the roseobacter-phytoplankton interactions. This combination of features is evidence for the hypothesis that CHUG members may have evolved a free-living lifestyle decoupled from phytoplankton. This ecological transition was accompanied by the loss of signature genes involved in roseobacter-phytoplankton symbiosis, suggesting that relaxation of purifying selection is likely an important driver of genome reduction in CHUG.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Henson, M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lanclos, V. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thrash, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.15.426902</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanisms Driving Genome Reduction of a Novel Roseobacter Lineage Showing Vitamin B12 Auxotrophy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.19.427322v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Polycomb suppresses a female gene regulatory network in Sertoli cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.19.427322v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gonadal sex determination is controlled by the support cells of testes and ovaries. In testes, the epigenetic mechanism that maintains cellular memory to suppress female sexual differentiation remains unknown. Here, we show that Polycomb suppresses a female gene regulatory network in Sertoli cells, the specific support cells for postnatal testes. Through genetic ablation, we removed Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) from embryonic Sertoli cells after sex determination. PRC1-depleted postnatal Sertoli cells exhibited defective proliferation and cell death, leading to the degeneration of adult testes. In adult Sertoli cells, PRC1 suppressed the specific, critical genes required for granulosa cells, the support cells of ovaries, thereby inactivating the female gene regulatory network. The underlying chromatin of female genes was coated with Polycomb-mediated repressive modifications: PRC1-mediated H2AK119ub and PRC2-mediated H3K27me3. Taken together, we identify a critical mechanism centered on Polycomb that maintains the male fate in adult testes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Maezawa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yukawa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hasegawa, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugiyama, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vidal, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koseki, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barski, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeFalco, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Namekawa, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.19.427322</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Polycomb suppresses a female gene regulatory network in Sertoli cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.25.428088v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Opposing effects of competitive exclusion determine invasion outcomes and structure ant assemblages 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.25.428088v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how species phenotypic differences affect competition is key to explaining community assembly and predicting biodiversity responses. Many studies overlook the variable effects that species trait differences can have on the direction of competitive exclusion, which reverses depending on the specific mechanism at play. We performed a comprehensive trait-based study of an ant invasion integrating morphological, dietary, physiological and behavioral analyses. We found that trait differences between invasive and resident species were not only associated with niche differences which promoted the coexistence of dissimilar species, but also competitive ability differences which acted in the opposite fashion. Furthermore, competition along separate trait axes led to complex and contrasting patterns in the invaded assemblages, where species were at once similar (clustered) in some traits but also dissimilar (overdispersed) in others. Our results reveal that different aspects of phenotype may distinctly modulate the effect of competition in structuring ecological communities and functional diversity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, M. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leong, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, O. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.25.428088</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Opposing effects of competitive exclusion determine invasion outcomes and structure ant assemblages]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.25.428107v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Separate neural dynamics underlying the acquisition of different auditory category structures 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.01.25.428107v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Current models of auditory category learning argue for a rigid specialization of hierarchically organized regions that are fine-tuned to extracting and mapping acoustic dimensions to categories. We test a competing hypothesis: the neural dynamics of emerging auditory representations are driven by category structures and learning strategies. We designed a category learning experiment where two groups of learners learned novel auditory categories with identical dimensions but differing category structures: rule-based (RB) and information-integration (II) based categories. Despite similar learning accuracies, strategies and cortico-striatal systems processing feedback differed across structures. Emergent neural representations of category information within an auditory frontotemporal pathway exclusively for the II learning task. In contrast, the RB task yielded neural representations within distributed regions involved in cognitive control that emerged at different time-points of learning. Our results demonstrate that learners neural systems are flexible and show distinct spatiotemporal patterns that are not dimension-specific but reflect underlying category structures.

SignificanceWhether it is an alarm signifying danger or the characteristics of background noise, humans are capable of rapid auditory learning. Extant models posit that novel auditory representations emerge in the superior temporal gyrus, a region specialized for extracting behaviorally relevant auditory dimensions and transformed onto decisions via the dorsal auditory stream. Using a computational cognitive neuroscience approach, we offer an alternative viewpoint: emergent auditory representations are highly flexible, showing distinct spatial and temporal trajectories that reflect different category structures.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, H. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ell, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roark, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, P. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chandresekaran, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-01-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.01.25.428107</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Separate neural dynamics underlying the acquisition of different auditory category structures]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-01-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.02.429433v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterization of novel regulatory modules controlling leaf angle in maize 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.02.429433v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Leaf angle is an important agronomic trait determining maize planting density and light penetration into the canopy, and contributes significantly to the yield gain in modern maize hybrids. However, little is known about its molecular mechanism beyond the Liguless1 (LG1) and Liguless2 (LG2) genes. In this study, we found that transcription factor ZmBEH1 is targeted by ZmLG2 and regulates the leaf angle formation by influencing the sclerenchyma cells layers on the adaxial side. ZmBEH1 can interact with transcription factor ZmBZR1, whose expression is directly activated by ZmLG1. Both ZmBEH1 and ZmBZR1 bind to the promoter of ZmSCL28, the third transcription factors that influences the leaf angle. Our study demonstrates novel regulatory modules controlling leaf angle, and provides new gene editing targets for creating optimal maize architecture suitable for dense-planting.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.02.429433</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterization of novel regulatory modules controlling leaf angle in maize]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.03.429501v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Horizontal gene transfer of a unique nif island drives convergent evolution of free-living N2-fixing Bradyrhizobium 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.03.429501v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The alphaproteobacterial genus Bradyrhizobium has been best known as N2-fixing members that nodulate legumes, supported by the nif and nod gene clusters. Recent environmental surveys show that Bradyrhizobium represents one of the most abundant free-living bacterial lineages in the worlds soils. However, our understanding of Bradyrhizobium comes largely from symbiotic members, biasing the current knowledge of their ecology and evolution. Here, we report the genomes of 88 Bradyrhizobium strains derived from diverse soil samples, including both nif-carrying and non-nif-carrying free-living (nod free) members. Phylogenomic analyses of these and 252 publicly available Bradyrhizobium genomes indicate that nif-carrying free-living members independently evolved from symbiotic ancestors (carrying both nif and nod) multiple times. Intriguingly, the nif phylogeny shows that all nif-carrying free-living members comprise a cluster which branches off earlier than most symbiotic lineages. These results indicate that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) promotes nif expansion among the free-living Bradyrhizobium and that the free-living nif cluster represents a more ancestral version compared to that in symbiotic lineages. Further evidence for this rampant HGT is that the nif in free-living members consistently co-locate with several important genes involved in coping with oxygen tension which are missing from symbiotic members, and that while in free-living Bradyrhizobium nif and the co-locating genes show a highly conserved gene order, they each have distinct genomic context. Given the dominance of Bradyrhizobium in worlds soils, our findings have implications for global nitrogen cycles and agricultural research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.03.429501</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Horizontal gene transfer of a unique nif island drives convergent evolution of free-living N2-fixing Bradyrhizobium]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.04.429722v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantifying full-length circular RNAs in cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.04.429722v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundantly expressed in cancer. Their resistance to exonucleases enables them to have potentially stable interactions with different types of biomolecules. Alternative splicing can create different circRNA isoforms that have different sequences and unequal interaction potentials. The study of circRNA function thus requires knowledge of complete circRNA sequences. Here we describe psirc, a method that can identify full-length circRNA isoforms and quantify their expression levels from RNA sequencing data. We confirm the effectiveness and computational efficiency of psirc using both simulated and actual experimental data. Applying psirc on transcriptome profiles from nasopharyngeal carcinoma and normal nasopharynx samples, we discover and validate circRNA isoforms differentially expressed between the two groups. Compared to the assumed circular isoforms derived from linear transcript annotations, some of the alternatively spliced circular isoforms have 100 times higher expression and contain substantially fewer microRNA response elements, demonstrating the importance of quantifying full-length circRNA isoforms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, K. H.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, S. H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, G. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, K.-E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, A. C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.04.429722</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantifying full-length circular RNAs in cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.12.430615v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dopamine modulates visual threat processing in the superior colliculus via D2 receptors 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.12.430615v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dopamine (DA) system is intriguing in the aspect that distinct, typically opposing physiological functions are mediated by D1 dopamine receptors (Drd1) and D2 dopamine receptors (Drd2). Both Drd1+ and Drd2+ neurons were identified in superior colliculus (SC), a visuomotor integration center known for its role in defensive behaviors to visual threats. We hypothesized that Drd1+ and Drd2+ neurons in the SC may play a role in promoting instinctive defensive responses.

Optogenetic activation of Drd2+ neurons, but not Drd1+ neurons, in the SC triggered strong defensive behaviors. Chemogenetic inhibition of SC Drd2+ neurons decreased looming-induced defensive behavior, suggesting involvement of SC Drd2+ neurons in defensive responses. To further confirm this functional role of Drd2 receptors, pretreatment with the Drd2+ agonist quinpirole in the SC impaired looming-evoked defensive responses, suggesting an essential role of Drd2 receptors in the regulation of innate defensive behavior. Inputs and outputs of SC Drd2+ neurons were investigated using viral tracing: SC Drd2+ neurons mainly receive moderate inputs from the Locus Coeruleus (LC), whilst we did not find any incoming projections from other dopaminergic structures. Our results suggest a sophisticated regulatory role of DA and its receptor system in innate defensive behavior.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Montardy, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.12.430615</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dopamine modulates visual threat processing in the superior colliculus via D2 receptors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.17.431728v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
coupleCoC+: an information-theoretic co-clustering-basedtransfer learning framework for the integrative analysis of single-cell genomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.17.431728v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Technological advances have enabled us to profile multiple molecular layers at unprecedented single-cell resolution and the available datasets from multiple samples or domains are growing. These datasets, including scRNA-seq data, scATAC-seq data and sc-methylation data, usually have different powers in identifying the unknown cell types through clustering. So, methods that integrate multiple datasets can potentially lead to a better clustering performance. Here we propose coupleCoC+ for the integrative analysis of single-cell genomic data. coupleCoC+ is a transfer learning method based on the information-theoretic co-clustering framework. In coupleCoC+, we utilize the information in one dataset, the source data, to facilitate the analysis of another dataset, the target data. coupleCoC+ uses the linked features in the two datasets for effective knowledge transfer, and it also uses the information of the features in the target data that are unlinked with the source data. In addition, coupleCoC+ matches similar cell types across the source data and the target data. By applying coupleCoC+ to the integrative clustering of mouse cortex scATAC-seq data and scRNA-seq data, mouse and human scRNA-seq data, mouse cortex sc-methylation and scRNA-seq data, and human blood dendritic cells scRNA-seq data from two batches, we demonstrate that coupleCoC+ improves the overall clustering performance and matches the cell subpopulations across multimodal single-cell genomic datasets. coupleCoC+ has fast convergence and it is computationally efficient. The software is available at https://github.com/cuhklinlab/coupleCoC_plus.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZENG, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.17.431728</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[coupleCoC+: an information-theoretic co-clustering-basedtransfer learning framework for the integrative analysis of single-cell genomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.21.432131v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interaural Time Difference Tuning in the Rat Inferior Colliculus is Predictive of Behavioral Sensitivity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.21.432131v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent studies have shown that rats are a useful model for binaural cochlear implant (CI) research, with behavioral sensitivity to interaural time differences (ITDs) of CI stimuli which are better than those of human patients. Here, we characterize ITD tuning in the rat inferior colliculus (IC) and explore whether quality of tuning can predict behavioral performance. We recorded IC responses to stimuli of varying pulse rates and envelope types and quantified both mutual information (MI) and neural d' as measures of ITD sensitivity. Neural d' values paralleled behavioral ones, declining with increasing click rates or when envelopes changed from rectangular to Hanning windows. While MI values increased with experience, neural d' did not. However, neural d' values correlated much better with behavioral performance than MI. Thus, neural d' appears to be a particularly well suited to predicting how stimulus parameters will impact behavioral performance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajendran, V. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.21.432131</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interaural Time Difference Tuning in the Rat Inferior Colliculus is Predictive of Behavioral Sensitivity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.22.432257v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DeepMotifSyn: a deep learning approach to synthesize heterodimeric DNA motifs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.22.432257v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationThe cooperativity of transcription factors (TFs) is a widespread phenomenon in the gene regulation system. However, the interaction patterns between TF binding motifs remain elusive. The recent high-throughput assays, CAP-SELEX, have identified over 600 composite DNA sites (i.e. heterodimeric motifs) bound by cooperative TF pairs. However, there are over 25,000 inferentially effective heterodimeric TFs in human cell. It is not practically feasible to validate all heterodimeric motifs due to cost and labour. Therefore, it is highly demanding to develop a fast and accurate computational tool for heterodimeric motif synthesis.

ResultsWe introduce DeepMotifSyn, a deep-learning-based tool for synthesizing heterodimeric motifs from monomeric motif pairs. Specifically, DeepMotifSyn is composed of heterodimeric motif generator and evaluator. The generator is a U-Net-based neural network that can synthesize heterodimeric motifs from aligned motif pairs. The evaluator is a machine-learning-based model that can score the generated heterodimeric motif candidates based on the motif sequence features. Systematic evaluations on CAP-SELEX data illustrates that DeepMotif-Syn significantly outperforms the current state-of-the-art predictors. In addition, DeepMotifSyn can synthesize multiple heterodimeric motifs with different orientation and spacing settings. Such a feature can address the shortcomings of previous models. We believe Deep-MotifSyn is a more practical and reliable model than current predictors on heterodimeric motif synthesis.

Availability and implementationThe software is freely available at https://github.com/JasonLinjc/deepMotifSyn.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.22.432257</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DeepMotifSyn: a deep learning approach to synthesize heterodimeric DNA motifs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.24.432700v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Progranulin promotes immune evasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma through regulation of MHCI expression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.24.432700v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Immune evasion is indispensable for cancer initiation and progression, although its underlying mechanisms in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain elusive. Here, we unveiled a cancer cell-autonomous function of PGRN in driving immune evasion in primary PDAC. Tumor- but not macrophage-derived PGRN was associated with poor overall survival in PDAC. Multiplex immunohistochemistry revealed low MHC class I (MHCI) expression and lack of CD8+ T cells infiltration in PGRN-high tumors. Inhibition of PGRN abrogated autophagy-dependent MHCI degradation and restored MHCI expression on PDAC cells. Antibody-based blockade of PGRN in a genetic PDAC mouse model remarkably decelerated tumor initiation and progression. Notably, tumors expressing LCMV-gp33 as model antigen were sensitized towards cytotoxic gp33-TCR transgenic T cells upon anti-PGRN antibody treatment. Overall, our study uncovered an unprecedented role of tumor-derived PGRN in regulating immunogenicity of primary PDAC.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEImmune evasion is a key property of PDAC, rendering it refractory to immunotherapy. Here we demonstrate that tumor-derived PGRN promotes autophagy-dependent MHCI degradation, while anti-PGRN increases intratumoral CD8 infiltration and blocks tumor progression. With recent advances in T cell-mediated approaches, PGRN represents a pivotal target to enhance tumor antigen-specific cytotoxicity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheung, P. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krengel, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Althoff, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, E. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, L. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lang, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cham, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Engel, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Soun, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cima, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scheffler, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Striefler, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sinn, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bahra, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pelzer, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oettle, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Markus, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smeets, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aarntzen, E. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Savvatakis, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liffers, S.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neander, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bazarna, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paschen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crawford, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siveke, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.24.432700</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Progranulin promotes immune evasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma through regulation of MHCI expression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.24.432704v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Permeant Fluorescent Probes Visualize the Activation of SARM1 and Uncover an Anti-neurodegenerative Drug Candidate 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.24.432704v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARM1 regulates axonal degeneration through its NAD-metabolizing activity and is a drug target for neurodegenerative disorders. We designed and synthesized fluorescent conjugates of styryl derivative with pyridine to serve as substrates of SARM1, which exhibited large red-shifts after conversion. With the conjugates, SARM1 activation was visualized in live cells following elevation of endogenous NMN or treatment with a cell-permeant NMN-analog. In neurons, imaging documented SARM1 activation preceded vincristine-induced axonal degeneration by hours. Library screening identified a derivative of nisoldipine as a covalent inhibitor of SARM1 that reacted with Cys311 in its Armadillo-domain and blocked its NMN-activation, protecting axons from degeneration. CryoEM showed that SARM1 was locked into an inactive conformation by the inhibitor, uncovering an unsuspected neuroprotective mechanism of dihydropyridines.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, Y. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-02-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.02.24.432704</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Permeant Fluorescent Probes Visualize the Activation of SARM1 and Uncover an Anti-neurodegenerative Drug Candidate]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-02-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.433450v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spontaneous neural oscillations influence behavior and sensory representations by suppressing neuronal excitability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.01.433450v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ability to process and respond to external input is critical for adaptive behavior. Why, then, do neural and behavioral responses vary across repeated presentations of the same sensory input? Spontaneous fluctuations of neuronal excitability are currently hypothesized to underlie the trial-by-trial variability in sensory processing. To test this, we capitalized on invasive electrophysiology in neurosurgical patients performing an auditory discrimination task with visual cues: specifically, we examined the interaction between prestimulus alpha oscillations, excitability, task performance, and decoded neural stimulus representations. We found that strong prestimulus oscillations in the alpha+ band (i.e., alpha and neighboring frequencies), rather than the aperiodic signal, correlated with a low excitability state, indexed by reduced broadband high-frequency activity. This state was related to slower reaction times and reduced neural stimulus encoding strength. We propose that the alpha+ rhythm modulates excitability, thereby resulting in variability in behavior and sensory representations despite identical input.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Iemi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gwilliams, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Samaha, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cycowicz, Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, J.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nikulin, V. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thesen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doyle, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Devinsky, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schroeder, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melloni, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haegens, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.01.433450</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spontaneous neural oscillations influence behavior and sensory representations by suppressing neuronal excitability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.05.434042v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Recovery of high-qualitied Genomes from a deep-inland Salt Lake Using BASALT 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.05.434042v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Metagenomic binning enables the in-depth characterization of microorganisms. To improve the resolution and efficiency of metagenomic binning, BASALT (Binning Across a Series of AssembLies Toolkit), a novel binning toolkit was present in this study, which recovers, compares and optimizes metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) across a series of assemblies from short-read, long-read or hybrid strategies. BASALT incorporates self-designed algorithms which automates the separation of redundant bins, elongate and refine best bins and improve contiguity. Evaluation using mock communities revealed that BASALT auto-binning obtained up to 51% more number of MAGs with up to 10 times better MAG quality from microbial community at low (132 genomes) and medium (596 genomes) complexity, compared to other binners such as DASTool, VAMB and metaWRAP. Using BASALT, a case-study analysis of a Salt Lake sediment microbial community from northwest arid region of China was performed, resulting in 426 non-redundant MAGs, including 352 and 69 bacterial and archaeal MAGs which could not be assigned to any known species from GTDB (ANI < 95%), respectively. In addition, two Lokiarchaeotal MAGs that belong to superphylum Asgardarchaeota were observed from Salt Lake sediment samples. This is the first time that candidate species from phylum Lokiarchaeota was found in the arid and deep-inland environment, filling the current knowledge gap of earth microbiome. Overall, BASALT is proven to be a robust toolkit for metagenomic binning, and more importantly, expand the Tree of Life.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, C.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.05.434042</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Recovery of high-qualitied Genomes from a deep-inland Salt Lake Using BASALT]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.08.434398v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
G-quadruplex RNA motifs influence gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.08.434398v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
G-quadruplexes are non-helical secondary structures that can fold in vivo in both DNA and RNA. In human cells, they can influence replication, transcription and telomere maintenance in DNA, or translation, transcript processing and stability of RNA. We have previously showed that G-quadruplexes are detectable in the DNA of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, despite a very highly A/T-biased genome with unusually few guanine-rich sequences. Here, we show that RNA G-quadruplexes can also form in P. falciparum RNA, using rG4-seq for transcriptome-wide structure-specific RNA probing. Many of the motifs, detected here via the rG4seeker pipeline, have non-canonical forms and would not be predicted by standard in silico algorithms. However, in vitro biophysical assays verified the formation of non-canonical motifs. The G-quadruplexes in the P. falciparum transcriptome are frequently clustered in certain genes and associated with regions encoding low-complexity peptide repeats. They are overrepresented in particular classes of genes, notably those that encode PfEMP1 virulence factors, stress response genes and DNA binding proteins. In vitro translation experiments and in vivo measures of translation efficiency showed that G-quadruplexes can influence the translation of P. falciparum mRNAs. Thus, the G-quadruplex is a novel player in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in this major human pathogen.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dumetz, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, E. Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harris, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Umar, M. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jensen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merrick, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.08.434398</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[G-quadruplex RNA motifs influence gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.10.434754v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metapopulation Structure of Diatom-associated Marine Bacteria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.10.434754v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Marine bacteria-phytoplankton interaction ultimately shapes ecosystem productivity. The biochemical mechanisms underlying their interactions become increasingly known, yet how these ubiquitous interactions drive bacterial evolution has not been illustrated. Here, we sequenced genomes of 294 bacterial isolates associated with 19 coexisting diatom cells. These bacteria constitute eight genetically monomorphic populations of the globally abundant Roseobacter group. Six of these populations are members of Sulfitobacter, arguably the most prevalent bacteria associated with marine diatoms. A key finding is that populations varying at the intra-specific level have been differentiated and each are either associated with a single diatom host or with multiple hosts not overlapping with those of other populations. These closely related populations further show functional differentiation; they differ in motility phenotype and they harbor distinct types of secretion systems with implication for mediating organismal interactions. This interesting host-dependent population structure is even evident for demes within a genetically monomorphic population but each associated with a distinct diatom cell, as shown by a greater similarity in genome content between isolates from the same host compared to those from different hosts. Importantly, the intra- and inter-population differentiation pattern remains when the analyses are restricted to isolates from intra-specific diatom hosts, ruling out distinct selective pressures and instead suggesting coexisting microalgal cells as physical barriers of bacterial gene flow. Taken together, microalgae-associated bacteria display a unique microscale metapopulation structure, which consists of numerous small populations whose evolution is driven by random genetic drift.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.10.434754</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metapopulation Structure of Diatom-associated Marine Bacteria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.11.431356v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Different issue types have different signal intensity on b=0 images and its implication on intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis: examples of liver MRI 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.11.431356v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) theory in MRI was proposed to account for the effect of vessel/capillary perfusion on the aggregate diffusion weighted MR signal. The prevalent IVIM modeling is based on equation-1: SI(b)/SI(0) = (1 -PF) x exp(-b x Dslow) + PF x exp(-b x Dfast) [1] where SI(b) and SI(0) denote the signal intensity of images acquired with the b-factor value of b and b=0 s/mm2, respectively. We recently reported that, for the liver and likely for other organs as well, IVIM modeling of the perfusion component is constrained by the diffusion component, with a reduced Dslow measure leading to artificially higher PF and Dfast measures. With higher b-value associated lower image signal of the targeted tissue, Euqation-1 is focused on describing the signal decay pattern along increasingly higher b-values by three IVIM parameters. Signal intensity at each b-value (i.e., SI(b)) is normalised by the signal intensity of b=0 image (i.e., SI(0)). We noted an apparent problem for Euqation-1. For example, if we want to compare the IVIM parameters of the normal liver parenchyma and a liver tumor, following Euqation-1 we will take the assumption that the SI(0) of the normal parenchyma and the tumor are the same and considered equally as 1 (or 100) for the biexponential decay modelling. However, this assumption is invalid for many scenarios. From our liver IVIM database of 27 healthy female subjects, we chose six of the youngest subjects (20-27 yrs) and six of the oldest subjects (58-71 yrs) and measured the signals of the liver and left erector spinae muscle on b=0 and 2 s/mm2 images. The results show, while there was no apparent difference of left erector spinae muscle signal among the young and elderly groups, the elderly groups liver SI(0) is approximately 20 % lower than that of young group. This difference skewed the ratios of various SI(b)/SI(0) and the followed IVIM parameter determination. The general trend is that lower liver SI(0) is associated with lower Dslow and higher PF and Dfast. If IVIM bi-exponential decay fitting starts from a very low non-zero b images (such as b=2 s/mm2 images), this problem persists. We performed an additional analysis of our IVIM database of five cirrhotic livers and the results show SI(b=2) of cirrhotic right liver is positively associated Dslow (Pearson r=0.687), and negatively associated with PF (Pearson r=-0.733). Though the examples we used in this letter are on liver aging and liver fibrosis, the points discussed are expected to be generalisable to other pathologies and to other organs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xiao, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.11.431356</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Different issue types have different signal intensity on b=0 images and its implication on intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis: examples of liver MRI]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.11.434915v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MR-APSS: a unified approach to Mendelian Randomization accounting for pleiotropy and sample structure using genome-wide summary statistics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.11.434915v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mendelian Randomization (MR) is a valuable tool for inferring causal relationships among a wide range of traits using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Existing summary-level MR methods often rely on strong assumptions, resulting in many false positive findings. To relax MR assumptions, ongoing research has been primarily focused on accounting for confounding due to pleiotropy. Here we show that sample structure is another major confounding factor, including population stratification, cryptic relatedness, and sample overlap. We propose a unified MR approach, MR-APSS, which (i) accounts for pleiotropy and sample structure simultaneously by leveraging genome-wide information; and (ii) allows to include more genetic variants with moderate effects as instrument variables (IVs) to improve statistical power without inflating type I errors. We first evaluated MR-APSS using comprehensive simulations and negative controls, and then applied MR-APSS to study the causal relationships among a collection of diverse complex traits. The results suggest that MR-APSS can better identify plausible causal relationships with high reliability. In particular, MR-APSS can perform well for highly polygenic traits, where the IV strengths tend to be relatively weak and existing summary-level MR methods for causal inference are vulnerable to confounding effects.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.11.434915</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MR-APSS: a unified approach to Mendelian Randomization accounting for pleiotropy and sample structure using genome-wide summary statistics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.14.435289v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ozone nanobubble treatments improve survivability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) challenged with a pathogenic multidrug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.14.435289v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has rapidly increased in aquaculture, which highlights the risk of production losses due to diseases and potential public health concerns. Previously, we reported that ozone nanobubbles (NB-O3) were effective at reducing concentrations of pathogenic bacteria in water and modulating fish immunity against pathogens; however, multiple treatments with direct NB-O3 exposures caused alterations to the gills of exposed-fish. Here, we set up a modified recirculation system (MRS) assembled with an NB-O3 device (MRS-NB-O3) to investigate whether MRS-NB-O3 were 1) safe for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), 2) effective at reducing bacterial load in rearing water, and 3) improved survivability of Nile tilapia following an immersion challenge with a lethal dose of MDR Aeromonas hydrophila. The results indicated no behavioral abnormalities or mortality of Nile tilapia during the 14 day study using the MRS-NB-O3 system. In the immersion challenge, although high bacterial concentration (~2 x 107 CFU/mL) was used, multiple NB-O3 treatments in the first two days reduced the bacteria between 15.9% to 35.6% of bacterial load in water while bacterial concentration increased 13.1% to 27.9% in the untreated control. There was slight up-regulation of non-specific immune-related genes in the gills of the fish receiving NB-O3 treatments. Most importantly, this treatment significantly improved survivability of Nile tilapia with relative percent survival (RPS) of 64.7 - 66.7% in treated fish and surviving fish developed specific antibody against MDR A. hydrophila. In summary, the result suggests that NB-O3 is a promising alternative to antibiotics to control bacterial diseases, including MDR bacteria, and has high potential for application in recirculation aquaculture system (RAS).

HighlightsO_LIMultiple treatments of NB-O3 in a modified recirculation system (MRS) were relatively safe for juvenile Nile tilapia
C_LIO_LINB-O3 treatments in MRS significantly improved survivability of Nile tilapia challenged with multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. hydrophila with RPS of 64.7 - 66.7%
C_LIO_LIConcentration of MDR A. hydrophila in MRS was reduced by 15.9 to 35.6% following each NB-O3 treatment, and increased by 13.1 to 27.9 % in untreated control
C_LIO_LISurviving fish developed specific antibody IgM against MDR A. hydrophila
C_LIO_LINB-O3 is a promising non-antibiotic approach to control diseases caused by MDR A. hydrophila
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Le, D. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, L. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodkhum, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St. Hilaire, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Senapin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sangpo, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.14.435289</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ozone nanobubble treatments improve survivability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) challenged with a pathogenic multidrug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.17.435776v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The single-cell epigenetic regulatory landscape in mammalian perinatal testis development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.17.435776v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spermatogenesis depends on an orchestrated series of developing events in germ cells and full maturation of the somatic microenvironment. To date, the majority of efforts to study cellular heterogeneity in testis has been focused on single-cell gene expression rather than the chromatin landscape shaping gene expression. To advance our understanding of the regulatory programs underlying testicular cell types, we analyzed single-cell chromatin accessibility profiles in more than 25,000 cells from mouse developing testis. We showed that scATAC-Seq allowed us to deconvolve distinct cell populations and identify cis-regulatory elements (CREs) underlying cell type specification. We identified sets of transcription factors associated with cell type-specific accessibility, revealing novel regulators of cell fate specification and maintenance. Pseudotime reconstruction revealed detailed regulatory dynamics coordinating the sequential developmental progressions of germ cells and somatic cells. This high-resolution data also revealed putative stem cells within the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations. Further, we defined candidate target cell types and genes of several GWAS signals, including those associated with testosterone levels and coronary artery disease. Collectively, our data provide a blueprint of the  regulon of the mouse male germline and supporting somatic cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suen, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, A. C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hobbs, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.17.435776</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The single-cell epigenetic regulatory landscape in mammalian perinatal testis development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.21.436352v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrative genome-scale metabolic modeling reveals versatile metabolic strategies for methane utilization in Methylomicrobium album BG8 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.21.436352v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Methylomicrobium album BG8 is an aerobic methanotrophic bacterium that can mitigate environmental methane emission, and is a promising microbial cell factory for the conversion of methane to value-added chemicals. However, the lack of a genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) of M. album BG8 has hindered the development of systems biology and metabolic engineering of this methanotroph. To fill this gap, a high-quality GEM was constructed to facilitate a system-level understanding on the biochemistry of M. album BG8. Next, experimental time-series growth and exometabolomics data were integrated into the model to generate context-specific GEMs. Flux balance analysis (FBA) constrained with experimental data derived from varying levels of methane, oxygen, and biomass were used to model the metabolism of M. album BG8 and investigate the metabolic states that promote the production of biomass and the excretion of carbon dioxide, formate, and acetate. The experimental and modeling results indicated that the system-level metabolic functions of M. album BG8 require a ratio > 1:1 between the oxygen and methane specific uptake rates for optimal growth. Integrative modeling revealed that at a high ratio of oxygen-to-methane uptake flux, carbon dioxide and formate were the preferred excreted compounds; at lower ratios, however, acetate accounted for a larger fraction of the total excreted flux. The results of this study reveal a trade-off between biomass production and organic compound excretion and provide evidence that this trade-off is linked to the ratio between the oxygen and methane specific uptake rates.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Villada, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duran, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stein, L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.21.436352</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrative genome-scale metabolic modeling reveals versatile metabolic strategies for methane utilization in Methylomicrobium album BG8]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.27.437314v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CNAHap: a germline haplotyping method using tumor allele-specific copy number alteration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.27.437314v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Haplotype phasing is indispensable to study human genetics. The pervasiveness of large copy number variant segments in solid tumors brings possibilities to resolve long germline phasing blocks utilizing allele imbalance in tumor data. Although there exist such studies, none of them provide easy-use software based on availability and usability. Herein, we present a novel tool, CNAHap, to determine the allele-specific copy number in tumor and then phase germline variants according to the imbalanced alleles in tumor genomes. We also provide interactive web interfaces to visualize the copy number and phase landscape from CNAHap. On in silico datasets, CNAHap demonstrates higher allele-specific copy number calling accuracy than the benchmark tool and generates long phasing blocks. As a case study on Hepatocellular carcinoma, CNAHap successfully generates huge phase blocks with the averages of N50 and N90 as 25M and 7M, respectively, and finds the Olfactory receptor family is recurrent amplified. Our results illustrate the efficacy of CNAHap in determining tumor allele-specific copy numbers and their long germline haplotypes. CNAHap is available at https://github.com/bowentan/CNAHap and the CNAHap visualization web interfaces are hosted at bio.oviz.org.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.27.437314</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CNAHap: a germline haplotyping method using tumor allele-specific copy number alteration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.29.437485v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scAMACE: Model-based approach to the joint analysis of single-cell data on chromatin accessibility, gene expression and methylation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.29.437485v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The advancement in technologies and the growth of available single-cell datasets motivate integrative analysis of multiple single-cell genomic datasets. Integrative analysis of multimodal single-cell datasets combines complementary information offered by single-omic datasets and can offer deeper insights on complex biological process. Clustering methods that identify the unknown cell types are among the first few steps in the analysis of single-cell datasets, and they are important for downstream analysis built upon the identified cell types. We propose scAMACE for the integrative analysis and clustering of single-cell data on chromatin accessibility, gene expression and methylation. We demonstrate that cell types are better identified and characterized through analyzing the three data types jointly. We develop an efficient expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to perform statistical inference, and evaluate our methods on both simulation study and real data applications. We also provide the GPU implementation of scAMACE, making it scalable to large datasets. The software and datasets are available at https://github.com/cuhklinlab/scAMACE_py (python implementation) and https://github.com/cuhklinlab/scAMACE (R implementation).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wangwu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-03-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.29.437485</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scAMACE: Model-based approach to the joint analysis of single-cell data on chromatin accessibility, gene expression and methylation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-03-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.31.437992v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ReFeaFi: Genome-wide prediction of regulatory elements driving transcription initiation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.31.437992v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Regulatory elements control gene expression through transcription initiation (promoters) and by enhancing transcription at distant regions (enhancers). Accurate identification of regulatory elements is fundamental for annotating genomes and understanding gene expression patterns. While there are many attempts to develop computational promoter and enhancer identification methods, reliable tools to analyze long genomic sequences are still lacking. Prediction methods often perform poorly on the genome-wide scale because the number of negatives is much higher than that in the training sets. To address this issue, we propose a dynamic negative set updating scheme with a two-model approach, using one model for scanning the genome and the other one for testing candidate positions. The developed method achieves good genome-level performance and maintains robust performance when applied to other species, without re-training. Moreover, the unannotated predicted regulatory regions made on the human genome are enriched for disease-associated variants, suggesting them to be potentially true regulatory elements rather than false positives. We validated high scoring "false positive" predictions using reporter assay and all tested candidates were successfully validated, demonstrating the ability of our method to discover novel human regulatory regions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Umarov, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arakawa, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Takizawa, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arner, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.03.31.437992</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ReFeaFi: Genome-wide prediction of regulatory elements driving transcription initiation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.18.440346v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The entorhinal cortex modulates trace fear memory formation and neuroplasticity in the lateral amygdala via cholecystokinin 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.18.440346v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Although the neural circuitry underlying fear memory formation is important in fear-related mental disorders, it is incompletely understood. Here, we utilized trace fear conditioning to study the formation of trace fear memory. We identified the entorhinal cortex (EC) as a critical component of sensory signaling to the amygdala. Moreover, we used the loss of function and rescue experiments to demonstrate that release of the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) from the EC is required for trace fear memory formation. We discovered that CCK-positive neurons extend from the EC to the lateral nuclei of the amygdala (LA), and inhibition of CCK-dependent signaling in the EC prevented long-term potentiation of sensory signals to the LA and formation of trace fear memory. Altogether, we suggest a model where sensory stimuli trigger the release of CCK from EC neurons, which potentiates sensory signals to the LA, ultimately influencing neural plasticity and trace fear memory formation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.18.440346</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The entorhinal cortex modulates trace fear memory formation and neuroplasticity in the lateral amygdala via cholecystokinin]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.440457v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
AIE nanoparticles camouflaged with tumor cell-derived exosomes for NIR-II imaging-guided photothermal therapy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.19.440457v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nanoparticles (NPs) assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment modality and has attracted the attention of the scientific mainstream. However, developing NPs that exhibit efficient optical properties and specific tumor targeting capability simultaneously is difficult. Herein, we develop hybrid nanovesicles consisting of tumor cell-derived exosomes (EXO) and organic aggregation-induced emission (AIE) nanoparticles (TT3-oCB NP@EXOs) with enhanced second near-infrared (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) fluorescence property and PTT functionality. Compared with TT3-oCB NPs, TT3-oCB NP@EXOs exhibit excellent biocompatibility, specific targeting ability in vitro, homing to homologous tumors in vivo, and prolonged circulation time. Furthermore, TT3-oCB NP@EXOs were utilized as biomimetic NPs for NIR-II fluorescence imaging-guided PTT of tumors, due to their high and stable photothermal conversion capacity under 808 nm irradiation. Therefore, the tumor cell-derived EXO/AIE NP hybrid nanovesicles may provide an alternative artificial targeting strategy for improving tumor diagnosis and PTT.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, B. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.19.440457</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[AIE nanoparticles camouflaged with tumor cell-derived exosomes for NIR-II imaging-guided photothermal therapy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.20.440323v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A novel strain of lumpy skin disease virus causes clinical disease in cattle in Hong Kong 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.20.440323v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is an emerging poxviral pathogen of cattle that is currently spreading throughout Asia. The disease situation is of high importance for farmers and policy makers in Asia. In October 2020, feral cattle in Hong Kong developed multifocal cutaneous nodules consistent with lumpy skin disease (LSD). Gross and histological pathology further supported the diagnosis and samples were sent to the OIE Reference Laboratory at The Pirbright Institute for confirmatory testing. LSDV was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and additional molecular analyses. This is the first report of LSD in Hong Kong. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the strain LSDV/HongKong/2020 and phylogenetic analysis were carried out in order to identify connections to previous outbreaks of LSD, and better understand the drivers of LSDV emergence. Analysis of the 90 core poxvirus genes revealed LSDV/HongKong/2020 was a novel strain most closely related to the live-attenuated Neethling vaccine strains of LSDV and more distantly related to wildtype LSDV isolates from Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Analysis of the more variable regions located towards the termini of the poxvirus genome revealed genes in LSDV/HongKong/2020 with different patterns of grouping when compared to previously published wildtype and vaccine strains of LSDV. This work reveals that the LSD outbreak in Hong Kong in 2020 was caused by a different strain of LSDV than the LSD epidemic in the Middle East and Europe in 2015-2018. The use of WGS is highly recommended when investigating LSDV disease outbreaks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Flannery, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shih, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haga, I. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ashby, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corla, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freimanis, G. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Polo, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brackman, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pun, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferguson, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lycett, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Batten, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beard, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.20.440323</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A novel strain of lumpy skin disease virus causes clinical disease in cattle in Hong Kong]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.26.441442v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-tissue integrative analysis of personal epigenomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.26.441442v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how genetic variants impact molecular phenotypes is a key goal of functional genomics, currently hindered by reliance on a single haploid reference genome. Here, we present the EN-TEx resource of personal epigenomes, for [~]25 tissues and >10 assays in four donors (>1500 open-access functional genomic and proteomic datasets, in total). Each dataset is mapped to a matched, diploid personal genome, which has long-read phasing and structural variants. The mappings enable us to identify >1 million loci with allele-specific behavior. These loci exhibit coordinated epigenetic activity along haplotypes and less conservation than matched, non-allele-specific loci, in a fashion broadly paralleling tissue-specificity. Surprisingly, they can be accurately modelled just based on local nucleotide-sequence context. Combining EN-TEx with existing genome annotations reveals strong associations between allele-specific and GWAS loci and enables models for transferring known eQTLs to difficult-to-profile tissues. Overall, EN-TEx provides rich data and generalizable models for more accurate personal functional genomics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rozowsky, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Drenkow, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gursoy, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Galeev, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Borsari, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Epstein, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berthel, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Navarro, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wright, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cameron, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shoresh, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaskell, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adrian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aganezov, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Balderrama-Gutierrez, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Banskota, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corona, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chee, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chhetri, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martins, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Danyko, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davis, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farid, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farrell, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gabdank, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gofin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gorkin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hecht, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hitz, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Issner, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kirsche, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mackiewicz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moore, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mudge, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nel</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.26.441442</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-tissue integrative analysis of personal epigenomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.28.441754v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantitative multidimensional phenotypes improve genetic analysis of laterality traits 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.28.441754v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Handedness is the most commonly investigated lateralised phenotype and is usually measured as a binary left/right category. Its links with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders prompted studies aimed at understanding the underlying genetics, while other measures and side preferences have been less studied. We investigated the heritability of hand, as well as foot, and eye preference by assessing parental effects (n [&le;] 5 028 family trios) and SNP-based heritability (SNP-h2, n [&le;] 5 931 children) in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). An independent twin cohort from Hong Kong (n = 358) was used to replicate results from structural equation modelling (SEM). Parental left-side preference increased the chance of an individual to be left-sided for the same trait, with stronger maternal than paternal effects for footedness. By regressing out the effects of sex, age, and ancestry, we transformed laterality categories into quantitative measures. The SNP-h2 for quantitative handedness and footedness was .21 and .23, respectively, which is higher than the SNP-h2 reported in larger genetic studies using binary handedness measures. The heritability of the quantitative measure of handedness increased (.45) compared to a binary measure for writing hand (.27) in the Hong Kong twins. Genomic and behavioural SEM identified a shared genetic factor contributing to handedness, footedness, and eyedness, but no independent effects on individual phenotypes. Our analysis demonstrates how quantitative multidimensional laterality phenotypes are better suited to capture the underlying genetics than binary traits.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schmitz, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, K. F. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McBride, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, C. S.- H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paracchini, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.28.441754</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantitative multidimensional phenotypes improve genetic analysis of laterality traits]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.29.441925v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The in vivo RNA structurome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan with an A/T-rich transcriptome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.29.441925v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan parasite and causative agent of human malaria, has one of the most A/T-biased genomes sequenced to date. This may give the genome and the transcriptome unusual structural features. Recent progress in sequencing techniques has made it possible to study the secondary structures of RNA molecules at the transcriptomic level. Thus, in this study we produced the in vivo RNA structurome of a protozoan parasite with a highly A/U-biased transcriptome. We showed that it is possible to probe the secondary structures of P. falciparum RNA molecules in vivo using two different chemical probes, and obtained structures for more than half of all transcripts in the transcriptome. These showed greater stability (lower free energy) than the same structures modelled in silico, and structural features appeared to influence translation efficiency and RNA decay. Finally, we compared the P. falciparum RNA structurome with the predicted RNA structurome of an A/T-balanced species, P. knowlesi, finding a bias towards lower overall transcript stability and more hairpins and multi-stem loops in P. falciparum. This unusual protozoan RNA structurome will provide a basis for similar studies in other protozoans and also in other unusual genomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dumetz, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Enright, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merrick, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-04-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.04.29.441925</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The in vivo RNA structurome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan with an A/T-rich transcriptome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-04-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.07.443200v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RNA toxicity and perturbation of rRNA processing in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.07.443200v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BACKGROUNDSpinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) gene. The mutant ATXN2 protein with a polyglutamine tract is known to be toxic and contributes to the SCA2 pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVEHere we tested the hypothesis that the mutant ATXN2 transcript with an expanded CAG repeat (expATXN2) is also toxic and contributes to SCA2 pathogenesis.

METHODSThe toxic effect of expATXN2 transcripts on SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells and primary mouse cortical neurons was evaluated by caspase 3/7 activity and nuclear condensation assay, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was performed to identify RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that bind to expATXN2 RNA. Quantitative PCR was used to examine if rRNA processing is disrupted in SCA2 and Huntington disease (HD) human brain tissue.

RESULTSexpATXN2 RNA induces neuronal cell death, and aberrantly interacts with RBPs involved in RNA metabolism. One of the RBPs, transducin {beta}-like protein 3 (TBL3), involved in rRNA processing, binds to both expATXN2 and expanded huntingtin (expHTT) RNA in vitro. rRNA processing is disrupted in both SCA2 and HD human brain tissue.

CONCLUSIONThese findings provide the first evidence of a contributory role of expATXN2 transcripts in SCA2 pathogenesis, and further support the role expHTT transcripts in HD pathogenesis. The disruption of rRNA processing, mediated by aberrant interaction of RBPs with expATXN2 and expHTT transcripts, suggest a point of convergence in the pathogeneses of repeat expansion diseases with potential therapeutic implications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, P. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moulick, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arbez, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marque, L. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hedglen, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, H. Y. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ross, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pulst, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Margolis, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woodson, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rudnicki, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.07.443200</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RNA toxicity and perturbation of rRNA processing in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.09.443165v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
iPSC modeling shows uncompensated mitochondrial mediated oxidative stress underlies early heart failure in hypoplastic left heart syndrome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.09.443165v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart defect with 30% mortality from heart failure (HF) in the first year of life, but why only some patients suffer early-HF and its cause remain unknown. Modeling using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) showed early-HF patient iPSC-CM have increased apoptosis, redox stress, and failed antioxidant response. This was associated with mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, mitochondrial hyperfusion and respiration defects. Whereas iPSC-CM from patients without early-HF had hyper-elevated antioxidant response with increased mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. Single cell transcriptomics showed dichotomization by HF outcome, with mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress associated with early-HF. Importantly, oxidative stress and apoptosis associated with early HF were rescued by sildenafil inhibition of mPTP opening or TUDCA suppression of ER stress. Together these findings demonstrate a new paradigm for modeling clinical outcome in iPSC-CM, demonstrating uncompensated mitochondrial oxidative stress underlies early HF in HLHS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bais, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yagi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feinstein, T. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Criscione, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beutner, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karunakaran, K. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adams, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuo, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kostka, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pryhuber, G. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shiva, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ganapathiraju, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Porter, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.-H. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aronow, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.09.443165</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[iPSC modeling shows uncompensated mitochondrial mediated oxidative stress underlies early heart failure in hypoplastic left heart syndrome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.11.443600v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Generalizable predictive modeling of semantic processing ability from functional brain connectivity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.11.443600v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Semantic processing (SP) is one of the critical abilities of humans for representing and manipulating meaningful and conceptual information. Neuroimaging studies of SP typically collapse data from many subjects, but both its neural organization and behavioral performance vary between individuals. It is not yet understood whether and how the individual variabilities in neural organizations contribute to the individual differences in SP behaviors. Here we aim to identify the neural signatures underlying SP variabilities by analyzing individual functional connectivity (FC) patterns based on a large-sample Human Connectome Project (HCP) dataset and rigorous predictive modeling. We used a two-stage predictive modeling approach to build an internally cross-validated model and to test the models generalizability with unseen data from different HCP sub-populations and task states as well as other out-of-sample datasets that are independent of the HCP. FC patterns within a putative semantic brain network were significantly predictive of individual SP scores summarized from five semantic tasks. This cross-validated predictive model can be used to predict unseen HCP data. The model generalizability was enhanced with FCs in language tasks than resting state and other task states and was better for females than males. The model constructed from the HCP dataset can be generalized to two independent cohorts that participated in different semantic tasks. FCs connecting to the Perisylvian language network show the most reliable contributions to predictive modeling and the out-of-sample generalization. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neural sources of individual differences in SP, which potentially lay the foundation for personalized education and improve intervention practice for patients with SP and language deficits.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Meng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.11.443600</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Generalizable predictive modeling of semantic processing ability from functional brain connectivity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.17.444406v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Diel CO2 fluctuations alter the molecular response of coral reef fishes to ocean acidification conditions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.17.444406v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Environmental CO2 variation can modify the responses of marine organisms to ocean acidification, yet the underlying mechanisms for this effect remain unclear. On coral reefs, environmental CO2 fluctuates on a regular day-night cycle. Effects of future ocean acidification on coral reef fishes might therefore depend on their response to this diel cycle of CO2. To evaluate the effects on the brain molecular response, we exposed two common reef fishes (Acanthochromis polyacanthus and Amphiprion percula) to two projected future CO2 levels (750 and 1,000 atm) under both stable and diel fluctuating conditions. We found a common signature to stable elevated pCO2 for both species, which included the downregulation of immediate early genes, indicating lower brain activity. The transcriptional program was more strongly affected by higher average CO2 in a stable treatment than for fluctuating treatments, however, the largest difference in molecular response was between stable and fluctuating CO2 treatments. This indicates that a response to a change in environmental CO2 conditions is different for organisms living in a fluctuating than in stable environments. The differential regulation was related to steroid hormones and circadian rhythm (CR). Both species exhibited a marked difference in the expression of CR genes among CO2 treatments, possibly accommodating a more flexible adaptive approach to acid-base control, which could explain reduced impairment. Our results suggest that environmental CO2 fluctuations might enable reef fishes to phase shift their clocks and anticipate CO2 changes, thereby avoiding impairments and more successfully adjust to ocean acidification conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jarrold, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munday, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.17.444406</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Diel CO2 fluctuations alter the molecular response of coral reef fishes to ocean acidification conditions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.17.444413v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The time course of molecular acclimation to seawater in a euryhaline fish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.17.444413v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Arabian pupfish, Aphanius dispar, is a euryhaline fish inhabiting both inland nearly-freshwater desert ponds and highly saline Red Sea coastal lagoons of the Arabian Peninsula. Red Sea populations have been found to receive migrants from desert ponds that are flushed out to sea during flash floods, requiring rapid acclimation to a greater than 40 ppt change in salinity. To investigate the molecular pathways of salinity acclimation during such colonization events, a Red Sea coastal lagoon and a desert pond population were sampled, with the latter exposed to a rapid increase in water salinity. Changes in branchial gene expression were investigated via genome-wide transcriptome measurements over time from 6 hours to 21 days. The two natural populations displayed basal differences in genes related to ion transport, osmoregulation and immune system functions. These mechanisms were also differentially regulated in seawater transferred fish, revealing their crucial role in long-term adaptation. Other processes were only transiently activated shortly after the salinity exposure, including cellular stress response mechanisms, such as molecular chaperone synthesis and apoptosis. Tissue remodeling processes were also identified as transient, but took place later in the timeline, suggesting their importance to long-term acclimation as they likely equip the fish with lasting adaptations to their new environment. The alterations in branchial functional pathways displayed by Arabian pupfish in response to salinity increases are diverse. These reveal a large toolkit of molecular processes important for adaptation to hyperosmolarity that allow for successful colonization to a wide variety of different habitats.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bonzi, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Monroe, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lehmann, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berumen, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.17.444413</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The time course of molecular acclimation to seawater in a euryhaline fish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.18.444717v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Adapting insect caste concepts to the demands of bio-ontologies. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.18.444717v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractTerminological and conceptual ambiguity surrounding core entities such as  colonies and  castes continues to hinder comparative analysis, data integration, and ontological interoperability in social insect research. While extensive work has addressed the descriptive and functional aspects of social organization, less attention has been paid to the ontological status of these entities and the consequences this has for formal representation in bio-ontologies. In this study, I provide a realist ontological analysis of  colonies and  castes grounded in distinctions between natural units, natural kinds, and realizable entities. I argue that insect colonies constitute bona fide biological individuals (natural units) demarcated through relations of causal unity and historical continuity, and therefore suitable for treatment as unified causal systems within ontology frameworks. By contrast, I show that  castes fail to satisfy the criteria for either natural units or natural kinds, due to their lack of independent causal cohesion, developmental plasticity, temporal variability, and context sensitivity. Treating  castes as autonomous entities or essentialized kinds introduces systematic instability and misrepresentation in bio-ontological models. To address these issues, I propose modeling  castes as realizable entities, specifically as roles instantiated in individual organ-isms and realized in biological processes under colony-regulated developmental and ecological conditions. This approach accommodates morphological canalization, phenotypic plasticity, temporal polyethism, and cross-taxon variability within a unified framework, while remaining consistent with the Basic Formal Ontology (BFO). My analysis clarifies longstanding conceptual ambiguities in the representation of social insect organization and provides a flexible, biologically faithful foundation for ontology design, supporting robust data interoperability and future empirical refinement.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Silva, T. S. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pie, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.18.444717</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Adapting insect caste concepts to the demands of bio-ontologies.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.23.445322v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Alpha oscillatory activity causally linked to working memory retention: insights from online phase-locking closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.23.445322v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Although previous studies have reported correlations between alpha oscillations and the "retention" sub-process of working memory (WM), causal evidence has been limited in human neuroscience due to the lack of delicate modulation of human brain. Conventional tACS is not suitable for demonstrating the causal evidence for parietal alpha oscillations in WM retention because of its inability to modulate brain oscillations within a short period (i.e., the retention sub-process). Here, we developed an online phase-corrected closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) system capable of precisely correcting for the phase differences between tACS and concurrent endogenous oscillations. This system permits both up- and down-regulation of brain oscillations at the target stimulation frequency within a short stimulation period, and is here applied to empirically demonstrate that parietal alpha oscillations causally relate to WM retention. Our experimental design included both in-phase and anti-phase alpha-tACS applied to 39 participants during the retention sub-processes of a modified Sternberg paradigm. Compared to in-phase alpha-tACS, anti-phase alpha-tACS decreased both WM performance and alpha activity. Moreover, the in-phase tACS-induced changes in WM performance were positively correlated with alpha oscillatory activity. These findings strongly support a causal link between alpha oscillations and WM retention, and illustrate the broad application prospects of phase-corrected tACS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yimiti, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, G. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, N. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Z.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sack, A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laughlin, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.23.445322</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Alpha oscillatory activity causally linked to working memory retention: insights from online phase-locking closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.26.445908v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Phage-Derived Depolymerase as an Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.26.445908v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacteriophage-encoded depolymerases are responsible for degrading capsular polysaccharides (CPS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and exopolysachcharides (EPS) of the host bacteria during phage invasion. They have been considered as promising antivirulence agents in controlling bacterial infections, including those caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This feature inspires a hope of utilizing these enzymes to disarm the polysaccharide capsid of the bacterial cells, which then strengthens the action of antibiotics. Here we have identified, cloned, and expressed a depolymerase Dpo71 from a bacteriophage specific for the gram-negative (G-ve) bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii in the heterologous host E. coli. Dpo71 sensitizes the multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii to the host immune attack, and also acts as an adjuvant to assist or boost the action of antibiotics, for example colistin. Specifically, Dpo71 at 10 {micro}g/ml enables a complete bacterial eradication by human serum at 50% volume ratio. Dpo71 inhibits biofilm formation and disrupts the pre-formed biofilm. Combination of Dpo71 could significantly enhance the antibiofilm activity of colistin, and improve the survival rate of A. baumannii infected Galleria mellonella. Dpo71 retains the strain-specificity of the parent phage from which Dpo71 is derived: the phage-sensitive A. baumannii strains respond to Dpo71 treatment, whereas the phage-insensitive strains do not. This indicates that Dpo71 indeed is responsible for the host specificity of bacteriophages. In summary, our work demonstrates the feasibility of using recombinant depolymerases as an antibiotic adjuvants to supplement the development of new antibacterials and to battle against MDR pathogens.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, S. S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-05-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.05.26.445908</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Phage-Derived Depolymerase as an Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-05-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.01.446504v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Gene Expression Associated with Individual Variability in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.01.446504v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It has been revealed that intersubject variability (ISV) in intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) is associated with a wide variety of cognitive and behavioral performances. However, the underlying organizational principle of ISV in FC and its related gene transcriptional profiles remain unclear. Using resting-state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project (299 participants) and microarray gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we conducted a transcription-neuroimaging association study to investigate the spatial configurations of ISV in intrinsic FC and their associations with gene transcriptional profiles. We found that the multimodal association cortices showed the greatest ISV in FC, while the unimodal cortices and subcortical areas showed the least ISV. Importantly, partial least squares regression analysis revealed that the transcriptional profiles of genes associated with human accelerated regions (HARs) could explain 31.29% of the variation in the spatial distribution of ISV in FC. The top-related genes in the transcriptional profiles were enriched for the development of the central nervous system, neurogenesis and the cellular components of synapse. Moreover, we observed that the effect of gene expression profile on the heterogeneous distribution of ISV in FC was significantly mediated by the cerebral blood flow configuration. These findings highlighted the spatial arrangement of ISV in FC and their coupling with variations in transcriptional profiles and cerebral blood flow supply.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L. M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.01.446504</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Gene Expression Associated with Individual Variability in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.07.447364v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular classification reveals the diverse genetic features and prognosis of gastric cancer: a multi-omics consensus ensemble clustering 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.07.447364v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common tumor around the world, it is necessary to reveal novel molecular subtypes to guide the selection of patients who may benefit from specific target therapy.

MethodsMulti-omics data, including RNA-sequence of transcriptomics (mRNA, LncRNA, miRNA), DNA methylation and gene mutation of TCGA-STAD cohort was used for the clustering. Ten classical clustering algorithms were applied to recognize patients with different molecular features via the R package "MOVICS". The activated signaling pathways were evaluated using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. The difference distribution of gene mutations, copy number alterations and tumor mutation burden was compared, and potential response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy was assessed as well.

ResultsTwo molecular subtypes (CS1 and CS2) were recognized by ten clustering algorithms with further consensus ensembles. Patients in the CS1 group were found to contain a shorter average overall survival time (28.5 vs. 68.9 months, P = 0.016), and progression-free survival (19.0 vs. 63.9 months, P = 0.008) compared to the CS2 group. CS1 group contained more activation of extracellular associated biological process, while CS2 group displayed the activation of cell cycle associated pathways. The significantly higher total mutation numbers and neo antigens were observed in CS2 group, along with the specific mutation of TTN, MUC16 and ARID1A. Higher infiltration of immunocytes were also observed in CS2 group, reflected to the potential benefit from immunotherapy. Moreover, CS2 group also can response to 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. The similar diverse of clinical outcome of CS1 and CS2 groups were successfully validation in external cohorts of GSE62254, GSE26253, GSE15459, and GSE84437.

ConclusionNovel insight into the GC subtypes was obtained via integrative analysis of five omics data by ten clustering algorithms, which can provide the idea to the clinical target therapy based on the specific molecular features.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.07.447364</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular classification reveals the diverse genetic features and prognosis of gastric cancer: a multi-omics consensus ensemble clustering]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.10.437122v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scSVAS: CNV clonal visualization online platform for large scale single-cell genomics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.10.437122v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The recent advance of single-cell copy number variation analysis plays an essential role in addressing intra-tumor heterogeneity, identifying tumor subgroups, and restoring tumor evolving trajectories at single-cell scale. Pleasant visualization of copy number analysis results boosts productive scientific exploration, validation, and sharing. Several single-cell analysis figures have the effectiveness of visualizations for understanding single-cell genomics in published articles and software packages. However, they almost lack real-time interaction, and it is hard to reproduce them. Moreover, existing tools are time-consuming and memory-intensive when they reach large-scale single-cell throughputs. We present an online visualization platform, scSVAS, for real-time interactive single-cell genomics data visualization. scSVAS is specifically designed for large-scale single-cell analysis. Compared with other tools, scSVAS manifests the most comprehensive functionalities. After uploading the specified input files, scSVAS deploys the online interactive visualization automatically. Users may make scientific discoveries, share interactive visualization, and download high-quality publication-ready figures. scSVAS provides versatile utilities for managing, investigating, sharing, and publishing single-cell copy number variation profiles. We envision this online platform will expedite the biological understanding of cancer clonal evolution in single-cell resolution. All visualizations are publicly hosted at https://sc.deepomics.org.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qing, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.10.437122</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scSVAS: CNV clonal visualization online platform for large scale single-cell genomics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.11.448156v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CRISPRa screen on a genetic risk locus shared by multiple autoimmune diseases identifies a dysfunctional enhancer that affects IRF8 expression through cooperative lncRNA and DNA methylation machinery 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.11.448156v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dysregulated transcription factors represent a major class of drug targets that mediate the abnormal expression of many critical genes involved in SLE and other autoimmune diseases. Although strong evidence suggests that natural human genetic variation affects basal and inducible gene expression, it is still a considerable challenge to establish a biological link between GWAS-identified non-coding genetic risk variants and their regulated gene targets. Here, we combine genetic data, epigenomic data, and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) assays to screen for functional variants regulating IRF8 expression. Using CRISPR-mediated deletion and 3D chromatin structure analysis, we demonstrate that the locus containing rs2280381 is a cell-type-specific distal enhancer for IRF8 that spatially interacts with the IRF8 promoter. Further, rs2280381 mediates IRF8 expression through enhancer RNA AC092723.1, which recruits TET1 to the IRF8 promoter to modulate IRF8 expression by affecting methylation levels. The alleles of rs2280381 modulate PU.1 binding and chromatin state to differentially regulate AC092723.1 and IRF8 expression. Our work illustrates a strategy to define the functional genetic variants modulating transcription factor gene expression levels and identifies the biologic mechanism by which autoimmune diseases risk genetic variants contribute to the pathogenesis of disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harley, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Namjou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaufman, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kottyan, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weirauch, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.11.448156</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CRISPRa screen on a genetic risk locus shared by multiple autoimmune diseases identifies a dysfunctional enhancer that affects IRF8 expression through cooperative lncRNA and DNA methylation machinery]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.14.448273v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
OsciDrop: A versatile on-demand droplet generator 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.14.448273v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Droplet microfluidics is a powerful tool in many biological and clinical applications. Microfluidic chips, such as flow-focusing droplet generators, have been extensively used to high-throughput encapsulate reactions with single-cell and single-molecular resolutions. However, microfabrication is expensive and precision-demanding, preventing it from widespread use in biomedical laboratories and clinical facilities. Herein, we present a versatile chip-free droplet generator, OsciDrop, for generating size-tunable droplets on demand, with high uniformity. OsciDrop segments the fluid flowing out of the orifice of a micropipette tip into droplets by oscillating the tip under the surface of a continuous oil phase. We investigated the factors influencing droplet generation by examining several control parameters. Results show that flow rate, oscillating amplitude, and frequency are key parameters to generate monodisperse droplets on demand. And OsciDrop is able to generate droplets in a flexible and repeatable manner. Importantly, using an optimal asymmetrical oscillation waveform, OsciDrop can controllably generate monodisperse droplets spanning a wide volume range (200 pL - 2 L). To demonstrate the ability of OsciDrop for chip-free droplet assays, a digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (dLAMP) was performed to absolutely quantify African swine fever virus (ASFV). The OsciDrop method opens up a feasible and versatile avenue to perform droplet-based assays, exhibiting full accessibility for chip-free droplet microfluidics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ye, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.14.448273</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[OsciDrop: A versatile on-demand droplet generator]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.22.449532v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neuro-molecular characterization of fish cleaning interactions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.22.449532v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coral reef fish exhibit a large variety of behaviours crucial for fitness and survival. The cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus displays cognitive abilities during interspecific interactions by providing services of ectoparasite cleaning, thus serving as a good example to understand the processes of complex social behaviour. However, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of cooperative behaviour between L. dimidiatus and a potential client fish (Acanthurus leucosternon). Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms in three regions of the brain (fore-, mid-, and hindbrain) during the interaction of these fishes. Here we show, using transcriptomics, that most of the transcriptional response in both species was regulated in the hindbrain and forebrain regions and that the interacting behaviour responses of L. dimidiatus involved immediate early gene alteration, dopaminergic and glutamatergic pathways, the expression of neurohormones (such as isotocin) and steroids (e.g. progesterone and estrogen). In contrast, in the client, fewer molecular alterations were found, mostly involving pituitary hormone responses. The particular pathways found suggested learning and memory processes in the cleaner wrasse, while the client indicated stress relief.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ramirez-Calero, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paula, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Otjacques, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosa, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.22.449532</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neuro-molecular characterization of fish cleaning interactions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.29.450347v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Generation of liver organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells as liver fibrosis and steatosis models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.29.450347v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background & AimsLiver cirrhosis is a major cause of death worldwide, and its prevalence is growing rapidly due to the growth of obesity and diabetes population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Yet, no effective therapeutics have been developed to treat NAFLD or its more advanced stage, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This has raised great concern for a representative liver model to be developed so that novel drugs could be screened, identified and developed. Presently, we aim to develop a liver organoid entirely from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) to model liver fibrogenesis and NAFLD.

MethodsHepatoblasts (HBs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) were derived from hiPSCs, allowed to self-organized and differentiated into liver organoids. Liver functions, transcriptomic and protein expression of liver organoids were characterized and validated. Liver organoids were exposed to thioacetamide (TAA) and free fatty acids (FFA) to be induced into liver disease model.

ResultsThe liver organoids we fabricated were highly vascularized, exhibited liver-specific functions and hepatic cellular spatial organization. The presence of liver specific ECs, macrophages and cholangiocytes were found within our organoids. TAA induced fibrosis in our liver organoids that exhibited diminished liver functions, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis-related gene expression, as well as extensive collagen deposit. Organoids treated with FFA developed steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis.

ConclusionsWe generated a novel method, that is Matrigel-independent and size-controllable, for making human liver organoids. These organoids can potentially be utilized as tissue-mimetic in vitro model for high throughput screening to identify drugs that can be used to treat liver fibrosis and NAFLD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tsang, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, P. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-06-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.06.29.450347</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Generation of liver organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells as liver fibrosis and steatosis models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-06-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.02.450318v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Plakoglobin and HMGB1 mediate intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis induced by Clostridioides difficile TcdB 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.02.450318v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated intestinal disease, resulting in severe diarrhea and fatal pseudomembranous colitis. TcdB, one of the essential virulence factors secreted by this bacterium, induces host cell apoptosis through a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we performed an RNAi screen customized to Caco-2 cells, a cell line model of the intestinal epithelium, to discover host factors involved in TcdB-induced apoptosis. We identified plakoglobin, also known as junction plakoglobin (JUP) or {gamma}-catenin, a member of the catenin family, as a novel host factor, and a previously known cell death-related chromatin factor, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Disruption of those host factors by RNAi and CRISPR resulted in resistance of cells to TcdB-mediated and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. JUP was redistributed from adherens junctions to the mitochondria and colocalized with Bcl-XL after stimulation by TcdB, suggesting a role of JUP in cell death signaling through mitochondria. Treatment with glycyrrhizin, an HMGB1 inhibitor, resulted in significantly increased resistance to TcdB-induced epithelial damage in cultured cells and a mouse ligated colon loop model. These findings demonstrate the critical roles of JUP and HMGB1 in TcdB-induced epithelial cell apoptosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaur, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuo, C.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McDonough, S. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fubini, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lipkin, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.02.450318</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Plakoglobin and HMGB1 mediate intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis induced by Clostridioides difficile TcdB]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.07.451387v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Phylogenomics Suggests the Origin of Obligately Anaerobic Anammox Bacteria Correlates with the Great Oxidation Event 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.07.451387v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria could transform ammonium and nitrite to dinitrogen gas, and this obligate anaerobic process accounts for up to half of the global nitrogen loss in surface environments. Yet its origin and evolution, which may give important insights into the biogeochemistry of early Earth, remains enigmatic. Here, we performed comprehensive phylogenomic analysis and showed a single origin of anammox bacteria within the phylum Planctomycetes. After accommodating the uncertainties and factors influencing time estimates, which includes implementing both a traditional cyanobacteria-based and a recently developed mitochondria-based approach, we estimated that anammox bacteria originated at early Proterozoic and most likely around the so-called Great Oxidation Event (GOE; 2.32 to 2.5 billion years ago [Ga]) which fundamentally changed global biogeochemical cycles. We further showed that during the origin of anammox bacteria, genes involved in oxidative stress, bioenergetics and anammox granules formation were recruited, which might have contributed to their survival on an increasingly oxic Earth. Our findings suggest the rising levels of atmospheric oxygen, which made nitrite increasingly available, was a potential driving force for the emergence of anammox bacteria. This is one of the first studies that link the GOE to the evolution of obligate anaerobic bacteria.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.07.451387</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Phylogenomics Suggests the Origin of Obligately Anaerobic Anammox Bacteria Correlates with the Great Oxidation Event]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.07.451410v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dual inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 enhances cytotoxicity of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.07.451410v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One of the many strategies that cancer cells use to evade cell death is through upregulation of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. Hence, these proteins have become attractive therapeutic targets. Given that different cell population rely on different anti-apoptotic proteins for survival, it is crucial to determine which proteins are important for NPC survival. Here we determined the survival requirements for the NPC cells using combination of CRISPR/Cas9 technique and pharmacological approaches. A human apoptosis RT2 Profiler PCR Array was first employed to profile the anti-apoptotic gene expressions in NPC cell lines HK-1 and C666-1. The HK-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes (MCL-1, BFL-1, BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-w). Similarly, the C666-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic proteins except BFL-1 (undetectable level). Notably, both cell lines highly expressed MCL-1. Deletion of MCL-1 sensitized cells to A-1331852 suggesting that MCL-1 and BCL-XL may be important for NPC cell survival. Co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-2 with MCL-1 selective inhibitor S63845 and BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 inhibited NPC cell proliferation but the effect on cell viability was more profound with co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL with S63845 and A-1331852, implying that MCL-1 and BCL-XL are crucial for NPC cell survival. Furthermore, co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL inhibited the growth and invasion of NPC spheroids. Deletion of BFL-1 sensitized cells to A-1331852 suggesting that BFL-1 may play a role in NPC cell survival. Taken together co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1/BFL-1 could be potential treatment strategies for NPC.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Abdul Rahman, S. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Azlan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Azzam, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohana Kumaran, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.07.451410</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dual inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 enhances cytotoxicity of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.15.452192v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mining bacterial NGS data vastly expands the complete genomes of temperate phages 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.15.452192v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Temperate phages (active prophages induced from bacteria) help control pathogenicity, modulate community structure, and maintain gut homeostasis1. Complete phage genome sequences are indispensable for understanding phage biology. Traditional plaque techniques are inapplicable to temperate phages due to the lysogenicity of these phages, which curb the identification and characterization of temperate phages. Existing in silico tools for prophage prediction usually fail to detect accurate and complete temperate phage genomes2-5. In this study, by a novel computational method mining both the integrated active prophages and their spontaneously induced forms (temperate phages), we obtained 192,326 complete temperate phage genomes from bacterial next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, hence expanded the existing number of complete temperate phage genomes by more than 100-fold. The reliability of our method was validated by wet-lab experiments. The experiments demonstrated that our method can accurately determine the complete genome sequences of the temperate phages, with exact flanking sites (attP and attB sites), outperforming other state-of-the-art prophage prediction methods. Our analysis indicates that temperate phages are likely to function in the evolution of microbes by 1) cross-infecting different bacterial host species; 2) transferring antibiotic resistance and virulence genes; and 3) interacting with hosts through restriction-modification and CRISPR/anti-CRISPR systems. This work provides a comprehensive complete temperate phage genome database and relevant information, which can serve as a valuable resource for phage research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kropinski, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.15.452192</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mining bacterial NGS data vastly expands the complete genomes of temperate phages]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.21.452303v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Gastrodia-Uncaria Water Extract Inhibits Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinase in Protecting against Cerebral Ischemia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.21.452303v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in worldwide, in which cerebral ischemia accounts for 87% of all cases. The building up of endoplasmic reticulum stress in cerebral ischemia contributes to the disruption of blood brain barrier and neuronal cell death. The only FDA-approved drug, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, is still of limited use due to the narrow window period and lack of neuroprotective effect. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative treatment on cerebral ischemia. Tianma-Gouteng decoction is a traditional Chinese Medicine prescription used to treat brain diseases in China. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of a water extract consisting of Gastrodia elata and Uncaria rhynchophylla, which are the two main herbs in the decoction. Cerebral ischemia was induced in rats using middle cerebral artery occlusion. GUW-treated rats have significantly reduced infarction volume and recovered neurological functions. The number of protein aggregates and caspase-12 positive cells were significantly inhibited. In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation / reoxygenation stroke model demonstrated that the unfolded protein response proteins GRP78 and PDI were upregulated by GUW. Less ubiquitin puncta and normalized ubiquitin distribution indicated the reduction in endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, a lower Evan blue signal and MMPsense signal was observed, suggesting that GUW may preserve the blood brain barrier integrity through inhibiting MMP activity. Taken together, this suggested that GUW protected ischemic neurons and the blood brain barrier through inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Choi, A. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xian, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.21.452303</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Gastrodia-Uncaria Water Extract Inhibits Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinase in Protecting against Cerebral Ischemia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.21.453292v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Discriminative and affective touch converge: Somatosensory cortex represents A-beta input in a CT-like manner 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.21.453292v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Current theory divides the human mechanical sense into discriminative and affective systems. A discriminative system supports tactile exploration and manipulation via fast A{beta} signaling, whereas an affective system supports the pleasure of friendly interpersonal touch via slow CT signaling. To probe this system segregation, we recorded the electroencephalogram from participants being stroked and reporting stroke pleasantness. We observed a somatosensory negativity that was maximal for CT optimal as compared with sub-optimal velocities, that predicted subjective pleasantness, and showed only for stroking of hairy skin known to be CT innervated. Importantly, the latency of this negativity preceded C fiber input to the brain by several hundred milliseconds and is best explained by interactions between CT and A{beta} processes in the spinal cord. Our data challenge the divide between discriminative and affective touch implying instead that both fast A{beta} and slow CT signaling play an important role in tactile pleasure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schirmer, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGlone, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cham, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.21.453292</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Discriminative and affective touch converge: Somatosensory cortex represents A-beta input in a CT-like manner]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.21.453295v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The precedence effect in spatial hearing emerges only late in the auditory pathway 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.21.453295v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundTo localize sound sources accurately in a reverberant environment, human binaural hearing strongly favors analyzing the initial wave front of sounds. Behavioral studies of this "precedence effect" have so far largely been confined to human subjects, limiting the scope of complementary physiological approaches. Similarly, physiological studies have mostly looked at neural responses in the inferior colliculus, or used modeling of cochlear mechanics in an attempt to identify likely underlying mechanisms. Studies capable of providing a direct comparison of neural coding and behavioral measures of sound localization under the precedence effect are lacking.

ResultsWe adapted a "temporal weighting function" paradigm for use in laboratory rats. The animals learned to lateralize click trains in which each click in the train had a different interaural time difference. Computing the "perceptual weight" of each click in the train revealed a strong onset bias, very similar to that reported for humans. Follow-on electrocorticographic recording experiments revealed that onset weighting of ITDs is a robust feature of the cortical population response, but interestingly it often fails to manifest at individual cortical recording sites.

ConclusionWhile previous studies suggested that the precedence effect may be caused by cochlear mechanics or inhibitory circuitry in the brainstem and midbrain, our results indicate that the precedence effect is not fully developed at the level of individual recording sites in auditory cortex, but robust and consistent precedence effects are observable at the level of cortical population responses. This indicates that the precedence effect is significantly "higher order" than has hitherto been assumed.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.21.453295</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The precedence effect in spatial hearing emerges only late in the auditory pathway]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453730v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Self-supervised contrastive learning for integrative single cell RNA-seq data analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.26.453730v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become a powerful tool to reveal the complex biological diversity and heterogeneity among cell populations. However, the technical noise and bias of the technology still have negative impacts on the downstream analysis. Here, we present a self-supervised Contrastive LEArning framework for scRNA-seq (CLEAR) profile representation and the downstream analysis. CLEAR overcomes the heterogeneity of the experimental data with a specifically designed representation learning task and thus can handle batch effects and dropout events. In the task, the deep learning model learns to pull together the representations of similar cells while pushing apart distinct cells, without manual labeling. It achieves superior performance on a broad range of fundamental tasks, including clustering, visualization, dropout correction, batch effect removal, and pseudo-time inference. The proposed method successfully identifies and illustrates inflammatory-related mechanisms in a COVID-19 disease study with 43,695 single cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Further experiments to process a million-scale single-cell dataset demonstrate the scalability of CLEAR. This scalable method generates effective scRNA-seq data representation while eliminating technical noise, and it will serve as a general computational framework for single-cell data analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.26.453730</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Self-supervised contrastive learning for integrative single cell RNA-seq data analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.29.454133v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep learning identifies and quantifies recombination hotspot determinants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.29.454133v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recombination is one of the essential genetic processes for sexually reproducing organisms, which can happen more frequently in some regions, called recombination hotspots. Although several factors, such as PRDM9 binding motifs, are known to be related to the hotspots, their contributions to the recombination hotspots have not been quantified, and other determinants are yet to be elucidated. Here, we develop a computational method, RHSNet, based on deep learning and signal processing, to identify and quantify the hotspot determinants in a purely data-driven manner, utilizing datasets from various studies, populations, sexes, and species. In addition to being able to identify hotspot regions and the well-known determinants accurately, RHSNet is sensitive to the difference between different PRDM9 alleles and different sexes, and can generalize to PRDM9-lacking species. The cross-sex, cross-population, and cross-species studies suggest that the proposed method has the potential to identify and quantify the evolutionary determinant motifs.

TeaserRHSNet can accurately identify and quantify recombination hotspot determinants across different studies, sexes, populations, and species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rapakoulia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuwahara, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-07-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.07.29.454133</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep learning identifies and quantifies recombination hotspot determinants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-07-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.14.456336v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification and targeting of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 long non-coding RNA 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.14.456336v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) have functional roles in many cellular processes in diverse organisms. While a number of rG4 examples have been reported in coding messenger RNAs (mRNA), so far only limited works have studied rG4s in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are of emerging interest and significance in biology. Herein, we report that MALAT1 lncRNA contains conserved rG4 motifs, forming thermostable rG4 structures with parallel topology. We also show that rG4s in MALAT1 lncRNA can interact with NONO protein with high specificity and affinity in vitro and in nuclear cell lysate, and we provide in vivo data to support that NONO protein recognizes MALAT1 lncRNA via rG4 motifs. Notably, we demonstrate that rG4s in MALAT1 lncRNA can be targeted by rG4-specific small molecule, peptide, and L-aptamer, leading to the dissociation of MALAT1 rG4-NONO protein interaction. Altogether, this study uncovers new and important rG4s in MALAT1 lncRNAs, reveals their specific interactions with NONO protein, offers multiple strategies for targeting MALAT1 and its RNA-protein complex via its rG4 structure, and illustrates the prevalence and significance of rG4s in ncRNAs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.14.456336</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification and targeting of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 long non-coding RNA]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.21.457228v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanistic basis for the emergence of EPS1 as a catalyst in plant salicylic acid biosynthesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.21.457228v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Unique to plants in the Brassicaceae family, the production of the plant defense hormone salicylic acid (SA) from isochorismate is accelerated by an evolutionarily young isochorismoyl-glutamate pyruvoyl-glutamate lyase, EPS1, which belongs to the BAHD acyltransferase protein family. Here, we report the crystal structures of apo and substrate-analog-bound EPS1 from Arabidopsis thaliana. Assisted by microsecond molecular dynamics simulations, we uncover a unique pericyclic rearrangement lyase mechanism facilitated by the active site of EPS1. We reconstitute the isochorismate-derived pathway of SA biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which serves as an in vivo platform that helps identify active-site residues critical for EPS1 activity. This study describes the birth of a new catalyst in plant phytohormone biosynthesis by reconfiguring the ancestral active site of a progenitor enzyme to catalyze alternative reaction.

One sentence summaryBy reconfiguring the active site of a progenitor acyltransferase-fold, EPS1 acquired the unique, evolutionarily new lyase activity that accelerates phytohormone salicylic acid production in Brassicaceae plants.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Torrens-Spence, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Glinkerman, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matos, J. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, J.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.21.457228</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanistic basis for the emergence of EPS1 as a catalyst in plant salicylic acid biosynthesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.23.456471v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-shot rAAV5-based Vaccine Provides Long-term Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.23.456471v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The COVID-19 pandemic and the SARS-CoV-2 with its variants have posed unprecedented challenges worldwide. Existing vaccines have limited effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, novel vaccines to match current mutated viral lineages with long-term protective immunity are urgently in demand. In the current study, we for the first time designed a recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus 5 (rAAV5)-based vaccine named as rAAV-COVID-19 vaccine (Covacinplus) by using RBD-plus of spike protein with both the single-stranded and the self-complementary AAV5 delivering vectors (ssAAV5 and scAAAV5), which provides excellent protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. A single dose vaccination induced the strong immune response against SARS-CoV-2. The induced neutralizing antibodies (NAs) titers were maintained at a high peak level of over 1:1024 even after more than one year of injection and accompanied with functional T-cells responses in mice. Importantly, both ssAAV- and scAAV-based RBD-plus vaccines exhibited high levels of serum NAs against current circulating variants including variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. SARS-CoV-2 virus challenge test showed that ssAAV5-RBD-plus vaccine protected both young and old age mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection in the upper and the lower respiratory tracts. Moreover, whole genome sequencing demonstrated that AAV vector DNA sequences were not found in the genome of the vaccinated mice after one year vaccination, demonstrating excellent safety of the vaccine. Taken together, this study suggests that rAAV5-based vaccine is powerful against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants with long-term protective immunity and excellent safety, which has great potential for development into prophylactic vaccination in human to end this global pandemic.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, x.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHOU, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>liang, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>liu, l.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.23.456471</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-shot rAAV5-based Vaccine Provides Long-term Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.27.457885v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Air-nanobubbles ineffective to reduce pathogenic bacteria in fresh and brackish waters 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.27.457885v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nanobubble (NB) technology has been hailed as a novel way to disinfect water. Previous studies suggested that when NBs collapse, they create shock waves that result in OH- free radicals, which can damage cells, including bacteria. In this study, we investigated, through a series of 11 experiments, the potential use of air nanobubbles (128 {+/-} 44 nm, mean {+/-} SD) to reduce the concentration of various pathogenic bacteria including Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Streptococcus agalactiae under controlled, tank-based laboratory conditions. Despite the high number of nanobubbles continuously added to a relatively small volume of water in experimental tanks (50-100 L), we did not observe a consistent or significant decrease in bacteria that would control disease outbreaks. Although most of the experiments were conducted in fresh water on A. hydrophila, results were consistent across fresh and brackish water experiments, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and a range of nanobubble concentrations. This study suggests air nanobubbles on their own are inadequate to significantly reduce high levels of pathogenic bacteria in water. We propose to explore other gases for improving the disinfection properties of this technology.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAir nanobubbles did not sufficiently reduce the level of bacteria in laboratory experiments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Domingos, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khongcharoen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Van, P. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nghia, N. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giang, P. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>The Viet, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St-Hilaire, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.27.457885</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Air-nanobubbles ineffective to reduce pathogenic bacteria in fresh and brackish waters]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.30.458217v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Effective and Efficient Neural Networks for Spike Inference from In Vivo Calcium Imaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.30.458217v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Calcium imaging technique provides the advantages in monitoring large population of neuronal activities simultaneously. However, it lacks the signal quality provided by neural spike recording in traditional electrophysiology. To address this issue, we developed a supervised data-driven approach to extract spike information from calcium signals. We propose the ENS2 (effective and efficient neural networks for spike inference from calcium signals) system for spike-rate and spike-event predictions using raw calcium inputs based on U-Net deep neural network. When testing on a large, ground truth public database, it consistently outperformed state-of-the-arts algorithms in both spike-rate and spike-event predictions with reduced computational load. We further demonstrated that ENS2 can be applied to analyses of orientation selectivity in primary visual cortex neurons. We concluded that it would be a versatile inference system that benefits diverse neuroscience studies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-08-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.08.30.458217</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Effective and Efficient Neural Networks for Spike Inference from In Vivo Calcium Imaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-08-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.06.459196v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Both Simulation and Sequencing Data Reveal Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants Coinfection in COVID-19 Pandemic 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.06.459196v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA betacoronavirus with a high mutation rate. The rapidly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants could increase the transmissibility, aggravate the severity, and even fade the vaccine protection. Although the coinfections of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens have been reported, whether multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants coinfection exists remains controversial. This study collected 12,986 and 4,113 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the GISAID database on May 11, 2020 (GISAID20May11) and April 1, 2021 (GISAID21Apr1), respectively. With the single-nucleotide variants (SNV) and network clique analysis, we constructed the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) coexistence networks and noted the SNP number of the maximal clique as the coinfection index. The coinfection indices of GISAID20May11 and GISAID21Apr1 datasets were 16 and 34, respectively. Simulating the transmission routes and the mutation accumulations, we discovered the linear relationship between the coinfection index and the coinfected variant number. Based on the linear relationship, we deduced that the COVID-19 cases in the GISAID20May11 and GISAID21Apr1 datasets were coinfected with 2.20 and 3.42 SARS-CoV-2 variants on average. Additionally, we performed Nanopore sequencing on 42 COVID-19 patients to explore the virus mutational characteristics. We found the heterozygous SNPs in 41 COVID-19 cases, which support the coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and challenge the accuracy of phylogenetic analysis. In conclusion, our findings reported the coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients, demonstrated the increased coinfected variants number in the epidemic, and provided clues for the prolonged viral shedding and severe symptoms in some cases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.06.459196</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Both Simulation and Sequencing Data Reveal Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants Coinfection in COVID-19 Pandemic]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.24.461661v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cell-adaptable dynamic hydrogel reinforced with stem cells improves the functional repair of spinal cord injury by alleviating neuroinflammation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.24.461661v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most challenging clinical issues. It is characterized by the disruption of neural circuitry and connectivity, resulting in neurological disability. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) serve as a promising source of therapeutic cells for SCI treatment. However, the therapeutic outcomes of direct ADSCs transplantation are limited in the presence of an inflammatory microenvironment. Herein, a cell-adaptable neurogenic (CaNeu) hydrogel was developed as a delivery vehicle for ADSCs to promote neuronal regeneration after SCI. The dynamic network of CaNeu hydrogel loaded with ADSCs provides a cell-infiltratable matrix that enhances axonal growth and eventually leads to improved motor evoked potential, hindlimb strength, and coordination of complete spinal cord transection in rats. Furthermore, the CaNeu hydrogel also establishes an anti-inflammatory microenvironment by inducing a shift in the polarization of the recruited macrophages toward the pro-regeneration (M2) phenotype. Our study showed that the CaNeu-hydrogel-mediated ADSCs delivery resulted in significantly suppressed neuroinflammation and apoptosis, and that this phenomenon involved the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that the CaNeu hydrogel is a valuable delivery vehicle to assist stem cell therapy for SCI, providing a promising strategy for central nervous system diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oh, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, D. Y. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.24.461661</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cell-adaptable dynamic hydrogel reinforced with stem cells improves the functional repair of spinal cord injury by alleviating neuroinflammation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.27.461919v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Revealing Free Energy Landscape from MD Data via Conditional Angle Partition Tree 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.27.461919v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deciphering the free energy landscape of biomolecular structure space is crucial for understanding many complex molecular processes, such as protein-protein interaction, RNA folding, and protein folding. A major source of current dynamic structure data is Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Several methods have been proposed to investigate the free energy landscape from MD data, but all of them rely on the assumption that kinetic similarity is associated with global geometric similarity, which may lead to unsatisfactory results. In this paper, we proposed a new method called Conditional Angle Partition Tree to reveal the hierarchical free energy landscape by correlating local geometric similarity with kinetic similarity. Its application on the benchmark alanine dipeptide MD data showed a much better performance than existing methods in exploring and understanding the free energy landscape. We also applied it to the MD data of Villin HP35. Our results are more reasonable on various aspects than those from other methods and very informative on the hierarchical structure of its energy landscape.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.27.461919</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Revealing Free Energy Landscape from MD Data via Conditional Angle Partition Tree]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.28.462081v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Performance-optimized neural networks as an explanatory framework for decision confidence 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.09.28.462081v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Previous work has sought to understand decision confidence as a prediction of the probability that a decision will be correct, leading to debate over whether these predictions are optimal, and whether they rely on the same decision variable as decisions themselves. This work has generally relied on idealized, low-dimensional models, necessitating strong assumptions about the representations over which confidence is computed. To address this, we used deep neural networks to develop a model of decision confidence that operates directly over high-dimensional, naturalistic stimuli. The model accounts for a number of puzzling dissociations between decisions and confidence, reveals a rational explanation of these dissociations in terms of optimization for the statistics of sensory inputs, and makes the surprising prediction that, despite these dissociations, decisions and confidence depend on a common decision variable.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Webb, T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miyoshi, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajananda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-09-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.09.28.462081</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Performance-optimized neural networks as an explanatory framework for decision confidence]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-09-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.01.462721v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.01.462721v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Wolbachia are among the most prevalent and widespread endosymbiotic bacteria on earth. Wolbachia s success in infecting an enormous number of arthropod species is attributed to two features: the range of phenotypes they induce in their hosts, and their ability to switch to new host species. Whilst much progress has been made in elucidating the phenotypes induced by Wolbachia, our understanding of Wolbachia host shifting is still very limited: we lack answers to even fundamental questions concerning Wolbachias routes of transfer and the importance of factors influencing host shifts. Here, we investigate the diversity and host-shift patterns of Wolbachia in scale insects, a group of arthropods with intimate associations with other insects that make them well-suited to studying host shifts. Using Illumina pooled amplicon sequencing of Wolbachia-infected scale insects and their direct associates we determined the identity of all Wolbachia strains, revealing that 32% of samples were multiply infected (with up to five distinct strains per species). We then fitted a Generalised Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) to our data to estimate the influence of factors such as the host phylogeny and the geographic distribution of each species on Wolbachia strain sharing among scale insect species. The model predicts no significant contribution of host geography but strong effects of host phylogeny, with high rates of Wolbachia sharing among closely related species and a sudden drop-off in sharing with increasing phylogenetic distance. We also detected the same Wolbachia strain in scale insects and several intimately associated species (ants, wasps, beetles, and flies). This indicates putative host shifts and potential routes of transfers via these associates and highlights the importance of ecological connectivity in Wolbachia host-shifting.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sanaei, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Albery, G. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeoh, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cook, L. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Engelstaedter, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.01.462721</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.04.462897v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metabolic Regulation of Mitochondrial Morphologies in Pancreatic Beta Cells: Bioenergetics-Mitochondrial Dynamics Coupling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.04.462897v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial dynamics are crucial for the secretion of insulin by pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose concentrations. To obtain better insights into the interactions between energy production and mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics, we combine live-cell mitochondria imaging with biophysical-based modeling and network analysis to elucidate the principle regulating mitochondrial morphology to match metabolic demand in pancreatic beta cells. A minimalistic differential equation-based model for beta cells was constructed to include glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, simple calcium dynamics, and graph-based fission/fusion dynamics controlled by ATP synthase flux and proton leak flux. The model revealed that mitochondrial fission occurs in response to hyperglycemia, starvation, ATP synthase inhibition, uncoupling, and diabetic condition, in which the rate of proton leak exceeds the rate of mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Under these metabolic challenges, the propensities of tip-to-tip fusion events simulated from the microscopic images of the mitochondrial networks were lower than those in the control group and prevented mitochondrial network formation. The modeling and network analysis could serve as the basis for further detailed research on the mechanisms of bioenergetics and mitochondrial dynamics coupling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tseng, W.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, Y.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, Y.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, A.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.04.462897</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metabolic Regulation of Mitochondrial Morphologies in Pancreatic Beta Cells: Bioenergetics-Mitochondrial Dynamics Coupling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.463151v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Clinically applicable rapid susceptibility testing of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus by mass spectrometry and extreme gradient boosting machine 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.05.463151v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major causes of severe infections. Due to the delays of conventional antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), most cases were prescribed by experience with a lower recovery rate. Linking a 7-year study of over 20,000 Staphylococcus aureus infected patients, we incorporated mass spectrometry and machine learning technology to predict the susceptibilities of patients for 4 different antibiotics that can enable early antibiotic decisions. The predictive models were externally validated in an independent patient cohort, resulting in an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94, 0.90, 0.86, 0.91 and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.93, 0.87, 0.87, 0.81 for oxacillin (OXA), clindamycin (CLI), erythromycin (ERY) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), respectively. Moreover, our pipeline provides AST 24-36 h faster than standard workflows, reduction of inappropriate antibiotic usage with preclinical prediction, and demonstrates the potential of combining mass spectrometry with machine learning (ML) to assist early and accurate prescription. Therapies to individual patients could be tailored in the process of precision medicine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horng, J.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.05.463151</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Clinically applicable rapid susceptibility testing of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus by mass spectrometry and extreme gradient boosting machine]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.06.463443v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
seRNA PAM-1 regulates skeletal muscle satellite cell activation and aging through trans regulation of Timp2 expression synergistically with Ddx5 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.06.463443v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Muscle satellite cells (SCs) are responsible for muscle homeostasis and regeneration; and lncRNAs play important roles in regulating SC activities. Here in this study, we identify PAM-1 (Pax7 Associated Muscle lncRNA) that is induced in activated SCs to promote SC activation into myoblast cells upon injury. PAM-1 is generated from a myoblast specific super-enhancer (SE); as a seRNA it binds with a number of target genomic loci predominantly in trans. Further studies demonstrate that it interacts with Ddx5 to tether PAM-1 SE to it inter-chromosomal targets Timp2 and Vim to activate the gene expression. Lastly, we show that PAM-1 expression is increased in aging SCs, which leads to enhanced inter-chromosomal interaction and target genes up-regulation. Altogether, our findings identify PAM-1 as a previously unknown lncRNA that regulates both SC activation and aging through its trans gene regulatory activity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, K. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.06.463443</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[seRNA PAM-1 regulates skeletal muscle satellite cell activation and aging through trans regulation of Timp2 expression synergistically with Ddx5]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.08.463638v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Simultaneous Mnemonic and Predictive Representations in the Auditory Cortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.08.463638v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent studies have shown that stimulus history can be decoded via the use of broadband sensory impulses to reactivate mnemonic representations. It has also been shown that predictive mechanisms in the auditory system demonstrate similar tonotopic organization of neural activity as that elicited by the perceived stimuli. However, it remains unclear if the mnemonic and predictive information can be decoded from cortical activity simultaneously and from overlapping neural populations. Here, we recorded neural activity using electrocorticography (ECoG) in the auditory cortex of anesthetized rats while exposed to repeated stimulus sequences, where events within the sequence were occasionally replaced with a broadband noise burst or omitted entirely. We show that both stimulus history and predicted stimuli can be decoded from neural responses to broadband impulse at overlapping latencies but linked to largely independent neural populations. We also demonstrate that predictive representations are learned over the course of stimulation at two distinct time scales, reflected in two dissociable time windows of neural activity. These results establish a valuable tool for investigating the neural mechanisms of passive sequence learning, memory encoding, and prediction mechanisms within a single paradigm, and provide novel evidence for learning predictive representations even under anaesthesia.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cappotto, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melloni, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.08.463638</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Simultaneous Mnemonic and Predictive Representations in the Auditory Cortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.10.463440v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Is there magnocellular facilitation of early neural processes underlying visual word recognition? Evidence from masked repetition priming with ERPs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.10.463440v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
An influential theory in the field of visual object recognition proposes that fast magnocellular (M) information facilitates neural processing of spatially more fine-grained but slower parvocellular (P) information. While written words can be considered as a special type of visual objects, it is unknown whether magnocellular facilitation also plays a role in reading. We used a masked priming paradigm that has been shown to result in neural facilitation in visual word processing and tested whether these facilitating effects are mediated by the magnocellular system. In two experiments, we manipulated the influence of magnocellular and parvocellular systems on visual processing of a contextually predictable target character by contrasting high versus low spatial frequency and luminance versus color contrast, respectively. In addition, unchanged (normal) primes were included in both experiments as a manipulation check. As expected, unchanged primes elicited typical repetition effects in the N1, N250 and P3 components of the ERP in both experiments. In the experiment manipulating spatial contrast, we obtained repetition effects only for the N1 component for both M- and P-biased primes. In the luminance versus color contrast experiment, repetition effects were found in N1 and N250 for both M- and P- biased primes. Furthermore, no interactions were found between M- vs. P-biased prime types and repetition. Together these results indicate that M- and P- information contributes jointly to early neural processes underlying visual word recognition.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sommer, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dimigen, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maurer, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.10.463440</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Is there magnocellular facilitation of early neural processes underlying visual word recognition? Evidence from masked repetition priming with ERPs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.14.464310v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ATP and Substrate Binding Regulates Conformational Changes of Human Peroxisomal ABC Transporter ALDP 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.14.464310v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The malfunction of ABCD1 causes X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare neurodegenerative disease that affect all tissues in human. Residing in the peroxisome membrane, ABCD1 plays a role in the translocation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) for their damage by {beta}-oxidation. Here, we present five Cryo-Electron microscopy structures of ABCD1 in four conformational states. Combined with functional analysis, we found that substrate and ATP trigger the closing of two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) over a distance of 40 [A] and the rearrangement of the transmembrane domains. Each of the three inward-facing structure of ABCD1 has a vestibule opens to cytosol with variable size. Furthermore, the structure of ABCD1 in the outward-facing state supports that ATP molecules pull the two NBDs together and open the transmembrane domain to the peroxisomal lumen for substrate release. The five structures provide a snapshot of substrate transporting cycle and mechanistic implications for disease-causing mutations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>xiong, c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, L.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, M.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, W.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, L.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.14.464310</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ATP and Substrate Binding Regulates Conformational Changes of Human Peroxisomal ABC Transporter ALDP]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.15.464617v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Observation of reversal in twist-stretch coupling of RNA suggests a unified mechanism for the opposite couplings of DNA and RNA 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.15.464617v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The functions of DNA and RNA rely on their deformations. When stretched, both DNA and RNA duplexes change their twist angles through twist-stretch coupling. The coupling is negative for DNA but positive for RNA, which is not yet completely understood. Here, our magnetic tweezers experiments show that the coupling of RNA reverses from positive to negative by multivalent cations. Combining with the previously reported tension-induced negative-to-positive coupling-reversal of DNA, we propose a unified mechanism of the couplings of both RNA and DNA based on molecular dynamics simulations. Two deformation pathways are competing when stretched: shrinking the radius causes positive couplings but widening the major groove causes negative couplings. For RNA whose major groove is clamped by multivalent cations and canonical DNA, their radii shrink when stretched, thus exhibiting positive couplings. For elongated DNA whose radius already shrinks to the minimum and canonical RNA, their major grooves are widened when stretched, thus exhibiting negative coupling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiang, X.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, F.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.15.464617</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Observation of reversal in twist-stretch coupling of RNA suggests a unified mechanism for the opposite couplings of DNA and RNA]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.17.464733v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Extrasynaptic NMDA receptors bidirectionally modulate intrinsic excitability of inhibitory neurons 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.17.464733v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The NMDA subtype glutamate receptors (NMDARs) play important roles in both physiological and pathological processes in the brain. Comparing to their critical roles in synaptic modifications and excitotoxicity in the excitatory neurons, much less is understood about the functional contributions of NMDARs to the inhibitory/GABAergic neurons. By using selective NMDAR inhibitors and potentiators, we here show that NMDARs bi-directionally modulate the intrinsic excitability (defined as spontaneous/evoked spiking activity and EPSP-spike coupling) in the inhibitory/GABAergic neurons. This modulation depends on GluN2C/2D-but not GluN2A/2B-containing NMDARs. We further show that NMDAR modulator EU1794-4 mostly enhances extrasynaptic NMDAR activity, and by using it we demonstrate a significant contribution of extrasynaptic NMDARs to the modulation of intrinsic excitability in the inhibitory neurons. Altogether, this bidirectional modulation of intrinsic excitability reveals a previously less appreciated importance of NMDARs in the second-to-second functioning of inhibitory/GABAergic neurons.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>zhou, q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.17.464733</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Extrasynaptic NMDA receptors bidirectionally modulate intrinsic excitability of inhibitory neurons]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.19.464956v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-hallmark long noncoding RNA maps reveal non-small cell lung cancer vulnerabilities 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.19.464956v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely dysregulated in cancer, yet their functional roles in cellular disease hallmarks remain unclear. Here we employ pooled CRISPR deletion to perturb all 831 lncRNAs in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and measure their contribution to proliferation, chemoresistance and migration across two cell backgrounds. Integrative analysis of this data outperforms conventional "dropout" screens in identifying cancer genes, while prioritising disease-relevant lncRNAs with pleiotropic and background-independent roles. Altogether 60 high-confidence oncogenic lncRNAs are active in NSCLC, the majority identified here for the first time, and which tend to be amplified and overexpressed in tumours. A follow-up antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) screen shortlisted two candidates, Cancer Hallmarks in Lung LncRNA (CHiLL 1&2), whose knockdown consistently suppressed cancer hallmarks in a variety of 2D and 3D tumour models. Molecular phenotyping reveals that CHiLL 1&2 control cellular-level phenotypes via distinct transcriptional networks converging on common oncogenic pathways. In summary, this work reveals a multi-dimensional functional lncRNA landscape underlying NSCLC that contains potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Esposito, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Polidori, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meise, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pulido, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chouvardas, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Forster, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schaerer, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobel, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schlatter, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roemmele, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Westemeier, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lanzos, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guillen-Ramirez, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basile, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carrozzo, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vancura, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ullrich, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Medina, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andreades, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harvey, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haefliger, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martinez, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ochsenbein, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riether, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.19.464956</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-hallmark long noncoding RNA maps reveal non-small cell lung cancer vulnerabilities]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.20.464979v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A multimodal imaging and analysis pipeline for creating a cellular census of the human cerebral cortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.20.464979v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cells are not uniformly distributed in the human cerebral cortex. Rather, they are arranged in a regional and laminar fashion that span a range of scales. Here we demonstrate an innovative imaging and analysis pipeline to construct a reliable cell census across the human cerebral cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to establish a macroscopic reference coordinate system of laminar and cytoarchitectural boundaries. Cell counting is obtained with both traditional immunohistochemistry, to provide a stereological gold-standard, and with a custom-made inverted confocal light-sheet fluorescence microscope (LSFM) for 3D imaging at cellular resolution. Finally, mesoscale optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables the registration of the distorted histological cell typing obtained with LSFM to the MRI-based atlas coordinate system.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Costantini, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Balbastre, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Varadarajan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pesce, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scardigli, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mazzamuto, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gavryusev, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castelli, F. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roffilli, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Silvestri, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laffey, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raia, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Varghese, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wicinski, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen I-Chun, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cordero, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vera, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nolan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nestor, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mora, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iglesias, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pallares, E. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evancic, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Augustinack, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fogarty, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dalca, A. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frosch, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Magnain, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frost, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Kouwe, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boas, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pavone, F. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fischl, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hof, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.20.464979</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A multimodal imaging and analysis pipeline for creating a cellular census of the human cerebral cortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.26.465846v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep autoencoder enables interpretable tissue-adaptive deconvolution and cell-type-specific gene analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.26.465846v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA-sequencing has become a powerful tool to study biologically significant characteristics at explicitly high resolution. However, its application on emerging data is currently limited by its intrinsic techniques. Here, we introduce Tissue-AdaPtive autoEncoder (TAPE), a deep learning method connecting bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq to achieve precise deconvolution in a short time. By constructing an interpretable decoder and training under a unique scheme, TAPE can predict cell-type fractions and cell-type-specific gene expression tissue-adaptively. Compared with popular methods on several datasets, TAPE has a better overall performance and comparable accuracy at cell type level. Additionally, it is more robust among different cell types, faster, and sensitive to provide biologically meaningful predictions. Moreover, through the analysis of clinical data, TAPE shows its ability to predict cell-type-specific gene expression profiles with biological significance. We believe that TAPE will enable and accelerate the precise analysis of high-throughput clinical data in a wide range.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.26.465846</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep autoencoder enables interpretable tissue-adaptive deconvolution and cell-type-specific gene analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.26.465924v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chronic stroke sensorimotor impairment is related to smaller hippocampal volumes: An ENIGMA analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.26.465924v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Persistent sensorimotor impairments after stroke can negatively impact quality of life. The hippocampus is involved in sensorimotor behavior but has not been widely studied within the context of post-stroke upper limb sensorimotor impairment. The hippocampus is vulnerable to secondary degeneration after stroke, and damage to this region could further weaken sensorimotor circuits, leading to greater chronic sensorimotor impairment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between non-lesioned hippocampal volume and upper limb sensorimotor impairment in people with chronic stroke. We hypothesized that smaller ipsilesional hippocampal volumes would be associated with worse upper-limb sensorimotor impairment.

Cross-sectional T1-weighted brain MRIs were pooled from 357 participants at the chronic stage after stroke (>180 days post-stroke) compiled from 18 research cohorts worldwide in the ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group (age: median = 61 years, interquartile range = 18, range = 23-93; 135 women and 222 men). Sensorimotor impairment was estimated from the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity scores. Robust mixed-effects linear models were used to test associations between post-stroke sensorimotor impairment and hippocampal volumes (ipsilesional and contralesional separately; Bonferroni-corrected, p-value < 0.025), controlling for age, sex, lesion volume, and lesioned hemisphere. We also performed an exploratory analysis to test whether sex differences influence the relationship between sensorimotor impairment and hippocampal volume.

Upper limb sensorimotor impairment was positively associated with ipsilesional (p = 0.005; d = 0.33) but not contralesional (p = 0.96; d = 0.01) hippocampal volume, such that impairment was worse for participants with smaller ipsilesional hippocampal volume. This association remained significant independent of lesion volume or other covariates (p = 0.001; d = 0.36). Evidence indicates an interaction between sensorimotor impairment and sex for both ipsilesional (p = 0.008; d = -0.29) and contralesional (p = 0.006; d = -0.30) hippocampal volumes, whereby women showed progressively worsening sensorimotor impairment with smaller hippocampal volumes compared to men.

The present study has identified a novel association between chronic post-stroke sensorimotor impairment and ipsilesional, but not contralesional, hippocampal volume. This finding was not due to lesion size and may be stronger in women. We also provide supporting evidence that smaller hippocampal volume post-stroke is likely a consequence of ipsilesional damage, which could provide a link between vascular disease and other disorders, such as dementia.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zavaliangos-Petropulu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donnelly, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schweighofer, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lohse, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jahanshad, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barisano, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Banaj, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Borich, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boyd, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buetefisch, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Byblow, W. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cassidy, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Charalambous, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Conforto, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DiCarlo, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dula, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Egorova-Brumley, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Etherton, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fercho, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geranmayeh, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanlon, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hordacre, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kautz, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khlif, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuceyeski, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lotze, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>MacIntosh, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Margetis, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Piras, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramos-Murguialday, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Revill, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roberts, P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robertson, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schambra</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-10-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.26.465924</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chronic stroke sensorimotor impairment is related to smaller hippocampal volumes: An ENIGMA analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-10-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.29.466441v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A novel mechanism of Euonymine inhibits in-stent restenosis through enhancing contractile phenotype of VSMCs by targeting AKT1 and p38MAPK 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.29.466441v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This study aimed to examine the inhibitory effects of Euonymine on in-stent restenosis (ISR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced proliferation, migration, and pro-apoptotic of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro, and its potential mechanisms. Euonymine is a monomer component extracted from Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl) Hutch. Using in vitro models of rabbit carotid balloon injury and porcine atherosclerotic coronary implantation, we confirmed that Euonymine inhibited ISR after PCI. Furthermore, Euonymine inhibited VSMC phenotypic transformation by targeting AKT1 to regulate the PTEN/AKT1/m TOR signaling pathway, with exertion of anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and pro-apoptotic effects on ox-LDL-induced cell injury model. Additionally, the study demonstrated that Euonymine induced apoptosis of VSMCs via the p38MAPK-related mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway. Collectively, these findings indicated that Euonymine drug-eluting stents inhibited ISR after PCI by targeting AKT1 and p38MAPK to enhance the contractile phenotype of VSMCs to prevent intimal hyperplasia development. This provides insights into a potential therapeutic strategy involving the beneficial effect of Euonymine drug-eluting stent on ISR.

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=116 SRC="FIGDIR/small/466441v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (34K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1582ef9org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@73e133org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c5f318org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@daca49_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, H. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, J. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, G. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Z. Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.10.29.466441</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A novel mechanism of Euonymine inhibits in-stent restenosis through enhancing contractile phenotype of VSMCs by targeting AKT1 and p38MAPK]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.02.467032v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
KinasePhos 3.0: Redesign and Expansion of the Prediction on Kinase-specific Phosphorylation Sites 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.02.467032v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The purpose of this work is to enhance KinasePhos, a machine-learning-based kinase-specific phosphorylation site prediction tool. Experimentally verified kinase-specific phosphorylation data were collected from PhosphoSitePlus, UniProt, GPS 5.0, and Phospho.ELM. In total, 41,421 experimentally verified kinase-specific phosphorylation sites were identified. A total of 1380 unique kinases were identified, including 753 with existing classification information from KinBase and the remaining 627 annotated by building a phylogenetic tree. Based on this kinase classification, a total of 771 predictive models were built at the individual, family, and group levels, using at least 15 experimentally verified substrate sites in positive training datasets. The improved models were observed to be more effective than other prediction tools. For example, the prediction of sites phosphorylated by the Akt, CKT, and PKA families had accuracies of 94.5%, 92.5%, and 90.0%, respectively. The average prediction accuracy for all 771 models was 87.2%. For enhancing interpretability, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method was employed to assess feature importance. The web interface of KinasePhos 3.0 has been redesigned with the goal of providing comprehensive annotations of kinase-specific phosphorylation sites on multiple proteins. Additionally, considering the large scale of phosphoproteomic data, a downloadable prediction tool is available at https://awi.cuhk.edu.cn/KinasePhos/index.html or https://github.com/tom-209/KinasePhos-3.0-executable-file.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.02.467032</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[KinasePhos 3.0: Redesign and Expansion of the Prediction on Kinase-specific Phosphorylation Sites]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.04.466897v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide association analyses of individual differences in quantitatively assessed reading- and language-related skills in up to 34,000 people 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.04.466897v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The use of spoken and written language is a capacity that is unique to humans. Individual differences in reading- and language-related skills are influenced by genetic variation, with twin-based heritability estimates of 30-80%, depending on the trait. The relevant genetic architecture is complex, heterogeneous, and multifactorial, and yet to be investigated with well-powered studies. Here, we present a multicohort genome-wide association study (GWAS) of five traits assessed individually using psychometric measures: word reading, nonword reading, spelling, phoneme awareness, and nonword repetition, with total sample sizes ranging from 13,633 to 33,959 participants aged 5-26 years (12,411 to 27,180 for those with European ancestry, defined by principal component analyses). We identified a genome-wide significant association with word reading (rs11208009, p=1.098 x 10-8) independent of known loci associated with intelligence or educational attainment. All five reading-/language-related traits had robust SNP-heritability estimates (0.13-0.26), and genetic correlations between them were modest to high. Using genomic structural equation modelling, we found evidence for a shared genetic factor explaining the majority of variation in word and nonword reading, spelling, and phoneme awareness, which only partially overlapped with genetic variation contributing to nonword repetition, intelligence and educational attainment. A multivariate GWAS was performed to jointly analyse word and nonword reading, spelling, and phoneme awareness, maximizing power for follow-up investigation. Genetic correlation analysis of multivariate GWAS results with neuroimaging traits identified association with cortical surface area of the banks of the left superior temporal sulcus, a brain region with known links to processing of spoken and written language. Analysis of evolutionary annotations on the lineage that led to modern humans showed enriched heritability in regions depleted of Neanderthal variants. Together, these results provide new avenues for deciphering the biological underpinnings of these uniquely human traits.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Eising, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirza-Schreiber, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Zeeuw, E. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Truong, D. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Allegrini, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shapland, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wigg, K. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gerritse, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Molz, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alagoz, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gialluisi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abbondanza, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rimfeld, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Van Donkelaar, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jansen, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andlauer, T. F. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bates, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bernard, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blokland, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Borglum, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bourgeron, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brandeis, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ceroni, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dale, P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Jong, P. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeFries, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Demontis, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gordon, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guger, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayiou-Thomas, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hernandez-Cabrera, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hottenga, J.- J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hulme, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kerr, E. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koomar, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Landerl, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lovett,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.04.466897</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide association analyses of individual differences in quantitatively assessed reading- and language-related skills in up to 34,000 people]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.05.467437v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE enables arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.05.467437v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a widespread symbiosis between roots of the majority of land plants and Glomeromycotina fungi. AM is important for ecosystem health and functioning as the fungi critically support plant performance by providing essential mineral nutrients, particularly the poorly accessible phosphate, in exchange for organic carbon. AM fungi colonize the inside of roots and this is promoted at low but inhibited at high plant phosphate status, while the mechanistic basis for this phosphate-dependence remained obscure. Here we demonstrate that a major transcriptional regulator of phosphate starvation responses in rice PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 2 (PHR2) regulates AM. Root colonization of phr2 mutants is drastically reduced, and PHR2 is required for root colonization, mycorrhizal phosphate uptake, and yield increase in field soil. PHR2 promotes AM by targeting genes required for pre-contact signaling, root colonization, and AM function. Thus, this important symbiosis is directly wired to the PHR2-controlled plant phosphate starvation response.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Das, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paries, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hobecker, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gigl, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dawid, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gutjahr, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.05.467437</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE enables arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.07.467612v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A combinatorial indexing strategy for epigenomic profiling of plant single cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.07.467612v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how cis-regulatory elements facilitate gene expression is a key question in biology. Recent advances in single-cell genomics have led to the discovery of cell-specific chromatin landscapes that underlie transcription programs. However, the high equipment and reagent costs of commercial systems limit their applications for many laboratories. In this study, we profiled the Arabidopsis root single-cell epigenome using a combinatorial index and dual PCR barcode strategy without the need of any specialized equipment. We generated chromatin accessibility profiles for 13,576 Arabidopsis thaliana root nuclei with an average of 12,784 unique Tn5 integrations per cell and 85% of the Tn5 insertions localizing to discrete accessible chromatin regions. Comparison with data generated from a commercial microfluidic platform revealed that our method is capable of unbiased identification of cell type-specific chromatin accessibility with improved throughput, quality, and efficiency. We anticipate that by removing cost, instrument, and other technical obstacles, this combinatorial indexing method will be a valuable tool for routine investigation of single-cell epigenomes and usher new insight into plant growth, development and their interactions with the environment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marand, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schmitz, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.07.467612</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A combinatorial indexing strategy for epigenomic profiling of plant single cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.10.467646v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Total virome characterizations of game animals in China reveals a spectrum of emerging viral pathogens 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.10.467646v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Game animals are wildlife species often traded and consumed as exotic food, and are potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. We performed a meta-transcriptomic analysis of 1725 game animals, representing 16 species and five mammalian orders, sampled across China. From this we identified 71 mammalian viruses, with 45 described for the first time. Eighteen viruses were considered as potentially high risk to humans and domestic animals. Civets (Paguma larvata) carried the highest number of potentially high risk viruses. We identified the transmission of Bat coronavirus HKU8 from a bat to a civet, as well as cross-species jumps of coronaviruses from bats to hedgehogs and from birds to porcupines. We similarly identified avian Influenza A virus H9N2 in civets and Asian badgers, with the latter displaying respiratory symptoms, as well as cases of likely human-to-wildlife virus transmission. These data highlight the importance of game animals as potential drivers of disease emergence.

HighlightsO_LI1725 game animals from five mammalian orders were surveyed for viruses
C_LIO_LI71 mammalian viruses were discovered, 18 with a potential risk to humans
C_LIO_LICivets harbored the highest number of potential  high risk viruses
C_LIO_LIA species jump of an alphacoronavirus from bats to a civet was identified
C_LIO_LIH9N2 influenza virus was detected in a civet and an Asian badger
C_LIO_LIHumans viruses were also identified in game animals
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Si, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xing, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suchard, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lemey, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.10.467646</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Total virome characterizations of game animals in China reveals a spectrum of emerging viral pathogens]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.10.468004v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Determining the architecture of nuclear ring of Xenopus laevis nuclear pore complex using integrated approaches 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.10.468004v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large protein assemblies as a physical gate to regulate nucleocytoplasmic transport. Here, using integrated approaches including cryo-electron microscopy, hybrid homology modeling and cell experiment, we determined the architecture of the nuclear ring (NR) from Xenopus laevis oocytes NPC at subnanometer resolution. In addition to the improvement of the Y complex model, eight copies of Nup205 and ELYS were assigned in NR. Nup205 connects the inner and outer Y complexes and contributes to the assembly and stability of the NR. By interacting with both the inner Nup160 and the nuclear envelope (NE), the N-terminal {beta}-propeller and -solenoid domains of ELYS were found to be essential for accurate assembly of the NPC on the NE.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.10.468004</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Determining the architecture of nuclear ring of Xenopus laevis nuclear pore complex using integrated approaches]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.16.468892v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Adversarial domain translation networks enable fast and accurate large-scale atlas-level single-cell data integration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.16.468892v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rapid emergence of large-scale atlas-level single-cell RNA-seq datasets presents remarkable opportunities for broad and deep biological investigations through integrative analyses. However, harmonizing such datasets requires integration approaches to be not only computationally scalable, but also capable of preserving a wide range of fine-grained cell populations. We created Portal, a unified framework of adversarial domain translation to learn harmonized representations of datasets. With innovation in model and algorithm designs, Portal achieves superior performance in preserving biological variation during integration, while achieving integration of millions of cells in minutes with low memory consumption. We show that Portal is widely applicable to integrating datasets across samples, platforms and data types (including scRNA-seq, snRNA-seq and scATAC-seq). Finally, we demonstrate the power of Portal by applying it to the integration of cross-species datasets with limited shared information among them, elucidating biological insights into the similarities and divergences in the spermatogenesis process among mouse, macaque and human.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ming, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tabula Microcebus Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.16.468892</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Adversarial domain translation networks enable fast and accurate large-scale atlas-level single-cell data integration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.25.470068v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Divergence and convergence of cortical encoding during word reading in bilinguals 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.25.470068v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Word reading includes a series of cognitive processes that convert low-level visual characteristics to neural representations. However, the consistency of the neural mechanisms for processing these cognitive components across different writing systems in bilinguals remains inconclusive. Here, we explored this question by employing representational similarity analysis with a semantic access task involving Chinese words, English words and Chinese pinyin. Distinct anatomical distribution patterns were detected for each type of brain representation across ideographic and alphabetic languages, resulting in 100% classification accuracy. Meanwhile, convergent cognitive components processing was found in the core language-related regions in left hemisphere, including the inferior frontal gyrus, temporal pole, superior and middle temporal gyrus, precentral gyrus and supplementary motor areas. Broadly, our findings indicated that the neural basis for word recognition of different writing systems in bilinguals was divergent in anatomical locations of neural representations for specialized processing but convergent in cognitive domains, which supported and enriched the assimilation-accommodation hypothesis.

TeaserCortical encoding linguistic processing across languages was support by parallel interdigitated distributed networks but convergent in cognitive domains.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Geng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blakemore, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, L.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-11-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.11.25.470068</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Divergence and convergence of cortical encoding during word reading in bilinguals]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-11-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.01.470692v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prediction of drug targets for specific diseases leveraging gene perturbation data: A machine learning approach 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.01.470692v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identification of the correct targets is a key element for successful drug development. However, there are limited approaches for predicting drug targets for specific diseases using omics data, and few have leveraged expression profiles from gene perturbations.

We present a novel computational target discovery approach based on machine learning(ML) models. ML models are first trained on drug-induced expression profiles, with outcomes defined as whether the drug treats the studied disease. The goal is to "learn" expression patterns associated with treatment. The fitted ML models were then applied to expression profiles from gene perturbations(over-expression[OE]/knockdown[KD]). We prioritized targets based on predicted probabilities from the ML model, which reflects treatment potential.

The methodology was applied to predict targets for hypertension, diabetes mellitus(DM), rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and schizophrenia(SCZ). We validated our approach by evaluating whether the identified targets may  re-discover known drug targets from an external database(OpenTargets). We indeed found evidence of significant enrichment across all diseases under study. Further literature search revealed that many candidates were supported by previous studies. For example, we predicted PSMB8 inhibition to be associated with treatment of RA, which was supported by a study showing PSMB8 inhibitors(PR-957) ameliorated experimental RA in mice.

In conclusion, we propose a new ML approach to integrate expression profiles from drugs and gene perturbations and validated the framework. Our approach is flexible and may provide an independent source of information when prioritizing targets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SO, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.01.470692</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prediction of drug targets for specific diseases leveraging gene perturbation data: A machine learning approach]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.01.470752v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CURT1A and CURT1C mediate distinct stages of plastid conversion in Arabidopsis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.01.470752v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The crystalline structure of prolamellar bodies (PLBs) and light-induced etioplasts-to-chloroplasts transformation have been investigated with electron microscopy methods. However, these studies suffer from chemical fixation artifacts and limited volumes of tomographic reconstruction. We have examined Arabidopsis thaliana cotyledon samples preserved by high-pressure freezing with scanning transmission electron tomography to visualize larger volumes in etioplasts and their conversion into chloroplasts. PLB tubules were arranged in a zinc blende-type lattice like carbon atoms in diamonds. Within 2 hours after illumination, the lattice collapsed from the PLB exterior and the disorganized tubules merged to form fenestrated sheets that eventually matured into lamellar thylakoids. These planar thylakoids emerging from PLBs overlapped or folded into grana stacks in PLBs vicinity. Since the nascent lamellae had curved membrane at their tips, we examined the localization of CURT1 proteins. CURT1A transcript was most abundant in de-etiolating cotyledon samples, and CURT1A concentrated at the peripheral PLB. In curt1a mutant etioplasts, thylakoid sheets were swollen and failed to develop stacks. In curt1c mutant, however, PLBs had cracks in their lattices, indicating that CURT1C contributes to cubic crystal growth under darkness. Our data provide evidence that CURT1A and CURT1C play distinct roles in the etioplast and chloroplast biogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mai, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, Y.-L. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.01.470752</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CURT1A and CURT1C mediate distinct stages of plastid conversion in Arabidopsis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.10.472164v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EraSOR: Erase Sample Overlap in polygenic score analyses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.10.472164v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundPolygenic risk score (PRS) analyses are now routinely applied in biomedical research, with great hope that they will aid in our understanding of disease aetiology and contribute to personalized medicine. The continued growth of multi-cohort genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and large-scale biobank projects has provided researchers with a wealth of GWAS summary statistics and individual-level data suitable for performing PRS analyses. However, as the size of these studies increase, the risk of inter-cohort sample overlap and close relatedness increases. Ideally sample overlap would be identified and removed directly, but this is typically not possible due to privacy laws or consent agreements. This sample overlap, whether known or not, is a major problem in PRS analyses because it can lead to inflation of type 1 error and, thus, erroneous conclusions in published work.

ResultsHere, for the first time, we report the scale of the sample overlap problem for PRS analyses by generating known sample overlap across sub-samples of the UK Biobank data, which we then use to produce GWAS and target data to mimic the effects of inter-cohort sample overlap. We demonstrate that inter-cohort overlap results in a significant and often substantial inflation in the observed PRS-trait association, coefficient of determination (R2) and false-positive rate. This inflation can be high even when the absolute number of overlapping individuals is small if this makes up a notable fraction of the target sample. We develop and introduce EraSOR (Erase Sample Overlap and Relatedness), a software for adjusting inflation in PRS prediction and association statistics in the presence of sample overlap or close relatedness between the GWAS and target samples. A key component of the EraSOR approach is inference of the degree of sample overlap from the intercept of a bivariate LD score regression applied to the GWAS and target data, making it powered in settings where both have sample sizes over 1,000 individuals. Through extensive benchmarking using UK Biobank and HapGen2 simulated genotype-phenotype data, we demonstrate that PRSs calculated using EraSOR-adjusted GWAS summary statistics are robust to inter-cohort overlap in a wide range of realistic scenarios and are even robust to high levels of residual genetic and environmental stratification.

ConclusionThe results of all PRS analyses for which sample overlap cannot be definitively ruled out should be considered with caution given high type 1 error observed in the presence of even low overlap between base and target cohorts. Given the strong performance of EraSOR in eliminating inflation caused by sample overlap in PRS studies with large (>5k) target samples, we recommend that EraSOR be used in all future such PRS studies to mitigate the potential effects of inter-cohort overlap and close relatedness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Choi, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, T. S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoggart, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Reilly, P. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.10.472164</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EraSOR: Erase Sample Overlap in polygenic score analyses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.12.472268v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Contrastive Cycle Adversarial Autoencoders for Single-cell Multi-omics Alignment and Integration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.12.472268v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We have entered the multi-omics era, and we can measure cells from different aspects. When dealing with such multi-omics data, the first step is to determine the correspondence among different omics. In other words, we should match data from different spaces corresponding to the same object. This problem is particularly challenging in the single-cell multi-omics scenario because such data are very sparse with extremely high dimensions. Secondly, matched single-cell multi-omics data are rare and hard to collect. Furthermore, due to the limitations of the experimental environment, the data are usually highly noisy. To promote the single-cell multi-omics research, we overcome the above challenges, proposing a novel framework to align and integrate single-cell RNA-seq data and single-cell ATAC-seq data. Our approach can efficiently map the above data with high sparsity and noise from different spaces to a low-dimensional manifold in a unified space, making the downstream alignment and integration straightforward. Compared with the other state-of-the-art methods, our method performs better on both simulated and real single-cell data. On the real data, the performance improvement on accuracy over the previous methods is up to 55.7% regarding scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data integration. Downstream trajectory inference analysis shows that our tool can transfer the labels from scRNA-seq to scATAC-seq with very high accuracy, which indicates our methods effectiveness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.12.472268</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Contrastive Cycle Adversarial Autoencoders for Single-cell Multi-omics Alignment and Integration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.13.472363v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pre-treatment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with ozone nanobubbles improve efficacy of heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae immersion vaccine 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.13.472363v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nanobubble technology has shown appealing technical benefits and potential applications in aquaculture. We recently found that treatment with ozone nanobubbles (NB-O3) activated expression of several immune-related genes leading to effective response to subsequent exposure to fish pathogens. In this study, we investigated whether pre-treatment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with NB-O3 can enhance specific immune responses and improve efficacy of immersion vaccination against Streptococcus agalactiae. Spleen and head kidney of fish in the vaccinated groups showed a substantial upregulation in expression levels of three immunoglobulin classes(IgM, IgD, and IgT) compared with the unvaccinated control groups. At day 21 post-immunization, the relative expression was greatest (approx. 3.2 to 4.1 folds). Both systemic and mucosal IgM antibodies were elicited in vaccinated groups. As the result, the cumulative survival rate of the vaccinated groups was found to be higher than that of the unvaccinated groups, with a relative percent survival (RPS) ranging from 52.9-70.5%. However, fish in the vaccinated groups that received pre-treatment with NB-O3, bacterial antigen uptakes, expression levels of IgM, IgD, and IgT, as well as the specific-IgM antibody levels and percent survival, were all slightly or significantly higher than that of the vaccinated group without pre-treatment with NB-O3. Taken together, our findings suggest that utilizing pre-treatment with NB-O3 may improve the immune response and efficacy of immersion vaccination in Nile tilapia.

HighlightsO_LIImmune response and efficacy of a heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae immersion vaccine for Nile tilapia with and without pre-treatment with NB-O3 were accessed.
C_LIO_LIBacterial antigen uptake in the NB-O3-VAC compared to the AT-VAC groups was increased 1.32 and 1.80-fold at 3 and 6 h post-vaccination, respectively.
C_LIO_LIVaccinated group that received pre-treatment with NB-O3 had slightly to significantly higher levels of IgM, IgD, and IgT mRNA expression; IgM levels; and survival rate.
C_LIO_LIPre-treatment with NB-O3 may be a novel strategy for improving efficacy of immersion vaccine in aquaculture
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, L. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Le, D. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sangpo, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Senapin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thapinta, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panphut, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sophie, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodkhum, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.13.472363</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pre-treatment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with ozone nanobubbles improve efficacy of heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae immersion vaccine]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.15.472774v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Automated identification of chicken distress vocalisations using deep learning models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.15.472774v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The annual global production of chickens exceeds 25 billion birds, and they are often housed in very large groups, numbering thousands. Distress calling triggered by various sources of stress has been suggested as an "iceberg indicator" of chicken welfare. However, to date, the identification of distress calls largely relies on manual annotations, which is very labour-intensive and time-consuming. Thus, a novel light-VGG11 was developed to automatically identify chicken distress calls using recordings (3,363 distress calls and 1,973 natural barn sounds) collected on intensive chicken farms. The light-VGG11 was modified from VGG11 with a significantly smaller size in parameters (9.3 million vs 128 million) and 55.88% faster detection speed while displaying comparable performance, i.e., precision (94.58%), recall (94.89%), F1-score (94.73%), and accuracy (95.07%), therefore more useful for model deployment in practice. To further improve the light-VGG11s performance, we investigated the impacts of different data augmentation techniques (i.e., time masking, frequency masking, mixed spectrograms of the same class, and Gaussian noise) and found that they could improve distress calls detection by up to 1.52%. In terms of precision livestock farming, our research opens new opportunities for developing technologies used to monitor the output of distress calls in large, commercial chicken flocks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>MAO, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giraudet, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LIU, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Almeida Nolasco, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Theobald, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhatta, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stewart, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>G. McElligott, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.15.472774</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Automated identification of chicken distress vocalisations using deep learning models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.20.473464v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multiscale 3D Genome Reorganization during Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Lineage Progression and Muscle Aging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.20.473464v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
3D genome rewiring is known to influence spatiotemporal expression of lineage-specific genes and cell fate transition during stem cell differentiation and aging processes. Yet it is unknown how 3D architecture remodels and orchestrates transcriptional changes during skeletal muscle stem cell (also called satellite cell, SC) activation, proliferation and differentiation course. Here, using in situ Hi-C we comprehensively map the 3D genome topology reorganization at multiscale levels during mouse SC lineage progression and integrate with transcriptional and chromatin signatures to elucidate how 3D genome rewiring dictates gene expression program. Specifically, rewiring at compartment level is most pronounced when SC becomes activated. Striking loss in TAD border insulation and chromatin looping also occurs during early activation process. Meanwhile, TADs can also form TAD clusters and super-enhancer containing TAD clusters orchestrate stage-specific gene expression during SC early activation. Furthermore, we elucidate 3D chromatin regulation of key transcription factor, PAX7 and identify cis-regulatory elements that are crucial for local chromatin architecture and Pax7 expression. Lastly, 3D genome remodeling is profiled in SCs isolated from naturally aging mice, unveiling that geriatric SCs display a prominent gain in long-range contacts and loss of TAD border insulation. Genome compartmentalization and chromatin looping are evidently altered in aged SC while geriatric SC display a more prominent loss in strength of TAD borders. Together, our results implicate 3D chromatin extensively reorganizes at multiple architectural levels and underpin the transcriptome remodeling during SC lineage development and SC aging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DING, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HE, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2021-12-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.20.473464</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multiscale 3D Genome Reorganization during Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Lineage Progression and Muscle Aging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2021-12-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.27.474223v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell analysis of microglial transcriptomic diversity in subarachnoid hemorrhage 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.27.474223v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe stroke and the advanced treatment for SAH is still limited. Recent studies have shown that microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of SAH. Microglia can transform their states in response to central nervous system injury. However, the transcriptomic features of microglia remained unknown in SAH. Recent developed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides a possible way to solve this problem.

MethodsEndovascular perforation (EVP) murine SAH model was established to reproduce experimental SAH. Microglia states are examined with immune staining and quantitate analysis. Post-SAH microglial single-cell suspension were harvest and sequenced using 10X scRNA-seq platform. Then, the detailed single-cell transcriptomic characterization of post-SAH microglia were analyzed with bioinformatics.

ResultsTranscriptional analysis revealed at least ten diverse microglial subgroups, including SAH-associated microglia (SAM), inflammatory-associated microglia (IAM) and proliferation-associated microglia (PAM), which all exhibit distinct marker gene expression patterns. Microglia subsets interaction reveals the functional relationship between elevated signaling pathways and microglial sub-populations in SAH. Receptor-ligand pair analysis revealed that complex inter-cellular interactions exist between the microglia subsets and other cell types, and indicated that microglia are important mediators of neuroinflammation after SAH. Integrated analysis with normal microglia further proved the existence of these microglia subpopulations and different gene markers associated with SAH were clarified.

ConclusionsCollectively, we first report the single-cell transcriptome of post-SAH microglia and found specific biomarkers related to the neuroinflammation in SAH. These results enhanced our understanding of the pathological mechanisms of microglial response to SAH, and may guide future development of SAH monitoring methods and therapeutics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2021.12.27.474223</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell analysis of microglial transcriptomic diversity in subarachnoid hemorrhage]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/202119v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A taxogenomics approach uncovers a new genus in the phylum Placozoa 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/202119v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Placozoa [1] is a monotypic phylum of non-bilaterian marine animals. Its only species, Trichoplax adhaerens, was described in 1883 [2], Despite the worldwide distribution of placozoans [3-6], morphological differences are lacking among isolates from different geographic areas and, consequently, no other species in this phylum has been described and accepted for more than 130 years. However, recent single-gene studies on the genetic diversity of this "species" have revealed deeply divergent lineages of, as yet, undefined taxonomic ranks [3,5,6], Since single genes are not considered sufficient to define species [7], a whole nuclear genome comparison appears the most appropriate approach to determine relationships between placozoan lineages. Such a "taxogenomics" approach can help discover and diagnose potential additional species and, therefore, develop a much-needed, more robust, taxonomic framework for this phylum. To achieve this we sequenced the genome of a placozoan lineage isolated from Hong Kong (lineage H13), which is distantly related to T. adhaerens [6]. The 87 megabase genome assembly contains 12,010 genes. Comparison to the T. adhaerens genome [8] identified an average protein distance of 24.4% in more than 2,700 screened one-to-one orthologs, similar to levels observed between the chordate classes mammals and birds. Genome rearrangements are commonplace and >25% of genes are not collinear (i.e. they are not in the same order in the two genomes). Finally, a multi-gene distance comparison with other non-bilaterian phyla indicate genus level differences to T. adhaerens. These data highlight the large genomic diversity within the Placozoa and justifies the designation of lineage HI3 as a new species, Xxxxxxxxx yyyyyyyyyyyyy1 gen. et spaec. nov., now the second described placozoan species and the first in a new genus. Phylogenomic analyses furthermore supports a robust placement of the Placozoa as sister to a cnidarian-bilaterian clade.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Eitel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Francis, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Osigus, H.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krebs, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vargas, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blum, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williams, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schierwater, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wörheide, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-10-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/202119</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A taxogenomics approach uncovers a new genus in the phylum Placozoa]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-10-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.14.476408v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
conST: an interpretable multi-modal contrastive learning framework for spatial transcriptomics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.14.476408v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationSpatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) shows its impressive power in yielding biological insights into neuroscience, disease study, and even plant biology. However, current methods do not sufficiently explore the expressiveness of the multi-modal SRT data, leaving a large room for improvement of performance. Moreover, the current deep learning based methods lack interpretability due to the "black box" nature, impeding its further applications in the areas that require explanation.

ResultsWe propose conST, a powerful and flexible SRT data analysis framework utilizing contrastive learning techniques. conST can learn low-dimensional embeddings by effectively integrating multi-modal SRT data, i.e. gene expression, spatial information, and morphology (if applicable). The learned embeddings can be then used for various downstream tasks, including clustering, trajectory and pseudotime inference, cell-to-cell interaction, etc. Extensive experiments in various datasets have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed conST, achieving up to 10% improvement in clustering ARI in the commonly used benchmark dataset. We also show that the learned embedding can be used in complicated scenarios, such as predicting cancer progression by analyzing the tumour microenvironment and cell-to-cell interaction (CCI) of breast cancer. Our framework is interpretable in that it is able to find the correlated spots that support the clustering, which matches the CCI interaction pairs as well, providing more confidence to clinicians when making clinical decisions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.14.476408</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[conST: an interpretable multi-modal contrastive learning framework for spatial transcriptomics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.15.475352v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural Insights into Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptor Activation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.15.475352v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As a critical sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays an essential role in immune and vascular systems. There are five S1P receptors, designated as S1PR1-5, encoded in the human genome, and their activities are governed by endogenous S1P, lipid-like S1P mimics, or non-lipid-like therapeutic molecules. Among S1PRs, S1PR1 stands out due to its non-redundant functions, such as the egress of T and B cells from the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissues, making it a potential therapeutic target. However, the structural basis of S1PR1 activation and regulation by various agonists remains unclear. Here we reported four atomic resolution cryo-EM structures of Gi-coupled human S1PR1 complexes: bound to endogenous agonist d18:1 S1P, benchmark lipid-like S1P mimic phosphorylated Fingolimod ((S)-FTY720-P), or non-lipid-like therapeutic molecule CBP-307 in two binding modes. Our results revealed the similarities and differences of activation of S1PR1 through distinct ligands binding to the amphiphilic orthosteric pocket. We also proposed a two-step "shallow to deep" transition process of CBP-307 for S1PR1 activation. Both binding modes of CBP-307 could activate S1PR1, but from shallow to deep transition may trigger the rotation of the N-terminal helix of Gi and further stabilize the complex by increasing the Gi interaction with the cell membrane. We combine with extensive biochemical analysis and molecular dynamic simulations to suggest key steps of S1P binding and receptor activation. The above results decipher the common feature of the S1PR1 agonist recognition and activation mechanism and will firmly promote the development of therapeutics targeting S1P receptors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.15.475352</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural Insights into Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptor Activation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.19.476862v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Splicing factor BUD31 promotes ovarian cancer progression through sustaining the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2L12 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.19.476862v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dysregulated expression of splicing factors has important roles in cancer development and progression. However, it remains a challenge to identify the cancer-specific splicing variants. Here we demonstrated that spliceosome component BUD31 is increased in ovarian cancer, and its higher expression predicts worse prognosis. We characterized the BUD31 binding motif and found that BUD31 preferentially binds exon-intron regions near splicing sites by CLIP-seq. Further analysis revealed that BUD31 inhibition results in extensive exon skipping and decreased abundance of long CDS isoforms. In particular, we identified BCL2L12, an anti-apoptotic BCL2 family member, as a functional splicing target of BUD31. BUD31 stimulates the inclusion of exon 3 to generate full-length BCL2L12 and promotes ovarian cancer progression. Knockdown of BUD31 or splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide treatment promotes exon 3 skipping and results in a truncated isoform of BCL2L12 that undergoes nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, and the cells subsequently undergo apoptosis. Our findings reveal BUD31-regulated exon inclusion as a critical factor in ovarian cancer cell survival and progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.19.476862</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Splicing factor BUD31 promotes ovarian cancer progression through sustaining the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2L12]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.25.477389v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
STORM: spectral sparsification helps restore the spatial structure at single-cell resolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.25.477389v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA sequencing thoroughly quantifies the individual cell transcriptomes but renounces the spatial structure. Conversely, recently emerged spatial transcriptomics technologies capture the cellular spatial structure but skimp cell or gene resolutions. Cell-cell affinity estimated by ligand-receptor interactions can partially reconstruct the quasi-structure of cells but falsely include the pseudo affinities between distant or indirectly interacting cells. Here, we develop a software package, STORM, to reconstruct the single-cell resolution quasi-structure from the spatial transcriptome with diminished pseudo affinities. STORM first curates the representative single-cell profiles for each spatial spot from a candidate library, then reduces the pseudo affinities in the intercellular affinity matrix by partial correlation, spectral graph sparsification, and spatial coordinates refinement. STORM embeds the estimated interactions into a low-dimensional space with the cross-entropy objective to restore the intercellular quasi-structures, which facilitates the discovery of dominant ligand-receptor pairs between neighboring cells at single-cell resolution. STORM reconstructed structures achieved shape Pearson correlations ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 on the mouse hippocampus and human organ tumor microenvironment datasets. Furthermore, STORM can solely de novo reconstruct the quasi-structures at single-cell resolution, i.e., reaching the cell-type proximity correlations 0.68 and 0.89 between reconstructed and immunohistochemistry-informed spatial structures on a human developing heart dataset and a tumor microenvironment dataset, respectively.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.25.477389</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[STORM: spectral sparsification helps restore the spatial structure at single-cell resolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.26.477962v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Accurate strain-level microbiome composition analysis from short reads 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.26.477962v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Because bacterial strains can exhibit different biological properties, strain-level composition analysis plays a vital role in understanding the functions and dynamics of microbial communities. Metagenomic sequencing has become the major means for probing the microbial composition in host-associated or environmental samples. Despite a plethora of composition analysis tools, they are not optimized to address the challenges in strain-level analysis: a reference database with highly similar reference strain genomes and the presence of multiple strains under one species in a sample. In this work, we present a new strain-level composition analysis tool named StrainScan that employs a novel tree-based k-mer indexing structure to strike a balance between the strain identification accuracy and the computational complexity. We rigorously tested StrainScan on many simulated and real sequencing data and benchmarked StrainScan with popular strain-level analysis tools including Krakenuniq, StrainSeeker, Pathoscope2, Sigma, StrainGE, and Strainest. The results show that StrainScan has higher accuracy and resolution than the the state-of-the-art tools on strain-level composition analysis. It improves the F1-score by 20% in identifying multiple strains with at least 99.89% average nucleotide identity. StrainScan takes short reads and a set of reference strains as input and its source codes are freely available at https://github.com/liaoherui/strainScan.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-01-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.26.477962</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Accurate strain-level microbiome composition analysis from short reads]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-01-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.30.478367v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
HiC-LDNet: A general and robust deep learning framework for accurate chromatin loop detection in genome-wide contact maps 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.30.478367v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationIdentifying chromatin loops from genome-wide interaction matrices like Hi-C data is notoriously difficult. Such kinds of patterns can span through the genome from a hundred kilobases to thousands of kilobases. Most loop patterns are frequently related to biological functions, such as providing contacts between regulatory regions and promoters. They can also affect the cell-specific biological functions of different regulatory regions of DNA, thus leading to disease and tumorigenesis. While most statistical methods failed in the generalization to multiple cell types, recently proposed machine learning-based methods struggled when tested on sparse single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C) contact maps. We notice that there is an urgent need for an algorithm that can handle sparse scHi-C maps, and at the same time, can generate confident loop calls on regular cell lines.

ResultsTherefore, we propose a novel deep learning-based framework for Hi-C chromatin loop detection (HiC-LDNet) and provide corresponding downstream analysis. HiC-LDNet can give relatively more accurate predictions in multiple tissue types and contact technologies. Compared to other loop calling algorithms, such as HiCCUPS, Peakachu, and Chromosight, HiC-LDNet recovers a higher number of loop calls in multiple experimental platforms (Hi-C, ChIA-PET, DNA-SPRITE, and HiChIP), and achieves higher confidence scores in multiple cell types (Human GM12878, K562, HAP1, and H1-hESC). For example, in genome-wide loop detection on the human GM12878 cell line, HiC-LDNet successfully recovered 82.5% of loops within only 5 pixels of 10k bp resolution. Furthermore, in the sparse scHi-C ODC tissue, HiC-LDNet achieves superior performance by recovering 93.5% of ground truth loops with high confidence scores, compared with that of Peakachu (31.5%), Chromosight(69.6%), and HiCCUPS(9.5%). Therefore, our method is a robust and general pipeline for genome-wide chromatin loop detection for both bulk Hi-C and scHi-C data.

Availabilityhttps://github.com/frankchen121212/HiC-LDNet

Contactliyu@cse.cuhk.edu.hk and xin.gao@kaust.edu.sa
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.01.30.478367</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[HiC-LDNet: A general and robust deep learning framework for accurate chromatin loop detection in genome-wide contact maps]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.01.478616v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dissociable neural correlates of multisensory coherence and selective attention 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.01.478616v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Previous work has demonstrated that performance in an auditory selective attention task can be enhanced or impaired, depending on whether a task-irrelevant visual stimulus is temporally coherent with a target auditory stream or with a competing distractor. However, it remains unclear how audiovisual (AV) temporal coherence and auditory selective attention interact at the neurophysiological level. Here, we measured neural activity using electroencephalography (EEG) while participants performed an auditory selective attention task, detecting deviants in a target audio stream. The amplitude envelope of the two competing auditory streams changed independently, while the radius of a visual disc was manipulated to control the audiovisual coherence. Analysis of the neural responses to the sound envelope demonstrated that auditory responses were enhanced independently of the attentional condition: both target and masker stream responses were enhanced when temporally coherent with the visual stimulus. In contrast, attention enhanced the event-related response (ERP) evoked by the transient deviants, independently of AV coherence. Finally, we identified a spatiotemporal component of the ERP, likely originating from the superior temporal gyrus and the frontoparietal network, in which both attention and coherence synergistically modulated ERP amplitude. These results provide evidence for dissociable neural signatures of bottom-up (coherence) and top-down (attention) effects in the AV object formation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Peng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bizley, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SCHNUPP, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>auksztulewicz, r.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.01.478616</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dissociable neural correlates of multisensory coherence and selective attention]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.02.478767v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Prism Vote Framework for Individualized Risk Prediction of Traits in Genome-wide Sequencing Data of Multiple Populations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.02.478767v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Multi-population cohorts offer unprecedented opportunities for profiling disease risk in large samples, however, heterogeneous risk effects underlying complex traits across populations make integrative prediction challenging. In this study, we propose a novel Bayesian probability framework, the Prism Vote (PV), to construct risk predictions in heterogeneous genetic data. The PV views the trait of an individual as a composite risk from subpopulations, in which stratum-specific predictors can be formed in data of more homogeneous genetic structure. Since each individual is represented by a composition of subpopulation memberships, the framework enables individualized risk characterization. Simulations demonstrated that the PV framework applied with alternative prediction methods significantly improved prediction accuracy in mixed and admixed populations. The advantage of PV enlarges as the sample size, genetic heterogeneity, and population diversity increase. In two real genome-wide association data consists of multiple populations, we showed that the framework enhanced prediction accuracy of the linear mixed model by up to 12.1% in five-group cross validations. The proposed framework offers a new aspect to analyze individuals disease risk and improve accuracy for predicting complex traits in genome data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xia, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, M. K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zee, B. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.02.478767</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Prism Vote Framework for Individualized Risk Prediction of Traits in Genome-wide Sequencing Data of Multiple Populations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.09.479672v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Resolving single-cell copy number profiling for large datasets 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.09.479672v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The advances of single-cell DNA sequencing (scDNA-seq) enable us to characterize the genetic heterogeneity of cancer cells. However, the high noise and low coverage of scDNA-seq impede the estimation of copy number variations (CNVs). In addition, existing tools suffer from intensive execution time and often fail on large datasets. Here, we propose SeCNV, a novel method that leverages structural entropy, to profile the copy numbers. SeCNV adopts a local Gaussian kernel to construct a matrix, depth congruent map, capturing the similarities between any two bins along the genome. Then SeCNV partitions the genome into segments by minimizing the structural entropy from the depth congruent map. With the partition, SeCNV estimates the copy numbers within each segment for cells. We simulate nine datasets with various breakpoint distributions and amplitudes of noise to benchmark SeCNV. SeCNV achieves a robust performance, i.e., the F1-scores are higher than 0.95 for breakpoint detections, significantly outperforming state-of-the-art methods. SeCNV successfully processes large datasets (>50,000 cells) within four minutes while other tools failed to finish within the time limit, i.e., 120 hours. We apply SeCNV to single-nucleus sequencing (SNS) datasets from two breast cancer patients and acoustic cell tagmentation (ACT) sequencing datasets from eight breast cancer patients. SeCNV successfully reproduces the distinct subclones and infers tumor heterogeneity. SeCNV is available at https://github.com/deepomicslab/SeCNV.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>FENG, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.09.479672</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Resolving single-cell copy number profiling for large datasets]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.09.479686v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interaural time difference sensitivity under binaural cochlear implant stimulation even at high pulse rates up to 900 pps 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.09.479686v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSpatial hearing remains one of the major challenges for bilateral cochlear implant (biCI) users, and early deaf patients in particular are often completely insensitive to interaural time differences (ITDs) delivered through biCIs. One popular hypothesis is that this may be due to a lack of early binaural experience. However, we have recently shown that neonatally deafened rats fitted with biCIs in adulthood quickly learn to discriminate ITDs as well as their normal hearing litter mates, and perform an order of magnitude better than human biCI users.

MethodsOur unique behaving biCI rat model allows us to investigate other possible limiting factors of prosthetic binaural hearing, such as the effect of stimulus pulse rate and envelope shape. Previous work has indicated that ITD sensitivity may decline substantially at the high pulse rates often used in clinical practice. We therefore measured behavioral ITD thresholds in neonatally deafened, adult implanted biCI rats to pulse trains of 50, 300, 900 and 1800 pulses per second (pps), with either rectangular or Hanning window envelopes.

ResultsOur rats exhibited very high sensitivity to ITDs at pulse rates up to 900 pps for both envelope shapes, similar to those in common clinical use. However, ITD sensitivity declined to near zero at 1800 pps, for both Hanning and rectangular windowed pulse trains.

ConclusionsCurrent clinical cochlear implant (CI) processors are often set to pulse rates [&ge;]900 pps, but ITD sensitivity in human CI listeners has been reported to decline sharply above [~]300 pps. Our results suggest that the relatively poor ITD sensitivity seen at >300 pps in human CI users may not reflect the hard upper limit of biCI ITD performance in the mammalian auditory pathway. Perhaps with training or better CI strategies good binaural hearing may be achievable at pulse rates high enough to allow good sampling of speech envelopes while delivering usable ITDs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Buck, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buchholz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosskothen-Kuhl, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.09.479686</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interaural time difference sensitivity under binaural cochlear implant stimulation even at high pulse rates up to 900 pps]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.10.479665v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
rG4-seq 2.0: enhanced transcriptome-wide RNA G-quadruplex structure sequencing for low RNA input samples 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.10.479665v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical structural motifs that have diverse functional and regulatory roles such as transcription termination, alternative splicing, mRNA localization and stabilization and translational process. We recently developed RNA G-quadruplex structure sequencing (rG4-seq) technique and discovered many rG4s in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcriptomes. However, rG4-seq suffers from complicated gel purification step and limited PCR product yield and thus requires a high RNA input amount, limiting its applications for physiologically or clinically relevant studies. In this study, we have developed rG4-seq 2.0 by introducing a new ssDNA adapter containing deoxyuridine in the library preparation to enhance the library quality with no gel purification step, less PCR amplification cycles and higher yield of PCR products. We demonstrate that rG4-seq 2.0 produced high quality cDNA libraries that supported reliable and reproducible rG4 identification at varying RNA inputs (as low as 10 ng amount of RNA). rG4-seq 2.0 also improved the rG4-seq calling outcome and nucleotide bias in rG4 detection persistent in rG4-seq 1.0. Our new method can improve the identification and study of rG4s in low abundance transcripts, and our findings can provide insights to optimize cDNA library preparation in other related methods.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, E. Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, P. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.10.479665</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[rG4-seq 2.0: enhanced transcriptome-wide RNA G-quadruplex structure sequencing for low RNA input samples]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.11.479668v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Omission responses in field potentials but not spikes in rat auditory cortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.11.479668v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Non-invasive recordings of gross neural activity in humans often show responses to omitted stimuli in steady trains of identical stimuli. This has been taken as evidence for the neural coding of prediction or prediction error. However, evidence for such omission responses from invasive recordings of cellular-scale responses in animal models is scarce. Here, we sought to characterise omission responses using extracellular recordings in the auditory cortex of anaesthetised rats. We profiled omission responses across local field potentials (LFP), analogue multiunit activity (AMUA), and single/multi-unit spiking activity, using stimuli that were fixed-rate trains of acoustic noise bursts where 5% of bursts were randomly omitted. Significant omission responses were observed in LFP and AMUA signals, but not in spiking activity. These omission responses had a lower amplitude and longer latency than burst-evoked sensory responses, and omission response amplitude increased as a function of the number of preceding bursts. Contrary to theories of neural entrainment, rhythmic stimulus presentation did not increase low-frequency phase-locking of neural activity specific to the stimulus presentation rate. Together, our findings show that omission responses are observed in LFP and AMUA signals, with laminar specificity, but are not observed in spiking activity, and do not show evidence for low-frequency phase locking. This has implications for models of cortical processing that require many neurons to encode prediction error in their spike output, and may have some consistency with representation of error in dendrites electrotonically distant from the soma.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajendran, V. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harper, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.11.479668</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Omission responses in field potentials but not spikes in rat auditory cortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.16.480624v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Autophagy promotes organelle clearance and organized cell separation of living root cap cells in Arabidopsis thaliana 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.16.480624v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The root cap is a multi-layered tissue covering the tip of a plant root that directs root growth through its unique functions such as gravity-sensing and rhizosphere interaction. To prevent damages from the soil environment, cells in the root cap continuously turn over through balanced cell division and cell detachment at the inner and the outer cell layers, respectively. Upon displacement toward the outermost layer, columella cells at the central root cap domain functionally transition from gravity-sensing cells to secretory cells, but the mechanisms underlying this drastic cell fate transition are largely unknown. By using live-cell tracking microscopy, we here show that organelles in the outermost cell layer undergo dramatic rearrangements, and at least a part of this rearrangement depends on spatiotemporally regulated activation of autophagy. Notably, this root cap autophagy does not lead to immediate cell death, but rather is necessary for organized separation of living root cap cells, highlighting a previously undescribed role of developmentally regulated autophagy in plants.

Summary statementTime-lapse microscope imaging revealed spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular reorganization associated with functional transition and cell separation in the Arabidopsis root cap and the roles of autophagy in this process.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Goh, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sakamoto, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kozono, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ueno, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miyashima, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Toyokura, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fukaki, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nakajima, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.16.480624</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Autophagy promotes organelle clearance and organized cell separation of living root cap cells in Arabidopsis thaliana]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.17.480850v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CRISPR-mediated correction of skeletal muscle Ca2+ handling in a novel DMD patient-derived pluripotent stem cell model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.17.480850v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutations in the dystrophin gene cause the most common and currently incurable Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) characterized by progressive muscle wasting. Although abnormal Ca2+ handling is a pathological feature of DMD, mechanisms underlying defective Ca2+ homeostasis remain unclear. Here we generate a novel DMD patient-derived pluripotent stem cell (PSC) model of skeletal muscle with an isogenic control using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)- mediated precise gene correction. Transcriptome analysis identifies dysregulated gene sets in the absence of dystrophin, including genes involved in Ca2+ handling, excitation-contraction coupling and muscle contraction. Specifically, analysis of intracellular Ca2+ transients and mathematical modeling of Ca2+ dynamics reveal significantly reduced cytosolic Ca2+ clearance rates in DMD-PSC derived myotubes. Pharmacological assays demonstrate Ca2+ flux in myotubes is determined by both intracellular and extracellular sources. DMD-PSC derived myotubes display significantly reduced velocity of contractility. Compared with a non-isogenic wild type PSC line, these pathophysiological defects could be rescued by CRISPR-mediated precise gene correction. Our study provides new insights into abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis in DMD and suggests that Ca2+ signaling pathways amenable to pharmacological modulation are potential therapeutic targets. Importantly, we have established a human physiology-relevant in vitro model enabling rapid pre-clinical testing of potential therapies for DMD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Morera, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paredes-Redondo, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nobles, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rybin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moccia, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kowala, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garren, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muntoni, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Christoforou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Owens, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tinker, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.17.480850</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CRISPR-mediated correction of skeletal muscle Ca2+ handling in a novel DMD patient-derived pluripotent stem cell model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.26.482093v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Plant autophagosomes mature into amphisomes prior to their delivery to the central vacuole 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.26.482093v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Autophagosomes are double-membraned vesicles that traffic harmful or unwanted cellular macromolecules to the vacuole for recycling. Although autophagosome biogenesis has been extensively studied, mechanisms of autophagosome maturation, i.e., delivery and fusion with the vacuole, remain largely unknown in plants. Here, we have identified an autophagy adaptor, CFS1, that directly interacts with the autophagosome marker ATG8 and localizes on both membranes of the autophagosome. Autophagosomes form normally in Arabidopsis thaliana cfs1 mutants, but their delivery to the vacuole is disrupted. CFS1s function is evolutionarily conserved in plants as it also localizes to the autophagosomes and plays a role in autophagic flux in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. CFS1 regulates autophagic flux by connecting autophagosomes with the ESCRT-I component VPS23, leading to the formation of amphisomes. Disrupting the VPS23-CFS1 interaction affects autophagic flux and renders plants sensitive to starvation stress. Altogether, our results reveal a deeply conserved mechanism of vacuolar delivery in plants that is mediated by amphisomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bui, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuenzl, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De La Concepcion, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petsangouraki, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohseni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia Leon, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salas-Gomez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giannini, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gwennogan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobylinska, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clavel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schellmann, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jaillais, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friml, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dagdas, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-02-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.26.482093</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Plant autophagosomes mature into amphisomes prior to their delivery to the central vacuole]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-02-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.27.482166v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mettl3-mediated m6A modification of Fgf16 restricts cardiomyocyte proliferation during heart regeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.27.482166v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide due to the inability of adult heart to regenerate after injury. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation catalyzed by the enzyme methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3) plays important roles in various physiological and pathological bioprocesses. However, the role of m6A in heart regeneration remains largely unclear. To study m6A function in heart regeneration, we modulated Mettl3 expression in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of Mettl3 significantly increased the proliferation of cardiomyocytes and accelerated heart regeneration following heart injury in neonatal and adult mice. However, Mettl3 overexpression decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation and suppressed heart regeneration in postnatal mice. Conjoint analysis of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA-seq identified Fgf16 as a downstream target of Mettl3-mediated m6A modification during postnatal heart regeneration. RIP-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays revealed that Mettl3 negatively regulates Fgf16 mRNA expression in an m6A-Ythdf2-dependent manner. The silencing of Fgf16 suppressed the proliferation of cardiomyocytes. However, the overexpression of {Delta}Fgf16, in which the m6A consensus sequence was mutated, significantly increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and accelerated heart regeneration in postnatal mice compared with wild-type Fgf16. Our data demonstrate that Mettl3 post-transcriptionally reduces Fgf16 mRNA levels through an m6A-Ythdf2-dependen pathway, thereby controlling cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, F.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, G.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, C.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, R.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Park, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ju, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, X.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.27.482166</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mettl3-mediated m6A modification of Fgf16 restricts cardiomyocyte proliferation during heart regeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.28.482282v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Label-free three-photon imaging of intact human cerebral organoids: tracking early events in brain development and deficits in Rett Syndrome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.28.482282v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human cerebral organoids are unique in their development of progenitor-rich zones akin to ventricular zones from which neuronal progenitors differentiate and migrate radially. Analyses of cerebral organoids thus far have been performed in sectioned tissue or in superficial layers due to their high scattering properties. Here, we demonstrate label-free three-photon imaging of whole, uncleared intact organoids ([~]2 mm depth) to assess early events of early human brain development. Optimizing a custom-made three-photon microscope to image intact cerebral organoids generated from Rett Syndrome patients, we show defects in the ventricular zone volumetric structure of mutant organoids compared to isogenic control organoids. Long-term imaging live organoids reveals that shorter migration distances and slower migration speeds of mutant radially migrating neurons are associated with more tortuous trajectories. Our label-free imaging system constitutes a particularly useful platform for tracking normal and abnormal development in individual organoids, as well as for screening therapeutic molecules via intact organoid imaging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yildirim, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Delepine, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feldman, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pham, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chou, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nott, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsai, L.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ming, G.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, P. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sur, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.02.28.482282</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Label-free three-photon imaging of intact human cerebral organoids: tracking early events in brain development and deficits in Rett Syndrome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.04.482910v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RNA G-quadruplex structure contributes to cold adaptation in plants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.04.482910v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nucleotide composition is suggested to infer gene functionality and ecological adaptation of species to distinct environments. However, the underlying biological function of nucleotide composition dictating environmental adaptations is largely unknown. Here, we systematically analyzed the nucleotide compositions of transcriptomes across 1000 plants (1KP) and their corresponding habitats. Intriguingly, we found that plants growing in cold climates have guanine (G)-enriched transcriptomes, which are prone to forming RNA G-quadruplex structures. Both immunofluorescence detection and in vivo structure profiling revealed that RNA G-quadruplex formation in plants was globally enhanced in response to cold. Cold-responsive RNA G-quadruplexes strongly enhanced mRNA stability, rather than affecting translation. Disruption of individual RNA G-quadruplex promoted mRNA decay in the cold, leading to impaired plant cold response. Therefore, we propose that plants adopted RNA G-quadruplex structure as a molecular marker to facilitate their adaptation to the cold during evolution.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duncan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheema, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DING, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.04.482910</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RNA G-quadruplex structure contributes to cold adaptation in plants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.07.483371v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Welfare concerns for mounted load carrying by working donkeys in Pakistan 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.07.483371v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Working donkeys (Equus asinus) are vital to peoples livelihoods. They are essential for carrying goods, however globally, overloading is one of the primary welfare concerns of working donkeys. We studied mounted load carrying by donkeys and associated factors in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of donkey owners (n = 332) was conducted, and interviews were undertaken based on a questionnaire. Owners estimated that the median weight of their donkeys was 110kg (interquartile range (IQR) 100-120kg), and that they carried a median mounted load of 81.5kg (IQR 63-99kg). We found that 87.4% of donkeys carried a load above 50% of their bodyweight ratio (BWR), the median BWR carried was 77.1% (IQR 54.5-90.7%), and 25.3% of donkeys carried above 90% BWR. Donkeys that were loaded at more than 50% BWR were more likely to sit, compared to donkeys loaded with less weight (p=0.01). Donkeys working in peri-urban and urban areas were more likely to carry a greater BWR than donkeys working in rural areas (P<0.001), as were those carrying construction materials or bricks, compared to agricultural materials (p=0.004). Age (p=0.03) and breed (p=0.01) were also associated with carrying a higher weight. Overloading based on current recommendations (50% BWR) was common, with the majority (87.4%) of donkeys reported to carry more than the recommended 50% limit. This survey provides evidence of on-the-ground working practices and factors associated with mounted load carrying, which is critical for developing evidence-based recommendations for loading, in order to improve the welfare of working donkeys.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bukhari, S. S. U. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosanowski, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parkes, R. S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.07.483371</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Welfare concerns for mounted load carrying by working donkeys in Pakistan]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.10.483749v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
New distribution data and phylogenetic approach reveal bioregionalization of the western Palearctic ants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.10.483749v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AimBiogeographic regionalization has fascinated biogeographers and ecologists for centuries and is endued with new vitality by evolutionary perspectives. However, progress is scant for most insect groups due to shortfalls in distribution and phylogenetic information, namely Wallacean and Darwinian shortfalls respectively. Here, we used the western Palearctic ants as the case to tackle these shortfalls and test their biogeographic structure through novel distribution data and phylogenetic approaches.

LocationWestern Palearctic realm.

TaxonAnts (Formicidae).

MethodsFirstly, we developed a refined database integrating the occurrences of 747 ant species across 207 regions of the western Palearctic realm, based on newly expert-validated records derived from the existing global ant biodiversity informatics. Using range estimates for these species derived from polygons and species distribution modelling, we produced species assemblages in 50 x 50 km grid cells. We calculated taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover of ant assemblages, performing hierarchical clustering analysis using the Simpson dissimilarity index to delineate biogeographic structure.

ResultsAt both the regional list- and grid assemblage-levels, the Mediterranean has higher turnover and more biogeographic regions than northern Europe, both taxonomically and phylogenetically. Delineations based on grid assemblages detected more detailed biogeographic transitions, while those based on regional lists showed stronger insularity in biogeographic structure. The phylogenetic regionalization suggested closer but varied affinities between assemblages in comparison to the taxonomic approach.

Main conclusionsHere, we integrated expert-validated regional lists, species distribution modelling, and a recent phylogeny to tackle Wallacean and Darwinian shortfalls for an important insect group by developing a next-generation map of biogeographic regionalization for the western Palearctic ants. The results of this study suggest strong constraints from geographic barriers and potential effects of climatic history on ant distributions and evolutionary history, and also provide baseline spatial information for future investigations of regional insect distributions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kass, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Galkowski, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hamer, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Radchenko, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salata, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schifani, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yusupov, Z. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Economo, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.10.483749</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[New distribution data and phylogenetic approach reveal bioregionalization of the western Palearctic ants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.18.484935v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Investigating the temporal pattern of neuroimaging-based brain age estimation as a biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease related neurodegeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.18.484935v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neuroimaging-based brain-age estimation via machine learning has emerged as an important new approach for studying brain aging. The difference between ones estimated brain age and chronological age, the brain age gap (BAG), has been proposed as an Alzheimers Disease (AD) biomarker. However, most past studies on the BAG have been cross-sectional. Identifying how an individuals BAG temporal pattern changes over time would enable improved prediction of clinical outcome based on neurophysiological changes and better understanding of AD progression. To fill this gap, our study conducted predictive modeling using large neuroimaging data with up to 8 years of follow-up to examine the temporal patterns of the BAGs trajectory and how it varies by subject-level characteristics and disease status. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort to take a longitudinal approach to investigate the pattern and rate of change in BAG over time in individuals who progress from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to clinical AD. Combining multimodal imaging data in a support vector regression model to estimate brain age yielded improved performance than single modality. Multilevel modeling results showed the BAG followed a linear increasing trajectory with a significantly faster rate in individuals with MCI who progressed to AD compared to cognitively normal or MCI individuals who did not progress. The dynamic changes in the BAG during AD progression were further moderated by gender and APO{varepsilon}4 carriership. Findings demonstrate the BAG as a potential biomarker for understanding individual specific temporal patterns related to AD progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Taylor, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heywood, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stocks, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Popuri, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beg, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.18.484935</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Investigating the temporal pattern of neuroimaging-based brain age estimation as a biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease related neurodegeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.21.485237v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BNIP3 upregulation characterizes cancer cell subpopulation with increased fitness and proliferation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.21.485237v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BNIP3 is a BH3 only protein with both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival roles depending on the cellular context. It remains unclear how BNIP3 RNA level dictates cell fate decisions of cancer cells. Here we undertook a quantitative analysis of BNIP3 expression and functions in single cell datasets of various epithelial malignancies. Our results demonstrated that BNIP3 upregulation characterizes cancer cell subpopulations with increased fitness and proliferation. We further validated the upregulation of BNIP3 in liver cancer organoids compared with 2D culture. Taken together, the combination of in silico perturbations using public single cell datasets and experimental cancer modeling using organoids ushered in a new approach to address cancer heterogeneity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dou, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.21.485237</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BNIP3 upregulation characterizes cancer cell subpopulation with increased fitness and proliferation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.25.485784v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Conformation-specific Nanobody Targeting the NMN-activated State of SARM1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.25.485784v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Upon axonal injury, Sterile alpha (SAM) and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) motif containing 1 (SARM1) is activated by nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to deplete NAD and consequently promote the process of axon degeneration (AxD). Currently, only the inactive form of SARM1 in its auto-inhibitory conformation has been resolved. The flexibility of the enzymatically active form of SARM1 has so far precluded its structural determination. To solve the problem, we generated a stabilizing nanobody, Nb-C6, that specifically recognized only the NMN-activated form of SARM1. The conformation specificity was verified by immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance. Fluorescently labeled Nb-C6 could immunostain only the activated SARM1 in cells stimulated with CZ-48, a permeant mimetic of NMN. Expression of Nb-C6 in live cells resulted in stabilization of the active form of the endogenous and exogenous SARM1, producing and elevating cellular levels of cyclic ADP-ribose, a calcium messenger. Cryo-EM of the NMN-activated SARM1 complexed by Nb-C6 showed an octameric structure resembling a "blooming lotus" with the ARM domains bending significantly inward and swinging out together with the TIR domains to form the "petals of the lotus". Nb-C6 bound to the SAM domain of the activated SARM1 and stabilized its Armadillo repeat motif domain. Analyses using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), and cross-linking MS (XL-MS) indicate that the activated SARM1 is highly dynamic and flexible and the neighboring TIRs form dimers via the surface close to one BB loop. The Nanobody is thus a valuable tool for delineating the mechanism of activation of SARM1 in AxD and other cellular processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, Y. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, W. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goran, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.25.485784</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Conformation-specific Nanobody Targeting the NMN-activated State of SARM1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.27.485993v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Calcineurin-fusion facilitates Cryo-EM Structure Determination of a Family A GPCR 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.03.27.485993v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Advances in singe-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have made possible to solve the structures of numerous Family A and Family B G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in complex with G proteins and arrestins, as well as several Family C GPCRs. Determination of these structures has been facilitated by the presence of large extra-membrane components (such as G protein, arrestin, or Venus flytrap domains) in these complexes that aid in particle alignment during processing of the cryo-EM data. In contrast, determination of the inactive state structure of Family A GPCRs is more challenging due to the relatively small size of the seven transmembrane domain (7TM) and to the surrounding detergent micelle that, in the absence of other features, make particle alignment impossible. Here we describe an alternative protein engineering strategy where the heterodimeric protein calcineurin is fused to a GPCR by three points of attachment, the cytoplasmic ends of TM5, TM6 and TM7. This three-point attachment provides a more rigid link with the GPCR transmembrane domain that facilitates particle alignment during data processing, allowing us to determine the structures of the {beta}2 adrenergic receptor ({beta}2AR) in the apo, antagonist-bound, and agonist-bound states. We expect that this fusion strategy may have broad application in cryo-EM structural determination of other Family A GPCRs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deupi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobilka, B. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-03-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.03.27.485993</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Calcineurin-fusion facilitates Cryo-EM Structure Determination of a Family A GPCR]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-03-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.486923v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Noncoding RNA's competing endogenous gene pair as motif in serous ovarian cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.486923v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation apprears to be associated to the diagnosis and targeted therapy of complex diseases. Motifs of non-coding RNAs and genes in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network would probably contribute to the accurate prediction of serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC). Hence, we profiled a whole transcriptome of eight human SOCs and eight controls and constructed a ceRNA network including mRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs (circRNAs). We identified the mRNA-ncRNA-mRNA motifs in the ceRNA network named the non-coding RNAs competing endogenous gene pairs (ceGPs), through the denoised individualized pair analysis of gene expression (deiPAGE) proposed in this study. 18 cricRNAs ceGPs (cceGPs) were identified from multiple cohorts and were fused as an indicator (SOC index) for SOC discrimination, which carried a high predictive capacity in independent cohorts. It was found that the index was negatively correlated with the CD8+/CD4+ ratio in tumour-infiltration, reflecting the migration and growth of tumour cells in ovarian cancer progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.04.486923</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Noncoding RNA's competing endogenous gene pair as motif in serous ovarian cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.487035v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Electron tomography analysis of the prolamellar body and its transformation into grana thylakoids in the cryofixed Arabidopsis cotyledon 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.487035v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The para-crystalline structure of prolamellar bodies (PLBs) and light-induced etioplasts-to-chloroplasts transformation have been investigated with electron microscopy methods. However, these studies suffer from chemical fixation artifacts and limited volumes of three-dimensional reconstruction. We have examined Arabidopsis thaliana cotyledon cells with electron tomography (ET) to visualize etioplasts and their conversion into chloroplasts. We employed the scanning mode of ET for imaging large volumes and high-pressure freezing to improve sample preservation. PLB tubules were arranged in a zinc blende-type lattice like carbon atoms in diamonds. Within 2 hours after illumination, the lattice collapsed from the PLB exterior and the disorganized tubules merged to form thylakoid sheets, a.k.a. pre-granal thylakoids. These pre-granal thylakoids in PLBs vicinity folded and overlapped with each other to create grana stacks. Since the nascent pre-granal thylakoids had curved membranes in their tips, we examined the expression and localization of CURT1 proteins. CURT1A transcript was most abundant in de-etiolating cotyledon samples, and CURT1A concentrated to the PLB periphery. In curt1a etioplasts, PLB-associated thylakoids were swollen and failed to form grana stacks. By contrast, PLBs had cracks in their lattices in curt1c etioplasts. Our data provide evidence that CURT1A is required for pre-granal thylakoid assembly from PLB tubules during de-etiolation, while CURT1C contributes to the cubic crystal growth under darkness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mai, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, Y.-L. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.04.487035</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Electron tomography analysis of the prolamellar body and its transformation into grana thylakoids in the cryofixed Arabidopsis cotyledon]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.22.489140v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SMURF: embedding single-cell RNA-seq data with matrix factorization preserving selfconsistency 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.22.489140v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The advance of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) sheds light on cell-specific transcriptomic studies of cell developments, complex diseases, and cancers. Nevertheless, scRNA-seq techniques suffer from "dropout" events, and imputation tools are proposed to address the sparsity. Here, rather than imputation, we propose a tool, SMURF, to embed cells and genes into their latent space vectors utilizing matrix factorization with a mixture of Poisson-Gamma divergent as objective while preserving self-consistency. As for wet lab dataset evaluation, SMURF exhibited feasible cell subpopulation discovery efficacy with the latent vectors on all the eight-cell line mixtures. Furthermore, SMURF can embed the cell latent vectors into a 1D-oval and recover the time course of the cell cycle. SMURF can also serve as an imputation tool, the in silico data assessment shows that SMURF paraded the most robust gene expression recovery power with low root mean square error and high Pearson correlation. Moreover, SMURF recovers the gene distribution for the WM989 Drop-seq data. SMURF is available at https://github.com/deepomicslab/SMURF.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-04-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.04.22.489140</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SMURF: embedding single-cell RNA-seq data with matrix factorization preserving selfconsistency]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-04-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.03.490500v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structures of NF-κB p52 homodimer-DNA complexes rationalize binding mechanisms and transcription activation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.03.490500v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The mammalian NF-{kappa}B p52:p52 homodimer together with its cofactor Bcl3 activates transcription of {kappa}B sites with a central G/C base pair (bp), while it is inactive toward {kappa}B sites with a central A/T bp. To understand the molecular basis for this unique property of p52, we have determined its structure in complex with a P-selectin(PSel)-{kappa}B DNA (5-GGGGTGACCCC-3) (central bp is underlined) and variants changing the central bp to A/T or swapping the flanking bp. The structures reveal a nearly two-fold widened minor groove in the central region of the DNA as compared to all other currently available NF-{kappa}B-DNA complex structures, which have a central A/T bp. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show free DNAs exist in distinct preferred conformations, and p52:p52 homodimer induces the least amount of conformational changes on the more transcriptionally active natural PSel-{kappa}B DNA in the bound form. Our binding assays further demonstrate that the fast kinetics driven by entropy is correlated with higher transcriptional activity. Overall, our studies have revealed a novel conformation for {kappa}B DNA in complex with NF-{kappa}B and suggest the importance of binding kinetics, dictated by free DNA conformational and dynamic states, in controlling transcriptional activation for NF-{kappa}B.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Meshcheryakov, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghosh, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, V. Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.03.490500</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structures of NF-κB p52 homodimer-DNA complexes rationalize binding mechanisms and transcription activation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.06.490923v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Intracortical remodelling increases in highly-loaded bone after exercise cessation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.06.490923v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Resorption within cortices of long bones removes excess mass and damaged tissue, and increases during periods of reduced mechanical loading. Returning to high-intensity exercise may place bones at risk of failure due to increased porosity caused by bone resorption. We used microradiographs of bone slices from highly-loaded (metacarpal, tibia) and minimally-loaded (rib) bones from 12 racehorses, 6 that died during a period of high-intensity exercise and 6 that had a period of intense exercise followed by at least 35 days of rest prior to death, and measured intracortical canal cross-sectional area (Ca.Ar) and number (N.Ca) to infer remodelling activity across sites and exercise groups. Large canals that are the consequence of bone resorption (Ca.Ar > 0.04 mm2) were 1.4x to 18.7x greater in number and area in the third metacarpal bone from rested than exercised animals (p = 0.005- 0.008), but were similar in number and area in ribs from rested and exercised animals (p = 0.575-0.688). An intermediate relationship was present in the tibia, and when large canals and smaller canals that result from partial bony infilling (Ca.Ar > 0.002 mm2) were considered together. The mechanostat may override targeted remodelling during periods of high mechanical load by enhancing bone formation, reducing resorption and suppressing turnover. Both systems may work synergistically in rest periods to remove excess and damaged tissue.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>da Silva, R. G. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boyde, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doube, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riggs, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.06.490923</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Intracortical remodelling increases in highly-loaded bone after exercise cessation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.07.490958v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Climate and ant richness explain the global distribution of ant-plant mutualisms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.07.490958v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biotic interactions are known to play an important role in shaping species geographic distributions and diversity patterns. However, the role of mutualistic interactions in shaping global diversity patterns remains poorly quantified, particularly with respect to interactions with invertebrates. Moreover, it is unclear how the nature of different mutualisms interacts with abiotic drivers and affects diversity patterns of mutualistic organisms. Here, we present a global-scale biogeographic analysis of three different ant-plant mutualisms, differentiating between plants bearing domatia, extrafloral nectaries (EFNs), and elaiosomes, based on comprehensive geographic distributions of [~]15,000 flowering plants and [~]13,000 ant species. Domatia and extrafloral nectaries involve indirect plant defenses provided by ants, while elaiosomes attract ants to disperse seeds. Our results show distinct biogeographic patterns of different ant-plant mutualisms, with domatium- and EFN-bearing plant richness decreasing sharply from the equator towards the poles, while elaiosome-bearing plants prevail at mid-latitudes. Contemporary climate, especially mean annual temperature and precipitation, emerge as the most important predictor of ant-associated plant diversity. In hot and moist regions, typically the tropics, domatium- and EFN-bearing plant richness increases with related ant guild richness, while in warm regions plants with elaiosomes are strongly linked to interacting ants. Our results suggest that ant richness in combination with climate drives the spatial variation of plants bearing domatia, extrafloral nectaries, and elaiosomes, highlighting the importance of mutualistic interactions for understanding plant biogeography and its response to global change.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taylor, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weigelt, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guénard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Economo, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nowak, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Inderjit, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kreft, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.07.490958</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Climate and ant richness explain the global distribution of ant-plant mutualisms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.14.491964v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unique gut microbiome signatures among adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in southern Chinese 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.14.491964v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Imbalance of the immune system caused by alterations of gut microbiome is considered to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of infant eczema but the exact role of the gut microbiome in adult atopic dermatitis (AD) patients remains to be clarified. To investigate the differences of the gut microbiome between adult AD patients and healthy individuals, stool samples of 234 adults, containing 104 AD patients and 130 healthy subjects were collected for amplicon sequencing. Altered structure and metabolic dysfunctions of the gut microbiome were identified in adult AD patients. Our results illustrated that the adult AD patients were more likely to have allergies, particularly non-food allergies. And the gut microbiome composition of the AD and normal groups were considerably different. Besides, Romboutsia and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 was enriched in the normal group, whereas Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Lachnoclostridium, Eubacterium_hallii_group, Erysipelatoclostridium, Megasphaera, Oscillibacter, Flavonifractor were dominated in the AD group. Moreover, purine nucleotide degradation pathways were significantly enriched in the AD group and the enrichment of proteinogenic amino acid biosynthesis pathways was found in the normal group. This study provides insights into new therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome for AD and evidence for the involvement of gut-skin axis in AD patients.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, J. C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, U. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C. J. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, P. L. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loo, S. K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.14.491964</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unique gut microbiome signatures among adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in southern Chinese]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.16.492138v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A live attenuated vaccine confers superior mucosal and systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.16.492138v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vaccines are a cornerstone in COVID-19 pandemic management. Here, we compare immune responses to and preclinical efficacy of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, an adenovirus-vectored spike vaccine, and the live-attenuated-virus vaccine candidate sCPD9 after single and double vaccination in Syrian hamsters. All regimens containing sCPD9 showed superior efficacy. The robust immunity elicited by sCPD9 was evident in a wide range of immune parameters after challenge with heterologous SARS-CoV-2 including rapid viral clearance, reduced tissue damage, fast differentiation of pre-plasmablasts, strong systemic and mucosal humoral responses, and rapid recall of memory T cells from lung tissue. Our results demonstrate that use of live-attenuated vaccines may offer advantages over available COVID-19 vaccines, specifically when applied as booster, and may provide a solution for containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nouailles, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adler, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pennitz, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peidli, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teixeira Alves, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baumgart, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bushe, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voss, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Langenhagen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pott, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kazmierski, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goekeri, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simmons, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xing, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Langner, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin Vidal, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdelgawad, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herwig, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cichon, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niemeyer, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Drosten, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goffinet, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Landthaler, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blüthgen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Witzenrath, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gruber, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Praktiknjo, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Osterrieder, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wyler, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kunec, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trimpert, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.16.492138</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A live attenuated vaccine confers superior mucosal and systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.18.492404v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Massive Horizontal Gene Transfer in Amphioxus Illuminates the Early Evolution of Deuterostomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.18.492404v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Amphioxus is considered the best-known living proxy to the chordate ancestor and an irreplaceable model organism for evolutionary studies of chordates and deuterostomes. In this study, a high-quality genome of the Beihai amphioxus, Branchiostoma belcheri beihai, was de novo assembled and annotated. Within four amphioxus genomes, twenty-eight groups of gene novelties were identified, revealing new genes that lack homologs in non-deuterostome metazoa, but share unexpectedly high similarities with those from non-metazoan species. These gene innovation events have played roles in amphioxus adaptations, including innate immunity responses, glycolysis, and regulation of calcium balance. The gene novelties related to innate immunity, such as a group of lipoxygenases and a DEAD-box helicase, boosted amphioxus immune responses. The novel genes for alcohol dehydrogenase and ferredoxin could aid in the glycolysis of amphioxus. A proximally arrayed cluster of EF-hand calcium-binding protein genes were identified to resemble those of bacteria. The copy number of this gene cluster was negatively correlated to the sea salinity of the collection region, suggesting that it may enhance their survival at different calcium concentrations. This comprehensive study collectively reveals insights into adaptive evolution of cephalochordates and provides valuable resources for research on early evolution of deuterostomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xiong, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, P. K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, J. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, C. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Falkenberg, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.18.492404</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Massive Horizontal Gene Transfer in Amphioxus Illuminates the Early Evolution of Deuterostomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.18.492592v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A framework to trace microbial engraftment at the strain level during fecal microbiota transplantation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.18.492592v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may treat microbiome-associated diseases effectively. However, the mechanism and pattern of the FMT process require expositions. Previous studies indicated the necessity to track the FMT process at the microbial strain level. At this moment, shotgun metagenomic sequencing enables us to study strain variations during the FMT.

ResultWe implemented a software package PStrain-tracer to study microbial strain variations during FMT from the shotgun metagenomic sequencing data. The package visualizes the strain alteration and traces the microbial engraftment during the FMT process. We applied the package to two typical FMT datasets: one ulcerative colitis (UC) dataset and one Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) dataset. We observed that when the engrafted species has more than one strain in the source sample, 99.3% of the engrafted species will engraft only a subset of strains. We further confirmed that the all-or-nothing manner unsuited the engraftment of species with multiple strains by heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) count, revealing that strains prefer to engraft independently. Furthermore, we discovered a primary determinant of strain engrafted success is their proportion in species, as the engrafted strains from the donor and the pre-FMT recipient with proportions 33.10 % (p-value = 6e - 06) and 37.08 % (p-value = 9e - 05) significantly higher than ungrafted strains on average, respectively. All the datasets indicated that the diversity of strains bursts after FMT and decreases to one after eight weeks for twelve species. Previous studies neglected strains with their corresponding species showing insignificant differences between different samples. With the package, from the UC dataset, we successfully determined the strain variations of the species Roseburia intestinalis, a beneficial species reducing intestinal inflammation, colonized in the cured UC patient being engrafted from the donor, even if the patient hosted the same species yet before treatment. We found seven strains in donors from the CDI dataset and one strain in pre-FMT recipients from eight species that associated CDI FMT failure.

ConclusionPStrain-tracer is the first framework that tracks strain alterations in metagenomic sequencing data of FMT. PStrain-tracer implemented several methods specialized for FMT experiment samples, such as visualization of strains abundance alteration in the FMT experiment and determinant strains detection in FMT failure. We applied PStrain-tracer on two published datasets, uncovered novel strains related to FMT failure, and demonstrated the necessity of analyzing the whole-genome shotgun metagenomic data of FMT at the strain level. We also developed an online visualizer of PStrain-tracer for the users to adjust their visualized results online. The package is available at https://github.com/deepomicslab/PStrain-tracer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.18.492592</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A framework to trace microbial engraftment at the strain level during fecal microbiota transplantation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.19.492486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Delayed benefits for fallow bucks: more fights decrease same day mating success, but may increase matings the next day 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.19.492486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dominance hierarchies help to reduce unnecessary fights and associated costs during the mating season. Fallow deer (Dama dama) typically have high levels of male-male competition and strong reproductive skew. Nevertheless, how male dominance and daily fight rates affect mating success remains unknown. We used a two-year dataset from a large population of tagged fallow deer (620-689 individuals), to calculate male dominance ranks based on their agonistic interactions prior to the mating season ( prerut), in order to then examine how rank is related to fight rates and mating success during the mating season ( rut). Overall, higher-ranked males fought at least twice a day on a higher proportion of days during the rut and secured more matings. Males engaging in more than 10 fights per day were less likely to secure a mating that same day, and those males exceeding 15 fights per day secured no matings at all. Nevertheless, males with the highest numbers of fights (i.e. 15-21 fights per day) on a given day had higher mating success on subsequent days. Although higher-ranked males secured most matings during the rut, their fight rates decreased towards the end. We propose that engaging in more fights negatively affects daily individual mating success, but may benefit mating success on subsequent days, and potentially increase long-term fitness benefits. Additionally, engaging in more fights as the rut progresses probably allows lower-ranked males to secure some matings before the availability of oestrous females ends for almost a year.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFighting carries a risk of injury and high energetic costs. Male fallow deer establish dominance hierarchies, that help reduce unnecessary fights among individuals of different competitive abilities. However, whether high-ranked males fight more or less is yet unknown. By calculating social ranks of fallow bucks before the start of their mating period, we show that males of higher social status do fight and mate more during the mating season (rut). Furthermore, by investigating how investment in fights affects individual mating success that same day and the next day, we find that males that fight more cause a decrease in their immediate daily mating success, but can potentially increase their chances of mating in subsequent days. Thus, to fight more may allow males to climb the hierarchical social ladder, hence increasing longer-term fitness benefits associated to higher ranks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bateman-Neubert, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Briefer, E. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.19.492486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Delayed benefits for fallow bucks: more fights decrease same day mating success, but may increase matings the next day]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.19.492593v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Goat kid recognition of their mothers' calls is not impacted by changes in source-filter parameters. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.19.492593v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Features varying more between than within individuals are usually considered as potential cues for individual recognition. According to the source-filter theory of vocal production, the fundamental frequency of mammals vocalisations depends on the characteristics of the vocal folds, while formants are determined by the characteristics of the vocal tract. Goat mothers and their kids (Capra hircus) display mutual recognition, and both source-related parameters (F0) and filter-related ones (formants) have been shown to be individualised in their vocalisations. Here, we aimed to identify if these parameters (source-related parameters (F0) and/or filter vocal parameters) are used by goat kids to recognise their mothers vocalisations. To this aim, we used an algorithm to modify either F0 or formants of the calls of goat mothers to different degrees (within or exceeding the range of natural intra-individual variability), and we played back these modified calls to their kids. We did not observe any difference in the kid reactions to the modified maternal vocalisations and to the natural calls. We suggest that either: (i) fundamental frequency and formants are not involved in maternal recognition in goats; (ii) goat kids have a tolerance for variation when recognising their mothers calls that exceeds the shifts we performed; (iii) goat maternal recognition is based on other vocal features than those tested here, or (iv) goat kid maternal recognition is based on a combination of different features and might be more flexible than previously thought, such that when one main feature is modified, kids focus on other features.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Perroux, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Briefer, E. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.19.492593</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Goat kid recognition of their mothers' calls is not impacted by changes in source-filter parameters.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.19.492681v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Self-organized canals enable long range directed material transport in bacterial communities 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.19.492681v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Long-range material transport is essential to maintain the physiological functions of multicellular organisms such as animals and plants. By contrast, material transport in bacteria is often short-ranged and limited by diffusion. Here we report a unique form of actively regulated long-range directed material transport in structured bacterial communities. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies as a model system, we discover that a large-scale and temporally evolving open channel system spontaneously develops in the colony via shear-induced banding. Fluid flows in the open channels support high-speed (up to 450 {micro}m/s) transport of cells and outer membrane vesicles over centimeters, and help to eradicate colonies of a competing species Staphylococcus aureus. The open channels are reminiscent of human-made canals for cargo transport, and the channel flows are driven by interfacial tension mediated by cell-secreted biosurfactants. The spatial-temporal dynamics of fluid flows in the open channels are qualitatively described by flow profile measurement and mathematical modeling. Our findings demonstrate that mechanochemical coupling between interfacial force and biosurfactant kinetics can coordinate large-scale material transport in primitive life forms, suggesting a new principle to engineer self-organized microbial communities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seng, Z. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.19.492681</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Self-organized canals enable long range directed material transport in bacterial communities]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.21.492858v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Epitranscriptomic Modification of MicroRNA Increases Atherosclerosis Susceptibility 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.21.492858v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Emerging evidence indicates that oxidative stress causes the hydroxylation of guanine (G) to generate 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro guanosine (8OH-G) in microRNAs (miRs), which induces the guanine-to-uracil (G-to-U) transversion and thus changes the miR targetomes. However, whether and how the 8OH-G-modified miRs are involved in vascular endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis were unexplored. Using 8OH-G crosslinking immunoprecipitation miR sequencing (8OH-G CLIP-miR-seq), we found that 8OH-G miR-483 were among the most enriched 8OH-G miR species in ECs induced by ox-LDL. Transcriptomic profiling by RNA-seq indicated that the G-to-U transversion of miR-483 altered the original mRNA targeting efficacy and allows 8OH-G miR-483 to recognize new mRNA target sites. A reduced ratio of 8OH-G miR-483 to miR-483 in lung ECs was found in the endothelial-specific miR-483 transgenic (EC-miR-483 Tg) mice. Moreover, reduction of atherosclerosis was significant in EC-miR-483 Tg mice administrated AAV8-PCSK9 and fed an atherogenic diet. In situ miR hybridization revealed an increased 8OH-G miR-483 level in the intima of human atherosclerotic arteries. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the redox burden incurred by cardiovascular risk factors is a culprit of the miR-483 to 8OH-G miR-483 transversion. Such epitranscriptomic modification of miR-483 causes endothelial dysfunction and increases atherosclerosis susceptibility via its targetomes shift.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gongol, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shyy, J. Y.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.21.492858</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Epitranscriptomic Modification of MicroRNA Increases Atherosclerosis Susceptibility]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.28.493838v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scMinerva: a GCN-featured Interpretable Framework for Single-cell Multi-omics Integration with Random Walk on Heterogeneous Graph 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.28.493838v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell multi-omics is a rapidly growing field in biomedicine, where multiple biological contents, such as the epigenome, genome, and transcriptome, can be measured simultaneously. Despite its potential, the integrated analysis and prediction of cellular states based on this complex multi-omics data pose significant challenges due to data sparsity, high noise, and computational overhead. To address these challenges, we developed scMinerva, an unsupervised framework for single-cell multi-omics integrated analysis. The learned embeddings from the multi-omics data enable accurate integrated classification of cell types and stages. Specifically, we construct a heterogeneous graph from multiple omics and propose a novel biased random walk algorithm omics2vec, which can learn the heterogeneous biological graph in a way that balances both local and global network structures. scMinerva successfully outperforms existing unsupervised methods on various simulated and real-world datasets when fine-tuned by very few labels. Additionally, scMinerva demonstrates strong label efficiency, is robust to fluctuation in data quality, allows one omics to compensate for weakness in others and could effectively classify cells with different annotation granularities. Furthermore, we showcase scMinervas ability to accurately provide prospective biomarkers and predict cell differentiation trends for COVID-19-infected cells, through the joint analysis of multi-omics data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.28.493838</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scMinerva: a GCN-featured Interpretable Framework for Single-cell Multi-omics Integration with Random Walk on Heterogeneous Graph]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.31.494153v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 impacts the transcriptome and epigenome at the maternal-fetal interface in pregnancy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.31.494153v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During pregnancy, the maternal-fetal interface plays vital roles in fetal development. Its disruption is frequently found in pregnancy complications. Recent works show increased incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes in COVID-19 patients; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the molecular impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the maternal-fetal interface. Generating bulk and single-nucleus transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles from COVID-19 patients and control samples, we discovered aberrant immune activation and angiogenesis patterns in patients. Surprisingly, retrotransposons were dysregulated in specific cell types. Notably, reduced enhancer activities of LTR8B elements were functionally linked to the downregulation of Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein genes in syncytiotrophoblasts. Our findings revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced significant changes to the epigenome and transcriptome at the maternal-fetal interface, which may be associated with pregnancy complications.

One-Sentence SummaryPregnant COVID-19 patients show placental epigenetic and transcriptional changes, associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mathur, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, S. K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Estrada-Gutierrez, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, B. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moungmaithong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, D. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-05-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.05.31.494153</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 impacts the transcriptome and epigenome at the maternal-fetal interface in pregnancy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-05-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.03.494532v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
All-optical closed-loop voltage clamp for precise control of muscles and neurons in live animals 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.03.494532v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Excitable cells can be stimulated or inhibited by optogenetics. Since optogenetic actuation regimes are often static, neurons and circuits can quickly adapt, allowing perturbation, but not true control. Hence, we established an optogenetic voltage-clamp (OVC). The voltage-indicator QuasAr2 provides information for fast, closed-loop optical feedback to the bidirectional optogenetic actuator BiPOLES. Voltage-dependent fluorescence is held within tight margins, thus clamping the cell to distinct potentials. We established the OVC in muscles and neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans, and transferred it to rat hippocampal neurons in slice culture. Fluorescence signals were calibrated to electrically measured potentials, and wavelengths to currents, enabling to determine optical I/V-relationships. The OVC reports on homeostatically altered cellular physiology in mutants and on Ca2+-channel properties, and can dynamically clamp spiking. Combining non-invasive imaging with control capabilities of electrophysiology, the OVC facilitates high-throughput, contact-less electrophysiology in individual cells and paves the way for true optogenetic control in behaving animals.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bergs, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liewald, J. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodriguez-Rozada, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wirt, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bessel, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeitzschel, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Durmaz, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nozownik, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vierock, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bargmann, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hegemann, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wiegert, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gottschalk, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.03.494532</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[All-optical closed-loop voltage clamp for precise control of muscles and neurons in live animals]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.09.495506v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification of a small chemical as a lysosomal calcium mobilizer and characterization of its ability to inhibit autophagy and viral infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.09.495506v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We previously identified GADPH as one of the cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose (cADPR)s binding proteins and found that GADPH participates in cADPR-mediated Ca2+ release from ER via RyRs. Based on the simulated cADPR-GAPDH complex structure, we performed the structure-based drug screening, identified several small chemicals with high docking scores to cADPRs binding pocket in GAPDH, and showed that two of these compounds, C244 and C346, are potential cADPR antagonists. We further synthesized several analogs of C346, and found that its analog, G42, also mobilized Ca2+ release from lysosomes. G42 alkalized lysosomal pH, and inhibited autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Moreover, G42 markedly inhibited Zika virus (ZIKV, a flavivirus) or murine hepatitis virus (MHV, a {beta}-coronavirus) infections of host cells. These results suggest that G42 inhibits virus infection, likely by triggering lysosomal Ca2+ mobilization and inhibiting autophagy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.09.495506</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification of a small chemical as a lysosomal calcium mobilizer and characterization of its ability to inhibit autophagy and viral infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.15.496234v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A pangenome analysis pipeline (PSVCP) provides insights into rice functional gene identification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.15.496234v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundA pangenome aims to capture the complete genetic diversity within a species and reduce bias in genetic analysis inherent in using a single reference genome. However, the current linear format of most plant pangenomes limits the presentation of position information for novel sequences. Graph pangenomes have been developed to overcome this limitation. However, there is a lack of bioinformatics analysis tools for graph format genomes.

ResultsTo overcome this problem, we have developed a novel pangenome construction strategy and a downstream pangenome analysis pipeline that captures position information while maintaining a linearized layout. We applied this strategy to construct a high-quality rice pangenome using 12 representative rice genomes and analyze an international rice panel with 413 diverse accessions using the pangenome reference. Our results provide insights into rice population structure and genomic diversity. Applying the pangenome for PAV-based GWAS analysis can identify causal structural variations for rice grain weight and plant height, while SNP-based GWAS can only identify approximate genomic locations. Additionally, a new locus (qPH8-1) was found to be associated with plant height on chromosome 8 that could not be detected using the SNP-based GWAS.

ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the pangenome constructed by our pipeline combined with PAV-based GWAS can provide additional power for genomic and genetic analysis. The pangenome constructed in this study and associated genome sequence data provide valuable genomic resources for future rice crop improvement.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.15.496234</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A pangenome analysis pipeline (PSVCP) provides insights into rice functional gene identification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.15.496264v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Novel Bacterial Speciation Process Observed in a Symbiotic Marine Population 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.15.496264v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacteria undergo asexual reproduction, but genetic exchange is common. Current models posit that speciation of sexual bacteria is a gradual and long process, and genetic exchanges decrease but never cease between nascent species. Here, we show that in a panmictic bacterial lineage found in symbiosis with invertebrate hosts across multi-marine ecosystems, a series of speciation events occurred unusually fast with between-species genetic exchange approximating a complete halt. The speciation process is too rapid to sort out ancestral polymorphisms, giving rise to between-species phylogenetic incongruence at a genome-wide scale. This novel bacterial speciation process leads to incomplete lineage sorting, which to date has only been observed in eukaryotes but is 100-1000 times faster. Our finding allows for a more unified understanding of the speciation process across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uematsu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Rourke, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Akita, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kimura, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tomaru, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voolstra, C. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Innan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.15.496264</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Novel Bacterial Speciation Process Observed in a Symbiotic Marine Population]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.20.496917v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
"What" and "When" Predictions Modulate Auditory Processing in a Contextually Specific Manner 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.20.496917v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extracting regularities from ongoing stimulus streams to form predictions is crucial for adaptive behavior. Such regularities exist in terms of the content of the stimuli (i.e., "what" it is) and their timing (i.e., "when" it will occur), both of which are known to interactively modulate sensory processing. In real-world stimulus streams, regularities also occur contextually - e.g. predictions of individual notes vs. melodic contour in music. However, it is unknown whether the brain integrates predictions in a contextually congruent manner (e.g., if slower "when" predictions selectively interact with complex "what" predictions), and whether integrating predictions of simple vs. complex features rely on dissociable neural correlates. To address these questions, our study employed "what" and "when" violations at different levels - single tones (elements) vs. tone pairs (chunks) - within the same stimulus stream, while neural activity was recorded using electroencephalogram (EEG) in participants (N=20) performing a repetition detection task. Our results reveal that "what" and "when" predictions interactively modulated stimulus-evoked response amplitude in a contextually congruent manner, but that these modulations were shared between contexts in terms of the spatiotemporal distribution of EEG signals. Effective connectivity analysis using dynamic causal modeling showed that the integration of "what" and "when" prediction selectively increased connectivity at relatively late cortical processing stages, between the superior temporal gyrus and the fronto-parietal network. Taken together, these results suggest that the brain integrates different predictions with a high degree of contextual specificity, but in a shared and distributed cortical network.

Significance statementPredictions of stimulus features, present in different statistically-regular contexts in the environment, are crucial to forming adaptive behavior. However, it is unknown if the brain integrates predictions selectively according to such contextual differences. By recording human electroencephalography during experimental manipulations of time-based and content-based predictions, we found that those predictions interactively modulated neural activity in a contextually congruent manner, such that local (vs. global) time-based predictions modulated content-based predictions of sequence elements (vs. chunks). These modulations were shared between contextual levels in terms of the spatiotemporal distribution of neural activity. This suggests that the brain integrates different predictions with a high degree of contextual specificity, but in a shared and distributed cortical network.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cappotto, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melloni, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.20.496917</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA["What" and "When" Predictions Modulate Auditory Processing in a Contextually Specific Manner]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.497193v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A scalable sparse neural network framework for rare cell type annotation of single-cell transcriptome data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.497193v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cell type annotation is critical to understand the cell population heterogeneity in the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Due to their fast, precise, and user-friendly advantages, automatic annotation methods are gradually replacing traditional unsupervised clustering approaches in cell type identification practice. However, current supervised annotation tools are easily overfitting, thus favoring large cell populations but failing to learn the information of smaller populations. This drawback will significantly mislead biological analysis, especially when the rare cell types are important. Here, we present scBalance, an integrated sparse neural network framework that leverages the adaptive weight sampling and dropout techniques for the auto-annotation task. Using 20 scRNA-seq datasets with different scales and different imbalance degrees, we systematically validate the strong performance of scBalance for both intra-dataset and inter-dataset annotation tasks. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the scalability of scBalance on identifying rare cell types in million-level datasets by uncovering the immune landscape in bronchoalveolar cells. Up to now, scBalance is the first and only auto-annotation tool that expands scalability to 1.5 million cells dataset. In addition, scBalance also shows a fast and stable speed outperforming commonly used tools across all scales of datasets. We implemented scBalance in a user-friendly manner that can easily interact with Scanpy, which makes scBalance a superior tool in the increasingly important Python-based platform.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.22.497193</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A scalable sparse neural network framework for rare cell type annotation of single-cell transcriptome data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.497278v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Thermal Pain and Detection Threshold Modulation in Augmented Reality 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.22.497278v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays computer-generated visual, auditory or other sensory information on the real world. Due to recent advancements in AR it can be difficult for the user to differentiate between sensory information coming from real and virtual objects, leading to interesting phenomena. For example, an AR experience in which users can experience their own hands in flames has been shown to elicit heat illusions on the affected hands. In this study, we investigate the potential that AR has for top-down modulation of pain and thermal perception. We assessed thermal pain and detection thresholds on the participants right hand when they experienced that hand covered in virtual flames in AR. We compared that experience to a baseline condition with no additional stimuli as well to a control condition that sees the hand covered by unrealistic blue flames to compensate the distraction factor. We found that experiencing a burning hand in AR induced analgesic and hyperalgesic effects as participants began to feel heat related pain on lower temperatures and cold related pain on higher temperatures. That experience also significantly changed the lowest temperature at which participants started perceiving warmth. These results demonstrate that pain and thermal perception can be manipulated by altering the perception of our body in AR.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Eckhoff, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sandor, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheing, G. L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cassinelli, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.22.497278</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Thermal Pain and Detection Threshold Modulation in Augmented Reality]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.23.497375v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Predicting the antigenic evolution of SARS-COV-2 with deep learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.23.497375v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) antigenic profile evolves in response to the vaccine and natural infection-derived immune pressure, resulting in immune escape and threatening public health. Exploring the possible antigenic evolutionary potentials improves public health preparedness, but it is limited by the lack of experimental assays as the sequence space is exponentially large. Here we introduce the Machine Learning-guided Antigenic Evolution Prediction (MLAEP), which combines structure modeling, multi-task learning, and genetic algorithm to model the viral fitness landscape and explore the antigenic evolution via in silico directed evolution. As demonstrated by existing SARS-COV-2 variants, MLAEP can infer the order of variants along antigenic evolutionary trajectories, which is also strongly correlated with their sampling time. The novel mutations predicted by MLAEP are also found in immunocompromised covid patients and newly emerging variants, like XBB1.5. The predictions of MLAEP were validated by conducting in vitro neutralizing antibody binding assay, which demonstrated that the model-generated variants displayed significantly increased immune evasion ability compared with the controls. In sum, our approach enables profiling existing variants and forecasting prospective antigenic variants, thus may help guide the development of vaccines and increase preparedness against future variants. Our model is available at https://mlaep.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.23.497375</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Predicting the antigenic evolution of SARS-COV-2 with deep learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.27.497678v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
On the similarities of representations in artificial and brain neural networks for speech recognition 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.27.497678v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
How the human brain supports speech comprehension is an important question in neuroscience. Studying the neurocomputational mechanisms underlying human language is not only critical to understand and develop treatments for many human conditions that impair language and communication but also to inform artificial systems that aim to automatically process and identify natural speech. In recent years, intelligent machines powered by deep learning have achieved near human level of performance in speech recognition. The fields of artificial intelligence and cognitive neuroscience have finally reached a similar phenotypical level despite of their huge differences in implementation, and so deep learning models can--in principle--serve as candidates for mechanistic models of the human auditory system. Utilizing high-performance automatic speech recognition systems, and advanced noninvasive human neuroimaging technology such as magnetoencephalography and multivariate pattern-information analysis, the current study aimed to relate machine-learned representations of speech to recorded human brain representations of the same speech. In one direction, we found a quasi-hierarchical functional organisation in human auditory cortex qualitatively matched with the hidden layers of deep neural networks trained in an automatic speech recognizer. In the reverse direction, we modified the hidden layer organization of the artificial neural network based on neural activation patterns in human brains. The result was a substantial improvement in word recognition accuracy and learned speech representations. We have demonstrated that artificial and brain neural networks can be mutually informative in the domain of speech recognition.

Author summaryThe human capacity to recognize individual words from the sound of speech is a cornerstone of our ability to communicate with one another, yet the processes and representations underlying it remain largely unknown. Software systems for automatic speech-to-text provide a plausible model for how speech recognition can be performed. In this study, we used an automatic speech recogniser model to probe recordings from the brains of participants who listened to speech. We found that the parts of the dynamic, evolving representations inside the machine system were a good fit for representations found in the brain recordings, both showing similar hierarchical organisations. Then, we observed where the machines representations diverged from the brains, and made experimental adjustments to the automatic recognizers design so that its representations might better fit the brains. In so doing, we substantially improved the recognizers ability to accurately identify words.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wingfield, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Devereux, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fonteneau, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thwaites, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woodland, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marslen-Wilson, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-06-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.06.27.497678</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[On the similarities of representations in artificial and brain neural networks for speech recognition]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-06-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.498921v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Faecal virome of the Australian grey-headed flying fox from urban/suburban environments contains novel coronaviruses, retroviruses and sapoviruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.498921v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bats are important reservoirs for viruses of public health and veterinary concern. Virus studies in Australian bats usually target the families Paramyxoviridae, Coronaviridae and Rhabdoviridae, with little known about their overall virome composition. We used metatranscriptomic sequencing to characterise the faecal virome of grey-headed flying foxes from three colonies in urban/suburban locations from two Australian states. We identified viruses from three mammalian-infecting (Coronaviridae, Caliciviridae, Retroviridae) and one possible mammalian-infecting (Birnaviridae) family. Of particular interest were a novel bat betacoronavirus (subgenus Nobecovirus) and a novel bat sapovirus (Caliciviridae), the first identified in Australian bats, as well as a potentially exogenous retrovirus. The novel betacoronavirus was detected in two sampling locations 1,375 km apart and falls in a viral lineage likely with a long association with bats. This study highlights the utility of unbiased sequencing of faecal samples for identifying novel viruses and revealing broad-scale patterns of virus ecology and evolution.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Brussel, K. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahar, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ortiz-Baez, A. S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carrai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spielman, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boardman, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beatty, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geoghegan, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barrs, V. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.06.498921</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Faecal virome of the Australian grey-headed flying fox from urban/suburban environments contains novel coronaviruses, retroviruses and sapoviruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.498943v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
FOXP2 confers oncogenic effects in prostate cancer through activating MET signalling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.498943v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identification oncogenes is fundamental to revealing the molecular basis of cancer. Here, we found that FOXP2 is overexpressed in human prostate cancer cells and prostate tumors, but its expression is absent in normal prostate epithelial cells and low in benign prostatic hyperplasia. To date, little is known regarding the link of FOXP2 to prostate cancer. We observed that high FOXP2 expression and frequent amplification are significantly associated with high Gleason score. Ectopic expression of FOXP2 induces malignant transformation of mouse NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human prostate epithelial cell RWPE-1. Conversely, FOXP2 knockdown suppresses the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Transgenic overexpression of FOXP2 in the mouse prostate causes prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Overexpression of FOXP2 aberrantly activates oncogenic MET signalling and inhibitors targeting MET signalling effectively reverts the FOXP2-induced oncogenic phenotype. Additionally, the novel recurrent FOXP2-CPED1 fusion identified in prostate tumors results in high expression of truncated FOXP2, which exhibit a similar capacity for malignant transformation. Together, our data demonstrate for the first time that FOXP2 is an oncogene involved in tumorigenicity of prostate.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.06.498943</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[FOXP2 confers oncogenic effects in prostate cancer through activating MET signalling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.07.499235v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Oscillatory mechanisms of intrinsic brain networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.07.499235v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neuroimaging studies of hemodynamic fluctuations have shown specific network-based organization of the brain at rest, yet the neurophysiological underpinning of these networks in human brain remain unclear. Here, we recorded resting-state activities of neuronal populations in the key regions of default mode network (DMN, posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex), frontoparietal network (FPN, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal lobule), and salience network (SN, anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) from 42 human participants using intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG). We observed stronger within-network connectivity of the DMN, FPN and SN in broadband iEEG power, stronger phase synchronization within the DMN across theta and alpha bands, and weaker phase synchronization within the FPN in delta, theta and alpha band. We also found positive power correlations in high frequency band (70-170Hz) and negative power correlations in alpha and beta band for FPN-DMN and FPN-SN. Robust negative correlations in DMN-SN were found in alpha, beta and gamma band. These findings provide intracranial electrophysiological evidence in support of the network model for intrinsic organization of human brain and shed light on the way how the brain networks communicate at rest.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zelano, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.-j.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.07.499235</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Oscillatory mechanisms of intrinsic brain networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.09.499415v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Plasmid Permissiveness of Wastewater Microbiomes can be Predicted from 16S rDNA sequences by Machine Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.09.499415v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) contain a diverse microbial community with high cell density. They constantly receive antimicrobial residues and resistant strains and, therefore, may offer conditions for the Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) of antimicrobial resistance determinants, transmitting clinically important genes between, e.g., enteric and environmental bacteria and vice versa. Despite the clinical importance, tools for predicting HGT are still under-developed. In this study, we examined to which extent microbial community composition, as inferred by partial 16S rRNA gene sequences, can predict plasmid permissiveness, i.e., the ability of cells to receive a plasmid through conjugation, for microbial communities in the water cycle, using data from standardized filter mating assays using fluorescent bio-reporter plasmids. We leveraged a range of machine learning models for predicting the permissiveness for each taxon in the community, translating to the range of hosts a plasmid is able to transfer to, for three broad host-range resistance plasmids (pKJK5, pB10, and RP4). Our results indicate that the predicted permissiveness from the best performing model (random forest) showed a moderate-to-strong average correlation of 0.45 for pB10 (95% CI: 0.42-0.52), 0.42 for pKJK5 (0.95% CI: 0.38-0.45) and 0.52 for RP4 (0.95% CI:0.45-0.55) with the experimental permissiveness in the unseen test dataset. Predictive phylogenetic signals occurred despite these being broad host-range plasmids. Our results provide a framework that contributes to assessing the risk of AMR pollution in wastewater systems. The predictive tool is available as a an application under https://github.com/DaneshMoradigaravand/PlasmidPerm.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Moradigaravand, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dechesne, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nesme, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahmad, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Banzhaf, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sorensen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smets, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kreft, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.09.499415</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Plasmid Permissiveness of Wastewater Microbiomes can be Predicted from 16S rDNA sequences by Machine Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.14.500038v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Phylotranscriptomic Hourglass Pattern in Fungi: An Updated Model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.14.500038v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The "developmental hourglass" describes the morphological convergence to a conserved form at mid-stages of animal embryogenesis. The molecular hourglass pattern during embryogenesis was also identified across kingdoms. Previously, we reported young fruiting body as the conserved "waist" in mushroom-forming "developmental hourglass". However, its robustness is doubted because of the fungal diversity. Additionally, fungi lack embryogenesis, and develop directly from spore to hyphae with morphological similarities during the transition. Here, we updated the "developmental hourglass" model in the life cycle of fungi, namely, spore germination, vegetative growth, and sexual reproduction. Germinating spores, both sexual and asexual, showed the strongest transcriptomic conservation signals across the phyla Mucoromycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Cross kingdom comparisons revealed high expression levels of "information storage and processing" genes at the waist stages of embryonic and non-embryonic developments in animals, plants, and fungi. The "developmental hourglass" might reflect the mutual transcriptome switches on developmental transitions in eukaryotes that are additional to embryonic organogenesis.

HighlightsO_LIUpdated fungal molecular "developmental hourglass" model in the life cycle of fungi
C_LIO_LIGerminating spores are the evolutionarily conserved "waist" across fungal phyla
C_LIO_LIHigh expression levels of "information storage and processing" genes at the waist stages in the embryonic and non-embryonic hourglasses across kingdoms
C_LIO_LI"Developmental hourglass" may reflect the mutual transcriptome switches on developmental transitions in eukaryotes
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.14.500038</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Phylotranscriptomic Hourglass Pattern in Fungi: An Updated Model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.16.490032v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GIS-based approach and multivariate statistical analysis for identifying sources of heavy metals in marine sediments from the coast of Hong Kong. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.16.490032v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Multiple methods consisting of geographic information system (GIS) technique, enrichment factor (EF), potential ecological risk index (PEI) and multivariate statistical methods was developed to identify anthropogenic heavy metal sources in marine sediments of Hong Kong. The distributions of heavy metals in sediments have been analyzed, and their pollution degrees, corresponding potential ecological risks and source identifications have been studied using geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk index and integrated multivariate statistical methods, respectively. Three different types of anthropogenic inputs could be identified via multivariate analysis. Acoording to the findings, the first principal component might originate from the industrial discharges and shipping activities. The second principal component were identified from the natural sources. The third component mainly from the municipal discharges and industrial wastewater. These results provide baseline information for both the coastal environment management and the worldwide heavy metal distribution and assessment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.16.490032</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GIS-based approach and multivariate statistical analysis for identifying sources of heavy metals in marine sediments from the coast of Hong Kong.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.20.500729v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Apicosome: newly identified cell-type-specific organelle in mouse cochlear and vestibular hair cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.20.500729v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cochlear and vestibular hair cells in the inner ear are highly specialized sensory receptors for sound waves and acceleration of body movements; these cells can perform their specialized functions because of their distinctive morphology and some unique organelles that they harbor. Here, we report a serendipitous identification in the mouse of a hair-cell-specific organelle, which we name "apicosome." The apicosome was recognized by anti-FLRT1 antibodies but contains no FLRT1, and the organelle presents several distinctive characteristics: (1) the apicosome typically appears as a single entity ([~]500 nm in diameter), but occasionally as two entities, in hair cells; (2) it first appears in the subapical region at the neural side at embryonic day (E) 17-18 in cochlear hair cells, subsequently descends to the perinuclear region during the first postnatal week, and completely disappears around postnatal day (P) 10; (3) in vestibular hair cells, it can be detected in the subapical region of neonatal (P3) cells and persists in adult hair cells although it becomes smaller and more distant from the subapical region; (4) the timing of apicosome translocation and disappearance during development is correlated in kinocilium maintenance; (5) the organelle is potentially associated with microtubules; and (6) the appearance of the apicosome is irregular in supernumerary hair cells and this is likely linked to anomalous lateral inhibition. Thus, our study identifies a previously undescribed organelle in sensory hair cells and lays the foundation for further characterization of this specialized structure potentially linked to hair-cell development and morphogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, D. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, R. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.20.500729</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Apicosome: newly identified cell-type-specific organelle in mouse cochlear and vestibular hair cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.22.501196v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Regulatory roles of three-dimensional structures of topologically associating domains 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.22.501196v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
1Transcriptional enhancers usually, but not always, regulate genes within the same topologically associating domain (TAD). We hypothesize that this incomplete insulation is due to three-dimensional structures of corresponding chromatin domains in individual cells: Whereas enhancers and genes buried inside the "core" of a domain interact mostly with other regions in the same domain, those on the "surface" can more easily interact with the outside. Here we show that a simple measure, the intra-TAD ratio, can quantify the "coreness" of a region with respect to single-cell domains it belongs. We show that domain surfaces are permissive for high gene expression, and cell type-specific active cis-regulatory elements (CREs), active histone marks, and transcription factor binding sites are enriched on domain surfaces, most strongly in chromatin subcompartments typically considered inactive. These findings suggest a "domain surface CRE" model of gene regulation. We also find that disease-associated non-coding variants are enriched on domain surfaces.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, D. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.22.501196</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Regulatory roles of three-dimensional structures of topologically associating domains]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.26.501505v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The highly conserved RNA-binding specificity of nucleocapsid protein facilitates the identification of drugs with broad anti-coronavirus activity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.26.501505v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The binding of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein to both the 5'- and 3'-ends of genomic RNA has different implications arising from its binding to the central region during virion assembly. However, the mechanism underlying selective binding remains unknown. Herein, we performed the high-throughput RNA-SELEX (HTR-SELEX) to determine the RNA-binding specificity of the N proteins of various SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other {beta}-coronaviruses and showed that N proteins could bind two unrelated sequences, both of which were highly conserved across all variants and species. Interestingly, both these sequence motifs are virtually absent from the human transcriptome; however, they exhibit a highly enriched, mutually complementary distribution in the coronavirus genome, highlighting their varied functions in genome packaging. Our results provide mechanistic insights into viral genome packaging, thereby increasing the feasibility of developing drugs with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity by targeting RNA binding by N proteins.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.26.501505</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The highly conserved RNA-binding specificity of nucleocapsid protein facilitates the identification of drugs with broad anti-coronavirus activity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.29.502075v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A molecular mechanism for membrane chaperoning by a late embryogenesis abundant protein 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.29.502075v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Environmental stress can result in substantial damage to proteins, membranes, and genetic material, impacting organismal survival1-3. Stress tolerance can be conferred by intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs)4 that lack stable tertiary structure. IDPs from the large family of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins confer a fitness advantage when heterologously expressed5,6. Such protection suggests a general molecular function leading to stress tolerance, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that a tardigrade LEA protein that confers stress tolerance in yeast acts as a molecular chaperone for the mitochondrial membrane. This protein, named HeLEA1, localizes to the mitochondrial matrix, and harbors conserved LEA sequence motifs that undergo dynamic disorder-to-helical transition upon binding to negatively charged membranes. Yeast expressing HeLEA1 show increased mitochondrial membrane fluidity, increased membrane potential, and enhanced tolerance to hyperosmotic stress under non-fermentative growth without significantly altering mitochondrial lipid composition or triggering a generic stress response. We demonstrate that membrane binding ameliorates excess surface tension, possibly by stabilizing lipid packing defects. Evolutionary analysis suggests that HeLEA1 homologs localize to different membrane-bound organelles and share similar sequence and biophysical features. We suggest that membrane chaperoning by LEA proteins represents a general biophysical solution that can operate across the domains of life.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, C. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gomez-Navarro, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stancheva, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guibao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murthy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wozny, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leslie, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaminski, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malhotra, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blackledge, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Santhanam, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Green, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freund, S. M. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Babu, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.29.502075</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A molecular mechanism for membrane chaperoning by a late embryogenesis abundant protein]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.30.502157v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The ENCODE Imputation Challenge: A critical assessment of methods for cross-cell type imputation of epigenomic profiles 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.30.502157v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Functional genomics experiments are invaluable for understanding mechanisms of gene regulation. However, comprehensively performing all such experiments, even across a fixed set of sample and assay types, is often infeasible in practice. A promising alternative to performing experiments exhaustively is to, instead, perform a core set of experiments and subsequently use machine learning methods to impute the remaining experiments. However, questions remain as to the quality of the imputations, the best approaches for performing imputations, and even what performance measures meaningfully evaluate performance of such models. In this work, we address these questions by comprehensively analyzing imputations from 23 imputation models submitted to the ENCODE Imputation Challenge. We find that measuring the quality of imputations is significantly more challenging than reported in the literature, and is confounded by three factors: major distributional shifts that arise because of differences in data collection and processing over time, the amount of available data per cell type, and redundancy among performance measures. Our systematic analyses suggest several steps that are necessary, but also simple, for fairly evaluating the performance of such models, as well as promising directions for more robust research in this area.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schreiber, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boix, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J. w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hawkins-Hooker, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schoelkopf, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schweikert, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rojas Carulla, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Canakoglu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guzzo, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nanni, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Masseroli, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carman, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pinoli, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spence, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Batra, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahony, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adrian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sandstrom, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Farrell, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Halow, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Epstein, C. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strattan, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Snyder, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kellis, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Noble, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kundaje, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.07.30.502157</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The ENCODE Imputation Challenge: A critical assessment of methods for cross-cell type imputation of epigenomic profiles]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.06.503062v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interpretable RNA Foundation Model from Unannotated Data for Highly Accurate RNA Structure and Function Predictions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.06.503062v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Non-coding RNA structure and function are essential to understanding various biological processes, such as cell signaling, gene expression, and post-transcriptional regulations. These are all among the core problems in the RNA field. With the rapid growth of sequencing technology, we have accumulated a massive amount of unannotated RNA sequences. On the other hand, expensive experimental observatory results in only limited numbers of annotated data and 3D structures. Hence, it is still challenging to design computational methods for predicting their structures and functions. The lack of annotated data and systematic study causes inferior performance. To resolve the issue, we propose a novel RNA foundation model (RNA-FM) to take advantage of all the 23 million non-coding RNA sequences through self-supervised learning. Within this approach, we discover that the pre-trained RNA-FM could infer sequential and evolutionary information of non-coding RNAs without using any labels. Furthermore, we demonstrate RNA-FMs effectiveness by applying it to the downstream secondary/3D structure prediction, SARS-CoV-2 genome structure and evolution prediction, protein-RNA binding preference modeling, and gene expression regulation modeling. The comprehensive experiments show that the proposed method improves the RNA structural and functional modelling results significantly and consistently. Despite only being trained with unlabelled data, RNA-FM can serve as the foundational model for the field.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.06.503062</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interpretable RNA Foundation Model from Unannotated Data for Highly Accurate RNA Structure and Function Predictions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.07.503064v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nuclear m6A Reader YTHDC1 Promotes Muscle Stem Cell Activation/Proliferation by Regulating mRNA Splicing and Nuclear Export 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.07.503064v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Skeletal muscle stem cells (also known as satellite cells, SCs) are essential for muscle regeneration and the regenerative activities of SCs are intrinsically governed by gene regulatory mechanisms but the post-transcriptional regulation in SCs remains largely unknown. N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNAs is the most pervasive and highly conserved RNA modification in eukaryotic cells and exerts powerful impact on almost all aspects of mRNA processing which is mainly endowed by its binding with m6A reader proteins. Here in this study, we investigate the previously uncharacterized regulatory roles of YTHDC1, a m6A reader in SCs. Our results demonstrate YTHDC1 is an essential regulator of SC activation and proliferation upon acute injury induced muscle regeneration. The induction of YTHDC1 is indispensable for SC activation and proliferation thus inducible YTHDC1 depletion almost abolishes SC regenerative capacity. Mechanistically, transcriptome-wide profiling using LACE-seq in both SCs and C2C12 myoblasts identifies m6A mediated binding targets of YTHDC1. Next, splicing analysis defines splicing mRNA targets of m6A-YTHDC1. Furthermore, nuclear export analysis also leads to identification of potential mRNA export targets of m6A-YTHDC1 in SCs and C2C12 myoblasts and interestingly some mRNAs can be regulated at both splicing and export levels. Lastly, we map YTHDC1 interacting protein partners in myoblasts and unveil a myriad of factors governing mRNA splicing, nuclear export and transcription, among which hnRNPG appears to be a bona fide interacting partner of YTHDC1. Altogether, our findings uncover YTHDC1 as an essential factor controlling SC regenerative ability through multi-faceted gene regulatory mechanisms in myoblast cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.07.503064</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nuclear m6A Reader YTHDC1 Promotes Muscle Stem Cell Activation/Proliferation by Regulating mRNA Splicing and Nuclear Export]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.12.503549v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ATF3 Preserves Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Quiescence by Preventing Precocious Activation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.12.503549v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Skeletal muscle stem cells (also called satellite cells, SCs) are important for maintaining muscle tissue homeostasis and damage-induced regeneration. However, it remains poorly understood how the SC quiescence is preserved. Here we report that AP-1 family member ATF3 preserves the SC quiescence by preventing their premature activation. Atf3 is rapidly and transiently induced in SCs upon activation. Short-term deletion of Atf3 in SCs accelerates acute injury-induced regeneration, and however, its long-term deletion exhausts the SC pool and thus impairs muscle regeneration. The Atf3 loss also provokes SC activation during voluntary exercise and enhances SC activation during resistance exercise. Mechanistically, ATF3 directly activates the transcription of Histone 2B genes, which reduction accelerates nucleosome displacement and gene transcription required for SC activation. Finally, the ATF3-dependent H2B expression also prevents genome instability and replicative senescence in SCs. Therefore, this study has revealed a novel mechanism for preserving the SC population by actively suppressing precocious activation, in which ATF3 is a key regulator.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HE, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y. C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.12.503549</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ATF3 Preserves Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Quiescence by Preventing Precocious Activation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.17.504240v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Incorporating cell hierarchy to decipher the functional diversity of single cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.17.504240v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cells possess functional diversity hierarchically. However, most single-cell analyses neglect the nested structures while detecting and visualizing the functional diversity. Here, we incorporate cell hierarchy to study functional diversity at subpopulation, club (i.e., sub-subpopulation), and cell layers. Accordingly, we implement a package, SEAT, to construct cell hierarchies utilizing structure entropy by minimizing the global uncertainty in cell-cell graphs. With cell hierarchies, SEAT deciphers functional diversity in 36 datasets covering scRNA, scDNA, scATAC, and scRNA-scATAC multiome. First, SEAT finds optimal cell subpopulations with high clustering accuracy. It identifies cell types or fates from omics profiles and boosts accuracy from 0.34 to 1. Second, SEAT detects insightful functional diversity among cell clubs. The hierarchy of breast cancer cells reveals that the specific tumor cell club drives AREG-EGFT signaling. We identify a dense co-accessibility network of cis-regulatory elements specified by one cell club in GM12878. Third, the cell order from the hierarchy infers periodic pseudo-time of cells, improving accuracy from 0.79 to 0.89. Moreover, we incorporate cell hierarchy layers as prior knowledge to refine nonlinear dimension reduction, enabling us to visualize hierarchical cell layouts in low-dimensional space.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.17.504240</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Incorporating cell hierarchy to decipher the functional diversity of single cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.22.504727v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A graph representation of gapped patterns in phage sequences for graph convolutional network 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.22.504727v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genome sequencing technologies reveal a huge amount of genomic sequences. Neural network-based methods can be prime candidates for retrieving insights from these sequences because of their applicability to large and diverse datasets.However, the highly variable lengths of nucleic acid sequences severely impair the presentation of sequences as input to the neural network. Genetic variations further complicate tasks that involve sequence comparison or alignment. Here, we propose a graph representation of nucleic acid sequences called gapped pattern graphs. These graphs can be transformed through a Graph Convolutional Network to form lower-dimensional embeddings for downstream tasks. On the basis of the gapped pattern graphs, we implemented a neural network model and demonstrated its performance in studying phage sequences. We compared our model with equivalent models based on other forms of input in performing four tasks related to nucleic acid sequences--phage and ICE discrimination, phage integration site prediction, lifestyle prediction, and host prediction. Other state-of-the-art tools were also compared, where available. Our method consistently outperformed all the other methods in various metrics on all four tasks. In addition, our model was able to identify distinct gapped pattern signatures from the sequences.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NG, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.22.504727</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A graph representation of gapped patterns in phage sequences for graph convolutional network]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.25.500950v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Active bulging promotes biofilm formation in a bacterial swarm 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.25.500950v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microbial communities such as biofilms are commonly found at interfaces. However, it is unclear how the physical environment of interfaces may contribute to the development and behavior of surface-associated microbial communities. Combining multi-mode imaging, single-cell tracking and numerical simulations, here we discovered that an interfacial process denoted as "active bulging" promotes biofilm formation. During this process, an initially two-dimensional layer of swarming bacteria spontaneously develops scattered liquid bulges; the bulges have a higher propensity to transit from motile to sessile biofilm state, presumably due to the enrichment of pre-existing immotile cells in the colony. We further demonstrate that the formation of liquid bulges can be controlled reversibly by manipulating the speed and local density of cells with light. Our findings reveal a unique physical mechanism of biofilm formation and provide a new strategy for biofilm patterning in engineered living materials as well as for directed self-assembly in active fluids.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kearns, D. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.25.500950</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Active bulging promotes biofilm formation in a bacterial swarm]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.26.505382v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Probabilistic tensor decomposition extracts better latent embeddings from single-cell multiomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.26.505382v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell sequencing technology enables the simultaneous capture of multiomic data from multiple cells. The captured data can be represented by tensors, i.e., the higher-rank matrices. However, the proposed analysis tools often take the data as a collection of two-order matrices, renouncing the correspondences among the features. Consequently, we propose a probabilistic tensor decomposition framework, SCOIT, to extract embeddings from single-cell multiomic data. To deal with sparse, noisy, and heterogeneous single-cell data, we incorporate various distributions in SCOIT, including Gaussian, Poisson, and negative binomial distributions. Our framework can decompose a multiomic tensor into a cell embedding matrix, a gene embedding matrix, and an omic embedding matrix, allowing for various downstream analyses. We applied SCOIT to seven single-cell multiomic datasets from different sequencing protocols. With cell embeddings, SCOIT achieves superior performance for cell clustering compared to seven state-of-the-art tools under various metrics, demonstrating its ability to dissect cellular heterogeneity. With the gene embeddings, SCOIT enables cross-omics gene expression analysis and integrative gene regulatory network study. Furthermore, the embeddings allow cross-omics imputation simultaneously, outperforming conventional imputation methods with the Pearson correlation coefficient increased by 0.03-0.28.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.26.505382</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Probabilistic tensor decomposition extracts better latent embeddings from single-cell multiomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.29.505124v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unusual Morphological Changes of Rugositalea oryzae, A Novel Wrinkled Bacterium Isolated from The Rice Rhizosphere, Under Nutrient Stress 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.29.505124v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bacterial cell morphology might result from natural selection to gain a competitive advantage under environmentally stressful conditions such as nutrient limitation. A bacterial strain YC6860T isolated from the rhizosphere of rice (Oryza sativa L.) showed pleomorphic behavior with smooth cell morphology and wrinkled surface rods depending upon nutritional conditions. Based on scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies, we hypothesized that the surface-to-volume ratio of cells increases with decreasing nutrient concentrations. The transition from smooth to wrinkled cell surface morphology could be one of the adaptation strategies by which YC6860T maximizes its ability to access available nutrients. To characterize the properties of the wrinkled strain, we performed taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the strain represented a novel, deep-rooting lineage within the order Rhizobiales with the highest similarity of 94.2% to Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici RIPI 110T. Whole genome sequencing was also performed to characterize its genetic features. The strain YC6860T might belong to a new genus, named Rugositalea, and a new species, named Rugositalea oryzae, In addition, taxonomic analysis showed that YC6860T is Gram-negative, aerobic, and rod-shaped with large regular wrinkles resembling a delicate twist of fusilli, measuring 0.5-0.6 {micro}m in width and 1.5-1.6 {micro}m in length under nutrient-limiting conditions. This unique cell structure with regular rugosity could be the first finding that has not been reported in the existing bacterial morphology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chung, Y. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J.-E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aslam, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niraula, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.29.505124</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unusual Morphological Changes of Rugositalea oryzae, A Novel Wrinkled Bacterium Isolated from The Rice Rhizosphere, Under Nutrient Stress]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.30.505938v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Treatment history shapes the evolution of complex carbapenem-resistant phenotypes in Klebsiella spp. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.30.505938v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antibiotic resistance is driven by selection, but how a bacterial strains evolutionary history shapes drug-resistance remains an open question. Here we reconstruct the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in a clinical isolate of Klebsiella. A combination of short and long read sequencing, machine learning, genetic and enzymatic analyses established that this carbapenem-resistant strain carries no carbapenemase-encoding genes. Genetic reconstruction of the resistance phenotype confirmed that two distinct genetic loci are necessary for the strain to acquire carbapenem resistance. Experimental evolution of the carbapenem-resistant strains in growth conditions without the antibiotic revealed that both loci confer a significant cost, and are readily lost by de novo mutation resulting in the rapid evolution of a carbapenem-sensitive phenotype. Thus, historical contingency - a patients treatment history - can shape the evolution of antibiotic resistance and suggests that the strategic combinations of antibiotics could direct the evolution of low-fitness, drug-resistant genotypes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lithgow, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>MCDONALD, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosas, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilksch, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barber, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rocker, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Webb, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perlaza-Jimenez, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stubenrauch, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vijaykrishn, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taiaroa, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davies, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strugnell, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-08-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.30.505938</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Treatment history shapes the evolution of complex carbapenem-resistant phenotypes in Klebsiella spp.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-08-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.31.506114v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Associations between thinner retinal neuronal layers and suboptimal brain structural integrity: Are the eyes a window to the brain? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.31.506114v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We investigated the extent to which measures of retinal neuronal thickness capture variability in the structural integrity of the brain in a large population-based cohort followed from birth to midlife. Using data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (n=1037; analytic n=828, aged 45 years), we specifically tested for associations between optical coherence tomography-measured retinal neuronal layers and MRI-measured structural brain integrity. We found that Study members who had thinner retinal neuronal layers had thinner average cortex, smaller total cortical surface area, smaller subcortical grey matter volumes, larger volume of white matter hyperintensities as well as older looking brains. This suggests that retinal neuronal thickness reflects differences in midlife structural brain integrity consistent with accelerated cognitive decline and increased risk for later dementia, further supporting the proposition that the retina may be a biomarker of brain aging as early as midlife.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Barrett-Young, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abraham, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gale, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hogan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ireland, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keenan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knodt, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melzer, T. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moffitt, T. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramrakha, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tham, Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hariri, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poulton, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.08.31.506114</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Associations between thinner retinal neuronal layers and suboptimal brain structural integrity: Are the eyes a window to the brain?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.01.505405v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep autoregressive generative models capture the intrinsics embedded in T-cell receptor repertoires 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.01.505405v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
T-cell receptors (TCRs) play an essential role in the adaptive immune system. Probabilistic models for TCR repertoires can help decipher the underlying complex sequence patterns and provide novel insights into understanding the adaptive immune system. In this work, we develop TCRpeg, a deep autoregressive generative model to unravel the sequence patterns of TCR repertoires. TCRpeg outperforms state-of-the-art methods in estimating the probability distribution of a TCR repertoire, boosting the accuracy from 0.672 to 0.906 measured by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Furthermore, with promising performance in probability inference, TCRpeg improves on a range of TCR-related tasks: revealing TCR repertoire-level discrepancies, classifying antigen-specific TCRs, validating previously discovered TCR motifs, generating novel TCRs, and augmenting TCR data. Our results and analysis highlight the flexibility and capacity of TCRpeg to extract TCR sequence information, providing a novel approach to decipher complex immunogenomic repertoires.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.01.505405</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep autoregressive generative models capture the intrinsics embedded in T-cell receptor repertoires]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.09.507235v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Endogenous Plasmids and Reductive Genome Evolution in Host-Associated Bacteria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.09.507235v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reductive genome evolution is commonly observed among host-associated bacteria including many important pathogens, such as Mycobacterium leprae but its molecular mechanism is not well understood 1-5. One of the most widely accepted hypotheses to explain bacterial genome reduction is Mullers ratchet, in which the associated bacteria tend to accumulate deleterious mutations for reduction in the absence of chromosomal recombination inside the eukaryotic host organism 1,2. Cardinium species belong to the family Amoebophilaceae of the CFB group bacteria, which are a group of endosymbiont bacteria widely distributed among arthropods, that along with Wolbachia can cause cytoplasmic incompatibility 6,7. In this study, we explored bacterial reductive evolution within the de novo assembled genomes of Cardinium endosymbionts in two astigmatic mites 8,9. Our results shed light on the reduction mechanism driven by endogenous plasmids and their encoded enzymes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>XIONG, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, C. S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, A. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.09.507235</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Endogenous Plasmids and Reductive Genome Evolution in Host-Associated Bacteria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.11.507502v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CLT-seq as a universal homopolymer-sequencing concept reveals poly(A)-tail-tuned ncRNA regulation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.11.507502v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dynamic tuning of the poly(A) tail is a crucial mechanism for controlling translation and stability of eukaryotic mRNA. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of how this regulation occurs requires unbiased abundance quantification of poly(A)-tail transcripts and simple poly(A)-length measurement using high-throughput sequencing platforms. Current methods have limitations due to complicated setups and elaborate library preparation plans. To address this, we introduce Central Limit Theorem (CLT)-managed RNA-seq (CLT-seq), a simple and straightforward homopolymer-sequencing method. In CLT-seq, an anchor-free oligo(dT) primer rapidly binds to and unbinds from anywhere along the poly(A) tail string, leading to position-directed reverse transcription with equal probability. The CLT mechanism enables the synthesized poly(T) lengths, which correspond to the templated segment of the poly(A) tail, to distribute normally. Based on a well-fitted pseudogaussian-derived poly(A)-poly(T) conversion model, the actual poly(A)-tail profile is reconstructed from the acquired poly(T)-length profile through matrix operations. CLT-seq follows a simple procedure without requiring RNA-related pre-treatment, enrichment, or selection, and the CLT-shortened poly(T) stretches are more compatible with existing sequencing platforms. This proof-of-concept approach facilitates direct homopolymer base-calling and features unbiased RNA-seq. Therefore, CLT-seq provides unbiased, robust, and cost-efficient transcriptome-wide poly(A)-tail profiling. We demonstrate that CLT-seq on the most common Illumina platform delivers reliable poly(A)-tail profiling at a transcriptome-wide scale in human cellular contexts. We find that the poly(A)-tail-tuned ncRNA regulation undergoes a dynamic, complex process similar to mRNA regulation. Overall, CLT-seq offers a simplified, effective, and economical approach to investigate poly(A)-tail regulation, with potential implications for understanding gene expression and identifying therapeutic targets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gou, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.11.507502</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CLT-seq as a universal homopolymer-sequencing concept reveals poly(A)-tail-tuned ncRNA regulation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.12.507571v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long-distance linguistic dependencies in Chinese and English brains 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.12.507571v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Are the brain bases of language comprehension the same across all human languages, or do these bases vary in a way that corresponds to differences in linguistic typology? English and Mandarin Chinese attest such a typological difference in the domain of relative clauses. Using fMRI with English and Chinese participants, who listened to the same translation-equivalent story, we analyzed neuroimages time-aligned to object-extracted relative clauses in both languages. In a GLM analysis of these naturalistic data, comprehension was selectively associated with increased hemodynamic activity in left posterior temporal lobe, angular gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, precuneus, and posterior cingulate cortex in both languages. This result suggests the processing of object-extracted relative clauses is subserved by a common collection of brain regions, regardless of typology. However, there were also regions that were activated uniquely in our Chinese participants albeit not to a significantly greater degree. These were in the temporal lobe. These Chinese-specific results could reflect structural ambiguity-resolution work that must be done in Chinese but not English ORCs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dunagan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stanojevic, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coavoux, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhattasali, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hale, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.12.507571</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long-distance linguistic dependencies in Chinese and English brains]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.15.508061v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Synaptic Competition Enhances the Discrimination of Interfering Memories 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.15.508061v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Long-term plasticity is the primary mode of synaptic weight updating. However, other updating modes include modification of synaptic connections across neurons. The synaptic competition found during adult neurogenesis is an example. In this process, adult-born neurons are integrated into the existing neuronal pool by competing with mature neurons for synaptic connections from the entorhinal cortex. Evidence suggests that adult neurogenesis is critical for discriminating similar memories, i.e., memories with considerable interferences. This computational study aims to link synaptic competition with pattern separation. We show that synaptic competition and neuronal maturation are crucial for separating considerably overlapping memory patterns. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a feed-forward neural network trained by a competition-based learning rule can outperform a multi-layer perceptron trained by the backpropagation algorithm, especially when the sample size is small. These results unveil the functional implications and potential applications of synaptic competition in neural computation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fung, C. C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fukai, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.15.508061</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Synaptic Competition Enhances the Discrimination of Interfering Memories]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.15.508144v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Slingshot phosphatase 2 is required for acrosome biogenesis during spermatogenesis in mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.15.508144v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The acrosome is a membranous organelle positioned in the anterior portion of sperm head and is essential for male fertility. Acrosome biogenesis requires the dynamic cytoskeletal shuttling of vesicles towards nascent acrosome which is regulated by a series of accessory proteins. However, much remains unknown about the molecular basis underlying this process. Here, we generated Ssh2 knock-out (KO) mice and show that Slingshot phosphatase 2 (SSH2), a regulator of actin remodeling, is essential for acrosome biogenesis and male fertility. In Ssh2 KO males, spermatogenesis was arrested at the early spermatid stage with enhanced germ cell apoptosis and the impaired acrosome biogenesis was characterized by defective transport/fusion of proacrosomal vesicles. Moreover, disorganized F-actin structures accompanied by excessive phosphorylation of COFILIN were observed in testes of Ssh2 KO mice. Collectively, our data reveal a modulatory role for SSH2 in acrosome biogenesis through COFILIN-mediated actin remodeling and the indispensability of this phosphatase in male fertility in mice.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.15.508144</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Slingshot phosphatase 2 is required for acrosome biogenesis during spermatogenesis in mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.18.508416v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Gobies inhabiting natural CO2 seeps reveal acclimation strategies to long-term acidification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.18.508416v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ocean acidification (OA) is known to affect the physiology, survival, behaviour, and fitness of various fish species with repercussions at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Some fish species, however, seem to acclimate rapidly to OA conditions and even thrive in acidified environments. The molecular mechanisms that enable species to successfully inhabit high CO2 environments has not been fully elucidated especially in wild fish populations. Here, we used the natural CO2 seep in Vulcano Island, Italy to study the effects of elevated CO2 exposure on the brain transcriptome of the anemone goby, a species with high population density in the CO2 seep and investigate their potential for acclimation. When compared to fish from environments with ambient CO2, gobies living in the CO2 seep showed differences in expression of transcripts involved in ion transport and pH homeostasis, cellular stress, immune response, circadian rhythm, and metabolism. We also found evidence of potential adaptive mechanisms to restore the functioning of GABAergic pathways, whose activity can be affected by exposure to elevated CO2 levels. Our findings indicate that gobies living in the CO2 seep may be capable of mitigating CO2 induced oxidative stress and maintaining physiological pH while meeting the consequent increased energetic costs. The conspicuous difference in expression of core circadian rhythm transcripts could provide an adaptive advantage by increasing flexibility of physiological processes in elevated CO2 conditions thereby facilitating acclimation. Our results show potential molecular processes of acclimation to elevated CO2 in gobies enabling them to thrive in the acidified waters of Vulcano Island.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Suresh, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirasole, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vizzini, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.18.508416</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Gobies inhabiting natural CO2 seeps reveal acclimation strategies to long-term acidification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.26.509484v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GutMeta: online microbiome analysis and interactive visualization with build-in curated human gut microbiome database 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.26.509484v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe human gut microbiome is associated with numerous human diseases. The whole-genome shotgun metagenomics sequencing helps accumulate a massive amount of gut microbiome data. However, few curated integrated platforms are available to explore the vast dataset. Advances in data generation pose new challenges to researchers attempting to analyze, visualize, and reuse published data.

ResultGutMeta (human GUT whole-genome shotgun METAgenomics data analysis platform) is a one-stop online human gut metagenomic research platform that integrates a curated database, analyses, and visualizations.

First, we built the Human Gut Metagenomics Database (HGMD), which contained taxonomy profiling and metadata of the metagenomics. HGMD collected the published human gut microbiome samples with whole metagenome shotgun (WMGS) sequencing data and consistently performed taxonomy classification using MetaPhlan3 for each sample. The various related metadata information was curated, and phenotypes were according to the MeSH ID. At this moment, HGMD contains 20,898 samples from 91 projects related to 65 diseases. Embedded tools could help users to explore the samples by keywords. Second, GutMeta provides researchers with user-friendly metagenomics analysis modules, including community diversity calculation, differential testing, dimension reduction, disease classifier construction, etc. Then, GutMeta provides corresponding interactive visualizations which can download as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), providing high-quality images. Further, GutMeta supplies two additional visualizations for the multi-level taxonomy overview for advanced investigations. GutMeta also supports online editing, including attribute adjustment, recoloring, reordering, and drag-and-drop. Third, GutMeta supports users in building their metagenomics analysis workspaces, including standard profiles uploading and built-in HGMD data import for online customized analyses and visualization.

ConclusionGutMeta offers a solution to improve reproducibility in metagenomic research, with the standardized procedure from input data to downstream analysis and visualization. GutMeta is a free access analysis platform that integrates human gut WMGS sequencing data, nine online bioinformatics analysis and data visualization modules/pipelines, and a customized workspace. GutMeta is avaiable at https://GutMeta.deepomics.org.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Che, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-09-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.09.26.509484</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GutMeta: online microbiome analysis and interactive visualization with build-in curated human gut microbiome database]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-09-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.04.510820v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Heterosynaptic Plasticity of the Visuo-auditory Projection Requires Cholecystokinin released from Entorhinal Cortex Afferents 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.04.510820v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The entorhinal cortex is involved in establishing enduring visuo-auditory associative memory in the neocortex. Here we explored the mechanisms underlying this synaptic plasticity related to projections from the visual and entorhinal cortices to the auditory cortex, using optogenetics of dual pathways. High-frequency laser stimulation (HFLS) of the visuo-auditory projection did not induce long-term potentiation (LTP). However, after pairing with sound stimulus, the visuo-auditory inputs were potentiated following either infusion of cholecystokinin (CCK) or HFLS of the entorhino-auditory CCK-expressing projection. Combining retrograde tracing and RNAscope in situ hybridization, we show that CCK expression is higher in entorhinal cortex neurons projecting to the auditory cortex than in those originating from the visual cortex. In the presence of CCK, potentiation in the neocortex occurred when the pre-synaptic input arrived 200 ms before post-synaptic firing, even after just five trials of pairing. Behaviorally, inhibition of CCK signaling blocked the generation of associative memory. Our results indicate that neocortical visuo-auditory association is formed through heterosynaptic plasticity, which depends on release of CCK in the neocortex mostly from entorhinal afferents.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hökfelt, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.04.510820</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Heterosynaptic Plasticity of the Visuo-auditory Projection Requires Cholecystokinin released from Entorhinal Cortex Afferents]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.11.509802v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies new genetic loci associated with all-cause and vascular dementia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.11.509802v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dementia is multifactorial with Alzheimer (AD) and vascular (VaD) pathologies making the largest contributions. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 70 genetic risk loci for AD but the genomic determinants of other dementias, including VaD remain understudied. We hypothesize that common forms of dementia will share genetic risk factors and conducted the largest GWAS to date of "all-cause dementia" (ACD) and examined the genetic overlap with VaD. Our dataset includes 809,299 individuals from European, African, Asian, and Hispanic ancestries with 46,902 and 8,702 cases of ACD and VaD, respectively. We replicated known AD loci at genome-wide significance for both ACD and VaD and conducted bioinformatic analyses to prioritize genes that are likely functionally relevant, and shared with closely related traits and risk factors. For ACD, novel loci identified were associated with energy transport (SEMA4D), neuronal excitability (ANO3), amyloid deposition in the brain (RBFOX1), and MRI markers of small vessel disease (HBEGF). Novel VaD loci were associated with hypertension, diabetes, and neuron maintenance (SPRY2, FOXA2, AJAP1, and PSMA3). Our study identified genetic risks underlying all-cause dementia, demonstrating overlap with neurodegenerative processes, vascular risk factors (Type-II diabetes, blood pressure, lipid) and cerebral small vessel disease. These novel insights could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for all dementias.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fongang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sargurupremraj, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jian, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Damotte, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bis, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang-Hsien, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hilal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knol, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Concas, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giorgia, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riaz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guojunsson, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lacaze, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naj, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Lee, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goss, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngouongo, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skrobot, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guonason, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Launer, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oscar, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mary, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bosnes, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dufouil, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ganguli, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bennett, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ilyas, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Satizabal, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ikram, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Debette, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fornage, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schellenberg, G. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Winsvold, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kehoe, P. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruiz, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lambert, J.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weinstein, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seshadri, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.11.509802</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies new genetic loci associated with all-cause and vascular dementia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.17.512623v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Temporal and regulatory dynamics of the inner ear transcriptome during development in mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.17.512623v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The inner ear controls hearing and balance, while the temporal molecular signatures and transcriptional regulatory dynamics underlying its development are still unclear. In this study, we investigated time-series transcriptome in the mouse inner ear from embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) to postnatal day 7 (P7) using bulk RNA-Seq. A total of 10,822 differentially expressed genes were identified between pairwise stages. We identified nine significant temporal expression profiles using time-series expression analysis. The constantly down-regulated profiles throughout the development are related to DNA activity and neurosensory development, while the constantly up-regulated profiles are related to collagen and extracellular matrix. Further co-expression network analysis revealed that several hub genes, such as pnoc1, cd9, and krt27, are related to the neurosensory development, cell adhesion, and keratinization. We uncovered three important transcription regulatory paths during mice inner ear development. Transcription factors related to Hippo/TGF{beta} signaling induced decreased expressions of genes relate to the neurosensory and inner ear development, while a series of INF genes activated the expressions of genes in immunoregulation. In addition to deepening our understanding of the temporal and regulatory mechanisms of inner ear development, our transcriptomic data could fuel future multi-species comparative studies and elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of auditory development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Takechi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Furutera, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nojiri, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koyabu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.17.512623</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Temporal and regulatory dynamics of the inner ear transcriptome during development in mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.20.512992v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Thermococci-to-Clostridia Pathway for the Evolution of the Bacteria Domain 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.20.512992v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With the identification of an archaeal Last Universal Common Ancestor phylogenetically related to Methanopyrus, the origin of Bacteria becomes a choice between independent emergence versus descent from Archaea. Recently, use of the similarity between paralogous valyl-tRNA synthetase (VARS) and isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IARS) as a measure of the ages of bacteria indicated that an Ancestral Bacterial Cluster centred at clostridial Mahella australiensis (Mau) were the oldest bacteria. Clostridial Thermincola potens (Tpo) also displayed an elevated similarity VARS-IARS bitscore. Overall, the high-bitscore bacteria dominated by Clostridia comprised a number of hydrogen producers. A search for archaea capable of hydrogen production that might be ancestral to the Bacteria domain yielded candidates led by Thermococci which, like Clostridia, form hydrogen through dark fermentation. A two-domain VARS tree based on Mahella, Thermincola, a broad spectrum of archaea together with both well known and newly reported species of Thermococci allocated these two Clostridia to a minor-Thermococcal division on the tree. The kinship between Thermoccoci and Clostridia suggested by this allocation was substantiated by conserved oligopeptide segments on their VARS sequences. It was therefore suggested that a Thermococci-to-Clostridia evolutionary pathway brought about the emergence of the Bacteria domain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.20.512992</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Thermococci-to-Clostridia Pathway for the Evolution of the Bacteria Domain]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.20.513029v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TEINet: a deep learning framework for prediction of TCR-epitope binding specificity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.20.513029v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The adaptive immune response to foreign antigens is initiated by T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition on the antigens. Recent experimental advances have enabled the generation of a large amount of TCR data and their cognate antigenic targets, allowing machine learning models to predict the binding specificity of TCRs. In this work, we present TEINet, a deep learning framework that utilizes transfer learning to address this prediction problem. TEINet employs two separately trained encoders to transform TCR and epitope sequences into numerical vectors, which are subsequently fed into a fully connected neural network to predict their binding specificities. A major challenge for binding specificity prediction is the lack of a unified approach to sample negative data. Here, we first assess the current negative sampling approaches comprehensively and suggest that the Unified Epitope is the most suitable one. Subsequently, we compare TEINet with three baseline methods and observe that TEINet achieves an AUROC of 0.760, which outperforms baseline methods by 6.4-26%. Furthermore, we investigate the impacts of the pretraining step and notice that excessive pretraining can adversely affect model performance. Our results and analysis show that TEINet can make an accurate prediction using only the TCR sequence (CDR3{beta}) and the epitope sequence, providing novel insights to understand the interactions between TCRs and epitopes. TEINet is available at https://github.com/jiangdada1221/TEINet.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.20.513029</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TEINet: a deep learning framework for prediction of TCR-epitope binding specificity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.21.513148v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-Omic Analysis of Tyrophagus putrescentiae Reveals Insights into the Allergen Complexity of Storage Mites 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.21.513148v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae is one of the major mites causing allergies in Chinese and Korean populations, but its allergen profile in incomplete when compared with that of house dust mites. Multiple genome-based methods have been introduced into the allergen study of mites and have enabled a better understanding of these medically important organisms.

ObjectiveWe sought to reveal a comprehensive allergen profile of Tyrophagus putrescentiae and advance the allergen study of storage mites.

MethodsBased on a high-quality assembled and annotated genome, an in silico analysis was performed by searching reference sequences to identify allergens. Immunoassay ELISA assessed the allergenicities of recombinant proteins. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identified the IgE-binding proteins. Comparative genomics analysis was employed for the important allergen gene families.

ResultsA complete allergen profile of Tyrophagus putrescentiae was revealed, including thirty-seven allergen groups (up to Tyr p 42). Among them, five novel allergens were verified using the sera of allergy patients. Massive allergen homologs were identified as the result of gene duplications in genome evolution. Proteomic identification again revealed a wide range of allergen homologs. In the NPC2 family and GSTs, comparative analysis shed light on the expansion and diversification of the allergen groups.

ConclusionUsing multi-omic approaches, the comprehensive allergen profile including massive homologs was disclosed in Tyrophagus putrescentiae, which revealed the allergen complexity of the storage mite and could ultimately facilitate the component-resolved diagnosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, A. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>XIONG, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ao, K. F.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jang, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, B. S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, C. S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chew, F.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngai, S.-m.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeong, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.21.513148</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-Omic Analysis of Tyrophagus putrescentiae Reveals Insights into the Allergen Complexity of Storage Mites]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.22.513336v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Styxl2 regulates de novo sarcomere assembly by binding to non-muscle myosin IIs and promoting their degradation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.22.513336v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Styxl2, a poorly characterized pseudophosphatase, was identified as a transcriptional target of the Jak1-Stat1 pathway during myoblast differentiation in culture. Styxl2 is specifically expressed in vertebrate striated muscles. By gene knockdown or genetic knockout, we found that Styxl2 plays an essential role in maintaining sarcomere integrity in developing muscles of both zebrafish and mice. To further reveal the functions of Styxl2 in adult muscles, we generated two inducible knockout mouse models: one with Styxl2 being deleted in mature myofibers to assess its role in sarcomere maintenance, and the other in adult muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) to assess its role in de novo sarcomere assembly. We find that Styxl2 is not required for sarcomere maintenance but functions in de novo sarcomere assembly during injury-induced muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, Styxl2 interacts with non-muscle myosin IIs, enhances their ubiquitination, and targets them for autophagy-dependent degradation. Without Styxl2, the degradation of non-muscle myosin IIs is delayed, which leads to defective sarcomere assembly and force generation. Thus, Styxl2 promotes de novo sarcomere assembly by interacting with non-muscle myosin IIs and facilitating their autophagic degradation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.22.513336</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Styxl2 regulates de novo sarcomere assembly by binding to non-muscle myosin IIs and promoting their degradation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.24.513546v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Eliminate false positives in metagenomic profiling based on type IIB restriction sites 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.24.513546v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurate species identification and abundance estimation are critical for the interpretation of whole metagenome shotgun sequencing (WMS) data. Numerous computational methods, broadly referred to as metagenomic profilers, have been developed to identify species in microbiome samples by classification of sequencing reads and quantification of their relative abundances. Yet, existing metagenomic profilers typically suffer from false positive identifications and consequently biased relative abundance estimation (as false positives can be accounted for more than 90% of total identified species). Here, we present a new metagenomic profiler MAP2B (MetAgenomic Profiler based on type IIB restriction site) to resolve those issues. We first illustrate the pitfalls of using relative abundance as the only feature in determining false positives. We then propose a feature set to distinguish false positives from true positives. By benchmarking the performance in metagenomic profiling using data from CAMI2 (Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation: second round of challenge), we illustrate the superior performance of MAP2B (F1 score ~ 0.93) over existing metagenomic profilers (F1 score ranges from 0.18 to 0.58). We further tested the performance of MAP2B using real WMS data from an ATCC mock community, confirming its superior performance and robustness against sequencing depth. In addition, by leveraging WMS data from an IBD cohort, we demonstrate the taxonomic features obtained by MAP2B can better discriminate disease status and predict metabolomic profiles.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weiss, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.24.513546</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Eliminate false positives in metagenomic profiling based on type IIB restriction sites]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.26.513956v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Higher habitual FODMAP intake is associated with lower body mass index, lower insulin resistance and higher short-chain fatty acid-producing microbiota in people with prediabetes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.26.513956v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Aims/hypothesisThe quantity and quality of FODMAPs can alter the relative abundance of gut microbiota with metabolic consequences although similar data are lacking in people with prediabetes. We investigated associations between habitual FODMAP contents, gut microbiota and glucose/insulin responses in subjects with prediabetes.

MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, ninety-eight subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (mean age: 57{+/-}7 years, 43 % men) had assessment of body composition, 6-point oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and 3-day dietary intake. We analysed faecal samples in a sub-group of 20 subjects with IGT and 10 subjects with normal glucose tolerance by 16S rRNA microbiome analysis.

ResultsObese subjects with IGT had the lowest daily FODMAP intake compared with their non-overweight and non-obese counterparts (5.7 (3.9-7.9) vs 7.1 (5.0-11.3) vs 9.9 (4.1-22.4) g/day, p=0.024) despite having similar total daily energy intake. Total content of FODMAPs was negatively correlated with body fat. After adjustment for age and gender, total FODMAPs were negatively associated with BMI and HOMA-IR. This remained significant after adjustment for macronutrients and physical activity (p=0.032 and p=0.036 respectively). FODMAP contents were strongly associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus (p=0.011), Akkermansia muciniphila (p=0.012), and Bifidobacterium longum (p=0.010), the abundance of which were negatively correlated with 2-hr plasma glucose (r = -0.524, p =0.003).

ConclusionIn individuals with IGT, higher habitual FODMAP intake was associated with lower body fat and insulin resistance and increased abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, calling for interventional studies to evaluate the effects of FODMAP intake in prediabetes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chu, N. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ling, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Varney, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muir, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.26.513956</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Higher habitual FODMAP intake is associated with lower body mass index, lower insulin resistance and higher short-chain fatty acid-producing microbiota in people with prediabetes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.27.513965v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanical force induces DRP1-dependent asymmetrical mitochondrial fission for quality control 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.27.513965v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles that perform diverse critical biological functions. They undergo constant fission and fusion, which are important for mitochondrial inheritance, functions, and quality control. While tremendous efforts have identified many factors governing mitochondria dynamics, emerging evidence indicates the involvement of various intracellular or extracellular mechanical cues. However, how mechanical stress directly modulates mitochondrial dynamics remains largely unknown. Here utilizing an optogenetic mitochondria-specific mechanostimulator to apply pulling forces to intracellular mitochondria, we find that mechanostimulation can promote mitochondrial fission, with sustained mechanostimulation triggering fission more effectively than transient one. Asymmetrical fission can occur at different sub-mitochondrial sites after force-induced mitochondrial elongation. Such force-induced fission is dependent on DRP1 and involves the wrapping of ER tubules. Moreover, mechanical force generates mitochondrial fragments without mtDNA which recruit Parkin proteins. Our results prove the mechanosensitivity and mechanoresponsiveness of mitochondria and reveal the role of mechanical cues in directly regulating mitochondrial dynamics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.27.513965</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanical force induces DRP1-dependent asymmetrical mitochondrial fission for quality control]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.28.513995v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Protein kinase A gene knockout in Coprinopsis cinerea by CRISPR/Cas9 RNP complex system 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.10.28.513995v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coprinopsis cinerea is a model mushroom for studying the developmental processes of homobasidiomycetous fungi. The development of C. cinerea depends on the sensing of environmental conditions, such as light, temperature, humidity and nutrients. The signal transduction pathway from the environmental condition sensors to the regulators and reproduction is an important research topic as the knowledge on it is still fragmentary. Protein kinases not only are crucial to the signal transduction, but also can be master switches of development. However, information on their role in basidiomycetous fungi is still limited. Using the effective gene-targeting of the current gene modification, a system of CRISPR/ Cas9 RNP with double strain template donor that contained a selective mark hygromycin cassette was developed in this study. In this system, CcPka1 gene knockout was successfully generated through homologues repair together with Cas9 RNP complexes. This was the first report to use CRISPR/ Cas9 RNP approach with C. cinerea. {Delta}CcPka1 mutants showed slow mycelial growth and rapid fruiting body induction compared to the wild type even when under high glucose condition. In addition, {Delta}CcPka1 mutants had significantly increased intracellular glucose level and decreased glycogen level. Moreover, {Delta}CcPka1 mutants regulated the gene expression of components in cAMP-PKA pathway. All these results demonstrated that PKA played an important role in the nutrient signal transduction and negatively regulated the fruiting body formation. This study also confirmed that GSK3 could be the downstream target of PKA, but their interaction requires further investigation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-10-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.10.28.513995</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Protein kinase A gene knockout in Coprinopsis cinerea by CRISPR/Cas9 RNP complex system]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-10-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.16.516707v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
KBPRNA: A novel method integrating bulk RNA-seq data and LINCS-L1000 gene signatures to predict kinase activity based on machine learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.16.516707v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundKinases are a type of enzymes which can transfer phosphate groups from high-energy and phosphate-donating molecules to specific substrates. Kinase activities could be utilized to be represented as specific biomarkers of specific cancer types. Nowadays novel algorithms have already been developed to compute kinase activities from phosphorylated proteomics data. However, phosphorylated proteomics sequencing could be costly expensive and need valuable samples. Moreover,not methods which could achieve kinase activities from bulk RNA-sequence data have been developed. Here we propose KBPRNA, a general computational framework for extracting specific kinase activities from bulk RNA-sequencing data in cancer samples. KBPRNA also achieves better performance in predicting kinase activities from bulk RNA-sequence data under cancer conditions benchmarking against other models.

ResultsIn this study, we used LINCS-L1000 dataset which was used to be reported as efficient gene signatures in defining bulk RNA-seq data as input dataset of KBPRNA. Also, we utilized eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost) as the main algorithm to extract valuable information to predict kinase activities. This model outperforms other methods such as linear regression and random forest in predicting kinase activities from bulk RNA-seq data. KBPRNA integrated tissue samples coming from breast invasive carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, Glioblastoma multiforme and Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma. It was found that KBPRNA achieved good performance with an average R score above threshold of 0.5 in kinase activity prediction.

ConclusionsModel training and testing process showed that KBPRNA outperformed other machine learning methods in predicting kinase activities coming from various cancer types tissue samples. This model could be utilized to approximate basic kinase activities and link it with specific biological functions, which in further promoted the progress of cancer identification and prognosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.16.516707</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[KBPRNA: A novel method integrating bulk RNA-seq data and LINCS-L1000 gene signatures to predict kinase activity based on machine learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.21.517378v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cholecystokinin from the Rhinal Cortex Facilitates Motor Skill Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.21.517378v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is an essential modulator for neuroplasticity in sensory and emotional domains. Here, we investigated the role of CCK in motor learning using a single pellet reaching task in mice. Mice with a knockout of cck gene (CCK-/-) or blockade of CCK-B receptor (CCKBR) showed defective motor learning ability; the success rate of retrieving reward remained at the baseline level compared to the wildtype mice with significantly increased success rate. We observed no long-term potentiation (LTP) upon high-frequency stimulation (HFS) in the motor cortex of CCK-/- mice, indicating a possible association between motor learning deficiency and neuronal plasticity in the motor cortex. In vivo calcium imaging demonstrated that the deficiency of CCK signalling disrupted the refinement of population neuronal activity in the motor cortex during motor skill training. Anatomical tracing revealed direct projections from CCK-expressing neurons in the rhinal cortex to the motor cortex. Inactivating the CCK neurons in the rhinal cortex using chemogenetic methods significantly suppressed motor learning, and intraperitoneal application of CCK4, a tetrapeptide CCK agonist, rescued the motor learning deficits of CCK-/- mice. In summary, our results suggest that CCK, which could be provided from the rhinal cortex, enables neuroplasticity in the motor cortex leading to motor skill learning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.21.517378</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cholecystokinin from the Rhinal Cortex Facilitates Motor Skill Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.23.517609v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Individual bat viromes reveal the co-infection, spillover and emergence risk of potential zoonotic viruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.23.517609v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bats are reservoir hosts for many zoonotic viruses. Despite this, relatively little is known about the diversity and abundance of viruses within bats at the level of individual animals, and hence the frequency of virus co-infection and inter-species transmission. Using an unbiased meta-transcriptomics approach we characterised the mammalian associated viruses present in 149 individual bats sampled from Yunnan province, China. This revealed a high frequency of virus co-infection and species spillover among the animals studied, with 12 viruses shared among different bat species, which in turn facilitates virus recombination and reassortment. Of note, we identified five viral species that are likely to be pathogenic to humans or livestock, including a novel recombinant SARS-like coronavirus that is closely related to both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, with only five amino acid differences between its receptor-binding domain sequence and that of the earliest sequences of SARS-CoV-2. Functional analysis predicts that this recombinant coronavirus can utilize the human ACE2 receptor such that it is likely to be of high zoonotic risk. Our study highlights the common occurrence of inter-species transmission and co-infection of bat viruses, as well as their implications for virus emergence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, C.-m.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, G.-p.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gou, Q.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, G.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Y.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Z.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.23.517609</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Individual bat viromes reveal the co-infection, spillover and emergence risk of potential zoonotic viruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.26.518025v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inhibitory effect of lactobacilli supernatants on biofilm and filamentation of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.26.518025v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Probiotic Lactobacillus strains had been investigated for the potential to protect against infection caused by the major fungal pathogen of human, Candida albicans. Besides antifungal activity, lactobacilli demonstrated a promising inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and filamentation of C. albicans. On the other hand, two commonly isolated non-albicans Candida species, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, have similar characteristics in filamentation and biofilm formation with C. albicans. However, there is scant information of the effect of lactobacilli on the two species. In this study, biofilm inhibitory effects of L. rhamnosus ATCC 53103, L. plantarum ATCC 8014, and L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 were tested on the reference strain C. albicans SC5314 and six bloodstream isolated clinical strains, two each of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. Cell-free culture supernatants (CFSs) of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum significantly inhibited in vitro biofilm growth of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. L. acidophilus, conversely, had little effect on C. albicans and C. tropicalis but was more effective on inhibiting C. parapsilosis biofilms. Neutralized L. rhamnosus CFS at pH 7 retained the inhibitory effect, suggesting that exometabolites other than lactic acid produced by the Lactobacillus strain might be accounted for the effect. Furthermore, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum CFSs on the filamentation of C. albicans and C. tropicalis strains. Significantly less Candida filaments were observed after co-incubating with CFSs under hyphae-inducing conditions. Expressions of six biofilm-related genes (ALS1, ALS3, BCR1, EFG1, TEC1, and UME6 in C. albicans and corresponding orthologs in C. tropicalis) in biofilms co-incubated with CFSs were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. When compared to untreated control, the expressions of ALS1, ALS3, EFG1, and TEC1 genes were downregulated in C. albicans biofilm. In C. tropicalis biofilms, ALS3 and UME6 were downregulated while TEC1 was upregulated. Taken together, the L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum strains demonstrated an inhibitory effect, which is likely mediated by the metabolites secreted into culture medium, on filamentation and biofilm formation of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Our finding suggested an alternative to antifungals for controlling Candida biofilm.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Poon, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.26.518025</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inhibitory effect of lactobacilli supernatants on biofilm and filamentation of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.28.518138v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ABLs and TMKs are co-receptors for extracellular auxin 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.28.518138v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Extracellular perception of auxin, an essential phytohormone in plants, has been debated for decades. Auxin binding protein 1 (ABP1) physically interacts with quintessential transmembrane kinases (TMKs) and was proposed to act as an extracellular auxin receptor, but its role was disputed because abp1 knockout mutants lack obvious morphological phenotypes. Here we identified two new auxin-binding proteins, ABL1 and ABL2, that are localized to the apoplast and directly interact with the extracellular domain of TMKs in an auxin-dependent manner. Furthermore, functionally redundant ABL1 and ABL2 genetically interact with TMKs and exhibit functions that are overlapping with those of ABP1 as well as independent of ABP1. Importantly, the extracellular domain of TMK1 itself binds auxin and synergizes with either ABP1 or ABL1 in auxin binding. Thus, our findings discovered new auxin receptors ABL1 and ABL2 having functions overlapping with but distinct from ABP1 and acting together with TMKs as co-receptors for extracellular auxin.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perez, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-11-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.11.28.518138</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ABLs and TMKs are co-receptors for extracellular auxin]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-11-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.01.518703v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Memory out of context: Spacing effects and decontextualization in a computational model of the medial temporal lobe 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.01.518703v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Some neural representations change across multiple timescales. Here we argue that modeling this "drift" could help explain the spacing effect (the long-term benefit of distributed learning), whereby differences between stored and current temporal context activity patterns produce greater error-driven learning. We trained a neurobiologically realistic model of the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus to learn paired associates alongside temporal context vectors that drifted between learning episodes and/or before final retention intervals. In line with spacing effects, greater drift led to better model recall after longer retention intervals. Dissecting model mechanisms revealed that greater drift increased error-driven learning, strengthened weights in slower-drifting temporal context neurons (temporal abstraction), and improved direct cue-target associations (decontextualization). Intriguingly, these results suggest that decontextualization -- generally ascribed only to the neocortex -- can occur within the hippocampus itself. Altogether, our findings provide a mechanistic formalization for established learning concepts such as spacing effects and errors during learning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Antony, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ranganath, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Reilly, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.01.518703</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Memory out of context: Spacing effects and decontextualization in a computational model of the medial temporal lobe]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.11.519542v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sequencing-free Tissue-wide Spatial Profiling of Post-transcriptional Regulations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.11.519542v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The importance of genetic or epi-genetic heterogeneity has been increasingly recognized, but it has been challenging to profile intracellular post-transcriptional targets with sufficient throughput and resolution at across large-scale tissue samples. This study describes a technique, Spectrum-FISH, for high-throughput, sequencing-free, and tissue-wide spatial profiling of various post-transcriptional targets in acute tissue sections with subcellular resolution. The platform uses a biochip with an array of vertically aligned nanoprobes to effectively extract intracellular molecules for downstream analysis in the coordinates of the large-scale of cells within a tissue slice. As a proof-of-concept, the Spectrum-FISH is used to profile the spatial dynamics of 24 miRNAs and 9 m6A-modified messenger RNAs (m6A-mRNA) in acute olfactory bulb (OB) slices of millimeter scale. The results showed potentially multiomics spatial heterogeneity for the examined post-transcriptional regulations in rodent OB, especially in the outer plexiform layer and granule layer, where highly correlated miRNAs and m6A-mRNAs groups were identified, indicating a potential cooperative involvement of different post-transcriptional regulations at these OB regions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ji, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan Do, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.11.519542</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sequencing-free Tissue-wide Spatial Profiling of Post-transcriptional Regulations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.21.521535v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The structural basis of itch receptor MRGPRX1 activation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.21.521535v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors X1-X4 (MRGPRX1-X4) are four primate-specific receptors that are recently reported to be responsible for many biological processes, including itch sensation, pain transmission, and inflammatory reactions. MRGPRX1 is the first identified human MRGPR, and its expression is restricted to primary sensory neurons. Due to its dual roles in itch and pain signaling pathways, MRGPRX1 has been regarded as a promising target for itch remission and pain inhibition. Here, we reported a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of Gq-coupled MRGPRX1 in complex with a synthetic agonist compound 16 in an active conformation at an overall resolution of 3.0 angstrom via a NanoBiT tethering strategy. Compound 16 is a new pain-relieving compound with high potency and selectivity to MRGPRX1 over opioid receptor. According to the structure analysis, we revealed that MRGPRX1 shares common features of the Gq-mediated receptor activation mechanism of MRGPRX family members. However, the variable residues in orthosteric pocket of MRGPRX1 exhibits the unique agonist recognition pattern, which may facilitate to design MRGPRX1-specific modulators. Together with receptor activation and itch behavior evaluation assays, our study provides a structural snapshot to modify therapeutic molecules for itch relieving and analgesia targeting MRGPRX1.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2022-12-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2022.12.21.521535</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The structural basis of itch receptor MRGPRX1 activation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2022-12-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.08.523156v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Astrocytic L-lactate signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex is essential for schema memory and neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.08.523156v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Astrocyte-derived L-lactate was shown to confer beneficial effects on synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. However, how astrocytic Gi signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) modulates L-lactate levels and schema memory is not clear. Here, using chemogenetic approach and well-established behavioral paradigm, we demonstrate that astrocytic Gi pathway activation in ACC causes significant impairment in flavor-place paired associates (PA) learning, schema formation, and PA memory retrieval in rats. It also impairs new PA learning even if a prior associative schema exists. These impairments were mediated by decreased L-lactate in ACC due to astrocytic Gi activation. Concurrent exogenous L-lactate administration bilaterally into the ACC rescues these impairments. Furthermore, we show that the impaired schema memory formation was associated with a decreased neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis caused by decreased L-lactate level in ACC upon Gi activation. Our study also reveals that L-lactate mediated mitochondrial biogenesis is dependent on monocarboxylate transporter 2 and NMDA receptor activity - discovering a previously unrecognized signaling role of L-lactate. These findings expand our understanding of the role of astrocytes and L-lactate in brain functions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Akter, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hasan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramkrishnan, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iqbal, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karim, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.08.523156</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Astrocytic L-lactate signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex is essential for schema memory and neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.15.524109v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
G3DC: a Gene-Graph-Guided selective Deep Clustering method for single cell RNA-seq data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.15.524109v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-Cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology measures the expression of thousands of genes at the cellular level. Analyzing single cell transcriptome allows the identification of heterogeneous cell groups, cellular-level regulations, and the trajectory of cell development. An important aspect in the analyses of scRNA-seq data is the clustering of cells, which is hampered by issues such as high dimensionality, cell type imbalance, redundancy, and dropout. Given cells of each type are functionally consistent, incorporating biological relations between genes may improve the clustering results. Here, we develop a deep embedded clustering method, G3DC, that incorporates a graph loss based on existing gene network, together with a reconstruction loss to achieve both discriminative and informative embedding. The involvement of the gene network strengthens clustering performance, while helping the selection of functionally coherent genes that contribute to the clustering results. In addition, this method is well adapted to the sparse and zero-inflated scRNA-seq data with the{ell} 2,1-norm involved. Extensive experiments have shown that G3DC offers high clustering accuracy with regard to agreement with true cell types, outperforming other leading single-cell clustering methods. In addition, G3DC selects biologically relevant genes that contribute to the clustering, providing insight into biological functionality that differentiate cell groups.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.15.524109</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[G3DC: a Gene-Graph-Guided selective Deep Clustering method for single cell RNA-seq data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.18.524413v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hierarchical Deviant Processing in Auditory Cortex of Awake Mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.18.524413v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Detecting patterns, and noticing unexpected pattern changes, in the environment is a vital aspect of sensory processing. Adaptation and prediction error responses are two components of neural processing related to these tasks, and previous studies in the auditory system in rodents show that these two components are partially dissociable in terms of the topography and latency of neural responses to sensory deviants. However, many previous studies have focused on repetitions of single stimuli, such as pure tones, which have limited ecological validity. In this study, we tested whether the auditory cortical activity shows adaptation to repetition of more complex sound patterns (bisyllabic pairs). Specifically, we compared neural responses to violations of sequences based on single stimulus probability only, against responses to more complex violations based on stimulus order. We employed an auditory oddball paradigm and monitored the auditory cortex (ACtx) activity of awake mice (N=8) using wide-field calcium imaging. We found that cortical responses were sensitive both to single stimulus probabilities and to more global stimulus patterns, as mismatch signals were elicited following both substitution deviants and transposition deviants. Notably, A2 area elicited larger mismatch signaling to those deviants than primary ACtx (A1), which suggests a hierarchical gradient of prediction error signaling in the auditory cortex. Such a hierarchical gradient was observed for late but not early peaks of calcium transients to deviants, suggesting that the late part of the deviant response may reflect prediction error signaling in response to more complex sensory pattern violations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, T. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kanold, P. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.18.524413</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hierarchical Deviant Processing in Auditory Cortex of Awake Mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.24.525387v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cell Instance Segmentation via Multi-Scale Non-local Correlation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.24.525387v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
For cell instance segmentation on Electron Microscopy (EM) images, state-of-the-art methods either conduct pixel-wise classification or follow a detection and segmentation manner. However, both approaches suffer from the enormous cell instances of EM images where cells are tightly close to each other and show inconsistent morphological properties and/or homogeneous appearances. This fact can easily lead to over-segmentation and under-segmentation problems for model prediction, i.e., falsely splitting and merging adjacent instances. In this paper, we propose a novel approach incorporating non-local correlation in the embedding space to make pixel features distinct or similar to their neighbors and thus address the over- and under-segmentation problems. We perform experiments on five different EM datasets where our proposed method yields better results than several strong baselines. More importantly, by using non-local correlation, we observe fewer false separations within one cell and fewer false fusions between cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Duan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CAO, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.24.525387</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cell Instance Segmentation via Multi-Scale Non-local Correlation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.28.526011v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A dual diffusion model enables 3D binding bioactive molecule generation and lead optimization given target pockets 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.28.526011v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Structure-based generative chemistry aims to explore much bigger chemical space to design a ligand with high binding affinity to the target proteins; it is a critical step in de novo computer-aided drug discovery. Traditional in silico methods suffer from calculation inefficiency and the performances of existing machine learning methods could be bottlenecked by the auto-regressive sampling strategy. To address these concerns, we herein have developed a novel conditional deep generative model, PMDM, for 3D molecule generation fitting specified target proteins. PMDM incorporates a dual equivariant diffusion model framework to leverage the local and global molecular dynamics to generate 3D molecules in a one-shot fashion. By considering the conditioned protein semantic information and spatial information, PMDM is able to generate chemically and conformationally valid molecules which suitably fit pocket holes. We have conducted comprehensive experiments to demonstrate that PMDM can generate drug-like, synthesis-accessible, novel, and high-binding affinity molecules targeting specific proteins, outperforming the state-of-the-art (SOTA) models in terms of multiple evaluation metrics. In addition, we perform chemical space analysis for generated molecules and lead compound optimization for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) by only utilizing three atoms as the seed fragment. The experimental results implicate that the structures of generated molecules are rational compared to the reference molecules, and PMDM can generate massive bioactive molecules highly binding to the targeted proteins which are not included in the training set.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.28.526011</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A dual diffusion model enables 3D binding bioactive molecule generation and lead optimization given target pockets]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.29.526145v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantitative Annotations of T-Cell Repertoire Specificity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.29.526145v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The specificity of a T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire determines personalized immune capacity. Existing methods have modelled the qualitative aspects of TCR specificity, while the quantitative aspects remained unaddressed. We developed a package, TCRanno, to quantify the specificity of TCR repertoires. Applying TCRanno to 4,195 TCR repertoires revealed quantitative changes in repertoire specificity upon infections, autoimmunity and cancers. Specifically, TCRanno found cytomegalovirus-specific TCRs in seronegative healthy individuals, supporting the possibility of abortive infections. TCRanno discovered age-accumulated fraction of SARS-CoV2-specific TCRs in pre-pandemic samples, which may explain the aggressive symptoms and age-related severity of COVID-19. TCRanno also identified the encounter of Hepatitis B antigens as a potential trigger of systemic lupus erythematosus. TCRanno annotations showed capability in distinguishing TCR repertoires of healthy and cancers including melanoma, lung and breast cancers. TCRanno may also facilitate single-cell TCRseq+gene expression data analyses by isolating T-cells with the specificity of interest.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-01-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.29.526145</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantitative Annotations of T-Cell Repertoire Specificity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-01-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.30.526189v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
How the dominant reading direction changes parafoveal processing: A combined EEG/eye-tracking study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.01.30.526189v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reading directions vary across writing systems. Through long-term experience readers adjust their visual systems to the dominant reading direction in their writing systems. However, little is known about the neural correlates underlying these adjustments because different writing systems do not just differ in reading direction, but also regarding visual and linguistic properties. Here, we took advantage that Chinese is read to different degrees in left-right or top-down directions in different regions. We investigated visual word processing in participants from Taiwan (both top-down and left-right directions) and from mainland China (only left-right direction). Combined EEG/eye tracking was used together with a saccade-contingent parafoveal preview manipulation to investigate neural correlates, while participants read 5-word lists. Fixation-related potentials (FRPs) showed a reduced late N1 effect (preview positivity), but this effect was modulated by the prior experience with a specific reading direction. Results replicate previous findings that valid previews facilitate visual word processing, as indicated by reduced FRP activation. Critically, the results indicate that this facilitation effect depends on experience with a given reading direction, suggesting a specific mechanism how cultural experience shapes the way people process visual information.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, H. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dimigen, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sommer, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maurer, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.01.30.526189</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[How the dominant reading direction changes parafoveal processing: A combined EEG/eye-tracking study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.04.527099v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Protein Sequence Design by Entropy-based Iterative Refinement 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.04.527099v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inverse Protein Folding (IPF) is an important task of protein design, which aims to design sequences compatible with a given backbone structure. Despite the prosperous development of algorithms for this task, existing methods tend to leverage limited and noisy residue environment when generating sequences. In this paper, we develop an iterative sequence refinement pipeline, which can refine the sequence generated by existing sequence design models. It selects and retains reliable predictions based on the models confidence in predicted distributions, and decodes the residue type based on a partially visible environment. The proposed scheme can consistently improve the performance of a number of IPF models on several sequence design benchmarks, and increase sequence recovery of the SOTA model by up to 10%. We finally show that the proposed model can be applied to redesign Transposon-associated transposase B. 8 variants exhibit improved gene editing activity among the 20 variants we proposed. Our code and a demo of the refinement pipeline are provided in the online colab.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.04.527099</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Protein Sequence Design by Entropy-based Iterative Refinement]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.05.527173v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Taxonomical and ontological analysis of verified natural and laboratory human coronavirus hosts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.05.527173v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
To fully understand COVID-19, it is critical to identify and analyze all the possible hosts of SARS-CoV-2 (the pathogen of COVID-19) and compare them with the hosts of other human coronaviruses. In this study, we collected, annotated, and performed taxonomical and ontological analysis of all the reported and verified hosts for all human coronaviruses including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and four others that cause the common cold. A total of 37 natural hosts and 19 laboratory animal hosts of host human coronaviruses were identified based on experimental or clinical evidence. Our taxonomical ontology-based analysis found that all the verified susceptible natural and laboratory animals belong to therian mammals. Specifically, these 37 natural therian hosts include one wildlife marsupial mammal (i.e., Didelphis virginiana) and 36 Eutheria mammals (a.k.a. placental mammals). The 19 laboratory animal hosts are also classified as placental mammals. While several non-therian animals (including snake, housefly, zebrafish) were reported to be likely SARS-CoV-2 hosts, our analysis excluded them due to the lack of convincing evidence. Genetically modified mouse models with human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) protein were more susceptible to virulent human coronaviruses with clear symptoms. Coronaviruses often became more virulent and adaptive in the mouse hosts after a series of viral passages in the mice. To support knowledge standardization and analysis, we have also represented the annotated host knowledge in the Coronavirus Infectious Disease Ontology (CIDO) and provided ways to automatically query the knowledge.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freeman, Z. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.05.527173</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Taxonomical and ontological analysis of verified natural and laboratory human coronavirus hosts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.06.527248v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide mining and comparative analysis of microsatellite markers from Orientia tsutsugamushi genomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.06.527248v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microsatellite markers, otherwise known as the simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are being used for molecular identification and characterization as well as estimation of evolution pattern of the organism due to their high polymorphic nature. These are tandemly repeated sequences observed almost all organisms and differentially distributed across the genome. Although the primary genome information of Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) suggested the repeats hold the 40% entire of its genome, but lack of characteristic of this repeats increase our interest to study more about it. Thus we investigated a genome-wide presence of microsatellites within nine complete genomes within OT and analyzed their distribution pattern, composition and complexity. The in-silico study revealed the genome of OT enrich with microsatellites having a total of 126187 SSR and 10374 cSSR throughout the genome from which 70% and 30% represented within the coding and non coding region respectively. The relative density (RD) and relative abundance (RA) of SSRs were 42-44.43/kb and 6.25-6.59/kb while for cSSRs this value ranged from 7.06-8.1/kb and 0.50-0.55/kb respectively. However, RA and RD were weakly correlate with genome size and incidence microsatellites. The mononucleotide repeats (54.55%) were prevalent over di- (33.22%), tri- (11.88%), tetra- (0.27%), penta- (0.02%), hexanucleotide (0.04%) repeats, with poly (A/T) richness over poly (G/C). Motif composition of cSSRs revealed that maximum cSSRs were made up of two microsatellites having unique duplication pattern such as AT-x-AT, CG-x-CG. More numbers microsatellites represented within the coding region provides an insight into the genome plasticity that may interfere for gene regulation to mitigate with host-pathogen interaction and evolution of the species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Panda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swain, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sahu, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sarangi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.06.527248</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide mining and comparative analysis of microsatellite markers from Orientia tsutsugamushi genomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527590v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Probabilistic cell/domain-type assignment of spatial transcriptomics data with SpatialAnno 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.08.527590v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the analysis of both single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) data, classifying cells/spots into cell/domain types is an essential analytic step for many secondary analyses. Most of the existing annotation methods have been developed for scRNA-seq datasets without any consideration of spatial information. Here, we present SpatialAnno, an efficient and accurate annotation method for spatial transcriptomics datasets, with the capability to effectively leverage a large number of non-marker genes as well as "qualitative" information about marker genes without using a reference dataset. Uniquely, SpatialAnno estimates low-dimensional embeddings for a large number of non-marker genes via a factor model while promoting spatial smoothness among neighboring spots via a Potts model. Using both simulated and four real spatial transcriptomics datasets from the 10x Visium, ST, Slide-seqV1/2, and seqFISH platforms, we showcase the methods improved spatial annotation accuracy, including its robustness to the inclusion of marker genes for irrelevant cell/domain types and to various degrees of marker gene misspecification. SpatialAnno is computationally scalable and applicable to SRT datasets from different platforms. Furthermore, the estimated embeddings for cellular biological effects facilitate many downstream analyses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.08.527590</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Probabilistic cell/domain-type assignment of spatial transcriptomics data with SpatialAnno]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.09.527948v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Comprehensive Allergen Profile of Blomia tropicalis Provides Insights into the Component-Resolved Diagnosis of Mite Allergy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.09.527948v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundBlomia (B.) tropicalis, as an important species of house dust mites (HDMs), plays a critical role in allergic diseases in tropical populations, but its allergen components are less investigated than those of other HDMs. Multiple omics methods have largely improved the identification of mite allergens. Here, we sought to identify a comprehensive allergen profile of B. tropicalis and advance the allergen component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) of mite allergy.

MethodsReference mite allergen sequences were searched in a high-quality genome of B. tropicalis. Comparative analysis was performed for important allergen groups. ELISA was used to assess the allergenicities of recombinant proteins of specific allergens.

ResultsA complete allergen profile of B. tropicalis was revealed, including thirty-seven allergen groups (up to Blo t 42). In-depth comparative analysis not only determined the homology of major allergen groups 5 and 21 but also shed light on the emergence and divergence of chitin-binding allergens. The specific Blo t 12 was identified to be a chitin-binding protein originating from the chitinase of allergen group 15. Immunoassays of recombinant proteins verified three novel allergens and the ELISA results suggested geographical differences in the B. tropicalis sensitization rate.

ConclusionsThe comprehensive allergen profile revealed in B. tropicalis, the comparative analysis of allergen groups and the immunoassay assessment of recombinant proteins largely expanded our knowledge to B. tropicalis allergens and could ultimately benefit the CRD of HDM allergy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>XIONG, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, A. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malainual, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, J. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shin, S.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sio, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chew, F. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tungtrongchitr, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.09.527948</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Comprehensive Allergen Profile of Blomia tropicalis Provides Insights into the Component-Resolved Diagnosis of Mite Allergy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.12.528171v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) on hypertensive-induced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and hypertensive cardiomyopathy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.12.528171v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Emerging preclinical data suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) possesses cardioprotective properties against the pathophysiology of hypertension (HT). We sought to unravel the potential therapeutic application of GLP1RA in a clinically relevant large animal model of hypertensive cardiomyopathy (hCMP). A combination of angiotensin II (Ang II) and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) pellets were used to induce sustained HT status and establish hCMP in porcine model. Changes in cardiac echocardiography, invasive hemodynamic parameters, neurohumoral biomarkers and inflammation-related cytokines were investigated in 23 adult pigs, among which 6 were serving as control, 9 were induced with HT, and the remaining 8 were HT-induced with GLP1RA treatment. Eight weeks after the study initiated, HT pigs have developed sustained high blood pressure (BP) at both systole and diastole. Phenotype of hCMP has also become significant as impairment in systolic/diastolic function, left ventricular remodeling and cardiac hypertrophy was determined by echocardiogram and invasive hemodynamics. Additionally, blood norepinephrine (NE) content, venoarterial NE gradient and pro-inflammatory cytokines in HT pigs were increased. GLP1RA treatment halted the elevation in BP, left ventricular remodeling and cardiac hypertrophy development; preserved the left ventricular systolic/diastolic function; reduced the venoarterial NE gradient as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines at 18 weeks in pigs with hCMP. Our results demonstrate that GLP1RA treatment has a remarkable effect on BP decrease, inflammation suppression and left ventricular function improvement. Thus, we provide novel insight into the therapeutic potential of GLP1RA in HT-induced heart failure in a large animal model of hCMP.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, W.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hai, J. J. S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.12.528171</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) on hypertensive-induced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and hypertensive cardiomyopathy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.12.528214v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The clock transcription factor BMAL1 is a key regulator of extracellular matrix homeostasis and cell fate in the intervertebral disc 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.12.528214v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The circadian clock in mammals temporally coordinates physiological and behavioural processes to anticipate daily rhythmic changes in their environment. Chronic disruption to circadian rhythms (e.g., through ageing or shift work) is thought to contribute to a multitude of diseases, including degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. The intervertebral disc (IVD) in the spine contains circadian clocks which control [~]6% of the transcriptome in a rhythmic manner, including key genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent the local IVD molecular clock is required to drive rhythmic gene transcription and IVD physiology. In this work, we identified profound age-related changes of ECM microarchitecture and an endochondral ossification-like phenotype in the annulus fibrosus (AF) region of the IVD in the Col2a1-Bmal1 knockout mice. Circadian time series RNA-Seq of the whole IVD in Bmal1 knockout revealed loss of circadian patterns in gene expression, with an unexpected emergence of 12-hour ultradian rhythms, including FOXO transcription factors. Further RNA sequencing of the AF tissue identified region-specific changes in gene expression, evidencing a loss of AF phenotype markers and a dysregulation of ECM and FOXO pathways in Bmal1 knockout mice. Consistent with an up-regulation of FOXO1 mRNA and protein levels in Bmal1 knockout IVDs, inhibition of FOXO1 in AF cells suppressed their osteogenic differentiation. Collectively, these data highlight the importance of the local molecular clock mechanism in the maintenance of the cell fate and ECM homeostasis of the IVD. Further studies may identify potential new molecular targets for alleviating IVD degeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dudek, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rogers, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pathiranage, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kadler, K. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoyland, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Q.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.12.528214</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The clock transcription factor BMAL1 is a key regulator of extracellular matrix homeostasis and cell fate in the intervertebral disc]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.13.528341v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies After Bivalent vs. Monovalent Booster 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.13.528341v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bivalent mRNA vaccine boosters expressing Omicron BA.5 spike and ancestral D614G spike were introduced to attempt to boost waning antibody titers and broaden coverage against emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Previous reports showed that peak serum neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants following bivalent booster were similar to peak titers following monovalent booster. It remains unknown whether these antibody responses would diverge over time. We assessed serum virus-neutralizing titers in 41 participants who received three monovalent mRNA vaccine doses followed by bivalent booster, monovalent booster, or BA.5 breakthrough infection at one month and three months after the last vaccine dose or breakthrough infection using pseudovirus neutralization assays against D614G and Omicron subvariants (BA.2, BA.5, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5). There was no significant difference at one month and three months post-booster for the two booster cohorts. BA.5 breakthrough patients exhibited significantly higher NAb titers at three months against all Omicron subvariants tested compared against monovalent and bivalent booster cohorts. There was a 2-fold drop in mean NAb titers in the booster cohorts between one and three month time points, but no discernible waning of titers in the BA.5 breakthrough cohort over the same period. Our results suggest that NAb titers after boosting with one dose of bivalent mRNA vaccine are not higher than boosting with monovalent vaccine. Perhaps inclusion of D614G spike in the bivalent booster exacerbates the challenge posed by immunological imprinting. Hope remains that a second bivalent booster could induce superior NAb responses against emerging variants.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bowen, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valdez, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stoneman, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mellis, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gordon, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-02-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.13.528341</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies After Bivalent vs. Monovalent Booster]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-02-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.28.530381v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An explainable artificial intelligence-based typification of chronic inflammatory responses enhances glioma prognosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.28.530381v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Glioma is one of the most aggressive solid brain tumors with a poor prognosis. A chronic tumor inflammatory microenvironment drives glioma promotion and progression. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and other clinicopathological variables usually serve as prognostic glioma markers. However, they are not ubiquitous prognostic markers for glioma as they fail to reveal the intricacy between the glioma-specific tumor inflammatory microenvironment and the systemic inflammatory responses, especially those chronic inflammatory responses, which vary among individuals fabricating diverse prognostic outcomes. Here, we introduced an explainable artificial intelligence model to typify chronic inflammatory responses as prognostic markers for glioma using 694-patients data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We characterized the glioma-specific personalized inflammatory mediators using multi-layered regulators such as transcriptional networks, cellular infiltration markers, and cellular senescence markers, which identified five unique chronic inflammatory responses (p-value<0.0001). We defined its prognostic significance using overall survival analyses. The chronic inflammatory responses were positively correlated with poor overall survival in glioma. The patients with higher chronic inflammatory responses showed significantly shorter overall survival than those with lower chronic inflammatory responses. Interestingly, optimizing those chronic inflammatory responses improved the overall survival of glioma patients. We identified the effector genes within the personalized inflammatory mediators networks, indicating them as the targets for optimizing individualized chronic inflammatory response profiles through co-drug intervention.

SignificanceExplainable artificial intelligence-based typification of chronic inflammatory responses accelerates glioma prognosis and supports co-drug discovery to modulate inflammatory responses alongside cancer therapy, suggested by 694-glioma patients data analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chowdhury, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>YIP, H. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.02.28.530381</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An explainable artificial intelligence-based typification of chronic inflammatory responses enhances glioma prognosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.02.530770v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BRD9-SMAD2/3 orchestrates stemness and tumorigenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.02.530770v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The dismal prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is linked to the presence of pancreatic cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) that respond poorly to current chemotherapy regimens. By small molecule compound screening targeting 142 epigenetic enzymes, we identified that bromodomain-containing protein BRD9, a component of the BAF histone remodelling complex, is a key chromatin regulator to orchestrate the stemness of pancreatic CSCs via cooperating with the TGF{beta}/Activin-SMAD2/3 signalling pathway. Inhibition and genetic ablation of BDR9 block the self-renewal, cell cycle entry into G0 phase and invasiveness of CSCs, and improve the sensitivity of CSCs to gemcitabine treatment. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of BRD9 significantly reduced the tumorigenesis in patient-derived xenografts mouse models and eliminated CSCs in tumours from pancreatic cancer patients. Mechanistically, inhibition of BRD9 disrupts enhancer-promoter looping and transcription of stemness genes in CSCs. Collectively, the data suggest BRD9 as a novel therapeutic target for PDAC treatment via modulation of CSC stemness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pook, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mouti, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nibhani, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Militi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dunford, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Philpott, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, G.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sadayappan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jegga, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oppermann, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pauklin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.02.530770</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BRD9-SMAD2/3 orchestrates stemness and tumorigenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.02.530780v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Differentiating shame- and guilt-proneness with heart rate variability in Chinese young adults 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.02.530780v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A high proneness to experience shame and guilt has been associated with psychopathology. Despite their similarity, shame- and guilt-proneness have different psychological and neurobiological correlates. The present study aims to compare the physiological correlates between shame- and guilt-proneness. Resting heart rate variability (HRV), a peripheral biomarker of emotion dysregulation and psychopathology, was measured in a sample of 60 Chinese young adults with two sessions of electrocardiogram recording. Proneness to shame and guilt were measured by the Test of Self-Conscious Affect 3. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that guilt-proneness was positively associated with HRV while shame-proneness was not. Our findings implied that shame- and guilt-proneness have different relations with HRV. The distinct physiological relations are discussed with respect to the adaptive/maladaptive nature of shame- and guilt-proneness.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ip, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ching, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keung, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.02.530780</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Differentiating shame- and guilt-proneness with heart rate variability in Chinese young adults]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.04.531076v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inferring B-cell derived T-cell receptor induced multi epitope-based vaccine candidate against enterovirus 71 (EV 71): A reverse vaccinology approach. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.04.531076v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In addition to Coxsackie virus (CV), another pathogen that causes Hand-foot and mouth disease (HFMD), Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) is currently regarded as an increasing neurotropic virus in Asia and can cause severe complications in paediatric patients with blister like sores or rashes on the hand, feet and mouth. Not withstanding the significant burden of the disease, few treatments are currently available, and there is no authorised vaccine available for the disease prevention. Several vaccinations based on attenuated and inactivated vaccines have previously been identified, however they become worthless over time owing to changes in the viral genome. As a result, the goal of the study is to create an immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology pipeline for predicting a multi epitope vaccine. A novel vaccine construct using B-cell derived T-cell epitopes from the virulent polyprotein and found the induction of possible immune response, in order to boost the immune system, aBeta-defensin 1 preproprotein adjuvant with EAAAK linker was added at the N-terminal end of the vaccine sequence. The immunogenicity of the designed, refined, and verified prospective 3D- structure of multi-epitope vaccine was found to be quite high with non-allergen, and antigenic property. The vaccine candidates bound to the TLR-3 in a molecular docking analysis and the efficacy of the potential vaccine to generate a strong immune response was assessed by means of an in silico immunological simulation. Computational analysis has shown that the proposed multi epitope vaccine possibility safe for use in humans and elicit an immune response, making it a promising tool against HFMD viral genome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Panda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swain, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sahu, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahapatra, S. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dey, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sarangi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.04.531076</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inferring B-cell derived T-cell receptor induced multi epitope-based vaccine candidate against enterovirus 71 (EV 71): A reverse vaccinology approach.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.06.531446v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A bootstrap model comparison test for identifying genes with context-specific patterns of genetic regulation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.06.531446v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how genetic variation affects gene expression is essential for a complete picture of the functional pathways that give rise to complex traits. Although numerous studies have established that many genes are differentially expressed in distinct human tissues and cell types, no tools exist for identifying the genes whose expression is differentially regulated. Here we introduce DRAB (Differential Regulation Analysis by Bootstrapping), a gene-based method for testing whether patterns of genetic regulation are significantly different between tissues or other biological contexts. DRAB first leverages the elastic net to learn context-specific models of local genetic regulation and then applies a novel bootstrap-based model comparison test to check their equivalency. Unlike previous model comparison tests, our proposed approach can determine whether population-level models have equal predictive performance by accounting for the variability of feature selection and model training. We validated DRAB on mRNA expression data from a variety of human tissues in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project. DRAB yielded biologically reasonable results and had sufficient power to detect genes with tissue-specific regulatory profiles while effectively controlling false positives. By providing a framework that facilitates the prioritization of differentially regulated genes, our study enables future discoveries on the genetic architecture of molecular phenotypes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Malakhov, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, X. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.06.531446</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A bootstrap model comparison test for identifying genes with context-specific patterns of genetic regulation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.24.532772v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distance-dependent reconfiguration of hubs in Alzheimer's disease:a cross-tissue functional network study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.24.532772v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The hubs of the intra-grey matter (GM) network were sensitive to anatomical distance and susceptible to neuropathological damage. However, few studies examined the hubs of cross-tissue distance-dependent networks and their changes in Alzheimers disease (AD). Using resting-state fMRI data of 30 AD patients and 37 normal older adults (NC), we constructed the cross-tissue networks based on functional connectivity (FC) between GM and white matter (WM) voxels. In the full-ranged and distance-dependent networks (characterized by gradually increased Euclidean distances between GM and WM voxels), their hubs were identified with weight degree metrics (frWD and ddWD). We compared these WD metrics between AD and NC; using the resultant abnormal WDs as the seeds, we performed seed-based FC analysis. With increasing distance, the GM hubs of distance-dependent networks moved from the medial to lateral cortices, and the WM hubs spread from the projection fibers to longitudinal fascicles. Abnormal ddWD metrics in AD were primarily located in the hubs of distance-dependent networks around 20-100mm. Decreased ddWDs were located in the left corona radiation (CR), which had decreased FCs with the executive networks GM regions in AD. Increased ddWDs were located in the posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) and the temporal-parietal-occipital junction (TPO), and their FCs were larger in AD. Increased ddWDs were shown in the sagittal striatum, which had larger FCs with the salience networks GM regions in AD. The reconfiguration of cross-tissue distance-dependent networks possibly reflected the disruption in the neural circuit of executive function and the compensatory changes in the neural circuits of visuospatial and social-emotional functions in AD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.24.532772</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distance-dependent reconfiguration of hubs in Alzheimer's disease:a cross-tissue functional network study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.28.534513v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural insights into ligand recognition and selectivity of the human hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor HCAR2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.28.534513v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2) belongs to the family of class A G-protein-coupled receptors with key roles in regulating lipolysis and free fatty acid formation in humans. It is deeply involved in many pathophysiological processes and serves as an attractive target for the treatment of neoplastic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. Here, we report four cryo-EM structures of human HCAR2-Gi1 complexes with or without agonists, including the drugs niacin and acipimox, and the highly subtype-specific agonist MK-6892. Combined with molecular docking and functional analysis, we have revealed the recognition mechanism of HCAR2 for different agonists and summarized the general pharmacophore features of HCAR2 agonists, which are based on three key residues R1113.36, S17945.52, and Y2847.43. Notably, the MK-6892-HCAR2 structure shows an extended binding pocket relative to other agonist-bound HCAR2 complexes. In addition, the key residues that determine the ligand selectivity between the HCAR2 and HCAR3 are also illuminated. Our findings provide structural insights into the ligand recognition, selectivity, activation, and G protein coupling mechanism of HCAR2, which sheds light on the design of new HCAR2-targeting drugs for greater efficacy, higher selectivity, and fewer or no side effects.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>pan, x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ye, f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-03-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.28.534513</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural insights into ligand recognition and selectivity of the human hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor HCAR2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-03-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.30.534832v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
XMAP: Cross-population fine-mapping by leveraging genetic diversity and accounting for confounding bias 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.30.534832v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Fine-mapping prioritizes risk variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWASs), serving as a critical step to uncover biological mechanisms underlying complex traits. However, several major challenges still remain for existing fine-mapping methods. First, the strong linkage disequilibrium among variants can limit the statistical power and resolution of fine-mapping. Second, it is computationally expensive to simultaneously search for multiple causal variants. Third, the confounding bias hidden in GWAS summary statistics can produce spurious signals. To address these challenges, we develop a statistical method for cross-population fine-mapping (XMAP) by leveraging genetic diversity and accounting for confounding bias. By using cross-population GWAS summary statistics from global biobanks and genomic consortia, we show that XMAP can achieve greater statistical power, better control of false positive rate, and substantially higher computational efficiency for identifying multiple causal signals, compared to existing methods. Importantly, we show that the output of XMAP can be integrated with single-cell datasets, which greatly improves the interpretation of putative causal variants in their cellular context at single-cell resolution.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.30.534832</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[XMAP: Cross-population fine-mapping by leveraging genetic diversity and accounting for confounding bias]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.30.534931v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PanGraphViewer: A Versatile Tool to Visualize Pangenome Graphs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.30.534931v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pangenome graphs provide a powerful way to present both sequence and structural features in a given genome relative to the typical features of a population. There are different methods of building pangenome graphs, but few tools are available to visualize them. To address this problem, we developed PanGraphViewer, which is written in Python 3 and runs on all major operating systems. The PanGraphViewer package contains two separate versions: a desktop-based application and a web-based application. Compared to other graph viewers that are initially designed to visualize individual genome graphs, PanGraphViewer targets pangenome graphs and allows the viewing of pangenome graphs built from multiple genomes in either the (reference) graphical fragment assembly format or the variant call format (VCF). Apart from visualization of different types of structural variations (SV), PanGraphViewer also integrates genome annotations with graph nodes to analyze insertions or deletions in a particular gene model. The graph node shapes in PanGraphViewer can represent different types of genomic variations when a VCF file is used. Notably, PanGraphViewer displays subgraphs from a chromosome or sequence segment based on any given coordinates. This function is absent from most genome graph viewers. PanGraphViewer is freely available at https://github.com/TF-Chan-Lab/panGraphViewer to facilitate pangenome analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.30.534931</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PanGraphViewer: A Versatile Tool to Visualize Pangenome Graphs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.30.534956v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sox11 is enriched in myogenic progenitors but dispensable for development and regeneration of skeletal muscle. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.30.534956v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in regulating the differentiation and function of stem cells, including muscle satellite cells (MuSCs), a resident stem cell population responsible for postnatal regeneration of the skeletal muscle. Sox11 belongs to the Sry-related HMG-box (SOX) family of TFs that play diverse roles in stem cell behavior and tissue specification. Analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets identify a specific enrichment of Sox11 mRNA in differentiating but not quiescent MuSCs. Consistent with the scRNA-seq data, Sox11 levels increase during differentiation of murine primary myoblasts in vitro. scRNA-seq data comparing muscle regeneration in young and old mice further demonstrate that Sox11 expression is reduced in aged MuSCs. Age-related decline of Sox11 expression is associated with reduced chromatin contacts within the topologically associated domains. Unexpectedly, Myod1Cre-driven deletion of Sox11 in embryonic myoblasts has no effects on muscle development and growth, resulting in apparently healthy muscles that regenerate normally. Pax7CreER or Rosa26CreER driven (MuSC-specific or global) deletion of Sox11 in adult mice similarly has no effects on MuSC differentiation or muscle regeneration. These results identify Sox11 as a novel myogenic differentiation marker with reduced expression in quiescent and aged MuSCs, but the specific function of Sox11 in myogenesis remain to be elucidated.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Oprescu, S. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baumann, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.30.534956</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sox11 is enriched in myogenic progenitors but dispensable for development and regeneration of skeletal muscle.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.31.535142v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TCR2vec: a deep representation learning framework of T-cell receptor sequence and function 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.31.535142v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires are critical components of the adaptive immune system, and machine learning methods were proposed to analyze the TCR repertoire data. However, most methods work solely on the hypervariable CDR3 regions of TCRs, overlooking the information encoded in other domains. Representing full TCRs as informative vectors can be indispensable for developing reliable and effective machine learning models. We introduce TCR2vec, a deep representation learning framework with 12 layers of transformer blocks, to pave the way for downstream modelings of full TCRs. Together with masked language modeling (MLM), we propose a novel pretraining task named similarity preservation modeling (SPM) to capture the sequence similarities of TCRs. Through a multi-task pretraining procedure on MLM and SPM, TCR2vec learns a contextual understanding of TCRs within a similarity-preserved vector space. We first verify the effectiveness of TCR2vec in predicting TCRs binding specificity and TCR clustering through comparison with three other embedding approaches. TCR2vec can be finetuned on small task-specific labeled data for enhanced performance, which outperforms state-of-the-art models by 2-25% in predicting TCRs binding specificity. Next, we compare the performance of two versions of TCR2vec pretrained on full TCRs (TCR2vec) or CDR3s (CDR3vec) and demonstrate that TCR2vec consistently outperforms CDR3vec by 12-14%. Further analysis of attention maps reveals that residues outside CDR3 also make notable contributions to the recognition of antigens. TCR2vec is available at https://github.com/jiangdada1221/TCR2vec.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.03.31.535142</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TCR2vec: a deep representation learning framework of T-cell receptor sequence and function]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.08.535951v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Transcriptional Regulation of the P-bodies Associated Psoriasis Candidate Gene CCHCR1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.08.535951v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The coiled-coil alpha-helical rod protein 1 (CCHCR1) was first identified as a candidate gene in psoriasis and has lately been associated with COVID-19 susceptibility. Located within P-bodies and centrosomes, its exact cellular role and transcriptional control remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that CCHCR1 shares a bidirectional promoter with its neighboring gene, TCF19. This bidirectional promoter is activated by the G1/S-regulatory transcription factor E2F1, and both genes are co-induced during the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. A luciferase reporter assay suggests that the short intergenic sequence, only 287 bp in length, is sufficient for the G1/S induction of both genes, but the expression of CCHCR1 is further enhanced by the presence of exon 1 from both TCF19 and CCHCR1. This research uncovers the transcriptional regulation of the CCHCR1 gene, offering new perspectives on its function. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of diseases associated with CCHCR1 and may serve as a foundational step for future research in these vital medical fields.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ling, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.08.535951</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Transcriptional Regulation of the P-bodies Associated Psoriasis Candidate Gene CCHCR1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.11.536371v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Syncytiotrophoblast 5'-tRNA fragments are placental endocrine signals contributing to sterile inflammation in preeclampsia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.11.536371v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe relationship between placental pathology and the maternal syndrome of preeclampsia is incompletely characterised. Mismatch between placental nutrient supply and fetal demands induces stress in the syncytiotrophoblast, the layer of placenta in direct contact with maternal blood. Such stress alters the content and increases the release of extracellular vesicles (STB-EVs) into the maternal circulation. We have previously shown 5-tRNA fragments (5-tRFs) constitute the majority of small RNA in STB-EVs in healthy pregnancy. 5-tRFs are produced in response to stress. We hypothesised STB-EV 5-tRF release might change in preeclampsia.

MethodsWe perfused placentas from eight women with early-onset preeclampsia and six controls, comparing small RNA expression in STB-EVs. We used membrane-affinity columns to isolate maternal plasma vesicles and investigate placental 5-tRFs in-vivo. We quantified 5-tRFs from circulating STB-EVs using a placental alkaline phosphatase immunoassay. 5-tRFs and scrambled RNA controls were added to monocyte, macrophage and endothelial cells in culture to investigate transcriptional responses.

Results5-tRFs constitute the majority of small RNA in STB-EVs from both preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. >900 small RNA fragments are differentially expressed in preeclampsia STB-EVs. Preeclampsia-dysregulated 5-tRFs are detectable in maternal plasma, where we identified a placentally-derived load. 5-tRF-Glu-CTC, the most abundant preeclampsia-upregulated 5-tRF in perfusion STB-EVs, is also increased in preeclampsia STB-EVs from maternal plasma. 5-tRF-Glu-CTC induced inflammation in macrophages but not monocytes. The conditioned media from 5-tRF-Glu-CTC-activated macrophages reduced eNOS expression in endothelial cells.

ConclusionsIncreased release of syncytiotrophoblast-derived vesicle-bound 5-tRF-Glu-CTC contributes to preeclampsia pathophysiology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cooke, W. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, G. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, Y. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Redman, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vatish, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.11.536371</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Syncytiotrophoblast 5'-tRNA fragments are placental endocrine signals contributing to sterile inflammation in preeclampsia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.12.536632v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Generalized mutualisms promote range expansion in both plant and ant partners 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.12.536632v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutualism improves organismal fitness, but strong dependence on another species can also limit a species ability to thrive in a new range if its partner is absent. We assembled a large, global dataset on mutualistic traits and species ranges to investigate how multiple plant-animal and plant-microbe mutualisms affect the spread of legumes and ants to novel ranges. We found that generalized mutualisms increase the likelihood that a species establishes and thrives beyond its native range, whereas specialized mutualisms either do not affect or reduce non-native spread. This pattern held in both legumes and ants, indicating that specificity between mutualistic partners is a key determinant of ecological success in a new habitat. Our global analysis shows that mutualism plays an important, if often overlooked, role in plant and insect invasions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nathan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Economo, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simonsen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frederickson, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.12.536632</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Generalized mutualisms promote range expansion in both plant and ant partners]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.12.536666v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dissociable roles of the auditory midbrain and cortex in processing the statistical features of natural sound textures 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.12.536666v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is well established that sound texture perception takes advantage of a hierarchy of time-averaged statistical features of acoustic stimuli, but much remains unclear about how these statistical features are processed in auditory subcortical and cortical regions. Here, we compared the neural representation of sound textures in the inferior colliculus (IC), and primary and non-primary auditory cortex (AC) of anesthetized rats with texture morph stimuli which gradually add statistical features of increasingly higher order. We generated texture morphs for a representative subset of 13 sound textures, chosen to span the three principal component dimensions of a corpus of 200 natural texture recordings. For each of the 13 texture types, six different exemplar morphs were synthesized using different random seeds. All exemplars of each texture type have the same long term statistics, but they differ in their acoustic waveforms. Meanwhile, different texture types differ in statistical features as well as waveforms. An analysis of transient and ongoing multi-unit responses to our stimulus set showed that the IC units were sensitive to every type of statistical feature, albeit to a varying extent, but only a small proportion of AC units were overtly sensitive to any statistical features. Differences in texture types explained more of the variance of IC neural responses than did differences in exemplars, indicating a degree of "texture-type tuning" in the IC, but this was, perhaps surprisingly, not the case for AC responses. We also evaluated the accuracy of texture type classification from single-trial population activity and found that IC responses became more informative as more summary statistics were included in the texture morphs, while for AC population responses classification performance remained constant, and consistently lower, than for the IC. These results argue against the idea that AC plays an important role in encoding statistical features of natural sound textures.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Peng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harper, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mishra, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.12.536666</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dissociable roles of the auditory midbrain and cortex in processing the statistical features of natural sound textures]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.14.536842v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Migratory herbivorous waterfowl couple the seed wave and the green wave during spring migration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.14.536842v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
East Asian herbivorous waterfowl intensively use farmland in spring, next to their natural habitat. Accordingly, they might have expanded their migration strategy from merely tracking the green wave of newly emerging vegetation to also incorporating the availability of post-harvest agricultural seeds (here dubbed the seed wave). However, if and how waterfowl use multiple food resources to time their seasonal migration is still unknown. We test this migration strategy using 167 spring migration tracks of five East Asian herbivorous waterfowl species and mixed-effect resource selection function models. We find all study species arrive at their core stopover sites in the Northeast China Plain after agricultural seeds become available, extend their stay after spring vegetation emerges, and arrive at breeding sites around the emergence of vegetation. Moreover, the cue used in exploiting the availability of both food resources varies in different regions and among species. At the core stopover sites, larger-bodied species use the seed wave and smaller-bodied ones adopt the green wave. At the breeding sites, the former follow the green wave, and the latter track the snow-free time. Our findings suggest that waterfowl track multiple resource waves to finetune their migration, highlighting new opportunities for conservation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wielstra, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>La Sorte, F. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Si, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.14.536842</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Migratory herbivorous waterfowl couple the seed wave and the green wave during spring migration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.17.537130v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrin beta4 promotes DNA damage drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer via TNFAIP2/IQGAP1/Rac1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.17.537130v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Anti-tumor drug resistance is a challenge for human triple-negative breast cancer treatment. Our previous work demonstrated that TNFAIP2 activates RAC1 to promote triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. However, the mechanism by which TNFAIP2 activates RAC1 is unknown. In this study, we found that TNFAIP2 interacts with IQGAP1 and Integrin {beta}4. Integrin {beta}4 activates RAC1 through TNFAIP2 and IQGAP1 and confers DNA damage-related drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. These results indicate that the Integrin {beta}4/TNFAIP2/IQGAP1/RAC1 axis provides potential therapeutic targets to overcome DNA damage-related drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.17.537130</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrin beta4 promotes DNA damage drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer via TNFAIP2/IQGAP1/Rac1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.18.537342v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Artificial intelligence redefines RNA virus discovery 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.18.537342v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Current metagenomic tools can fail to identify highly divergent RNA viruses. We developed a deep learning algorithm, termed LucaProt, to discover highly divergent RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) sequences in 10,487 metatranscriptomes generated from diverse global ecosystems. LucaProt integrates both sequence and predicted structural information, enabling the accurate detection of RdRP sequences. Using this approach we identified 161,979 potential RNA virus species and 180 RNA virus supergroups, including many previously poorly studied groups, as well as RNA virus genomes of exceptional length (up to 47,250 nucleotides) and genomic complexity. A subset of these novel RNA viruses were confirmed by RT-PCR and RNA/DNA sequencing. Newly discovered RNA viruses were present in diverse environments, including air, hot springs and hydrothermal vents, and both virus diversity and abundance varied substantially among ecosystems. This study advances virus discovery, highlights the scale of the virosphere, and provides computational tools to better document the global RNA virome.

In briefA deep learning algorithm (LucaProt) that integrates both sequence and predicted structural information was employed to identify highly divergent RNA viral "dark matter" in 10,487 metatranscriptomes from diverse global ecosystems. A total of 161,979 potential RNA virus species and 180 RNA virus supergroups was unveiled using this AI approach, including many understudied groups.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mei, S.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Z.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gou, Q.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, G.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Le, S.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, F.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eden, J.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.18.537342</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence redefines RNA virus discovery]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.23.538018v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SurVIndel2: improving local CNVs calling from next-generation sequencing using novel hidden information 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.23.538018v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deletions and tandem duplications (commonly called CNVs) represent the majority of structural variations. They can be identified using short reads, but because they frequently occur in repetitive regions, existing methods fail to detect most of them. This is because CNVs in repetitive regions often do not produce the evidence needed by existing short reads-based callers (split reads, discordant pairs or read depth change). Here, we introduce a new CNV short reads-based caller named SurVIndel2. SurVindel2 builds on statistical techniques we previously developed, but also employs a novel type of evidence, hidden split reads, that can uncover many CNVs missed by existing algorithms. We use public benchmarks to show that SurVIndel2 outperforms other popular callers, both on human and non-human datasets. Then, we demonstrate the practical utility of the method by generating a catalogue of CNVs for the 1000g project that contains hundreds of thousands of CNVs missing from the most recent public catalogue. We also show that SurVIndel2 is able to complement small indels predicted by Google DeepVariant, and the two software used in tandem produce a remarkably complete catalogue of variants in an individual. Finally, we characterise how the limitations of current sequencing technologies contribute significantly to the missing CNVs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rajaby, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sung, W.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.23.538018</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SurVIndel2: improving local CNVs calling from next-generation sequencing using novel hidden information]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.24.538190v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LSM14B is essential for mitochondrial clustering in the oocyte meiosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.24.538190v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As oocyte meiotic maturation, they undergo two successive meiotic M phases, notably lacking an intervening interphase phase. During these M phases, oocytes remain transcriptionally quiescent, and we now know that "translational repressed mRNAs" are stored in a structure called the mitochondria associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO). LSM14B is one of the abundant proteins of MARDO, and is predicted to bind mRNA, but its function(s) remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that LSM14B functions to promote MARDO assembly in mouse oocytes. We also found that LSM14B knockout female mice are infertile, and show that the knockout oocytes fail to enter meiosis II, instead entering an aberrant interphase-like stage. Finally, we show that the failure of oocyte maturation results from decreased expression of Cyclin B1. Our study has revealed that the RNA-binding protein LSM14B modulates MARDO assembly and is essential for oocyte meiotic maturation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sha, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.04.24.538190</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LSM14B is essential for mitochondrial clustering in the oocyte meiosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.03.539268v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deep immunological imprinting due to the ancestral spike in the current bivalent COVID-19 vaccine 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.03.539268v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With the aim of broadening immune responses against the evolving SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines that encode the ancestral and Omicron BA.5 spike proteins have been authorized for clinical use, supplanting the original monovalent counterpart in numerous countries. However, recent studies have demonstrated that administering either a monovalent or bivalent vaccine as a fourth vaccine dose results in similar neutralizing antibody titers against the latest Omicron subvariants, raising the possibility of immunological imprinting. Utilizing binding immunoassays, pseudotyped virus neutralization assays, and antigenic mapping, we investigated antibody responses from 72 participants who received three monovalent mRNA vaccine doses followed by either a bivalent or monovalent booster, or who experienced breakthrough infections with the BA.5 or BQ subvariant after vaccinations with an original monovalent vaccine. Compared to a monovalent booster, the bivalent booster did not yield noticeably higher binding titers to D614G, BA.5, and BQ.1.1 spike proteins, nor higher virus-neutralizing titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants including the predominant XBB.1.5 and the emergent XBB.1.16. However, sera from breakthrough infection cohorts neutralized Omicron subvariants significantly better. Multiple analyses of these results, including antigenic mapping, made clear that inclusion of the ancestral spike prevents the broadening of antibodies to the BA.5 component in the bivalent vaccine, thereby defeating its intended goal. Our findings suggest that the ancestral spike in the current bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is the cause of deep immunological imprinting. Its removal from future vaccine compositions is therefore strongly recommended.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valdez, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gordon, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lihong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.03.539268</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deep immunological imprinting due to the ancestral spike in the current bivalent COVID-19 vaccine]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.08.539791v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sex and dominance status affect allogrooming in free-ranging feral cattle 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.08.539791v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Social interactions are fundamental properties of gregarious species, helping to establish dominance hierarchies and maintain social bonds within groups, thus having significant effects on fitness. Cattle (Bos taurus) are social ungulates which engage in affiliative and agonistic relationships with other individuals. Although there are approximately 1.5 billion cattle on the planet, the opportunity to research cattle behaviour in free-ranging groups is rare, as there are few feral populations worldwide. Cattle engage in positive social behaviours such as allogrooming, where one individual licks the body of another. The relationship between affiliative behaviours and other individual characteristics (such as sex and dominance status) are frequently studied in other gregarious species, but are largely undetermined in cattle. To investigate the relationships between sex, dominance status and allogrooming, we observed a mixed-sex feral cattle herd in Hong Kong, recording dominance interactions and allogrooming events. We found that dominant females received more allogrooming than subordinate females, but subordinate females did not perform more than dominant ones. Males performed allogrooming more towards females than other males, but females groomed both sexes equally. Sex affected dominance position, with males obtaining higher status than females, but not all females were subordinate to males. These preferential allogrooming patterns improve our knowledge of sex-specific interactions, and help us to understand the dynamics of agonistic and affiliative behaviours in multi-male, multi-female ungulate groups. Studying a free-ranging feral population provides us with a unique insight into ungulate behavioural patterns and the evolution of cattle social behaviours.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hodgson, G. M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flay, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perroux, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.08.539791</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sex and dominance status affect allogrooming in free-ranging feral cattle]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.09.539966v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deficits in neural encoding of speech in preterm infants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.09.539966v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Preterm children show developmental cognitive and language deficits that can be subtle and sometimes undetectable until later in life. Studies of brain development in children who are born preterm have largely focused on vascular and gross anatomical characteristics rather than pathophysiological processes that may contribute to these developmental deficits. Neural encoding of speech as reflected in EEG recordings is predictive of future language development and could provide insights into those pathophysiological processes. We recorded EEG from 45 preterm ([&le;] 34 weeks of gestation) and 45 full-term ([&ge;] 38 weeks) Chinese-learning infants 0 to 12 months of (corrected) age during natural sleep. Each child listened to three speech stimuli that differed in lexically meaningful pitch (2 native and 1 non-native speech categories). EEG measures associated with synchronization and gross power of the frequency following response (FFR) were examined. ANCOVAs revealed no main effect of stimulus nativeness but main effects of age, consistent with earlier studies. A main effect of prematurity also emerged, with synchronization measures showing stronger group differences than power. By detailing differences in FFR measures related to synchronization and power, this study brings us closer to identifying the pathophysiological pathway to often subtle language problems experienced by preterm children.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Novitskiy, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bornstein, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, P. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.09.539966</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deficits in neural encoding of speech in preterm infants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.10.540107v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular motor tug-of-war regulates elongasome cell wall synthesis dynamics in Bacillus subtilis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.10.540107v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Most rod-shaped bacteria elongate by inserting new cell wall material into the inner surface of the cell sidewall. This is performed by class A penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) and a highly conserved protein complex, the elongasome, which moves processively around the cell circumference and inserts long glycan strands that act as barrel-hoop-like reinforcing structures, thereby giving rise to a rod-shaped cell. However, it remains unclear how elongasome synthesis dynamics and termination events are regulated to determine the length of these critical cell-reinforcing structures. To address this, we developed a method to track individual elongasome complexes around the entire circumference of Bacillus subtilis cells for minutes-long periods using single molecule fluorescence microscopy. We found that the B. subtilis elongasome is highly processive and that processive synthesis events are frequently terminated by rapid reversal or extended pauses. We found that cellular levels of RodA regulate elongasome processivity, reversal and pausing. Our single molecule data, together with stochastic simulations, show that elongasome dynamics and processivity are regulated by molecular motor tug-of-war competition between several, likely two, oppositely oriented peptidoglycan synthesis complexes associated with the MreB filament. Our data, thus, demonstrate that molecular motor tug-of-war is a key regulator of elongasome dynamics in B. subtilis, which likely also regulates the cell shape via modulation of elongasome processivity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Middlemiss, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roberts, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grimshaw, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Whitley, K. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strahl, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holden, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.10.540107</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular motor tug-of-war regulates elongasome cell wall synthesis dynamics in Bacillus subtilis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.15.539796v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
In vivo Ontogeny of human forebrain neural progenitor cell grafts in adult rats: an immunohistological study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.15.539796v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A thorough understanding of the cell behaviors of the human neural grafts is fundamental to exploit them to achieve cell therapy for recovering brain functions. Here by using immunohistological staining, we trace the cell fate of the intrastriatal human neural progenitor cell (NPC) grafts up to 9 months in adult rats, with multiple examining time points to provide a unified working time frame for future transplantation study. Lots of Nestin+/Sox2+ human cells continuously migrate along the white matter tracts into distal brain parenchyma even long time after transplantation, providing a potential for curing diffuse brain damage. Further analysis reveals a significant heterogeneity of the long-term sustained neural stem cells (NSC)/NPCs that progressing throughout different stages, mimicking the neural development of human forebrain. More importantly, the initial GFAP expression in human grafts marks the NSC progression instead of terminal astrocyte differentiation. The distally migrating human cells continuously show the capability to produce new neurons, albeit at a low efficiency in the intact brain. Further investigations in neural disease models are needed. Such study would benefit neural cell therapy with regarding to the optimization of the transplantation strategy and choosing of acting mode by neural grafts (e.g. via cell replacement or ex vivo gene therapy).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xing, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.15.539796</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[In vivo Ontogeny of human forebrain neural progenitor cell grafts in adult rats: an immunohistological study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.21.541628v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bearskin2 mediates the coordinated secretion of xylogalacturonan and root cap polygalacturonase in Arabidopsis border-like cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.21.541628v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Border-like cells (BLCs) are sheets of cells that are continuously sloughed off and replenished at the Arabidopsis root cap surface. ROOT CAP POLYGALACTURONASE (RCPG) encodes a putative pectinase involved in BLC shedding. Xylogalacturonan (XGA) is a pectic polysaccharide whose synthesis is associated with cell detachment and secreted separately from other cell wall polysaccharides. BEARSKIN1 (BRN1) and BRN2 are Arabidopsis NAC family transcription factors, and RCPG expression is inhibited in brn1/2. To explore the link between XGA and RCPG, we examined XGA synthesis in Arabidopsis lines with altered RCPG levels. We found that RCPG was contained in XGA-carrying vesicles budding from the trans-Golgi, but XGA synthesis was not affected in the rcpg mutant. XGA was absent in BLCs of brn2, but not of brn1, indicating that BRN2 is necessary for XGA synthesis. Overexpression of functional RCPG-GFP (oeRCPG-GFP) caused upregulation of BRN2, ectopic XGA synthesis, overaccumulation of endogenous RCPG, and accelerated BLC turnover, suggesting a positive regulatory loop between RCPG and BRN2. Inactivation of BRN2 in oeRCPG-GFP suppressed RCPG-GFP expression, excess RCPG, and XGA synthesis. Our data provide evidence that XGA and RCPG are secreted together and that BRN2 controls XGA synthesis, which facilitates RCPG export and BLC separation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goh, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nakajima, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.21.541628</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bearskin2 mediates the coordinated secretion of xylogalacturonan and root cap polygalacturonase in Arabidopsis border-like cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541674v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Shortcut barcoding and early pooling for scalable multiplex single-cell reduced-representation CpG methylation sequencing at single nucleotide resolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541674v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA methylation is essential for a wide variety of biological processes, yet the development of a highly efficient and robust technology remains a challenge for routine single-cell analysis. We developed a multiplex scalable single-cell reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (msRRBS) technology with off-the-shelf reagents and equipment. It allows cell-specific barcoded DNA fragments of individual cells to be pooled before bisulfite conversion, free of enzymatic modification or physical capture of the DNA ends, and achieves unparalleled read mapping rates of 62.51%, covering 59.95% of CpG islands and 71.62% of promoters in K562 cells on average. Its reproducibility is shown in duplicates of bulk cells with near perfect correlation (R=0.97-99). At a low 1 Mb of clean reads, msRRBS provides consistent coverage of CpG islands and promoters, outperforming the conventional methods with orders of magnitude reduction in cost. Here, we use this method to characterize the distinct methylation patterns and cellular heterogeneity of 6 cell lines, and leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma models. Taking 4 hours of hands-on time, msRRBS offers a unique, highly efficient approach for dissecting methylation heterogeneity in a variety of multicellular systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marjani, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weissman, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.22.541674</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Shortcut barcoding and early pooling for scalable multiplex single-cell reduced-representation CpG methylation sequencing at single nucleotide resolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541730v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Estimating recent and historical effective population size of marine and freshwater sticklebacks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541730v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Effective population size (Ne) is a quantity of central importance in evolutionary biology and population genetics, but often notoriously challenging to estimate. Analyses of Ne are further complicated by the many interpretations of the concept and the alternative approaches to quantify Ne utilising different properties of the data. However, the alternative methods are also informative over different time scales, suggesting that a combination of approaches should allow piecing together the entire continuum of Ne, spanning from the recent to more distant past. To test this in practice, we inferred the Ne continuum for 45 populations of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) using whole-genome data with both LD- and coalescent-based methods. Our results show that marine populations exhibit the highest Ne values in contemporary, recent, and historical times, followed by coastal and freshwater populations. They also demonstrate the impact of both recent and historical gene flow on Ne estimates and show that simple summary statistics are informative in comprehending the events in the very recent past and aid in more accurate estimation of NeC, the contemporary Ne, as well as in reconstruction and interpretation of recent demographic histories. Although our sample size for large populations is limited, we found that GONE can provide reasonable Ne estimates. However, due to challenges in detecting subtle genetic drift in large populations, these estimates may represent the lower bound of Ne. Finally, we show that combining GONE and CurrentNe2, both sensitive to population structure, with MSMC2 provides a meaningful interpretation of Ne dynamics over time.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loytynoja, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.22.541730</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Estimating recent and historical effective population size of marine and freshwater sticklebacks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541785v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-Scale Label-free Human Brain Imaging with Integrated Serial Sectioning Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography and Two-Photon Microscopy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.22.541785v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The study of neurodegenerative processes in the human brain requires a comprehensive understanding of cytoarchitectonic, myeloarchitectonic, and vascular structures. Recent computational advances have enabled volumetric reconstruction of the human brain using thousands of stained slices, however, tissue distortions and loss resulting from standard histological processing have hindered deformation-free reconstruction of the human brain. The development of a multi-scale and volumetric human brain imaging technique that can measure intact brain structure would be a major technical advance. Here, we describe the development of integrated serial sectioning Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PSOCT) and Two Photon Microscopy (2PM) to provide label-free multi-contrast imaging, including scattering, birefringence and autofluorescence of human brain tissue. We demonstrate that high-throughput reconstruction of 4x4x2cm3 sample blocks and simple registration of PSOCT and 2PM images enable comprehensive analysis of myelin content, vascular structure, and cellular information. We show that 2 m in-plane resolution 2PM images provide microscopic validation and enrichment of the cellular information provided by the PSOCT optical property maps on the same sample, revealing the sophisticated capillary networks and lipofuscin filled cell bodies across the cortical layers. Our method is applicable to the study of a variety of pathological processes, including demyelination, cell loss, and microvascular changes in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers disease (AD) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Novoseltseva, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Augustinack, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Magnain, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fischl, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McKee, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boas, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.22.541785</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-Scale Label-free Human Brain Imaging with Integrated Serial Sectioning Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography and Two-Photon Microscopy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.26.542400v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Goat Discrimination of Emotional Valence in the Human Voice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.26.542400v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reading another animals emotional state can enable receivers to anticipate their behavioural motivations, which is important in guiding interactions with that individual. For species living closely alongside humans, the emotional cues that people express can be almost as informative as those of conspecifics. Goats can discriminate differences in emotional valence present in another goats calls, and we investigated whether this ability extends to human speech. We presented goats with a habituation-dishabituation-rehabituation paradigm, where they experienced multiple playbacks of a familiar or unfamiliar human voice conveying a single emotional valence (e.g., angry; habituation phase), before the valence of the voice changed (e.g., happy; dishabituation phase) and then reversed again in-line with the habituation phase (e.g., angry; rehabituation phase). Over the habituation phase, goat behavioural responses decreased, showing evidence of having habituated to the playback stimuli presented. Following a change in emotional valence (dishabituation phase), although goats were overall less likely to respond, those that did looked for longer, suggesting they had perceived the shift in emotional content conveyed in human voice playbacks. We found no changes in physiological arousal (heart rate or heart rate variability) with shifts in playback valence. Goats, as a domesticated species, may have developed a sensitivity to our cues over their long association with humans, but the differences in individual behaviour towards the playback paradigm could highlight a role for learning and individual experience in particular on interspecific emotional communication.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mason, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Semple, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marshall, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-05-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.26.542400</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Goat Discrimination of Emotional Valence in the Human Voice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-05-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.31.543104v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Accurate identification of structural variations from cancer samples 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.31.543104v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Structural variations (SVs) are commonly found in cancer genomes. They can cause gene amplification, deletion, and fusion, among other functional consequences. With an average read length of hundreds of kilobases, nano-channel-based optical DNA mapping is powerful in detecting large SVs. However, existing SV calling methods are not tailored for cancer samples, which have special properties such as mixed cell types and sub-clones. Here we propose the COMSV method that is specifically designed for cancer samples. It shows high sensitivity and specificity in benchmark comparisons. Applying to cancer cell lines and patient samples, COMSV identifies hundreds of novel SVs per sample.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C. Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boncan, D. A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, P. B. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A. S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.05.31.543104</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Accurate identification of structural variations from cancer samples]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.03.543554v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cryo-EM structure of the human G-protein coupled receptor 1 (GPR1) - Gi protein complex bound to the chemerin C-terminal nonapeptide 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.03.543554v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Chemerin is an adipokine with chemotactic activity to a subset of leukocytes. Chemerin mainly acts through its C-terminal nonapeptide (YFPGQFAFS, C9) that bind to three G protein-coupled receptors including chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), G-protein coupled receptor 1 (GPR1) and C-C chemokine receptor-like 2 (CCRL2). We examined C9 signaling through GPR1 and found this receptor capable of Gi signaling but very weak {beta}-arrestin signaling. Here we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of GPR1-Gi complexes bound to full-length chemerin and to C9, respectively. Unlike C9 that inserts directly into a transmembrane binding pocket, full-length chemerin uses its N-terminal globular core for extensive interaction with the N terminus of GPR1. Within the binding pocket, the C terminal loop containing the nonapeptide takes the same "S-shape" pose as synthetic C9 nonapeptide. These findings explain why the nonapeptide is a full agonist of GPR1, and demonstrate that chemerin uses a "two-site" model for interaction with GPR1. An analysis of the GPR1-Gi protein interface found high similarities to the CMKLR1-Gi complex, as confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis with functional verifications. Our structural analysis demonstrates shared features with chemokines in that chemerin acts as a "reverse chemokine" with switched functions of its N and C termini in the interaction with GPR1.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, R. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.03.543554</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cryo-EM structure of the human G-protein coupled receptor 1 (GPR1) - Gi protein complex bound to the chemerin C-terminal nonapeptide]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/209312v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Draft genomes of the fungal pathogen Phellinus noxius in Hong Kong 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/209312v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The fungal pathogen Phellinus noxius is the underlying cause of brown root rot, a disease with causing tree mortality globally, causing extensive damage in urban areas and crop plants. This disease currently has no cure, and despite the global epidemic, little is known about the pathogenesis and virulence of this pathogen.nnUsing Ion Torrent PGM, Illumina MiSeq and PacBio RSII sequencing platforms with various genome assembly methods, we produced the draft genome sequences of four P. noxius strains isolated from infected trees in Hong Kong to further understand the pathogen and identify the mechanisms behind the aggressive nature and virulence of this fungus. The resulting genomes ranged from 30.8Mb to 31.8Mb in size, and of the four sequences, the YTM97 strain was chosen to produce a high-quality Hong Kong strain genome sequence, resulting in a 31Mb final assembly with 457 scaffolds, an N50 length of 275,889 bp and 96.2% genome completeness. RNA-seq of YTM97 using Illumina HiSeq400 was performed for improved gene prediction. AUGUSTUS and Genemark-ES prediction programs predicted 9,887 protein-coding genes which were annotated using GO and Pfam databases. The encoded carbohydrate active enzymes revealed large numbers of lignolytic enzymes present, comparable to those of other white-rot plant pathogens. In addition, P. noxius also possessed larger numbers of cellulose, xylan and hemicellulose degrading enzymes than other plant pathogens. Searches for virulence genes was also performed using PHI-Base and DFVF databases revealing a host of virulence-related genes and effectors. The combination of non-specific host range, unique carbohydrate active enzyme profile and large amount of putative virulence genes could explain the reasons behind the aggressive nature and increased virulence of this plant pathogen.nnThe draft genome sequences presented here will provide references for strains found in Hong Kong. Together with emerging research, this information could be used for genetic diversity and epidemiology research on a global scale as well as expediting our efforts towards discovering the mechanisms of pathogenicity of this devastating pathogen.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tsang, K. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, R. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/209312</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Draft genomes of the fungal pathogen Phellinus noxius in Hong Kong]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/224758v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sensory cortex is optimised for prediction of future input 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/224758v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neurons in sensory cortex are tuned to diverse features in natural scenes. But what determines which features neurons become selective to? Here we explore the idea that neuronal selectivity is optimised to represent features in the recent past of sensory input that best predict immediate future inputs. We tested this hypothesis using simple feedforward neural networks, which were trained to predict the next few video or audio frames in clips of natural scenes. The networks developed receptive fields that closely matched those of real cortical neurons, including the oriented spatial tuning of primary visual cortex, the frequency selectivity of primary auditory cortex and, most notably, in their temporal tuning properties. Furthermore, the better a network predicted future inputs the more closely its receptive fields tended to resemble those in the brain. This suggests that sensory processing is optimised to extract those features with the most capacity to predict future input.nnImpact statementPrediction of future input explains diverse neural tuning properties in sensory cortex.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Singer, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teramoto, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Willmore, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harper, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/224758</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sensory cortex is optimised for prediction of future input]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/227074v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Subjective inflation of color saturation in the periphery under temporal overload 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/227074v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A long-standing puzzle in perception concerns the subjective impression of vivid color experience in the periphery. While peripheral color processing is not entirely insensitive, the subjective vividness seems unsupported by the relative paucity of representation in the periphery. Inspired by the flashed face distortion effect, in which peripheral faces are perceived as somewhat exaggerated or distorted when they are preceded by flashes of other faces in the same location, we attempted to create an equivalent illusion in the domain of color. The hypothesis is that under temporal overload, patches of colorful dots may be perceived as more exaggerated in terms of saturation. We confirmed this hypothesis with the observation of a significant effect of modest magnitude, which was replicated in a second experiment. These results suggest that subjective inflation of perceived color saturation does occur in the periphery, when the perceptual system is sufficiently occupied temporally and spatially. We discuss the relationship between the observed effects with previous findings of liberal detection biases in the unattended periphery.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rajananda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>A.K. Peters, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Odegaard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/227074</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Subjective inflation of color saturation in the periphery under temporal overload]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/231258v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The fruitENCODE project sheds light on the genetic and epigenetic basis of convergent evolution of climacteric fruit ripening 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/231258v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Fleshy fruit evolved independently multiple times during angiosperm history. Many climacteric fruits utilize the hormone ethylene to regulate ripening. The fruitENCODE project shows there are multiple evolutionary origins of the regulatory circuits that govern climacteric fruit ripening. Eudicot climacteric fruits with recent whole-genome duplications (WGDs) evolved their ripening regulatory systems using the duplicated floral identity genes, while others without WGD utilised carpel senescence genes. The monocot banana uses both leaf senescence and duplicated floral-identity genes, forming two interconnected regulatory circuits. H3K27me3 plays a conserved role in restricting the expression of key ripening regulators and their direct orthologs in both the ancestral dry fruit and non-climacteric fleshy fruit species. Our findings suggest that evolution of climacteric ripening was constrained by limited availability of signalling molecules and genetic and epigenetic materials, and WGD provided new resources for plants to circumvent this limit. Understanding these different ripening mechanisms makes it possible to design tailor-made ripening traits to improve quality, yield and minimize postharvest losses.nnOne Sentence SummaryThe fruitENCODE project discovered three evolutionary origins of the regulatory circuits that govern climacteric fruit ripening.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tzeng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paulo Fabi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Mas, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grierson, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fei, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giovannoni, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>zhong, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/231258</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The fruitENCODE project sheds light on the genetic and epigenetic basis of convergent evolution of climacteric fruit ripening]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/232272v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GORAB, a Golgi protein required for centriole structure and duplication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/232272v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genome wide screens are widely believed to have identified the great majority of genes required for centriole duplication. However, seeking to clarify the partners of the Drosophila cartwheel protein Sas6, we identified Gorab, a known trans-Golgi associated protein that is mutated in the human wrinkly skin disease, gerodermia osteodysplastica. We now report that Gorab is present not only in the trans-Golgi but also in association with Sas6 at the core of the centriole. Flies lacking Gorab show defects in centriole duplication in many tissues and are also uncoordinated due to basal body defects in sensory cilia, which lose their 9-fold symmetry. We demonstrate the separation of centriole and Golgi functions of Drosophila Gorab in two ways: First, we have created Gorab variants that are unable to localize to trans-Golgi but can still rescue the centriole and cilia defects of gorab null flies. Secondly, we show that expression of C-terminally tagged Gorab disrupts Golgi functions in cytokinesis of male meiosis, a dominant phenotype overcome by a second mutation preventing Golgi targeting. We discuss the tissue specific requirement of Gorab for centriole duplication in the context of its split functions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kovacs, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao-Chu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schneider, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gottardo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tzolovsky, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dzhindzhev, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riparbelli, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Callaini, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Glover, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/232272</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GORAB, a Golgi protein required for centriole structure and duplication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/233353v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long-range infra-sound acoustic signaling inhuman in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/233353v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Acupuncture is widely deployed today, but its basic physiology with Qi and meridian is not understood. This letter postulates that Qi is an infrasound wave packet and meridian is the muscle waveguide. Using video cameras and signal processing in an IRB approved clinical experiment we performed a comparison between control and electro-activated statistical tests on the long range (50-80cm) unidirectional transmission of Qi (p = 0.025). In the reverse direction, there is no transmission even in a distance of less than 10 cm (p = 0.545). The rectification is a surprise but in full agreement with Huang Di Nei Jing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, P. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/233353</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long-range infra-sound acoustic signaling inhuman in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/233395v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Global phylogenomics of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 772: the Bengal Bay clone 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/233395v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The global spread of antimicrobial resistance has been well documented in Gram-negative bacteria and healthcare-associated epidemic pathogens, often emerging from regions with heavy antimicrobial use. However, the degree to which similar processes occur with Gram-positive bacteria in the community setting is less well understood. Here we demonstrate the recent origin and global spread from the Indian subcontinent of a multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineage, sequence type 772 (Bengal Bay clone). Short-term outbreaks occurred following intercontinental transmission, typically associated with travel and family contacts, but ongoing endemic transmission was uncommon. Instrumental in the emergence of a single dominant clade in the early 1990s was the acquisition of a multidrug resistance integrated plasmid that did not appear to incur a significant fitness cost. The Bengal Bay clone therefore combines the multidrug resistance of traditional healthcare-associated clones with the epidemiological and virulence potential of community-associated clones.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Steinig, E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duchene, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robinson, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Monecke, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yokoyama, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laabei, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Slickers, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andersson, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williamson, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kearns, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goering, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dickson, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ehricht, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Sullivan, M. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coombs, G. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petersen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shore, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coleman, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pantosti, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Lencastre, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Westh, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobayashi, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heffernan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strommenger, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Layer, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weber, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aamot, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skakni, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peacock, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sarovich, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giffard, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harris, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parkhill, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Massey, R. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holden, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bentley, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/233395</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Global phylogenomics of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 772: the Bengal Bay clone]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/240606v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Boosting ATM Activity Promotes Longevity in Nematodes and Mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/240606v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA damage accumulates with age1. However, whether and how robust DNA repair machinery promotes longevity is elusive. Here, we demonstrate that activation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) via low dose of chloroquine (CQ) promotes DNA damage clearance, rescues age-related metabolic shift, and extends lifespan in nematodes and mice. Molecularly, ATM phosphorylates SIRT6 deacetylase and thus prevents MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Extra copies of Sirt6 in Atm-/- mice extend lifespan, accompanied with restored metabolic homeostasis. In a progeria mouse model with low ATM protein level and DNA repair capacity, the treatment with CQ ameliorates premature aging features and extends lifespan. Thus, our data highlights a pro-longevity role of ATM, for the first time establishing direct causal links between robust DNA repair machinery and longevity, and providing therapeutic strategy for progeria and age-related metabolic diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qian, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/240606</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Boosting ATM Activity Promotes Longevity in Nematodes and Mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/241141v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unconsciously Implanted Visuoauditory Memory in the Presence of Cholecystokinin Retrieved in Behavioral Contexts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/241141v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We investigated whether visuoauditory association can be artificially implanted in rodents and then retrieved in a behaviorally relevant context. Rats were trained to approach the left or right hole of a behavioral apparatus to retrieve a reward depending on the side of electrical stimulation of the auditory cortex (EAC) they received and mice were fear-conditioned to EAC. Next, an irrelevant visual stimulus (VS) was repeatedly paired with EAC in the presence of cholecystokinin (CCK) or with activation of terminals of entorhinal CCK neurons in the auditory cortex. In subsequent behavioral testing with VS, rats approached the hole associated with reward availability and mice showed a freezing response to the VS. A CCK antagonist blocked the establishment of visuoauditory association, whereas a CCK agonist rescued the deficit of association. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for "memory implantation" and indicate that CCK is the switching chemical for formation of visuoauditory association.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2017-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/241141</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unconsciously Implanted Visuoauditory Memory in the Presence of Cholecystokinin Retrieved in Behavioral Contexts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2017-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/253781v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Profile of Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer Among Bangladeshi Women - Audit of Initial Experience 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/253781v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundReceptor status and molecular subtyping of breast cancer are crucial for patient management. We present here our initial experience on the status of different molecular subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics of invasive breast carcinomas in Bangladeshi population especially in Chittagong zone.nnMaterials and methodsA total of 59 histopathologically confirmed cases of invasive ductal carcinoma were selected for this study. Fifteen out of 59 cases were reported as HER2 equivalent and could not be categorized into any subtype because of the lack of availability of fluorescence in situ hybridization. The remaining 44 cases were distributed into different molecular subtypes and then the clinicopathological characteristics were compared for each molecular subtype.nnResultsAge ranges from 24-70 years with a mean age of 43.95 years. Most of the patients were in 41-50 years age group. Among the 44 cases, most common subtype was HER2/neu amplification (13 cases, 29.55%). Luminal A, luminal B and basal like subtypes were 11 (25%), 10 (22.73%) and 10 (22.73%) respectively. The mean tumor size was 3.46 cm and the highest mean tumor size was in basal-like subtype (4.01cm). Twenty five out of 59 cases (42.37%) showed axillary lymph node metastasis. Lowest axillary lymph node metastasis was found in luminal A subtype (3/11=27.27%).nnConclusionHER2/neu amplification subtype was found to be more common in this region. Luminal A subtype was found to be more favorable in comparison to the other subtypes in terms of axillary lymph node metastasis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>RAHMAN, M. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karim, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-01-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/253781</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Profile of Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer Among Bangladeshi Women - Audit of Initial Experience]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-01-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/261511v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification and characterization of moonlighting long non-coding RNAs based on RNA and protein interactome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/261511v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Moonlighting proteins are a class of proteins having multiple distinct functions, which play essential roles in a variety of cellular and enzymatic functioning systems. Although there have long been calls for computational algorithms for the identification of moonlighting proteins, research on approaches to identify moonlighting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has never been undertaken. Here, we introduce a methodology, MoonFinder, for the identification of moonlighting lncRNAs. MoonFinder is a statistical algorithm identifying moonlighting lncRNAs without a priori knowledge through the integration of protein interactome, RNA-protein interactions, and functional annotation of proteins. We identify 155 moonlighting lncRNA candidates and uncover that they are a distinct class of lncRNAs characterized by specific sequence and cellular localization features. The non-coding genes that transcript moonlighting lncRNAs tend to have shorter but more exons and the moonlighting lncRNAs have a localization tendency of residing in the cytoplasmic compartment in comparison with the nuclear compartment. Moreover, moonlighting lncRNAs and moonlighting proteins are rather mutually exclusive in terms of both their direct interactions and interacting partners. Our results also shed light on how the moonlighting candidates and their interacting proteins implicated in the formation and development of cancers and other diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-02-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/261511</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification and characterization of moonlighting long non-coding RNAs based on RNA and protein interactome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-02-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/285007v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Establishment of signaling interactions with cellular resolution for every cell cycle of embryogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/285007v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Intercellular signaling interaction plays a key role in breaking fate symmetry during animal development. Identification of the signaling interaction at cellular resolution is technically challenging, especially in a developing embryo. Here we develop a platform that allows automated inference and validation of signaling interaction for every cell cycle of C. elegans embryogenesis. This is achieved by generation of a systems-level cell contact map that consists of 1,114 highly confident intercellular contacts by modeling analysis and is validated through cell membrane labeling coupled with cell lineage analysis. We apply the map to identify cell pairs between which a Notch signaling interaction takes place. By generating expression patterns for two ligands and two receptors of Notch signaling pathway with cellular resolution using automated expression profiling technique, we are able to refine existing and identify novel Notch interactions during C. elegans embryogenesis. Targeted cell ablation followed by cell lineage analysis demonstrates the roles of signaling interactions over cell division in breaking fate symmetry. We finally develop a website that allows online access to the cell-cell contact map for mapping of other signaling interaction in the community. The platform can be adapted to establish cellular interaction from any other signaling pathways.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, V. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/285007</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Establishment of signaling interactions with cellular resolution for every cell cycle of embryogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/285171v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Small effect size leads to reproducibility failure in resting-state fMRI studies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/285171v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Thousands of papers using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) have been published on brain disorders. Results in each paper may have survived correction for multiple comparison. However, since there have been no robust results from large scale meta-analysis, we do not know how many of published results are truly positives. The present meta-analytic work included 60 original studies, with 57 studies (4 datasets, 2266 participants) that used a between-group design and 3 studies (1 dataset, 107 participants) that employed a within-group design. To evaluate the effect size of brain disorders, a very large neuroimaging dataset ranging from neurological to psychiatric isorders together with healthy individuals have been analyzed. Parkinsons disease off levodopa (PD-off) included 687 participants from 15 studies. PD on levodopa (PD-on) included 261 participants from 9 studies. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) included 958 participants from 27 studies. The meta-analyses of a metric named amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) showed that the effect size (Hedges g) was 0.19 - 0.39 for the 4 datasets using between-group design and 0.46 for the dataset using within-group design. The effect size of PD-off, PD-on and ASD were 0.23, 0.39, and 0.19, respectively. Using the meta-analysis results as the robust results, the between-group design results of each study showed high false negative rates (median 99%), high false discovery rates (median 86%), and low accuracy (median 1%), regardless of whether stringent or liberal multiple comparison correction was used. The findings were similar for 4 RS-fMRI metrics including ALFF, regional homogeneity, and degree centrality, as well as for another widely used RS-fMRI metric namely seed-based functional connectivity. These observations suggest that multiple comparison correction does not control for false discoveries across multiple studies when the effect sizes are relatively small. Meta-analysis on un-thresholded t-maps is critical for the recovery of ground truth. We recommend that to achieve high reproducibility through meta-analysis, the neuroimaging research field should share raw data or, at minimum, provide un-thresholded statistical images.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jia, X.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barton, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burciu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carriere, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cerasa, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coombes, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Defebvre, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Delmaire, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dujardin, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Esposito, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, G.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Federica, D. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fling, B. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garg, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gilat, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gorges, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horak, F. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kassubek, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krajcovicova, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kurani, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lopes, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lou, Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Madhyastha, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, N.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McAlonan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McKeown, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quattrone, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rektorova, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sarica, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shang, H</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/285171</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Small effect size leads to reproducibility failure in resting-state fMRI studies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/286013v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A statistical framework for cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/286013v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transcriptome-wide association analysis is a powerful approach to studying the genetic architecture of complex traits. A key component of this approach is to build a model to predict (impute) gene expression levels from genotypes from samples with matched genotypes and expression levels in a specific tissue. However, it is challenging to develop robust and accurate imputation models with limited sample sizes for any single tissue. Here, we first introduce a multi-task learning approach to jointly impute gene expression in 44 human tissues. Compared with single-tissue methods, our approach achieved an average 39% improvement in imputation accuracy and generated effective imputation models for an average 120% (range 13%-339%) more genes in each tissue. We then describe a summary statistic-based testing framework that combines multiple single-tissue associations into a single powerful metric to quantify overall gene-trait association at the organism level. When our method, called UTMOST, was applied to analyze genome wide association results for 50 complex traits (Ntotal=4.5 million), we were able to identify considerably more genes in tissues enriched for trait heritability, and cross-tissue analysis significantly outperformed single-tissue strategies (p=1.7e-8). Finally, we performed a cross-tissue genome-wide association study for late-onset Alzheimers disease (LOAD) and replicated our findings in two independent datasets (Ntotal=175,776). In total, we identified 69 significant genes, many of which are novel, leading to novel insights on LOAD etiologies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zekavat, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muchnik, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kunkle, B. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mukherjee, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Natarajan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naj, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuzma, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crane, P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-03-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/286013</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A statistical framework for cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-03-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/291187v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Toward Precision Molecular Surgery: Robust, Selective Induction of Microhomology-mediated End Joining in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/291187v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One key problem in precision genome editing is the resultant unpredictable plurality of sequence outcomes at the site of targeted DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). This is due to the typical activation of the versatile Non-homologous End Joining (NHEJ) pathway. Such unpredictability limits the utility of somatic gene editing for applications including gene therapy and functional genomics. For germline editing work, the accurate reproduction of identical alleles using NHEJ is a labor intensive process. In this study, we propose inducing Microhomology-mediated End Joining (MMEJ) as a viable solution for improving somatic sequence homogeneity in vivo, capable of generating a single predictable allele at high rates (56% ~ 86% of the entire mutant allele pool). Using a combined dataset from zebrafish (Danio rerio) in vivo and human HeLa cell in vitro as a training dataset, we identified specific contextual sequence determinants surrounding genomic DSBs for robust MMEJ pathway activation. We then applied our observation and prospectively designed MMEJ-inducing sgRNAs against a variety of proof-of-principle genes and demonstrated a high level of mutant allele homogeneity at these loci. F0 mutant zebrafish embryos and larvae generated with these gRNAs faithfully recapitulated previously reported, recessive loss-of-function phenotypes. We also provide a novel algorithm MENTHU (http://genesculpt.org/menthu/) for improved prediction of candidate MMEJ loci, suitable for both targeted and genome-wide applications. We believe that this MMEJ-centric approach will have a broad impact on genome engineering and its applications. For example, whereas somatic mosaicism hinders efficient recreation of a knockout mutant allele at base pair resolution via the standard NHEJ-based approach, we demonstrate that F0 founders transmitted the identical MMEJ allele of interest at high rates. Most importantly, the ability to directly dictate the reading frame of an endogenous target will have important implications for gene therapy applications in human genetic diseases.nnAuthor SummaryNew gene editing tools precisely break DNA at pre-defined genomic locations, but cells repair these lesions using diverse pathways that often lead to unpredictable outcomes in the resulting DNA sequences. This sequence diversity in gene editing outcomes represents an important obstacle to the application of this technology for human therapies. Using a vertebrate animal as a model system, we provide strong evidence that we can overcome this obstacle by selectively directing DNA repair of double-stranded breaks through a lesser-described pathway termed Microhomology-mediated End Joining (MMEJ). Unlike other, better-understood pathways, MMEJ uses recurring short sequence patterns surrounding the site of DNA breakage. This enables the prediction of repair outcomes with improved accuracy. Importantly, we also show that preferential activation of MMEJ is compatible with effective gene editing. Finally, we provide a simple algorithm and software for designing DNA-breaking reagents that have high chance of activating the MMEJ pathway. We believe that the MMEJ-centric approach to be broadly applicable for a variety of gene editing applications both within the laboratory and for human therapies.nnAuthor ContributionHA contributed in Conceptualization, Data Curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Funding Acquisition, Methodology, Validation, Visualization, Writing - Original draft preparation, and Writing - Review and Editing. TLE contributed in Data Curation, Investigation, Writing - Original draft preparation, and Writing - Review and Editing. GMG contributed in Software, Validation, and Writing. CMM contributed in Software Validation, and Writing. AVD contributed in Investigation, Methodology, Validation, and Writing - Review and Editing. KJS contributed in Investigation and Writing - Review and Editing. ACM contributed in Conceptualization, Data Curation, Investigation, and Writing - Review and Editing. DD contributed in Funding Acquisition, Resources, and Writing - Review and Editing. KJC contributed in Conceptualization, Funding Acquisition, Resources, Supervision, and Writing - Review and Editing. SCE contributed in Conceptualization, Funding Acquisition, Project Administration, Resources, Supervision, Writing - Review and Editing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ata, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ekstrom, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martinez-Galvez, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mann, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dvornikov, A. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schaefbauer, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dobbs, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clark, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ekker, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-03-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/291187</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Toward Precision Molecular Surgery: Robust, Selective Induction of Microhomology-mediated End Joining in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-03-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/295089v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes of palaeognathous birds 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/295089v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Standard models of sex chromosome evolution propose that recombination suppression leads to the degeneration of the heterogametic chromosome, as is seen for the Y chromosome in mammals and the W chromosome in most birds. Unlike other birds, paleognaths (ratites and tinamous) possess large non-degenerate regions on their sex chromosomes (PARs or pseudoautosomal regions). It remains unclear why these large PARs are retained over more than 100 MY, and how this retention impacts the evolution of sex chromosomes within this system. To address this puzzle, we analysed Z chromosome evolution and gene expression across 12 paleognaths, several of whose genomes have recently been sequenced. We confirm at the genomic level that most paleognaths retain large PARs. As in other birds, we find that all paleognaths have incomplete dosage compensation on the regions of the Z chromosome homologous to degenerated portions of the W (differentiated regions or DRs), but we find no evidence for enrichments of male-biased genes in PARs. We find limited evidence for increased evolutionary rates (faster-Z) either across the chromosome or in DRs for most paleognaths with large PARs, but do recover signals of faster-Z evolution in tinamou species with mostly degenerated W chromosomes, similar to the pattern seen in neognaths. Unexpectedly, in some species PAR-linked genes evolve faster on average than genes on autosomes, suggested by diverse genomic features to be due to reduced efficacy of selection in paleognath PARs. Our analysis shows that paleognath Z chromosomes are atypical at the genomic level, but the evolutionary forces maintaining largely homomorphic sex chromosomes in these species remain elusive.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grayson, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Janes, D. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sackton, T. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/295089</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes of palaeognathous birds]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/295386v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/295386v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AimThe latitudinal diversity gradient is the dominant pattern of life on Earth, but a consensus understanding of its origins has remained elusive. The analysis of recently diverged, hyper-rich invertebrate groups provides an opportunity to investigate latitudinal patterns with the statistical power of large trees while minimizing potentially confounding variation in ecology and history. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic and macroecological data on a hyperdiverse (>1100 species) ant radiation, Pheidole, and evaluate the roles of three general explanations for the latitudinal gradient: variation in diversification rate, tropical conservatism, and ecological regulation.nnLocationGlobal.nnTime PeriodThe past 35 million years.nnMajor taxa studiedThe hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole Westwood.nnMethodsWe assembled geographic data for 1499 species and morphospecies, and inferred a dated phylogeny of Pheidole of 449 species, including 150 species newly sequenced for this study. We tested correlations between diversification rate and latitude with BAMM, HiSSE, GeoSSE, and FiSSE, and examined patterns of diversification as Pheidole spread around the globe.nnResultsWe found that Pheidole diversification occurred in series of bursts when new continents were colonized, followed by a slowdown in each region. There was no evidence of systematic variation of net diversification rates with latitude across any of the methods. Additionally, we found latitudinal affinity is moderately conserved with a Neotropical ancestor and phylogenetic inertia alone is sufficient to produce the gradient pattern.nnMain ConclusionsOverall our results are consistent with tropical conservatism explaining the diversity gradient, while providing no evidence that diversification rate varies systematically with latitude. There is evidence of ecological regulation on continental scales through the pattern of diversification after colonization. These results shed light on the mechanisms underlying the diversity gradient, while contributing toward a much-needed invertebrate perspective on global biodiversity dynamics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Economo, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fischer, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sarnat, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Narula, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Janda, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Longino, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knowles, L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/295386</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/309336v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome Wide Association Scan identifies new variants associated with a cognitive predictor of dyslexia. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/309336v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is one of the most prevalent learning disorders among children and is characterized by deficits in different cognitive skills, including reading, spelling, short term memory and others. To help unravel the genetic basis of these skills, we conducted a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS), including nine cohorts of reading-impaired and typically developing children of European ancestry, recruited across different countries (N=2,562-3,468).nnWe observed a genome-wide significant effect (p<1x10-8) on rapid automatized naming of letters (RANlet) for variants on 18q12.2 within MIR924HG (micro-RNA 924 host gene; p = 4.73x10-9), and a suggestive association on 8q12.3 within NKAIN3 (encoding a cation transporter; p = 2.25 x10-8). RAN represents one of the best universal predictors of reading fluency across orthographies and linkage to RAN has been previously reported within CELF4 (18q12.2), a gene highly expressed in the fetal brain which is co-expressed with NKAIN3 and predicted to be a target of MIR924. These findings suggest new candidate DD susceptibility genes and provide insights into the genetics and neurobiology of dyslexia.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gialluisi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andlauer, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirza-Schreiber, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moll, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoffmann, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ludwig, K. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Czamara, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Francks, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St Pourcain, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brandler, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Honbolygo, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Toth, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Csepe, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huguet, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hulslander, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Willcutt, E. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeFries, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Olson, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pennington, B. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vaessen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maurer, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyytinen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peyrard-Janvid, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leppanen, P. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brandeis, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bonte, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stein, J. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Talcott, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fauchereau, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bourgeron, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Monaco, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramus, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Landerl, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kere, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scerri, T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paracchini, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fisher, S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schumacher, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nothen, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muller-</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/309336</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome Wide Association Scan identifies new variants associated with a cognitive predictor of dyslexia.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/312819v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Differential contributions of subthalamic beta rhythms and neural noise to Parkinson motor symptoms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/312819v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundExcessive beta oscillatory activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is linked to Parkinsons disease and associated motor symptoms. However, the relationship between beta activity and motor symptoms has been inconsistent, which may influence the efficacy of closed-loop deep brain stimulation.nnHypothesisWe hypothesized that this variability is due to the degree of neural noise in STN recordings. Recent evidence has shown that neural noise is influenced by multiple factors, such as development, aging and disease, and could confound measures of beta activity. In this work, we propose a model that disentangles beta oscillatory activity and neural noise in the STN power spectrum.nnMethodsWe investigated the impact of neural noise on estimations of beta activity and motor symptoms from data recorded bilaterally from the subthalamic nuclei of thirteen Parkinsonian patients.nnResultsResults showed that the relationship between beta oscillatory amplitude and motor symptoms (bradykinesia and rigidity) significantly improved when neural noise was removed from the estimation of beta activity.nnConclusionThese findings emphasize the importance of modeling neural components independently for understanding physiological processes associated with Parkinsons disease, and identifying better biomarkers for characterizing symptom severity. Subsequently, we predict that our findings can have a direct application for closed-loop deep brain stimulation on Parkinsons Disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Martin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iturrate, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chavarriaga, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leeb, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sobolewski, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zaldivar, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peciu-Florianu, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pralong, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castro-Jimenez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benninger, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vingerhoets, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knight, R. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bloch, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Millan, J. d. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/312819</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Differential contributions of subthalamic beta rhythms and neural noise to Parkinson motor symptoms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/317974v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pathogenic DDX3X mutations impair RNA metabolism and neurogenesis during fetal cortical development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/317974v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
De novo germline mutations in the RNA helicase DDX3X account for 1-3% of unexplained intellectual disability (ID) cases in females, and are associated with autism, brain malformations, and epilepsy. Yet, the developmental and molecular mechanisms by which DDX3X mutations impair brain function are unknown. Here we use human and mouse genetics, and cell biological and biochemical approaches to elucidate mechanisms by which pathogenic DDX3X variants disrupt brain development. We report the largest clinical cohort to date with DDX3X mutations (n=78), demonstrating a striking correlation between recurrent dominant missense mutations, polymicrogyria, and the most severe clinical outcomes. We show that Ddx3x controls cortical development by regulating neuronal generation and migration. Severe DDX3X missense mutations profoundly disrupt RNA helicase activity and induce ectopic RNA-protein granules and aberrant translation in neural progenitors and neurons. Together, our study demonstrates novel mechanisms underlying DDX3X syndrome, and highlights roles for RNA-protein aggregates in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lennox, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suit, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fregeau, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheehan, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aldinger, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moey, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lobach, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirzaa, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Afenjar, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Babovic-Vuksanovic, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bezieau, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blackburn, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bunt, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burglen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Charles, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, B. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cogne, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DeBrosse, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Di Donato, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Faivre, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heron, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Innes, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Isidor, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson-Kerner, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keren, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kimball, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klee, E. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuentz, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Küry, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin-Coignard, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mignot, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miyake, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nava, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nizon, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodriguez, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Snijders Blok, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thauvin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thevenon, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vincent, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ziegler, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dobyns, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Richards, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ba</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/317974</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pathogenic DDX3X mutations impair RNA metabolism and neurogenesis during fetal cortical development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/320101v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Post-reactivation new learning impairs and updates human episodic memory through dissociable processes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/320101v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Learning of competing information after reactivation has the potential to disrupt memory reconsolidation and thus impair a consolidated memory. Yet this effect has rarely been detected in episodic memory. By introducing an additional retrieving cue to the target memory, the current study detected significant impairment on the reactivated episodic memory, in addition to an integration of new information to the old memory. However, while the integration effect followed the time window of reconsolidation disruption, the impairment effect did not. MEG measurements further revealed alpha power change during reactivation and post-reactivation learning which showed different correlation patterns with the integration and impairment effects, confirming that the two effects relied on different processes. Therefore, post-reactivation new learning disrupts episodic memory but not through reconsolidation disruption. Further findings that the impairment effect was correlated with participants voluntary inhibition ability suggest an inhibition-based memory updating process underlying post-reactivation new learning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/320101</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Post-reactivation new learning impairs and updates human episodic memory through dissociable processes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/325217v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Discovery of microRNA-like RNAs during early fruiting body development in the model mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/325217v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coprinopsis cinerea is a model mushroom particularly suited to study fungal fruiting body development and the evolution of multicellularity in fungi. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are extensively studied in animals and plants for their essential roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, miRNAs in fungi are less well characterized and their potential roles in controlling mushroom development remain unknown. To identify miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) in C. cinerea and explore their expression patterns during the early developmental transition of mushroom development, small RNA libraries of vegetative mycelium and primordium were generated and putative milRNA candidates were identified following the standards of miRNA prediction in animals and plants. Two out of 22 novel predicted milRNAs, cci-milR-12c and cci-milR-13e-5p, were validated by northern blot and stem-loop reverse transcription real-time PCR. Cci-milR-12c was differentially expressed whereas the expression levels of cci-milR-13e-5p were similar in the two developmental stages. Target prediction of the validated milRNAs resulted in genes associated with fruiting body development, including pheromone, hydrophobin, cytochrome P450, and protein kinase. Besides, essential genes for miRNA biogenesis, including three coding for Dicer-like (DCL), two for Argonaute-like (AGO-like) and one for quelling deficient-2 (QDE-2) proteins, were identified in the C. cinerea genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the DCL and AGO-like proteins of C. cinerea were more closely related to those in other basidiomycetes and ascomycetes than to animals and plants. Taken together, our findings provided the first evidence of milRNAs in the model mushroom and their potential roles in regulating fruiting body development. Information on the evolutionary relationship of milRNA biogenesis proteins across kingdoms has also provided new insights into further functional and evolutionary studies of miRNAs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lau, A. Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. H.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/325217</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Discovery of microRNA-like RNAs during early fruiting body development in the model mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/330951v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic determinants of resistance and virulence among carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Sri Lanka. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/330951v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Whole genome sequencing of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from the intensive care units of a Sri Lankan teaching hospital revealed the presence of carbapenemase gene, blaOXA-181 among isolates of carbapenase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae belonging to ST437 (2 strains) and ST147 (8 strains) in 2015. blaOXA-181 genes were carried in three variants of ColE-type plasmids. Elevated carbapemen resistance were observed in ompK36 mutant strains. ESBL genes, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants (qnr, aac(6)-Ib-cr, oqxAB) and mutations on chromosomal quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) with substitutions at ser83[-&gt;]I of gyrA and ser80[-&gt;]I of parC were observed. All strains possessed yersiniabactin on the mobile element ICEkp and other virulence determinants. Strict infection control and judicious use of antibiotics are warranted to prevent further spread of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in the intensive care units.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liyanapathirana, V. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pinto, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, N. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dissanayake, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/330951</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic determinants of resistance and virulence among carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Sri Lanka.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/334318v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
New guidelines for DNA methylome studies regarding 5-hydroxymethylcytosine for understanding transcriptional regulation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/334318v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Many DNA methylome profiling methods cannot distinguish between 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Since 5mC typically acts as a repressive mark whereas 5hmC is an intermediate form during active demethylation, the inability to separate their signals could lead to incorrect interpretation of the data. Meanwhile, many analysis pipelines quantify methylation level by the count or ratio of methylated reads, but the proportion of discordant reads (PDR) has recently been proposed to be a better indicator of gene expression level. Is the amount of extra information contained in 5hmC signals and PDR worth the additional experimental and computational costs? Here we combine whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and oxidative WGBS (oxWGBS) data in normal human lung and liver tissues and their paired tumors to investigate the quantitative relationships between gene expression and signals of the two forms of DNA methylation at promoters, transcript bodies, and immediate downstream regions. We find that 5mC and 5hmC signals correlate with gene expression in the same direction in most samples, but considering both types of signals increases the accuracy of expression levels inferred from methylation data by a median of 18.2% as compared to having only standard WGBS data, showing that the two forms of methylation provide complementary information about gene expression. In addition, differential analysis between matched tumor and normal pairs is particularly affected by the superposition of 5mC and 5hmC signals in WGBS data, with at least 25-40% of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) identified from 5mC signals not detected from WGBS data. We do not find PDR to be more informative about expression levels than ratio of methylated reads, and integrating the two types of methylation features only improves the accuracy of inferred expression levels by at most 9.8%. Our results also confirm previous finding that methylation signals at transcript bodies are more indicative of gene expression levels than promoter methylation signals, and further show that in addition to the first exon, methylation signals at the last exon and internal introns also contain non-redundant information about gene expression. Overall, our study provides concrete data for evaluating the cost effectiveness of some experimental and analysis options in the study of DNA methylation in normal and cancer samples.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-05-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/334318</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[New guidelines for DNA methylome studies regarding 5-hydroxymethylcytosine for understanding transcriptional regulation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-05-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/340679v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The role of two-component system response regulator BceR in antimicrobial resistance, virulence, biofilm formation, and stress response of group B Streptococcus. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/340679v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The hypervirulent Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae, GBS) serogroup III clonal cluster 17 has been associated with neonatal GBS invasive disease and meningits. Serogroup III, ST283 has recently been implicated in invasive disease among non-pregnant adults in Asia. These strains cluster with strains from freshwater fishes from aquaculture and a foodborne outbreak of sepsis, especially with septic arthritis, had been linked to such consumption in Singapore in 2015. Through comparative genome analyses of invasive and non-invasive strains of ST283, we identified a truncated response regulator gene in the non-invasive strain. This two component response gene, previously named a DNA binding regulator, is conserved among GBS strains and is a homologue of Bacillus subtilis BceR, the response regulator of the BceRSAB system. Loss of function of the BceR response gene in the invasive GBS strain demonstrated bacitracin susceptibility in{Delta} BceR mutant with MICs of 256-fold and four-fold reduction in bacitracin and human cathelicin LL-37 compared to wild type and complementation strains. Upregulation of dltA of wild type strain vs{Delta} BceR mutant was demonstrated (p<0.0001), and was previously shown in Staphylococcus aureus to resist and repel cationic peptides through excess positive charges with D-alanylation of teichoic acids on the cell wall. In addition,{Delta} BceR mutant was less susceptible under oxidative stress under H2O2 stress when compared to wild type strain (p<0.001) and inhibited biofilm formation (p<0.05 and p < 0.0001 for crystal violet staining and cfu counts). The{Delta} BceR mutant also showed reduced mortality as compared to wild type strain (p<0.01) in a murine infection model. Taken together, BceRS is involved in bacitracin and antimicrobial peptide resistance, survival under oxidative stress, biofilm formation and play an important role in the virulence of GBS.nnAuthor SummaryTwo-component systems (TCSs) play an important role in virulence in bacteria, and are involved in detecting environmental changes. Although S. agalactiae was reported to contain more predicted TCSs than Streptococcus pneumoniae, few have been studied in detail. In this work, comparative genomic analysis of GBS invasive (hyper-virulent) and non-invasive serotype III-4 strains were performed to determine any gene differences that may account for severity of disease in humans. BceR-like TCS was selected and suspected to be involved in virulence, and thus BceR was deleted in a hyper-virulent GBS serotype III-4 strain. We demonstrated that this BceR-like TCS is involved in GBS virulence and induced proinflammatory host immune responses. Our study of TCS BceR may guide further research into the role of other TCSs in GBS pathogenicity, and further explore therapeutic targets for GBS disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>YANG, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LUO, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHOU, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luk, A. W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHAO, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-06-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/340679</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The role of two-component system response regulator BceR in antimicrobial resistance, virulence, biofilm formation, and stress response of group B Streptococcus.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-06-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/343285v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Weighted Network Density Predicts Range of Latent Variable Model Accuracy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/343285v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Current experimental techniques impose spatial limits on the number of neuronal units that can be recorded in-vivo. To model the neural dynamics utilizing these sampled data, Latent Variable Models (LVMs) have been proposed to study the common unobserved processes within the system that drives neural activities, through an implicit network with hidden states. Yet, relationships between these latent variable models and widely-studied network connectivity measures remained unclear. In this paper, a biologically plausible latent variable model was first fit to neural activity recorded via 2-photon microscopic calcium imaging in the murine primary visual cortex. Graph theoretic measures were then applied to quantify network properties in the recorded sub-regions. Comparison of weighted network measures with LVM prediction accuracy shows some network measures having a strong relationship with LVM prediction accuracy, while other measures do not have a robust relationship with LVM prediction accuracy. Results show LVM will achieve high accuracy in dense networks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Palmerston, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>She, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-06-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/343285</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Weighted Network Density Predicts Range of Latent Variable Model Accuracy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-06-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/347302v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NFAT5 participates in Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase activation by hypoxia in MEF cells. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/347302v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We previously described the protective role of NFAT5 during hypoxia, in an independent way of HIF-1. Alternatively, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is also induced by hypoxia. The aim of this study was to establish the NFAT5 target gene in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) cell stimulated by hypoxia. NFAT5, iNOS, NO level, aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and urea transporter 1 (UTA1) were induced by low oxygen levels in MEF cells. Additionally, NFAT5 and UTA1 were induced in reoxygenation (after 24hrs of hypoxia). NFAT5 transactivation domain (TAD) was induced during hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation. Two MEF cells line independently produced for altered NFAT5 (Knockout and DBD-mutant) lost the iNOS and AQP1 induction by low oxygen. The iNOS induction was recovered in NFAT5-KO MEF cells, when recombinant NFAT5 protein expression was reconstituted, but not for NFAT5 DBD-mutant MEF cells, explained by its dominant negative effect. Finally, we found a negative feedback loop of iNOS effect over NFAT5 protein abundance. This work provides a relevant information about signaling pathway of NFAT5 during adaptive responses to oxygen depletion.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Serman, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fuentealba, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pasten, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rocco, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carrion, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Irarrazabal, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-06-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/347302</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NFAT5 participates in Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase activation by hypoxia in MEF cells.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-06-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/355065v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Regulatory T-cells are required for neonatal heart regeneration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/355065v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Previous work has elegantly demonstrated that, unlike adult mammalian heart, the neonatal heart is able to regenerate after injury from postnatal day (P) 1 to 7. Recently, macrophages are found to be required in the repair process as depletion of which abolishes endogenous regenerative capability of the neonatal heart. Nevertheless, whether innate immunity alone is sufficient for neonatal heart regeneration is obscure. Here, we investigate a hitherto novel role of FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells (Treg) in neonatal heart regeneration. Unlike their wild type counterparts, NOD/SCID mice that are deficient for T-cells but innate immune cells including macrophages fail to regenerate their injured heart as early as P3. In wild type mice, both conventional CD4+ T-cells and Treg are recruited to cardiac muscle within the first week after injury. Treatment with the lytic anti-CD4 antibody that specifically depletes conventional CD4+ T-cells leads to reduced cardiac fibrosis; while treatment with the lytic anti-CD25 antibody that specifically depletes CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ Treg contributes to increased fibrosis of the neonatal heart after injury. Moreover, adoptive transfer of Treg to NOD/SCID mice results in mitigated fibrosis and increased proliferation and function of cardiac muscle of the neonatal heart after injury. Mechanistically, single cell transcriptomic profiling reveals that Treg are a source of chemokines and cytokines that attract monocytes and macrophages previously known to drive neonatal heart regeneration. Furthermore, Treg directly promote proliferation of both mouse and human cardiomyocytes in a paracrine manner. Our findings uncover an unappreciated mechanism in neonatal heart regeneration; and offer new avenues for developing novel therapeutics targeting Treg-mediated heart regeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, R. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, V. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hori, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, Y. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, K. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-06-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/355065</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Regulatory T-cells are required for neonatal heart regeneration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-06-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/355933v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Acquiring absolute pitch in adulthood is difficult but possible 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/355933v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Absolute pitch (AP) refers to the rare ability to name the pitch of a tone without external reference. It is widely believed that AP is only for the selected few with rare genetic makeup and early musical training during the critical period. Accordingly, acquiring AP in adulthood is impossible. Previous studies have not offered a strong test of the effect of training because of issues like small sample size and insufficient training. In three experiments, adults learned to name pitches in a computerized and personalized protocol for 12 to 40 hours. They improved considerably, with a continuous distribution of learning progress among them. 14% of the participants (6 out of 43) were able to name twelve pitches at accuracy of 90% or above, comparable to that of  AP possessors as defined in the literature. In general, AP learning showed classic characteristics of perceptual learning, including generalization of learning dependent on the training stimuli, and sustained improvement for at least one to three months. Overall, the finding that AP continues to be learnable in adulthood calls for reconsidering the role of learning in the occurrence of AP. The finding also pushes the field to pinpoint and explain, if any, the differences between the aspects of AP more trainable in adulthood and the aspects of AP that are potentially exclusive for the few exceptional AP possessors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, K. F. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. C.- N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/355933</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Acquiring absolute pitch in adulthood is difficult but possible]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/362046v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sequencing of Panax notoginseng genome reveals genes involved in disease resistance and ginsenoside biosynthesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/362046v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Panax notoginseng is a traditional Chinese herb with high medicinal and economic value. There has been considerable research on the pharmacological activities of ginsenosides contained in Panax spp.; however, very little is known about the ginsenoside biosynthetic pathway. We reported the first de novo genome of 2.36 Gb of sequences from P. notoginseng with 35,451 protein-encoding genes. Compared to other plants, we found notable gene family contraction of disease-resistance genes in P. notoginseng, but notable expansion for several ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter subfamilies, such as the Gpdr subfamily, indicating that ABCs might be an additional mechanism for the plant to cope with biotic stress. Combining eight transcriptomes of roots and aerial parts, we identified several key genes, their transcription factor binding sites and all their family members involved in the synthesis pathway of ginsenosides in P. notoginseng, including dammarenediol synthase, CYP716 and UGT71. The complete genome analysis of P. notoginseng, the first in genus Panax, will serve as an important reference sequence for improving breeding and cultivation of this important nutraceutical and medicinal but vulnerable plant species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/362046</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sequencing of Panax notoginseng genome reveals genes involved in disease resistance and ginsenoside biosynthesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/362848v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Infer related genes from large gene expression dataset with embedding 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/362848v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been utilized for classification and prediction task with remarkable accuracy. However, its implications for unsupervised data mining using molecular data is under-explored. We adopted a method of unsupervised ANN, namely word embedding, to extract biologically relevant information from TCGA gene expression dataset. Ground truth relationship, such as cancer types of the input sample and semantic meaning of genes, were showed to retain in the resulting entity matrices. We also demonstrated the interpretability and usage of these matrices in shortlisting candidates from a long gene list. This method is feasible to mine big volume of biological data, and would be a valuable tool to discover novel knowledge from omics data. The resulting embedding matrices mined from TCGA gene expression data are interactively explorable online (http://bit.ly/tcga-embedding-cancer) and could serve as an informative reference.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Choy, C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/362848</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Infer related genes from large gene expression dataset with embedding]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/363119v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Causal relationships between blood lipids and depression phenotypes: A Mendelian randomization analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/363119v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe etiology of depression remains poorly understood. Changes in blood lipid levels were reported to be associated with depression and suicide, however study findings were mixed.

MethodsWe performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between blood lipids and depression phenotypes, based on large-scale GWAS summary statistics (N=188,577/480,359 for lipid/depression traits respectively). Five depression-related phenotypes were included, namely major depressive disorder (MDD; from PGC), depressive symptoms (DS; from SSGAC), longest duration and number of episodes of low mood, and history of deliberate self-harm (DSH)/suicide (from UK Biobank). MR was conducted with inverse-variance weighted (MR-IVW), Egger and Generalized Summary-data-based MR(GSMR) methods.

ResultsThere was consistent evidence that triglyceride (TG) is causally associated with DS (MR-IVW beta for one-SD increase in TG=0.0346, 95% CI=0.0114-0.0578), supported by MR-IVW and GSMR and multiple r2 clumping thresholds. We also observed relatively consistent associations of TG with DSH/suicide (MR-Egger OR= 2.514, CI: 1.579-4.003). There was moderate evidence for positive associations of TG with MDD and the number of episodes of low mood. For HDL-c, we observed moderate evidence for causal associations with DS and MDD. LDL-c and TC did not show robust causal relationships with depression phenotypes, except for weak evidence that LDL-c is inversely related to DSH/suicide. We did not detect significant associations when depression phenotypes were treated as exposures.

ConclusionsThis study provides evidence to a causal relationship between TG, and to a lesser extent, altered cholesterol levels with depression phenotypes. Further studies on its mechanistic basis and the effects of lipid-lowering therapies are warranted.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, C. K.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/363119</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Causal relationships between blood lipids and depression phenotypes: A Mendelian randomization analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/367714v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Selective Permeability of Carboxysome Shell Pores to Anionic Molecules 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/367714v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Carboxysomes are closed polyhedral cellular microcompartments that increase the efficiency of carbon fixation in autotrophic bacteria. Carboxysome shells consist of small proteins that form hexameric units with semi-permeable central pores containing binding sites for anions. This feature is thought to selectively allow access to RuBisCO enzymes inside the carboxysome by [Formula] (the dominant form of CO2 in the aqueous solution at pH 7.4) but not O2, which leads to a non-productive reaction. To test this hypothesis, here we use molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the energetics and permeability of CO2, O2, and [Formula] through the central pores of two different shell proteins, namely, CsoS1A of -carboxysome and CcmK4 of {beta}-carboxysome shells. We find that the central pores are in fact selectively permeable to anions such as [Formula], as predicted by the model.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mahinthichaichan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jensen, G. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tajkhorshid, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/367714</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Selective Permeability of Carboxysome Shell Pores to Anionic Molecules]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/367896v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hydrogen sulfide promotes nodulation and nitrogen fixation in soybean-rhizobia symbiotic system 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/367896v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rhizobium-legume symbiotic system is crucial for nitrogen cycle balance in agriculture. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule, may regulate various physiological processes in plants. However, whether H2S has regulatory effect in this symbiotic system remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the possible role of H2S in the symbiosis between soybean (Glycine max) and rhizobium (Sinorhizobium fredii). Our results demonstrated that exogenous H2S donor (sodium hydrosulfide, NaHS) treatment promoted soybean growth, nodulation and nitrogenase (Nase) activity. Western blotting analysis revealed that the abundance of nitrogenase component nifH was increased by NaHS treatment in nodules. Quantitative real-time PCR data showed that NaHS treatment up-regulated the expressions of symbiosis-related genes nodC and nodD of S. fredii. Besides, expression of soybean nodulation marker genes including early nodulin 40 (GmENOD40), ERF required for nodulation (GmERN), nodulation signaling pathway2b (GmNSP2b) and nodulation inception genes (GmNIN1a, GmNIN2a and GmNIN2b) were up-regulated. Moreover, the expressions of glutamate synthase (GmGS), nitrite reductase (GmNiR), ammonia transporter (GmSAT1), and nifH involved in nitrogen metabolism were up-regulated in NaHS-treated soybean roots and nodules. Together, our results suggested that H2S may act as a positive signaling molecule in soybean-rhizobia symbiotic system and enhance their nitrogen fixation ability.nnHighlightWe demonstrated for the first time that H2S as a signaling molecule may promote the establishment of symbiotic relationship and nitrogen fixation ability in the soybean-rhizobia symbiotic system.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, N.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, G.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/367896</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hydrogen sulfide promotes nodulation and nitrogen fixation in soybean-rhizobia symbiotic system]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/371583v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Alternative splicing and translation play important roles in parallel with transcriptional regulation during rice hypoxic germination 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/371583v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Post-transcriptional mechanisms, including alternative splicing (AS) and alternative translation initiation (ATI), have been used to explain the protein diversity involved in plant developmental processes and stress responses. Rice germination under hypoxia conditions is a classical model system for the study of low oxygen stress. It is known that there is transcriptional regulation during rice hypoxic germination, but the potential roles of AS and ATI in this process are not well understood. In this study, a proteogenomic approach was used to integrate the data from RNA sequencing, qualitative and quantitative proteomics to discover new players or pathways in the response to hypoxia stress. The improved analytical pipeline of proteogenomics led to the identification of 10,253 intron-containing genes, 1,729 of which were not present in the current annotation. Approximately 1,741 differentially expressed AS (DAS) events from 811 genes were identified in hypoxia-treated seeds in comparison to controls. Over 95% of these were not present in the list of differentially expressed genes (DEG). In particular, regulatory pathways such as spliceosome, ribosome, ER protein processing and export, proteasome, phagosome, oxidative phosphorylation and mRNA surveillance showed substantial AS changes under hypoxia, suggesting that AS responses are largely independent of traditional transcriptional regulation. Massive AS changes were identified, including the preference usage of certain non-conventional splice sites and enrichment of splicing factors in the DAS datasets. In addition, using self-constructed protein libraries by 6-frame translation, thousands of novel proteins/peptides contributed by ATI were identified. In summary, these results provide deeper insights towards understanding the underlying mechanisms of AS and ATI during rice hypoxic germination.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, F.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, N.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Z.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, L.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Q.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/371583</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Alternative splicing and translation play important roles in parallel with transcriptional regulation during rice hypoxic germination]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/380303v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Osteoblastic PLEKHO1 contributes to joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/380303v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Osteoblasts participating in the inflammation regulation gradually obtain concerns. However, its role in joint inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is largely unknown. Pleckstrin homology domain-containing family O member 1 (PLEKHO1) was previously identified as a negative regulator of osteogenic lineage activity. Here we demonstrated that PLEKHO1 was highly expressed in osteoblasts of articular specimens from RA patients and inflammatory arthritis mice. Genetic deletion of osteoblastic Plekho1 ameliorated joint inflammation in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis (STA), whereas overexpressing Plekho1 only within osteoblasts in CIA and STA mice demonstrated exacerbated local inflammation. Further in vitro studies indicated that PLEKHO1 was required for TRAF2-mediated RIP1 ubiquitination to activate NF-kB for inducing inflammatory cytokines production in osteoblasts. Moreover, osteoblastic PLEKHO1 inhibition improved joint inflammation and attenuated bone formation reduction in CIA mice and non-human primate arthritis model. These data strongly suggest that highly expressed PLEKHO1 in osteoblast mediates joint inflammation in RA. Targeting osteoblastic PLEKHO1 may exert dual therapeutic action of alleviating joint inflammation and promoting bone formation in RA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shaikh, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-07-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/380303</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Osteoblastic PLEKHO1 contributes to joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-07-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/385237v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A cross-organism framework for supervised enhancer prediction with epigenetic pattern recognition and targeted validation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/385237v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Enhancers are important noncoding elements, but they have been traditionally hard to characterize experimentally. Only a few mammalian enhancers have been validated, making it difficult to train statistical models for their identification properly. Instead, postulated patterns of genomic features have been used heuristically for identification. The development of massively parallel assays allows for the characterization of large numbers of enhancers for the first time. Here, we developed a framework that uses Drosophila STARR-seq data to create shape-matching filters based on enhancer-associated meta-profiles of epigenetic features. We combined these features with supervised machine learning algorithms (e.g., support vector machines) to predict enhancers. We demonstrated that our model could be applied to predict enhancers in mammalian species (i.e., mouse and human). We comprehensively validated the predictions using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches, involving transgenic assays in mouse and transduction-based reporter assays in human cell lines. Overall, the validations involved 153 enhancers in 6 mouse tissues and 4 human cell lines. The results confirmed that our model can accurately predict enhancers in different species without re-parameterization. Finally, we examined the transcription-factor binding patterns at predicted enhancers and promoters in human cell lines. We demonstrated that these patterns enable the construction of a secondary model effectively discriminating between enhancers and promoters.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sethi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gumusgoz, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rozowsky, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barozzi, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Afzal, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Akiyama, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Plajzer-Frick, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pickle, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kato, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garvin, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pham, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harrington, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mannion, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fukuda-Yuzawa, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Visel, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dickle, D. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sutton, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pennacchio, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gerstein, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/385237</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A cross-organism framework for supervised enhancer prediction with epigenetic pattern recognition and targeted validation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/395442v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
On the Number of Driver Nodes for Controlling a Boolean Network to Attractors 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/395442v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is known that many driver nodes are required to control complex biological networks. Previous studies imply that O(N) driver nodes are required in both linear complex network and Boolean network models with N nodes if an arbitrary state is specified as the target. In this paper, we mathematically prove under a reasonable assumption that the expected number of driver nodes is only O(log2 N + log2 M) for controlling Boolean networks if the targets are restricted to attractors, where M is the number of attractors. Since it is expected that M is not very large in many practical networks, this is a significant improvement. This result is based on discovery of novel relationships between control problems on Boolean networks and the coupon collectors problem, a well-known concept in combinatorics. We also provide lower bounds of the number of driver nodes as well as simulation results using artificial and realistic network data, which support our theoretical findings.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ching, W.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Akutsu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/395442</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[On the Number of Driver Nodes for Controlling a Boolean Network to Attractors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/396960v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
tmap: topological analysis of population-scale microbiome data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/396960v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Population-scale microbiome study poses specific challenges in data analysis, from enterotype analysis, identification of driver species, to microbiome-wide association of host covariates. Application of advanced data mining techniques to high-dimensional complex dataset is expected to meet the rapid advancement in large scale and integrative microbiome research. Here, we present tmap, a topological data analysis framework for population-scale microbiome study. This framework can capture complex shape of large scale microbiome data into a compressive network representation. We also develop network-based statistical analysis for driver species identification and microbiome-wide association analysis. tmap can be used for exploring variations in a population-scale microbiome landscape to study host-microbiome association.nnAvailability and implementationtmap is available at GitHub (https://github.com/GPZ-Bioinfo/tmap), accompanied with online documentation and tutorial (http://tmap.readthedocs.io).nnContacthttp://hk.zhou@siat.ac.cn
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/396960</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[tmap: topological analysis of population-scale microbiome data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/400689v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mate-pair Library Construction with Controlled Polymerization Enables Comprehensive Structural Rearrangement Detection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/400689v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The diversity of disease presentations warrants one single assay for detection and delineation of various genomic disorders. Herein, we describe a gel-free and biotin-capture-free mate-pair method through coupling Controlled Polymerizations by Adapter-Ligation (CP-AL). We first demonstrated the feasibility and ease-of-use in monitoring DNA nick-translation and primer extension by limiting the nucleotide input. By coupling these two controlled polymerizations by a reported non-conventional adapter ligation reaction 3 branch ligation, we evidenced that CP-AL significantly increased DNA-circularization efficiency (by 4-fold) and was applicable for different sequencing methods but at a faction of current cost. Its advantages were further demonstrated by fully elimination of small-insert-contaminated (by 39.3-fold) with a ~50% increment of physical coverage, and producing uniform genome/exome coverage and the lowest chimeric rate. It achieved single-nucleotide variants detection with sensitivity and specificity up to 97.3 and 99.7%, respectively, compared with data from small-insert libraries. In addition, this method can provide a comprehensive delineation of structural rearrangements, evidenced by a potential diagnosis in a patient with oligo-atheno-terato-spermia. Moreover, it enables accurate mutation identification by integration of genomic variants from different aberration types. Overall, it provides a potential single-integrated solution for detecting various genomic variants, facilitating a genetic diagnosis in human diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zirui, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiaoling, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhenjun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andrei, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanjie, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jie, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanmin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiaojuan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiguang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiaofan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oleg, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shane, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jennifer, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bahram G., K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Killeen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pengjuan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zilan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wenwei, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Radoje, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong Wai, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/400689</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mate-pair Library Construction with Controlled Polymerization Enables Comprehensive Structural Rearrangement Detection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/411090v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Microbial Cells Harboring a Mitochondrial Gene Are Capable of CO2 Capture 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/411090v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Global warming is escalating with increased temperatures reported worldwide. Given the enormous land mass on the planet, biological capture of CO2 remains a viable approach to mitigate the crisis as it is economical and easy to implement. In this study, a gene capable of CO2 capture was identified via selection in minimal media. This mitochondrial gene named as OG1 encodes the OK/SW-CL.16 protein and shares homology with cytochrome oxidase subunit III of various species and PII uridylyl-transferase from Loktanella vestfoldensis SKA53. CO2 capture experiments indicate that {delta}13C was substantially higher in the cells harboring the gene OG1 than the control in the nutrition-poor media. This study suggests that CO2 capture using engineered microorganisms in barren land can be exploited to address the soaring CO2 level in the atmosphere, opening up vast land resources to cope with global warming.nnIMPORTANCEGlobal warming crisis is deteriorating with increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere each year. Action must be taken before catastrophic consequences occur in the not-so-distant future. Biological capture of CO2 is a feasible approach to alleviate the current crisis. We have identified a mitochondrial gene which demonstrated CO2 utilization capability. Data presented in this study suggest that CO2 capture using engineered microorganisms can be harnessed to address the ever-rising CO2 level in the atmosphere.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ouyang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nuertai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/411090</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Microbial Cells Harboring a Mitochondrial Gene Are Capable of CO2 Capture]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/413062v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
eQTL network analysis reveals that regulatory genes are evolutionarily older and bearing more types of PTM sites in Coprinopsis cinerea 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/413062v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding the DNA variation in regulation of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) is fundamental to the use of wood-decaying basidiomycetes in lignocellulose conversion into renewable energy. Our goal is to identify the regulators of lignocellulolytic enzymes in Coprinopsis cinerea, of which the genome harbors high number of Auxiliary Activities enzymes.nnThe DNA sequence of C. cinerea family including 46 single spore isolates (SSIs) from crosses of two homozygous strains are used to develop a panel of SNP markers. Then the RNA sequence were used to characterize the gene expression profiles. The RNA were extracted from cultures grown on softwood-enriched sawdust to induce lignocellulolytic enzymes and CCR de-repression genes. To assess the genetic contribution to enzyme expression variations among the 46 SSIs, associations between SNPs and gene expressions were examined genome-widely. 5148 local eQTLs and 7738 distant eQTLs were obtained. By analyzing these eQTLs, the potential regulatory factors of the CAZymes expression and the de-repression of Carbon Catabolism Repression (CCR) were identified.nnThe eQTL network is characterized in terms of hotspots, evolutionary age and post-translational modifications (PTMs). In the eQTL network of C. cinerea, the non-regulatory genes are younger than the regulatory genes. The proteins regulated by combinational multiple types of PTMs are more likely to function as super regulatory hotspots in protein-protein interactions. The evolutionary age analysis and the PTMome analysis could serve as alternative methods to identify master regulators from genomic data.nnThis work demonstrates a comprehensive bioinformatics approach to identify regulatory factors with next-generation sequencing data. The results provide candidate genes for bioengineering to increase the enzyme production, which will practically benefit the bioethanol production from lignocellulose.nnSignificanceThis eQTL analysis is designed to study the fungal CAZymes and carbon catabolism repression, especially during the mycelium stage.nnO_LIIn Coprinopsis cinerea, only the regions near two ends of the chromosomes have high recombination rate, and suitable for family based eQTL analysis.nC_LIO_LIA sugar transporter is a hotspot controlling many CCR genes.nC_LIO_LICAZymes are not regulated by a master regulator, but by individual regulators. This indicates that CAZymes are under specific regulatory pathways, so can response to specific conditions.nC_LIO_LIIn the eQTL network, the rGenes are evolutionarily older, with more types of PTM sites than eGenes.nC_LIO_LIIn the eQTL network, the proteins with more types of PTM sites are more likely associated with Information Storage and Processing, and act as super-hub in the network.nC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/413062</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[eQTL network analysis reveals that regulatory genes are evolutionarily older and bearing more types of PTM sites in Coprinopsis cinerea]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/415109v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Detection of cell-type-specific risk-CpG sites in epigenome-wide association studies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/415109v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In epigenome-wide association studies, the measured signals for each sample are a mixture of methylation profiles from different cell types. The current approaches to the association detection only claim whether a cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) site is associated with the phenotype or not, but they cannot determine the cell type in which the risk-CpG site is affected by the phenotype. Here, we propose a solid statistical method, HIgh REsolution (HIRE), which not only substantially improves the power of association detection at the aggregated level as compared to the existing methods but also enables the detection of risk-CpG sites for individual cell types.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/415109</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Detection of cell-type-specific risk-CpG sites in epigenome-wide association studies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/416545v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A guide to performing Polygenic Risk Score analyses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/416545v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The application of polygenic risk scores (PRS) has become routine across genetic research. Among a range of applications, PRS are exploited to assess shared aetiology between phenotypes, to evaluate the predictive power of genetic data for use in clinical settings, and as part of experimental studies in which, for example, experiments are performed on individuals, or their biological samples (eg. tissues, cells), at the tails of the PRS distribution and contrasted. As GWAS sample sizes increase and PRS become more powerful, they are set to play a key role in personalised medicine. However, despite the growing application and importance of PRS, there are limited guidelines for performing PRS analyses, which can lead to inconsistency between studies and misinterpretation of results. Here we provide detailed guidelines for performing polygenic risk score analyses relevant to different methods for their calculation, outlining standard quality control steps and offering recommendations for best-practice. We also discuss different methods for the calculation of PRS, common misconceptions regarding the interpretation of results and future challenges.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Choi, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, T. S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Reilly, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/416545</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A guide to performing Polygenic Risk Score analyses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/424663v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dietary fatty acids promote lipid droplet diversity through seipin enrichment in an ER subdomain 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/424663v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Exogenous metabolites from microbial and dietary origins have profound effects on host metabolism. Here, we report that a sub-population of lipid droplets (LDs), which are conserved organelles for fat storage, is defined by metabolites-driven targeting of the C. elegans seipin ortholog, SEIP-1. Loss of SEIP-1 function reduced the size of a subset of LDs while over-expression of SEIP-1 had the opposite effect. Ultrastructural analysis revealed SEIP-1 enrichment in an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) subdomain, which co-purified with LDs. Analyses of C. elegans and bacterial genetic mutants indicated a requirement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and microbial cyclopropane fatty acids (CFAs) for SEIP-1 enrichment, as confirmed by dietary supplementation experiments. In mammalian cells, heterologous expression of SEIP-1 promoted lipid droplet expansion from ER subdomains in a conserved manner. Our results suggest that microbial and polyunsaturated fatty acids serve unexpected roles in regulating cellular fat storage by enforcing LD diversity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shui, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/424663</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dietary fatty acids promote lipid droplet diversity through seipin enrichment in an ER subdomain]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/424978v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
5-Hydroxymethylcytosines from Circulating Cell-free DNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/424978v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The lack of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarkers is a major contributor to the poor outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the second-most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. We sought to develop a clinically convenient and minimally-invasive approach that can be deployed at scale for the sensitive, specific, and highly reliable diagnosis of HCC, and to evaluate the potential prognostic value of this approach. The study cohort comprised of 2,728 subjects, including HCC patients (n = 1,208), controls (n = 965) (572 healthy individuals and 393 patients with benign lesions), as well as patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) (n =291), liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 110), and cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) (n = 154), was recruited from three major liver cancer hospitals in Shanghai, China, from July 2016 to November 2017. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) were collected from plasma samples from these individuals before surgery or any radical treatment. Applying our 5hmC-Seal technique, the summarized 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) profiles in cfDNA were obtained. Molecular annotation analysis suggested that the profiled 5hmC loci in cfDNA were enriched with liver tissue-derived regulatory markers (e.g., H3K4me1). We showed that a weighted diagnostic score (wd-score) based on 117 genes detected using the summarized 5hmC profiles in cfDNA accurately distinguished HCC patients from controls (AUC = 95.1%; 95% CI, 93.6-96.5%) in the validation set, markedly outperformed -fetoprotein (AFP) with superior sensitivity. The wd-scores, which not only detected early BCLC stages (e.g., Stage 0: AUC = 96.2%; 95% CI,94.1-98.4%) and small tumors (e.g., < 2 cm: AUC = 95.7%; 95% CI: 93.6-97.7%), also showed high capacity for distinguishing HCC from non-cancer patients with CHB/LC (AUC = 80.2%; 95% CI, 75.8-84.6%). Moreover, the prognostic value of 5hmC markers in cfDNA was evaluated for HCC recurrence, showing that a weighted prognostic score (wp-score) based on 16 marker genes predicted the recurrence risk (HR = 6.67; 95% CI, 2.81-15.82, p < 0.0001) in 555 patients who have been followed up after surgery. In conclusion, we have developed and validated a robust 5hmC-based diagnostic model that can be applied routinely with clinically feasible amount of cfDNA (e.g., from ~2-5 mL of plasma). Applying this new approach in the clinic could significantly improve the clinical outcomes of HCC patients, for example by early detection of those patients with surgically resectable tumors or as a convenient disease surveillance tool for recurrence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sui, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, B. C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/424978</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[5-Hydroxymethylcytosines from Circulating Cell-free DNA as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/429332v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GRID-seq assisted computational prediction of transcription factor binding motifs using multivariate mahalanobis distance analysis reveals that RNA-chromosomal interaction may act as a proxy indicator of true positive transcriptional activity. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/429332v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Experimental validation of computationally predicted transcription factor binding motifs is desirable. Increased RNA levels in the vicinity of predicted protein-chromosomal binding motifs intuitively suggest regulatory activity. With this intuition in mind, the approach presented here juxtaposes publicly available experimentally derived GRID-seq data with binding motif predictions computationally determined by deep learning models. The aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using RNA-sequencing data to improve binding motif prediction accuracy. Publicly available GRID-seq scores and computed DeepBind scores could be aggregated by chromosomal region and anomalies within the aggregated data could be detected using mahalanobis distance analysis. A mantels test of matrices containing pairwise hamming distances showed significant differences between 1) randomly ranked sequences, 2) sequences ranked by non-GRID-seq assisted scores, and 3) sequences ranked by GRID-seq assisted scores. Plots of mahalanobis ranked binding motifs revealed an inversely proportional relationship between GRID-seq scores and DeepBind scores. Data points with high DeepBind scores but low GRID-seq scores had no DNAse hypersensitivity clusters annotated to their respective sequences. However, DNase hypersensitivity was observed for high scoring DeepBind motifs with moderate GRID-seq scores. Binding motifs of interest were recognized by their deviance from the inversely proportional tendency, and the underlying context sequences of these predicted motifs were on occasion associated with DNAse hypersensitivity unlike the most highly ranked motif scores when DeepBind was used in isolation. This article presents a novel combinatory approach to predict functional protein-chromosomal binding motifs. The two underlying methods are based on recent developments in the fields of RNA sequencing and deep learning, respectively. They are shown to be suited for synergistic use, which broadens the scope of their respective applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Veldsman, W. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/429332</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GRID-seq assisted computational prediction of transcription factor binding motifs using multivariate mahalanobis distance analysis reveals that RNA-chromosomal interaction may act as a proxy indicator of true positive transcriptional activity.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/429795v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanistic basis for the evolution of chalcone synthase catalytic cysteine reactivity in land plants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/429795v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Flavonoids are important polyphenolic natural products, ubiquitous in land plants, that play diverse functions in plants survival in their ecological niches, including UV protection, pigmentation for attracting pollinators, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and defense against herbivores. Chalcone synthase (CHS) catalyzes the first committed step in plant flavonoid biosynthesis and is highly conserved in all land plants. In several previously reported crystal structures of flowering plant CHSs, the catalytic cysteine is oxidized to sulfinic acid, indicating enhanced nucleophilicity in this residue associated with its increased susceptibility to oxidation. In this study, we report a set of new crystal structures of CHSs representing all five major lineages of land plants. We reveal that the structures of CHS from a lycophyte and a moss species preserve the catalytic cysteine in a reduced state, in contrast to the cysteine sulfinic acid seen in all euphyllophyte CHS structures. In vivo complementation, in vitro biochemical and mutagenesis analyses, as well as molecular dynamics simulations identify a set of residues that differ between basal-plant and euphyllophyte CHSs and modulate catalytic cysteine reactivity. We propose that the CHS active-site environment has evolved in euphyllophytes to further enhance the nucleophilicity of the catalytic cysteine since the divergence of euphyllophytes from other vascular plant lineages 400 million years ago. These changes in CHS could have contributed to the diversification of flavonoid biosynthesis in euphyllophytes, which in turn contributed to their dominance in terrestrial ecosystems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liou, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, J.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/429795</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanistic basis for the evolution of chalcone synthase catalytic cysteine reactivity in land plants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/429977v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Comparison of tri-exponential decay vs. bi-exponential decay and full fitting vs. segmented fitting for modeling liver intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion MRI 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/429977v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PurposeTo determine whether bi- or tri-exponential models, and full or segmented fittings, better fit IVIM imaging signal of healthy livers.nnMaterials and methodsDiffusion-weighted images were acquired with a 3-T scanner using respiratory-triggered echo-planar sequence and 16 b-values (0[~]800 s/mm2). Eighteen healthy volunteers had liver scanned twice in the same session, and then once again in another session. Region of interest (ROI)-based measurements were processed with bi-exponential model full fitting and segmented fitting (threshold b-value = 80 s/mm2), as well as tri-exponential model full fitting and segmented fitting (threshold b-value = 200 s/mm2).nnResultsWith all scans signal averaged, bi-exponential model full fitting showed Dslow=1.14, Dfast=193.6x10-3 mm2/s, and PF=16.9%, and segmented fitting showed Dslow=1.03, Dfast=56.7x10-3 mm2/s, and PF=21.3%. IVIM parameters derived from tri-exponential model were similar for full fitting and segmented fitting, with a slow (Dslow=0.98x10-3 mm2/s; Fslow=76.4 or 76.6%), a fast (Dfast=15.1 or 15.4x10-3 mm2/s; Ffast=11.8 or 11.7%) and a very fast (DVfast=445.0 or 448.8x10-3 mm2/s; FVfast=11.8 or 11.7 %) diffusion compartments. Tri-exponential model provided an overall better fit than bi-exponential model. For bi-exponential model, full fitting provided better fit at very low and low b-values compared with segmented fitting with the later tended to underestimate Dfast, however, segmented method demonstrated lower error in signal prediction for high b-values. Compared with full fitting, tri-exponential segmented fitting offered better scan-rescan reproducibility.nnConclusionFor healthy liver, tri-exponential modelling is preferred than bi-exponential modelling. For bi-exponential model, segmented fitting underestimates Dfast, but offers more accurate estimation of Dslow.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chevallier, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cercueil, J.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loffroy, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-09-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/429977</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Comparison of tri-exponential decay vs. bi-exponential decay and full fitting vs. segmented fitting for modeling liver intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion MRI]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-09-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/434803v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Automatic Human-like Mining and Constructing Reliable Genetic Association Database with Deep Reinforcement Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/434803v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The increasing amount of scientific literature in biological and biomedical science research has created a challenge in the continuous and reliable curation of the latest knowledge discovered, and automatic biomedical text-mining has been one of the answers to this chal-lenge. In this paper, we aim to further improve the reliability of biomedical text-mining by training the system to directly simulate the human behaviors such as querying the PubMed, selecting articles from queried results, and reading selected articles for knowledge. We take advantage of the efficiency of biomedical text-mining, the flexibility of deep reinforcement learning, and the massive amount of knowledge collected in UMLS into an integrative arti-ficial intelligent reader that can automatically identify the authentic articles and effectively acquire the knowledge conveyed in the articles. We construct a system, whose current pri-mary task is to build the genetic association database between genes and complex traits of the human. Our contributions in this paper are three-fold: 1) We propose to improve the reliability of text-mining by building a system that can directly simulate the behavior of a researcher, and we develop corresponding methods, such as Bi-directional LSTM for text mining and Deep Q-Network for organizing behaviors. 2) We demonstrate the effec-tiveness of our system with an example in constructing a genetic association database. 3) We release our implementation as a generic framework for researchers in the community to conveniently construct other databases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cohen, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xing, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/434803</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Automatic Human-like Mining and Constructing Reliable Genetic Association Database with Deep Reinforcement Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/438218v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
D-GPM: a deep learning method for gene promoter methylation inference 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/438218v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGene promoter methylation plays a critical role in a wide range of biological processes, such as transcriptional expression, gene imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, etc. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing generates a comprehensive profiling of the gene methylation levels but is limited by a high cost. Recent studies have partitioned the genes into landmark genes and target genes and suggested that the landmark gene expression levels capture adequate information to reconstruct the target gene expression levels. Moreover, the methylation level of the promoter is usually negatively correlated with its corresponding gene expression. This result inspired us to propose that the methylation level of the promoters might be adequate to reconstruct the promoter methylation level of target genes, which would eventually reduce the cost of promoter methylation profiling.nnResultsHere, we developed a deep learning model (D-GPM) to predict the whole-genome promoter methylation level based on the methylation profile of the landmark genes. We benchmarked D-GPM against three machine learning methods, namely, linear regression (LR), regression tree (RT) and support vector machine (SVM), based on two criteria: the mean absolute deviation (MAE) and the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). After profiling the methylation beta value (MBV) dataset from the TCGA, with respect to MAE and PCC, we found that D-GPM outperforms LR by 9.59% and 4.34%, RT by 27.58% and 22.96% and SVM by 6.14% and 3.07% on average, respectively. For the number of better-predicted genes, D-GPM outperforms LR in 92.65% and 91.00%, RT in 95.66% and 98.25% and SVM in 85.49% and 81.56% of the target genes.nnConclusionsD-GPM acquires the least overall MAE and the highest overall PCC on MBV-te compared to LR, RT, and SVM. For a genewise comparative analysis, D-GPM outperforms LR, RT, and SVM in an overwhelming majority of the target genes, with respect to the MAE and PCC. Most importantly, D-GPM predominates among the other models in predicting a majority of the target genes according to the model distribution of the least MAE and the highest PCC for the target genes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/438218</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[D-GPM: a deep learning method for gene promoter methylation inference]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/445874v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Comparative genetic architectures of schizophrenia in East Asian and European populations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/445874v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Author summarySchizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a lifetime risk of about 1% world-wide. Most large schizophrenia genetic studies have studied people of primarily European ancestry, potentially missing important biological insights. Here we present a study of East Asian participants (22,778 schizophrenia cases and 35,362 controls), identifying 21 genome-wide significant schizophrenia associations in 19 genetic loci. Over the genome, the common genetic variants that confer risk for schizophrenia have highly similar effects in those of East Asian and European ancestry (rg=0.98), indicating for the first time that the genetic basis of schizophrenia and its biology are broadly shared across these world populations. A fixed-effect meta-analysis including individuals from East Asian and European ancestries revealed 208 genome-wide significant schizophrenia associations in 176 genetic loci (53 novel). Trans-ancestry fine-mapping more precisely isolated schizophrenia causal alleles in 70% of these loci. Despite consistent genetic effects across populations, polygenic risk models trained in one population have reduced performance in the other, highlighting the importance of including all major ancestral groups with sufficient sample size to ensure the findings have maximum relevance for all populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lam, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bryois, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaspar, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ikeda, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benyamin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brown, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kamatani, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, S.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kubo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kusumawardhani, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Periyasamy, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Takahashi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Psychiatric Genomics Consortium - Schizophrenia Working Group,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Indonesia Schizophrenia Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Genetic REsearch on schizophreniA neTwork-China and Netherland (GREAT-CN),</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Faraone, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Glatt, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hyman, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hwu, H.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCarroll, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neale, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sklar, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wildenauer, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zh</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/445874</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Comparative genetic architectures of schizophrenia in East Asian and European populations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/447433v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Optical Sectioning of Live Mammal with Near-Infrared Light Sheet 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/447433v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deep-tissue three-dimensional optical imaging of live mammals in vivo with high spatiotemporal resolution in non-invasive manners has been challenging due to light scattering. Here, we developed near-infrared (NIR) light sheet microscopy (LSM) with optical excitation and emission wavelengths up to ~ 1320 nm and ~ 1700 nm respectively, far into the NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) region for 3D optical sectioning through live tissues. Suppressed scattering of both excitation and emission photons allowed one-photon optical sectioning at ~ 2 mm depth in highly scattering brain tissues. NIR-II LSM enabled non-invasive in vivo imaging of live mice, revealing never-before-seen dynamic processes such as highly abnormal tumor microcirculation, and 3D molecular imaging of an important immune checkpoint protein, programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) receptors at the single cell scale in tumors. In vivo two-color near-infrared light sheet sectioning enabled simultaneous volumetric imaging of tumor vasculatures and PD-L1 proteins in live mammals.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/447433</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Optical Sectioning of Live Mammal with Near-Infrared Light Sheet]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/471888v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single Agent and Synergistic Activity of Maritoclax with ABT-263 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) Cell Lines 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/471888v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveThe BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins are over-expressed in many cancers and hence are attractive therapeutic targets. In this study we tested the sensitivity of two NPC cell lines HK1 and C6661-1 to Maritoclax which is reported to repress anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 and BH3 mimetic ABT-263 which selectively inhibits anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-XL and BCL-w. We investigated the sensitization of the NPC cell lines to these drugs using the SYBR Green I assay and 3D NPC spheroids.nnResultsWe report that Maritoclax repressed MCL-1, BCL-2, and BCL-XL in a dose- and time-dependent manner and displayed a single agent activity in inhibiting cell proliferation of the NPC cell lines. Moreover, combination of Maritoclax and ABT-263 exhibited synergistic cell proliferation effect in the HK1 cell line. Similar results were obtained in the 3D spheroids. More notably, 3D spheroids either treated with single agent Maritoclax or combination with ABT-263 over 10 days did not develop resistance to the treatment rapidly. Collectively, the findings illustrate that Maritoclax as a single agent or combination with BH3 mimetics could be a potential treatment strategy for NPC but further studies in preclinical models are warranted to fully unravel the prospects of these drugs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lian, B. S. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khoo, A. S.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohana Kumaran, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-11-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/471888</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single Agent and Synergistic Activity of Maritoclax with ABT-263 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) Cell Lines]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-11-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/481473v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Beat-Relevant Signals in Auditory Cortical Responses to Musical Excerpts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/481473v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Musical beat perception is widely regarded as a high-level ability involving widespread coordination across brain areas, but how low-level auditory processing must necessarily shape these dynamics, and therefore perception, remains unexplored. Previous cross-species work suggested that beat perception in simple rhythmic noise bursts is shaped by neural transients in the ascending sensory pathway. Here, we found that low-level processes even substantially explain the emergence of beat in real music. Firing rates in the rat auditory cortex in response to twenty musical excerpts were on average higher on the beat than off the beat tapped by human listeners. This "neural emphasis" distinguished the perceived beat from alternative interpretations, was predictive of the degree of consensus across listeners, and was accounted for by a spectrotemporal receptive field model. These findings indicate that low-level auditory processing may have a stronger influence on the location and clarity of the beat in music than previously thought.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rajendran, V. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harper, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-11-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/481473</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Beat-Relevant Signals in Auditory Cortical Responses to Musical Excerpts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-11-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/492397v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Transcriptional profiling elucidates the essential role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 to fruiting body formation in Coprinopsis cinerea 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/492397v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The functions of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) have been well-studied in animal, plant and yeast. However, information on its roles in basidiomycetous fungi is still limited. In this study, we used the model mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea to study the characteristics of GSK3 in fruiting body development. Application of a GSK3 inhibitor Lithium chloride (LiCl) induced enhanced mycelial growth and inhibited fruiting body formation in C. cinerea. RNA-Seq of LiCl-treated C. cinerea resulted in a total of 14128 unigenes. There were 1210 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the LiCl-treated samples and control samples in the mycelium stage (first time point), whereas 1402 DEGs were detected at the stage when the control samples formed hyphal knots and the treatment samples were still in mycelium (second time point). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs revealed significant associations between the enhanced mycelium growth in LiCl treated C. cinerea and metabolism pathways such as "biosynthesis of secondary metabolite" and "biosynthesis of antibiotics". In addition, DEGs involved in cellular process pathways, including "cell cycle-yeast" and "meiosis-yeast", were identified in C. cinerea fruiting body formation suppressed by LiCl under favorable environmental conditions. Our findings suggest that GSK3 activity is essential for fruiting body formation as it affects the expression of fruiting body induction genes and genes in cellular processes. Further functional studies of GSK3 in basidiomycetous fungi may help understand the relationships between environmental signals and fruiting body development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/492397</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Transcriptional profiling elucidates the essential role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 to fruiting body formation in Coprinopsis cinerea]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/493130v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Consensus interpretation of the Met34Thr and Val37Ile variants in GJB2 by the ClinGen Hearing Loss Expert Panel 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/493130v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PURPOSEPathogenic variants in GJB2 are the most common cause of autosomal recessive sensorineural hearing loss. The classification of c.101T>C/p.Met34Thr and c.109G>A/p.Val37Ile in GJB2 are controversial. Therefore, an expert consensus is required for the interpretation of these two variants.nnMETHODSThe ClinGen Hearing Loss Expert Panel (HL-EP) collected published data and shared unpublished information from participating laboratories regarding the two variants. Functional, computational, allelic, and segregation data were also obtained.nnRESULTSThe panel reviewed the synthesized information, and classified the Met34Thr and Val37Ile variants according to professional variant interpretation guidelines. We found that Met34Thr and Val37Ile are significantly overrepresented in hearing loss patients, compared to the general population. Met34Thr or Val37Ile homozygotes or compound heterozygotes typically manifest mild to moderate hearing loss. Several other types of evidence also support pathogenic roles for those two variants.nnCONCLUSIONResolving controversies in variant classification requires coordinated effort among a panel of international multi-institutional experts to share data, standardize classification rules, review evidence, and reach a consensus. The ClinGen HL-EP concluded that Met34Thr and Val37Ile variants in GJB2 are pathogenic for autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss with variable expressivity and age-dependent penetrance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oza, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>del Castillo, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duzkale, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matsunaga, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pandya, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mar-Heyming, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guha, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moyer, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kenna, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alexander, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hirsch, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wai Choy, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Avraham, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garrido, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moreno-Pelayo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Greinwald, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brownstein, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basel-Vanagaite, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davidov, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frydman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weiden, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagan, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Willis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hemphill, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grant, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siegert, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DiStefano, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amr, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rehm, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abou Tayoun, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>The ClinGen Hearing Loss Working Group,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/493130</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Consensus interpretation of the Met34Thr and Val37Ile variants in GJB2 by the ClinGen Hearing Loss Expert Panel]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/496265v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modified recipe to inhibit GSK-3 for the living fungal biomaterial manufacture 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/496265v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Living fungal mycelium with suppressed or abolished fruit-forming ability is a self-healing substance particularly valuable biomaterial for further engineering and development in applications such as monitoring/sensing environmental changes and secreting signals. The ability to suppress fungal fruiting is also a useful tool for maintaining stability (e.g., shape, form) of a mycelium-based biomaterial with ease and lower cost.nnThe objective of this present study is to provide a biochemical solution to regulate the fruiting body formation to replace heat killing of mycelium during production. We discovered that GSK-3 activity directly correlates with the development of fruiting bodies in fungi, especially mushroom forming fungi such as Coprinopsis cinerea. By regulating GSK-3 expression and activity, one can control the fungal fruiting body development.nnWe successfully demonstrated that treatment of an inhibitor of GSK-3 kinase activity resulted in acceleration in mycelium growth rate, absence of fruiting body and general decrease in GSK-3 gene expression. Therefore, GSK-3 inhibitor is suggested to be included in the mycelium cultivation recipes for regulating the growth of fungal mycelium and for inhibiting the development of fruiting bodies. This is the first report of using a GSK-3 inhibitor, such as lithium or any other GSK-3 inhibitor, to suppress or abolish fruiting body formation in living fungal mycelium-based biomaterial. It also provides an innovative strategy for easy, reliable, and low cost maintenance of biomaterial containing live fungal mycelium.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jinhui, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/496265</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modified recipe to inhibit GSK-3 for the living fungal biomaterial manufacture]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/505131v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pleistocene Mammal Population Fluctuation Patterns Inferred by Their Genomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/505131v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Paleoclimate fluctuations critically affect paleoecological systems and influence mammal populations, even resulting in population differentiation [1]. Historical effective population size (Ne) can reflect these influences [2, 3]. Dozens of recent studies have investigated the relationship between variations in Ne values of one or a small number of mammalian species, inferred from genomic data, and fluctuations in paleoclimate [4-7]. However, there lacks an integrated and comprehensive study on the relationship between the fluctuations in paleoclimate and variations in Ne values inferred from genome sequencing data of a wide range of mammals. To investigate patterns in mammalian Ne values during the the Pleistocene, we gathered whole genome sequencing data of 60 mammals from 35 species distributed across Afro-Eurasia and the Americas, then inferred their Ne curves using the Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (PSMC) method; 30 mammalian Ne curves almost simultaneously started to contract at the turning point of the Middle Pleistocene Transition (MPT); then the population of seven mammals started to expand at the turning point of the Middle Brunhes Event (MBE), while the contraction of other mammals populations was prolonged to the later different time periods. Eight mammals experienced a severe population contraction around the Last Glaciation Maximum, as some aves did [8], while four potential ruminant beneficiaries showed an expanding population. Sus scrofa and Bos taurus experienced an internal population differentiation in the MPT. To conclude, the phenomenon that critical paleoclimate events facilitated contemporaneous animal population fluctuations in the paleoecological system is showed by our Ne curve analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2018-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/505131</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pleistocene Mammal Population Fluctuation Patterns Inferred by Their Genomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2018-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/509554v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
10Kin1day: A bottom-up neuroimaging initiative 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/509554v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We organized 10Kin1day, a pop-up scientific event with the goal to bring together neuroimaging groups from around the world to jointly analyze 10,000+ existing MRI connectivity datasets during a 3-day workshop. In this report, we describe the motivation and principles of 10Kin1day, together with a public release of 8,000+ MRI connectome maps of the human brain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>van den Heuvel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scholtens, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Burgh, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Agosta, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alloza, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Avancini, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baron-Cohen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basaia, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beyer, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Booij, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cannon, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cambridge Child Development Project,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crespo-Facorro, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crone, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dannlowski, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Zwarte, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Diaz-Zuluaga, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dietsche, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donohoe, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du Plessis, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Durston, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Emsley, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Filho, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Filippi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frodl, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gasecki, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goc, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gorges, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Graff, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grotegerd, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hall, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holleran, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hopman, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jäncke, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jansen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jodzio, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaleda, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kassubek, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kharabian Masouleh, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kircher, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koevoe</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/509554</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[10Kin1day: A bottom-up neuroimaging initiative]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/510842v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tombusvirus p19 captures RNase III-cleaved double-stranded RNAs formed by overlapping sense and antisense transcripts in E. coli 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/510842v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antisense transcription is widespread in bacteria. By base pairing with overlapping sense RNAs, antisense RNAs (asRNA) can form long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA), which are cleaved by RNase III, a dsRNA endoribonuclease. Ectopic expression of plant tombusvirus p19 in E. coli stabilizes ~21 bp dsRNA RNase III decay intermediates, which enabled us to characterize otherwise highly unstable asRNA by deep sequencing of p19-captured dsRNA and total RNA. dsRNA formed at most bacterial genes in the bacterial chromosome and in a plasmid. The most abundant dsRNA clusters were mostly formed by divergent transcription of sense and antisense transcripts overlapping at their 5-ends. The most abundant clusters included small RNAs, such as ryeA/ryeB, 4 toxin-antitoxin genes, and 3 tRNAs, and some longer coding genes, including rsd and cspD. The sense and antisense transcripts in abundant dsRNA clusters were more plentiful and had longer half-lives in RNase III mutant strains, suggesting that formation of dsRNAs promoted RNA decay at these loci. However, widespread changes in protein levels did not occur in RNase III mutant bacteria. Nonetheless, some proteins involved in antioxidant responses and glycolysis changed reproducibly. dsRNAs accumulated in bacterial cells lacking RNase III, increasing in stationary phase, and correlated with increased cell death in RNase III mutant bacteria in late stationary phase. The physiological importance of widespread antisense transcription in bacteria remains unclear but it may become important during environmental stress. Ectopic expression of p19 is a sensitive method for identifying antisense transcripts and RNase III cleavage sites in bacteria.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deighan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mo, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoover, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abubucker, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Finkel, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McReynolds, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hochschild, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lieberman, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/510842</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tombusvirus p19 captures RNase III-cleaved double-stranded RNAs formed by overlapping sense and antisense transcripts in E. coli]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/515486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Immune gene expression profiling reveals heterogeneity in luminal breast tumors 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/515486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Disease heterogeneity of immune gene expression patterns of luminal breast cancer (BC) has not been well studied. We performed immune gene expression profiling of tumor and adjacent normal tissue in 92 Asian luminal BC patients and identified three distinct immune subtypes. Tumors in one subtype exhibited signs of T-cell activation, lower ESR1/ESR2 expression ratio and higher expression of immune checkpoint genes, nonsynonymous mutation burden, APOBEC-signature mutations, and increasing body mass index compared to other luminal tumors. Tumors in a second subtype were characterized by increased expression of interferon-stimulated genes and enrichment for TP53 somatic mutations. The presence of three immune subtypes within luminal BC was replicated in cases drawn from The Cancer Genome Atlas and a Korean breast cancer study. Our findings suggest that immune gene expression and associated genomic features could be useful to further stratify luminal BC beyond the current luminal A/B classification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, S. L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koka, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abubakar, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Park, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nam, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hutchinson, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hicks, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Prokunina-Olsson, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Closas, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chanock, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/515486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Immune gene expression profiling reveals heterogeneity in luminal breast tumors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/519975v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
O-GlcNAc transferase suppresses necroptosis and liver fibrosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/519975v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Over a billion people suffer from chronic liver diseases worldwide, which often leads to fibrosis and then cirrhosis. Treatments for fibrosis remain experimental, in part because no unifying mechanism has been identified that initiates liver fibrosis. Here we report that O-linked {beta}-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification protects against hepatocyte necroptosis and initiation of liver fibrosis. Decreased O-GlcNAc levels were seen in patients with liver cirrhosis and in mice with ethanol-induced liver injury. Liver-specific O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) knockout (OGT-LKO) mice exhibited ballooning degeneration and elevated circulating alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at an early age and progressed to liver fibrosis and portal inflammation by 10 weeks of age. OGT-deficient hepatocytes underwent excessive necroptosis and exhibited elevated protein expression levels of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL), which are key mediators of necroptosis. Furthermore, glycosylation of RIPK3 by OGT reduced RIPK3 protein stability. Taken together, these findings identify OGT as a key suppressor of hepatocyte necroptosis and OGT-LKO mice may serve as an effective spontaneous genetic model of liver fibrosis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mitchell-Richards, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nam, J. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iwakiri, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robert, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ehrlich, B. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bennett, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nathanson, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/519975</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[O-GlcNAc transferase suppresses necroptosis and liver fibrosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/525683v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ultra-rare genetic variation in the epilepsies: a whole-exome sequencing study of 17,606 individuals 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/525683v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sequencing-based studies have identified novel risk genes for rare, severe epilepsies and revealed a role of rare deleterious variation in common epilepsies. To identify the shared and distinct ultra-rare genetic risk factors for rare and common epilepsies, we performed a whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis of 9,170 epilepsy-affected individuals and 8,364 controls of European ancestry. We focused on three phenotypic groups; the rare but severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), and the commoner phenotypes of genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and non-acquired focal epilepsy (NAFE). We observed that compared to controls, individuals with any type of epilepsy carried an excess of ultra-rare, deleterious variants in constrained genes and in genes previously associated with epilepsy, with the strongest enrichment seen in DEE and the least in NAFE. Moreover, we found that inhibitory GABAA receptor genes were enriched for missense variants across all three classes of epilepsy, while no enrichment was seen in excitatory receptor genes. The larger gene groups for the GABAergic pathway or cation channels also showed a significant mutational burden in DEE and GGE. Although no single gene surpassed exome-wide significance among individuals with GGE or NAFE, highly constrained genes and genes encoding ion channels were among the top associations, including CACNA1G, EEF1A2, and GABRG2 for GGE and LGI1, TRIM3, and GABRG2 for NAFE. Our study confirms a convergence in the genetics of common and rare epilepsies associated with ultra-rare coding variation and highlights a ubiquitous role for GABAergic inhibition in epilepsy etiology in the largest epilepsy WES study to date.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Epi25 Collaborative,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.-C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Howrigan, D. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abbott, L. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tashman, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cerrato, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Singh, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heyne, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Byrnes, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Churchhouse, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lal, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heinzen, E. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cavalleri, G. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hakonarson, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Helbig, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krause, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>May, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weckhuysen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petrovski, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kamalakaran, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sisodiya, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cossette, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cotsapas, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Jonghe, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dixon-Salazar, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guerrini, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marson, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stewart, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Depondt, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dlugos, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scheffer, I. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Striano, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freyer, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McKenna, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Regan, B. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bellows, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bennett, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johns, E. M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Macdonald, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shilling,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/525683</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ultra-rare genetic variation in the epilepsies: a whole-exome sequencing study of 17,606 individuals]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/530451v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Seascape genetics at its finest: dispersal patchiness within a well-connected population 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/530451v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dispersal is a main determining factor of population structure and variation. In the marine habitat, well-connected populations with large numbers of reproducing individuals are common but even so population structure can exist on a small-scale. Variation in dispersal between populations or over time is often associated to both environmental and genetic variation. Nonetheless, detecting structure and dispersal variation on a fine-scale within marine populations still remains a challenge. Here we propose and use a novel approach of combining a clustering model, early-life history trait information from fish otoliths, spatial coordinates and genetic markers to detect very fine-scale dispersal patterns. We collected 1573 individuals (946 adults and 627 juveniles) of the black-faced blenny across a small-scale (2km) coastline as well as at a larger-scale area (<50kms). A total of 178 single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to evaluate relatedness patterns within this well-connected population. Local retention and/or dispersal varied across the 2km coastline with higher frequency of SHORT-range disperser adults; representing local recruitment; towards the southwest of the area. An inverse pattern was found for juveniles, showing an increase of SHORT-range dispersers towards the northeast. This reveals a complex but not full genetic mixing and suggests oceanic/coastal circulation as the main driver of this fine-scale chaotic genetic patchiness within this otherwise homogeneous population. When focusing on the patterns within one recruitment season, we found large differences in temperatures (from approx. 17oC to 25oC) as well as pelagic larval duration (PLD) for juveniles from the beginning of the season and the end of the season. We were able to detect fine-scale differences in HIGH-range juvenile dispersers, representing distant migrants, depending on whether they were born at the beginning of the season, hence, with a longer PLD, or at the end of the reproductive season. The ability to detect such fine-scale dispersal patchiness will aid in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of population structuring and chaotic patchiness in a wide range of species even with high potential dispersal abilities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pascual, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raventos, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garriga, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garza, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bartumeus, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Macpherson, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/530451</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Seascape genetics at its finest: dispersal patchiness within a well-connected population]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/533372v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Flexible Experimental Designs for Valid Single-cell RNA-sequencing Experiments Allowing Batch Effects Correction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/533372v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite their widespread applications, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments are still plagued by batch effects and dropout events. Although the completely randomized experimental design has frequently been advocated to control for batch effects, it is rarely implemented in real applications due to time and budget constraints. Here, we mathematically prove that under two more flexible and realistic experimental designs--the "reference panel" and the "chain-type" designs--true biological variability can also be separated from batch effects. We develop Batch effects correction with Unknown Subtypes for scRNA-seq data (BUSseq), which is an interpretable Bayesian hierarchical model that closely follows the data-generating mechanism of scRNA-seq experiments. BUSseq can simultaneously correct batch effects, cluster cell types, impute missing data caused by dropout events, and detect differentially expressed genes without requiring a preliminary normalization step. We demonstrate that BUSseq outperforms existing methods with simulated and real data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Song, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/533372</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Flexible Experimental Designs for Valid Single-cell RNA-sequencing Experiments Allowing Batch Effects Correction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/534842v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Illuminating the dark depths inside coral 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/534842v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ability to observe in situ 3D distribution and dynamics of endosymbionts in corals is crucial for gaining a mechanistic understanding of coral bleaching and reef degradation. Here, we report the development of a tissue clearing (TC)-coupled light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) method for 3D imaging of the coral holobiont at single-cell resolution. The initial applications have demonstrated the ability of this technique to provide high space-resolution quantitative information of endosymbiont abundance and distribution within corals. With specific fluorescent probes or assays, TC-LSFM also revealed spatial distribution and dynamics of physiological conditions (such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and hypoxia response) in both corals and their endosymbionts. This tool is highly promising for in situ and in-depth data acquisition to illuminate coral symbiosis and health conditions in the changing marine environment, providing fundamental information for coral reef conservation and restoration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/534842</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Illuminating the dark depths inside coral]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/534909v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide copy number variation-, validation- and screening study implicates a novel copy number polymorphism associated with suicide attempts in major depressive disorder 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/534909v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundThe genetic basis of suicide attempts (SA) remained unclear, especially for the copy number variations (CNVs) involved. The present study aimed to identify the susceptibility variants associated with SA among major depressive disorder (MDD) patients in Chinese, covering both single-nucleotide polymorphisms and CNVs.

MethodsWe conducted GWAS on MDD patients with or without SA and top results were tested in a replication study. A genome-wide CNV study was performed. Subsequently, a validation assay using the qRT-PCR technology was performed to confirm the existence of the associated CNV and then applied to the entire cohort to examine the association.

ResultsIn CNV analysis, we found that the global rate of CNV was higher in SA compared to non-SA subjects (p=0.023). The genome-wide CNV study revealed a SA-associated CNV region that achieved genome-wide significance (corrected p-value=0.014). The associated CNV was successfully validated and identified to be a common variant in this cohort and its deletion rate was higher in suicide attempters (OR=2.05). Based on the GTEx database, genetic variants that probe this CNV was significantly associated with the expression level of ZNF33B in two brain regions (p-value<4.2e-05). Besides, there was a significant interaction between neuroticism and the CNV in affecting suicidal risk; the CNV showed a significant effect (OR=2.58) in subjects with high neuroticism only.

ConclusionsWe identified a new common CNV that may be involved in the etiology of SA. These findings imply an important role of common CNVs in the etiology of SA, which suggests a new promising avenue for investigating the genetic architecture of SA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, M. H. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wing, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Waye, M. M. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-01-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/534909</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide copy number variation-, validation- and screening study implicates a novel copy number polymorphism associated with suicide attempts in major depressive disorder]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-01-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/537670v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Antibiotic treatment drives the diversification of the human gut resistome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/537670v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite the documented antibiotic-induced disruption of the gut microbiota, the impact of antibiotic intake on strain-level dynamics, evolution of resistance genes, and factors influencing resistance dissemination potential remains poorly understood. To address this gap we analyzed public metagenomic datasets from 24 antibiotic treated subjects and controls, combined with an in-depth prospective functional study with two subjects investigating the bacterial community dynamics based on cultivation-dependent and independent methods. We observed that short-term antibiotic treatment shifted and diversified the resistome composition, increased the average copy number of antibiotic resistance genes, and altered the dominant strain genotypes in an individual-specific manner. More than 30% of the resistance genes underwent strong differentiation at the single nucleotide level during antibiotic treatment. We found that the increased potential for horizontal gene transfer, due to antibiotic administration, was [~]3-fold stronger in the differentiated resistance genes than the non-differentiated ones. This study highlights how antibiotic treatment has individualized impacts on the resistome and strain level composition, and drives the adaptive evolution of the gut microbiota.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rettedal, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Helm, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ellabaan, M. M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panagiotou, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sommer, M. O. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/537670</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Antibiotic treatment drives the diversification of the human gut resistome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/543546v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The unique coding sequence of pmoCAB operon from type Ia methanotrophs simultaneously optimizes transcription and translation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/543546v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding the interplay between genotype and phenotype is a fundamental goal of functional genomics. Methane oxidation is a microbial phenotype with global-scale significance as part of the carbon biogeochemical cycle, and is a sink for greenhouse gas. Microorganisms that oxidize methane (methanotrophs) are taxonomically diverse and widespread around the globe. Recent reports have suggested that type Ia methanotrophs are the most prevalent methane-oxidizing bacteria in different environments. In methanotrophic bacteria, complete methane oxidation is encoded in four operons (pmoCAB, mmoXYZBCD, mxaFI, and xoxF), but how evolution has shaped these genes to execute methane oxidation remains poorly understood. Here, we used a genomic meta-analysis to investigate the coding sequences that encode methane oxidation. By analyzing isolate and metagenome-assembled genomes from phylogenetically and geographically diverse sources, we detected an anomalous nucleotide composition bias in the coding sequences of particulate methane monooxygenase genes (pmoCAB) from type Ia methanotrophs around the globe. We found that this was a highly conserved sequence that optimizes codon usage in order to maximize translation efficiency and accuracy, while minimizing the synthesis cost of transcripts and proteins. We show that among the seven types of methanotrophs, only type Ia methanotrophs possess a unique coding sequence of the pmoCAB operon that is under positive selection for optimal resource allocation and efficient synthesis of transcripts and proteins in environmental counter gradients with high oxygen and low methane concentrations. This adaptive trait possibly enables type Ia methanotrophs to respond robustly to fluctuating methane availability and explains their global prevalence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Villada, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duran, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/543546</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The unique coding sequence of pmoCAB operon from type Ia methanotrophs simultaneously optimizes transcription and translation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/547547v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Clinical investigation and genetic analysis of a peripheral sclerocornea pedigree 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/547547v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSclerocomea is a rare congenital disorder characterized with cornea opacification. We identified a heterozygous missense RAD21 variant in a non-cons anguineous Chinese family with multiple peripheral sclerocomea patients spanning across three generations inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

MethodsComprehensive ophthalmic examinations were conducted on all 14 members. Whole exome sequencing was used to identify the genetic alterations in the affected pedigree members. Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) were established using blood samples from all members. Cleavage of RAD21 protein was quantified in these cell lines.

ResultsAll affected individuals showed features of scleralization over the peripheral cornea of both eyes. Mean horizontal and vertical corneal diameter were significantly decreased in the affected members. Significant differences were also observed on mean apex pachymetry between affected and unaffected subjects. A RAD21C1348T variant was co-segregated with affected members. Both the wild-type allele and the missense variant were expressed at the mRNA level. This variant caused RAD21 R450C substitution at the separase cleavage site, which led to reduced RAD21 cleavage.

ConclusionWe believe this is the first report of genetic variant in sclerocornea without other syndromes. Further work is needed to confirm the RAD21R450C variant with sclerocomea.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, P. O. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, C. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jhanji, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/547547</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Clinical investigation and genetic analysis of a peripheral sclerocornea pedigree]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/556126v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
3D computational models explain muscle activation patterns and energetic functions of internal structures in fish swimming 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/556126v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
How muscles are used is a key to understanding the internal driving of fish swimming. However, the underlying mechanisms of some features of the muscle activation patterns and their differential appearance on different species are still obscure. In this study, we explain the muscle activation patterns by using 3D computational fluid dynamics models coupled to the motion of fish with prescribed deformation and examining the torque and power required along the fish body with two primary swimming modes. We find that the torque required by the hydrodynamic forces and body inertia exhibits a wave pattern that travels faster than the curvature wave in both anguilliform and carangiform swimmers, which can explain the traveling wave speeds of the muscle activations. Most interestingly, intermittent negative power (i.e., power delivered by the fluid to the body) on the posterior part, along with a timely transfer of torque and energy by tendons, explains the decrease of the duration of muscle activation towards the tail. The torque contribution from the body elasticity further solves the mystery of the wave speed increase or the reverse of the wave direction of the muscle activation on the posterior part of a carangiform swimmer. For anguilliform swimmers, the absence of the changes mentioned above in the muscle activation on the posterior part is in line with our torque prediction and the absence of long tendons from experimental observations. These results provide novel insights into the function of muscles and tendons as an integrative part of the internal driving system, especially from an energy perspective, and highlight the differences in the internal driving systems between the two primary swimming modes.

Author summaryFor undulatory swimming, fish form posteriorly traveling waves of body bending by activating their muscles sequentially along the body. However, experimental observations have showed that the muscle activation wave does not simply match the bending wave. Researchers have previously computed the torque required for muscles along the body based on classic hydrodynamic theories and explained the higher wave speed of the muscle activation compared to the curvature wave. However, the origins of other features of the muscle activation pattern and their variation among different species are still obscure after decades of research. In this study, we use 3D computational fluid dynamics models to compute the spatiotemporal distributions of both the torque and power required for eel-like and mackerel-like swimming. By examining both the torque and power patterns and considering the energy transfer, storage, and release by tendons and body viscoelasticity, we can explain not only the features and variations in the muscle activation patterns as observed from fish experiments but also how tendons and body elasticity save energy. We provide a mechanical picture in which the body shape, body movement, muscles, tendons, and body elasticity of a mackerel (or similar) orchestrate to make swimming efficient.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ming, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/556126</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[3D computational models explain muscle activation patterns and energetic functions of internal structures in fish swimming]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/557785v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomic surveillance for hypervirulence and multi-drug resistance in invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae from south and southeast Asia. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/557785v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundK. pneumoniae is a leading cause of blood stream infection (BSI). Strains producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) or carbapenemases are considered global priority pathogens for which new treatment and prevention strategies are urgently required, due to severely limited therapeutic options. South and Southeast Asia are major hubs for antimicrobial resistant (AMR) K. pneumoniae, and also for the characteristically antimicrobial sensitive, community-acquired  hypervirulent strains. The emergence of hypervirulent AMR strains and lack of data on exopolysaccharide diversity pose a challenge for K. pneumoniae BSI control strategies worldwide.

MethodsWe conducted a retrospective genomic epidemiology study of 365 BSI K. pneumoniae from seven major healthcare facilities across South and Southeast Asia, extracting clinically relevant information (AMR, virulence, K and O antigen loci) using Kleborate.

FindingsK. pneumoniae BSI isolates were highly diverse, comprising 120 multi-locus sequence types (STs) and 63 K-loci. ESBL and carbapenemase gene frequencies were 47% and 17%, respectively. The aerobactin synthesis locus (iuc), associated with hypervirulence, was detected in 28% of isolates. Importantly, 7% of isolates harboured iuc plus ESBL and/or carbapenemase genes. The latter represent genotypic AMR-virulence convergence, which is generally considered a rare phenomenon but was particularly common amongst South Asian BSI (17%). Of greatest concern, we identified seven novel plasmids carrying both iuc and AMR genes, raising the prospect of co-transfer of these phenotypes amongst K. pneumoniae.

InterpretationSouth and Southeast Asia are high-risk regions for the emergence of AMR and convergent AMR-hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. Enhanced surveillance efforts, reporting STs, AMR and virulence information are urgently required to monitor this public health threat.

FundingThis work was supported by the Wellcome Trust (grant #206194 to Wellcome Sanger Institute) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle (grant OPP1175797 to KEH). KEH is supported by a Senior Medical Research Fellowship from the Viertel Foundation of Australia. DAB and PNN are supported by the Wellcome Trust.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wyres, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, T. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Judd, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Vinh Chau, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dance, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karkey, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ling, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miliya, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Newton, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sengduangphachanh, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turner, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Veeraraghavan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voong Vinh, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vongsouvath, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thomson, N. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holt, K. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/557785</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomic surveillance for hypervirulence and multi-drug resistance in invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae from south and southeast Asia.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/558858v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tuned normalization in perceptual decision-making circuits can explain seemingly suboptimal confidence behavior 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/558858v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Current dominant views hold that perceptual confidence reflects the probability that a decision is correct. Although these views have enjoyed some empirical support, recent behavioral results indicate that confidence and the probability of being correct can be dissociated. An alternative hypothesis suggests that confidence instead reflects the magnitude of evidence in favor of a decision while being relatively insensitive to the evidence opposing the decision. We considered how this alternative hypothesis might be biologically instantiated by developing a simple leaky competing accumulator neural network model incorporating a known property of sensory neurons: tuned normalization. The key idea of the model is that each accumulator neurons normalization  tuning dictates its contribution to perceptual decisions versus confidence judgments. We demonstrate that this biologically plausible model can account for several counterintuitive findings reported in the literature, where confidence and decision accuracy were shown to dissociate -- and that the differential contribution a neuron makes to decisions versus confidence judgments based on its normalization tuning is vital to capturing some of these effects. One critical prediction of the model is that systematic variability in normalization tuning exists not only in sensory cortices but also in the decision-making circuitry. We tested and validated this prediction in macaque superior colliculus (SC; a region implicated in decision-making). The confirmation of this novel prediction provides direct support for our model. These findings suggest that the brain has developed and implements this alternative, heuristic theory of perceptual confidence computation by capitalizing on the diversity of neural resources available.

SignificanceThe dominant view of perceptual confidence proposes that confidence optimally reflects the probability that a decision is correct. But recent empirical evidence suggests that perceptual confidence exhibits a suboptimal  confirmation bias, just as in human decision-making in general. We tested how this  bias might be neurally implemented by building a biologically plausible neural network model, and showed that the  bias emerges when each neurons degree of divisive normalization dictates how it drives decisions versus confidence judgments. We confirmed the models biological substrate using electrophysiological recordings in monkeys. These results challenge the dominant model, suggesting that the brain instead capitalizes on the diversity of available machinery (i.e., neuronal resources) to implement heuristic -- not optimal -- strategies to compute subjective confidence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Maniscalco, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Odegaard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grimaldi, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cho, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basso, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peters, M. A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-02-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/558858</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tuned normalization in perceptual decision-making circuits can explain seemingly suboptimal confidence behavior]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-02-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/565812v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interaction Effects of Apolipoprotein E ε 4 and Cognitive Status on the Functional Connectivity within Default Mode Network in Individuals at Risk of Cognitive Impairments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/565812v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundDisturbance of intrinsic brain networks is often associated with APOE{varepsilon} 4 allele and cognitive dysfunction. However, little is known about the functional connectivity strength (FCS) within default mode network (DMN).nnObjectiveWe aimed to examine the independent effects APOE{varepsilon} 4 and cognitive status and the interaction effect on the functional connectivity within DMN.nnMethodsResting-state functional MRI was conducted for sixty-five senior adults who had normal cognition or cognitive decline with or without APOE{varepsilon} 4. Regions within DMN include mPFC, IPL, LTC, hippocampus and PCC. The absolute values of correlation coefficient between DMN regions were employed as the measures of FCS for quantifying the functional connectivity.nnResultsMain effect of APOE{varepsilon} 4 was found on the FCS of bilateral PCC (F = 6.133, p = 0.016), while the main effect of cognitive status was found on the FCS of left IPL and right mPFC (F = 4.585, p = 0.036). Interaction effect was found in the FCS of right mPFC and left LTC (F = 4.698, p = 0.034), right hippocampus and left LTC (F = 7.673, p = 0.008), left PCC and left LTC (F = 6.719, p = 0.012), right IPL and right LTC (F = 4.516, p = 0.038).nnConclusionsAPOE{varepsilon} 4 carriers with cognitive impairment denote a preclinical status characterized by aberrant inter-hemispheric FC within DMN. The network-level connectivity may be useful in the evaluation of the individuals at risk for developing AD and affiliate network-guided brain stimulation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wing, W. C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, L. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-03-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/565812</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interaction Effects of Apolipoprotein E ε 4 and Cognitive Status on the Functional Connectivity within Default Mode Network in Individuals at Risk of Cognitive Impairments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-03-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/567883v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tissue-specific Hi-C analyses of rice, foxtail millet and maize suggest non-canonical function of plant chromatin domains 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/567883v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Chromatins are not randomly packaged in the nucleus and their organization plays important roles in transcription regulation. Using in situ Hi-C, we have compared the 3D chromatin architectures of rice mesophyll and endosperm, foxtail millet bundle sheath and mesophyll, and maize bundle sheath, mesophyll and endosperm tissues. We have also profiled their DNA methylation, open chromatin, histone modification and gene expression to investigate whether chromatin structural dynamics are associated with epigenome features changes. We found that plant global A/B compartment partitions are stable across tissues, while local A/B compartment has tissue-specific dynamic that is associated with differential gene expression. Plant domains are largely stable across tissues, while rare domain border changes are often associated with gene activation. Genes inside plant domains are not conserved across species, and lack significant co-expression behavior unlike those in mammalian cells. When comparing synteny gene pairs, we found those maize genes involved in gene island chromatin loops have shorter genomic distances in smaller genomes without gene island loops such as rice and foxtail millet, suggesting that they have conserved functions. Our study revealed that the 3D configuration of the plant chromatin is also complex and dynamic with unique features that need to be further examined.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dong, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grierson, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>zhong, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-03-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/567883</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tissue-specific Hi-C analyses of rice, foxtail millet and maize suggest non-canonical function of plant chromatin domains]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-03-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/577932v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cannabis-associated symptom profiles in patients with first episode psychosis and population controls 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/577932v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveThe evidence is mixed on whether cannabis use is associated with a particular symptomatology in first episode psychosis (FEP) patients.nnThe authors set out to investigate a) patterns of association between cannabis use and transdiagnostic symptom dimensions; b) whether the extent of use of cannabis contributes to the variation in clinical and subclinical symptom profiles.nnMethodThe authors analysed data from 901 patients and 1235 controls recruited across six countries, as part of the European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) study. Item response modelling was used to estimate two bifactor models, which included general and specific dimensions of psychotic symptoms in patients and psychotic experiences in controls. The associations between these dimensions and cannabis use was evaluated using linear mixed effects models analyses.nnResultsIn patients, there was a linear relationship between the positive symptom dimension and the extent of lifetime exposure to cannabis, with daily users of high potency cannabis having the highest score (B=0.35; 95%CI 0.14 to 0.56). Moreover, negative symptoms were more common among patients who never used cannabis compared with those with any pattern of use (B=-0.27; 95%CI -0.42 to -0.12).nnIn controls, psychotic experiences were associated with current use of cannabis but not with the extent of lifetime use.nnNeither patients nor controls presented differences in the depressive dimension related to cannabis use.nnConclusionsThe extent of use of cannabis explains part of the heterogeneous distribution of positive and negative symptoms of FEP patients.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Quattrone, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferraro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tripoli, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>La Cascia, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quigley, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>EU-GEI WP2 group,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gayer-Anderson, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, P. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kirkbride, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>La Barbera, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tarricone, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lynskey, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Freeman, T. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cardno, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vassos, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Os, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reininghaus, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murray, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Di Forti, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-03-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/577932</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cannabis-associated symptom profiles in patients with first episode psychosis and population controls]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-03-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/582106v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
On triangular inequalities of correlation-based distances for gene expression profiles 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/582106v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Various distance functions for evaluating the differences be- tween gene expression profiles have been proposed in the past. Such a function would output a low value if the profiles are strongly correlated--either negatively or positively--and vice versa. One popular distance function is the absolute correlation distance, da = 1 - |{rho}|, where{rho} is some similarity measures, such as Pearson or Spearman correlation. How- ever, absolute correlation distance fails to fulfill the triangular inequality, which would have guaranteed better performance at vector quantization, allowed fast data localization, as well as sped up data clustering. In this work, we propose [Formula] as an alternative. We prove that dr satisfies the triangular equality when{rho} represents Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, or Cosine similarity. We empirically compared dr with da in gene clustering and sample clustering experiment, using real biological data. The two distances performed similarly in both gene cluster and sample cluster in hierarchical cluster and PAM cluster. However, dr demonstrated more robust clustering. According to bootstrap experiment, the number of times where dr generated more robust sample pair partition is significantly (p-value < 0.05) larger. This advantage in robustness is also supported by the class "dissolved" event.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiaxing, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/582106</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[On triangular inequalities of correlation-based distances for gene expression profiles]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/583237v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Whole genome base-wise aggregation and functional prediction for human non-coding regulatory variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/583237v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Predicting the functional or pathogenic regulatory variants in the human non-coding genome facilitates the interpretation of disease causation. While numerous prediction methods are available, their performance is inconsistent or restricted to specific tasks, which raises the demand of developing comprehensive integration for those methods. Here, we compile whole genome base-wise aggregations, regBase, that incorporate largest prediction scores. Building on different assumptions of causality, we train three composite models to score functional, pathogenic and cancer driver non-coding regulatory variants respectively. We demonstrate the superior and stable performance of our models using independent benchmarks and show great success to fine-map causal regulatory variants. We believe that regBase database together with three composite models will be useful in different areas of human genetic studies, such as annotation-based casual variant fine-mapping, pathogenic variant discovery as well as cancer driver mutation identification. regBase is freely available at https://github.com/mulinlab/regBase.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/583237</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Whole genome base-wise aggregation and functional prediction for human non-coding regulatory variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/595488v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Uncovering complex disease subtypes by integrating clinical data and imputed transcriptome from genome-wide association studies: Applications in psychiatry and cardiovascular medicine 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/595488v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Classifying patients into clinically and biologically homogenous subgroups will facilitate the understanding of disease pathophysiology and development of more targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Traditionally, disease subtyping is based on clinical characteristics alone, however disease subtypes identified by such an approach may not conform exactly to the underlying biological mechanisms. Very few studies have integrated genomic profiles (such as those from GWAS) with clinical symptoms for disease subtyping.nnIn this study, we proposed a novel analytic framework capable of finding subgroups of complex diseases by leveraging both GWAS-predicted gene expression levels and clinical data by a multi-view bicluster analysis. This approach connects SNPs to genes via their effects on expression, hence the analysis is more biologically relevant and interpretable than a pure SNP-based analysis. Transcriptome of different tissues can also be readily modelled. We also proposed various new evaluation or validation metrics, such as a newly modified  prediction strength measure to assess generalization of clustering performance. The proposed framework was applied to derive subtypes for schizophrenia, and to stratify subjects into different levels of cardiometabolic risks.nnOur framework was able to subtype schizophrenia patients with diverse prognosis and treatment response. We also applied the framework to the Northern Finland Cohort (NFBC) 1966 dataset, and identified high- and low cardiometabolic risk subgroups in a gender-stratified analysis. Our results suggest a more data-driven and biologically-informed approach to defining metabolic syndrome. The prediction strength was over 80%, suggesting that the cluster model generalizes well to new datasets. Moreover, we found that the genes  blindly selected by the cluster algorithm are significantly enriched for known susceptibility genes discovered in GWAS of schizophrenia and cardiovascular diseases, providing further support to the validity of our approach. The proposed framework may be applied to any complex diseases, and opens up a new approach to patient stratification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, C. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, P.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/595488</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Uncovering complex disease subtypes by integrating clinical data and imputed transcriptome from genome-wide association studies: Applications in psychiatry and cardiovascular medicine]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/603175v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evolution of Auxin Response Factors in plants characterized by phylogenomic synteny network analyses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/603175v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Auxin response factors (ARFs) have long been a research focus and represent a class of key regulators of plant growth and development. Previous studies focusing genes from limited number of species were unable to uncover the evolutionary trajectory of this family. Here, more than 3,500 ARFs collected from plant genomes and transcriptomes covering major streptophyte lineages were used to reconstruct the broad-scale family phylogeny, where the early origin and diversification of ARF in charophytes was delineated. Based on the family phylogeny, we proposed a unified six-group classification system for angiosperm ARFs. Phylogenomic synteny network analyses revealed the deeply conserved genomic syntenies within each of the six ARF groups and the interlocking syntenic relationships connecting distinct groups. Recurrent duplication events, such as those that occurred in seed plant, angiosperms, core eudicots and grasses contributed the expansion of ARF genes which facilitated functional diversification. Ancestral transposition activities in important plant families, including crucifers, legumes and grasses, were unveiled by synteny network analyses. Ancestral gene duplications along with transpositions have profound evolutionary significance which may have accelerated the functional diversification process of paralogues. Our study provides insights into the evolution of ARFs which will enhance our current understandings for this important transcription factor family.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oliver, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/603175</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evolution of Auxin Response Factors in plants characterized by phylogenomic synteny network analyses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/603191v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrated phylogenomic analyses reveal recurrent ancestral large-scale duplication events in mosses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/603191v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
O_LIMosses (Bryophyta) are a key group occupying important phylogenetic position for understanding land plant (embryophyte) evolution. The class Bryopsida represents the most diversified lineage and contains more than 95% of the modern mosses, whereas the other classes are by nature species-poor. The phylogeny of mosses remains elusive at present.nC_LIO_LIRecurrent whole genome duplications have shaped the evolution trajectory of angiosperms, but little is known about the genome evolutionary history in mosses. It remains to be answered if there existed a historical genome duplication event associated with the species radiation of class Bryopsida.nC_LIO_LIHere, the high-confidence moss phylogeny was generated covering major moss lineages. Two episodes of ancient genomic duplication events were elucidated by phylogenomic analyses, one in the ancestry of all mosses and another before the separation of the Bryopsida, Polytrichopsida and Tetraphidopsida, with estimated ages of the gene duplications clustered around 329 and 182 million year ago, respectively.nC_LIO_LIThe third episode of polyploidy event (termed {psi}) was tightly associated with the early diversification of Bryopsida with an estimated age of ~87 million years. By scrutinizing the phylogenetic timing of duplicated syntelogs in Physcomitrella patens, the WGD1 and WGD2 events were confidently re-recognized as the {psi} event and the Funarioideae duplication event (~65 mya), respectively. Together, our findings unveiled four episodes of polyploidy events in the evolutionary past of Physcomitrella patens.nC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wood, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oliver, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/603191</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrated phylogenomic analyses reveal recurrent ancestral large-scale duplication events in mosses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/611749v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The cryptic impacts of invasion: functional homogenization of tropical ant communities by invasive fire ants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/611749v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Invasive insects represent major threats to ecosystems worldwide. Yet their effects on the functional dimension of biodiversity, measured as the diversity and distribution of traits, are overlooked. Such measures often determine the resilience of ecological communities and the ecosystem processes they modulate. The fire ant Solenopsis invicta is a highly problematic invasive species occurring on five continents. Its impacts on the taxonomic diversity of native ant communities have been studied but its impacts on their functional diversity are unknown. Comparing invaded and uninvaded plots in tropical grasslands of Hong Kong, we investigated how the presence of S. invicta affects the diversity and distribution of ant species and traits within and across communities, the functional identities of communities, and functionally unique species. We calculated the functional diversity of individual species, including the trait variation from intraspecific polymorphisms, and scaled up these values to calculate functional diversity at the community level. Invasion had only limited effects on species richness and functional richness, which were 13% and 8.5% lower in invaded communities respectively. In contrast, invasion had pronounced effects on taxonomic and functional composition due to turnover in species and trait values. Furthermore, invaded communities were functionally more homogeneous, displaying 23% less turnover and 56% more redundancy than uninvaded communities, as well as greater clustering and lower divergence in trait values. Invaded communities had fewer functionally-unique individuals and were characterized by ant species with narrower heads and bodies and shorter mandibles. Our results suggest that studies based only on taxonomic measures of diversity or indices describing trait variety risk underestimating the full ramifications of invasions. Investigating the diversity and distributions of traits at species, community and landscape levels can reveal the cryptic impacts of alien species which, despite causing little taxonomic change, may substantially modify the structure and functioning of ecological communities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lewis, O. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/611749</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The cryptic impacts of invasion: functional homogenization of tropical ant communities by invasive fire ants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/616250v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Estrogen accelerates heart regeneration by promoting inflammatory responses in zebrafish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/616250v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sexual differences are observed in the onset and prognosis of human cardiovascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, we report that zebrafish heart regeneration is faster in females, can be accelerated by estrogen and suppressed by estrogen-antagonist tamoxifen. Injuries to the heart, but not other tissues, increased plasma estrogen level and expression of estrogen receptors, especially esr2a, in zebrafish hearts. The resulting endocrine disruption induces the expression of female-specific protein vitellogenin in male zebrafish. Transcriptomic analyses suggested heart injuries triggered more pronounced immune and inflammatory responses in females. These responses, previously shown to enhance heart regeneration, could be enhanced by estrogen treatment in males and reduced by tamoxifen in female. Furthermore, a brief exposure to estrogen could precondition zebrafish for an accelerated heart regeneration. Altogether, this study reveals that heart regeneration is modulated by an estrogen-inducible inflammatory response to heart injury. These findings elucidate a previously unknown layer of control in zebrafish heart regeneration and provides a new model system for the study of sexual differences in human cardiac repair.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shisan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fangjing, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Samane, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fariba, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lina, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kin Fung, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yinmin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajkumar, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yun Wah, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shuk Han, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/616250</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Estrogen accelerates heart regeneration by promoting inflammatory responses in zebrafish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/617563v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neo-sex chromosomes and demography shape genetic diversity in the Critically Endangered Raso lark 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/617563v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Small effective population sizes could expose island species to inbreeding and loss of genetic variation. Here we investigate factors shaping genetic diversity in the Raso lark, which has been restricted to a single islet for ~500 years, with a population size of a few hundred. We assembled a reference genome for the related Eurasian skylark and then assessed diversity and demographic history using RAD-seq data (75 samples from Raso larks and two related mainland species). We first identify broad tracts of suppressed recombination in females, indicating enlarged neo-sex chromosomes. It is plausible that these regions might inadvertently and temporarily preserve pre-existing allelic variation in females that would otherwise be lost through genetic drift. We then show that genetic diversity across autosomes in the Raso lark is lower than in its mainland relatives, but inconsistent with long-term persistence at its current population size. Finally, we find that genetic signatures of the recent population contraction are overshadowed by an ancient expansion and persistence of a very large population until the human settlement of Cape Verde. Our findings show how genome-wide approaches to study endangered species can help avoid confounding effects of genome architecture on diversity estimates, and how present day diversity can be shaped by ancient demographic events.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dierickx, E. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Veelen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brooke, M. d. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-04-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/617563</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neo-sex chromosomes and demography shape genetic diversity in the Critically Endangered Raso lark]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-04-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/627307v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Efficient and accurate prediction of transmembrane topology from amino acid sequence only 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/627307v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationRapid and accurate identification of transmembrane (TM) topology is well suited for the annotation of the entire membrane proteome. It is the initial step of predicting the structure and function of membrane proteins. However, existing methods that utilize only amino acid sequence information suffer from low prediction accuracy, whereas methods that exploit sequence profile or consensus need too much computational time.nnMethodHere we propose a deep learning framework DeepCNF that predicts TM topology from amino acid sequence only. Compared to previous sequence-based approaches that use hidden Markov models or dynamic Bayesian networks, DeepCNF is able to incorporate much more contextual information by a hierarchical deep neural network, while simultaneously modeling the interdependency between adjacent topology labels.nnResultExperimental results show that PureseqTM not only outperforms existing sequence-based methods, but also reaches or even surpasses the profile/consensus methods. On the 39 newly released membrane proteins, our approach successfully identifies the correct TM segments and boundaries for at least 3 cases while all existing methods fail to do so. When applied to the entire human proteome, our method can identify the incorrect annotations of TM regions by UniProt and discover the membrane-related proteins that are not manually curated as membrane proteins.nnAvailabilityhttp://pureseqtm.predmp.com/
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/627307</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Efficient and accurate prediction of transmembrane topology from amino acid sequence only]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/630350v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Clostridia-rich microbiota contributes to increased excretion of bile acids in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/630350v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveAn excess of fecal bile acids (BAs) is thought to be one of the mechanisms for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). However, the factors causing excessive BA excretion remains unclear. Given the importance of gut microbiota in BA metabolism, we hypothesized that gut dysbiosis might contribute to excessive BA excretion in IBS-D.nnDesignMetabolomic and metagenomic analyses were performed of specimens from 290 IBS-D patients and 89 healthy volunteers. By transplanting human microbiota and manipulating specific microbiome species in mice, the effects of microbiota on host BA metabolism were assessed at metabolic, genetic and protein levels. Effects of individual and mixed BAs on enterohepatic feedback pathways were also tested in vitro and in vivo.nnResultsTotal fecal BAs were excessively excreted in 24.5% of IBS-D patients. Their fecal metagenomes showed increased abundances of Clostridia and BA-transforming genes (hdhA and bais). The increases of Clostridia bacteria (e.g. C. scindens) were positively associated with the levels of fecal BAs and serum 7-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4), while being negatively correlated with serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). Both Clostridia-rich human microbiota and C. scindens enhanced levels of serum C4 and hepatic conjugated BAs in mice recipients and reduced ileal FGF19 expression. Inhibition of Clostridium species by vancomycin yielded opposite findings. Clostridia-derived BAs (e.g. conjugated and free ursodeoxycholic acid) significantly suppressed intestinal FGF19 expression.nnConclusionThe Clostridia-rich microbiota contributes to excessive BA excretion in IBS-D patients. This study provided the basis for more precise clinical diagnosis and management for IBS-D.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Nezami, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/630350</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Clostridia-rich microbiota contributes to increased excretion of bile acids in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/633024v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Validation study of a diffusion MRI derived vessel density biomarker for detecting viral hepatitis-b induced liver fibrosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/633024v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AimLiver vessel density can be evaluated by an imaging biomarker DDVD (diffusion derived vessel density): DDVD/area(b0b2) = Sb0/ROIarea0 - Sb2/ROIarea2, where Sb0 and Sb2 refer to the liver signal when b is 0 or 2 (s/mm2); ROIarea0 and ROIarea2 refer to the region-of-interest on b= 0 or 2 images; and Sb2 may be replaced by Sb15 (b=15). This concept was validated in this study.nnMaterials and MethodsLiver diffusion images were acquired at 1.5T. For a scan-rescan repeatability study of 6 subjects, b-values of 0 and 2 were used. The validation study composed of 26 healthy volunteers and 19 consecutive suspected chronic viral hepatitis-b patients, and diffusion images with 16 b-values of 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 46, 60, 72, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600 were acquired. Four patients did not have liver fibrosis, and the rest were four stage-1, three stage-2, four stage 3, and one stage-4 patients respectively.nnResultsIntraclass correlation coefficient for repeatability was 0.994 for DDVD/area(Sb0Sb2), and 0.978 for DDVD/area(Sb0Sb15). In the validation study, DDVD/area(Sb0Sb2) and area(Sb0Sb15) were 14.80{+/-}3.06 and 26.58{+/-}3.97 for healthy volunteers, 10.51{+/-}1.51 and 20.15{+/-}2.21 for stage 1-2 fibrosis patients, and 9.42{+/-}0.87 and 19.42{+/-}1.89 for stage 3-4 fibrosis patients. For 16 patients where IVIM analysis was performed, a combination of DDVD/area, PF, and Dfast achieved the best differentiation for non-fibrotic livers and fibrotic livers. DDVD/area were weakly correlated with PF or Dfast.nnConclusionBoth DDVD/area(Sb0Sb2) and area(Sb0Sb15) are useful imaging biomarker to separate fibrotic and non-fibrotic livers, with fibrotic livers had lower measurements.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, S.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yun, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-05-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/633024</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Validation study of a diffusion MRI derived vessel density biomarker for detecting viral hepatitis-b induced liver fibrosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-05-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/667311v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetuses with Increased Nuchal Translucency by Genome Sequencing Analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/667311v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundIncreased Nuchal Translucency (NT) is an important biomarker associated with increased risk of fetal structural anomalies. It is known to be contributed by a wide range of genetic etiologies from single nucleotide variants to those affecting millions of base-pairs. Currently, prenatal diagnosis is routinely performed by karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), however, both of them have limited resolution. The diversity of the genetic etiologies warrants an integrated assay such as genome sequencing (GS) for comprehensive detection of genomic variants. Herein, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of applying GS in prenatal diagnosis for the fetuses with increased NT.nnMethodsWe retrospectively applied GS (>30-fold) for fetuses with increased NT ([&ge;]3.5-mm), who underwent routine prenatal diagnosis. Detection of single-nucleotide variants, copy-number variants and structural rearrangements was performed simultaneously and the results were integrated for interpretation in accordance with the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were selected for validation and parental confirmation, when available.nnResultsOverall, 50 fetuses were enrolled, including 34 cases with isolated increased NT and 16 cases with other fetal structural malformations. Routine CMA and karyotyping reported eight P/LP CNVs, yielding a diagnostic rate of 16.0% (8/50). In comparison, GS provided a 2-fold increase in diagnostic yield (32.0%, 16/50), including one mosaic turner syndrome, eight cases with microdeletions/microduplications and seven cases with P/LP point mutations. Moreover, GS identified two cryptic insertions and two inversions. Follow-up study further demonstrated the potential pathogenicity of an apparently balanced insertion which disrupted an OMIM autosomal dominant disease-causing gene at the inserted site.nnConclusionsOur study demonstrates that applying GS in fetuses with increased NT can comprehensively detect and delineate the various genomic variants that are causative to the diseases. Importantly, prenatal diagnosis by GS doubled the diagnostic yield compared with routine protocols. Given a comparable turn-around-time and less DNA required, our study provides strong evidence to facilitate GS in prenatal diagnosis, particularly in fetuses with increased NT.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Choy, K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, M. H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, O. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-06-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/667311</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetuses with Increased Nuchal Translucency by Genome Sequencing Analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-06-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/680116v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A multimodal framework for detecting direct and indirect gene-gene interactions from large expression compendium 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/680116v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The fast accumulation of high-throughput gene expression data provides us an unprecedented opportunity to understand the gene interactions and prioritize disease candidate genes. However, these data are typically noisy and highly heterogeneous, complicating their use in constructing large expression compendium. Recent studies suggest that the collective expression pattern can be better modeled by Gaussian mixtures. This motivates our present work, which applies a Multimodal framework (MMF) to depict the gene expression profiles. MMF introduces two new statistics: Multimodal Mutual Information and Multimodal Direct Information. Through extensive simulations, MMF outperforms other approaches for detecting gene co-expressions or gene regulatory interactions, regardless of the level of noise or strength of interactions. In the principal component analysis for very large collections of expression data, the use of MMI enables more biologically meaningful spaces to be extracted than the use of Pearson correlation. The practical use of MMF is further demonstrated with three biological applications: 1. Prioritizing KIF1A as the candidate causal gene of hereditary spastic paraparesis from familial exome sequencing data; 2. Detecting ANK2 as the  hot genes for autism spectrum disorders, derived from exome sequencing family based study; 3. Predicting the microRNA target genes based on both sequence and expression information.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/680116</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A multimodal framework for detecting direct and indirect gene-gene interactions from large expression compendium]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/685172v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Identification of type 2 diabetes loci in 433,540 East Asian individuals 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/685172v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >240 loci associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), however most loci have been identified in analyses of European-ancestry individuals. To examine T2D risk in East Asian individuals, we meta-analyzed GWAS data in 77,418 cases and 356,122 controls. In the main analysis, we identified 298 distinct association signals at 178 loci, and across T2D association models with and without consideration of body mass index and sex, we identified 56 loci newly implicated in T2D predisposition. Common variants associated with T2D in both East Asian and European populations exhibited strongly correlated effect sizes. New associations include signals in/near GDAP1, PTF1A, SIX3, ALDH2, a microRNA cluster, and genes that affect muscle and adipose differentiation. At another locus, eQTLs at two overlapping T2D signals act through two genes, NKX6-3 and ANK1, in different tissues. Association studies in diverse populations identify additional loci and elucidate disease genes, biology, and pathways.nnType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a common metabolic disease primarily caused by insufficient insulin production and/or secretion by the pancreatic {beta} cells and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues1. Most genetic loci associated with T2D have been identified in populations of European (EUR) ancestry, including a recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of nearly 900,000 individuals of European ancestry that identified >240 loci influencing the risk of T2D2. Differences in allele frequency between ancestries affect the power to detect associations within a population, particularly among variants rare or monomorphic in one population but more frequent in another3,4. Although smaller than studies in European populations, a recent T2D meta-analysis in almost 200,000 Japanese individuals identified 28 additional loci4. The relative contributions of different pathways to the pathophysiology of T2D may also differ between ancestry groups. For example, in East Asian (EAS) populations, T2D prevalence is greater than in European populations among people of similar body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference5. We performed the largest meta-analysis of East Asian individuals to identify new genetic associations and provide insight into T2D pathogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Spracklen, C. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Horikoshi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bragg, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moon, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suzuki, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tam, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tabara, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwak, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Takeuchi, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chai, J.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nakatochi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iyengar, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perrin, H. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brotman, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van de Bunt, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gloyn, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Below, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boehnke, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bowden, D. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chambers, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahajan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCarthy, M. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petty, L. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adair, L. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, L.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chee, M.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-D. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chuang, L.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gordon-Larsen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gross, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-06-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/685172</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Identification of type 2 diabetes loci in 433,540 East Asian individuals]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-06-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/695304v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Construction of High-Resolution RAD-Seq Based Linkage Map, Anchoring Reference Genome, and QTL Mapping of the Sex Chromosome in the Marine Medaka Oryzias melastigma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/695304v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Medaka (Oryzias spp.) is an important fish species in ecotoxicology and considered as a model species due to its biological features including small body size and short generation time. Since Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes is a freshwater species with access to an excellent genome resources, the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma is also applicable for marine ecotoxicology. In genome era, a high-density genetic linkage map is a very useful resource in genomic research, providing a means for comparative genomic analysis and verification of de novo genome assembly. In this study, we developed a high-density genetic linkage map for O. melastigma using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). The genetic map consisted of 24 linkage groups with 2,481 RAD-tag markers. The total map length was 1,784 cM with an average marker space of 0.72 cM. The genetic map was integrated with the reference-assisted chromosome assembly (RACA) of O. melastigma, which anchored 90.7% of the assembled sequence onto the linkage map. The values of complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) were similar to RACA assembly but N50 (23.74 Mb; total genome length 779.4 Mb; gap 5.29%) increased to 29.99 Mb (total genome length 778.7 Mb; gap 5.2%). Using MapQTL analysis with a single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we identified a major quantitative trait locus for sex traits on the Om10. The integration of the genetic map with the reference genome of marine medaka will serve as a good resource for studies in molecular toxicology, genomics, CRISPR/Cas9, and epigenetics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, B.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, M.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, B.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagano, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, D. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Takehana, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/695304</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Construction of High-Resolution RAD-Seq Based Linkage Map, Anchoring Reference Genome, and QTL Mapping of the Sex Chromosome in the Marine Medaka Oryzias melastigma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/696948v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomic signature of shifts in selection in a sub-alpine ant and its physiological adaptations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/696948v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how organisms adapt to extreme environments is fundamental and can provide insightful case studies for both evolutionary biology and climate-change biology. Here, we take advantage of the vast diversity of lifestyles in ants to identify genomic signatures of adaptation to extreme habitats such as high altitude. We hypothesised two parallel patterns would occur in a genome adapting to an extreme habitat: i) strong positive selection on genes related to adaptation and, ii) a relaxation of previous purifying selection. We tested this hypothesis by sequencing the high-elevation specialist Tetramorium alpestre and four other phylogenetic related species. In support of our hypothesis, we recorded a strong shift of selective forces in T. alpestre, in particular a stronger magnitude of diversifying and relaxed selection when compared to all other ants. We further disentangled candidate molecular adaptations in both gene expression and protein-coding sequence that were identified by our genome-wide analyses. In particular, we demonstrate that T. alpestre has i) a derived level of expression for stv and other heat-shock proteins in chill shock tests, and ii) enzymatic enhancement of Hex-T1, a rate-limiting regulatory enzyme that controls the entry of glucose into the glycolytic pathway. Together, our analyses highlight the adaptive molecular changes that support colonisation of high-altitude environments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cicconardi, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krapf, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>D'Annessa, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gamisch, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wagner, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Economo, E. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mikheyev, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guenard, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grabherr, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arthofer, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>di Marino, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steiner, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schlick-Steiner, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/696948</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomic signature of shifts in selection in a sub-alpine ant and its physiological adaptations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/699256v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Diverse, abundant and novel viruses infecting \"unculturable\" but abundant marine bacteria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/699256v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Many major marine bacterial lineages such as SAR11, Prochlorococcus, SAR116, and several Roseobacter lineages have members that are abundant, relatively slow-growing, and genome-streamlined. The isolation of phages that infect SAR11 and SAR116 have demonstrated the dominance of these phages in the marine virosphere. However, no phages have been isolated from bacteria in the Roseobacter RCA lineage, another abundant group of bacteria in the ocean. In this study, seven RCA phages that infect three different RCA strains were isolated and characterized. All seven RCA phages belong to the Podoviridae family and have genome sizes ranging from 39.6 to 58.1 kb. Interestingly, three RCA phages (CRP-1, CRP-2 and CRP-3) show a similar genomic content and architecture with SAR116 phage HMO-2011, which represents one of the most abundant known viral groups in the ocean. The high degree of homology between CRP-1, CRP-2, CRP-3 and HMO-2011 resulted in contribution of the RCA phages to the dominance of HMO-2011-type phage in the ocean. CRP-4 and CRP-5 are similar to the Siovirus roseophages in terms of gene content and organization. The remaining two RCA phages, CRP-6 and CRP-7, show limited genomic similarity with known phages and appear to form two new phage genera. Metagenomic fragment recruitment analyses reveal that these RCA phage groups are much more abundant in the ocean compared to most existing marine roseophage groups. The characterization of these RCA phages has greatly expanded our understanding of the genomic diversity and evolution of marine roseophages. Metagenomic fragment recruitment analyses suggest the critical need for isolating phages from the abundant but "unculturable" bacteria in the marine ecosystem.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/699256</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Diverse, abundant and novel viruses infecting \"unculturable\" but abundant marine bacteria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/699355v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MicroRNA-378 suppressed osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells and impaired bone formation via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/699355v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to serve as silencers to repress gene expression at post-transcriptional level. Multiple miRNAs have been demonstrated to play important roles in osteogenesis. MiR-378, a conserved miRNA, was reported to mediate bone metabolism and influence bone development, but the detailed function and underlying mechanism remain obscure. In this study, the miR-378 transgenic (TG) mouse was developed to study the role of miR-378 in osteogenic differentiation as well as bone formation. The abnormal bone tissues and impaired bone quality were displayed in the miR-378 TG mice, and a delayed healing effect was observed during bone fracture of the miR-378 TG mice. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs derived from this TG mouse was also inhibited. We also found that miR-378 mimics suppressed while anti-miR-378 promoted osteogenesis of human MSCs. Two Wnt family members Wnt6 and Wnt10a were identified as bona fide targets of miR-378, and their expression were decreased by this miRNA, which eventually induced the inactivation of Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling. Finally, the sh-miR-378 modified MSCs were locally injected into the fracture sites in an established mouse fracture model. The results indicated that miR-378 inhibitor therapy could promote bone formation and stimulate healing process in vivo. In conclude, miR-378 suppressed osteogenesis and bone formation via inactivating Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling, suggesting miR-378 may be a potential therapeutic target for bone diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, J. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/699355</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MicroRNA-378 suppressed osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells and impaired bone formation via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/700575v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Alternative splicing modulation by G-quadruplexes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/700575v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alternative splicing is central to metazoan gene regulation but the regulatory mechanisms involved are only partially understood. Here, we show that G-quadruplex (G4) motifs are enriched ~3-fold both upstream and downstream of splice junctions. Analysis of in vitro G4-seq data corroborates their formation potential. G4s display the highest enrichment at weaker splice sites, which are frequently involved in alternative splicing events. The importance of G4s in RNA as supposed to DNA is emphasized by a higher enrichment for the non-template strand. To explore if G4s are involved in dynamic alternative splicing responses, we analyzed RNA-seq data from mouse and human neuronal cells treated with potassium chloride. We find that G4s are enriched at exons which were skipped following potassium ion treatment. We validate the formation of stable G4s for three candidate splice sites by circular dichroism spectroscopy, UV-melting and fluorescence measurements. Finally, we explore G4 motifs across eleven representative species, and we observe that strong enrichment at splice sites is restricted to mammals and birds.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Georgakopoulos Soares, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parada, G. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miska, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hemberg, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/700575</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Alternative splicing modulation by G-quadruplexes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/702415v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular mechanism of mitochondrial phosphatidate transfer by Ups1/Mdm35 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/702415v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cardiolipin plays many important roles for mitochondrial physiological function and is synthesized from phosphatidic acid (PA) at inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). PA synthesized from endoplasmic reticulum needs to transfer to IMM via outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). The transfer of PA between IMM and OMM is mediated by Ups1/Mdm35 protein family. Although there are many structures of this family available, the detailed molecular mechanism of how PA is transferred between membranes is yet unknown. Here, we report another crystal structures of Ups1/Mdm35 in the authentic monomeric apo state and the DHPA bound state. By combining subsequent all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, extensive structural comparisons and biophysical assays, we discovered the conformational changes of Ups1/Mdm35, identified key structural elements and residues during membrane binding and PA entry. We found the monomeric Ups1 on membrane is an important transit for the success of PA transfer, and the equilibrium between monomeric Ups1 and Ups1/Mdm35 complex on membrane affects the PA transfer rate and can be regulated by many factors including environmental pH.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/702415</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular mechanism of mitochondrial phosphatidate transfer by Ups1/Mdm35]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/704288v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A binning tool to reconstruct viral haplotypes from assembled contigs 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/704288v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationInfections by RNA viruses such as Influenza, HIV still pose a serious threat to human health despite extensive research on viral diseases. One challenge for producing effective prevention and treatment strategies is high intra-species genetic diversity. As different strains may have different biological properties, characterizing the genetic diversity is thus important to vaccine and drug design. Next-generation sequencing technology enables comprehensive characterization of both known and novel strains and has been widely adopted for sequencing viral populations. However, genome-scale reconstruction of haplotypes is still a challenging problem. In particular, haplotype assembly programs often produce contigs rather than full genomes. As a mutation in one gene can mask the phenotypic effects of a mutation at another locus, clustering these contigs into genome-scale haplotypes is still needed.nnResultsWe developed a contig binning tool, VirBin, which clusters contigs into different groups so that each group represents a haplotype. Commonly used features based on sequence composition and contig coverage cannot effectively distinguish viral haplotypes because of their high sequence similarity and heterogeneous sequencing coverage for RNA viruses. VirBin applied prototype-based clustering to cluster regions that are more likely to contain mutations specific to a haplotype. The tool was tested on multiple simulated sequencing data with different haplotype abundance distributions and contig sizes, and also on mock quasispecies sequencing data. The benchmark results with other contig binning tools demonstrated the superior sensitivity and precision of VirBin in contig binning for viral haplotype reconstruction.nnAvailabilityhttps://github.com/chjiao/VirBinnnContactyannisun@cityu.edu.hk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/704288</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A binning tool to reconstruct viral haplotypes from assembled contigs]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/706424v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An integrative ENCODE resource for cancer genomics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/706424v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ENCODE comprises thousands of functional genomics datasets, and the encyclopedia covers hundreds of cell types, providing a universal annotation for genome interpretation. However, for particular applications, it may be advantageous to use a customized annotation. Here, we develop such a custom annotation by leveraging advanced assays, such as eCLIP, Hi-C, and whole-genome STARR-seq on a number of data-rich ENCODE cell types. A key aspect of this annotation is comprehensive and experimentally derived networks of both transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins (TFs and RBPs). Cancer, a disease of system-wide dysregulation, is an ideal application for such a network-based annotation. Specifically, for cancer-associated cell types, we put regulators into hierarchies and measure their network change (rewiring) during oncogenesis. We also extensively survey TF-RBP crosstalk, highlighting how SUB1, a previously uncharacterized RBP, drives aberrant tumor expression and amplifies the effect of MYC, a well-known oncogenic TF. Furthermore, we show how our annotation allows us to place oncogenic transformations in the context of a broad cell space; here, many normal-to-tumor transitions move towards a stem-like state, while oncogene knockdowns show an opposing trend. Finally, we organize the resource into a coherent workflow to prioritize key elements and variants, in addition to regulators. We showcase the application of this prioritization to somatic burdening, cancer differential expression and GWAS. Targeted validations of the prioritized regulators, elements and variants using siRNA knockdowns, CRISPR-based editing, and luciferase assays demonstrate the value of the ENCODE resource.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dhiman, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGillivray, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meyerson, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clarke, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lou, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lochovsky, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ung, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harmanci, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sethi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gursoy, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schoenberg, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rozowsky, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Warrell, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Emani, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Galeev, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krishnan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rivera-Mulia, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adrian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Broach, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bolt, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moran, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fitzgerald, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dileep, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mei, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sasaki, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trevilla-Garcia, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klein, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Snyder, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gilbert, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/706424</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An integrative ENCODE resource for cancer genomics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/714766v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Varying constraints impact the miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 microRNA cluster in Drosophila leg development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/714766v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A striking feature of microRNAs is that they are often clustered in the genomes of animals. The functional and evolutionary consequences of this clustering remain obscure. Here, we investigated a microRNA cluster miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 that is conserved across drosophilid lineages. Small RNA sequencing revealed expression of this microRNA cluster in Drosophila melanogaster leg discs, and conditional overexpression of the whole cluster resulted in leg appendage shortening. Transgenic overexpression lines expressing different combinations of microRNA cluster members were also constructed. Expression of individual microRNAs from the cluster resulted in a normal wild-type phenotype, but either the expression of several ancient microRNAs together (miR-5/4/286/3/309) or more recently evolved clustered microRNAs (miR-6-1/2/3) can recapitulate the phenotypes generated by the whole-cluster overexpression. Screening of transgenic fly lines revealed down-regulation of leg patterning gene cassettes in generation of the leg-shortening phenotype. Furthermore, cell transfection with different combinations of microRNA cluster members revealed a suite of downstream genes targeted by all cluster members, as well as complements of targets that are unique for distinct microRNAs. Considering together the microRNA targets and the evolutionary ages of each microRNA in the cluster demonstrates the importance of microRNA clustering, where new members can reinforce and modify the selection forces on both the cluster regulation and the gene regulatory network of existing microRNAs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yiu, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, C. W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, I. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. Y. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, N. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, F. K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tobe, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferrier, D. E. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bendena, W. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/714766</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Varying constraints impact the miR-6/5/4/286/3/309 microRNA cluster in Drosophila leg development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/719369v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Reference intervals of spot urine copper excretion in preschool children and potential application in pre-symptomatic screening of Wilson’s disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/719369v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWith spot urine collected from a large control sample of preschool children (aged 3-7 years), reference range of spot urine copper excretion indexes and their biological variation were defined.nnMethodsIn order to investigate their test performance in screening of Wilson disease in this age group, multiple spot urine samples from 6 WD patients diagnosed at presymptomatic stage were analysed. Cut-off values for spot urine copper concentration, copper to creatinine ratio and copper to osmolality ratio at 0.5 {micro}mol/L, 0.1 {micro}mol/mmol and 0.00085 {micro}mol/mOsmol (32 {micro}g/L, 56 {micro}g/g creatinine and 0.054 {micro}g/mOsmol, respectively, in conventional units) have potential application in differentiation of WD patients.nnResultsThe data provides a new insight that the inter-individual variation of spot urine copper indexes (CVg) were moderate with figures around 60% which was similar to other clinically useful urine tests, such as urine albumin excretion ratio. Spot urine copper excretion strongly correlated with both urine creatinine and osmolality. And more than 95% of data points in health preschool children fell within prediction regions by linear regression suggesting a good utility of normalisation by these 2 analytes. Receiver operator curve (ROC) showed that copper to osmolality ratio was the best index with an area under curve (AUC) greater than 0.98.nnConclusionsBased on the data, a new WD screening time window targeting preschool children is proposed. Application of a bivariate screening strategy using spot urine copper concentration and urine osmolality may be useful in a population screening program for preschool children.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/719369</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Reference intervals of spot urine copper excretion in preschool children and potential application in pre-symptomatic screening of Wilson’s disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/723833v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
K-mer counting with low memory consumption enables fast clustering of single-cell sequencing data without read alignment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/723833v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
K-mer counting has many applications in sequencing data processing and analysis. However, sequencing errors can produce many false k-mers that substantially increase the memory requirement during counting. We propose a fast k-mer counting method, CQF-deNoise, which has a novel component for dynamically identifying and removing false k-mers while preserving counting accuracy. Compared with four state-of-the-art k-mer counting methods, CQF-deNoise consumed 49-76% less memory than the second best method, but still ran competitively fast. The k-mer counts from CQF-deNoise produced cell clusters from single-cell RNA-seq data highly consistent with CellRanger but required only 5% of the running time at the same memory consumption, suggesting that CQF-deNoise can be used for a preview of cell clusters for an early detection of potential data problems, before running a much more time-consuming full analysis pipeline.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shi, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/723833</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[K-mer counting with low memory consumption enables fast clustering of single-cell sequencing data without read alignment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/723924v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Olfactory receptor subgenome and expression in a highly olfactory procellariiform seabird 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/723924v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Procellariiform seabirds are known for their well-developed olfactory capabilities, reflected by their large olfactory bulb to brain ratio and olfactory-mediated behaviors. Many species in this clade use olfactory cues for foraging and navigation, and some species can recognize individual-specific odors. Their genomes and transcriptomes may yield important clues about how the olfactory receptor (OR) subgenome was shaped by natural and sexual selection. In this study, we assembled a high-quality Leachs storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) genome to facilitate characterization of the OR repertoire. We also surveyed expressed OR genes through transcriptome analysis of the olfactory epithelium - to our knowledge, the first avian study to interrogate OR diversity in this way. We detected a large number ([~]61) of intact OR genes, and identified OR genes under positive selection. In addition, we estimated that this species has the lowest proportion ([~]60%) of pseudogenes compared to other waterbirds studied thus far. We show that the traditional annotation-based genome mining method underestimates OR gene number (214) as compared to copy number analysis using depth-of-coverage analysis, which estimated a total of 492 OR genes. By examining OR expression pattern in this species, we identified highly expressed OR genes, and OR genes that were differentially expressed between age groups, providing valuable insight into the development of olfactory capabilities in this and other avian species. Our genomic evidence is consistent with the Leachs storm petrels well-developed olfactory sense, a key sensory foundation for its pelagic lifestyle and behavioral ecology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cloutier, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nevitt, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/723924</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Olfactory receptor subgenome and expression in a highly olfactory procellariiform seabird]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/724526v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Global Genetic Cartography of Urban Metagenomes andAnti-Microbial Resistance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/724526v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We have created a global atlas of 4,728 metagenomic samples from mass-transit systems in 60 cities across 3 years. This is the first systematic, worldwide study cataloging the urban microbial ecosystem. We identify taxonomically-defined microorganisms collected across three years. This atlas provides an annotated, geospatial profile of microbial strains, functional characteristics AMR markers, and novel genetic elements, including 10,928 viral, 1302 bacteria, and 2 archaea novel species. We identify 4,424 species of urban microorganisms and a consistent "core" of 31 species found in nearly all samples that is largely distinct from any human commensal microbiome. Profiles of AMR genes show geographic variation in type and density. Together, these results constitute a high-resolution, global metagenomic atlas, which enables the discovery of new genetic components, highlights potential forensic applications, and provides an essential first draft of the global AMR burden of the worlds cities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Danko, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bezdan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Afshinnekoo, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahsanuddin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alicea, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhattacharya, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhattacharyya, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blekhman, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Butler, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castro-Nallar, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Canas, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chatziefthimiou, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chng, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coil, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Court, D. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crawford, R. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Desnues, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dias-Neto, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donnellan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dybwad, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eisen, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Elhaik, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ercolini, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Filippis, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frolova, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Graf, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Green, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hecht, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hernandez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kahles, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karasikov, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knights, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kyrpides, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ljungdahl, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyons, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mason-Buck, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGrath, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mongodin, E. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mustafa, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muta</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/724526</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Global Genetic Cartography of Urban Metagenomes andAnti-Microbial Resistance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/726208v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biological Pathways and Gene Networks Link Inflammation and Vascular Remodeling to Both Heart Failure with Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction in Women across Ethnicities 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/726208v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
IntroductionHeart failure (HF) is understudied among women; especially, genomic evidence implicating shared or unique mechanisms of HF with respect to reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF, HFpEF) is lacking across ethnic populations of women. Prior genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified approximately 30 suggestive genetic variants for HF, although none have been specifically linked to HFrEF or HFpEF.nnObjectivesWe aimed to define, replicate, and annotate genetic variants to HFrEF, HFpEF, or both, as well as to investigate potential biological mechanisms underlying HFrEF and HFpEF among African American (AA) and European American (EA) women in three well-characterized, high-quality prospective cohorts, the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) study, the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), and the Framingham Heart Study (FHS).nnMethodsGWAS analysis on HFrEF and HFpEF were first performed among 7,982 AA and 4,133 EA in the WHI, followed by pathway analysis employing two independent methodological platforms (GSA-SNP and Mergeomics) curating KEGG, Reactome, and BioCarta pathway databases. GWAS signals and biological pathways identified using the WHI were replicated in the JHS and FHS. For all replicated pathways, we performed cross-phenotype and cross-ethnicity validation analyses to examine shared pathways between HFrEF and HFpEF, and phenotype-specific pathways, across ethnicities. We further prioritized key driver genes for HF according to specific pathways identified.nnResultsWe validated one previously reported genetic locus and identified six new ones, among which one locus was allocated to HFrEF and five to HFpEF. Additionally, we defined five biological pathways shared between HFrEF and HFpEF and discovered six HFpEF-specific pathways. These pathways overlapped in two main domains for molecular signaling: 1) inflammation and 2) vascular remodeling (including angiogenesis and vascular patterning), involving key driver genes from collagen and HLA gene families.nnConclusionsOur network analysis of three large prospective cohorts of women in the United States defined several novel loci for HF and its subtypes. In particular, several key driver genes reinforce the mechanistic role of inflammation and vascular remodeling in the development of HF, especially HFpEF. Given that therapeutic strategies developed for left ventricular dysfunction have had limited success for HFpEF, several new targets and pathways identified and validated in this study should be further assessed in risk stratification as well as the design of potential new HF interventions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morrison, A. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGarvey, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, J. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Correa, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reiner, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/726208</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biological Pathways and Gene Networks Link Inflammation and Vascular Remodeling to Both Heart Failure with Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction in Women across Ethnicities]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/730473v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Using Machine Learning and Gene Nonhomology Features to Predict Gene Ontology 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/730473v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Advances in genome sequencing and annotation have eased the difficulty of identifying new gene sequences. Predicting the functions of these newly identified genes remains challenging. Genes descended from a common ancestral sequence are likely to have common functions. As a result homology is widely used for gene function prediction. This means functional annotation errors also propagate from one species to another. Several approaches based on machine learning classification algorithms were evaluated for their ability to accurately predict gene function from non-homology gene features. Among the eight supervised classification algorithms evaluated, random forest-based prediction consistently provided the most accurate gene function prediction. Non-homology-based functional annotation provides complementary strengths to homology-based annotation, with higher average performance in Biological Process GO terms, the domain where homology-based functional annotation performs the worst, and weaker performance in Molecular Function GO terms, the domain where the accuracy of homology-based functional annotation is highest. Non-homology-based functional annotation based on machine learning may ultimately prove useful both as a method to assign predicted functions to orphan genes which lack functionally characterized homologs, and to identify and correct functional annotation errors which were propagated through homology-based functional annotations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnable, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/730473</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Using Machine Learning and Gene Nonhomology Features to Predict Gene Ontology]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/740837v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Massive parallel variant characterization identifies NUDT15 alleles associated with thiopurine toxicity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/740837v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As a prototype of genomics-guided precision medicine, individualized thiopurine dosing based on pharmacogenetics is a highly effective way to mitigate hematopoietic toxicity of this class of drugs. Recently, NUDT15 deficiency was identified as a novel genetic cause of thiopurine toxicity, and NUDT15-informed preemptive dose reduction is quickly adopted in clinical settings. To exhaustively identify pharmacogenetic variants in this gene, we developed massively parallel NUDT15 function assays to determine variants effect on protein abundance and thiopurine cytotoxicity. Of the 3,097 possible missense variants, we characterized the abundance of 2,922 variants and found 54 hotspot residues at which variants resulted in complete loss of protein stability. Analyzing 2,935 variants in the thiopurine cytotoxicity-based assay, we identified 17 additional residues where variants altered NUDT15 activity without affecting protein stability. We identified structural elements key to NUDT15 stability and/or catalytical activity with single amino-acid resolution. Functional effects for NUDT15 variants accurately predicted toxicity risk alleles in 2,398 patients treated with thiopurines, with 100% sensitivity and specificity, in contrast with poor performance of bioinformatic prediction algorithms. In conclusion, our massively parallel variant function assays identified 1,103 deleterious NUDT15 variants, providing a comprehensive reference of variant function and vastly improving the ability to implement pharmacogenetics-guided thiopurine treatment individualization.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Suiter, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moriyama, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matreyek, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scaletti, E. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nishii, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoshitsuki, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Singh, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trehan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parish, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhojwani, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.-k.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walker, G. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goodhand, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kennedy, N. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klussmann, F. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhatia, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Relling, M. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kato, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hori, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhatia, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahmad, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yoeh, A. E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stenmark, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fowler, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/740837</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Massive parallel variant characterization identifies NUDT15 alleles associated with thiopurine toxicity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/744706v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DeepMF: Deciphering the Latent Patterns in Omics Profiles with a Deep Learning Method 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/744706v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With recent advances in high-throughput technologies, matrix factorization techniques are increasingly being utilized for mapping quantitative omics profiling matrix data into low-dimensional embedding space, in the hope of uncovering insights in the underlying biological processes. Nevertheless, current matrix factorization tools fall short in handling noisy data and missing entries, both deficiencies that are often found in real-life data. Here, we propose DeepMF, a deep neural network-based factorization model. DeepMF disentangles the association between molecular feature-associated and sample-associated latent matrices, and is tolerant to noisy and missing values. It exhibited feasible subtype discovery efficacy on mRNA, miRNA, and protein profiles of medulloblastoma cancer, leukemia cancer, breast cancer, and small-blue-round-cell cancer, achieving the highest clustering accuracy of 76%, 100%, 92%, and 100% respectively. When analyzing data sets with 70% missing entries, DeepMF gave the best recovery capacity with silhouette values of 0.47, 0.6, 0.28, and 0.44, outperforming other state-of-the-art MF tools on the cancer data sets Medulloblastoma, Leukemia, TCGA BRCA, and SRBCT. Its embedding strength as measured by clustering accuracy is 88%, 100%, 84%, and 96% on these data sets, which improves on the current best methods 76%, 100%, 78%, and 87%. DeepMF demonstrated robust denoising, imputation, and embedding ability. It offers insights to uncover the underlying biological processes such as cancer subtype discovery. Our implementation of DeepMF can be found at https://gitlab.deepomics.org/jiaox96/DeepMF.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/744706</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DeepMF: Deciphering the Latent Patterns in Omics Profiles with a Deep Learning Method]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/768846v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hierarchical learning of statistical regularities over multiple timescales of sound sequence processing: A dynamic causal modelling study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/768846v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The nervous system is endowed with predictive capabilities, updating neural activity to reflect recent stimulus statistics in a manner which optimises processing of expected future states. This process has previously been formulated within a predictive coding framework, where sensory input is either "explained away" by accurate top-down predictions, or leads to a salient prediction error which triggers an update to the existing prediction when inaccurate. However, exactly how the brain optimises predictive processes in the stochastic and multi-faceted real-world environment remains unclear. Auditory evoked potentials have proven a useful measure of monitoring unsupervised learning of patterning in sound sequences through modulations of the mismatch negativity component which is associated with "change detection" and widely used as a proxy for indexing learnt regularities. Here we used dynamic causal modelling to analyse scalp-recorded auditory evoked potentials collected during presentation of sound sequences consisting of multiple, nested regularities and extend on previous observations of pattern learning restricted to the scalp level or based on single-outcome events. Patterns included the regular characteristics of the two tones presented, consistency in their relative probabilities as either common standard (p = .875) or rare deviant (p = .125), and the regular rate at which these tone probabilities alternated. Significant changes in connectivity reflecting a drop in the precision of prediction errors based on learnt patterns were observed at three points in the sound sequence, corresponding to the three hierarchical levels of nested regularities: (1) when an unexpected "deviant" sound was encountered; (2) when the probabilities of the two tonal states altered; and (3) when there was a change in rate at which probabilities in tonal state changed. These observations provide further evidence of simultaneous pattern learning over multiple timescales, reflected through changes in neural activity below the scalp.nnAuthor summaryOur physical environment is comprised of regularities which give structure to our world. This consistency provides the basis for experiential learning, where we can increasingly master our interactions with our surroundings based on prior experience. This type of learning also guides how we sense and perceive the world. The sensory system is known to reduce responses to regular and predictable patterns of input, and conserve neural resources for processing input which is new and unexpected. Temporal pattern learning is particularly important for auditory processing, in disentangling overlapping sound streams and deciphering the information value of sound. For example, understanding human language requires an exquisite sensitivity to the rhythm and tempo of speech sounds. Here we elucidate the sensitivity of the auditory system to concurrent temporal patterning during a sound sequence consisting of nested patterns over three timescales. We used dynamic causal modelling to demonstrate that the auditory system monitors short, intermediate and longer-timescale patterns in sound simultaneously. We also show that these timescales are each represented by distinct connections between different brain areas. These findings support complex interactions between different areas of the brain as responsible for the ability to learn sophisticated patterns in sound even without conscious attention.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fitzgerald, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Provost, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paton, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Howard, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Todd, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/768846</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hierarchical learning of statistical regularities over multiple timescales of sound sequence processing: A dynamic causal modelling study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/769372v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dissociable neural effects of temporal expectations due to passage of time and contextual probability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/769372v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The human brain is equipped with complex mechanisms to track the changing probability of events in time. While the passage of time itself usually leads to a mounting expectation, context can provide additional information about when events are likely to happen. In this study we dissociate these two sources of temporal expectation in terms of their neural correlates and underlying brain connectivity patterns. We analysed magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data acquired from N=24 healthy participants listening to auditory stimuli. These stimuli could be presented at different temporal intervals but occurred most often at intermediate intervals, forming a contextual probability distribution. Evoked MEG response amplitude was sensitive to both passage of time and contextual probability, albeit at different latencies: the effects of passage of time were observed earlier than the effects of context. The underlying sources of MEG activity were also different across the two types of temporal prediction: the effects of passage of time were localised to early auditory regions and superior temporal gyri, while context was additionally linked to activity in inferior parietal cortices. Finally, these differences were modelled using biophysical (dynamic causal) modelling: passage of time was explained in terms of widespread gain modulation and decreased prediction error signalling at lower levels of the hierarchy, while contextual expectation led to more localised gain modulation and decreased prediction error signalling at higher levels of the hierarchy. These results present a comprehensive account of how independent sources of temporal prediction may be differentially expressed in cortical circuits.nnHIGHLIGHTS- Predictability of tone onset times affects auditory network connectivityn- Foreperiod and distribution of events in time have dissociable neural substratesn- Decreased prediction error at different levels of cortical hierarchy
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Todorovic, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/769372</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dissociable neural effects of temporal expectations due to passage of time and contextual probability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/772723v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
I-Impute: a self-consistent method to impute single cell RNA sequencing data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/772723v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is essential for the study of cell-specific transcriptome landscapes. The scRNA-seq techniques capture merely a small fraction of the gene due to "dropout" events. When analyzing with scRNA-seq data, the dropout events receive intensive attentions. Imputation tools are proposed to estimate the values of the dropout events and de-noise the data. To evaluate the imputation tools, researchers have developed different clustering criteria by incorporating the ground-truth cell subgroup labels. There lack measurements without cell subgroup knowledge. A reliable imputation tool should follow the "self-consistency" principle; that is, the tool reports the results only if it finds no further errors or dropouts from the data. Here, we propose "self-consistency" as an explicit evaluation criterion; also, we propose I-Impute, a "self-consistent" method, to impute scRNA-seq data. I-Impute lever-ages continuous similarities and dropout probabilities and refines the data iteratively to make the final output self-consistent. On the in silico data sets, I-Impute exhibited the highest Pearson correlations for different dropout rates consistently compared with the state-of-art methods SAVER and scImpute. On the datasets of 90.87%, 70.98% and 56.65% zero rates, I-Impute exhibited the correlations as 0.78, 0.90, and 0.94, respectively, between ground truth entries and predicted values, while SAVER exhibited the correlations as 0.58, 0.79 and 0.88, respectively and scImpute exhibited correlations as 0.65, 0.86, and 0.93, respectively. Furthermore, we collected three wetlab datasets, mouse bladder cells dataset, embryonic stem cells dataset, and aortic leukocyte cells dataset, to evaluate the tools. I-Impute exhibited feasible cell subpopulation discovery efficacy on all the three datasets. It achieves the highest clustering accuracy compared with SAVER and scImpute; that is, I-Impute displayed the adjusted Rand indices of the three datasets as 0.61, 0.7, 0.52, which improved the indices of SAVER by 0.01 to 0.17, and improved the indices of scImpute by 0.19 to 0.4. Also, I-impute promoted normalized mutual information of the three datasets by 0.01 to 0.09 comparing with SAVER, and by 0.15 to 0.34 comparing with scImpute. I-Impute exhibits robust imputation ability and follows the "self-consistency" principle. It offers perspicacity to uncover the underlying cell subtypes in real scRNA-Seq data. Source code of I-Impute can be accessed at https://github.com/xikanfeng2/I-Impute.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>FENG, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/772723</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[I-Impute: a self-consistent method to impute single cell RNA sequencing data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/781187v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal populations in thedorsolateral Periacqueductual Gray have differentfunctional roles in fear conditioning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/781187v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is though that only a subset of brain structures can encode emotional states. This can be investigated though a set of properties, including the ability of neurons to respond to a conditioned stimulus (CS) preceding an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US). The dorsolateral periacqueductal gray (dPAG) is a midbrain structure though to have an essential role in coordinating defensive behaviors in response to aversive stimulation. But its ability of dPAG neurons to encode a CS following fear conditioning as not been sufficiently studied.nnHere we used calcium imaging by fiber photometry to record the activity of dPAGVGluT2+ and dPAGGAD2+ neuronal populations during unconditioned and conditioned aversive stimulation. Then, following an unconditioned stimulation we performed a retrieval experiment to quantify memory-like responses of dPAG neurons. This shown that whilst both dPAGVGluT2+ and dPAGGAD2+ neuronal populations respond to direct US stimulation, and to CS stimulation during conditioning, only the dPAGVGluT2+ population persisted in responding to the CS stimulation during retrieval. Finally, to better understand dPAGVGluT2+ and dPAGGAD2+ connectivity patterns, we performed a cell specific monosynaptic retrograde rabies virus tracing experiment. This revealed that different patterns of fibers projects to dPAGVGluT2+ and dPAGGAD2+, further complementing our recording showing divergences between PAGVGluT2+ and dPAGGAD2+ populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Montardy, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/781187</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal populations in thedorsolateral Periacqueductual Gray have differentfunctional roles in fear conditioning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/784819v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Analysis of spatiotemporal specificity of small RNAs regulating hPSC differentiation and beyond 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/784819v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We present a quantitative analysis of small RNA dynamics during the transition from hPSCs to the three germ layer lineages to identify spatiotemporal-specific small RNAs that may be involved in hPSC differentiation. To determine the degree of spatiotemporal specificity, we utilized two algorithms, namely normalized maximum timepoint specificity index (NMTSI) and across-tissue specificity index (ASI). NMTSI could identify spatiotemporal-specific small RNAs that go up or down at just one timepoint in a specific lineage. ASI could identify spatiotemporal-specific small RNAs that maintain high expression from intermediate timepoints to the terminal timepoint in a specific lineage. Beyond analyzing single small RNAs, we also quantified the spatiotemporal-specificity of microRNA families and observed their differential expression patterns in certain lineages. To clarify the regulatory effects of group miRNAs on cellular events during lineage differentiation, we performed a gene ontology (GO) analysis on the downstream targets of synergistically up-and downregulated microRNAs. To provide an integrated interface for researchers to access and browse our analysis results, we designed a web-based tool at https://keyminer.pythonanywhere.com/km/.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Papadopoulos, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-09-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/784819</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Analysis of spatiotemporal specificity of small RNAs regulating hPSC differentiation and beyond]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-09-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/789107v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Isolation and Characterization of a Rhizobium Bacterium Associated with the Toxic Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus balechii 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/789107v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Algae-bacteria associations are increasingly being recognized to be important in shaping the growth of both algae and bacteria. Bacteria belonging to order Rhizobiales are important symbionts of legumes often developing as nodules on plant roots, but have not been widely documented in association with algae. Here, we detected, isolated, and characterized a Rhizobium species from the toxic benthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus culture. The sequence of 16S rDNA showed 99% identity with that of Rhizobium rosettiformans. To further characterize the bacterium, we amplified and sequenced a cell wall hydrolase (CWH)-encoding gene; phylogenetic analysis indicated that this sequence was similar to the homologs of Martellela sp. and Hoeflea sp, of order Rhizobiales. We performed PCR using nifH primers to determine whether this bacterium can fix N2; however, the results of sequencing analysis showed that it was closer to chlorophyllide a reductase-encoding gene (bchX), which is similar to nifH. Results of 16S rDNA qPCR showed that compared to that in the early exponential phase, the abundance of this bacterium increased during the late exponential growth phase of Gambierdiscus. When the dinoflagellate culture was subjected to N limitation, the abundance of the bacterium represented by both 16S rDNA and CWH increased. Based on these results and published literature, it is apparent that this Rhizobium bacterium benefits from the association with Gambierdiscus by hydrolyzing and utilizing the extracellular organic matter exudates released by the dinoflagellate. This is the first report of Rhizobium species being associated with dinoflagellates, which will shed light on the algae-bacteria relationships.nnIMPORTANCEPhytoplankton are the undisputed primary producers in the aquatic ecosystems and contribute approximately half of the global net primary productivity.nnDinoflagellates are one of the most important phytoplankton in the marine ecosystems. Commonly, they do not exist autonomously in the marine environment but rather co-live with many bacteria that interact with dinoflagellates, producing a dynamic microbial ecosystem. Their interactions play a major role in important processes such as carbon fluxes and nutrient regeneration in the ocean, ultimately influencing the global carbon cycle and the climate. Hence, there is a need to understand the association and relationships between dinoflagellates and bacteria. Here, we tried to elucidate these interactions through isolating and characterizing a bacterium from a benthic toxic dinoflagellate culture. Our study is the first report of such bacterium being recorded to be associated with a dinoflagellate in this genus, providing new insights into the dinoflagellate-bacteria association for future research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WU, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, P. K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/789107</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Isolation and Characterization of a Rhizobium Bacterium Associated with the Toxic Dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus balechii]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/792101v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CircFOXK2 Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via Complexing with RNA Binding Proteins and Sponging MiR-942 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/792101v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveCircular RNA (circRNA) is a novel class of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. However, the role of circRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is largely unknown.nnDesignWe performed circRNA sequencing of non-tumor HPDE and PDAC cells. We investigated the functions of circFOXK2 in PDAC by gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay and microRNA pulldown assays were performed to identify circFOXK2 interacting-miRNAs. To further investigate the mechanism, we performed circRNA-pulldown and mass spectrometry to identify circFOXK2-interacting proteins in PDAC.nnResultsWe identified 169 differentially expressed circRNAs in PDAC cells. We validated that one of the circRNAs circFOXK2 was significantly up-regulated in PDAC cells and in 63 % of primary tumor (53 out of 84). Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that circFOXK2 promoted PDAC cell growth, migration and invasion. CircFOXK2 was also involved in cell cycle progression and apoptosis. circFOXK2 functioned as sponge for miR-942, and in turn promoted the expression of miR-942 targets ANK1, GDNF and PAX6. Furthermore, circFOXK2 interacted with 94 proteins, which were involved in cell adhesion and mRNA splicing. Among these circFOXK2-interacting proteins, YBX1 and hnRNPK were validated by RNA immunoprecipitation. Importantly, circFOKX2 interacted with YBX1 and hnRNPK targets NUF2 and PDXK in PDAC cells. Knockdown of circFOXK2 reduced the binding of YBX1 and hnRNPK to NUF2 and PDXK, and in turn decreased their expressions in PDAC cells.nnConclusionWe identified that circFOXK2 promoted PDAC cells growth and metastasis. Also, circFOXK2 complexed with YBX1 and hnRNPK to promote the expressions of oncogenic proteins.nnSignificance of this studyWhat is already known on this subject?nnO_LIDifferentially expressed circRNAs are involved in carcinogenesis of many cancers.nC_LIO_LICircRNAs function as microRNA sponges to regulate gene expression.nC_LIO_LIThe roles of circRNAs in PDAC progression is largely unknown.nC_LInnWhat are the new findings?nnO_LIcircFOXK2 is upregulated in PDAC primary tumors.nC_LIO_LIcircFOXK2 promotes PDAC tumor growth and liver metastasis.nC_LIO_LIcircFOXK2 functions as sponges for miR-942 to promote the expressions of oncogenic ANK1, GDNF and PAX6.nC_LIO_LIcircFOXK2 complexes with YBX1 and hnRNPK to promote the expressions of oncogenic proteins in PDAC.nC_LInnHow might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?nnO_LIcircFOXK2 upregulation in PDAC may function as a novel biomarker for diagnosis.nC_LIO_LIcircFOXK2 may be a novel therapeutic target in treating PDAC.nC_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lou, U. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, J. H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/792101</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CircFOXK2 Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via Complexing with RNA Binding Proteins and Sponging MiR-942]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/797688v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Establishment of morphological atlas of Caenorhabditis elegans embryo with cellular resolution using deep-learning-based 4D segmentation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/797688v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cell lineage consists of cell division timing, cell migration and cell fate, which are highly reproducible during the development of some nematode species, including C. elegans. Due to the lack of high spatiotemporal resolution of imaging technique and reliable shape-reconstruction algorithm, cell morphology have not been systematically characterized in depth over development for any metazoan. This significantly inhibits the study of space-related problems in developmental biology, including cell segregation, cell-cell contact and cell shape change over development. Here we develop an automated pipeline, CShaper, to help address these issues. By quantifying morphological parameters of densely packed cells in developing C. elegans emrbyo through segmentation of fluorescene-labelled membrance, we generate a time-lapse framework of cellular shape and migration for C. elegans embryos from 4-to 350-cell stage, including a full migration trajectory, morphological dynamics of 226 cells and 877 reproducible cell-cell contacts. In combination with automated cell tracing, cell-fate associated cell shape change becomes within reach. Our work provides a quantitative resource for C. elegans early development, which is expected to facilitate the research such as signaling transduction and cell biology of division.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/797688</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Establishment of morphological atlas of Caenorhabditis elegans embryo with cellular resolution using deep-learning-based 4D segmentation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/797746v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
In Vivo Study of Key Transcription Factors in Muscle Satellite Cells by CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA Mediated Genome Editing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/797746v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) are adult muscle stem cells responsible for injury induced muscle regeneration. Despite advances in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms regulating SC lineage progression, our understanding of key transcription factors (TFs) and their regulatory functions in SCs in particularly the quiescent and early activation stages remains incomplete due to the lack of efficient method to screen and investigate the stage-specific key TFs. In this study, we succeeded in defining a distinct list of key TFs in early stages of SC fate transition using the paradigm of super enhancers (SEs). Particularly, leveraging the Cre-dependent Cas9 knockin mice and AAV9 mediated sgRNAs delivery, we generated a facile muscle specific genome editing system which allows gene depletion in SCs in vivo. Using MyoD locus as a proof of concept, we demonstrated that this CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA system can efficiently introduce mutagenesis at target locus and recapture the phenotypes reported in knockout mice. Further application of the system on key TFs, Myc, Bcl6 and Pknox2, revealed their distinct functions in the early stage of SC activation and damage induced muscle regeneration. Altogether our findings have proven the CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA system as a robust way for in vivo genome editing and elucidation of key factors governing SC activities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HE, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SO, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/797746</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[In Vivo Study of Key Transcription Factors in Muscle Satellite Cells by CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA Mediated Genome Editing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/800318v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Zonation-dependent single-endothelial cell transcriptomic changes in the aged brain 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/800318v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With advances in single-cell genomics, molecular signatures of cells comprising the brain vasculature are revealed in unprecedented detail1,2, yet the ageing-associated cell subtype transcriptomic changes which may contribute to neurovascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases3-7 remain elusive. Here, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of brain endothelial cells (EC) in young adult and aged mice to characterize their ageing-associated genome-wide expression changes. We identified zonation-dependent transcriptomic changes in aged brain EC subtypes, with capillary ECs exhibiting the most transcriptomic alterations. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed altered immune/cytokine signaling in ECs of all vascular segments, while functional changes impacting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and glucose/energy metabolism were most prominently implicated in ECs of the capillary bed - the primary site where ECs and other neurovascular unit (NVU) cell types closely interact and coordinate to regulate BBB and cerebral blood flow in health and diseased conditions8-17. Furthermore, an overrepresentation of Alzheimers disease (AD)-associated genes identified from GWAS studies was evident among the human orthologs of differentially expressed genes of aged capillary ECs but not other EC subtypes. Importantly, for numerous EC-enriched differentially expressed genes with important functional roles at the BBB and/or association with AD, we found concordant expression changes in human aged or AD brains. Finally, we demonstrated that treatment with exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, strongly reverses transcriptomic changes in ECs and largely reduces BBB leakage in the aged brain. Thus, our study provides insights into detailed transcriptomic alterations underlying brain EC ageing that are complex with subtype specificity yet amenable to pharmacological interventions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vong, J. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sy, S. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, H. Y. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, V. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/800318</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Zonation-dependent single-endothelial cell transcriptomic changes in the aged brain]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/809640v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Optimal Multichannel Artifact Prediction and Removal for Brain Machine Interfaces and Neural Prosthetics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/809640v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neural implants that electrically stimulate neural tissue such as deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants (CI), and vagal nerve stimulators are becoming the routine treatment options for various diseases. Optimizing electrical stimulation paradigms requires closed-loop stimulation using simultaneous recordings of evoked neural activity in real time. Stimulus-evoked artifacts at the recording site are generally orders of magnitude larger than the neural signals, which challenge the interpretation of evoked neural activity. We developed a generalized artifact removal algorithm that can be applied in a variety of neural recording modalities. The procedure leverages known electrical stimulation currents to derive optimal filters that are used to predict and remove artifacts. We validated the procedure using paired recordings and electrical stimulation from sciatic nerve axons, high-rate bilateral CI stimulation, and concurrent multichannel stimulation in auditory midbrain and recordings in auditory cortex. We demonstrate a vast enhancement in the quality of recording even for high-throughput multi-site stimulation with typical improvements in the signal-to-noise ratio between 20-40 dB. The algorithm is efficient, can be scaled to arbitrary number of sites, and is applicable in range of recording modalities. It has numerous benefits over existing approaches and thus should be valuable for emerging neural recording and stimulation technologies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sadeghi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dutta, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Norris, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosskothen-Kuhl, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Read, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Escabi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/809640</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Optimal Multichannel Artifact Prediction and Removal for Brain Machine Interfaces and Neural Prosthetics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/810556v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tensor Factorization-based Prediction with an Application to Estimating the Risk of Chronic Diseases 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/810556v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tensor factorization has emerged as a powerful method to address the challenges of high dimensionality regarding disease development and comorbidity. Chronic diseases have a high likelihood to co-occur, making patients suffering from one chronic disease to have an elevated risk for the other diseases in the course of aging. Individualized prediction of chronic diseases can help patients prevent new diseases and reduce the healthcare costs. Despite rich results of risk assessment models for chronic diseases, individualized risk prediction considering the complex mechanisms of disease development and comorbidity remains to be under-researched. This research aims to develop tensor factorization-based machine learning models to predict the onset of new chronic diseases for individual patients through incorporating the comorbidity patterns with the clinical and sequential factors revealed in the electronic health records (EHR) data. We propose two tensor factorization-based methods to incorporate the clinical and sequential factors to reveal the latent patterns of co-occurring chronic diseases. The efficacy of the proposed methods was validated through predicting the onset of new chronic diseases for individual patients using the EHR data for 23 years from a major hospital in Hong Kong. The proposed methods consistently outperform benchmark predictive models. The top 10 predictions of new chronic diseases have approximately 60% recall. Tensor factorization is an appropriate method for predicting the onset of chronic diseases at the individual level. The proposed predictive models could inform proactive health management programs for at-risk patients with different chronic conditions at discharge.nnAuthor summaryThe existing risk assessment models mainly focused on the prediction of single diseases in the population base. Chronic disease risk prediction considering the complex mechanisms of disease development and comorbidity is under-researched. To support and inform clinical decision making for healthcare professionals in the aging society, this study provides an innovative approach to mapping an interconnected web of chronic illnesses and investigated the performance of chronic disease prediction using 2 years worth of patient assessment records and 23 years admission history data from a major hospital in Hong Kong. We proposed matrix and tensor-based methods to represent the high-order interrelations of patients, chronic diseases and additional features, which can reveal the latent patterns of co-occurring chronic diseases to enable more effective prediction. The proposed methods exhibit state-of-the-art performance in predicting the onset of new chronic diseases for individual patients.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeoh, E.-k.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/810556</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tensor Factorization-based Prediction with an Application to Estimating the Risk of Chronic Diseases]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/811612v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Codon usage bias creates a ramp of hydrogen bonding at the 5′-end in prokaryotic ORFeomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/811612v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Codon usage bias exerts control over a wide variety of molecular processes. The positioning of synonymous codons within coding sequences (CDSs) dictates protein expression by mechanisms such as local translation efficiency, mRNA Gibbs free energy, and protein co-translational folding. In this work, we explore how codon variants affect the position-dependent content of hydrogen bonding, which in turn influences energy requirements for unwinding double-stranded DNA. By analyzing over 14,000 bacterial, archaeal, and fungal ORFeomes, we found that Bacteria and Archaea exhibit an exponential ramp of hydrogen bonding at the 5'-end of CDSs, while a similar ramp was not found in Fungi. The ramp develops within the first 20 codon positions in prokaryotes, eventually reaching a steady carrying capacity of hydrogen bonding that does not differ from Fungi. Selection against uniformity tests proved that selection acts against synonymous codons with high content of hydrogen bonding at the 5'-end of prokaryotic ORFeomes. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the molecular feature of hydrogen bonding that is governed by the genetic code at the 5'-end of CDSs. A web-based application to analyze the position-dependent hydrogen bonding of ORFeomes has been developed and is publicly available (https://juanvillada.shinyapps.io/hbonds/).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Villada, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duran, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, P. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/811612</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Codon usage bias creates a ramp of hydrogen bonding at the 5′-end in prokaryotic ORFeomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/812776v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Establishment of CDK9/ RNA PolII/H3K4me3/DNA Methylation Feedback Promotes HOTAIR Expression by RNA Elongation Enhancement in Cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/812776v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Long non-coding RNA HOX Transcript Antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is overexpressed in multiple cancers with diverse genetic profiles, which heavily contributed to cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanism leading to HOTAIR deregulation is largely unexplored. Here, we revealed that gene body methylation promoted HOTAIR expression through enhancing the transcription elongation process in cancer. We linked up the aberrant gene body histone and DNA methylation in promoting transcription elongation via phosphorylation of Polymerase II Ser 2 by CDK7-CDK9, and elucidated the mechanism of a positive feedback loop involving CDK7, MLL1 and DNMT3A in promoting gene body methylation and overexpressing HOTAIR. To our knowledge, this is the first time to demonstrate that a positive feedback loop that involved CDK9-mediated phosphorylation of PolII and histone and gene body methylation induced robust transcriptional elongation, which heavily contributed to the upregulation of oncogenic lncRNA in cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, J. H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/812776</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Establishment of CDK9/ RNA PolII/H3K4me3/DNA Methylation Feedback Promotes HOTAIR Expression by RNA Elongation Enhancement in Cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/812800v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ectopic HOTTIP Expression Induces Non-canonical Transactivation Pathways to Promote Growth and Invasiveness in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/812800v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
LncRNA HOTTIP (HOXA transcript at the distal tip) is upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, oncogenic pathway mediated by HOTTIP is not fully understood. We identified canonical HOTTIP-HOXA13 targets: CYP26B1, CLIC5, CHI3L1 and UCP2 which were responsible for cell growth and cell invasion. Importantly, genome-wide analysis revealed that 38% of the genes regulated by HOTTIP contained H3K4me3 and HOTTIP enrichment at their promoters, without HOXA13 binding. HOTTIP complexed with WDR5-MLL1 to trans-activate oncogenic proteins CYB5R2, SULT1A1, KIF26A, SLC1A4 and TSC22D1 through directly triggering H3K4me3 at their promoters. The WDR5, MLL1 and H3K4me3 levels at their promoters and their expression levels were sensitive to HOTTIP overexpression and knockdown. These suggested the importance of non-canonical trans-acting HOTTIP-WDR5-MLL1 pathway in HOTTIP-regulatory mechanism by promoting the expression of oncogenic proteins. Furthermore, we dissected the mechanism by which HOTTIP was regulated by miR-497 in PDAC. Analysis of PDAC human tissues also revealed that HOTTIP was negatively correlated with miR-497 level. Our findings demonstrated that HOTTIP, upregulated in PDAC due to the loss of inhibitory miR-497, promoted PDAC progression through canonical HOTTIP-HOXA13 axis and a novel non-canonical trans-acting HOTTIP-WDR5-MLL1-H3K4me3 pathway.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, J. H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/812800</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ectopic HOTTIP Expression Induces Non-canonical Transactivation Pathways to Promote Growth and Invasiveness in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/818260v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell dissection of a rare human prostate basal cell carcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/818260v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As a rare subtype of prostate carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been studied extensively and thus lacks systematic molecular characterization. Here we applied single-cell genomic amplification and RNA-Seq to a specimen of human prostate BCC (CK34{beta}E12+/P63+/PAP-/PSA-). The mutational landscape was obtained via whole exome sequencing of the amplification mixture of 49 single cells, and the 5 putative driver genes mutated are CASC5, NUTM1, PTPRC, KMT2C and TBX3. The top 3 nucleotide substitutions are C>T, T>C and C>A, similar to common prostate cancer. The distribution of the variant allele frequency values indicated these single cells are from the same tumor clone. The transcriptomes of 69 single cells were obtained, and they were clustered into tumor, stromal and immune cells based on their global transcriptomic profiles. The tumor cells specifically express basal cell markers like KRT5, KRT14 and KRT23, and epithelial markers EPCAM, CDH1 and CD24. The transcription factor (TF) co-variance network analysis showed that the BCC tumor cells have distinct regulatory networks. By comparison with current prostate cancer datasets, we found that some of the bulk samples exhibit basal-cell signatures. Interestingly, at single-cell resolution the gene expression patterns of prostate BCC tumor cells show uniqueness compared with that of common prostate cancer-derived circulating tumor cells. This study, for the first time, discloses the comprehensive mutational and transcriptomic landscapes of prostate BCC, which lays a foundation for the understanding of its tumorigenesis mechanism and provides new insights into prostate cancers in general.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghazanfar, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, X.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Z.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sha, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/818260</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell dissection of a rare human prostate basal cell carcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/819201v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Carbon metabolism, transcriptome and RNA editome in developmental paths differentiation of Coprinopsis cinerea 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/819201v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The balance and interplay between sexual and asexual reproduction is one of the most attractive mysteries in fungi. The choice of developmental strategy reflects the ability of fungi to adapt to the changing environment. However, the evolution of developmental paths and the metabolic regulation during differentiation and morphogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we monitor the carbohydrate metabolism and gene expression regulation during the early differentiation process from the "fungal stem cell", vegetative mycelium, to the highly differentiated tissue/cells, fruiting body, oidia or sclerotia, of a homokaryotic fruiting Coprinopsis cinerea strain A43mut B43mut pab1-1 #326, uncovering the systematic changes during morphogenesis and the evolutionary process of developmental strategies. Conversion between glucose and glycogen and conversion between glucose and beta-glucan are the main carbon flows in the differentiation processes. Genes related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism are significantly differentially expressed among paths. RNA editing, a novel layer of gene expression regulation, occurs in all four developmental paths and enriched in cytoskeleton and carbohydrate metabolic genes. It is developmentally regulated and evolutionarily conserved in basidiomycetes. Evolutionary transcriptomic analysis on four developmental paths showed that all transcriptomes are under purifying selection, and the more stressful the environment, the younger the transcriptome age. Oidiation has the lowest value of transcriptome age index (TAI) and transcriptome divergence index (TDI), while fruiting process has the highest of both indexes. These findings provide new insight to the regulations of carbon metabolism and gene expressions during fungal developmental paths differentiation.nnImportanceFungi is a group of species with high diversity and plays essential roles to the ecosystem. The life cycle of fungi is complex in structure and delicate in function. Choice of developmental strategies and internal changes within the organism are both important for the fungus to fulfill their ecological functions, reflecting the relationship between environment and the population. This study put the developmental process of vegetative growth, sexual and asexual reproduction, resistant structure formation of a classical model basidiomycetes fungus, C. cinerea, together for the first time to view the developmental paths differentiation process with physiology, transcriptomics and evolutionary prospects. Carbohydrate assays and RNA-seq showed the changes of the fungus. Our results fill the gaps on gene expression regulation during the early stage of developmental paths differentiation, and expand our understanding of the evolutionary process of life history and reproductive strategy in fungi.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/819201</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Carbon metabolism, transcriptome and RNA editome in developmental paths differentiation of Coprinopsis cinerea]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/819623v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Insights from two decades of the Student Conference on Conservation Science 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/819623v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Conservation science is a crisis-oriented discipline focused on delivering robust answers to reducing human impacts on nature. To explore how the field might have changed during the past two decades, we analyzed 3,245 applications for oral presentations submitted to the Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) in Cambridge, UK. SCCS has been running every year since 2000, aims for global representation by providing bursaries to early-career conservationists from lower-income countries, and has never had a thematic focus, beyond conservation in the broadest sense. We found that the majority of submissions to SCCS were based on primary biological data collection from local scale field studies in the tropics, contrary to established literature which highlights gaps in tropical research. Our results showed a small increase over time in submissions framed around how nature benefits people as well as a small increase in submissions integrating social science. Our findings also suggest that students and early-career conservationists could provide pathways to increased availability of data from the tropics and for addressing well-known biases in the published literature towards wealthier countries. We hope this research will motivate efforts to support student projects, ensuring data and results are published and made publicly available.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Geldmann, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alves-Pinto, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amano, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barlett, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Christie, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Collas, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cooke, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Correa, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cripps, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doherty, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Finch, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garnett, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hua, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, J. P. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kasoar, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>MacFarlane, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mukherjee, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mumby, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Payne, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petrovan, S. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rocha, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simmons, B. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wauchope, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Worthington, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trevelyan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Green, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Balmford, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/819623</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Insights from two decades of the Student Conference on Conservation Science]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/821165v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross-kingdom regulation of tRNAs/tRFs derived from Chinese yew 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/821165v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Plants containing countless chemical constituent have benefited mankind since the origin of life. Although secondary metabolites in plants, such as morphine, artemisinin and taxol, have been developed as therapeutic drugs for clinical therapy, few study focuses on the pharmacological activities of plant small RNAs with function of cross-kingdom regulations. Yew is widely considered as a "superstar" plant due to the discovery of paclitaxel, or taxol, which is a well-known natural drug for the treatment of multiple types of cancer1. Here we show the surprising finding that an RNA fragment, named tRF-T11, derived from tRNAHis(GUG) of Chinese yew strongly suppressed human ovarian cancer progression. In A2780 cells, tRF-T11 mimic (a double-stranded RNA with tRF-T11 as antisense chain) exhibited potent cytotoxicity comparable to that of taxol, but no significant cytotoxicity to normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of tRF-T11 mimic is 80-fold stronger than that of taxol in taxol-resistant A2780 cells. Bioinformatic and molecular biological studies revealed that tRF-T11 targets transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1) to inhibit its expression levels. In a further in vivo investigation, the growth rate of ovarian tumor xenografts in nude mice was significantly reduced by treatment with tRF-T11 mimic, and the TRPA1 protein expression in tumors treated with tRF-T11 mimic was also down-regulated. Our findings are the first to provide evidence that plant-derived tRFs can regulate the expression of target genes in vitro and in vivo, indicating that they may become as a new source of druggable siRNA. Moreover, this discovery demonstrated a pilot example of an innovative approach for not only identifying pharmacologically-active tRFs from plants, but also for improving the efficiency and possibilities of discovering new drug target.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, T.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, L.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Z.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-10-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/821165</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross-kingdom regulation of tRNAs/tRFs derived from Chinese yew]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-10-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/831131v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PointSite: a point cloud segmentation tool for identication of protein ligand binding atoms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/831131v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurate identifications of ligand binding sites (LBS) on protein structure is critical for understanding protein function and designing structure-based drug. As the previous pocket-centric methods are usually based on the investigation of pseudo surface points (PSPs) outside the protein structure, thus inherently cannot incorporate the local connectivity and global 3D geometrical information of the protein structure. In this paper, we propose a novel point clouds segmentation method, PointSite, for accurate identification of protein ligand binding atoms, which performs protein LBS identification at the atom-level in a protein-centric manner. Specifically, we first transfer the original 3D protein structure to point clouds and then conduct segmentation through Submanifold Sparse Convolution (SSC) based U-Net. With the fine-grained atom-level binding atoms representation and enhanced feature learning, PointSite can outperform previous methods in atom-IoU by a large margin. Furthermore, our segmented binding atoms can work as a filter on predictions achieved by previous pocket-centric approaches, which significantly decreases the false-positive of LBS candidates. Through cascaded filter and re-ranking aided by the segmented atoms, state-of-the-art performance can be achieved over various canonical benchmarks and CAMEO hard targets in terms of the commonly used DCA criteria. Our code is publicly available through https://github.com/PointSite.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/831131</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PointSite: a point cloud segmentation tool for identication of protein ligand binding atoms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/833954v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prediction of multiple drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis against drug sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis by CT nodular consolidation sign 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/833954v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (mdrtb) refers to TB infection resistant to at least two most powerful anti-TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampincin. It has been estimated that globally 3.5% (which can be much higher in some regions) of newly diagnosed TB patients, and 20.5% of previously treated patients had mdrtb. Extensively drug-resistant TB (xdrtb) has resistance to rifampin and isoniazid, as well as to any member of the quinolone family and at least one of the second line injectable drugs: kanamycin, amikacin and capreomycin. xdrtb accounts for 4-20% of mdrtb. Early detection and targeted treatment are priorities for mdrtb/xdrtb control. The suspicion of mdr/xdr -pulmonary TB (mdrptb or xdrptb) by chest imaging shall suggest intensive diagnostic testing for mdrptb/xdrptb. We hypothesize that multiple nodular consolidation (NC) may serve one of the differentiators for separating dsptb vs mdrptb/xdrptb cases. For this study, mdrptb cases (n=310) and XDR-PTB cases ([xcap]=I58) were from the NIAID TB Portals Program (TBPP) <https://tbportals.niaid.nih.gov>. Drug sensitive pulmonary TB (dsptb) cases were from the TBPP collection (n=112) as well as the Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control (n=111), Shenzhen, China, and we excluded patients with HIV(+) status. Our study shows NC, particularly multiple NCs, is more common in mdrptb than in dsptb, and more common in xdrptb than in mdrptb. For example, 2.24% of dsptb patients, 13.23% of mdrptb patients, and 20.89% of xdrptb patients, respectively, have NCs with diameter >= 10mm equal or more than 2 in number.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skrahin, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, P.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alexandru, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crudu, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Astrovko, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skrahina, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taaffe, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wollenberg, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Engle, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hurt, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Akhundova, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ismayilov, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mammadbayov, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gadirova, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abuzarov, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seyfaddinova, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Avaliani, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vashakidze, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shubladze, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nanava, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strambu, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zaharia, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muntean, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghita, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bogdan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mindru, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spinu, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sora, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ene, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sergueev, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kirichenko, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lapitski, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Snezhko, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kovalev,, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tuzikov, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gabrielian, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosenthal, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tartakovsky, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/833954</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prediction of multiple drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis against drug sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis by CT nodular consolidation sign]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/836023v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The histone modification reader ZCWPW1 links histone methylation to repair of PRDM9-induced meiotic double stand breaks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/836023v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The histone modification writer PRDM9 has been shown to deposit H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 at future double-strand break (DSB) sites during the very early stages of meiosis, but the reader of these marks remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ZCWPW1 is an H3K4me3 reader that is required for DSB repair and synapsis in mouse testes. We generated H3K4me3 reader-dead ZCWPW1 mutant mice and found that their spermatocytes were arrested at the pachytene-like stage, which phenocopies the Zcwpw1 knock-out mice. Based on various ChIP-seq and immunofluorescence analyses using several mutants, we found that ZCWPW1s occupancy on chromatin is strongly promoted by the histone-modification activity of PRDM9. ZCWPW1 localizes to DMC1-labelled hotspots in a largely PRDM9-dependent manner, where it facilitates completion of synapsis by mediating the DSB repair process. In sum, our study demonstrates the function of ZCWPW1 that acts as part of the selection system for epigenetics-based recombination hotspots in mammals.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/836023</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The histone modification reader ZCWPW1 links histone methylation to repair of PRDM9-induced meiotic double stand breaks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/839621v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RNA G-quadruplex structures exist and function in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/839621v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Guanine-rich sequences are able to form complex RNA structures termed RNA G-quadruplexes in vitro. Because of their high stability, RNA G-quadruplexes are proposed to exist in vivo and are suggested to be associated with important biological relevance. However, there is a lack of direct evidence for RNA G-quadruplex formation in living cells. Therefore, it is unclear whether any purported functions are associated with the specific sequence content or the formation of an RNA G-quadruplex structure. Here, we profiled the landscape of those guanine-rich regions with the in vitro folding potential in the Arabidopsis transcriptome. We found a global enrichment of RNA G-quadruplexes with two G-quartets whereby the folding potential is strongly influenced by RNA secondary structures. Using in vitro and in vivo RNA chemical structure profiling, we determined that hundreds of RNA G-quadruplex structures are strongly folded in both Arabidopsis and rice, providing direct evidence of RNA G-quadruplex formation in living eukaryotic cells. Subsequent genetic and biochemical analysis showed that RNA G-quadruplex folding was sufficient to regulate translation and modulate plant growth. Our study reveals the existence of RNA G-quadruplex in vivo, and indicates that RNA G-quadruplex structures act as important regulators of plant development and growth.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheema, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duncan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Umar, M. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>DING, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/839621</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RNA G-quadruplex structures exist and function in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/855882v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Selective attention to sound features mediates cross-modal activation of visual cortices 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/855882v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Contemporary schemas of brain organization now include multisensory processes both in low-level cortices as well as at early stages of stimulus processing. Evidence has also accumulated showing that unisensory stimulus processing can result in cross-modal effects. For example, task-irrelevant and lateralized sounds can activate visual cortices; a phenomenon referred to as the auditory-evoked contralateral occipital positivity (ACOP). Some claim this is an example of automatic attentional capture in visual cortices. Other results, however, indicate that context may play a determinant role. Here, we investigated whether selective attention to spatial features of sounds is a determining factor in eliciting the ACOP. We recorded high-density auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) while participants selectively attended and discriminated sounds according to four possible stimulus attributes: location, pitch, speaker identity or syllable. Sound acoustics were held constant, and their location was always equiprobable (50% left, 50% right). The only manipulation was to which sound dimension participants attended. We analysed the AEP data from healthy participants within an electrical neuroimaging framework. The presence of sound-elicited activations of visual cortices depended on the to-be-discriminated, goal-based dimension. The ACOP was elicited only when participants were required to discriminate sound location, but not when they attended to any of the non-spatial features. These results provide a further indication that the ACOP is not automatic. Moreover, our findings showcase the interplay between task-relevance and spatial (un)predictability in determining the presence of the cross-modal activation of visual cortices.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Retsa, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matusz, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murray, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-11-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/855882</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Selective attention to sound features mediates cross-modal activation of visual cortices]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-11-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/866087v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LandScape: a web application for interactive genomic summary visualization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/866087v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SummaryVisualizing integrated-level data from genomic research remains a challenge, as it requires sufficient coding skills and experience. Here, we present LandScapeoviz, a web-based application for interactive and real-time visualization of summarized genetic information. LandScape utilizes a well-designed file format that is capable of handling various data types, and offers a series of built-in functions to customize the appearance, explore results, and export high-quality diagrams that are available for publication.

Availability and implementationLandScape is deployed at bio.oviz.org/demo-project/analyses/landscape for online use. Documentation and demo data are freely available on this website and GitHub (github.com/Nobel-Justin/Oviz-Bio-demo).

Contactshuaicli@cityu.edu.hk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/866087</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LandScape: a web application for interactive genomic summary visualization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/870972v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SpecHap: a fast haplotyping method based on spectral graph theory 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/870972v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Haplotype phasing is essential to study diploid eukaryotic organisms. High-throughput sequencing, including next-generation sequencing and third-generation sequencing from different technologies, brings possibilities for haplotype assembly. Although there exist multiple haplotype phasing algorithms, only a few are portable across sequencing technologies with the premise of efficiency and accuracy. Herein, we proposed SpecHap, a novel haplotype assembly tool that leverages spectral graph theory, transforming haplotype phasing into an algebraic problem. On both in silico and whole-genome-sequencing datasets, SpecHap consumed less memory and required less CPU time, yet achieved comparable accuracy comparing to state-of-art methods across all the test instances of next-generation sequencing, linked-reads, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture sequencing, PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing and Oxford Nanopore long-reads sequencing data. Furthermore, SpecHap successfully phased an individual Ambystoma mexicanumm, a species with gigantic diploid genomes, within 6 CPU hours and 945MB peak memory usage, while other tools failed to yield results either due to a memory overflow (40GB) or a time limit excess (5 days). Our results demonstrated that SpecHap is scalable, efficient and accurate for diploid phasing, supporting diverse sequencing platforms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2019-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/870972</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SpecHap: a fast haplotyping method based on spectral graph theory]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2019-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.05.543553v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Brain Templates for Chinese Babies from Newborn to Three Months of Age 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.05.543553v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The infant brain develops rapidly and this area of research has great clinical implications. Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and developmental delay have their origins, potentially, in abnormal early brain maturation. Searching for potential early neural markers requires a priori knowledge about infant brain development and anatomy. One of the most common methods of characterizing brain features requires normalization of individual images into a standard stereotactic space and conduct of group-based analyses in this space. A population representative brain template is critical for these population-based studies. Little research is available on constructing brain templates for typical developing Chinese infants. In the present work, a total of 112 babies from 6 to 98 days of age were included with high resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. T1-weighted and T2-weighted templates were constructed using an unbiased registration approach for babies from newborn to 3 months of age. Age-specific templates were also estimated for babies aged at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months old. Then we conducted a series of evaluations and statistical analyses over whole tissue segmentations and brain parcellations. Compared to the use of population mismatched templates, using our established templates resulted in lower deformation energy to transform individual images into the template space and produced a smaller registration error, i.e., smaller standard deviation of the registered images. Significant volumetric growth was observed across total brain tissues and most of the brain regions within the first three months of age. The total brain tissues exhibited larger volumes in baby boys compared to baby girls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the construction of Chinese infant brain templates. These templates can be used for investigating birth related conditions such as preterm birth, detecting neural biomarkers for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders in Chinese populations, and exploring genetic and cultural effects on the brain.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Geng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.05.543553</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Brain Templates for Chinese Babies from Newborn to Three Months of Age]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.09.544275v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Targeted Protein O-GlcNAcylation Using Bifunctional Small Molecules 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.09.544275v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Protein O-linked {beta}-N-acetylglucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation) plays a crucial role in regulating essential cellular processes. The disruption of O-GlcNAcylation homeostasis has been linked to various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. However, there are limited chemical tools for protein- and site-specific O-GlcNAc modification, rendering the precise study of O-GlcNAcylation challenging. To address this, we have developed first-in-class heterobifunctional small molecules, named O-GlcNAcylation targeting chimeras (OGTACs), which enable protein-specific O-GlcNAcylation in cells. OGTACs promote O-GlcNAcylation of proteins such as BRD4, CK2, and EZH2 in cellulo by recruiting O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), with temporal and magnitude control. Mass spectrometry data revealed that OGTACs induced site-selective O-GlcNAcylation of BRD4. Overall, OGTACs represent a promising approach for inducing protein-specific O-GlcNAcylation, thus enabling functional dissection and offering new directions for O-GlcNAc-targeting therapeutic development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khan, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amada, J. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.09.544275</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Targeted Protein O-GlcNAcylation Using Bifunctional Small Molecules]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.12.544696v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
GDmicro: classifying host disease status with GCN and Deep adaptation network based on the human gut microbiome data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.12.544696v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationWith advances in metagenomic sequencing technologies, there are accumulating studies revealing the associations between the human gut microbiome and some human diseases. These associations shed light on using gut microbiome data to distinguish case and control samples of a specific disease, which is also called host disease status classification. Importantly, using learning-based models to distinguish the disease and control samples is expected to identify important biomarkers more accurately than abundance-based statistical analysis. However, available tools have not fully addressed two challenges associated with this task: limited labeled microbiome data and decreased accuracy in cross-studies. The confounding factors such as the diet, technical biases in sample collection/sequencing across different studies/cohorts often jeopardize the generalization of the learning model.

ResultsTo address these challenges, we develop a new tool GDmicro, which combines semi-supervised learning and domain adaptation to achieve a more generalized model using limited labeled samples. We evaluated GDmicro on human gut microbiome data from 10 cohorts covering 5 different diseases. The results show that GDmicro has better performance and robustness than state-of-the-art tools. In particular, it improves the AUC from 0.783 to 0.949 in identifying inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, GDmicro can identify potential biomarkers with greater accuracy than abundance-based statistical analysis methods. It also reveals the contribution of these biomarkers to the hosts disease status.

Availability and implementationhttps://github.com/liaoherui/GDmicro

Contactyannisun@cityu.edu.hk

Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at XXX online
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.12.544696</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[GDmicro: classifying host disease status with GCN and Deep adaptation network based on the human gut microbiome data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.14.544914v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Phylogenetic and population structure of the nod-free but nodulating Bradyrhizobium phylogroup 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.14.544914v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bradyrhizobium is a main rhizobial lineage of which most members nodulate legume plants using Nod factors (NFs) synthetized by the nod genes. However, members of the Photosynthetic supergroup (phylogroup) within Bradyrhizobium (PB) are nod-free but still capable of establishing nitrogen-fixing nodules with some tropical legumes of the Aeschynomene genus.

These unusual findings are based on the genomic sequences of only 13 PB strains, and almost all were isolated from Aeschynomene nodules. Here, we investigate the diversity of Bradyrhizobium in grassland, forest, and rice field by rpoB amplicon sequencing and report that PB is mainly associated with rice root and rhizosphere. Moreover, we sequenced 209 new PB members isolated mostly from the rice field. The extended PB supergroup comprises three major clades: a basal clade with significant expansion of its diversity, followed by an intermediate clade composed by two strains, and a new clade exclusively represented by our new strains. Although the PB strains universally lack the canonical nod genes, all 28 assayed strains covering the broad diversity of these clades induced nodules on Aeschynomene indica. Interestingly, the three clades displayed significant differences in the efficiency of symbiosis, aligning well with their phylogenetic branching order. Our strain collection expands the ecological, phylogenetic and functional diversity of nod-free but nodulating Bradyrhizobium. With this expanded diversity, we conclude that the NF-independent nodulation of Aeschynomene is a common trait of this supergroup, in contrast to the photosynthetic trait originally thought as its unifying feature.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ling, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Camuel, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nouwen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giraud, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.14.544914</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Phylogenetic and population structure of the nod-free but nodulating Bradyrhizobium phylogroup]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.17.545395v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Diversification of Nucleoside Analogues as Potent Antiviral Drug Leads 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.17.545395v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nucleoside analogues are potent antiviral agents, but the continuous emergence of pathogenic viruses demands novel and diverse structures. Herein, we have created a diversified library of highly bioactive and non-cytotoxic nucleoside analogues featuring an unprecedented carbobicyclic core that mimics natural ribonucleoside conformation. These regio- and stereo-divergent analogues exhibit up to 16-fold greater antiviral efficacy than the FDA-approved antiviral, ribavirin. Importantly, the carbobicyclic core structure is critical for the potent antiviral efficacy, thus opening up ample opportunities for further lead optimization and mechanistic investigations.



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=108 SRC="FIGDIR/small/545395v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (20K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@fbd078org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@3399a9org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1ad5fcborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16c2f3d_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Scheeff, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, M.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nasiri Ahmadabadi, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hau, S. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, T. K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, B. W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.17.545395</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Diversification of Nucleoside Analogues as Potent Antiviral Drug Leads]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.18.545440v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dating the bacterial tree of life with ancient symbiosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.18.545440v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Obtaining a timescale for bacterial evolution is crucial to understand early life evolution but is difficult owing to the scarcity of bacterial fossils and absence of maximum age constraints of the available fossils. Here, we introduce multiple new time constraints to calibrate bacterial evolution based on ancient symbiosis. This idea is implemented using a bacterial tree constructed with mitochondria-originated genes where the mitochondrial lineage representing eukaryotes is embedded within Proteobacteria, such that the date constraints of eukaryotes established by their abundant fossils are propagated to ancient co-evolving bacterial symbionts and across the bacterial tree of life. Importantly, we formulate a new probabilistic framework that considers uncertainty in inference of the ancestral lifestyle of modern symbionts to apply 19 relative time constraints (RTC) each informed by host-symbiont association to constrain bacterial symbionts no older than their eukaryotic host. Moreover, we develop an approach to incorporating substitution mixture models that better accommodate substitutional saturation and compositional heterogeneity for dating deep phylogenies. Our analysis estimates that the last bacterial common ancestor (LBCA) occurred approximately 4.0-3.5 billion years ago (Ga), followed by rapid divergence of major bacterial clades. It is robust to alternative root ages, root positions, tree topologies, fossil ages, ancestral lifestyle reconstruction, gene sets, among other factors. The timetree obtained enables the validation of various hypotheses, such as the survival of life during the late heavy bombardment, the absence of a connection between ancient stromatolites and cyanobacteria, and the presence of aerobic enzymes before the oldest geochemical records of molecular oxygen.

Significance StatementBacteria, with their vast diversity and ancient history, play a crucial role in shaping Earths biogeochemistry. However, the scarcity of fossils complicates the determination of their evolution timescale and its link to Earths history. To address this issue, we have devised and implemented novel methods that utilize ancient symbiosis and eukaryotic fossils to calibrate bacterial evolution by molecular clock. We obtain a comprehensive genus-level evolutionary timeline of bacteria that sheds light on their profound influence on the development and diversity of life on our planet, as well as its environmental dynamics. This research greatly contributes to our understanding of microbial evolution and its implications for Earths past and present.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.18.545440</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dating the bacterial tree of life with ancient symbiosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.19.545615v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rats synchronize predictively to metronomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.19.545615v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Humans easily and naturally synchronize their motor activity to music, a behavior unparalleled by other species. As a consequence of the mystery surrounding its evolutionary and biological origins, there is rapidly growing interest in exploring the capacity of nonhuman species to synchronize motor activity with auditory rhythms. The hallmark observation in human studies is that synchronization is predictive. Given the highly variable behaviors observed in other animals, it is particularly difficult to distinguish a predictive synchronization behavior from one that perhaps resembles it, but relies on simpler strategies. Here, we introduce a novel modeling approach that quantitatively compares candidate strategies for explaining observed behaviors. Eight rats synchronized to metronomes across a range of tempi (0.5-2 Hz), and immediate water reward was delivered whenever they initiated a lick burst within a short time window around beats. We observed a roughly constant baseline lick probability throughout, with a [~]30% modulation of the lick rate around beats. We fitted to the results six candidate models, ranging from an  insensitive model assuming that rats lick at random, to predictive models where rats suppress licking between beats for a tempo-dependent duration of time. The predictive model consistently outperformed other models, including a reactive model, demonstrating that rats synchronize predictively to auditory metronomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rajendran, V. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsdaka, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keung, T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nelken, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.19.545615</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rats synchronize predictively to metronomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.25.546417v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome reduction occurred in early Prochlorococcus with an unusually low effective population size 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.25.546417v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the oligotrophic sunlit ocean, the most abundant free-living planktonic bacterial lineages evolve convergently through genome reduction. The cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus responsible for 10% global oxygen production is a prominent example. The dominant theory known as  genome streamlining posits that they have extremely large effective population sizes (Ne) such that selection for metabolic efficiency acts to drive genome reduction. Because genome reduction largely took place anciently, this theory builds on the assumption that their ancestors Ne was similarly large. Constraining Ne for ancient ancestors is challenging because experimental measurements of extinct organisms are impossible and alternatively reconstructing ancestral Ne with phylogenetic models gives large uncertainties. Here, we develop a new strategy that leverages agent-based modeling to simulate the change of Ne proxy for ancient ancestors, the genome-wide ratio of radical to conservative nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution rate (dR/dC), in response to the change of Ne. Surprisingly, this proxy shows expected increases with decreases of Ne only when Ne falls to about 10k - 100k or lower, magnitudes characteristic of Ne of obligate endosymbiont species where drift drives genome reduction. We therefore conclude that drift, rather than selection, is the primary force that drove Prochlorococcus genome reduction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hellweger, F. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.25.546417</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome reduction occurred in early Prochlorococcus with an unusually low effective population size]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.28.546814v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unravelling Biosynthesis and Biodegradation Potentials of Microbial Dark Matters in Hypersaline Lakes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.28.546814v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biosynthesis and biodegradation of microorganisms critically underpin the development of biotechnology, new drugs and therapies, and environmental remediation. However, the vast majority of uncultured microbial species along with their metabolic capacities in extreme environments remain obscured. To unravel the metabolic potentials of these microbial dark matters (MDMs), we investigated four deep-inland hypersaline lakes with largely diversified environmental parameters in Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, China. Metagenomic binning obtained 3,030 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) spanning 82 phyla, of which 2,363 MAGs could not be assigned to a known genus. These unknown MAGs were abundantly observed with distinct taxa among lakes, possibly linked to the diversification of physiochemical conditions. Analysis of biosynthetic potentials identified 9,635 biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs), of which 9,403 BGCs were considered novel. We found that some MAGs from putatively novel phyla consistently comprised enriched BGCs, which may have substantial potentials in biotechnological applications. In addition, biodegradation potentials such as dehalogenation, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and plastic degradation were found in new microbial clades from hypersaline lakes. These findings substantially expanded the genetic repository of biosynthesis and biodegradation potentials, which can further assist the development of new and innovative applications in biotechnology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-06-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.28.546814</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unravelling Biosynthesis and Biodegradation Potentials of Microbial Dark Matters in Hypersaline Lakes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-06-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.30.547152v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BeeDC: An R package and globally synthesised and flagged bee occurrence dataset 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.06.30.547152v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Species occurrence data are foundational for research, conservation, and science communication, but the limited availability and accessibility of reliable data represents a major obstacle, particularly for insects, which face mounting pressures. We present BeeBDC, a new R package, and a global bee occurrence dataset to address this issue. We combined >18.3 million bee occurrence records from multiple public repositories (GBIF, SCAN, iDigBio, USGS, ALA) and smaller datasets, then standardised, flagged, deduplicated, and cleaned the data using the reproducible BeeBDC R-workflow. Specifically, we harmonised species names (following established global taxonomy), country names, and collection dates and we added record-level flags for a series of potential quality issues. These data are provided in two formats, "cleaned" and "flagged-but-uncleaned". The BeeBDC package with online documentation provides end users the ability to modify filtering parameters to address their research questions. By publishing reproducible R workflows and globally cleaned datasets, we can increase the accessibility and reliability of downstream analyses. This workflow can be implemented for other taxa to support research and conservation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dorey, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fischer, E. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chesshire, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nava-Bolanos, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>OReilly, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bossert, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Collins, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lichtenberg, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tucker, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith-Pardo, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Falcon-Brindis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guevara, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ribeiro, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Pedro, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pickering, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>James, K.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parys, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McCabe, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rogan, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Minckley, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Velazco, S. J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Griswold, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zarrillo, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jetz, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sica, Y. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Orr, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guzman, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ascher, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hughes, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cobb, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.06.30.547152</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BeeDC: An R package and globally synthesised and flagged bee occurrence dataset]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.02.547426v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dual-species proteomics and targeted intervention of animal-pathogen interactions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.02.547426v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Complexity in host-pathogen interactions drives the need to develop sensitive and accurate biochemical techniques to elucidate host and pathogen protein expressions. Current proteomics techniques reveal information from the point of view of either the host or pathogen, but do not provide data on the corresponding partner. While dual-species transcriptomics is increasingly used to study RNA expression in host and pathogen, it remains challenging to simultaneously study host-pathogen proteomes that reflect the direct competition between host and pathogen. Using Caenorhabditis elegans-Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection model as proof-of-concept, we established a forward+reverse SILAC proteomics approach to simultaneously label and quantify newly-expressed proteins of host and pathogen without physical isolation. We observed iron competition between pathogen iron scavenger and host iron uptake protein, where P. aeruginosa upregulated pyoverdine synthesis protein (PvdA) and secreted pyoverdine, and C. elegans expressed ferritin (FTN-2) respectively. Using Galangin as a novel PvdA inhibitor identified by structure-based virtual-screening, targeted intervention of iron competition eliminated P. aeruginosa infection, and enabled animal survival. Our work provides insights into the mechanisms dictating host-pathogen interactions and offers novel strategies for anti-infective therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khoo, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chua, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.02.547426</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dual-species proteomics and targeted intervention of animal-pathogen interactions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.04.547619v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A pre-trained large language model for translating single-cell transcriptome to proteome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.04.547619v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Proteins are crucial for life, and measuring their abundance at the single-cell level can facilitate a high-resolution understanding of biological mechanisms in cellular processes and disease progression. However, current single-cell proteomic technologies face challenges such as limited coverage, throughput, and sensitivity, as well as batch effects, high costs, and stringent experimental operations. Drawing inspiration from the translation procedure of both natural language processing (NLP) and the genetic central dogma, we propose a pre-trained, large generative model named scTranslator (single-cell translator). scTranslator is align-free and capable of generating multi-omics data by inferring the missing single-cell proteome based on the transcriptome. Systematic benchmarking confirms the accuracy, stability, and flexibility of scTranslator across various quantification techniques, cell types, and conditions. Furthermore, scTranslator has demonstrated its superiority in assisting various downstream analyses and applications, including gene/protein interaction inference, gene pseudo-knockout, cell clustering, batch correction, and cell origin recognition on pan-cancer data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.04.547619</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A pre-trained large language model for translating single-cell transcriptome to proteome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.08.548186v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural basis for lipid transfer by the ATG2A-ATG9A complex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.08.548186v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Autophagy is characterized by the formation of double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. ATG2A and ATG9A play an essential role in autophagy by mediating lipid transfer and re-equilibration between membranes for autophagosome formation. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of human ATG2A-WIPI4 complex at 3.2 [A], and ATG2A-WIPI4-ATG9A complex at 7 [A] resolution. The ATG2A structure is characterized by a central hydrophobic cavity formed by a network of {beta}-strands that facilitates lipid transfer, and highly flexible N- and C-terminal domains. Molecular dynamics simulations of the ATG2A N-terminal domain revealed the mechanism of lipid-extraction from the donor membranes while the ATG2A-ATG9A complex structure provides insights into the later stages of the lipid transfer reaction. ATG9A-ATG2A structural analysis revealed a 1:1 stoichiometry, directly aligning the ATG9A lateral pore with ATG2A lipid transfer cavity, hence allowing for a direct transfer of lipids from ATG2A. The ATG9A trimer can interact with both N- and C-terminal tip of rod-shaped ATG2A. Cryo-electron tomography of ATG2A-liposome binding states shows that ATG2A tethers lipid vesicles at different orientations. In summary, this study provides a molecular basis for the growth of the phagophore membrane, and lends structural insights into spatially coupled lipid transport and re-equilibration during autophagosome formation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dahmane, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carlson, L.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stjepanovic, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.08.548186</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural basis for lipid transfer by the ATG2A-ATG9A complex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.07.548168v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Aster-dependent non-vesicular transport facilitates dietary cholesterol uptake 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.07.548168v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Intestinal cholesterol absorption is an important contributor to systemic cholesterol homeostasis. Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1), the target of the drug ezetimibe (EZ), assists in the initial step of dietary cholesterol uptake. However, how cholesterol moves downstream of NPC1L1 is unknown. Here we show that Aster-B and Aster-C are critical for non-vesicular cholesterol movement in enterocytes, bridging NPC1L1 at the plasma membrane (PM) and ACAT2 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Loss of NPC1L1 diminishes accessible PM cholesterol in enterocytes and abolishes Aster recruitment to the intestinal brush border. Enterocytes lacking Asters accumulate cholesterol at the PM and display evidence of ER cholesterol depletion, including decreased cholesterol ester stores and activation of the SREBP-2 transcriptional pathway. Aster-deficient mice have impaired cholesterol absorption and are protected against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Finally, we show that the Aster pathway can be targeted with a small molecule inhibitor to manipulate dietary cholesterol uptake. These findings identify the Aster pathway as a physiologically important and pharmacologically tractable node in dietary lipid absorption.

One-Sentence SummaryIdentification of a targetable pathway for regulation of dietary cholesterol absorption
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ferrari, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Whang, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kennelly, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Romartinez- Alonso, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mack, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weston, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tol, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bideyan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bedard, A. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sandhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fairall, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williams, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munguia, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jung, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schwabe, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, S. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tontonoz, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.07.548168</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Aster-dependent non-vesicular transport facilitates dietary cholesterol uptake]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.10.548437v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
What explains the high island endemicity of Philippine Rafflesia? A species distribution modeling analysis of three threatened parasitic plant species and their hosts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.10.548437v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PremiseRafflesia are rare holoparasitic plants. In the Philippines, all but one species are found only on single islands. This study aimed to better understand the factors contributing to this distribution pattern. Specifically, we sought to determine whether narrow environmental tolerances of host and/or parasite species might explain their island endemicity.

MethodsWe used Maxent species distribution modeling to identify areas with suitable habitat for R. lagascae, R. lobata, and R. speciosa and their Tetrastigma host species. These analyses were carried out for current climate conditions as well as two future climate change scenarios.

Key resultsWhereas species distribution models indicated suitable environmental conditions for the Tetrastigma host species in many parts of the Philippines, considerably fewer areas have suitable conditions for the three Rafflesia species. Some of these areas are found on islands from which they have not been reported. All three species will face significant threats as a result of climate change.

ConclusionsOur results suggest that limited inter-island dispersal abilities and/or specific environmental requirements are likely responsible for the current pattern of island endemicity of the three Rafflesia species, rather than the environmental requirements of their Tetrastigma host species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Obico, J. J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lapuz, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barcelona, J. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pelser, P. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.10.548437</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[What explains the high island endemicity of Philippine Rafflesia? A species distribution modeling analysis of three threatened parasitic plant species and their hosts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.11.548486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ProFAST: a fast and scalable factor analysis for spatially aware dimension reduction of multi-section spatial transcriptomics data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.11.548486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biological techniques for spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) have advanced rapidly in both throughput and spatial resolution for a single spatial location. This progress necessitates the development of efficient and scalable spatial dimension reduction methods that can handle large-scale SRT data from multiple sections. Here, we developed FAST as a fast and efficient generalized probabilistic factor analysis for spatially aware dimension reduction, which simultaneously accounts for the count nature of SRT data and extracts a low-dimensional representation of SRT data across multiple sections, while preserving biological effects with consideration of spatial smoothness among nearby locations. Compared with existing methods, FAST uniquely models the count data across multiple sections while using a local spatial dependence with scalable computational complexity. Using both simulated and real datasets, we demonstrated the improved correlation between FAST estimated embeddings and annotated cell/domain types. Furthermore, FAST exhibits remarkable speed, with only FAST being applicable to analyze a mouse embryo Stereo-seq dataset with >2.3 million locations in only 2 hours. More importantly, FAST identified the differential activities of immune-related transcription factors between tumor and non-tumor clusters and also predicted a carcinogenesis factor CCNH as the upstream regulator of differentially expressed genes in a breast cancer Xenium dataset.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.11.548486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ProFAST: a fast and scalable factor analysis for spatially aware dimension reduction of multi-section spatial transcriptomics data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.11.548628v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNAGPT: A Generalized Pretrained Tool for Multiple DNA Sequence Analysis Tasks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.11.548628v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pre-trained large language models demonstrate potential in extracting information from DNA sequences, yet adapting to a variety of tasks and data modalities remains a challenge. To address this, we propose DNAGPT, a generalized DNA pre-training model trained on over 200 billion base pairs from all mammals. By enhancing the classic GPT model with a binary classification task (DNA sequence order), a numerical regression task (guanine-cytosine content prediction), and a comprehensive token language, DNAGPT can handle versatile DNA analysis tasks while processing both sequence and numerical data. Our evaluation of genomic signal and region recognition, mRNA abundance regression, and artificial genome generation tasks demonstrates DNAGPTs superior performance compared to existing models designed for specific downstream tasks, benefiting from pre-training using the newly designed model structure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.11.548628</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNAGPT: A Generalized Pretrained Tool for Multiple DNA Sequence Analysis Tasks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.12.548617v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The recency and geographical origins of the bat viruses ancestral to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.12.548617v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The emergence of SARS-CoV in 2002 and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 has led to increased sampling of related sarbecoviruses circulating primarily in horseshoe bats. These viruses undergo frequent recombination and exhibit spatial structuring across Asia. Employing recombination-aware phylogenetic inference on bat sarbecoviruses, we find that the closest-inferred bat virus ancestors of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 existed just [~]1-3 years prior to their emergence in humans. Phylogeographic analyses examining the movement of related sarbecoviruses demonstrate that they traveled at similar rates to their horseshoe bat hosts and have been circulating for thousands of years in Asia. The closest-inferred bat virus ancestor of SARS-CoV likely circulated in western China, and that of SARS-CoV-2 likely circulated in a region comprising southwest China and northern Laos, both a substantial distance from where they emerged. This distance and recency indicate that the direct ancestors of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 could not have reached their respective sites of emergence via the bat reservoir alone. Our recombination-aware dating and phylogeographic analyses reveal a more accurate inference of evolutionary history than performing only whole-genome or single gene analyses. These results can guide future sampling efforts and demonstrate that viral genomic fragments extremely closely related to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 were circulating in horseshoe bats, confirming their importance as the reservoir species for SARS viruses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pekar, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lytras, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghafari, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Magee, A. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parker, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Havens, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Katzourakis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vasylyeva, T. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suchard, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hughes, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hughes, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robertson, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dellicour, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Worobey, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wertheim, J. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lemey, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.12.548617</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The recency and geographical origins of the bat viruses ancestral to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.12.548636v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EMDiffuse: a diffusion-based deep learning method augmenting ultrastructural imaging and volume electron microscopy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.12.548636v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Electron microscopy (EM) revolutionized the way to visualize cellular ultrastructure. Volume EM (vEM) has further broadened its three-dimensional nanoscale imaging capacity. However, intrinsic trade-offs between imaging speed and quality of EM restrict the attainable imaging area and volume. Isotropic imaging with vEM for large biological volumes remains unachievable. Here we developed EMDiffuse, a suite of algorithms designed to enhance EM and vEM capabilities, leveraging the cutting-edge image generation diffusion model. EMDiffuse demonstrates outstanding denoising and super-resolution performance, generates realistic predictions without unwarranted smoothness, improves predictions resolution by [~]30%, and exhibits excellent transferability by taking only one pair of images to fine-tune. EMDiffuse also pioneers the isotropic vEM reconstruction task, generating isotropic volume similar to that obtained using advanced FIB-SEM even in the absence of isotropic training data. We demonstrated the robustness of EMDiffuse by generating isotropic volumes from six public datasets obtained from different vEM techniques and instruments. The generated isotropic volume enables accurate organelle reconstruction, making 3D nanoscale ultrastructure analysis faster and more accessible and extending such capability to larger volumes. More importantly, EMDiffuse features self-assessment functionalities and guarantees reliable predictions for all tasks. We envision EMDiffuse to pave the way for more in-depth investigations into the intricate subcellular nanoscale structures within large areas and volumes of biological systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.12.548636</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EMDiffuse: a diffusion-based deep learning method augmenting ultrastructural imaging and volume electron microscopy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.13.548666v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Theranostic Bottle-Brush Polymers Tailored for Universal Solid-Tumour Targeting 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.13.548666v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nanomedicines involving nanotechnologies and engineering of nanomaterials for medicines have shown great promise in diagnosis and treatment of diseases including cancers. A major hurdle that limits the successful clinical translation of nanomedicines, however, is how to overcome the cascaded biological barriers and improve the delivery efficacy towards the disease sites and minimize the toxicity against healthy tissues and cells. Here, we report a type of bottle-brush-like polymers systematically optimized in their chemical structures, sizes, and surface charges that lead to their outstanding pharmacokinetics and tumour-targeting performances in a variety of both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumour models. The potential mechanism has been studied by revealing the structure-activity relationship of these polymers in overcoming the biological barriers, including their avoidance by the immune system and deep tumour infiltration. Our study may offer insight for a rational design of highly efficient delivery platform of polymeric nanomedicines that could effectively overcome the cascaded biological barriers and thus lead to high tumour-targeting efficacy and low toxicity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.13.548666</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Theranostic Bottle-Brush Polymers Tailored for Universal Solid-Tumour Targeting]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.14.549115v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Divergent evolution of head morphology between marine and freshwater sticklebacks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.14.549115v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractIntraspecific phenotypic differentiation is of common place occurrence, but the degree to which it reflects phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation remains often unclear. To be considered as adaptive, the differentiation must be genetically based and exceed what could be expected by neutral processes only. Using laboratory reared full-sib family data from replicate nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) populations, we show that freshwater and marine fish display genetically based adaptive differentiation in head size and shape. Utilising identity-by-descent relationships among full-sibs as estimated with the aid of molecular markers, we further show that the studied traits are also highly heritable in all populations indicating and that they can respond to future episodes of natural selection. The head shape and size of pond fish suggests that observed adaptive differentiation has been driven by selection favoring limnetic feeding strategy among the pond fish. Analyses of gill-raker morphology were less conclusive: genetic differentiation was found in gill-raker length (pond > marine) and number, but the degree of divergence in these traits did not exceed neutral expectations. Yet, the direction of divergence in gill raker traits are suggestive of the limnetic feeding mode of pond fish, aligning with the inference from the head morphology analyses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fraimout, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merilä, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.14.549115</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Divergent evolution of head morphology between marine and freshwater sticklebacks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.18.549506v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Trophic diversity and evolution in Enantiornithes: a synthesis including new insights from Bohaiornithidae 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.18.549506v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The "opposite birds" Enantiornithines were the dominant birds of the Mesozoic, but our understanding of their ecology is still tenuous. In particular, diets of enantiornithine species have remained speculative until recently. While this new work has been effective at determining diet within groups of enantiornithines, diet data thus far has been too sparse to comment on larger trends in the diversity and evolution of enantiornithine ecology. We introduce new data on the enantiornithine family Bohaiornithidae, famous for their large size and strong teeth and claws. In tandem with previously-published data on the earlier-diverging pengornithids and later-diverging longipterygids, we comment on the breadth of enantiornithine ecology and potential patterns in which it evolved. Body mass, jaw mechanical advantage, finite element analysis of the jaw, and traditional morphometrics of the claws and skull are compared between bohaiornithids and living birds. The sample size for living bird body mass is over ten times larger than previous studies on longipterygid and pengornithid diet, with implications in interpreting their results. We find bohaiornithids to be ecologically diverse: Bohaiornis and Parabohaiornis are similar to living plant-eating birds; Longusunguis resembles raptorial carnivores; Zhouornis is similar to both fruit-eating birds and generalist feeders; and Shenqiornis and Sulcavis plausibly ate fish, plants, or a mix of both. This ecological diversity is wider than any other enantiornithine family studied previously, which may be driven by strengthening of the jaw relative to other early birds. This strong jaw would allow bohaiornithids to eat harder foods than other birds at the time, but their jaws were weaker than most "strong-jawed" living birds. With these reconstructions of diet in Bohaiornithidae, there is quantitative support for enantiornithines inhabiting nearly every trophic level. By combining these reconstructions with past dietary predictions for Longipterygidae and Pengornithidae, we predict the ancestral enantiornithine bird to have been a generalist which ate a wide variety of foods. This would suggest that the ecological diversity of enantiornithine birds represents specialisation in taking foods their ancestors were already eating, rather than many dramatic changes in diet. However, more quantitative data from across the enantiornithine tree is needed to refine this prediction. By the Early Cretaceous, enantiornithine birds had diversified into a variety of ecological niches in a similar way to crown birds after the K-Pg extinction, adding to the body of evidence that traits unique to crown birds (e.g. a toothless beak or cranial kinesis) cannot completely explain their ecological success.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Miller, C. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bright, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.18.549506</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Trophic diversity and evolution in Enantiornithes: a synthesis including new insights from Bohaiornithidae]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.20.549851v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neuromolecular responses in disrupted mutualistic cleaning interactions under future environmental conditions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.20.549851v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutualistic interactions, which constitute some of the most advantageous interactions among fish species, are highly vulnerable to environmental changes. A key mutualistic interaction is the cleaning service rendered by the cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, which involves intricate processes of social behaviour to remove ectoparasites from client fish and can be altered in near-future environmental conditions. Here, we evaluated the neuromolecular mechanisms behind the behavioural disruption of cleaning interactions in response to future environments. We subjected cleaner wrasses and surgeonfish (Acanthurus leucosternon, serving as clients) to elevated temperature (Warming, 32{degrees}C), increased levels of CO2 (High CO2, 1000 ppm), and a combined condition of elevated CO2 and temperature (Warming & High CO2, 32{degrees}C & 1000 ppm) for 28 days. Each of these conditions resulted in behavioural disruptions concerning the motivation to interact and the quality of interaction (High CO2 -80.7%, Warming - 92.6%, Warming & High CO2 -79.5%, p<0.001). Using transcriptomic of the fore-, mid-, and hindbrain, we discovered that most transcriptional reprogramming in both species under warming conditions occurred primarily in the hind- and forebrain. The associated functions under warming were linked to stress, heat shock proteins, hypoxia, and behaviour. In contrast, elevated CO2 exposure affected a range of functions associated with GABA, behaviour, visual perception, and circadian rhythm. Interestingly, in the combined Warming & High CO2 condition, we did not observe any expression changes of behaviour. However, we did find signs of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis, suggesting not only an additive effect of the environmental conditions but also a trade-off between physiological performance and behaviour in the cleaner wrasse. We suggest that impending environmental shifts can affect the behaviour and molecular processes that sustain mutualistic interactions between L. dimidiatus and its clients, which could have a cascading effect on their adaptation potential and possibly cause large-scale impacts on coral reef ecosystems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ramirez-Calero, S. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paula, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Otjacques, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosa, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.20.549851</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neuromolecular responses in disrupted mutualistic cleaning interactions under future environmental conditions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.21.549845v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Autophagy maintains the homeostatic environment in the male reproductive accessory organs playing a key role in fertility 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.21.549845v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Autophagy has been implicated in male fertility but its specific role in the post-testicular organs remains unclear. Here, we investigate this in mice expressing a doxycycline-inducible RNAi against Atg5 (Atg5i). Systemic autophagy inhibition in Atg5i mice resulted in the morphological and functional abrogation of the male accessory sex organs, leading to male subfertility. However, the testis was largely protected, likely due to the limited permeability of doxycycline through the blood-testis barrier. Interestingly, restoration of autophagy by doxycycline withdrawal in Atg5i mice led to substantial recovery of the phenotype in the accessory organs. This model offers a unique opportunity to dissect the pre- and post-testicular roles of autophagy, highlighting the non-autonomous impact of autophagy on male fertility.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jaulim, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cassidy, L. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, A. R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Warren, A. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taylor, A. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arlt, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blayney, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davidson, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barratt, C. L. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pacey, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Narita, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.21.549845</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Autophagy maintains the homeostatic environment in the male reproductive accessory organs playing a key role in fertility]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.24.547147v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cuprizone drives divergent neuropathological changes in different mouse models of Alzheimer's disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.24.547147v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Myelin degradation is a normal feature of brain aging that accelerates in Alzheimers disease (AD). To date, however, the underlying biological basis of this correlation remains elusive. The amyloid cascade hypothesis predicts that demyelination is caused by increased levels of the {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) peptide. Here we report on work supporting the alternative hypothesis that early demyelination is upstream of amyloid. We challenged two different mouse models of AD (R1.40 and APP/PS1) using cuprizone-induced demyelination and tracked the responses with both neuroimaging and neuropathology. In oppose to amyloid cascade hypothesis, R1.40 mice, carrying only a single human mutant APP (Swedish; APPSWE) transgene, showed a more abnormal changes of magnetization transfer ratio and diffusivity than in APP/PS1 mice, which carry both APPSWE and a second PSEN1 transgene (delta exon 9; PSEN1dE9). Although cuprizone targets oligodendrocytes (OL), magnetic resonance spectroscopy and targeted RNA-seq data in R1.40 mice suggested a possible metabolic alternation in axons. In support of alternative hypotheses, cuprizone induced significant intraneuronal amyloid deposition in young APP/PS1, but not in R1.40 mice, and it suggested the presence of PSEN deficiencies, may accelerate A{beta} deposition upon demyelination. In APP/PS1, mature OL is highly vulnerable to cuprizone with significant DNA double strand breaks (53BP1+) formation. Despite these major changes in myelin, OLs, and A{beta} immunoreactivity, no cognitive impairment or hippocampal pathology was detected in APP/PS1 mice after cuprizone treatment. Together, our data supports the hypothesis that myelin loss can be the cause, but not the consequence, of AD pathology.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe causal relationship between early myelin loss and the progression of Alzheimers disease remains unclear. Using two different AD mouse models, R1.40 and APP/PS1, our study supports the hypothesis that myelin abnormalities are upstream of amyloid production and deposition. We find that acute demyelination initiates intraneuronal amyloid deposition in the frontal cortex. Further, the loss of oligodendrocytes, coupled with the accelerated intraneuronal amyloid deposition, interferes with myelin tract diffusivity at a stage before any hippocampus pathology or cognitive impairments occur. We propose that myelin loss could be the cause, not the consequence, of amyloid pathology during the early stages of Alzheimers disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, G. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, I. W.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, S. H.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, H. K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herrup, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.24.547147</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cuprizone drives divergent neuropathological changes in different mouse models of Alzheimer's disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.24.550196v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neural mechanism underlying preview effects and masked priming effects in visual word processing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.24.550196v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Two classic experimental paradigms - masked repetition priming and the boundary paradigm - have played a pivotal role in understanding the process of visual word recognition. Traditionally, these paradigms have often been employed by different communities of researchers, with their own long-standing research traditions. Nevertheless, a review of the literature suggests that the brain-electric correlates of word processing established with both paradigms may show interesting similarities, in particular with regard to the location, timing, and direction of N1 and N250 effects. However, as of yet, no direct comparison has been undertaken between both paradigms. In the current study, we used combined eye-tracking/EEG to perform such a within-subject comparison using the same materials (single Chinese characters) as stimuli. Our results show the typical early repetition effects of N1 and N250 for both paradigms. However, repetition effects in N250 (i.e., a reduced negativity following identical-word primes/previews as compared to different-word primes/previews) were larger in the boundary paradigm than with masked priming. For N1 effects, repetition effects were similar across the two paradigms showing a larger N1 after repetitions as compared to alternations. Therefore, the results indicate that at the neural level, a briefly presented and masked foveal prime produces qualitatively similar facilitatory effects on visual word recognition as a parafoveal preview before a saccade, although such effects appear to be stronger in the latter case.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, B. W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, H. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sommer, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dimigen, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maurer, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.24.550196</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neural mechanism underlying preview effects and masked priming effects in visual word processing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.27.550811v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Butyrate Protects against SARS-CoV-2-induced Tissue Damage in Golden Hamsters. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.27.550811v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Butyrate, produced by gut microbe during dietary fiber fermentation, plays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in chronic inflammation diseases, yet it remains to be explored whether butyrate has protective effects against viral infections. Here, we demonstrated that butyrate alleviated tissue injury in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected golden hamsters with supplementation of butyrate before and during the infection. Butyrate-treated hamsters showed augmentation of type I interferon (IFN) response and activation of endothelial cells without exaggerated inflammation. In addition, butyrate regulated redox homeostasis by enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to inhibit excessive apoptotic cell death. Therefore, butyrate exhibited an effective prevention against SARS-CoV-2 by upregulating antiviral immune responses and promoting cell survival.

IMPORTANCESince SARS-CoV-2 has caused severe disease characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in humans, it is essential to develop therapeutics based on relieving such severe clinical symptoms. Current therapy strategies mainly focus on individuals who have COVID-19, however, there is still a strong need for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study showed that butyrate, a bacterial metabolite, improved the response of SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters by reducing immunopathology caused by impaired antiviral defenses and inhibiting excessive apoptosis through reduction in oxidative stress.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, N.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.27.550811</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Butyrate Protects against SARS-CoV-2-induced Tissue Damage in Golden Hamsters.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.31.551223v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Immunities Specific to Both of the M Protein Ectodomain and RBD Synergize to Confer Cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 Infections 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.31.551223v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The effectiveness of the prototypic SARS-CoV-2 vaccine largely decreased overtime against the emerging virus strains, necessitating the universal vaccine development. The most abundant structural membrane (M) protein is highly conserved in amino acid sequence, which arouses our research interests in developing a universal immunogen based on it. Serological analysis showed that IgG responses specific to its N-terminal peptides can be strongly detected in many serum samples from both convalescent patients and vaccinees receiving inactivated vaccines, indicating the potential existence of human B-cell epitopes in reactive peptides. Microneutralization assays showed that the N-terminal peptide S2M2-30-specific hyperimmune serum was capable of cross-neutralizing the authentic viruses including wild-type HKU-001a, B.1.617.2/Delta, and Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1, and synergized with RBD-specific serum in reinforcing antiviral activities. Strong S2M2-30-specific immunities elicited in hACE2-transgenic mice could effectively inhibit B.1.1.7/Alpha (UK) infections. Our results suggest the potentiality of conserved M peptides as vaccine targets for conferring cross-protections against sarbecoviruses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.31.551223</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Immunities Specific to Both of the M Protein Ectodomain and RBD Synergize to Confer Cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 Infections]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.31.551228v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SR2: Sparse Representation Learning for Scalable Single-cell RNA Sequencing Data Analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.31.551228v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has been widely used to measure the transcriptome of cells in complex and heterogeneous systems. Integrative analysis of multiple scRNA-seq data can transform our understanding of various aspects of biology at the single-cell level. Many computational methods are proposed for data integration. However, few methods for scRNA-seq data integration explicitly model variation from heterogeneous biological conditions for interpretation. Modeling the variation helps understand the effect of biological conditions on complex biological systems.

Our study proposes SR2 to capture gene expression patterns from heterogeneous biological conditions and discover cell identity simultaneously. Therefore, it can uncover the effect of biological conditions on the gene expression of cells and simultaneously achieve state-of-the-performance in cell identity discovery in our comprehensive comparison. Notably, SR2 is extended to model the effects of biological conditions on gene expression for cell populations, thus uncovering the effect of biological conditions on gene expression for cell populations and identifying putative condition-associated cell populations. To improve its scalability, we incorporate a batch-fitting strategy to ensure it is scalable to scRNA-seq data with arbitrary sample sizes. Moreover, the broad applicability of SR2 in biomedical studies has been demonstrated via applications. The complete package of SR2 is available at https://github.com/kai0511/SR2.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHAO, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SO, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.07.31.551228</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SR2: Sparse Representation Learning for Scalable Single-cell RNA Sequencing Data Analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.04.551983v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Is Inappropriate Pulse Timing Responsible for Poor Binaural Hearing with Cochlear Implants? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.04.551983v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cochlear implants (CIs) have restored enough of a sense of hearing to around one million severely hearing impaired patients to enable speech understanding in quiet. However, several aspects of hearing with CIs remain very poor. This includes a severely limited ability of CI patients to make use of interaural time difference (ITD) cues for spatial hearing and noise reduction. A major cause for this poor ITD sensitivity could be that current clinical devices fail to deliver ITD information in a manner that is accessible to the auditory pathway. CI processors measure the envelopes of incoming sounds and then stimulate the auditory nerve with electrical pulse trains which are amplitude modulated to reflect incoming sound envelopes. The timing of the pulses generated by the devices is largely or entirely independent of the incoming sounds. Consequently, bilateral CIs (biCIs) provide veridical envelope (ENV) ITDs but largely or entirely replace the "fine structure" ITDs that naturally occur in sounds with completely arbitrary electrical pulse timing (PT) ITDs. To assess the extent to which this matters, we devised experiments that measured the sensitivity of deafened rats to precisely and independently controlled PT and ENV ITDs for a variety of different CI pulse rates and envelope shapes. We observed that PT ITDs completely dominate ITD perception, while the sensitivity to ENV ITDs was almost negligible in comparison. This strongly suggests that the confusing yet powerful PT ITDs that contemporary clinical devices deliver to biCI patients may be a major cause of poor binaural hearing outcomes with biCIs.

Significance StatementCIs deliver spectro-temporal envelopes, including speech formants, to severely deaf patients, but they do little to cater to the brains ability to process temporal sound features with sub-millisecond precision. CIs "sample" sound envelope signals rapidly and accurately, and thus provide information which should make it possible in principle for CI listeners to detect envelope ITDs in a similar way to normal listeners. However, here we demonstrate through behavioral experiments on CI implanted rats trained to detect sub-millisecond ITDs that pulse timing ITDs completely dominate binaural hearing. This provides the strongest confirmation to date that the arbitrary pulse timing widely used in current clinical CIs is a critical obstacle to good binaural hearing through prosthetic devices.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buchholz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buck, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Budig, H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khurana, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosskothen-Kuhl, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.04.551983</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Is Inappropriate Pulse Timing Responsible for Poor Binaural Hearing with Cochlear Implants?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.02.551610v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Radiation-induced rescue effect on human breast carcinoma cells is regulated by macrophages 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.02.551610v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The susceptibility of cancer cells to DNA damages is influenced by their microenvironment. For example, unirradiated neighbors of irradiated cells can produce signals that reduce DNA damages. This phenomenon, known as Radiation-Induced Rescue Effect (RIRE), has profound implications on the efficacy of radiotherapy. Using bystander cells cocultured with mock-irradiated cells as a control, we demonstrated, for the first time, two types of RIRE. Conditioned medium from naive bystander cells, i.e., cells not exposed to irradiated cells, could mitigate UV-induced DNA damages in human breast carcinoma MCF7 cells, as judged by phospho-H2AX and 53BP1 immunostaining. This protective effect could be further enhanced by the prior treatment of bystander cells with factors from UV-irradiated cells. We named the former effect "basal RIRE" and the latter "active RIRE" which were cell type-dependent. As bystanders, MCF7 showed a significant active RIRE, whereas THP1-derived macrophages showed a strong basal RIRE but no active RIRE. Interestingly, RIRE of macrophages could further be modulated by polarisation. The basal RIRE of macrophages was abolished by M1 polarisation, while M2 and Tumour Associated Macrophages (TAM) demonstrated pronounced basal and active RIRE. When mixtures of MCF7 cells and polarised macrophages were used as bystanders, the overall RIRE was dictated by macrophage phenotypes: RIRE was suppressed by M1 macrophages but significantly enhanced by M2 and TAM. This study shows a previously unappreciated role of the innate immune system in RIRE. Depending on polarised phenotypes, macrophages in the tumour microenvironment can interfere with the effectiveness of radiotherapy by adjusting the RIRE magnitudes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pathikonda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.02.551610</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Radiation-induced rescue effect on human breast carcinoma cells is regulated by macrophages]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.06.551902v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DHX36 binding induces RNA structurome remolding and regulates RNA abundance via m6A/YTHDF1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.06.551902v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA structure constitutes a new layer of gene regulatory mechanisms. RNA binding proteins can modulate RNA secondary structures, thus participating in post-transcriptional regulation. The DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36) is known to bind and unwind RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure but the transcriptome-wide RNA structure remodeling induced by DHX36 binding and the impact on RNA fate remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the RNA structurome alteration induced by DHX36 depletion. Our findings reveal that DHX36 binding induces structure remodeling not only at the localized binding sites but also on the entire mRNA transcript most pronounced in3UTR regions. DHX36 binding increase structural accessibility at 3UTRs which is correlated with decreased post-transcriptional mRNA abundance. Further analyses and experiments uncover that DHX36 binding sites are enriched for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and YTHDF1 binding; and DHX36 induced structural change may facilitate YTHDF1 binding to m6A sites leading to RNA degradation. Altogether, our findings uncover the structural remodeling effect of DHX36 binding and its impact on RNA abundance through regulating m6A dependent YTHDF1 binding.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.06.551902</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DHX36 binding induces RNA structurome remolding and regulates RNA abundance via m6A/YTHDF1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.04.551251v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Shared and distinct molecular effects of regulatory genomic variants provide insight into mechanisms of distal enhancer-promoter communication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.04.551251v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gene enhancers often form long-range contacts with promoters, but it remains unclear if enhancer activity and their chromosomal contacts are mediated by the same DNA sequences and recruited factors. We studied the effects of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) on enhancer activity and promoter contacts in primary monocytes isolated from 34 individuals. Using eQTL-Capture Hi-C and a Bayesian approach considering both intra- and inter-individual variation, we initially detected 19 eQTLs associated with enhancer-eGene promoter contacts, most of which also associated with enhancer accessibility and activity. Capitalising on these shared effects, we devised a multi-modality Bayesian strategy, which identified 629 "trimodal QTLs" jointly associated with enhancer accessibility, eGene promoter contact, and gene expression. Causal mediation analysis and CRISPR interference revealed causal relationships between these three modalities. Many detected QTLs overlapped disease susceptibility loci and influenced the predicted binding of myeloid transcription factors, including SPI1, GABPB and STAT3. Additionally, a variant associated with PCK2 promoter contact directly disrupted a CTCF binding motif and impacted promoter insulation from downstream enhancers. Jointly, our findings suggest an inherent genetic link between the activity and connectivity of enhancers with relevance for human disease, and highlight the role of genetically-determined chromatin boundaries in gene control.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ray-Jones, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haglund, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Artemov, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Della Rosa, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burden, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kreuzhuber, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Litovskikh, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, V. X. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frontini, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wallace, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malysheva, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bottolo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vigorito, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spivakov, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.04.551251</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Shared and distinct molecular effects of regulatory genomic variants provide insight into mechanisms of distal enhancer-promoter communication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.04.551944v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Do Goats Recognise Humans Cross-Modally? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.04.551944v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recognition plays a key role in the social lives of gregarious species, enabling animals to distinguish among social partners and tailor their behaviour accordingly. As domesticated animals regularly interact with humans, as well as members of their own species, we might expect mechanisms used to discriminate between conspecifics to also apply to humans. Given that goats can combine visual and vocal cues to recognize one another, we investigated whether this cross-modal recognition extends to discriminating among familiar humans. We presented 28 goats with facial photographs of familiar people and two repeated playbacks of a voice, either congruent (from the same person) or incongruent with that photograph (from a different person). When cues were incongruent, violating their expectations, we expected goats to respond faster and for longer after playbacks and show increases in physiological arousal (increased heart rate and/or decreased heart rate variability). We found the increase in latency that goats took to respond as the playback series progressed was greater when the face and voice were incongruent. As differences were not as predicted and only observed in one response measured, our evidence is tentative, but the variation in latency to look between congruency conditions suggests goat cross-modal recognition extends to humans. If this is the case, not only would this further demonstrate the flexibility of complex recognition systems to discriminate among members of a very different species, but indicates goats can produce mental representations for familiar people, a key component of individual recognition.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mason, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Semple, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marshall, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.04.551944</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Do Goats Recognise Humans Cross-Modally?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.08.549183v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Climatic and biogeographic processes underlying the diversification of the pantropical and early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.08.549183v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AimTropical rainforests harbour the richest biodiversity among terrestrial ecosystems, but few studies have addressed underlying processes of species diversification in these ecosystems. We use the pantropical and early divergent flowering plant family Annonaceae as a model system to investigate how abiotic factors such as climate and biogeographic events contribute to the diversification process and lead to its high diversity across a long evolutionary history.

LocationTropics and subtropics

TaxonAnnonaceae

MethodsA super-matrix was constructed for 835 taxa (34% of Annonaceae species), based on eight chloroplast regions. To understand the patterns of diversification, we reconstructed climatic niche evolution and historical biogeographical events, and tested their association with diversification rates.

ResultsThe analysis of temperature-dependent models in Annonaceae lineages provides strong support for the significant influence of global temperature on net diversification and accumulation of species diversity. The pattern of lineage accumulation in the initial radiation is better aligned with the "museum model," followed by later accumulation consistent with the "recent cradle model" from the late Oligocene to the present. The increase in the diversification rate of the family (around 25 Ma) lags behind the accumulation of niche divergences (around 15 Ma). Biogeographic events are related to only two of the five diversification rate shifts detected. While no direct relationship to shifts in the diversification rate was uncovered, shifts in niche evolution appear to be associated with increasingly seasonal environments.

Main ConclusionsGlobal temperature plays a crucial role in driving recent rapid diversification in the Annonaceae. Our study challenges the prevailing assumption of the "museum model" alone and proposes instead a transition from the "museum model" to the "recent cradle model" during the diversification history of the family. However, our findings do not support the direct correlation of any particular climatic niche shifts or historical biogeographical events with shifts in diversification rate. Instead, Annonaceae diversification can lead to later niche divergence as a result of increasing interspecific competition arising from species accumulation. The evolutionary direction of niche shifts furthermore provides insight into the future expansion of Annonaceae into temperate regions. Our results highlight the complexity of the diversification process in taxa with long evolutionary histories, indicating that identifying isolated driving factors is simplistic and inadequate for explaining the observed patterns. Further comprehensive analyses of range evolution are necessary to delve deeper into the interplay among key opportunities, key innovation, and species diversification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Folk, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saunders, R. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.08.549183</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Climatic and biogeographic processes underlying the diversification of the pantropical and early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.14.552932v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Targeting adipocyte ESRRA promotes osteogenesis and vascular formation in adipocyte-rich bone marrow 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.14.552932v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ectopic bone marrow adipocytes (BMAds) accumulation occurring under diverse pathophysiological conditions leads to bone deterioration. Estrogen-related receptor  (ESRRA) is a key regulator responding to metabolic stress. Here, we show that adipocyte-specific ESRRA deficiency rescues osteogenesis and vascular formation in adipocyte-rich bone marrow due to estrogen deficiency or obesity. Mechanistically, adipocyte ESRRA interferes with E2/ESR1 signaling resulting in transcriptional repression of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1); and positively modulates Leptin expression by binding to its promoter. ESRRA abrogation results in enhanced SPP1 and decreased LEPTIN secretion from both visceral adipocytes and BMAds, concertedly dictating bone marrow stromal stem cell fate commitment and restoring type H vessel formation, constituting a feed-forward loop for bone formation. Pharmacological inhibition of ESRRA protects obese mice against bone loss and high marrow adiposity. Thus, our findings highlight a therapeutic approach via targeting adipocyte ESRRA to preserve bone formation especially in detrimental adipocyte-rich bone milieu.

Graphic abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=113 SRC="FIGDIR/small/552932v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (33K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1132da3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@19342aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@afe8d7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@dfb1f9_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geng, C.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, K. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.14.552932</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Targeting adipocyte ESRRA promotes osteogenesis and vascular formation in adipocyte-rich bone marrow]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.15.549386v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-throughput generic single-entity sequencing using droplet microfluidics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.15.549386v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of cellular heterogeneity by providing a micro-level perspective over the past decades. Although heterogeneity is essential for various biological communities, the currently demonstrated platform predominantly focuses on eukaryotic cells without cell walls and their transcriptomics 1,2, leaving significant gaps in the study of omics from other single biological entities such as bacteria and viruses. Due to the difficulty of isolating and acquiring their DNA3, contemporary methodologies for the characterization of generic biological entities remain conspicuously constrained, with low throughput4, compromised lysis efficiency5, and highly fragmented genomes6. Herein, we present the Generic Single Entity Sequencing platform (GSE-Seq), which boasts ample versatility, high throughput, and high coverage, and is enabled by an innovative workflow, addressing the critical challenges in single entities sequencing: (1) one-step manufacturing of massive barcodes, (2) degradable hydrogel-based in situ sample processing and whole genome amplification, (3) integrated in-drop library preparation, (4) compatible long-read sequencing. By GSE-Seq, we have achieved a significant milestone by enabling high-throughput, long-read single-entity profiling of dsDNA and ssDNA from single virus sequencing (SV-seq) and single bacteria sequencing (SB-seq) of the human gut and marine sediment for the first time. Notably, our analysis uncovered previously overlooked viral and bacterial dark matter and phage-host interactions. In summary, the presented conceptually new workflow offers a toolbox based on droplet microfluidics to tackle the persistent challenges in high-throughput profiling to generic applications, which hold immense promise for diverse biological entities, especially hard-to-lyse cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, Y.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.15.549386</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-throughput generic single-entity sequencing using droplet microfluidics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.17.553778v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ClairS: a deep-learning method for long-read somatic small variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.17.553778v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identifying somatic variants in tumor samples is a crucial task, which is often performed using statistical methods and heuristic filters applied to short-read data. However, with the increasing demand for long-read somatic variant calling, existing methods have fallen short. To address this gap, we present ClairS, the first deep-learning-based, long-read somatic small variant caller. ClairS was trained on massive synthetic somatic variants with diverse coverages and variant allele frequencies (VAF), enabling it to accurately detect a wide range of somatic variants from paired tumor and normal samples. We evaluated ClairS using the latest Nanopore Q20+ HCC1395-HCC1395BL dataset. With 50-fold/25-fold tumor/normal, ClairS achieved a 93.01%/86.86% precision/recall rate for Single Nucleotide Variation (SNVs), and 66.54%/66.89% for somatic insertions and deletions (Indels). Applying ClairS to short-read datasets from multiple sources showed comparable or better performance than Strelka2 and Mutect2. Our findings suggest that improved read phasing enabled by long-read sequencing is key to accurate long-read SNV calling, especially for variants with low VAF. Through experiments across various coverage, purity, and contamination settings, we demonstrated that ClairS is a reliable somatic variant caller. ClairS is open-source at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/ClairS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.17.553778</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ClairS: a deep-learning method for long-read somatic small variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.18.553808v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Capturing dynamic fear experiences in naturalistic contexts: An ecologically valid fMRI signature integrating brain activation and connectivity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.18.553808v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Enhancing our understanding of how the brain constructs conscious emotional experiences within dynamic real-life contexts necessitates ecologically valid neural models. Here, we present evidence delineating the constraints of current fMRI activation models in capturing naturalistic fear dynamics. To address this challenge, we fuse naturalistic fMRI with predictive modeling techniques to develop an ecologically valid fear signature that integrates activation and connectivity profiles, allowing for accurate prediction of subjective fear experience under highly dynamic close-to-real-life conditions. This signature arises from insights into the crucial role of distributed brain networks and their interactions in emotion modulation, and the potential of network-level information to improve predictions in dynamic contexts. Across a series of investigations, we demonstrate that this signature predicts stable and dynamic fear experiences across naturalistic scenarios with heightened sensitivity and specificity, surpassing traditional activation- and connectivity-based signatures. Notably, the integration of affective connectivity profiles enables accurate real-time predictions of fear fluctuations in naturalistic settings. Additionally, we unearth a distributed yet redundant brain-wide representation of fear experiences. Subjective fear is encoded not only by distributed cortical and subcortical regions but also by their interactions, with no single brain system conveying substantial unique information. Our study establishes a comprehensive and ecologically valid functional brain architecture for subjective fear in dynamic environments and bridges the gap between experimental neuroscience and real-life emotional experience.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kranz, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.18.553808</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Capturing dynamic fear experiences in naturalistic contexts: An ecologically valid fMRI signature integrating brain activation and connectivity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.27.554980v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Schisandrin B suppresses colon cancer growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the CHOP signalling pathway 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.27.554980v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Colon cancer is among the most lethal and prevalent malignant tumours in the world, and the lack of effective therapies highlights the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Schisandrin B (Sch B), a lignan extracted from the fruit Schisandra chinensis, has been reported for its anti-cancer properties. However, no studies to date have been done to characterise the exact molecular mechanisms regarding the anti-tumorigenic effect of Sch B in colon cancer. A comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanism for the anti-tumorigenic effect of Sch B on human colon cancer cells was performed using combination of Raman spectroscopy, RNA-seq, computational docking and molecular biological experiments. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated by a mouse xenograft model. Sch B reduced cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines. Raman spectroscopy, computational, RNA-seq, molecular and cellular studies revealed that Sch B activated unfolded protein responses by interacting with CHOP and upregulating CHOP, which thereby induced apoptosis. CHOP knockdown alleviated the Sch B-induced reduction in cell viability and apoptosis. Sch B reduced colon tumour growth in vivo. Our findings provide essential background for clinical trials examining the effects of Sch B in patients with colon cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Co, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Nezami, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Twum, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dey, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cox, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Joseph, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Agbodjan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sabzichi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Draheim, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, M. L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.27.554980</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Schisandrin B suppresses colon cancer growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the CHOP signalling pathway]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.28.555221v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metagenomic analysis of individual mosquitos reveals the ecology of insect viruses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.28.555221v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mosquito transmitted viruses are responsible for an increasing burden of human disease. Despite this, little is known about the diversity and ecology of viruses within individual mosquito hosts. Using a meta-transcriptomic approach, we analysed the virome of 2,438 individual mosquitos (79 species), spanning [~]4000 km along latitudes and longitudes in China. From these data we identified 393 core viral species associated with mosquitos, including seven (putative) arbovirus species. We identified potential species and geographic hotspots of viral richness and arbovirus occurrence, and demonstrated that host phylogeny had a strong impact on the composition of individual mosquito viromes. Our data revealed a large number of viruses shared among mosquito species or genera, expanding our knowledge of host specificity of insect-associated viruses. We also detected multiple virus species that were widespread throughout the country, possibly facilitated by long-distance mosquito migrations. Together, our results greatly expand the known mosquito virome, linked the viral diversity at the scale of individual insects to that at a country-wide scale, and offered unique insights into the ecology of viruses of insect vectors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gou, Q.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, P.-b.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, J.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, G.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Le, S.-j.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, G.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, M.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, J.-b.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mei, S.-q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, Y.-q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, J.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>n/a, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.-b.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eden, J.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.28.555221</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metagenomic analysis of individual mosquitos reveals the ecology of insect viruses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.29.555243v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-resolution diploid 3D genome reconstruction using Pore-C data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.29.555243v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In diploid organisms, spatial variations between homologous chromosomes are essential to many biological phenomena. Currently, it is still challenging to efficiently reconstruct a high-quality diploid 3D human genome. Here, we introduce Dip3D, reconstructing the diploid 3D human genome using Pore-C data of one sample. Dip3D has solved multiple problems in genome-wide SNV calling and haplo-tagging caused by the high sequencing error rates in Pore-C type data. Dip3D capitalizes on the high-order chromosomal interaction characteristics, enabling robust haplotype imputation and intricate haplotype-specific 3D structure discovery. Dip3D outperforms previous methods in data utilization rate, contact matrix resolution, and completeness by one order of magnitude. Moreover, Dip3D allows capturing haplotype high-order interactions that are unseen in Hi-C type data. We demonstrated the identified haplotype substructures such as Topologically Associating Domains (TADs) in the constructed 3D human genome, and unraveled connections between genic haplotype-specific high-order interactions and imbalanced allelic expression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niu, L.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, J.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-08-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.08.29.555243</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-resolution diploid 3D genome reconstruction using Pore-C data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-08-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.01.555856v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prosocial Decision-Making and Human Brain: A Graph Theory Analysis on Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Image 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.01.555856v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Prosocial behavior is the cornerstone of a harmonious society. However, the functional organization of the brain underlying prosocial decision-making needs to be further explored. Here, we used graph theory analysis to investigate the brain functional connectivity derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans during rest in 55 female Chinese university students. The behavioral responses were collected in another fMRI scan during which participants completed an economic exchange game task by making multiple choices between a prosocial and a selfish option against either human counterparts (i.e., social environment) or robot counterparts (i.e., non-social environment). We found that making more prosocial decisions is accompanied by a longer path length in the right anterior superior temporal gyrus (aSTG), higher degree centrality in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and higher betweenness centrality in the left aSTG. Our results suggest that human prosocial decisions are associated with greater inter-regional collaborations that are dominated by a few core nodes within the brain network of Theory of Mind (ToM). Moreover, an individuals preference for making prosocial decisions could be uncovered by graph theory analysis of the functional brain network even without explicit task requirements.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.01.555856</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prosocial Decision-Making and Human Brain: A Graph Theory Analysis on Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Image]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.04.554585v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Elasticity of adhesion bonds determines multistable mechanosensitive behaviour of living cells. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.04.554585v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ability of cells to sense the mechanical properties of their microenvironment is essential to many physiological processes. The molecular clutch theory has played an important role in explaining many mechanosensitive cell behaviors. However, its current implementations have limited ability to understand how molecular heterogeneity, such as adhesion molecules with different elasticities, regulates the mechanical response of cell adhesion. In this study, we developed a model incorporating the experimentally measured elastic properties of such proteins to investigate their influence on cell adhesion. It was found that the model not only could accurately fit previous experimental measurements of cell traction force and retrograde actin flow, but also predicted multistablility of cell adhesion as well as a feedback loop between the densities of the extracellular matrix proteins and contractile myosin II motors in living cells. The existence of such a feedback loop was successfully confirmed in experiments. Taken together, our study provides a theoretical framework for understanding how the mechanical properties of adaptor proteins, local substrate deformations and myosin II contractility affect cell adhesion across different cell types and physiological conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Efremov, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.04.554585</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Elasticity of adhesion bonds determines multistable mechanosensitive behaviour of living cells.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.03.556140v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genetic basis and evolution of structural color polymorphism in an Australian songbird 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.03.556140v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Island organisms often evolve phenotypes divergent from their mainland counterparts, providing a useful system for studying adaption under differential selection. Some island birds have melanic plumage differing from the color of mainland conspecifics, a trait proposed as an insular adaptation. In the white-winged fairywren (Malurus leucopterus), subspecies on two islands have a black nuptial plumage whereas the subspecies on the Australian mainland has a blue nuptial plumage. The black subspecies have a feather nanostructure that could produce a blue structural color, suggesting a blue ancestor. An earlier study proposed independent evolution of melanism on the islands based on the history of subspecies divergence. However, the genetic basis of melanism and the origin of color differentiation in this group are still unknown. Here, we used whole-genomes to investigate the genetic basis of melanism by comparing the blue and black M. leucopterus subspecies to identify highly divergent genomic regions. We identified a well-known pigmentation gene ASIP and four candidate genes that may contribute to feather nanostructure development. We also detected signatures of a selective sweep in genomic regions containing ASIP and SCUBE2 not in the black subspecies, as predicted by earlier work, but in the blue subspecies, which possesses many derived SNPs in these regions, suggesting that the mainland subspecies has re-evolved a blue plumage from a black ancestor. This re-evolution was likely driven by a pre-existing female preference. Our findings provide new insight into the evolution of plumage coloration in island versus continental populations, and, importantly, we identify candidate genes that likely play roles in the development and evolution of feather structural coloration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Enbody, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karubian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Webster, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edwards, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.03.556140</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genetic basis and evolution of structural color polymorphism in an Australian songbird]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.06.556545v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Emergence of Prochlorococcus in the Tonian oceans and the initiation of Neoproterozoic oxygenation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.06.556545v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Prochlorococcus are the smallest and most abundant photosynthetic organisms on Earth, contributing up to 50% of the chlorophyll in the oligotrophic oceans. Despite being important in regulating the carbon cycle in todays ocean, the ecological significance of Prochlorococcus in Earths history remains elusive. Our new robustly calibrated molecular clock analysis reveals that Prochlorococcus emerged in the deep photic zone of the Tonian (1,000-720 Mya) oceans. The classical light-harvesting antenna complex in Cyanobacteria, i.e., the phycobilisome, was replaced in Prochlorococcus by the chlorophyll{square}based antenna, enabling more efficient use of blue light that penetrates into deeper water. Importantly, Prochlorococcus colonization of deep water enhanced access to phosphate, which was abundant in upwelled seawater, but likely scarce in the Tonian surface ocean, promoting expansion of Prochlorococcus, displacement of incumbent low-light adapted anoxygenic photoferrotrophs, and associated increases in photosynthetic oxygen production. Colonization of deeper waters would also have improved access to ammonium, leading to the neutral loss of nitrate utilization genes. Our research thus documents the conspicuous emergence of new photosynthetic bacterial lineages in the run-up to the Neoproterozoic oxygenation event, implying an additional layer of eco-evolutionary complexity during this pivotal interval in Earths history.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crowe, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.06.556545</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Emergence of Prochlorococcus in the Tonian oceans and the initiation of Neoproterozoic oxygenation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.11.557130v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural basis for EROS binding to human phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.11.557130v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
EROS (essential for reactive oxygen species) is a recently identified molecular chaperone of NOX2 (gp91phox), the catalytic subunit of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Deficiency in NOX2 expression or function due to genetic mutations leads to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) with recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. To delineate how EROS interacts with NOX2, we solved the cryo-EM structure of the EROS-NOX2-p22phox heterotrimeric complex. EROS binds to NOX2 in plasma membrane through its anti-parallel -helices H1 and H2, and in cytoplasm through multiple {beta}-strands that form hydrogen bonds with the C terminal fragment of NOX2. EROS binding alters the conformation of the TM2 and TM6 transmembrane helices, increases the distance between the two hemes, and causes dislocation of the binding site for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). EROS colocalizes with NOX2 on cell surface of neutrophil-like HL-60 cells and forms a heterotrimer with mature NOX2-p22phox in transfected cells. Phorbol myristate acetate, an activator of NOX2, induces dissociation of EROS from NOX2 in a NanoLuc complementation assay with concurrent production of superoxide in reconstituted cells. Taken together, these findings provide a structural basis for EROS-NOX2 interaction and suggest a previously unidentified function of EROS in regulating NOX2 activation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, R. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.11.557130</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural basis for EROS binding to human phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.08.556896v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
magpie: a power evaluation method for differential RNA methylation analysis in N6-methyladenosine sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.08.556896v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationRecently, novel biotechnologies to quantify RNA modifications became an increasingly popular choice for researchers who study epitran-scriptome. When studying RNA methylations such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), researchers need to make several decisions in its experimental design, especially the sample size and a proper statistical power. Due to the complexity and high-throughput nature of m6A sequencing measurements, methods for power calculation and study design are still currently unavailable.

ResultsWe propose a statistical power assessment tool, magpie, for power calculation and experimental design for epitranscriptome studies using m6A sequencing data. Our simulation-based power assessment tool will borrow information from real pilot data, and inspect various influential factors including sample size, sequencing depth, effect size, and basal expression ranges. We integrate two modules in magpie: (i) a flexible and realistic simulator module to synthesize m6A sequencing data based on real data; and (ii) a power assessment module to examine a set of comprehensive evaluation metrics.

AvailabilityThe proposed power assessment tool magpie is publicly available as a R/Bioconductor package at: https://bioconductor.org/packages/magpie/.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bush, W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.08.556896</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[magpie: a power evaluation method for differential RNA methylation analysis in N6-methyladenosine sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.11.557284v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current and Magnetic Stimulation on Fear Extinction and Return of Fear: A meta-analysis and Systematic Review 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.11.557284v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Anxiety and fear-related disorders are among the most prevalent mental illnesses. Non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been employed to modulate anxiety and fear-related symptoms, but their therapeutic effects remain inconclusive. Pavlovian conditioning and extinction are experimental analogues of exposure therapy that investigate the neural mechanisms of fear extinction and return of fear. We conducted a meta-analysis and qualitative review on the effects of tDCS and TMS on fear extinction and return of fear in non-primate animals and humans. Results show that both anodal and cathodal tDCS over the prefrontal cortex inhibit short-term contextual and cued fear retrieval in animal models. In human studies, anodal tDCS over the medial/ventromedial prefrontal cortex enhances fear extinction, whereas TMS over the dorsolateral/ventromedial prefrontal cortex inhibits return of fear. Our findings suggest the optimal non-invasive brain stimulation protocols for threat extinction in humans.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lei, G. L. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, C. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, C. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.11.557284</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current and Magnetic Stimulation on Fear Extinction and Return of Fear: A meta-analysis and Systematic Review]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.11.557141v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Guided Diffusion for molecular generation with interaction prompt 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.11.557141v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Molecular generative models have demonstrated their potential in designing molecules from scratch with high binding affinities in a pre-determined protein pocket and could be combined with traditional structural based drug design strategy. However, the generative processes of such models are random and the atomic interaction information between ligand and protein are ignored. On the other hand, the ligand has high propensity to bind with residues called hotspots. Hotspot residues contribute to the majority of the binding free energies and have been recognized as appealing targets for designed molecules. In this work, we develop an interaction prompt guided diffusion model-InterDiff to deal with the challenges. Four kinds of atomic interactions are involved in our model and represented as learnable vector embeddings. These embeddings serve as conditions for each residue to guide the molecular generative process. Comprehensive in-silico experiments evince that our model could generate molecules with desired ligand-protein interactions in a guidable way. Furthermore, we validate InterDiff on two realistic protein-based therapeutic agents. Results show that InterDiff could generate molecules with better or similar binding mode compared to known targeted drugs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Song, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.11.557141</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Guided Diffusion for molecular generation with interaction prompt]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.13.557595v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pre-trained Inspired MocFormer: Efficient and Predictive Models of Drug-target Interactions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.13.557595v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Drug-target interactions (DTIs) is essential for advancing pharmaceuticals. Traditional drug-target interaction studies rely on labor-intensive laboratory techniques. Still, recent advancements in computing power have elevated the importance of deep learning methods, offering faster, more precise, and cost-effective screening and prediction. Nonetheless, general deep learning methods often yield low-confidence results due to the complex nature of drugs and proteins, bias, limited labeled data, and feature extraction challenges. To address these challenges, a novel two-stage pre-trained framework is proposed for DTIs prediction. In the first stage, pre-trained molecule and protein models develop a comprehensive feature representation, enhancing the frameworks ability to handle drug and protein diversity. This also reduces bias, improving prediction accuracy. In the second stage, a transformer with bilinear pooling and a fully connected layer (FCN) enables predictions based on feature vectors. Comprehensive experiments were conducted using DrugBank dataset and Epigenetic-regulators dataset to evaluate the frameworks effectiveness. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework outperforms the state-of-the-art methods regarding accuracy, area under the ROC curve (AUC), recall, and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC). The code will be available after being accepted: https://github.com/rickwang28574/MocFormer
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.13.557595</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pre-trained Inspired MocFormer: Efficient and Predictive Models of Drug-target Interactions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.15.557856v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Differentiation and migration of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells cross multiple tissues 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.15.557856v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hematopoiesis requires the coordinated differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in multiple tissues. Although differentiation of HSPCs in bone marrow (BM) has been well-studied, our knowledge about the migration and differentiation of HSPCs cross tissues is limited. Here, we collected and integrated single-cell RNA-seq data of human CD34+ cells, which represent HSPCs, from BM, peripheral blood (PB), thymus and mobilized PB (mPB), to investigate the hematopoiesis cross tissues. We constructed a cell atlas of HSPCs cross tissues and found most HSPC subsets in BM had counterparts in PB, indicating migration of HSPCs from BM to PB has a much broad spectrum. We found B progenitors highly expressed CXCR4 for anchoring in BM, while cells with low expression of CXCR4 facilitate their migration out of BM. Among the HSPC subsets from thymus, we only found the counterparts of the earliest thymic progenitors (ETPs) in BM and PB, potentially indicating that ETPs were the subsets that migrated from BM to PB and thymus. We found interaction signaling including CD99-CD99, CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL19-CCR7 played important roles in ETP homing to thymus. Briefly, these data provided a single unified developmental spectrum of hematopoiesis cross different tissues, connected by cell migration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.15.557856</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Differentiation and migration of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells cross multiple tissues]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.18.558215v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell mitochondrial variant enrichment resolved clonal tracking and spatial architecture in human embryonic hematopoiesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.18.558215v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ability to perform lineage tracing at the single-cell level is critical to reconstructing dynamic transitions during cell differentiation. However, prospective tracing approaches inevitably encounter outstanding challenges including barcoding precision, barcode diversity, and detection efficiency, which can skew inferred lineage relationships. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) even face risks of DNA-damage-induced toxicity-related cell death. We explored the use of naturally occurring somatic mutations in mitochondrial transcripts detected in single-cell RNA-seq as genetic lineage barcodes in hPSCs. In this study, we used an enrichment of scRNA-seq mitochondrial reads and a robust computational method to identify clonally relevant mitochondrial variants as endogenous genetic barcodes for clonal tracking of early embryonic hematopoiesis from hPSC. We modeled the development of embryonic tissues from hPSCs and delineated cell fate specification by integrating synthetic barcoding with mitochondrial lineage tracing. Using a biophysical model, we reconstructed the sequential transcriptional logic of fate specification and its underlying regulatory network. We further applied mitochondrial lineage tracing to spatial transcriptomics, which enabled us to identify the spatial clonal architecture of human embryonic organoids. Our analysis revealed that this spatial zonation was orchestrated by NOTCH-mediated crosstalk between stromal cells and hematopoietic progenitors. Our multi-modal framework links clonal dynamics with niche-specific fate decisions, providing a generalizable approach to dissecting tissue organization in development and disease. This study underscores the utility of mitochondrial variants as endogenous markers for high-resolution spatial clonal tracking in stem cell-derived organoid models of human development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.18.558215</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell mitochondrial variant enrichment resolved clonal tracking and spatial architecture in human embryonic hematopoiesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.20.558716v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A neural signature for the subjective experience of threat anticipation under uncertainty 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.20.558716v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Uncertainty about potential future threats and the associated anxious anticipation represents a key feature of anxiety. However, the neural systems that underlie the subjective experience of threat anticipation under uncertainty remain unclear. Combining a novel uncertain shock anticipation paradigm that allows precise modulation of the level of momentary anxious arousal during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with multivariate predictive modeling, we trained a brain model that accurately predicted the intensity of subjective experience of anxious arousal on the population and individual level. In a series of analyses utilizing available fMRI datasets, we further demonstrate that the signature specifically predicted anxious anticipation and was not sensitive in predicting pain, general anticipation or unspecific arousal. The signature was functionally and spatially distinguishable from representations of subjective fear or negative affect. We developed a sensitive, generalizable, and specific neuromarker for subjective anxious arousal experienced during uncertain threat anticipation that can facilitate model development and clinical translation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.20.558716</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A neural signature for the subjective experience of threat anticipation under uncertainty]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.25.559247v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Co-evolution of spheroid fluidization and mechanical fracture in a morphogenic cascade 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.25.559247v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cells migrate and invade tissues during development, immune responses, and cancer. Collective invasion is generally understood to be driven by invading cells unjamming and pushing through barriers such as the extracellular matrix and surrounding tissues. Whether these barriers actively contribute to invasion remains unclear. Using ovarian adenocarcinoma spheroids invading mesothelium derived from benign pleural effusions as an experimental model, combined with modelling, we examine invasion across molecular to multicellular scales. We identify intercellular integrin adhesions linking invasive leader cells to the tissue barrier, triggering apical constrictions within the barrier. This constriction shrinks cell-cell contacts, leading to barrier rupture. Thus, the tissue barrier plays a mechanically active role in invasion. Rather than cells pushing through, we find that coordinated subcellular contractility between the invading leader cell and the barrier drives barrier tensile rupture and invasion, independent of a jamming transition. Together, our findings challenge prevailing paradigms of collective cell invasion.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, C. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, C. B.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shagirov, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yow, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chin, J. F. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Verma, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yap, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hiraiwa, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Low, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.25.559247</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Co-evolution of spheroid fluidization and mechanical fracture in a morphogenic cascade]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.26.559499v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Progressive community, biogeochemical and evolutionary remodeling of the soil microbiome underpins long-term desert ecosystem restoration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.26.559499v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ecological restoration of degraded lands is essential to human sustainability. Yet, an in-depth community, functional, and evolutionary microbial perspective of long-term restoration of damaged ecosystems is lacking. Herein, we comprehensively assessed the impact of long-term (up to 17 years) restoration of Tengger Desert, China, by multi-omic profiling of 1,910 topsoil samples. The soil biophysiochemical properties, especially soil hydraulics, microbiome stability, and functional diversity, significantly improved during restoration. The soil microbiome transitioned from an extreme oligotrophic and autotrophic community to a diverse copiotrophic ecosystem. The soil microbiota, including fungi, could mediate the soil physicochemical changes through metabolites. Importantly, the systematic rewiring of nutrient cycles featured the multi-domain preference of an efficient carbon fixation strategy in the extreme desert environment. Finally, the microbiome was evolving via positive selections of genes of biogeochemical cycles, resistance, and motility. In summary, we present a comprehensive community, functional, biogeochemical, and evolutionary landscape of the soil microbiome during the long-term restoration of desert environments. We highlight the crucial microbial role in restoration from soil hydraulic and biogeochemical perspectives, offering promising field applications.

HighlightsO_LIThe desert soil microbiome transformed from simple oligotrophic to a diverse, stable, and nutrient-rich ecosystem with expanded functional diversity.
C_LIO_LIRestoration led to systematically rewired biogeochemical cycles, which are highly efficient in carbon fixation in the desert environment.
C_LIO_LIThe microbiome was evolving via positive selections of genes involved in biogeochemical cycles and environmental adaptations.
C_LIO_LIMicrobes and metabolites could facilitate desert restoration from hydraulic and biogeochemical aspects, offering promising field applications.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.26.559499</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Progressive community, biogeochemical and evolutionary remodeling of the soil microbiome underpins long-term desert ecosystem restoration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.27.559693v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Timing specific parental effects of ocean warming in a coral reef fish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.27.559693v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Population and species persistence in a rapidly warming world will be determined by an organisms ability to acclimate to warmer conditions, especially across generations. There is potential for transgenerational acclimation, but the importance of ontogenetic timing in the transmission of environmentally induced parental effects remains mostly unknown. We aimed to disentangle the contributions of two critical ontogenetic stages (juvenile development and adult reproduction) to transgenerational plasticity, by exposing the coral reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus to simulated ocean warming with natural diel thermal fluctuations across two generations. By using hepatic transcriptomics, we discovered that the developmental environment of the offspring themselves had little effect on their acclimation potential at 2.5 months of life. Instead, the developmental experience of parents increased regulatory RNA production and protein synthesis, which could improve the offsprings response to warming. Conversely, reproduction in warmer water elicited stress response mechanisms, with suppression of translation and mitochondrial respiration. Mismatches between temperatures in the parental ontogenetic thermal experience deeply affected offspring gene expression profiles, and detrimental effects were also evident when warming occurred both during parents development and reproduction. This study reveals that the previous generations developmental temperature contributes substantially to thermal acclimation potential during early life, however prolonged heat stress will likely have adverse effects on the species persistence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bonzi, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spinks, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donelson, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munday, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-09-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.27.559693</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Timing specific parental effects of ocean warming in a coral reef fish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-09-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.28.560065v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterization of Z chromosomal inversion and lineage-specific sweeps reveal widespread local adaptation in Helicoverpa armigera 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.28.560065v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Efficient pest management requires comprehensive knowledge of its biology, ecology, and evolution, particularly adaptation that exacerbating pest damage. Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is a notorious pest that attacks more than 200 species, adapts to diverse environments, and has developed resistance to almost all applied insecticides. However, local adaptation of this species was less investigated. Here, we analyzed genomic variation of Helicoverpa armigera in China and Oceania to identify adaptative loci in different lineages. Despite intensive gene flow, two differentiated Z chromosomal lineages in Central China (i.e., northern and southern lineages) were formed by chromosome inversion and local adaptation. Based on population genomic analysis, we identified genes related to circadian clock (period, cycle, cyr2 and daywake), insulin secretion (IGF2BP2) and energy metabolism (SLC25A25, CCG7766, D11DS, TSTP and CPQ) were under selection in northern lineage. These genes may have contributed to its adaptation to high latitudes. In the southern lineage however, the Z chromosome inversion harboring alien alleles of two clock genes (period and cycle) and may have disrupted clock oscillator for adaptation. We further conducted selective sweep analysis in lineages from Northwestern China, Central China, and Oceania, and found several insecticide resistant genes that shared among different lineages were likely contributed by introgression. Nevertheless, many candidates, including a cadherin that involved in resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis protein in Oceanian populations, are lineage-specific. Our results highlight the importance of investigating local adaptation in effective pest control under globalization of agriculture.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ke, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.09.28.560065</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterization of Z chromosomal inversion and lineage-specific sweeps reveal widespread local adaptation in Helicoverpa armigera]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.06.561146v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Merging-limited coarsening governs long-term stability of nanoscale condensates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.06.561146v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Droplet coarsening is a long-standing phenomenon widely observed in our daily life and industrial processes. This process is typically governed by classic theories, such as Brownian motion-induced coalescence and Ostwald ripening, predicting continuous and rapid droplet growth. However, recent studies revealed that nanoscale biomolecular condensates, formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), often defy this expectation, exhibiting remarkable long-term stability in cells and in vitro systems. Here, we reveal a merging-limited coarsening mechanism that underpins this anomalously slow growth. Using experiments, theory, and simulations, we demonstrate that nanoscale coacervates formed at neutral stoichiometry remain stable over extended periods due to size-dependent merging inefficiency. This inefficiency stems from entropic charge separation caused by asymmetric chain lengths of oppositely charged polymers, which induces interfacial charge accumulation and inter-coacervate electrostatic repulsion. Our findings reframe LLPS as a kinetically constrained process evolving over a rugged energy landscape, in which merging barriers trap condensates in metastable, long-lived states. This framework offers a physical basis for condensate size control in cells and a design principle for stable synthetic biomolecular assemblies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.06.561146</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Merging-limited coarsening governs long-term stability of nanoscale condensates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.08.561332v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-omics analysis reveals novel interplays between intratumoral bacteria and glioma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.08.561332v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Emerging evidence highlights the potential impact of intratumoral microbiota on cancer. However, the microbial composition and function in glioma remains elusive. Consequently, our study aimed to investigate the microbial community composition in glioma tissues and elucidate its role in glioma development. We parallelly performed microbial profiling, transcriptome sequencing and metabolomics detection on tumor and adjacent normal brain tissues obtained from 50 glioma patients. We employed immunohistochemistry, multicolor immunofluorescence and FISH staining to observe the presence and location of bacteria. Furthermore, an animal model was employed to validate the impact of key bacteria on glioma development. Six genera were found to be significantly enriched in glioma tissues compared to its adjacent normal brain tissues, including Fusobacterium, Longibaculum, Intestinimonas, Pasteurella, Limosilactobacillus and Arthrobacter. Both bacterial RNA and LPS were observed in glioma tissues. Multicolor immunofluorescence analysis showed higher bacterial LPS levels in tumor cells than in macrophages and in glioma tissue than in adjacent normal brain tissue. Integrated microbiomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics revealed that genes associated with intratumoral microbes were enriched in multiple synapse-associated pathways and that metabolites associated with intratumoral microbes were (R)-N-methylsalsolinol, N-acetylaspartylglutamic acid, and N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid. Further mediation analysis suggested that intratumoral microbiome may affect the expression of neuron-related genes through bacteria-associated metabolites. In addition, a glioma mouse model suggested that Fusobacterium nucleatum promoted glioma growth by increasing the levels of N-acetylneuraminic acid and the expression levels of CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL2. In conclusion, our findings shed light on the intricate interplays between intratumoral bacteria and glioma.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.08.561332</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-omics analysis reveals novel interplays between intratumoral bacteria and glioma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.09.561628v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MetaQuad: Shared Informative Variants Discovery in Metagenomic Samples 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.09.561628v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationStrain-level analysis of metagenomic data has garnered significant interest in recent years. Microbial single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are genomic variants that can reflect strain-level differences within a microbial species. The diversity and emergence of SNPs in microbial genomes may reveal evolutionary history and environmental adaptation in microbial populations. However, efficient discovery of shared polymorphic variants in a large collection metagenomic samples remains a computational challenge.

ResultsMetaQuad employs a density-based clustering technique to efficiently differentiate shared variants from non-polymorphic sites using shotgun metagenomic data. Empirical comparisons with other state-of-the-art methods show that MetaQuad significantly reduces the number of false-positive SNPs without greatly affecting the true-positive rate. We used MetaQuad to identify antibiotic-associated variants in patients who underwent Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. MetaQuad detected 7,591 variants across 529 antibiotic resistance genes. The nucleotide diversity of some genes is increased six weeks after antibiotic treatment, potentially indicating the role of these genes in specific antibiotic treatments.

AvailabilityMetaQuad is an open-source Python package available via https://github.com/holab-hku/MetaQuad.

Contactjwkho@hku.hk

Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at XXXX online.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>XU, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morgan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.09.561628</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MetaQuad: Shared Informative Variants Discovery in Metagenomic Samples]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.10.561630v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Role of PKR on Modulating Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Dysfunctions in a Peripheral Inflammation Model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.10.561630v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Systemic inflammation may promote neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is a key signaling molecule that regulates immune responses. This study aims to examine the role of PKR in regulating systemic inflammation-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions using a laparotomy mouse model. In the first part, wild-type C57BL/6J and C57BL/6-Tg(CD68-EGFP)1Drg/J mice were assigned to undergo either laparotomy with sevoflurane anesthesia or sevoflurane alone to examine effects of systemic inflammation on neuroinflammation and cognition. In the second part, PKR-/- mice were used to study the role of PKR in modulating laparotomy-induced systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation, and cognition. For the third part, PKR was inhibited selectively in cholinergic neurons of ChAT-IRES-Cre-eGFP mice via intracerebroventricular injection of rAAV-DIO-PKR-K296R. This examined the effects of inhibiting PKR in cholinergic neurons on glucose metabolism and cognition in the laparotomy model. Our study revealed that genetic deletion of PKR in mice potently attenuated the laparotomy-induced peripheral and neural inflammation and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, inhibiting PKR in the cholinergic neurons rescued the laparotomy-induced brain glucose hypometabolism and cognitive impairment. Our results demonstrated the critical role of PKR in regulating neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions in a peripheral inflammation model. PKR could be a pharmacological target for treating systemic inflammation-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, X.-Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, M. S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, Y.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, R. C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.10.561630</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Role of PKR on Modulating Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Dysfunctions in a Peripheral Inflammation Model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.12.562026v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CellContrast: Reconstructing Spatial Relationships in Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data via Deep Contrastive Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.12.562026v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A vast amount of single-cell RNA-seq (SC) data has been accumulated via various studies and consortiums, but the lack of spatial information limits its analysis of complex biological activities. To bridge this gap, we introduce cellContrast, a computational method for reconstructing spatial relationships among SC cells from spatial transcriptomics (ST) reference. By adopting a contrastive learning framework and training with ST data, cellContrast projects gene expressions into a hidden space where proximate cells share similar representation values. We performed extensive benchmarking on diverse platforms, including SeqFISH, Stereo-Seq, 10X Visium, and MERSCOPE, on mouse embryo and human breast cells. The results reveal that cellContrast substantially outperforms other related methods, facilitating accurate spatial reconstruction of SC. We further demonstrate cellContrasts utility by applying it to cell-type co-localization and cell-cell communication analysis with real-world SC samples, proving the recovered cell locations empower novel discoveries and mitigate potential false positives.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.12.562026</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CellContrast: Reconstructing Spatial Relationships in Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data via Deep Contrastive Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.12.562133v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distinct resource utilization by introduced man-made grouper hybrid: an overlooked anthropogenic impact from a longstanding religious practise 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.12.562133v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Anthropogenic activities, such as non-native aquaculture species introduction have been considerably altering trophic interactions in marine ecosystems. The hybrid grouper (TGGG), an aquaculture product originated from artificial F1 crossbreed between Epinephelus fuscoguttatus and E. lanceolatus, have been released in the wild through religious activities, raising concerns about this man-made introduced species. The carnivorous diet, together with large body size inherited from the parental species have made TGGG a candidate that could pose significant impacts to the marine ecosystem. Yet, little is known about the diet composition of TGGG upon release into the natural environment, and any dietary overlap or partition with closely related endemic species. Here, we deploy gut content DNA metabarcoding to determine the prey richness and dietary niche of wild caught TGGG and compare with four native grouper species (Epinephelus awoara, E. bleekeri, E. coioides and E. quoyanus). The TGGG exhibited six unique prey taxa with teleosts being the major taxa preyed upon followed by crustaceans and cephalopods and displayed significant lower mean number of pray taxa compared to other groupers. The TGGG exhibits a significantly different diet composition, possibly indicating a diet transitioning and acquiring new feeding behavior. This study provides a comprehensive analysis with high taxonomic resolution on the diet of artificial hybrids in the wild, suggesting possibility of introduction success if release events persist. Finally, these findings provide new information on how local trophic dynamics are impacted by under-investigated release of animals through religious practices.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chung, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.12.562133</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distinct resource utilization by introduced man-made grouper hybrid: an overlooked anthropogenic impact from a longstanding religious practise]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.16.562450v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural insights into the distinct protective mechanisms of human antibodies targeting ZIKV NS1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.16.562450v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Zika virus (ZIKV) Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) plays an essential role in viral replication and immune evasion. Our understanding of the differential protective mechanism of NS1-targeting antibodies is limited. Here, we determined the cryoEM structures of ZIKV NS1 in complex with two group antibodies at 2.6-2.9[A]. Group I antibodies (3G2 and 4B8) potently recognize cell surface form of NS1 and multiple oligomeric forms of NS1 by occupy the epitopes on outer surface of dimeric NS1. IgG and Fab from group I antibodies completely abrogate sNS1-mediated endothelial dysfunction in vitro. Group II antibodies (4F10, 2E11, and 14G5) recognize the previously reported epitopes in distal end of the {beta}-ladder domain of monomeric NS1, and their blockade efficiency depends on the affinity with NS1 protein. These findings elucidate the correlation between the epitope recognition and the protective efficacy of anti-NS1 antibodies and highlight the distinct mechanisms of therapeutic potential of 3G2 and 4B8.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.16.562450</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural insights into the distinct protective mechanisms of human antibodies targeting ZIKV NS1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.17.562809v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Preventing extinction in an age of species migration and planetary change 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.17.562809v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
International and national conservation policies almost exclusively focus on conserving species in their historic native ranges, thus excluding species that have dispersed on their own accord or have been introduced by people. Given that many of these  migrant species are threatened in their native ranges, conservation goals that explicitly exclude these migrant populations may overlook opportunities to prevent extinctions and respond dynamically to rapidly changing environmental and climatic conditions. Focusing on terrestrial mammals, we quantified the extent to which migration, in this case via introductions, has provided new homes for threatened mammal species. We then devised alternative scenarios for the inclusion of migrant populations in mainstream conservation policy with the aim of preventing global species extinctions and used spatial prioritization algorithms to simulate how these scenarios could change global spatial conservation priorities. We found that 22% of all identified migrant mammals (70 species) are threatened in their native ranges, mirroring the 25% of all mammals that are threatened. Reassessing global threat statuses by combining native and migrant ranges reduced the threat status of 23 species ([~]33% of threatened migrants). Thus, including migrant populations in threat assessments provides a more accurate assessment of actual global extinction risk among species. Spatial prioritization simulations showed that reimagining the role of migrant populations to prevent global species extinction could increase the importance of overlooked landscapes, particularly in central Australia. Our results indicate that these various and non-exhaustive ways to consider migrant populations, with due consideration for potential conservation conflicts with resident taxa, may provide unprecedented opportunities to prevent species extinctions. We present these alternatives and spatial simulations to stimulate discussion on how conservation ought to respond, both pragmatically and ethically, to rapid environmental change in order to best prevent extinctions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lundgren, E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wallach, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Svenning, J.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schlaepfer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andersson, A. L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramp, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.17.562809</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Preventing extinction in an age of species migration and planetary change]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.18.562845v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
De novo generation of T-cell receptors with desired epitope-binding property by leveraging a pre-trained large language model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.18.562845v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Generating T-cell receptors (TCRs) with desired epitope-binding properties is a fundamental step in the development of immunotherapies, yet heavily relies on laborious and expensive wet experiments. Recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence have demonstrated promising power in protein design and engineering. In this regard, we propose a large language model, termed Epitope-Receptor-Transformer (ERTransformer), for the de novo generation of TCRs with the desired epitope-binding property. ERTransformer is built on EpitopeBERT and ReceptorBERT, which are trained using 1.9 million epitope sequences and 33.1 million TCR sequences, respectively. To demonstrate the model capability, we generate 1000 TCRs for each of the five epitopes with known natural TCRs. The artificial TCRs exhibit low sequence identity (average Bit-score 27.64 with a standard deviation of 1.50) but high biological function similarity (average BLOSUM62 score 32.32 with a standard deviation of 12.01) to natural TCRs. Furthermore, the artificial TCRs are not very structurally identical to natural ones (average RMSD 2.84 [A] with a standard deviation of 1.21 [A]) but exhibit a comparable binding affinity towards the corresponding epitopes. Our work highlights the tremendous potential of applying ERTransformer to generate novel TCRs with desired epitope-binding ability.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.18.562845</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[De novo generation of T-cell receptors with desired epitope-binding property by leveraging a pre-trained large language model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.19.563033v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ClusterV-Web: A User-Friendly Tool for Profiling HIV Quasispecies and Generating Drug Resistance Reports from Nanopore Long-Read Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.19.563033v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SummaryThird-generation long-read sequencing is an increasingly utilized technique for profiling HIV quasispecies and detecting drug resistance mutations due to its ability to cover the entire viral genome in individual reads. Recently, the ClusterV tool has demonstrated accurate detection of HIV quasispecies from Nanopore long-read sequencing data. However, the need for scripting skills and a computational environment may act as a barrier for many potential users. To address this issue, we have introduced ClusterV-Web, a user-friendly web-based application that enables easy configuration and execution of ClusterV, both remotely and locally. Our tool provides interactive tables and data visualizations to aid in the interpretation of results. This development is expected to democratize access to long-read sequencing data analysis, enabling a wider range of researchers and clinicians to efficiently profile HIV quasispecies and detect drug resistance mutations.

Availability and implementationClusterV-Web is freely available and open source, with detailed documentation accessible at http://www.bio8.cs.hku.hk/ClusterVW/. The standalone Docker image and source code are also available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/ClusterV-Web.

Contactrbluo@cs.hku.hk, Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; jhsu@cs.hku.hk, Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Supplementary informationNone
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.19.563033</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ClusterV-Web: A User-Friendly Tool for Profiling HIV Quasispecies and Generating Drug Resistance Reports from Nanopore Long-Read Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.26.563470v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biosynthesis- and Metabolomics-guided discovery of antimicrobial cyclopeptides against drug-resistant clinical isolates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.26.563470v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antimicrobial resistance remains a significant global threat, contributing significantly to mortality rates worldwide. Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) have emerged as a promising source of novel peptide antibiotics due to their diverse chemical structures. Here, we reported the discovery of new Avi(Me)Cys-containing cyclopeptide antibiotics through a synergistic approach that combines rule-based genome mining, automated metabolomic analysis, and heterologous expression. We first bioinformatically identified 1,172 RiPP biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) responsible for Avi(Me)Cys-containing cyclopeptides from a vast pool of over 50,000 bacterial genomes. Subsequently, we successfully established the connection between three newly identified BGCs and the synthesis of five new peptide antibiotics. Notably, massatide A displayed excellent activity against a spectrum of gram-positive pathogens, including drug-resistant clinical isolates like linezolid-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 g/mL. The remarkable performance of massatide A in an animal infection model, coupled with a low risk of resistance and favorable safety profile, positions it as a promising candidate for antibiotic development. Our study highlights the potential of Avi(Me)Cys-containing cyclopeptides in expanding the arsenal of antibiotics against multi-drug-resistant bacteria, offering promising drug leads in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.26.563470</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biosynthesis- and Metabolomics-guided discovery of antimicrobial cyclopeptides against drug-resistant clinical isolates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.29.564480v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metabolic interactions of a minimal bacterial consortium drive robust nitritation at acidic pH 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.29.564480v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microbial communities efficiently mediate aerobic ammonia oxidation even at acidic pH. However, little is known about the adaptations and interactions that allow these communities to withstand challenges such as acidic stress, reactive nitrogen species, and resource deprivation under such conditions. Here we combined metagenomic analysis and biogeochemical measurements to infer the composition, metabolic interactions, and stress adaptation mechanisms of microbial consortia in three acidic nitritation bioreactors, operating at pH 5 to 2. This resulted in the recovery of 70 high-quality and mostly novel metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). The dominant ammonia oxidiser across all three bioreactors was a novel proteobacterium, herein named Candidatus (Ca.) Nitrosoglobus kelleri, that we enriched to a relative abundance of 55%. Also present were several heterotrophic bacteria that are predicted to engage in metabolically cross-feeding with the Nitrosoglobus. Particularly abundant were mycobacteria, including the novel actinobacterium Ca. Mycobacterium cookii, which are predicted to use organic carbon, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, sulfide and possibly nitrite as energy sources to drive aerobic respiration and denitrification. Remarkably, we observed efficient conversion of ammonia to nitrate even at pH 2, by a minimalistic community comprising the Nitrosoglobus and Mycobacterium as its only core members. Genomic analysis suggests these bacteria each use multiple strategies to maintain intracellular pH homeostasis, detoxify reactive nitrogen species, and scavenge nutrients at this pH. Altogether, these findings reveal that minimal communities can drive a key biogeochemical process even at acidic pH, and have implications for understanding nitrogen cycling and enhancing wastewater treatment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ni, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hua, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Greening, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-10-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.29.564480</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metabolic interactions of a minimal bacterial consortium drive robust nitritation at acidic pH]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-10-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.31.564955v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Three-dimensional visualization of blood vessels in human gliomas based on tissue clearing and deep learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.31.564955v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gliomas, with their intricate and aggressive nature, call for a detailed visualization of their vasculature. While many studies lean towards 2D imaging of thin sections, this method often overlooks the full spatial heterogeneity inherent to tumors. To overcome this limitation, our study melded state-of-the-art techniques, encompassing tissue clearing technology, 3D confocal microscopy imaging, and deep learning-aided vessel extraction, resulting in a comprehensive 3D visualization of glioma vasculature in intact human tissue. Specifically, we treated formalin-fixed thick human glioma tissue sections (500  m) with OPTIClear for transparency and subsequently performed immunofluorescent labeling using CD31. Using confocal microscopy, we obtained 3D images of the glioma vasculature. For vessel extraction, we employed a specialized 3D U-Net, enriched with image preprocessing and post-processing methods, and benchmarked its performance against the Imaris software. Our findings indicated that OPTIClear-enabled tissue clearing yielded a holistic 3D representation of immunolabeled vessels in clinical human glioma samples. Impressively, our deep learning technique outshined the traditional Imaris approach in terms of accuracy and efficiency in vessel extraction. Further, discernible variations in vascular metrics, such as mean diameter, branching point count, and volume ratio, were observed between low-grade and high-grade gliomas. In essence, our innovative blend of tissue clearing and deep learning not only enables enhanced 3D visualization of human glioma vasculature but also underscores morphological disparities across glioma grades, potentially influencing pathological grading, therapeutic strategies, and prognostic evaluations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.10.31.564955</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Three-dimensional visualization of blood vessels in human gliomas based on tissue clearing and deep learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.02.565401v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bio-Mol:Pretraining Multimodality Bioactivity Profile for Enhancing Small Molecule Property Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.02.565401v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Non-optimized pharmacokinetic parameters serve as the primary cause of failure in clinical trials of drugs. Therefore, the successful prediction of pharmacokinetic parameters during the pre-clinical stage is crucial for the success of drug candidates. Conventional methods primarily rely on 2D structural information, while advanced models extend the features to other structural-related information or use advanced computational models to improve prediction accuracy. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding of small molecules, integrating bioactivity profiles with chemical structural information is essential. One significant challenge in this integration is the high proportion of missing values within experimentally validated bioactivity profiles for most small molecules. To address this challenge, we introduce Bio-Mol, an artificial intelligence model designed to effectively handle this issue. Bio-Mol utilizes a pretrain and finetune strategy, enabling the incorporation of a large proportion of missing bioactivity profiles during the small molecule representation learning process.

Comprehensive evaluations of Bio-Mol demonstrate a notable improvement in predicting molecule properties. The integration of missing bioactivity profiles enhances the AUROC of average 5.2% compared to the previous state-of-the-art models predictions. Furthermore, we explore the potential of Bio-Mol in predicting synergistic drug combinations, highlighting its versatility and broader applications in the field of drug discovery.

The successful implementation of Bio-Mol showcases its efficacy in over-coming the challenges posed by missing bioactivity profile data. This model paves the way for optimizing small molecule pharmacokinetics prediction, providing valuable insights for drug development and discovery processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.02.565401</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bio-Mol:Pretraining Multimodality Bioactivity Profile for Enhancing Small Molecule Property Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.565592v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Accurate 3D SMLM localization via Vectorial In-situ PSF Retrieval and Aberration Assessment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.565592v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), achieving precise localization hinges on obtaining an authentic point spread function (PSF) influenced by system and sample-induced aberrations. Here, we introduce VISPR (Vectorial in-situ PSF retrieval) retrieving precise 3D PSF models considering both system and sample-induced aberrations under SMLM conditions. By employing the theory of vectorial PSF model and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) phase retrieval, VISPR is capable of reconstructing an accurate 3D PSF model achieving the theoretically minimum uncertainty and accurately reflecting three-dimensional information of single molecules. This capability empowers accurate 3D super-resolution reconstruction in 3D SMLM. Additionally, VISPR applies to low signal-to-noise ratio circumstances and is adept at retrieving high-frequency details of the experimental PSF across an extensive depth range--a challenging feat for alternative approaches. As an effective tool, VISPR enables the quantitative assessment of aberrations induced by the system and sample environment. From the simulations and experiments, we verified the superiority and effectiveness of VISPR. It is essential to highlight that VISPR applies to various SMLM microscope modalities.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.03.565592</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Accurate 3D SMLM localization via Vectorial In-situ PSF Retrieval and Aberration Assessment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.05.565588v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross-Dataset Identification of Human Disease-Specific Cell Subtypes Enabled by the Gene Print-based Algorithm--gPRINT 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.05.565588v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite extensive efforts in developing cell annotation algorithms for single cell RNA sequencing results, most algorithms fail to achieve cross-dataset mapping of cell subtypes due to factors such as batch effects between datasets. This limitation is particularly evident when rapidly annotating disease-specific cell subtypes across multiple datasets. In this study, we present gPRINT, a machine learning tool that utilizes the unique one-dimensional "gene print" expression patterns of individual cells. gPRINT is capable of automatically predicting cell types and annotating disease-specific cell subtypes. The development of gPRINT involved curation and harmonization of public datasets, algorithm validation within and across datasets, and the annotation of disease-specific fibroblast subtypes across various disease subgroups and datasets. Additionally, we created a preliminary single-cell atlas of human tendinopathy fibroblasts and successfully achieved automatic prediction of disease-specific cell subtypes in tendon disease. Furthermore, we conducted an exploration of key targets and related drugs specific to this subtype in tendon disease. The proposed approach offers an automated and unified method for identifying disease-specific cell subtypes across datasets, serving as a valuable reference for annotating fibroblast-specific subtypes in different disease states and facilitating the exploration of therapeutic targets in tendon disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yan, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHEN, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.05.565588</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross-Dataset Identification of Human Disease-Specific Cell Subtypes Enabled by the Gene Print-based Algorithm--gPRINT]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.05.565716v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pathogenic mechanisms underlying adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in congenital heart disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.05.565716v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Poor neurodevelopment is often observed with congenital heart disease (CHD), especially with mutations in chromatin modifiers. Here analysis of mice with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) arising from mutations in Sin3A associated chromatin modifier Sap130, and adhesion protein Pcdha9, revealed neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral deficits reminiscent of those in HLHS patients. Microcephaly was associated with impaired cortical neurogenesis, mitotic block, and increased apoptosis. Transcriptional profiling indicated dysregulated neurogenesis by REST, altered CREB signaling regulating memory and synaptic plasticity, and impaired neurovascular coupling modulating cerebral blood flow. Many neurodevelopmental/neurobehavioral disease pathways were recovered, including autism and cognitive impairment. These same pathways emerged from genome-wide DNA methylation and Sap130 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses, suggesting epigenetic perturbation. Mice with Pcdha9 mutation or forebrain-specific Sap130 deletion without CHD showed learning/memory deficits and autism-like behavior. These novel findings provide mechanistic insights indicating the adverse neurodevelopment in HLHS may involve cell autonomous/nonautonomous defects and epigenetic dysregulation and suggest new avenues for therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gabriel, G. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yagi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bais, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Glennon, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stapleton, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reynolds, W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shaffer, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ganapathiraju, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simon, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panigrahy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.05.565716</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pathogenic mechanisms underlying adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in congenital heart disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.06.565732v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Information-Distilled Generative Label-Free Morphological Profiling Encodes Cellular Heterogeneity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.06.565732v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Image-based cytometry faces constant challenges due to technical variations arising from different experimental batches and conditions, such as differences in instrument configurations or image acquisition protocols, impeding genuine biological interpretation of cell morphology. Existing solutions, often necessitating extensive pre-existing data knowledge or control samples across batches, have proved limited, especially with complex cell image data. To overcome this, we introduce Cyto-Morphology Adversarial Distillation (CytoMAD), a self-supervised multi-task learning strategy that distills biologically relevant cellular morphological information from batch variations, enabling integrated analysis across multiple data batches without complex data assumptions or extensive manual annotation. Unique to CytoMAD is its "morphology distillation", symbiotically paired with deep-learning image-contrast translation - offering additional interpretable insights into the label-free morphological profiles. We demonstrate the versatile efficacy of CytoMAD in augmenting the power of biophysical imaging cytometry. It allows integrated label-free classification of different human lung cancer cell types and accurately recapitulates their progressive drug responses, even when trained without the drug concentration information. We also applied CytoMAD to jointly analyze tumor biopsies across different non-small-cell lung cancer patients and reveal previously unexplored biophysical cellular heterogeneity, linked to epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, that standard fluorescence markers overlook. CytoMAD holds promises to substantiate the wide adoption of biophysical cytometry for cost-effective diagnostic and screening applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lo, M. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, D. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsin, M. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.06.565732</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Information-Distilled Generative Label-Free Morphological Profiling Encodes Cellular Heterogeneity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.06.565906v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
More is Different: Constructing the Most Comprehensive Human Protein High-Order Interaction Dataset 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.06.565906v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In biological systems, protein-protein interactions (PPI) weave intricate network patterns that are fundamental to the structural and functional integrity of organisms. While the majority of existing research has been anchored in the study of pairwise PPIs, the realm of high-order interactions remains relatively untapped. This oversight could potentially obscure the deeper intricacies embedded within biological networks. To address this gap, this study formulates a scientific task aimed at predicting high-order protein-protein interactions and introduces a multi-level comprehensive dataset focused on triadic high-order interactions within PPI networks. This dataset incorporates more than 80% of the known human protein interaction relationships and partitions into 60 subsets across a diverse range of functional contexts and confidence. Through meticulous evaluation using cutting-edge high-order network prediction tools and benchmark PPI prediction methodologies, our findings resonate with the principle that "more is different". Triadic high-order interactions offer a more enriched and detailed informational canvas than their pairwise counterparts, paving the way for a deeper comprehension of the intricate dynamics at play in biological systems. In summary, this research accentuates the critical importance of high-order PPI interactions in biological systems and furnishes invaluable resources for subsequent scholarly investigations. The dataset is poised to catalyze future research endeavors in protein-protein interaction networks, elucidating their pivotal roles in both health and disease states.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.06.565906</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[More is Different: Constructing the Most Comprehensive Human Protein High-Order Interaction Dataset]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.06.565909v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sex chromosome turnover in hybridizing stickleback lineages 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.06.565909v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent discoveries of sex chromosome diversity across the tree of life have challenged the canonical model of conserved sex chromosome evolution and evoked new theories on labile sex chromosomes that maintain less differentiation and undergo frequent turnover. However, theories of labile sex chromosome evolution lack direct empirical support due to the paucity of case studies demonstrating ongoing sex chromosome turnover in nature. Two divergent lineages (viz. WL & EL) of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) with different sex chromosomes (linkage group [LG] 12 in the EL, unknown in the WL) hybridize in a natural secondary contact zone in the Baltic Sea, providing an opportunity to study ongoing turnover between coexisting sex chromosomes. We first identified an 80 kbp genomic region on LG3 as the sex-determining region (SDR) using whole-genome resequencing data of family crosses. We then verified this region as the SDR in most other WL populations and demonstrated an ongoing sex chromosome turnover in admixed marine populations where the evolutionarily younger and homomorphic LG3 sex chromosomes replace the older and heteromorphic LG12 sex chromosomes. The results provide a rare glimpse of ongoing sex chromosome turnover and indicate possible existence of additional but yet undiscovered sex chromosome diversity in Pungitius sticklebacks.

TeaserEvolutionarily young sex chromosomes replace the older ones in the hybrid zone of European Pungitius stickleback lineages.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Löytynoja, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merilä, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.06.565909</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sex chromosome turnover in hybridizing stickleback lineages]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.08.566327v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Combinatorial in silico approach for cancer-associated 4Fe-4S protein discovery 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.08.566327v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins play vital roles in multiple cellular processes, including mediating redox balance as well as DNA replication and repair. Given the role of Fe-S cofactors in genome maintenance, mutations in such metalloproteins could be associated with cancer. Nevertheless, only a few cancer-associated Fe-S proteins have been identified. In vitro, Fe-S cluster is susceptible to degradation in oxic environment. It could also be replaced by other metal ions during protein purification, mis-labelled as zinc finger or Zn-containing proteins. In silico, bioinorganic Fe-S cluster lacks unique sequence characteristics that distinguish itself from other metal-coordination sites, making motif prediction based solely on protein sequence difficult. Thus, in this study, three traits have been employed to discover putative cancer-associated 4Fe-4S proteins. Here, we have analyzed the human proteome via a three-pronged approach: (i) the presence of a triamino acid motif, (ii) the geometric arrangements of the cysteines, and (iii) the mutations of cancer-associated cysteines. In addition to MUTYH, a known 4Fe-4S human DNA glycosylase, 21 novel proteins were discovered as potential cancer-associated 4Fe-4S proteins. While 6 receptor proteins and 3 growth factors have been identified as potential targets in this study, 5 histone lysine methyltransferases with SET domains were also predicted to contain 4Fe-4S metallocofactors. This work provides insights for rational adjustments in experimental design and novel cancer biomarker discovery.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tam, W. W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, M. H. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngo, U. F. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, N. M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yau, A. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, E. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.08.566327</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Combinatorial in silico approach for cancer-associated 4Fe-4S protein discovery]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.09.566494v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome folding principles revealed in condensin-depleted mitotic chromosomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.09.566494v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During mitosis, condensin activity interferes with interphase chromatin structures. Here, we generated condensin-free mitotic chromosomes to investigate genome folding principles. Co- depletion of condensin I and II, but neither alone, triggered mitotic chromosome compartmentalization in ways that differ from interphase. Two distinct euchromatic compartments, indistinguishable in interphase, rapidly emerged upon condensin loss with different interaction preferences and dependence on H3K27ac. Constitutive heterochromatin gradually self-aggregated and co-compartmentalized with the facultative heterochromatin, contrasting with their separation during interphase. While topologically associating domains (TADs) and CTCF/cohesin mediated structural loops remained undetectable, cis-regulatory element contacts became apparent, providing an explanation for their quick re-establishment during mitotic exit. HP1 proteins, which are thought to partition constitutive heterochromatin, were absent from mitotic chromosomes, suggesting, surprisingly, that constitutive heterochromatin can self-aggregate without HP1. Indeed, in cells traversing from M- to G1-phase in the combined absence of HP1, HP1{Pi} and HP1{gamma}, re-established constitutive heterochromatin compartments normally. In sum, "clean-slate" condensin-deficient mitotic chromosomes illuminate mechanisms of genome compartmentalization not revealed in interphase cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jing, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Midla, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Giardine, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keller, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hardison, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blobel, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.09.566494</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome folding principles revealed in condensin-depleted mitotic chromosomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.10.566573v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Amplification of avian influenza viruses along poultry marketing chains in Bangladesh: a controlled field experiment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.10.566573v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The prevalence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) is commonly found to increase dramatically from farms to live bird markets (LBMs). Viral transmission dynamics along marketing chains is, however, poorly understood. To address this gap, we implemented a field experiment altering chicken supply to an LBM in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Chickens traded along altered (intervention) and conventional (control) marketing chains were tested for AIVs. Upon arrival at the LBM, the odds of detecting AIVs did not differ between control and intervention groups. However, 12 hours later, intervention group odds were lower, particularly for broiler chickens, indicating that viral shedding in LBM resulted partly from infections during transport and trade. Curtailing AIV prevalence in LBMs requires mitigating risk in marketing chain nodes preceding chickens delivery at LBMs.

Article Summary LineThe high prevalence of avian influenza viruses in marketed chickens cannot be solely attributed to viral transmission within live bird markets but is also influenced by infections occurring prior to the chickens supply to these markets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kohnle, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Das, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uddin, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nath, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohsin, M. A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahmud, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Biswas, P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoque, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pfeiffer, D. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fournie, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.10.566573</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Amplification of avian influenza viruses along poultry marketing chains in Bangladesh: a controlled field experiment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.14.567130v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ocean acidification alters the transcriptomic response in the nervous system of Aplysia californica during reflex behaviour 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.14.567130v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ocean acidification (OA) has numerous impacts on marine organisms including behaviour. While behaviours are controlled in the neuro system, its complexity makes linking behavioural impairments to environmental change difficult. Here we use a neurological model Aplysia californica with well-studied simple neuro system and behaviours. By exposing Aplysia to current day ([~]500 {micro}atm) or near-future CO2 conditions ([~]1100 {micro}atm), we test the effect of OA on their tail withdrawal reflex (TWR) and the underlying neuromolecular response of the pleural-pedal ganglia, responsible for the behaviour. Under OA, Aplysia relax tails faster due to increased sensorin-A expression, an inhibitor of mechanosensory neurons. We further investigate how OA affects habituation, which produced a "sensitization-like" behaviour and affected vesicle transport and stress response, revealing an influence of OA on neuronal and behavioural outputs associated with learning. Finally, we test whether GABA-mediated neurotransmission is involved in impaired TWR, but exposure to gabazine did not restore normal behaviour and provoked little molecular response, rejecting the involvement in TWR impairment. Instead, vesicular transport and cellular signalling link other neurotransmitter processes directly with TWR impairment. Our study shows effects of OA on neurological tissue parts that control for behaviour revealing the neurological mechanisms when faced with OA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>SOURISSE, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.14.567130</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ocean acidification alters the transcriptomic response in the nervous system of Aplysia californica during reflex behaviour]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.15.567297v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross-talk between tissues is critical for intergenerational acclimation to environmental change 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.15.567297v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
An organisms reaction to environmental changes is mediated by coordinated responses of multiple tissues. Additionally, parental priming may increase offsprings acclimation potential to changing environmental conditions. As the effects of human-induced climate change, such as ocean acidification (OA), continue to intensify it is critical to assess the acclimation potential of species at the whole organismal scale. For this we need to understand the cross-talk between tissues in regulating and responding to pH changes. Here by using a multi-tissue approach we determine the influence of 1) variation in parental behavioural tolerance and 2) parental environment, on molecular responses of their offspring in a coral reef fish. The gills and liver showed the highest transcriptional response to OA conditions in juvenile fish regardless of the parental environment, while the brain and liver showed the greatest signal of intergenerational acclimation. Key functional pathways that were altered in the brain upon within-generational CO2 exposure were restored to control levels when parents were exposed to OA conditions. Furthermore, the expression of a new complement of genes involved in key functions was altered in the offspring only when parents were previously exposed to OA conditions. Therefore, previous parental conditioning to OA can reprogram tissue transcriptomic profiles of the offspring enabling them to better cope in an environment with elevated CO2 levels. Overall, our results reveal tissue-specific transcriptional changes underlying intergenerational plastic responses to elevated CO2 exposure and highlight the integration of these changes in promoting organismal acclimation to OA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Suresh, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Welch, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munday, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.15.567297</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross-talk between tissues is critical for intergenerational acclimation to environmental change]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.17.567500v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NeuroVelo: interpretable learning of cellular dynamics from single-cell transcriptomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.17.567500v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reconstructing temporal cellular dynamics from static single-cell transcriptomics remains a major challenge. Methods based on RNA velocity are useful, but interpreting their results to learn new biology remains difficult, and their predictive power is limited. Here we propose NeuroVelo, a method that couples learning of an optimal linear projection with non-linear Neural Ordinary Differential Equations. Unlike current methods, it uses dynamical systems theory to model biological processes over time, hence NeuroVelo can identify gene interactions that drive the observed temporal dynamics of gene expression. We benchmark NeuroVelo against several state-of-the-art methods using single-cell datasets, demonstrating that NeuroVelo simultaneously reconstructs correct cell-type transitions and identifies gene regulatory networks that drive cell fate directly from the data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kouadri Boudjelthia, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Milite, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El Kazwini, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fernandez-Mateos, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valeri, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sottoriva, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanguinetti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.17.567500</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NeuroVelo: interpretable learning of cellular dynamics from single-cell transcriptomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.20.567849v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantitative cell morphology in C. elegans embryos reveals regulations of cell volume asymmetry 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.20.567849v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The dynamics of cellular morphology throughout development are crucial for morphogenesis and organogenesis, yet their systematic characterization remains a significant challenge. By integrating both nuclear position and advanced cell membrane labeling, we develop a novel method that enables the segmentation of surfaces for over 95% of cells produced during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis. With this method, we segment eight wild-type and four perturbed embryos. The output, including cell identity, shape, volume, surface and contact area, can be visualized using our custom software. We demonstrate that signaling interactions, such as Notch and Wnt, regulate not only the asymmetry of cell fate but also the asymmetry of cell volume in conjunction with mechanical compression. Furthermore, we find that the asymmetries of fate and volume are generally interconnected.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARYSystematic quantification of cell morphology with resolved cell lineage and cell fate in developing C. elegans embryo uncovers multimodal regulations of cell size.



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=190 SRC="FIGDIR/small/567849v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (114K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1b7d0fforg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@fa28b1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@185a0deorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@478a2_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG Potential Cover/Featured Image: Smiling "ghost" face of C. elegans embryo. Center: shown are skins (colored in red, dorsal view with anterior to the bottom) of a 400-celled C. elegans embryo. Cells not covered by the skins are colored in gray, green, blue, and transparent yellow, respectively. Internal and external circles: confocal fluorescence images (GFP for cell nucleus and mCherry for cell membrane) and reconstructed cell morphologies of the C. elegans embryo from the 2- to 550-cell stages respectively, connected with images of a C. elegans adult expressing the same markers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.20.567849</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantitative cell morphology in C. elegans embryos reveals regulations of cell volume asymmetry]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.22.567635v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pervasive RNA Binding Protein Enrichment on TAD Boundaries Regulates TAD Organization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.22.567635v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mammalian genome is hierarchically organized by CTCF and cohesin through loop extrusion mechanism to facilitate the organization of topologically associating domains (TADs). Mounting evidence suggests additional factors/mechanisms exist to orchestrate TAD formation and maintenance. In this study, we investigate the potential role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in TAD organization. By integrated analyses of global RBP binding and 3D genome mapping profiles from both K562 and HepG2 cells, our study unveils the prevalent enrichment of RBPs on TAD boundaries and define boundary associated RBPs (baRBPs). We also characterize chromatin features of baRBP binding and uncover clustering among baRBPs and with transcription factors (TFs). Moreover, we found that baRBP binding is correlated with enhanced TAD insulation strength and in a CTCF independent manner. Further analyses revealed that baRBP binding is associated with nascent promoter transcription thus RBP/transcription may synergistically demarcate TADs. Additional experimental testing was performed using RBFox2 as a paradigm. Knockdown of RBFox2 in K562 cells causes remarkable TAD reorganization and boundary loss. Moreover, we found RBFox2 enrichment on TAD boundaries is a conserved phenomenon in C2C12 myoblast (MB) cells. RBFox2 is down-regulated and its bound boundaries are remodeled during MB differentiation into myotubes (MTs). Knockout of Rbfox2 in MBs also causes significant boundary reorganization. Finally, transcriptional inhibition in C2C12 cells indeed decreases RBFox2 binding and disrupts TAD boundary insulation. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that RBPs can play active role in modulating TAD organization through co-transcriptional association and synergistic action with nascent promoter transcripts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-11-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.11.22.567635</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pervasive RNA Binding Protein Enrichment on TAD Boundaries Regulates TAD Organization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-11-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.06.570483v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Boundary effects cause false signals of range expansions in population genomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.06.570483v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Studying range expansions (REs) is central for understanding genetic variation through space and time as well as for identifying refugia and biological invasions. Range expansions are characterized by serial founder events causing clines of decreasing diversity away from the center of origin and asymmetries in the two-dimensional allele frequency spectra. These asymmetries, summarized by the directionality index ({psi}), are sensitive to REs and persist for longer than clines in genetic diversity. In continuous and finite meta-populations, genetic drift tends to be stronger at the edges of the species distribution. Such boundary effects (BEs) are expected to affect geographic patterns in {psi} as well as genetic diversity. With simulations we show that BEs consistently cause high false positive rates in equilibrium meta-populations when testing for REs. In the simulations, the absolute value of {psi} (|{psi}|) in equilibrium data sets was proportional to the fixation index (FST). By fitting signatures of REs as a function of {varepsilon}=|{psi}|/FST and geographic clines in {psi}, strong evidence for REs could be detected in data from a recent rapid invasion of the cane toad, Rhinella marina, in Australia, but not in 28 previously published empirical data sets from Australian scincid lizards or the Indo-Australasian blacktip shark that were significant for the standard RE tests. Thus, while clinal variation in {psi} is still the most sensitive statistic to REs, in order to detect true signatures of REs in natural populations, its magnitude needs to be considered in relation to the overall levels of genetic structuring in the data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kemppainen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schemberi, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momigliano, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-12-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.12.06.570483</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Boundary effects cause false signals of range expansions in population genomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-12-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.15.571666v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide and chromosomal microsatellite marker landscape analysis within the genus Crassostrea 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.15.571666v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microsatellite is a classical codominant marker frequently used to study genetics and evolution of living entities as well as molecular breeding in commercially important species. Although it has a tremendous application in oyster aquaculture, the lack of knowledge about its type, distribution pattern, and comparative analysis is limited. Thus, in this study, we conducted a genome-wide as well as chromosomal microsatellite landscape analysis within the genus Crassostrea. The genome-wide microsatellites number varied from 169432-212368, with relative abundance (RA) and relative density (RD) ranging from 310.18-336.5 loci/Mb and 7553.4-8793.42 bp/Mb, respectively. About 14.99-16.75% of total microsatellites were considered compound microsatellites having cRA and cRD, 21.78-25.5 loci/Mb, and 1332.81-1694.54 bp/Mb, respectively. The mononucleotide microsatellites were predominant followed by di and tetranucleotide. The RA and RD of the SSRs revealed no correlation with genome size but a significant correlation with GC content. However, the number of SSRs showed a significant relationship with the genome size but no relation with GC content. In contrast, the incidence of cSSR was positively associated with genome size and GC content. Finally, 29 cSSR loci were developed and validated in C. hongkonensis using one wild population followed by its cross-species amplification. The allele number (Ne), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), inbreeding co-efficient (Fis), the polymorphic information content (PIC), ranged from 2-10, 0.092-0.897, 0.0001-1, 0.088-0.828, respectively. The present study elucidated microsatellite evolution within the Crassostrea genome and the loci developed can be utilized for brood stock analysis, parentage assignment, and construction of linkage map of the respective species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sahu, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fazil, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thiyagarajan, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-12-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.12.15.571666</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide and chromosomal microsatellite marker landscape analysis within the genus Crassostrea]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-12-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.26.573382v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Dataset for Deep Learning based Cleavage-stage Blastocyst Prediction with Time-lapse Images 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.26.573382v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence techniques have obtained notable progress in automated embryo image analysis. However, most current research focuses on blastocyst-stage embryo evaluation (more than 5 days after in vitro fertilization), which may reduce the number of transferable embryos and increase the risk of canceled circles. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the possibility of evaluating blastocyst development at the cleavage stage with deep neural networks (DNNs). To this end, we collect a dataset that consists of time-lapse images of more than 500 embryos (about 194k frames in total). We evaluate several widely used DNNs on the dataset, including those of single-frame architectures and multi-frame architectures. Experimental results show that the accuracy of different DNNs varies from 66.42% to 77.74% and we also provide the possible reasons behind the performance gap. Our dataset and code will be published soon to facilitate related research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. Y. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-12-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.12.26.573382</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Dataset for Deep Learning based Cleavage-stage Blastocyst Prediction with Time-lapse Images]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-12-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.27.573477v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural basis for constitutive activation and CXCL1 recognition of human herpesvirus 8-encoded G protein-coupled receptor KSHV-GPCR 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.27.573477v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Kaposis sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes a viral G protein-coupled receptor, KSHV-GPCR, that contributes to KSHV immune evasion and pathogenesis of Kaposis Sarcoma. KSHV-GPCR shares a high similarity with CXC chemokine receptors CXCR2 and can be activated by selected chemokine ligands. KSHV-GPCR is also unique for its constitutive activity by coupling to various G proteins. We investigated the structural basis of ligand-dependent as well as constitutive activity of KSHV-GPCR through cryo-EM structural determination of KSHV-GPCR-Gi signaling complexes with and without bound CXCL1 chemokine ligand. Analysis of the apo-KSHV-GPCR-Gi structure, with an overall resolution of 2.81 [A], unraveled the involvement of extracellular loop 2 in constitutive activation of the receptor. This and other structural motifs serve to stabilize the constitutively-active KSHV-GPCR. The CXCL1-bound KSHV-GPCR-Gi structure was solved to an overall resolution of 3.01 [A], and showed a two-site binding of the chemokine by the receptor. Together with functional validations, this work shed light on the structural basis for constitutive as well as CXCL1-induced activation of KSHV-GPCR. The work also demonstrates evolutionary advantage in immune evasion by KSHV through its virally encoded chemokine receptor, with potential implications in developing therapeutic strategies for KSHV infection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Llinas del Torrent Masachs, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pardo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, R. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-12-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.12.27.573477</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural basis for constitutive activation and CXCL1 recognition of human herpesvirus 8-encoded G protein-coupled receptor KSHV-GPCR]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-12-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.29.573645v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Auditory training alters the cortical representation of both learned and task irrelevant sound features 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.29.573645v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Auditory learning is supported by long-term changes in the neural processing of sound. We examined these task-depend changes in auditory cortex by mapping neural sensitivity to timbre, pitch and location cues in trained ferrets (n = 5), and untrained control ferrets (n = 5). Trained animals either identified vowels in a two-alternative forced choice task (n = 3) or discriminated when a repeating vowel changed in identity or pitch (n = 2). Neural responses were recorded under anesthesia in two primary auditory cortical fields and two tonotopically organized non-primary fields. In trained animals, the overall sensitivity to sound timbre was reduced across three cortical fields compared to control animals, but maintained in a non-primary field (the posterior pseudosylvian field). While training did not increase sensitivity to timbre across auditory cortex, it did change the way in which neurons integrated spectral information with neural responses in trained animals increasing their sensitivity to first and second formant frequencies,, whereas in control animals cortical sensitivity to spectral timbre depends mostly on the second formant. Animals trained on timbre identification were required to generalize across pitch when discriminating timbre and their neurons became less modulated by fundamental frequency relative to control animals. Finally, both trained groups showed increased spatial sensitivity and an enhanced response to sound source locations close to the midline, where the loudspeaker was located in the training chamber. These results demonstrate that training elicited widespread alterations in the cortical representation of complex sounds.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Atilgan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walker, K. M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>King, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bizley, J. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2023-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2023.12.29.573645</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Auditory training alters the cortical representation of both learned and task irrelevant sound features]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2023-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.13.575317v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells Modulate Niche Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy through YY1-CCL5 Axis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.13.575317v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Stem cell activity is known to be tightly regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways but less is known about whether and how stem cells modulate their niche microenvironment. Adult skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are indispensable for muscle regeneration and also tightly regulated by macrophages (MPs) and fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in the niche. Deregulated MuSC/MP/FAP interactions and the ensuing inflammation and fibrosis are hallmarks of dystrophic muscle. Here in this study we demonstrate that intrinsic deletion of transcription factor YY1 in MuSCs exacerbates dystrophic pathologies by altering the cellular composition and heterogeneity of MPs and FAPs. Further analysis reveals that the YY1 loss induces the expression of immune genes in MuSCs, including Ccl5. Augmented secretion of CCL5 from MuSCs promotes the recruitment of MPs via CCL5/CCR5 mediated crosstalk, which subsequently hinders the apoptosis and clearance of FAPs through elevated TGF{beta}1 accumulation. Maraviroc mediated pharmacological blockade of the CCL5/CCR5 axis effectively mitigates muscle dystrophy and improves muscle performance. Lastly, we further demonstrate that YY1 represses Ccl5 transcription in MuSCs by directly binding to its enhancer thus facilitating promoter-enhancer looping. Altogether, our study has demonstrated the previously unappreciated role of MuSCs in actively shaping their niche microenvironment through secreting immunomodulatory cytokines, and has also provided novel insight into the therapeutic intervention of muscle dystrophy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chazaud, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.01.13.575317</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells Modulate Niche Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy through YY1-CCL5 Axis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.18.576276v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Tmc7 deficiency causes acrosome biogenesis defects and male infertility in mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.18.576276v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins are a highly conserved ion channel family consisting of eight members (TMC1-TMC8) in mammals. TMC1/2 are components of the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells, and mutations of TMC1/2 cause deafness in humans and mice. However, the physiological roles of other TMC proteins remain largely unknown. Here, we show that Tmc7 is specifically expressed in the testis and that it is required for acrosome biogenesis during spermatogenesis. Tmc7-/- mice exhibited abnormal sperm head, disorganized mitochondrial sheaths, and reduced number of elongating spermatids, similar to human oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. We further demonstrate that TMC7 is colocalized with GM130 at the cis-Golgi region in round spermatids. TMC7 deficiency leads to aberrant Golgi morphology and impaired fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles to the developing acrosome. Moreover, upon loss of TMC7 intracellular ion homeostasis is impaired and ROS levels are increased, which in turn causes Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Taken together, these results suggest that TMC7 is required to maintain pH and ion homeostasis, which is needed for acrosome biogenesis. Our findings unveil a novel role for TMC7 in acrosome biogenesis during spermiogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-01-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.01.18.576276</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Tmc7 deficiency causes acrosome biogenesis defects and male infertility in mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-01-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.25.577227v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Superagers resist typical age-related white matter structural changes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.25.577227v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Superagers are elderly individuals with the memory ability of people 30 years younger and provide evidence that age-related cognitive decline is not inevitable. In a sample of 64 superagers (mean age 81.9; 59% women) and 55 typical older adults (mean age 82.4; 64% women) from the Vallecas Project, we studied, cross-sectionally and longitudinally over 5 years with yearly follow-ups, the global cerebral white matter status as well as region-specific white matter microstructure assessment derived from diffusivity measures. Superagers and typical older adults showed no difference in global white matter health (total white matter volume, Fazekas score, and lesions volume) cross-sectionally or longitudinally. However, analyses of diffusion parameters revealed better white matter microstructure in superagers than in typical older adults. Cross-sectional differences showed higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in superagers mostly in frontal fibres and lower mean diffusivity (MD) in most white matter tracts, expressed as an anteroposterior gradient with greater group differences in anterior tracts. FA decrease over time is slower in superagers than in typical older adults in all white matter tracts assessed, which is mirrored by MD increases over time being slower in superagers than in typical older adults in all white matter tracts except for the corticospinal tract, the uncinate fasciculus and the forceps minor. The better preservation of white matter microstructure in superagers relative to typical older adults supports resistance to age-related brain structural changes as a mechanism underpinning the remarkable memory capacity of superagers, while their regional ageing pattern is in line with the last-in-first-out hypothesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEpisodic memory is one of the cognitive abilities most vulnerable to ageing. Although memory normally declines with age, some older people may have memory performance similar to that of people 30 years younger, and this phenomenon is often conceptualised as superageing. Understanding the superager phenotype can provide insights into mechanisms of protection against age-related memory loss and dementia. We studied the white matter structure of a large sample of 64 superagers over the age of 80 and 55 age-matched typical older adults during 5 years with yearly follow-ups showing evidence of slower age-related changes in the brains of superagers especially in protracted maturation tracts, indicating resistance to age-related changes and a regional ageing pattern in line with the last-in-first-out hypothesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Garo-Pascual, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valenti-Soler, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strange, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-01-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.01.25.577227</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Superagers resist typical age-related white matter structural changes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-01-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.23.576814v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cell Type Specific Responses of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Dynamics to Environmental Stress 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.23.576814v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
To overcome the challenge of balancing imaging speecd and resolution, which currently limits the accurate identification of structural and dynamic changes in the study of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in plant cells. This research employs structured illumination microscopy techniques to achieve super-resolution real-time imaging of the ER in live Arabidopsis materials. Additionally, a self-supervised denoising framework (Blind2Unblind) was optimized to further enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of rapid microscopic imaging. Based on the images with high quality, a method for quantitative analysis of ER structures using time-lapse images is developed. Moreover, detections of changes in ER structures under environmental stress are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the method. Moreover, correlation analyses of various parameters indicate a significant positive correlation between the area and length of tubular ER with the number of growth tips and tricellular junctions, while the area of ER cisternae and bulk flow exhibits a significant negative correlation with the area and length of tubules. The super-resolution imaging and dynamic analysis method developed in this study will provide new technical approaches for further elucidating the function and regulatory mechanisms of the plant ER.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-01-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.01.23.576814</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cell Type Specific Responses of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Dynamics to Environmental Stress]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-01-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.03.578529v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural insights into agonist binding and activation of succinate receptor 1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.03.578529v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Succinate is an intermediate of the citric acid cycle and serves important functions in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation. Extracellular accumulation of succinate acts as a stress-induced signal through its G protein-coupled receptor, SUCNR1. Research on succinate signaling is hampered by the lack of high-resolution structures of the agonist-bound receptor. Here we present cryo-EM structures of SUCNR1-Gi complexes with the receptor bound to succinate and its non-metabolite derivative epoxysuccinate. Structural analysis of SUCNR1 identified key determinants for recognition of the dicarboxylate agonists in cis conformation. R2817.39 and Y832.64 are critical to ligand binding, but Y301.39 and R993.29 also participate in binding of succinate and epoxysuccinate, respectively. The extracellular loop 2, through F175ECL2 in its {beta}-hairpin, forms a hydrogen bond with one of the carboxyl groups and serves as a lid to cap the binding pocket for succinate. At the receptor-Gi protein interface, agonist binding induces the rearrangement of a hydrophobic network on TM5 and TM6, leading to transmembrane signaling through TM3 and TM7. The agonist-bound SUCNR1 structures shed light on molecular recognition of succinate for receptor signaling, that may promote further development of novel agonists, antagonists and biased agonists targeting SUCNR1.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-02-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.02.03.578529</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural insights into agonist binding and activation of succinate receptor 1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-02-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.23.581699v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dating ammonia-oxidizing bacteria with abundant eukaryotic fossils 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.23.581699v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Evolution of a complete nitrogen cycle relies on the onset of ammonia oxidation, which aerobically converts ammonia to nitrogen oxides. However, accurate estimation of the antiquity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) remains challenging because AOB-specific fossils are absent and bacterial fossils amenable to calibrate bacterial molecular clocks are rare. Leveraging the ancient endosymbiosis of mitochondria and plastid, as well as using state-of-the-art techniques such as the Bayesian sequential dating approach, we obtained a robust timeline of AOB evolution calibrated by fossil-rich eukaryotic lineages. We show that the first AOB evolved in marine Gammaproteobacteria (Gamma-AOB) and emerged between 2.1 and 1.9 billion years ago (Ga), thus postdating the Great Oxidation Event (GOE; 2.4-2.32 Ga). To reconcile the sedimentary nitrogen isotopic signatures of ammonia oxidation occurring near the GOE, we propose that ammonia oxidation likely occurred at the common ancestor of Gamma-AOB and Gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs, or the actinobacterial/verrucomicrobial methanotrophs, which are known to have ammonia oxidation activities. We also do not rule out another possibility that nitrite was transported from the terrestrial habitats where ammonia oxidation by archaea likely took place. Further, we show that the Gamma-AOB predates the anaerobic ammonia oxidizing (anammox) bacteria which also emerged in marine environments, implying that the origin of ammonia oxidation constrained the origin of anammox as nitrite produced by the former fuels the latter. Our robustly calibrated molecular clocks support a new hypothesis that nitrogen redox cycle involving nitrogen oxides evolved rather late in the ocean.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Eva, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.02.23.581699</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dating ammonia-oxidizing bacteria with abundant eukaryotic fossils]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.06.583635v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interleaved intersectional strategy enables genetic lineage tracing with enhanced specificity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.06.583635v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BACKGROUNDDual recombinases have been increasingly employed for enhanced precision in genetic targeting. A recent study utilizing an intersectional genetic approach through dual recombinases (Dre + CreER) has revealed that endocardium-derived fibroblasts (EndoFbs) play a pivotal role in cardiac fibrosis after pressure overload. However, this intersectional strategy has limitations, primarily due to ectopic genetic labeling of non-target cells within the adult heart by the constitutively active Dre recombinase.

METHODSTo address this issue, we have developed an advanced, interleaved and intersectional reporter (IIR) strategy in this study. This IIR strategy leverages an inducible CreER to prevent inadvertent Dre-rox recombination during development or disease progression by designing an interleaved reporter to allow for more specific tracing of EndoFbs. Moreover, our IIR system also incorporates Diphtheria Toxin Receptor (DTR) in targeted cells, enabling functional characterization of these cells after genetic ablation.

RESULTSEndoFbs were regionally distributed in the heart during homeostasis and proliferated preferentially in response to pressure overload, leading to cardiac fibrosis in defined regions. The IIR strategy enables the tracing of EndoFbs with a more prominent regional pattern and facilitates genetic ablation of EndoFbs through DT injection. In addition, we have applied this IIR strategy to specifically target fibroblasts derived from the epicardium (EpiFbs). Genetic lineage tracing of EpiFb reveals that their distribution pattern is complementary to that of EndoFbs in the adult heart. When a substantial number of EpiFbs were genetically ablated, EndoFbs could replace the loss of EpiFbs in some specific regions of hearts.

CONCLUSIONSThe IIR strategy refines the precision of genetic lineage tracing while still employing the constitutively active Dre recombinase in tandem with inducible Cre. EndoFbs and EpiFbs are complementary in their distribution pattern in the heart, where EndoFbs have the potential to replace the loss of EpiFbs in some regions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>han, m.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>liu, z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>huang, x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>liu, l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>zhou, b.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>shu, q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.06.583635</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interleaved intersectional strategy enables genetic lineage tracing with enhanced specificity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.06.583730v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Buzz-world: Global patterns and drivers of buzzing bees and poricidal plants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.06.583730v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Foraging behavior frequently plays a major role in driving the geographic distribution of animals. Buzzing to extract protein-rich pollen from flowers is a key foraging behavior used by bee species across at least 83 genera (these genera comprise [~]58% of all bee species). Although buzzing is widely recognized to affect the ecology and evolution of bees and flowering plants (e.g., buzz-pollinated flowers), global patterns and drivers of buzzing bee biogeography remain unexplored. Here, we investigate the global species distribution patterns within each bee family and how patterns and drivers differ with respect to buzzing bee species. We found that both distributional patterns and drivers of richness typically differed for buzzing species compared to hotspots for all bee species and when grouped by family. A major predictor of the distribution, but not species richness overall for buzzing members of four of the five major bee families included in analyses (Andrenidae, Halictidae, Colletidae and to a lesser extent, Apidae) was the richness of poricidal flowering plant species, which depend on buzzing bees for pollination. As poricidal plant richness was highest in areas with low wind and high aridity, we discuss how global hotspots of buzzing bee biodiversity are likely driven by both biogeographic factors and plant host availability. Whilst we explored global patterns with State-level data, higher resolution work is needed to explore local level drivers of patterns, but from a global perspective, buzz-pollinated plants clearly play a greater role in the ecology and evolution of buzzing bees than previously predicted.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Russell, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buchmann, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ascher, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kriebel, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jolles, D. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Orr, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hughes, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.06.583730</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Buzz-world: Global patterns and drivers of buzzing bees and poricidal plants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.06.583799v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatiotemporal regulation of Pseudorabies Virus Thymidine kinase UL23 by post-translational modification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.06.583799v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Post-translational modification plays a significant role in the interaction between viruses and their hosts. The pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly contagious herpesvirus that affects the central nervous system and respiratory tract of swine. However, the role of post-translational modifications, including Ubiquitination and SUMOylation, in host and PRV interplays is poorly understood. Here we examined the SUMO modification of PRV proteins and revealed that the PRV thymidine kinase UL23 can undergo SUMO modification. Bioinformatic analysis suggested four potential modification sites for UL23. Site-directed mutagenesis indicates that SUMO modification occurs at sites K242 and K267 as the wild type localizes in the nucleus while the mutants localize in the cytoplasm. Subsequently, polyclonal antibodies against mouse derived UL23 were employed to reveal that wild type UL23 was mainly located in the nucleus during PRV infection. Co-expression of UL23 with SUMO deconjugating enzymes showed that SENP1/2 inhibited the nuclear import of UL23. Whereas SUMO modification significantly impacted the localization of UL23, it did not detectably affect its stability.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.06.583799</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatiotemporal regulation of Pseudorabies Virus Thymidine kinase UL23 by post-translational modification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.08.584176v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-throughput sequencing-based neutralization assay reveals how repeated vaccinations impact titers to recent human H1N1 influenza strains 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.08.584176v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The high genetic diversity of influenza viruses means that traditional serological assays have too low throughput to measure serum antibody neutralization titers against all relevant strains. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a sequencing-based neutralization assay that simultaneously measures titers against many viral strains using small serum volumes via a workflow similar to traditional neutralization assays. The key innovation is to incorporate unique nucleotide barcodes into the hemagglutinin (HA) genomic segment, and then pool viruses with numerous different barcoded HA variants and quantify infectivity of all of them simultaneously using next-generation sequencing. With this approach, a single researcher performed the equivalent of 2,880 traditional neutralization assays (80 serum samples against 36 viral strains) in approximately one month. We applied the sequencing-based assay to quantify the impact of influenza vaccination on neutralization titers against recent human H1N1 strains for individuals who had or had not also received a vaccine in the previous year. We found that the viral strain specificities of the neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccination vary among individuals, and that vaccination induced a smaller increase in titers for individuals who had also received a vaccine the previous year--although the titers six months after vaccination were similar in individuals with and without the previous-year vaccination. We also identified a subset of individuals with low titers to a subclade of recent H1N1 even after vaccination. This study demonstrates the utility of high-throughput sequencing-based neutralization assays that enable titers to be simultaneously measured against many different viral strains. We provide a detailed experimental protocol (DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kqdg3xdmpg25/v1) and a computational pipeline (https://github.com/jbloomlab/seqneut-pipeline) for the sequencing-based neutralization assays to facilitate the use of this method by others.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Loes, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tarabi, R. A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huddleston, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Touyon, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, N. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hannon, W. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bedford, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cobey, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bloom, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.08.584176</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-throughput sequencing-based neutralization assay reveals how repeated vaccinations impact titers to recent human H1N1 influenza strains]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.11.584405v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deoxynivalenol induced inflammation and increased the adherence of entero-invasive Escherichia coli to intestinal epithelial cells via modulation of mucin and pro-inflammatory cytokine production 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.11.584405v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that commonly occurs in crops. It was hypothesized that DON could trigger intestinal inflammation and increase the susceptibility of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to pathogen infection. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DON on intestinal susceptibility to pathogen infection. Semiconfluent Caco-2 cells were exposed to DON followed by acute entero-invasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) infection. The effects of DON and EIEC contamination on mucin, cytokines and related signal transduction pathways were examined as part of the local immune system. Caco-2 cells were able to generate a rapid immune response against DON with or without EIEC post-challenge. An increase in EIEC attachment to DON-exposed cells was observed, probably in part, mediated by modulation of secretory MUC5AC mucins and membrane bound MUC4 and MUC17 mucins. Cells were also able to express and produce important mediators of inflammation, such as cytokines as a result of activation of toll-like receptors signalling cascades, modulation of nuclear factor {kappa}-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NK-{kappa}B) and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. These data indicate that DON may exert immunomodulatory effects on intestinal epithelial cells, which might thereby modify the susceptibility to bacterial infection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Co, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turner, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagendra, S. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Nezami, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.11.584405</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deoxynivalenol induced inflammation and increased the adherence of entero-invasive Escherichia coli to intestinal epithelial cells via modulation of mucin and pro-inflammatory cytokine production]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.11.584532v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SLRfinder: a method to detect candidate sex-linked regions with linkage disequilibrium clustering 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.11.584532v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite their critical roles in genetic sex determination, sex chromosomes remain unknown in many non-model organisms. In contrast to conserved sex chromosomes in mammals and birds, studies of fish, amphibians, and reptiles have found highly labile sex chromosomes with newly evolved sex-linked regions (SLRs). These labile sex chromosomes are important for understanding early sex chromosome evolution but are difficult to identify due to the lack of Y/W degeneration and SLRs limited to small genomic regions. Here we present SLRfinder, a method to identify candidate SLRs and labile sex chromosomes using linkage disequilibrium (LD) clustering, patterns of heterozygosity, and genetic divergence. SLRfinder does not rely on specific sequencing methods or reference genomes and does not require phenotypic sexes which may be unknown from population sampling, although sex information can be incorporated to provide additional inference on candidate SLRs. We tested SLRfinder using various published datasets and compared it to SATC, a method that identifies sex chromosomes based on the depth of coverage and also does not require phenotypic sex. Results show that SATC works better on conserved sex chromosomes (e.g., in African leopards), whereas SLRfinder outperforms SATC in analyzing labile sex chromosomes (e.g., in nine-spined sticklebacks and chum salmon). Since SLRfinder primarily relies on LD clusters, it is expected to be most sensitive to the SLRs harboring structural variants (e.g., inversion) due to strongly reduced recombination rates in heterozygotes. SLRfinder provides a novel and complementary approach for identifying SLRs and uncovering additional sex chromosome diversity in nature.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kemppainen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.11.584532</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SLRfinder: a method to detect candidate sex-linked regions with linkage disequilibrium clustering]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.14.584765v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A hemagglutinin and neuraminidase biased immunological memory shapes the dynamics of antibody responses to Influenza A virus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.14.584765v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Influenza A virus (IAV) infection establishes a more diverse immunological memory to different viral proteins compared to vaccination. We hypothesized that the relative abundance of pre-existing immune memory to different viral antigens could skew post-infection antibody responses. To explore this, we generated mouse models with either an IAV hemagglutinin (HA)- or neuraminidase (NA)-biased immunological memory. We inoculated groups of mice with cocktails of isogenic viruses bearing antigenically-distinct HA (H3v) or NA (N2v) chosen to span the IAV H3N2 human circulation history. We challenged the mice with two H3N2 strains of opposing virulence and antigenic distance (AD) and examined the post-infection antibody landscapes. In both challenges, immune-naive mice seroconverted to both HA and NA whereas in primed mice, antibody response was detected to the antigen for which there is no pre-existing memory. In cases where the homologous antibody response was blunted, there was diversification on the breadth of response to antigenically-related strains with low baseline titers. Our findings clarifies the concept of "original antigenic sin" and demonstrate a mechanism by which the dynamics of antibody responses to HA and NA after infection can be altered by pre-existing immunity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ling, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Webby, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zanin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.14.584765</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A hemagglutinin and neuraminidase biased immunological memory shapes the dynamics of antibody responses to Influenza A virus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.17.585238v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The somatic mutation landscape of normal gastric epithelium 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.17.585238v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The landscapes of somatic mutation in normal cells inform on the processes of mutation and selection operative throughout life, permitting insight into normal ageing and the earliest stages of cancer development. Here, by whole-genome sequencing of 238 microdissections from 30 individuals, including 18 with gastric cancer, we elucidate the developmental trajectories of normal and malignant gastric epithelium. We find that gastric glands are units of monoclonal cell populations which accrue [~]28 somatic single nucleotide variants per year, predominantly attributable to endogenous mutational processes. In individuals with gastric cancer, glands often show elevated mutation burdens due to acceleration of mutational processes linked to proliferation and oxidative damage. These hypermutant glands were primarily detected in the gastric antrum and were mostly associated with chronic inflammation and intestinal metaplasia, known cancer risk factors. Unusually for normal cells, gastric epithelial cells often carry recurrent trisomies of specific chromosomes, which are highly enriched in a subset of individuals. Surveying approximately 8,000 gastric glands by targeted sequencing, we found somatic driver mutations in a distinctive repertoire of known cancer genes, including ARID1A, CTNNB1, KDM6A and ARID1B. Their prevalence increases with age to occupy approximately 5% of the gastric epithelial lining by age 60 years. Our findings provide insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic influences on somatic evolution in the gastric epithelium, in healthy, precancerous and malignant states.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Coorens, T. H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Collord, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jung, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moore, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hooks, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahbubani, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saeb-Parsy, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Campbell, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martincorena, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stratton, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.17.585238</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The somatic mutation landscape of normal gastric epithelium]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.17.585449v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ΔNp63-restricted viral mimicry response impedes cancer cell viability and remodels tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.17.585449v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tumor protein p63 isoform {Delta}Np63 plays roles in the squamous epithelium and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including esophageal SCC (ESCC). By integrating data from cell lines and our latest patient-derived organoid cultures, derived xenograft models, and clinical sample transcriptomic analyses, we identified a novel and robust oncogenic role of {Delta}Np63 in ESCC. We showed that {Delta}Np63 maintains the repression of cancer cell endogenous retrotransposon expression and cellular double-stranded RNA sensing. These subsequently lead to a restricted cancer cell viral mimicry response and suppressed induction of tumor-suppressive type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling through the regulations of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, Interferon regulatory factor 1, and cGAS-STING pathway. The cancer cell {Delta}Np63-IFN-I signaling axis affects both the cancer cell and tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) compartments. In cancer cells, depletion of {Delta}Np63 resulted in reduced cell viability. {Delta}Np63 expression is negatively associated with the anticancer responses to viral mimicry booster treatments targeting cancer cells. In the tumor microenvironment, cancer cell TP63 expression negatively correlates with multiple TIIC signatures in ESCC clinical samples. {Delta}Np63 depletion leads to increased cancer cell antigen presentation molecule expression and enhanced recruitment and reprogramming of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Similar IFN-I signaling and TIIC signature association with {Delta}Np63 were also observed in lung SCC. These results support the potential application of {Delta}Np63 as a therapeutic target and a biomarker to guide candidate anticancer treatments exploring viral mimicry responses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, V. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lung, B. C.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, G. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. W.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, L. K.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, M. K.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, I. Y.-h.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. L.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. K.-k.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, F. S.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, B. T.-t.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Z. Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, K.-o.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, A. W.-i.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, A. K.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, D. L.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, J. M.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lung, M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.17.585449</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ΔNp63-restricted viral mimicry response impedes cancer cell viability and remodels tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.20.585837v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 infection activates inflammatory macrophages in vascular immune organoids 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.20.585837v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 provokes devastating tissue damage by cytokine release syndrome and leads to multi-organ failure. Modeling the process of immune cell activation and subsequent tissue damage is a significant task. Organoids from human tissues advanced our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms though, they are missing crucial components: immune cells and endothelial cells. This study aims to generate organoids with these components. We established vascular immune organoids from human pluripotent stem cells and examined the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We demonstrated that infections activated inflammatory macrophages. Notably, the upregulation of interferon signaling supports macrophages role in cytokine release syndrome. We propose vascular immune organoids are a useful platform to model and discover factors that ameliorate SARS-CoV-2-mediated cytokine release syndrome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chau, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au-Yeung, R. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, D.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.20.585837</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 infection activates inflammatory macrophages in vascular immune organoids]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.20.585857v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BRD8 guards the pluripotent state by sensing and maintaining histone acetylation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.20.585857v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Epigenetic control of cell fates is a critical determinant to maintain cell type stability and permissive differentiation. However, the epigenetic control mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show that the histone acetyltransferase reader protein BRD8 impairs the conversion of primed mouse EpiSCs (epiblast stem cells) to naive mouse ESCs (embryonic stem cells). BRD8 works by maintaining histone acetylation on promoters and transcribed gene bodies. BRD8 is responsible for maintaining open chromatin at somatic genes, and histone acetylation at naive-specific genes. When Brd8 expression was reduced, chromatin accessibility was unchanged, but histone acetylation at primed-specific genes was reduced. Conversely, naive-specific genes had reduced repressive chromatin marks, and acquired accessible chromatin more rapidly during the cell type conversion. We show that this process requires active histone deacetylation to promote the conversion of primed to naive. Our data supports a model for BRD8 reading histone acetylation to accurately localize the genome-wide binding of the histone acetyltransferase KAT5. Overall, this study shows how the reading of the histone acetylation state by BRD8 maintains cell type stability.



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=81 SRC="FIGDIR/small/585857v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (22K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@199139forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d735c6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@10b6e15org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16863cf_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG Key findingsO_LIBRD8 blocks the primed-to-naive transition.
C_LIO_LIReduced Brd8 promoted the suppression of somatic and primed genes through reduced chromatin repression.
C_LIO_LIReduced Brd8 enabled the accelerated activation of naive-specific genes by opening chromatin.
C_LIO_LIBRD8 anchors the histone acetyltransferase KAT5 to acetylated genomic loci.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jauch, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hutchins, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.20.585857</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BRD8 guards the pluripotent state by sensing and maintaining histone acetylation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.21.585953v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Novel assay for endangered Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara) to assess eDNA shedding, decay, and population status 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.21.585953v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Overexploitation is a major threat to marine ecosystems, causing collapse of numerous fisheries since the 19th century. The Hong Kong Grouper (Epinephelus akaara) is a commercial fish species that suffered at least 50-80% population declines in the past 40 years throughout its distribution range. Yet there has been minimal research or specific management, resulting in insufficient data on abundance, reproduction and habitat utilization. Here we aim to develop a novel species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to detect potential occurrence of E. akaara through non-invasive environmental water samples. We developed a qPCR assay amplifying 71 bps of the mitochondrial ND2 gene which offers high sensitivity and specificity. To quantify the E. akaara population with the emerging environmental DNA (eDNA) tool, however, species-specific shedding and decay rates are crucial. The decay rate of E. akaara was similar to that of reported values of other marine fish species. However, the shedding rate of E. akaara was found to be few orders of magnitude lower which may be related to the relatively low activity and energy use from solitary and sedentary behavior of groupers. This highlights the importance of empirically determining species or taxon-specific shedding and decay rates to inform accurate abundance estimates with modelling tools for eDNA concentrations. Only 6 out of 88 water samples (6.81%) collected across 4 sampling seasons and 11 sites around Hong Kong showed positive signals at a concentration below limit of detection of the assay, implying its rarity in Hong Kong nowadays. Overall, we demonstrate that eDNA with our qPCR assay is efficient and sensitive in detecting the target species and is a promising tool in documenting endangered species for species management and conservation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chung, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kam, Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.21.585953</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Novel assay for endangered Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara) to assess eDNA shedding, decay, and population status]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.21.586173v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Paraneoplastic renal dysfunction in fly cancer models driven by inflammatory activation of stem cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.21.586173v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tumors can induce systemic disturbances in distant organs, leading to physiological changes that enhance host morbidity. In Drosophila cancer models, tumors have been known for decades to cause hypervolemic  bloating of the abdominal cavity. Here we use allograft and transgenic tumors to show that hosts display fluid retention associated with autonomously defective secretory capacity of fly renal tubules, which function analogous to those of the human kidney. Excretion from these organs is blocked by abnormal cells that originate from inappropriate activation of normally quiescent renal stem cells (RSCs). Blockage is initiated by IL-6-like oncokines that perturb renal water-transporting cells, and trigger a damage response in RSCs that proceeds pathologically. Thus, a chronic inflammatory state produced by the tumor causes paraneoplastic fluid dysregulation by altering cellular homeostasis of host renal units.

Significance StatementTumors cause pathophysiological changes to host tissues, including distant organs. Here we use fruit fly cancer models to uncover mechanisms underlying paraneoplastic renal dysfunction. IL-6-like signaling from the tumor induces inflammatory signaling in renal tubule cells. Defects in these cells are sensed by normally quiescent renal stem cells, leading to inappropriate proliferation in a damage-like response. Chronic activation in the tumor context results in physical obstruction of tubule ducts and thus failures in fluid clearance. This fly work can prompt investigation of analogous mechanisms underlying renal dysfunction in cancer patients.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kwok, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bilder, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.21.586173</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Paraneoplastic renal dysfunction in fly cancer models driven by inflammatory activation of stem cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.27.586941v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Beyond enumeration: Phenotype independent "labeling-capture-release" process enabling precise detection of circulating tumour cells and downstream applications 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.27.586941v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Although strategies for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enrichment have been proposed, the practical effects of clinical CTCs detection are far from satisfactory. Generally, the methodologies for CTCs detection aim at naturally occurring targets, but misdetection/interferences are prevalent due to the diverse phenotypes and subpopulations of CTCs with high heterogeneity. Herein, a CTCs isolation system based on the "labeling-capture-release" process is demonstrated for precise and high-efficient enrichment of CTCs from clinical blood samples. The mechanism which is based on abnormal glyco-metabolism of tumor cells including CTCs can be utilized for the surface decoration of CTCs with artificial azido groups. With the aid of bio-orthogonal plates designed with DBCO- and disulfide groups and exploiting the anti-fouling effects, the cells labeled with azido groups can be captured via a copper-free click reaction and released in a non-destructive manner during subsequent disulfide reduction. The technique is demonstrated to label multiple different types of tumor cells with the EpCAM+/- phenotypes and adherent/suspended status, and all the epithelial/interstitial/hybrid phenotypes of CTCs can be separated from clinical blood samples from 25 patients with 10 different cancer types. Moreover, our strategy is superior to the clinically approved CTCs detection system from the perspective of broad-spectrum and accurate recognition of heterogeneous CTCs. The capturing efficiency of this isolation system is over 80% and the release efficiency exceeds 90%. Most of the released CTCs survive with maintained glycolytic activity thus boding well for downstream applications such as drug susceptibility tests using viable CTCs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-03-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.27.586941</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Beyond enumeration: Phenotype independent "labeling-capture-release" process enabling precise detection of circulating tumour cells and downstream applications]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-03-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.31.587469v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Robust Statistical Approach for Finding Informative Spatially Associated Pathways 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.31.587469v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spatial transcriptomics offers insights into functional localization of cells by mapping gene expression to spatial locations. Traditional focus on selecting spatially variable genes often misses the complexity of biological pathways and biological network dynamics. We introduce a novel framework that shifts the focus towards identifying functional pathways associated with spatial variability, by adapting the Brownian distance covariance test to explore the heterogeneity of biological functions over space. The statistical approach is free of parameter selection. It allows for a deeper understanding of how cells coordinate their activities across different spatial domains through biological processes. By analyzing real human and mouse datasets, the method found significant pathways that were associated with spatial variation, as well as different pathway patterns among inner- and edge-cancer regions. This innovative framework offers a new perspective on analyzing spatial transcriptomic data, contributing to our understanding of tissue architecture and disease pathology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.03.31.587469</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Robust Statistical Approach for Finding Informative Spatially Associated Pathways]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.01.587569v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechano-regulation of GLP-1 production by Piezo1 in intestinal L cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.01.587569v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a gut-derived hormone secreted by intestinal L cells and vital for postprandial glycemic control. As open-type enteroendocrine cells, whether L cells can sense mechanical stimuli caused by chyme and thus regulate GLP-1 synthesis and secretion is unexplored. Our study showed expression of Piezo1 in intestinal L cells. Its level varied in different energy status and correlates with blood glucose and GLP-1 levels. Mice with L cell-specific loss of Piezo1 (IntL-Piezo1-/-) exhibited impaired glucose tolerance, increased body weight, reduced GLP-1 production and decreased CaMKK{beta}/CaMKIV-mTORC1 signaling pathway under normal chow diet or high fed diet. Activation of the intestinal Piezo1 by its agonist Yoda1 or intestinal bead implantation increased the synthesis and secretion of GLP-1, thus alleviated glucose intolerance in diet-induced-diabetic mice. Overexpression of Piezo1, Yoda1 treatment or stretching stimulated GLP-1 production and CaMKK{beta}/CaMKIV-mTORC1 signaling pathway, which could be abolished by knockdown or blockage of Piezo1 in primary cultured mouse L cells and STC-1 cells. These findings suggest a previously undiscovered mechano-regulation of GLP-1 production in L cells, which may shed new light on the treatments of diabetes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.01.587569</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechano-regulation of GLP-1 production by Piezo1 in intestinal L cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.02.587705v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Combination of oncolytic Maraba virus with immune checkpoint blockade overcomes therapy resistance in an immunologically cold model of advanced melanoma with dysfunctional T cell receptor signalling. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.02.587705v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundOver the past decade, cancer immunotherapies have revolutionised the treatment of melanoma; however, responses vary across patient populations. Recently, baseline tumour size has been identified as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in melanoma patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). MG1 is a novel oncolytic agent with broad tumour tropism that has recently entered early phase clinical trials. The aim of this study was to characterise T cell responses in human and mouse melanoma models following MG1 treatment and to establish if features of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) at two distinct tumour burdens would impact the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy.

MethodsHuman 3D in vitro priming assays were performed to measure anti-tumour and anti-viral T cell responses following MG1 infection. TCR sequencing, T2 killing assay, and peptide recall assays were used to assess the evolution of the TCR repertoire, and measure specific T cell responses, respectively. In vivo, subcutaneous 4434 melanomas were characterised using RNAseq, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. The effectiveness of intra-tumoural MG1 was assessed in advancing 4434 tumours and the generation of anti-tumour and anti-viral T cells measured by splenocyte recall assays. Finally, combination MG1 and -PD-1 therapy was investigated in advanced 4434 tumours.

ResultsMG1 effectively primed functional cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) against tumour associated antigens (TAA) as well as virus-derived peptides, as assessed using peptide recall and T2 killing assays, respectively. TCR sequencing revealed that MG1-primed CTL comprised larger clusters of similar CDR3 amino acid sequences compared to controls. In vivo testing of MG1 demonstrated that MG1 monotherapy was highly effective at treating early disease, resulting in 90% cures; however, the efficacy of MG1 reduced as the disease burden (local tumour size) increased, and the addition of -PD-1 was required to overcome resistance in more advanced disease. Differential gene expression profiles revealed that increased tumour burden was associated with an immunologically colder TIME. Furthermore, analysis of TCR signalling in advancing tumours demonstrated a different dynamic of TCR engagement compared to smaller tumours, in particular a shift in antigen recognition by CD4+ cells, from conventional to regulatory subset.

ConclusionCombination of MG1 with PD-1 overcomes therapy resistance in an immunologically  cold model of advanced melanoma.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Armstrong, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, M. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Foo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Appleton, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nenclares, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patrikeev, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohan, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McLaughlin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bozhanova, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoebart, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roulstone, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patin, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pedersen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kyula, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Errington-Mais, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bell, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harrington, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melcher, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jennings, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.02.587705</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Combination of oncolytic Maraba virus with immune checkpoint blockade overcomes therapy resistance in an immunologically cold model of advanced melanoma with dysfunctional T cell receptor signalling.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.03.588024v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Divergent lineage trajectories and genetic landscapes in human gastric intestinal metaplasia organoids associated with early neoplastic progression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.03.588024v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveGastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a pre-cancerous stage spanning a morphological spectrum that is poorly represented by human cell line models. We aim to establish and characterize human IM cell models to better understand IM progression along the cancer spectrum.

DesignA large human gastric IM organoid (IMO) cohort (n=28) was established, along with normal gastric organoids (n=42) for comparison, and comprehensive multi-omics profiling and functional characterization were performed.

ResultsSingle-cell transcriptomes revealed IMO cells spanning a spectrum from hybrid gastric/intestinal to advanced intestinal differentiation, and unveiled lineage trajectories that connected different cycling and quiescent stem and progenitors, highlighting their differences in gastric to IM transition. The hybrid IMO cells showed impaired differentiation potential, high lineage plasticity beyond gastric or intestinal fates, and reactivation of a fetal gene program.

Cell populations in gastric IM and cancer tissues were found to be highly similar to those derived from IMOs and exhibited fetal signature. Genomically, IMOs showed an elevated mutation burden, frequent chromosome 20 gain, and epigenetic de-regulation of many intestinal and gastric genes. Functionally, IMOs downregulated FGFR2 and became independent of FGF10 for survival. Several IMOs exhibited a cell-matrix adhesion independent (CMi) subpopulation that displayed chromosome 20 gain but lacked key cancer driver mutations, which could represent the earliest neoplastic precursor of IM-induced gastric cancer.

ConclusionsOverall, our IM organoid biobank captured the heterogeneous nature of IM, revealing mechanistic insights on IM pathogenesis and its neoplastic progression, offering an ideal platform for studying early gastric neoplastic transformation and chemoprevention.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yue, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yun, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clevers, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.03.588024</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Divergent lineage trajectories and genetic landscapes in human gastric intestinal metaplasia organoids associated with early neoplastic progression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.07.588458v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Leveraging cross-source heterogeneity to improve the performance of bulk gene expression deconvolution 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.07.588458v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We introduce CSsingle, a novel method that enhances the decomposition of bulk and spatial transcriptomic (ST) data by addressing key challenges in cellular heterogeneity. CSsingle applies cell size correction using ERCC spike-in controls, enabling it to account for variations in RNA content between cell types and achieve accurate bulk data deconvolution. In addition, it enables fine-scale analysis for ST data, advancing our understanding of tissue architecture and cellular interactions, particularly in complex microenvironments. We provide a unified tool for integrating bulk and ST with scRNA-seq data, advancing the study of complex biological systems and disease processes. The benchmark results demonstrate that CSsingle outperforms existing methods in accuracy and robustness. Validation using more than 700 normal and diseased samples from gastroesophageal tissue reveals the predominant presence of mosaic columnar cells (MCCs), which exhibit a gastric and intestinal mosaic phenotype in Barretts esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), in contrast to their very low detectable levels in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and normal gastroesophageal tissue. We revealed a dynamic relationship between MCCs and squamous cells during immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-based treatment in EAC patients, suggesting MCC expression signatures as predictive and prognostic markers of immunochemotherapy outcomes. Our findings reveal the critical role of MCC in the treatment of EAC and its potential as a biomarker to predict outcomes of immunochemotherapy, providing insight into tumor epithelial plasticity to guide personalized immunotherapeutic strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.07.588458</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Leveraging cross-source heterogeneity to improve the performance of bulk gene expression deconvolution]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.07.588491v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Meta-transcriptomic analysis of companion animal infectomes reveals their diversity and potential roles in animal and human disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.07.588491v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Companion animals such as cats and dogs harbor diverse microbial communities that can potentially impact human health due to close and frequent contact. To better characterize their total infectomes and assess zoonotic risks, we performed meta-transcriptomic profiling on 239 samples from cats and dogs collected across China, comparing the similarities and differences between animal species (cats or dogs), sampling sites (rectal or oropharyngeal), and health status (healthy or diseased). We identified 24 viral species, 270 bacterial genera, and two fungal genera, including many known pathogens such as canine parvovirus, Clostridium difficile, and Candida albicans, as well as opportunistic pathogens such as canine vesivirus. Microbial compositions differed mainly according to sampling site (i.e., rectal and oropharyngeal swabs), and less so between host species and health status. Notably, we detected 27 potential zoonotic pathogens, such as alphacoronavirus 1, among all sampling sites, hosts, and health status, underscoring substantial zoonotic risks requiring surveillance. Overall, our meta-transcriptomic analysis reveals a landscape of actively transcribing microorganisms in major companion animals, including key pathogens, those with the potential for cross-species transmission, and possible zoonotic threats.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, W.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, M.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, G.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, G.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, Y.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barrs, V. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beatty, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.07.588491</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Meta-transcriptomic analysis of companion animal infectomes reveals their diversity and potential roles in animal and human disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.08.588650v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromosomal-level genome assembly and single-nucleotide polymorphism sites of black-faced spoonbill Platalea minor 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.08.588650v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Platalea minor, the black-faced spoonbill (Threskiornithidae) is a wading bird that is confined to coastal areas in East Asia. Due to habitat destruction, it has been classified by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as globally endangered species. Nevertheless, the lack of its genomic resources hinders our understanding of their biology, diversity, as well as carrying out conservation measures based on genetic information or markers. Here, we report the first chromosomal-level genome assembly of P. minor using a combination of PacBio SMRT and Omni-C scaffolding technologies. The assembled genome (1.24 Gb) contains 95.33% of the sequences anchored to 31 pseudomolecules. The genome assembly also has high sequence continuity with scaffold length N50 = 53 Mb. A total of 18,780 protein-coding genes were predicted, and high BUSCO score completeness (93.7% of BUSCO metazoa_odb10 genes) was also revealed. A total of 6,155,417 bi-allelic SNPs were also revealed from 13 P. minor individuals, accounting for [~]5% of the genome. The resource generated in this study offers the new opportunity for studying the black-faced spoonbill, as well as carrying out conservation measures of this ecologically important spoonbill species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hong Kong Biodiversity Genomics Consortium,</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, S. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheang, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaitan-Espitia, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sung, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>law, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rose-Jeffreys, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crow, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leong, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.08.588650</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromosomal-level genome assembly and single-nucleotide polymorphism sites of black-faced spoonbill Platalea minor]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.12.588762v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Human cytomegalovirus extensively re-organizes the human genome, diminishing TEAD1 transcription factor activity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.12.588762v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects up to 80% of the worlds population. Here, we show that HCMV infection leads to widespread changes in human chromatin accessibility and chromatin looping, with hundreds of thousands of genomic regions affected 48 hours after infection. Integrative analyses reveal HCMV-induced perturbation of Hippo signaling through drastic reduction of TEAD1 transcription factor activity. We confirm extensive concordant loss of TEAD1 binding, active H3K27ac histone marks, and chromatin looping interactions upon infection. Our data position TEAD1 at the top of a hierarchy involving multiple altered important developmental pathways. HCMV infection reduces TEAD1 activity through four distinct mechanisms: closing of TEAD1-bound chromatin, reduction of YAP1 and phosphorylated YAP1 levels, reduction of TEAD1 transcript and protein levels, and alteration of TEAD1 exon-6 usage. Altered TEAD1-based mechanisms are highly enriched at genetic risk loci associated with eye and ear development, providing mechanistic insight into HCMVs established roles in these processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sayeed, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parameswaran, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beucler, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edsall, L. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>VonHandorf, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crowther, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donmez, O. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hass, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Richards, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Forney, C. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wright, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leong, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murray-Nerger, L. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gewurz, B. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaufman, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Harley, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, W. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kottyan, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weirauch, M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.12.588762</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Human cytomegalovirus extensively re-organizes the human genome, diminishing TEAD1 transcription factor activity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589642v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
InstructPLM: Aligning Protein Language Models to Follow Protein Structure Instructions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589642v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Large language models are renowned for their efficacy in capturing intricate patterns, including co-evolutionary relationships, and underlying protein languages. However, current methodologies often fall short in illustrating the emergence of genomic insertions, duplications, and insertion/deletions (indels), which account for approximately 14% of human pathogenic mutations. Given that structure dictates function, mutated proteins with similar structures are more likely to persist throughout biological evolution. Motivated by this, we leverage crossmodality alignment and instruct fine-tuning techniques inspired by large language models to align a generative protein language model with protein structure instructions. Specifically, we present a method for generating variable-length and diverse proteins to explore and simulate the complex evolution of life, thereby expanding the repertoire of options for protein engineering. Our proposed protein LM-based approach, InstructPLM, demonstrates significant performance enhancements both in silico and in vitro. On native protein backbones, it achieves a perplexity of 2.68 and a sequence recovery rate of 57.51, surpassing Protein-MPNN by 39.2% and 25.1%, respectively. Furthermore, we validate the efficacy of our model by redesigning PETase and L-MDH. For PETase, all fifteen designed variable-length PETase exhibit depolymerization activity, with eleven surpassing the activity levels of the wild type. Regarding L-MDH, an enzyme lacking an experimentally determined structure, InstructPLM is able to design functional enzymes with an AF2-predicted structure. Code and model weights of InstructPLM are publicly available*.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qiu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.17.589642</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[InstructPLM: Aligning Protein Language Models to Follow Protein Structure Instructions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589842v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cleaner gobies can solve a biological market task when the correct cue is larger 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589842v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Animal cognition is deeply influenced by interactions with the environment. A notable example of sophisticated cognition in the animal kingdom is described by the mutualistic relationship between cleaner fish and clients, where decision-making processes play a pivotal role in partner choice and fish survival. In this context, while extensive research has explored the cognition of the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus, its Caribbean counterparts, Elacatinus spp., have been comparatively inadequately evaluated. In this study, we used plexiglass plates as surrogates for clients and assessed the ability of cleaner gobies, Elacatinus oceanops, to solve a biological market task where prioritising an ephemeral food plate over a permanent one would double the food reward. We varied cue-based decision-making using both ecologically relevant cues (plate size and colour) and non-relevant ones (presentation side). Additionally, we tested their capacity for reversal learning, an indicator of complex cognitive abilities. Notably, cleaner gobies were able to solve the biological markets task when the distinguishing cue was a larger plate size. Given that these gobies tend to prioritise larger predatory clients in nature, our results align with their natural inclination. Furthermore, considering these gobies were bred in captivity and never experienced cleaning interactions in their lifetime, our data might suggest that their intrinsic cognitive abilities are shaped by evolutionary pressures rooted in their ecological roles. In essence, even in the absence of direct ecological interactions, innate cognitive abilities in cleaner gobies seem to be deeply influenced by evolutionary forces tied to their natural ecological functions. However, their inability to solve the same task involving other cues, may be influenced by factors such as captivity-reared fish or limitations in the experimental design. Further research, including wild individuals, is essential to elucidate the cognitive abilities of the studied species and its implications in the ecological context and evolutionary history.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ranucci, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Court, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pereira, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Romeo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paula, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.17.589842</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cleaner gobies can solve a biological market task when the correct cue is larger]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589918v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Differential antigenic imprinting effects between influenza H1N1 hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in a mouse model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589918v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how immune history influences influenza immunity is essential for developing effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the antigenic imprinting of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) using a mouse model with sequential infection by four seasonal H1N1 strains. Our findings reveal that, among pre-2009 H1N1 strains, the extent of infection history correlates with the restriction of antibody responses to antigenically drifted HA, but not NA. This suggests the mouse model failed to recapitulate NA imprinting in humans, likely due to the difference in NA immunodominance hierarchy between humans and mice. Nevertheless, pre-existing antibodies induced by infection with pre-2009 influenza virus impeded both functional HA and NA antibody responses against a 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain. Overall, this study provides insights into antigenic imprinting for influenza virus, as well as the limitations of using mouse models for studying antigenic imprinting.

ImportanceInfluenza viruses continue to pose a significant threat to human health, with vaccine effectiveness being a persistent concern. One important factor is the individual immune history can influence subsequent antibody responses. While many studies have focused on how pre-existing antibodies influence the induction of anti-HA antibodies after influenza virus infections or vaccinations, the impact on anti-NA antibodies has been less extensively investigated. In this study, using a mouse model, we highlighted within the pre-2009 H1N1 strains, a greater extent of immune history negatively affected anti-HA antibodies but positively influenced anti-NA antibody responses. However, for the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain, which underwent with antigenic shift, both anti-HA and anti-NA antibody responses have been impeded by the antibodies induced by pre-2009 H1N1 virus infection. These findings have important implications for enhancing our understanding of antigenic imprinting on anti-HA and anti-NA antibody response and for developing more effective vaccination strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.-C. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.17.589918</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Differential antigenic imprinting effects between influenza H1N1 hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in a mouse model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589994v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Purifying selection and intraspecies recombination may drive the speciation in Crassostrea: evidence from complete mitochondria sequence of Crassostrea hongkongensis and comparative genomic analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.589994v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Repeat dynamics and recombination play a crucial role during the evolution of the mitochondrial genome in plants and animals. However, this phenomenon has got less attention within Crassostrea, a complex marine species found worldwide having high commercial value as well as efficient carbon neutralizer. During this study, we characterized the whole mitochondrial genomes of C. hongkongensis retrieved from transcriptome data (GenBank acc. no. MZ073671). The current mitochondrial genome (18,616 bp) was composed of a non-coding control region (D-loop region), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA genes), 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 23 transfer RNA (tRNA). Furthermore, comparative genomics analysis revealed that the present isolate is closely related to the Chinese isolate (NC_011518) with 99.82% similarity. Microsatellite analysis within the mitochondrial genome revealed its bias towards mononucleotide repeat A/T, di-nucleotide AG followed by AT and AC, trinucleotide AAT followed by AAG, ATC, and ATG. The recombination analysis deciphered the lack of interspecific recombination, but the presence of intraspecific recombination within ND1, ND2, and ND4L of Crassostrea species. Selection pressure analysis revealed the presence of purifying selection within maximum genes which drive the evolution of the species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sahu, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fazil, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Panda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thiyagarajan, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.17.589994</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Purifying selection and intraspecies recombination may drive the speciation in Crassostrea: evidence from complete mitochondria sequence of Crassostrea hongkongensis and comparative genomic analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.590014v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scCaT: an explainable capsulating architecture for sepsis diagnosis transferring from single-cell RNA sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.590014v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by an exaggerated immune response to pathogens, leading to organ damage and high mortality rates in the intensive care unit. Although deep learning has achieved impressive performance on prediction and classification tasks in medicine, it requires large amounts of data and lacks explainability, which hinder its application to sepsis diagnosis. We introduce a deep learning framework, called scCaT, which blends the capsulating architecture with Transformer to develop a sepsis diagnostic model using single-cell RNA sequencing data and transfers it to bulk RNA data. The capsulating architecture effectively groups genes into capsules based on biological functions, which provides explainability in encoding gene expressions. The Transformer serves as a decoder to classify sepsis patients and controls. Our model achieves high accuracy with an AUROC of 0.93 on the single-cell test set and an average AUROC of 0.98 on seven bulk RNA cohorts. Additionally, the capsules can recognize different cell types and distinguish sepsis from control samples based on their biological pathways. This study presents a novel approach for learning gene modules and transferring the model to other data types, offering potential benefits in diagnosing rare diseases with limited subjects.

Author summaryDeep learning models used in disease diagnosis usually suffer from insufficient data for training and the lack of explainability, especially in rare diseases. These shortages hinder their application to sepsis diagnosis. Here we propose a diagnostic framework name scCaT(https://github.com/Kimxbzheng/CaT), which transfers knowledge learned from single-cell RNA-seq, for diseases with insufficient bulk data. The framework uses capsulating architecture to group genes into capsules and provide explainability to the deep learning model for sepsis diagnosis. ScCaT achieves robust and outstanding performance for sepsis diagnosis in both scRNA-seq and bulk RNA datasets. This architecture offers potential approaches in diagnosing rare diseases with limited subjects with explainability.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, W.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.17.590014</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scCaT: an explainable capsulating architecture for sepsis diagnosis transferring from single-cell RNA sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.18.590187v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RiboDiffusion: Tertiary Structure-based RNA Inverse Folding with Generative Diffusion Models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.18.590187v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA design shows growing applications in synthetic biology and therapeutics, driven by the crucial role of RNA in various biological processes. A fundamental challenge is to find functional RNA sequences that satisfy given structural constraints, known as the inverse folding problem. Computational approaches have emerged to address this problem based on secondary structures. However, designing RNA sequences directly from 3D structures is still challenging, due to the scarcity of data, the non-unique structure-sequence mapping, and the flexibility of RNA conformation. In this study, we propose RiboDiffusion, a generative diffusion model for RNA inverse folding that can learn the conditional distribution of RNA sequences given 3D backbone structures. Our model consists of a graph neural network-based structure module and a Transformer-based sequence module, which iteratively transforms random sequences into desired sequences. By tuning the sampling weight, our model allows for a trade-off between sequence recovery and diversity to explore more candidates. We split test sets based on RNA clustering with different cut-offs for sequence or structure similarity. Our model outperforms baselines in sequence recovery, with an average relative improvement of 11% for sequence similarity splits and 16% for structure similarity splits. Moreover, RiboDiffusion performs consistently well across various RNA length categories and RNA types. We also apply in-silico folding to validate whether the generated sequences can fold into the given 3D RNA backbones. Our method could be a powerful tool for RNA design that explores the vast sequence space and finds novel solutions to 3D structural constraints.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.18.590187</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RiboDiffusion: Tertiary Structure-based RNA Inverse Folding with Generative Diffusion Models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.23.590680v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The robust, high-throughput, and temporally regulated roxCre and loxCre reporting systems for genetic modifications in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.23.590680v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cre-loxP technology, a cornerstone in fate mapping and in vivo gene function studies, faces challenges in achieving precise and efficient conditional mutagenesis through inducible systems. This study introduces two innovative genetic tools designed to overcome these limitations. The first, roxCre, enables DreER-mediated Cre release, paving the way for intersectional genetic manipulation that permits increased precision and efficiency. The second, loxCre, facilitates conditional gene targeting by allowing CreER lines to induce Cre expression with significantly enhanced efficiency. These tools incorporate a fluorescent reporter for genetic lineage tracing, simultaneously revealing efficient gene knockout in cells marked by the reporter. These strategies hold great potential for precise and efficient exploration of lineage-specific gene functions, marking a significant advancement in genetic research methodologies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.23.590680</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The robust, high-throughput, and temporally regulated roxCre and loxCre reporting systems for genetic modifications in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.24.590842v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Le Petit Prince Hong Kong (LPPHK): Naturalistic fMRI and EEG data from older Cantonese speakers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.24.590842v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Currently, the field of neurobiology of language is based on data from only a few Indo-European languages. The majority of this data comes from younger adults neglecting other age groups. Here we present a multimodal database which consists of task-based and resting state fMRI, structural MRI, and EEG data while participants over 65 years old listened to sections of the story The Little Prince in Cantonese. We also provide data on participants language history, lifetime experiences, linguistic and cognitive skills. Audio and text annotations, including time- aligned speech segmentation and prosodic information, as well as word-by-word predictors such as frequency and part-of-speech tagging derived from natural language processing (NLP) tools are included in this database. Both MRI and EEG data diagnostics revealed that the data has good quality. This multimodal database could advance our understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics of language comprehension in the older population and help us study the effects of healthy aging on the relationship between brain and behaviour.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Momenian, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hale, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meyer, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.24.590842</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Le Petit Prince Hong Kong (LPPHK): Naturalistic fMRI and EEG data from older Cantonese speakers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.590851v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromosomal-level genome of fish mint Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.590851v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Herbaceous flowering plants in the family Saururaceae, or commonly known as the lizards tail family, are native to Southeast Asia and North America. Fish mint Houttuynia cordata is native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated as culinary herb and medicinal plant in traditional medicine. Here, using a combination of PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing and Omni-C data, we present the chromosomal-level genome assembly of H. cordata (genome size 499.6 Mb). The genome has high sequence contiguity (scaffold N50 = 64.3 Mb) and completeness (BUSCO score of 94.6 %). 40,451 protein coding genes were also predicted using two transcriptomes generated in this study. The fish mint genome provides a valuable resource for further understanding the bioactive compounds and evolution of plants in the Saururaceae more widely.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Law, S. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, S. S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, D. T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shaw, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.25.590851</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromosomal-level genome of fish mint Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.591052v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome of tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (Cimicidae, Hemiptera) reveals tetraspanin expanded in bed bug ancestor 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.591052v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cimex species are ectoparasites that exclusively feed on warm-blooded animals such as birds and mammals. Three cimicid species are known to be persistent pests for humans, including the tropical bed bug C. hemipterus, common bed bug C. lectularius, and Eastern bat bug Leptocimex boueti. To date, genomic information is restricted to the common bed bug C. lectularius, which limits understand their biology and to provide controls of bed bug infestations. Here, a chromosomal-level genome assembly of C. hemipterus (495 Mb) containing on 16 pseudochromosomes (scaffold N50 = 34 Mb), together with 9 messenger RNA and small RNA transcriptomes were obtained. Comparison between hemipteran genomes, we found that the tetraspanin superfamily were expanded in the Cimex ancestor. This study provides the first genome assembly for the tropical bed bug C. hemipterus, and offers an unprecedented opportunity to address to questions relating to bed bug infestations, as well as genomic evolution to hemipterans more widely.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Law, S. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, T. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swale, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, R. Y.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S. Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.25.591052</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome of tropical bed bug Cimex hemipterus (Cimicidae, Hemiptera) reveals tetraspanin expanded in bed bug ancestor]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.591220v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An ingestible, battery-free, tissue-adhering robotic interface for non-invasive and chronic electrostimulation of the gut 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.25.591220v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ingestible electronics have the capacity to transform our ability to effectively diagnose and potentially treat a broad set of conditions. Current applications could be significantly enhanced by addressing poor electrode-tissue contact, lack of navigation, short dwell time, and limited battery life. Here we report the development of an ingestible, battery-free, and tissue-adhering robotic interface (IngRI) for non-invasive and chronic electrostimulation of the gut, which addresses challenges associated with contact, navigation, retention, and powering (C-N-R-P) faced by existing ingestibles. We show that near-field inductive coupling operating near 13.56 MHz was sufficient to power and modulate the IngRI to deliver therapeutically relevant electrostimulation, which can be further enhanced by a bio-inspired, hydrogel-enabled adhesive interface. In swine models, we demonstrated the electrical interaction of IngRI with the gastric mucosa by recording conductive signaling from the subcutaneous space. We further observed changes in plasma ghrelin levels, the "hunger hormone," while IngRI was activated in vivo, demonstrating its clinical potential in regulating appetite and treating other endocrine conditions. The results of this study suggest that concepts inspired by soft and wireless skin-interfacing electronic devices can be applied to ingestible electronics with potential clinical applications for evaluating and treating gastrointestinal conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nan, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ying, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McRae, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feig, V. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jenkins, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ishida, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuosmanen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Madani, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramadi, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Traverso, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.25.591220</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An ingestible, battery-free, tissue-adhering robotic interface for non-invasive and chronic electrostimulation of the gut]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.28.591509v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
siRNADesign: A Graph Neural Network for siRNA Efficacy Prediction via Deep RNA Sequence Analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.28.591509v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The clinical adoption of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has prompted the development of various computational strategies for siRNA design, from traditional data analysis to advanced machine learning techniques. However, previous studies have inadequately considered the full complexity of the siRNA silencing mechanism, neglecting critical elements such as siRNA positioning on mRNA, RNA base-pairing probabilities, and RNA-AGO2 interactions, thereby limiting the insight and accuracy of existing models. Here, we introduce siRNADesign, a Graph Neural Network (GNN) framework that leverages both non-empirical and empirical rules-based features of siRNA and mRNA to effectively capture the complex dynamics of gene silencing. In multiple internal datasets, siRNADesign achieves state-of-the-art performance. Significantly, siRNADesign also outperforms existing methodologies in in vitro wet lab experiments and an externally validated dataset. Additionally, we develop a new data-splitting methodology that addresses the data leakage issue, a frequently overlooked issue in previous studies, ensuring the robustness and stability of our model under various experimental settings. Through rigorous testing, siRNADesign has demonstrated remarkable predictive accuracy and robustness, making significant contributions to the field of gene silencing. Furthermore, our approach in redefining data-splitting standards aims to set new benchmarks for future research in the domain of predictive biological modeling for siRNA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Long, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.28.591509</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[siRNADesign: A Graph Neural Network for siRNA Efficacy Prediction via Deep RNA Sequence Analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.28.591511v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Response of protein coding genes and microRNAs to temperature changes in four insect species 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.28.591511v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Insects are the most abundant described living creatures in the world, and they play important roles in our global ecosystem. Climate change affects global biodiversity, and researchers in many fields are striving to better understand the impact of the climate crisis. One such endeavour is the study of temperature-dependent effects on insects. At present, we know little of how climate affects gene expression in insects of different sexes. Here, we took four species of fruit flies of the genus Drosophila (D. melanogaster, D. virilis, D. pseudoobscura, and D. erecta), and subjected the male and female flies of each species to three different temperatures to test their sex-specific gene expression responses. A total of 144 transcriptomic profiles of protein-coding genes and microRNAs were generated. We found that, at the same temperature, there were more male-biased than female-biased protein-coding genes and microRNAs in all four investigated drosophilid species. Interestingly, upon temperature changes, there were more differentially expressed protein-coding genes in females than in males in all four investigated species, while the microRNAs were highly species- and sex-specific. This study provides the first evidence that sex-biased protein-coding gene and microRNA expression responses to temperature change differ between insect species within the same genus, and demonstrates the complexity of sex-specific responses of insects to climate change.

HighlightsO_LIAt the same temperature, protein coding gene and microRNA expression showed a greater bias towards males than towards females in all four tested insect species.
C_LIO_LIIn response to increasing temperature, females of all 4 tested species exhibited more differentially expressed genes than did males, and enrichment analyses showed that they are species-specific.
C_LIO_LIDifferentially expressed microRNAs did not show a conserved trend between insects upon temperature changes.
C_LIO_LISex-specific gene and microRNA expression of insects in response to climate change evidently involves a complex adaptation mechanism.
C_LI

Graphical Abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=121 SRC="FIGDIR/small/591511v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (27K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1037b18org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18683f3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@40dee5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e9a108_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tsang, S. S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaitan-Espitia, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tai, A. P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tobe, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bendena, W. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.28.591511</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Response of protein coding genes and microRNAs to temperature changes in four insect species]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.29.591585v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distinct neural computations scale the violation of expected reward and emotion in social transgressions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.29.591585v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Traditional decision-making models conceptualize humans as optimal learners aiming to maximize outcomes by leveraging reward prediction errors (PE). While violated emotional expectations (emotional PEs) have recently been formalized, the underlying neurofunctional basis and whether it differs from reward PEs remain unclear. Using a modified fMRI Ultimatum Game on n=43 participants we modelled reward and emotional PEs in response to unfair offers and subsequent punishment decisions. Computational modelling revealed distinct contributions of reward and emotional PEs to punishment decisions, with reward PE exerting a stronger impact. This process was neurofunctionally dissociable such that (1) reward engaged the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex while emotional experience recruited the anterior insula, (2) multivariate decoding accurately separated reward and emotional PEs. Predictive neural expressions of reward but not emotional PEs in fronto-insular systems predicted neurofunctional and behavioral punishment decisions. Overall, these findings suggest distinct neurocomputational processes underlie reward and emotional PEs which uniquely impact social decisions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.29.591585</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distinct neural computations scale the violation of expected reward and emotion in social transgressions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.29.591598v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MBL-1/Muscleblind regulates neuronal differentiation and controls the splicing of a terminal selector in Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.29.591598v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The muscleblind family of mRNA splicing regulators is conserved across species and regulate the development of muscles and the nervous system. However, how Muscleblind proteins regulate neuronal fate specification and neurite morphogenesis at the single-neuron level is not well understood. In this study, we found that the C. elegans Muscleblind/MBL-1 promotes axonal growth in the touch receptor neurons (TRNs) by regulating microtubule stability and polarity. Transcriptomic analysis identified dozens of MBL-1-controlled splicing events in genes related to neuronal differentiation or microtubule functions. Among the MBL-1 targets, the LIM-domain transcription factor mec-3 is the terminal selector for the TRN fate and induces the expression of many TRN terminal differentiation genes. MBL-1 promotes the splicing of the mec-3 long isoform, which are essential for TRN fate specification, and inhibits the short isoforms that have much weaker activities in activating downstream genes. MBL-1 promotes mec-3 splicing through three "YGCU(U/G)Y" motifs located downstream of the included exon, which is similar to the mechanisms used by mammalian Muscleblind and suggests a deeply conserved context-dependency of the splicing regulation. Interestingly, the expression of mbl-1 in the TRNs is dependent on the mec-3 long isoform, indicating a positive feedback loop between the splicing regulator and the terminal selector. Finally, through a forward genetic screen, we found that MBL-1 promotes neurite growth partly by inhibiting the DLK-1/p38 MAPK pathway. In summary, our study provides mechanistic understanding of the role of Muscleblind in regulating cell fate specification and neuronal morphogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, H. M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.29.591598</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MBL-1/Muscleblind regulates neuronal differentiation and controls the splicing of a terminal selector in Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.29.591639v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dynamical Responses Predict a Distal Site that Modulates Activity in an Antibiotic Resistance Enzyme 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.29.591639v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
{beta}-Lactamases, which hydrolyse {beta}-lactam antibiotics, are key determinants of antibiotic resistance. Predicting the sites and effects of distal mutations in enzymes is challenging. For {beta}-lactamases, the ability to make such predictions would contribute to understanding activity against, and development of, antibiotics and inhibitors to combat resistance. Here, using dynamical non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (D-NEMD) simulations combined with experiments, we demonstrate that intramolecular communication networks differ in three class A SulpHydryl Variant (SHV)-type {beta}-lactamases). Differences in network architecture and correlated motions link to catalytic efficiency and {beta}-lactam substrate spectrum. Further, the simulations identify a distal residue 89 in the clinically important Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 2 (KPC-2), as a participant in similar networks, suggesting that mutation at this position would modulate enzyme activity. Experimental kinetics, biophysical and structural characterisation of the naturally occurring, but previously biochemically uncharacterised, KPC-2G89D mutant with several antibiotics and inhibitors reveals significant changes in hydrolytic spectrum, specifically reducing activity towards carbapenems without effecting major structural or stability changes. These results show that D-NEMD simulations can predict distal sites where mutation affects enzyme activity. This approach could have broad application in understanding enzyme evolution, and in engineering of natural and de novo enzymes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Beer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oliveira, A. S. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tooke, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hinchliffe, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, A. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Balega, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spencer, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mulholland, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.29.591639</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dynamical Responses Predict a Distal Site that Modulates Activity in an Antibiotic Resistance Enzyme]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.30.591319v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Functional selection in SH3-mediated activation of the PI3 kinase 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.30.591319v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), a heterodimeric enzyme, plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism and survival. Its deregulation is associated with major human diseases, particularly cancer. The p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K binds to the catalytic p110 subunit via its C-terminal domains, stabilising it in an inhibited state. Certain Src homology 3 (SH3) domains can activate p110 by binding to the proline-rich (PR) 1 motif located at the N-terminus of p85. However, the mechanism by which this N-terminal interaction activates the C-terminally bound p110 remains elusive. Moreover, the intrinsically poor ligand selectivity of SH3 domains raises the question of how they can control PI3K. Combining structural, biophysical, and functional methods, we demonstrate that the answers to both these unknown issues are linked: PI3K-activating SH3 domains engage in additional "tertiary" interactions with the C-terminal domains of p85, thereby relieving their inhibition of p110. SH3 domains lacking these tertiary interactions may still bind to p85 but cannot activate PI3K. Thus, p85 uses a functional selection mechanism that precludes nonspecific activation rather than nonspecific binding. This separation of binding and activation may provide a general mechanism for how biological activities can be controlled by promiscuous protein-protein interaction domains.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Aljedani, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aldehaiman, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sandholu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alharb, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mak, V. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lugari, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jaremko, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morelli, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Backer, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ladbury, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nowakowski, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, L. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arold, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.04.30.591319</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Functional selection in SH3-mediated activation of the PI3 kinase]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.02.591889v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The global fish and invertebrate abundance value of mangroves 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.02.591889v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mangroves are a critical coastal habitat that provides a suite of ecosystem services and supports livelihoods. We undertake the first global analysis to estimate density and abundance of 37 commercially important fish and invertebrates that are known to extensively use mangroves. Geomorphic mangrove type, sea surface salinity and temperature, and length of mangrove forest edge were important in predicting the density of commercial fish and invertebrates, with deltaic systems supporting the highest densities. The model predicted high densities throughout parts of southeast Asia, the northern coast of South America, the Red Sea, and the Caribbean and Central America. Application of our model onto the global mangrove extent, estimates that mangroves support the annual abundance of nearly 800 billion young-of-year fish and invertebrates contained in our model. Our results confirm the critical role of mangroves globally in supporting fish and fisheries, and further builds the case for their conservation and restoration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>zu Ermgassen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Worthington, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gair, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garnett, E. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mukherjee, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Longley-Wood, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nagelkerken, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abrantes, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aburto-Oropeza, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Acosta, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Araujo, A. R. d. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barnett, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beitl, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benzeev, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brookes, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castellanos-Galindo, G. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ching Chong, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Connolly, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cunha-Lignon, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dahdouh-Guebas, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Diele, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dwyer, P. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friess, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grove, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoq, M. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huijbers, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hutchinson, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, A. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Knight, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krumme, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuguru, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lobo, A. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lugendo, B. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meynecke, J.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nzaka Munga, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Olds, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parret</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.02.591889</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The global fish and invertebrate abundance value of mangroves]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.03.592324v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomes of two indigenous clams Anomalocardia flexuosa (Linnaeus, 1767) and Meretrix petechialis (Lamarck, 1818) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.03.592324v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Clam digging has a long history in Hong Kong, but unregulated clam digging activities depletes clam populations and threatens the ecosystem. Population genomics is useful to unravel the connectivity of clams at different geographical locations and to provide necessary conservation measures; and yet, only limited number of clams in Hong Kong have genomic resources. Here, we present chromosomal-level genome assemblies for two clams commonly found in Hong Kong, Anomalocardia flexuosa and Meretrix petechialis, using a combination of PacBio HiFi and Omni-C reads. We assembled each genome ([~]1.04-1.09 Gb) into 19 pseudochromosomes with high sequence continuity (scaffold N50 = 58.5 Mb and 53.5 Mb) and high completeness (BUSCO scores 94.4% and 95.7%). A total of 20,881 and 20,084 gene models were also predicted for A. flexuosa and M. petechialis respectively using transcriptomes generated in this study. The two new genomic resources established in this study will be useful for further study of the biology, ecology, and evolution of clams, as well as setting up a foundation for evidence-informed decision making in conservation measures and implementation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>law, S. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, M. F. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, L. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, C. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, S. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.03.592324</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomes of two indigenous clams Anomalocardia flexuosa (Linnaeus, 1767) and Meretrix petechialis (Lamarck, 1818)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.06.590709v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metabolic enzymes moonlight as selective autophagy receptors to protect plants against viral-induced cellular damage 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.06.590709v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractRNA viruses co-opt the host endomembrane system and organelles to build replication complexes for infection. How the host responds to these membrane perturbations is poorly understood. Here, we explore the autophagic response of Arabidopsis thaliana to three viruses that hijack different cellular compartments. Autophagy is significantly induced within systemically infected tissues, its disruption rendering plants highly sensitive to infection. Contrary to being an antiviral defense mechanism as previously suggested, quantitative analyses of the viral loads established autophagy as a tolerance pathway. Further analysis of one of these viruses, the Turnip Crinkle Virus (TCV) that hijack mitochondria, showed that despite perturbing mitochondrial integrity, TCV does not trigger a typical mitophagy response. Instead, TCV and Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) infection activates a distinct selective autophagy mechanism, where oligomeric metabolic enzymes moonlight as selective autophagy receptors and degrade key executors of defense and cell death such as EDS1. Altogether, our study reveals an autophagy-regulated metabolic rheostat that gauges cellular integrity during viral infection and degrades cell death executors to avoid catastrophic amplification of immune signaling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Clavel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bianchi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobylinska, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Groh, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Papareddy, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grujic, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Picchianti, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stewart, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schutzbier, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stejskal, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de la Concepcion, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hernandez, V. S. d. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voichek, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clauw, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gunis, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Durnberger, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muelders, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grimm, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sedivy, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Erhardt, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vyboishchikov, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lechner, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vantard, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jez, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roitinger, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Genschik, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dagdas, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.06.590709</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metabolic enzymes moonlight as selective autophagy receptors to protect plants against viral-induced cellular damage]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.06.592653v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Functional and multi-omic aging rejuvenation with GLP-1R agonism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.06.592653v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identifying readily implementable methods that can effectively counteract aging is urgently needed for tackling age-related degenerative disorders. Here, we conducted functional assessments and deep molecular phenotyping in the aging mouse to demonstrate that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment attenuates body-wide age-related changes. Apart from improvements in physical and cognitive performance, the age-counteracting effects are prominently evident at multiple omic levels. These span the transcriptomes and DNA methylomes of various tissues, organs and circulating white blood cells, as well as the plasma metabolome. Importantly, the beneficial effects are specific to aged mice, not young adults, and are achieved with a low dosage of GLP-1RA which has a negligible impact on food consumption and body weight. The molecular rejuvenation effects exhibit organ-specific characteristics, which are generally heavily dependent on hypothalamic GLP-1R. We benchmarked the GLP-1RA age-counteracting effects against those of mTOR inhibition, a well-established anti-aging intervention, observing a strong resemblance across the two strategies. Our findings have broad implications for understanding the mechanistic basis of the clinically observed pleiotropic effects of GLP-1RAs, the design of intervention trials for age-related diseases, and the development of anti-aging-based therapeutics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, C. L. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, B. Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tung, L. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, M. P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, B. W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, V. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.06.592653</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Functional and multi-omic aging rejuvenation with GLP-1R agonism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.09.593333v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metagenomic coverage bias at transcription start sites is correlated with gene expression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.09.593333v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Metagenomic sequencing is presumed to provide unbiased sampling of all the genetic material in a sample. Downstream analysis methods, such as binning, gene copy number analysis, structural variations, or single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, commonly assume an even distribution across the genome after accounting for known artefacts such as GC content. We discovered coverage bias across gut microbiome species, manifesting as a difference in coverage before and after bacterial transcription start sites. Using matched metatranscriptomic and metagenomic sequencing data, we demonstrate that this bias correlates with gene expression. Potential artefacts such as the sequencing technology, reference genome used for alignment, and mappability bias were investigated across multiple datasets and shown to not be factors for association. While GC bias was found correlated with coverage bias, the association of coverage bias with gene expression remains significant after adjusting for GC bias. Paired-end read mapping demonstrated an enrichment in 5 read ends immediately downstream of the TSS which was partly a byproduct of unmapped reads upstream of the TSS. Our observations suggest the existence of strain-level variation where sequence variation in the promoter site region is preventing proper read alignment to the reference genome. The correlation of this phenomenon with gene expression may also reflect evolutionary footprints for fine-tuning the regulation of gene expression. Understanding the source of this sequence variation and the biological implications of this artefact will be useful not only to better characterise microbial functions but also to improve interpretations of strain level dynamics.

ImportanceSequencing coverage calculated from metagenomic sequencing data is extensively used in the microbiome field, providing valuable information about microbial abundances, gene (functional) abundances, growth rates, and genomic variations. Understanding factors that impact the distribution of coverage along genomes is therefore important for multiple applications. In this study, we report on uneven read coverage across the transcription start sites of bacterial genomes that is correlated with gene expression levels. We determine that this bias is independent of multiple factors including GC bias, and arises due to higher strain divergence from reference genomes upstream of the transcript start site. We propose that evolutionary finetuning of gene expression in competitive microbial ecosystems can drive genetic mutations at the promoter site. Our findings suggest the potential to glean gene regulatory information from metagenomic data, and better understand how ecological factors shape genomes in the microbiome and their sequencing coverage.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Qian, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coleman, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Korem, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.09.593333</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metagenomic coverage bias at transcription start sites is correlated with gene expression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.10.592927v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LucaOne: Generalized Biological Foundation Model with Unified Nucleic Acid and Protein Language 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.10.592927v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractThe language of biology, encoded in DNA, RNA, and proteins, forms the foundation of life but remains challenging to decode due to its complexity. Traditional computational methods often struggle to integrate information across these molecules, limiting a comprehensive understanding of biological systems. Advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP) with pre-trained models offer new possibilities for interpreting biological language. Here, we introduce LucaOne, a pre-trained foundation model trained on nucleic acid and protein sequences from 169,861 species. Through large-scale data integration and semisupervised learning, LucaOne demonstrates an understanding of key biological principles, such as DNA-Protein translation. Using few-shot learning, it effectively comprehends the central dogma of molecular biology and performs competitively on tasks involving DNA, RNA, or protein inputs. Our results highlight the potential of unified foundation models to address complex biological questions, providing an adaptable framework for bioinformatics research and enhancing the interpretation of lifes complexity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.10.592927</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LucaOne: Generalized Biological Foundation Model with Unified Nucleic Acid and Protein Language]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.10.593289v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Giraffe: a tool for comprehensive processing andvisualization of multiple long-read sequencing data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.10.593289v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Third-generation sequencing techniques have become increasingly popular due to their ability to generate long, high-quality reads. Utilizing datasets from various samples and multiple sequencing platforms for comparative and comprehensive analysis is essential for exploring biological mechanisms and establishing benchmark baselines. However, current tools for long reads primarily focus on quality control (QC) and read processing for individual samples, complicating the profiling and comparison of multiple datasets. The lack of tools for data comparison and visualization presents challenges for researchers with limited bioinformatics experience. Furthermore, developing a comprehensive long-read QC method that facilitates comparative analysis and visualization across multiple samples and platforms is necessary to establish benchmark baselines for selecting appropriate sequencing platforms. We introduce Giraffe, a Python3-based command line tool designed for comparative analysis and visualization across multiple samples and platforms. Giraffe enables the assessment of read quality, sequencing bias, and genomic regional methylation proportions for both DNA and direct RNA sequencing reads. Its usability has been demonstrated in various scenarios, including comparisons of different biological processing methods (whole genome amplification vs. shotgun), sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore Technology vs. Pacific Biosciences), tissues (kidney marrow with and without blood), and biological replicates (kidney marrows). Additionally, our findings indicate that Oxford Nanopore duplex reads outperform PacBio HiFi reads in homopolymer identification and GC evenness while maintaining comparable overall read quality.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, Y. H. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.10.593289</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Giraffe: a tool for comprehensive processing andvisualization of multiple long-read sequencing data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.10.593519v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
"What" and "when" predictions jointly modulate speech processing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.10.593519v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Adaptive behavior rests on forming predictions based on previous statistical regularities encountered in the environment. Such regularities pertain not only to the contents of the stimuli ("what") but also their timing ("when"), and both interactively modulate sensory processing. In speech streams, predictions can be formed at multiple hierarchical levels, both in terms of contents (e.g. single syllables vs. words) and timing (e.g., faster vs. slower time scales). Whether and how these hierarchies map onto each other in terms of integrating "what" and "when" predictions remains unknown. Under one hypothesis neural hierarchies may link "what" and "when" predictions within sensory processing areas: with lower cortical regions mediating interactions for smaller units e.g., syllables, and higher cortical areas mediating interactions for larger units e.g., words. Alternatively, interactions between "what" and "when" predictions might rest on a generic, sensory-independent mechanism, mediated by common attention-related (e.g., frontoparietal) networks. To address those questions, we manipulated "what" and "when" predictions at two levels - single syllables and disyllabic pseudowords - while recording neural activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in healthy volunteers (N=22). We studied how syllable and/or word deviants are modulated by "when" predictability, both analyzing event-related fields and using source reconstruction and dynamic causal modeling to explain the observed effects in terms of the underlying effective connectivity. "When" predictions modulated "what" mismatch responses in a specific way with regards to speech hierarchy, such that mismatch responses to deviant words (vs. syllables) were amplified by temporal predictions at a slower (vs. faster) time scale. However, these modulations were source-localized to a shared network of cortical regions, including frontal and parietal sources. Effective connectivity analysis showed that, while mismatch responses to violations of "what" predictions modulated connectivity between regions, the integration of "what" and "when" predictions selectively modulated connectivity within regions, consistent with gain effects. These results suggest that the brain integrates "what" and "when" predictions that are congruent with respect to their hierarchical level, but this integration is mediated by a shared and distributed cortical network. This contrasts with recent studies indicating separable networks for different levels of hierarchical speech processing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Auksztulewicz, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ödül, O. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Helbling, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Böke, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cappotto, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melloni, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.10.593519</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA["What" and "when" predictions jointly modulate speech processing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.13.593820v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Combination of bortezomib and venetoclax targets the pro-survival function of LMP-1 and EBNA-3C of Epstein-Barr virus in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.13.593820v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) manipulates the ubiquitin-proteasome system and regulators of Bcl-2 family to enable the persistence of the virus and survival of the host cells through the expression of viral proteins in distinct latency patterns. We postulate that the combination of bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) and venetoclax (Bcl-2 inhibitor) [bort/venetoclax] will cause synergistic killing of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) through targeting the pro-survival function of latent viral proteins such as latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) and EBV nuclear antigen-3C (EBNA-3C). Bort/venetoclax could synergistically kill spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines (sLCLs) derived from patients with PTLD and EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis by inducing DNA damage response, apoptosis and G1-S cell cycle arrest in a ROS-dependent manner. Bortezomib potently induced the expression of Noxa, a pro-apoptotic initiator and when combined with venetoclax, inhibited Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 simultaneously. Bortezomib prevented LMP-1 induced proteasomal degradation of I{kappa}B leading to the suppression of the NF-{kappa}B signaling pathway. Bortezomib also rescued Bcl-6 from EBNA-3C mediated proteasomal degradation thus maintaining the repression of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 causing G1-S arrest and apoptosis. Concurrently, venetoclax inhibited Bcl-2 upregulated by either LMP-1 or EBNA-3C. Bort/venetoclax decreased the expression of phosphorylated p65 and Bcl-2 at serine 70 thereby suppressing the NF-{kappa}B signaling pathway and promoting apoptosis, respectively. These data corroborated the marked suppression of the growth of xenograft of sLCL in SCID mice (p<0.001). Taken together, the combination of bortezomib and venetoclax targets the pro-survival function of LMP-1 and EBNA-3C of Epstein-Barr virus in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.

Author SummaryEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus associated with different cancers and can directly drive the development of a lymphoma type condition in organ transplant patients known as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) as a result of weakened immune surveillance of EBV. The malignant spectrum of PTLD will require multi-agent chemotherapy regimen which is not well tolerated by the immunocompromised patients. Here, we combined bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) with venetoclax (Bcl-2 inhibitor) as a novel strategy to target the pro-survival function of key EBV onco-proteins, namely LMP-1 and EBNA-3C. We demonstrated that this chemotherapy-free regimen could be highly effective in killing patient-derived spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines which represent cell models of PTLD. The novel drug regimen can avoid the toxic effects of chemotherapy and may have high efficacy and specificity for the treatment of PTLD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tam, K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au-Yeung, R. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, A. K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.13.593820</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Combination of bortezomib and venetoclax targets the pro-survival function of LMP-1 and EBNA-3C of Epstein-Barr virus in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.13.593878v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Persistent lung inflammation and alveolar-bronchiolization due to Notch signaling dysregulation in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamster 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.13.593878v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Long COVID or Post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC) defines the persistent signs, symptoms, and conditions long after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection which affecting over 10% of COVID-19 patients, with 40% of them affecting respiratory system. The lung histopathological changes and underlying mechanism remain elusive. Here we systemically investigate histopathological and transcriptional changes at 7, 14, 42, 84 and 120 days-post-SARS-CoV-2-infection (dpi) in hamster. We demonstrate persistent viral residues, chronic inflammatory and fibrotic changes from 42dpi to 120dpi. The most prominent lung histopathological lesion is multifocal alveolar-bronchiolization observed in every animal from 14dpi until 120dpi. However, none of the above are observed in hamsters recovered from influenza A infection. We show airway progenitor CK14+ basal cells actively proliferate, differentiate into SCGB1A+ club cell or Tubulin+ ciliated cells, leading to alveolar-bronchiolization. Most importantly, Notch pathway is persistently upregulated. Intensive Notch3 and Hes1 protein expression are detected in alveolar-bronchiolization foci, suggesting the association of sustained Notch signaling with dysregulated lung regeneration. Lung spatial transcriptomics show upregulation of genes positively regulating Notch signaling is spatially overlapping with alveolar-bronchiolization region. To be noted, significant upregulation of tumor-related genes was detected in abnormal bronchiolization region by spatial transcriptomics analysis, indicating possible risk of lung carcinoma. Collectively, our data suggests SARS-CoV-2 infection caused chronic inflammatory and fibrotic tissue damages in hamster lung, sustained upregulation of Notch pathway signaling contributed to the dysregulated lung regeneration and CK14+ basal cells-driven alveolar-bronchiolization. The study provides important information for potential therapeutic approaches and probable long-term surveillance of malignancy in PASC management.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, A. H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, J. F.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, A. J.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.13.593878</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Persistent lung inflammation and alveolar-bronchiolization due to Notch signaling dysregulation in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamster]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.14.594047v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Enhanced Recognition of a Herbal Compound Epiberberine by a DNA Quadruplex-Duplex Structure 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.14.594047v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The small molecule epiberberine (EPI) is a natural alkaloid with versatile bioactivities against several diseases, including cancer and bacterial infection. EPI can induce the formation of a unique binding pocket at the 5' side of a human telomeric G-quadruplex (HTG) sequence Q4, resulting in a nanomolar binding affinity (KD approximately 26 nM) with significant fluorescence enhancement upon binding. It is important to understand (1) how EPI binding affects HTG structural stability and (2) how enhanced EPI binding may be achieved through the engineering of the DNA binding pocket. In this work, the EPI binding-induced HTG structure stabilization effect was probed by a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) invasion assay in combination with a series of biophysical techniques. We show that the PNA invasion-based method may be useful for the characterization of compounds binding to DNA (and RNA) structures in physiological conditions without the need to vary the solution temperature or buffer components, which are typically needed for structural stability characterization. Importantly, the combination of theoretical modeling and experimental quantification allows us to successfully engineer the Q4 derivative Q4-ds-A by a simple extension of a duplex structure to Q4 at the 5' end. Q4-ds-A is a superb EPI binder with a KD of 8 nM, with the binding enhancement achieved through the preformation of a binding pocket and a reduced dissociation rate. The tight binding of Q4 and Q4-ds-A with EPI allows us to develop a novel magnetic bead-based affinity purification system to effectively extract EPI from Rhizoma coptidis (Huang Lian) extracts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>zhan, x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krishna, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vandana, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stjepanovic, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.14.594047</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Enhanced Recognition of a Herbal Compound Epiberberine by a DNA Quadruplex-Duplex Structure]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.14.594238v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Recognition of RNA secondary structures with a programmable peptide nucleic acid-based platform 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.14.594238v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA secondary structures comprise double-stranded (ds) and single-stranded (ss) regions. Antisense peptide nucleic acids (asPNAs) enable the targeting of ssRNAs and weakly formed dsRNAs. Nucleobase-modified dsRNA-binding PNAs (dbPNAs) allow for targeting of relatively stable dsRNAs. A programmable RNA structure-specific targeting strategy is needed for simultaneous recognition of dsRNAs and ssRNAs. Here, we report on combining dbPNAs and asPNAs (designated as daPNAs) for the targeting of dsRNA-ssRNA junctions. Our binding and modeling data suggest that combining traditional asPNA (with a 4-letter code: T, C, A, and G) and dbPNA (with a 4-letter code: T or s2U, L, Q, and E) scaffolds facilitates RNA structure-specific tight binding (nM to M) under physiologically-relevant conditions. We further applied our daPNAs in substrate specific inhibition of Dicer acting on pre-miR-198 in a cell-free assay and regulating ribosomal frameshifting induced by model hairpins in both cell-free and cell culture assays. daPNAs would be a useful platform for developing chemical probes and therapeutic ligands targeting RNA.

HighlightO_LIWe demonstrated that sequence- and structure-specific targeting of RNA can be facilitated by nucleobase-modified dsRNA-binding PNAs (dbPNAs) platform in combination with antisense PNAs (asPNAs). We name the novel PNAs as daPNAs.
C_LIO_LIdaPNAs can be used in a programmable way for targeting RNAs by formation of a short triplex next to a short duplex at a dsRNA-ssRNA junction.
C_LIO_LIWe applied our daPNAs in substrate specific inhibition of Dicer acting on pre-miR-198 in a cell-free assay and regulating ribosomal frameshifting induced by model hairpins in both cell-free and cell culture assays.
C_LIO_LIThe daPNAs platform would serve as useful junction-specific molecular glues for the targeting of many biologically important RNA structures in transcriptomes.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xi, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, A. A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Toh, D.-F. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>S. Krishna, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>M. Patil, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.14.594238</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Recognition of RNA secondary structures with a programmable peptide nucleic acid-based platform]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.17.594604v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Connection Building Method: High-Accuracy MicroRNA Target Prediction Using Disease Semantic Strings 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.17.594604v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to mRNAs, inhibiting translation, or promoting mRNA degradation. miRNAs are of great importance in the development of various diseases. Currently, numerous sequence-based miRNA target prediction tools are available, however, only 1% of their predictions have been experimentally validated. In this study, we propose a novel approach that leverages disease similarity degree between miRNAs and genes as a key feature to further refine human sequence-based predicted miRNA target interactions (MTIs). To quantify the similarity degree of diseases, we fine-tuned the Sentence-BERT model. Our method achieved an F1 score of 0.88 in accurately distinguishing human protein-level experimentally validated MTIs (functional MTIs, validated through western blot or reporter assay) and predicted MTIs. Moreover, this method exhibits exceptional generalizability across different databases. We applied the proposed method to analyze 1,220,904 human MTIs sourced from miRTarbase, miRDB, and miRWalk, encompassing 6,085 genes and 1,261 pre-miRNAs. Our model was trained in miRTarBase 2022. However, we accurately identified 90% (518/574) of the updated functional MTIs in miRTarbase 2025. This study has the potential to provide valuable insights into the understanding of miRNA-gene regulatory networks and to promote advancements in disease diagnosis, treatment, and drug development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.17.594604</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Connection Building Method: High-Accuracy MicroRNA Target Prediction Using Disease Semantic Strings]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594609v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Millennial-scale societal shifts drive the widespread loss of a marine ecosystem 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594609v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Degradation of marine ecosystems by human activities is a global problem, with only recent recognition that exploitation of ecosystems over millennia can result in their functional extinction and loss from human memory. To reconstruct the historical distribution of oyster reefs in China, and the context behind loss, we extracted information from archaeological records and historical documents (pre-modern Chinese literature, administration reports, art, maps, newspapers) spanning [~]7600 years, then constrained records with past coastlines and habitable environmental conditions. Oyster reefs were extensively distributed along >750 km of coastline in the Pearl River Delta, and their exploitation underpinned the regions development into Chinas first economic hub in the 6th century. Millennial-scale overexploitation alongside societal shifts were central in their regional extirpation by the 19th century, but the enduring cultural importance of oysters is maintained by aquaculture expansion. Informed conservation practices can be developed from reconstructing the temporal interplay between human societies and the natural environment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lau, S. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thomas, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williams, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thurstan, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hancock, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Russell, B. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.19.594609</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Millennial-scale societal shifts drive the widespread loss of a marine ecosystem]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594630v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Signatures of social pain empathy: general and process-specific brain-wide representations of social exclusion and separation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594630v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Empathy can be elicited by physiological pain, as well as in social contexts. Although physiological and different social contexts induce a strong subjective experience of empathy, the general and context-specific neural representations remain elusive. Here, we combine fMRI with multivariate pattern analysis to establish neurofunctional models for pain empathy triggered by social exclusion and separation. Our findings revealed both overlapping and distinct neural representations for social exclusion and separation empathy across cortical and subcortical regions. This study established an evolutionary model that traces the progression from social pain to physiological pain empathy. In conclusion, this study establishes neural decoding models for pain empathy evoked by social exclusion and social separation, revealing their neural foundations and interconnectedness of empathy induced by social and physiological stimuli. These findings deepen our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying social pain empathy and provide robust neuromarkers to precisely evaluate empathy across physiological and social domains.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qing, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.19.594630</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Signatures of social pain empathy: general and process-specific brain-wide representations of social exclusion and separation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594892v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
iResNetDM: Interpretable deep learning approach for four types of DNA modification prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.19.594892v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationDespite the development of several computational methods to predict DNA modifications, two main limitations persist in the current methodologies: 1) All existing models are confined to binary predictor which merely determine the presence or absence of DNA modifications, constraining comprehensive analyses of the interrelations among varied modification types. While multi-class classification models for RNA modifications have been developed, a comparable approach for DNA remains a critical need. 2) The majority of previous studies lack adequate explanations of how models make decisions, relying on the extraction and visualization of attention matrices which identified few motifs, and do not provide sufficient insight into the model decision making process.

ResultIn this study, we introduce iResNetDM, a deep learning model that integrates ResNet and self-attention mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, iResNetDM is the first model capable of distinguishing between four types of DNA modifications. It not only demonstrates high performance across various DNA modifications but also unveils the potential capabilities of CNN and ResNet in this domain. To augment the interpretability of our model, we implemented the integrated gradients technique, which was pivotal in demystifying the models decision-making framework, allowing for the successful identification of multiple motifs. Importantly, our model exhibits remarkable robustness, successfully identifying unique motifs across different modifications. Furthermore, we compared the motifs discovered in various modifications, revealing that some motifs share significant sequence similarities which suggests that these motifs may be subjected to different types of modifications, underscoring their potential importance in gene regulation.

Contactzeruiyang2-c@my.cityu.edu.hk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matsuda, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.19.594892</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[iResNetDM: Interpretable deep learning approach for four types of DNA modification prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.23.594910v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
AptaGPT: Advancing aptamer design with a generative pre-trained language model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.23.594910v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Aptamers, synthetic oligonucleotide ligands, have shown significant promise for therapeutic and diagnostic applications owing to their high specificity and affinity for target molecules. However, the conventional Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) for aptamer selection is time-consuming and often yields limited candidates. To address these limitations, we introduce AptaGPT, a novel computational strategy that leverages a Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) model to design and optimize aptamers. By training on SELEX data from early rounds, AptaGPT generated a diverse array of aptamer sequences, which were then computationally screened for binding using molecular docking. The results of this study demonstrated that AptaGPT is an effective tool for generating potential high-affinity aptamer sequences, significantly accelerating the discovery process and expanding the potential for aptamer research. This study showcases the application of generative language models in bioengineering and provides a new avenue for rapid aptamer development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ding, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.23.594910</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[AptaGPT: Advancing aptamer design with a generative pre-trained language model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.28.596239v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
New isolates refine the ecophysiology of the Roseobacter CHAB-I-5 lineage 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.28.596239v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The CHAB-I-5 cluster is a pelagic lineage that can comprise a significant proportion of all roseobacters in surface oceans and have predicted roles in biogeochemical cycling via heterotrophy, aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis (AAnP), CO oxidation, DMSP degradation, and other metabolisms. Though cultures of CHAB-I-5 have been reported, none have been explored and the best known representative, strain SB2, was lost from culture after obtaining the genome sequence. We have isolated two new CHAB-I-5 representatives, strains US3C007 and FZCC0083, and assembled complete, circularized genomes with 98.7% and 92.5% average nucleotide identities with the SB2 genome. Comparison of these three with 49 other unique CHAB-I-5 metagenome-assembled and single-cell genomes indicated that the cluster represents a genus with two species, and we identified subtle differences in genomic content between the two species subclusters. Metagenomic recruitment from over fourteen hundred samples expanded their known global distribution and highlighted both isolated strains as representative members of the clade. FZCC0083 grew over twice as fast as US3C007 and over a wider range of temperatures. The axenic culture of US3C007 occurs as pleomorphic cells with most exhibiting a coccobacillus/vibrioid shape. We propose the name Thalassovivens spotae, gen nov., sp. nov. for the type strain US3C007T.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lanclos, V. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hider, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coelho, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kojima, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barnes, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cleveland, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thrash, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.28.596239</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[New isolates refine the ecophysiology of the Roseobacter CHAB-I-5 lineage]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.27.596058v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PITPβ promotes COPI vesicle fission through lipid transfer and membrane contact formation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.27.596058v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Intracellular transport among organellar compartments occurs in two general ways, by membrane-bound carriers or membrane contacts. Specific circumstances that involve the coordination of these two modes of transport remain to be defined. Studying Coat Protein I (COPI) transport, we find that phosphatidylcholine with short acyl chains (sPC) is delivered through membrane contact from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to sites of COPI vesicle formation at the Golgi to support the fission stage. Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta (PITP{beta}) plays a key role in this process, with the elucidation of this role advancing a new understanding of how PITP{beta} acts, providing a mechanistic understanding of a specific circumstance when vesicular transport requires membrane contact, and contributing to a basic understanding of how transport carriers in a model intracellular pathway are formed.

SummarySpecific circumstances that membrane contact is needed for vesicular transport remain to be defined. We find that a critical lipid is delivered through membrane contact to support the fission stage of a model intracellular transport pathway.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Park, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ju, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, J. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Morris, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, V. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Park, S.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.27.596058</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PITPβ promotes COPI vesicle fission through lipid transfer and membrane contact formation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.24.595771v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
INSIHGT: Accessible multimodal systems biology with quantitative molecular phenotyping in 3D 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.24.595771v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biological systems are complex, encompassing intertwined spatial, molecular and functional features. However, methodological constraints always limit the completeness of information that can be extracted. Here, we report the development of INSIHGT, a minimally perturbative, accessible and cost-efficient three-dimensional (3D) spatial biology method utilizing superchaotropes and host-guest chemistry. This allows highly multiplexed and multi-modal readout of tissue biomolecules in biological systems up to centimeter scales, permitting radio-histological correlation of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein pathologies in human hemi-brainstem. The homogeneous penetration permits reliable semi-quantitative signals in 3D compared to reference signals. Diverse antigens, mRNA transcripts, neurotransmitters, and post-translational and epigenetic modifications, are well-preserved and visualized. INSIHGT also allows multi-round molecular probing for high-dimensional spatial biology and compatibility with downstream traditional histology. With INSIHGT, we mapped previously undescribed podocyte-to-parietal epithelial cell microfilaments and demonstrated their geodesic clustering in mouse glomeruli, and catalogued sparsely located neurofilament-intensive inclusion bodies in the human cerebellum, and identified NPY-proximal cell types defined by spatial morpho-proteomics in mouse hypothalamus. We anticipate INSIHGT can form the foundations for 3D spatial multi-omics technology development and holistic systems biology studies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yau, C. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, J. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, T. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, B. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, N. K. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsoi, E. P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J. J. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wing, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.24.595771</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[INSIHGT: Accessible multimodal systems biology with quantitative molecular phenotyping in 3D]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.27.596002v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanism of RSL3-Induced Ferroptotic Cell Death in HT22 Cells: Contributing Role of Protein Disulfide Isomerase 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.27.596002v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) was recently shown to be an upstream mediator of erastin-induced, glutathione depletion-associated ferroptosis through its catalysis of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) dimerization and nitric oxide (NO) accumulation. A recent study reported that RSL3, a known ferroptosis inducer and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor, can inhibit thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1). The present study seeks to test a hypothesis that RSL3 may, through its inhibition of TrxR1, facilitate PDI activation (i.e., in a catalytically-active, oxidized state), thereby enhancing RSL3-induced ferroptosis through NOS dimerization and NO accumulation. Using the HT22 mouse neuronal cells as an in-vitro model, we show that treatment of these cells with RSL3 can strongly increase NOS protein level, and the PDI-mediated NOS dimerization is activated by RSL3, resulting in NO accumulation. Mechanistically, we find that PDI is activated in cells treated with RSL3 resulting from its inhibition of TrxR1, and the activated PDI then catalyzes NOS dimerization, which is followed by accumulation of cellular NO, ROS and lipid-ROS, and ultimately ferroptotic cell death. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PDI or TrxR1 partially abrogates RSL3-induced NOS activation and the subsequent accumulation of cellular NO, ROS/lipid-ROS, and ultimately ferroptosis in HT22 cells. The results of this study clearly show that PDI activation resulting from RSL3 inhibition of the TrxR1 activity contributes crucially to RSL3-induced ferroptosis in a cell culture model through the PDIl7NOSl7NOl7ROS/lipid-ROS pathway, in addition to its known inhibition of the GPX4 activity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, M.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-05-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.27.596002</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanism of RSL3-Induced Ferroptotic Cell Death in HT22 Cells: Contributing Role of Protein Disulfide Isomerase]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-05-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.28.596196v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Emergence of a dynamical state of coherent bursting with power-law distributed avalanches from collective stochastic dynamics of adaptive neurons 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.28.596196v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spontaneous brain activity in the absence of external stimuli is not random but contains complex dynamical structures such as neuronal avalanches with power-law duration and size distributions. These experimental observations have been interpreted as supporting evidence for the hypothesis that the brain is operating at criticality and attracted much attention. Here, we show that an entire state of coherent bursting, with power-law distributed avalanches and features as observed in experiments, emerges in networks of adaptive neurons with stochastic input when excitation is sufficiently strong and balanced by adaptation. We demonstrate that these power-law distributed avalanches are direct consequences of stochasticity and the oscillatory population firing rate arising from coherent bursting, which in turn is the result of the balance between excitation and adaptation, and criticality does not play a role.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ching, E. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kok, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.28.596196</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Emergence of a dynamical state of coherent bursting with power-law distributed avalanches from collective stochastic dynamics of adaptive neurons]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.29.596429v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Femtosecond X-ray snapshots reveal correlated displacements of specific distal atoms in a protein crystal 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.29.596429v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Protein dynamics is shaped by interactions between thermal fluctuations, external forces, and molecular structures. Thermal fluctuations have high frequencies and are hence very challenging to quantify. We were able to record femtosecond X-ray diffraction snapshots and determine atomic displacements of crystalline bovine trypsin atoms either in the native steady state or in a transient state initiated by a short THz pulse, the results of which were interpreted with numerical simulations. In the absence of THz pulses, specific distal atoms exhibited correlated movements. Under the influence of THz fields, numerical simulations demonstrated a slight enhancement of displacement correlations. The experimental results revealed a contrasting response to short THz pulses, where the measured displacements were not solely determined by the atom position, but also influenced by the atomic type. These findings call for a reinterpretation of the dynamic properties inherent in folded protein structures and the physical principles behind the formation of protein assemblies. To this end, a theoretical model was developed for lattice deformations and local excitations entraining a (squeezed) coherent steady state, explaining the emergence of atom correlations. The model accounts for the magnitudes of atomic displacements and fluctuations through a balance between harmonic and anharmonic coupling forces.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gagner, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jensen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Olsson, T. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanchez, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bengtsson, A. U. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ekström, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jurgilaitis, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kroon, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pham, V.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Checchia, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coudert-Alteirac, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodilla, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stake, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhaunerchyk, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friedman, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Larsson, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mezzasalma, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Katona, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.05.29.596429</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Femtosecond X-ray snapshots reveal correlated displacements of specific distal atoms in a protein crystal]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.02.595997v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hepatic Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Liver Metastasis in NAFLD 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.02.595997v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
How pathological livers shape tumors, thereby driving pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) metastasis to the liver, is poorly understood. In the present study, we focus on examining key molecules implicated in this process and assessing their translational significance. We demonstrated that patients with combined non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have approximately a ninefold increased risk of developing liver metastasis compared to those without NAFLD. In mice model, NAFLD fosters an immunosuppressive microenvironment with increased tumor cell pluripotency and focal adhesion. Mechanistically, NAFLD-induced MIF mediated the progression of PDAC liver metastasis by attracting CD44 positive pancreatic cells. Hepatic MIF knockdown significantly reduced metastases burden with decreased stem-like cancer cells, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration and focal adhesion. Targeting the MIF-CD44 axis by either a MIF tautomerase inhibitor, IPG1576, or by CD44 knockdown in tumor cells significantly attenuate liver metastasis of PDAC within the NAFLD context. Patients with PDAC liver metastasis and NAFLD had elevated hepatic MIF expression and increased number of stem-cell like cancer cells. Collectively, our study highlights a pivotal role for MIF-CD44 axis in cancer stemness and offer novel avenues for tailoring therapeutic strategies to individual patients with NAFLD as an underlying condition.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>YU, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, X.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.-z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, R.-n.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, J.-f.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.-n.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.-g.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.-w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.-t.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, Y.-t.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.-t.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, X.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.-b.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saluja, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mo, M.-g.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.02.595997</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hepatic Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Liver Metastasis in NAFLD]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.02.597016v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Parental thermal conditions affect the brain activity response to alarm cue in larval zebrafish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.02.597016v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With temperature being a crucial factor affecting the physiology of ectothermic animals, global warming will likely impact neural mechanisms aquatic organisms use to perceive their environment over generations. However, exposure to elevated temperature during specific life stages and across generations may confer fish resilience through phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we investigate the effects of developmental and parental temperature on brain activity response to an olfactory cue in the larval zebrafish, Danio rerio. We exposed parents during reproduction and their offspring during development to control (28{degrees}C) or elevated temperature (30{degrees}C) and observed the response of the larval telencephalon to an alarm cue using live calcium imaging. Parental exposure to elevated temperature decreased the time till maximum brain activity response regardless of the offsprings developmental temperature, revealing that parental thermal conditions can affect the excitability of the offsprings neural circuitry. Furthermore, brain activity duration was affected by the interaction between parental and offspring thermal conditions, tending to last longer when either parents or offspring were exposed to elevated temperature, yet more similar to control when elevated temperature was experienced by both parents and offspring. This could represent an anticipatory parental effect influencing the offsprings brain response to match the parental environment, or an early developmental effect occurring within a susceptible short time window post-fertilization. Overall, our results suggest that future predicted warming can alter processes involved in brain transmission and show that parental conditions could aid in the preparation of their offspring to respond to olfactory stimuli in a changing environment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sourisse, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Semmelhack, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.02.597016</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Parental thermal conditions affect the brain activity response to alarm cue in larval zebrafish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.02.597059v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
P-cadherin mechanoactivates tumor- mesothelium metabolic coupling to promote ovarian cancer metastasis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.02.597059v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Peritoneal metastasis exacerbates the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Adhesion of cancer cells to mesothelium is a rate-limiting prerequisite for this process. How metastatic cells sense and respond to the dynamic biomechanical microenvironment at the mesothelial niche to initiate metastatic lesions remains unclear. Here, the study demonstrates that highly metastatic (HM), but not non-metastatic (NM) ovarian cancer cells, selectively activate the peritoneal mesothelium. Atomic force microscopy reveals that HM cells exert increased adhesive force on mesothelial cells via P-cadherin, a cell-cell adhesion molecule abundant in late-stage tumors. Transcriptomic and molecular analyses show that mechanical induction of P-cadherin enhances lipogenic gene expression and lipid content in HM cells by SREBP1. P-cadherin activation does not affect lipogenic activity but induces glycolysis in the interacting mesothelium. Targeted lipidomic analysis reveals that lactate produced by the glycolytic mesothelium facilitates metastatic outgrowth as a direct substrate for de novo lipogenesis. Inhibiting lactate shuttling via nanodelivery of siRNA targeting P-cadherin or MCT1/4 transporters significantly suppresses metastasis in mice. The association of high fatty acid synthase in patient metastatic samples and increased P-cadherin expression supports enhanced de novo lipogenesis in the metastatic niche. The study reveals P-cadherin-mediated mechano-metabolic coupling as a promising target to restrain peritoneal metastasis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, S. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, K. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngan, A. H. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yung, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, P. P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.02.597059</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[P-cadherin mechanoactivates tumor- mesothelium metabolic coupling to promote ovarian cancer metastasis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.05.597292v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prioritising Functionally Distinct and Globally Endangered (FuDGE) sharks for conservation action 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.05.597292v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Robust species-level methods for quantifying ecological differences have yet to be incorporated into conservation strategies. Here, we present a conservation prioritisation approach that integrates species trait data and extinction risk to quantify the contribution of individual species to overall functional diversity. The Functionally Irreplaceable with Risk of Extinction (FIRE) metric directs conservation action to species whose extinction is expected to result in significant losses of functional diversity. We applied our framework to sets of species at the global scale. First we assessed the worlds birds, highlighting congruent and divergent priorities identified by trait-based and phylogenetic approaches. Second, we applied FIRE to the worlds sharks, exploring the impact of imputed traits on prioritisation robustness. For birds and sharks, we show that prioritising by functional irreplaceability is an effective strategy to conserve exploited species. The FIRE metric provides a robust tool to facilitate the incorporation of functional diversity into conservation policy and practice, revealing species that may be overlooked by existing approaches.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Webster, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barker, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Curnick, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gollock, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hansford, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoffmann, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pettorelli, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turvey, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walkden, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosindell, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gumbs, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.05.597292</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prioritising Functionally Distinct and Globally Endangered (FuDGE) sharks for conservation action]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.06.597720v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies against sarbecoviruses elicited by single ancestral SARS-CoV-2 infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.06.597720v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics hold promise for both preventing and treating infectious diseases, especially among vulnerable populations. However, the emergence of various variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents challenges for current mAb treatments, emphasizing the need for more potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies. In this study, we employed an unbiased screening approach to discover broadly neutralizing antibodies and successfully isolated two mAbs from individuals with only exposure to ancestral SARS-CoV-2. One of these antibodies, CYFN1006-1, exhibited robust cross-neutralization against a spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the latest JN.1 and KP.2 variants, with consistent IC50 values ranging from [~]1 to 5 ng/mL. Notably, it also displayed broad neutralization activity against SARS-CoV and related sarbecoviruses, such as WIV1, SHC014, RaTG13, and GD-Pangolin. Structural analysis revealed that these mAbs target shared hotspot but mutation-resistant epitopes, with their Fabs locking the RBD in the "down" conformation through interactions with adjacent Fabs and RBDs, and cross-linking Spike trimers into di-trimers to block viral infection. In vivo studies conducted in a JN.1-infected hamster model validated the protective efficacy of CYFN1006-1, emphasizing its therapeutic potential. These findings suggest that, through meticulous approaches, rare antibodies with cross-neutralization activities against SARS-CoV-2 and related sarbecoviruses can be identified from individuals with exclusively ancestral virus exposure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xing, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHAO, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.06.597720</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies against sarbecoviruses elicited by single ancestral SARS-CoV-2 infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.06.597744v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Fast and Tuning-free Nonlinear Data Embedding and Integration based on DCOL 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.06.597744v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rapid progress of single-cell technology has facilitated faster and more cost-effective acquisition of diverse omics data, enabling biologists to unravel the intricacies of cell populations, disease states, and developmental lineages. Additionally, the advent of multimodal single-cell omics technologies has opened up new avenues for studying interactions within biological systems. However, the high-dimensional, noisy, and sparse nature of single-cell omics data poses significant analytical challenges. Therefore, dimension reduction (DR) techniques play a vital role in analyzing such data. While many DR methods have been developed, each has its limitations. For instance, linear methods like PCA struggle to capture the highly diverse and complex associations between cell types and states effectively. In response, nonlinear techniques have been introduced; however, they may face scalability issues in high-dimensional settings, be restricted to single omics data, or primarily focus on visualization rather than producing informative embeddings for downstream tasks. Here, we formally introduce DCOL (Dissimilarity based on Conditional Ordered List) correlation, a functional dependency measure for quantifying nonlinear relationships between variables. Based on this measure, we propose DCOL-PCA and DCOL-CCA, for dimension reduction and integration of single- and multi-omics data. In simulation studies, our methods outperformed eight other DR methods and four joint dimension reduction (jDR) methods, showcasing stable performance across various settings. It proved highly effective in extracting essential factors even in the most challenging scenarios. We also validated these methods on real datasets, with our method demonstrating its ability to detect intricate signals within and between omics data and generate lower-dimensional embeddings that preserve the essential information and latent structures in the data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.06.597744</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Fast and Tuning-free Nonlinear Data Embedding and Integration based on DCOL]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.07.597857v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bola-amphiphilic dendrimer empowers imatinib to target metastatic ovarian cancer stem cells via beta-catenin-HRP2 signaling axis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.07.597857v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among all gynecological malignancies, and drug resistance renders the current chemotherapy agents ineffective for patients with advanced metastatic tumors. We report an effective treatment strategy for targeting metastatic ovarian cancer involving a nanoformulation (Bola/IM) - bola-amphiphilic dendrimer (Bola)-encapsulated imatinib (IM) - to target the critical mediator of ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) CD117 (c-Kit). Bola/IM offered significantly more effective targeting of CSCs compared to IM alone, through a novel and tumor-specific {beta}-catenin/HRP2 axis, allowing potent inhibition of cancer cell survival, stemness and metastasis in metastatic and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Promising results were also obtained in clinically relevant patient-derived ascites and organoids, alongside high tumor-oriented accumulation and favorable pharmacokinetic properties in mouse models. Furthermore, Bola/IM displayed synergistic anticancer activity when combined with the first-line chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin in patient-derived xenograft mouse models, without any adverse effects. Our findings support the use of Bola/IM as a nanoformulation to empower IM, providing targeted and potent treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer. Our study thus represents a significant advancement towards addressing the unmet medical need for improved therapies targeting this challenging disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shi, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Artemenko, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roussel, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, P. P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.07.597857</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bola-amphiphilic dendrimer empowers imatinib to target metastatic ovarian cancer stem cells via beta-catenin-HRP2 signaling axis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.09.598154v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Adaptation-induced oscillatory phototaxis and emergence of ordered density bands in the microswimmer Chlamydomonas reinhardtii 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.09.598154v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biological microswimmers exhibit versatile taxis behaviors and switch between multiple behavioral states to navigate the environment and search for physiologically favorable regions. Here, we report a striking oscillatory phototaxis observed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, where cells swim back-and-forth under a constant, unidirectional light stimulus due to alternation between positive and negative phototaxis. This oscillatory phototaxis at the individual cellular level further leads to the emergence of a highly ordered, propagating band structure formed by high density Chlamydomonas cells collectively. We experimentally verify a unified phototaxis mechanism that couples light detection, light adaptation, flagella dynamics and cell reorientation, showing that transition between phototaxis modes is achieved by switching of flagella waveforms and modulation of flagella phase difference. Oscillatory phototaxis emerges as a semi-stable state in an overlapping light intensity regime for positive and negative phototaxis, where adaptation shifts the light intensity thresholds over times. This adaptation mechanism over multiple time scales enables phototactic microswimmers to effectively expand the survival range of light intensity and provide collective photoprotection for the colonies through the formation of dynamic band structures with high density.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, A. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.09.598154</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Adaptation-induced oscillatory phototaxis and emergence of ordered density bands in the microswimmer Chlamydomonas reinhardtii]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.11.598496v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Microglia replacement effectively attenuates the disease progress of ALSP in the mouse model and human patient 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.11.598496v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microglia play critical roles in the brain physiology and pathology. CSF1R is primarily expressed in microglia. The mono-allelic CSF1R mutation causes adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP), a lethal neurological disease and no rational cure in clinical trials. There are no animal models mimicking human ALSP. In this study, we first developed mouse models based on human ALSP hotspot mutations. We then utilized microglia replacement by bone marrow transplantation (Mr BMT) to replace the Csf1r-deficient microglia in ALSP mice by Csf1r-normal donor cells. With pathogenic gene correction, Mr BMT efficiently attenuated the pathologies. Previously, an ALSP patient received traditional bone marrow transplantation (tBMT) due to a misdiagnosis of metachromatic leukodystrophy. The disease progress was halted for 15 years with unknown reasons. We demonstrated that tBMT in ALSP is equivalent to or close to Mr BMT, achieving efficient microglia replacement and therefore attenuating the ALSP progress in the mouse model. Next, we applied tBMT to replace CSF1R-deficient microglia in human patients. Our clinical results show that after microglia replacement, the ALSP course is effectively halted. Together, microglia replacement corrects the pathogenic gene and thus halts the disease progress in the mouse model and human patients. This study strongly demonstrates clinical potentials of microglia replacement in neurological disease treatments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ouyang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.11.598496</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Microglia replacement effectively attenuates the disease progress of ALSP in the mouse model and human patient]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.12.598765v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neural Mechanisms of Mutualistic Fish Cleaning Behaviour: a Study in the Wild 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.12.598765v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One crucial interaction for the health of fish communities in coral reefs is performed by the cleaner fish by removing ectoparasites and other particles from the body of other fish, so called clients. Studying the underlying mechanisms of this behaviour is essential to understanding how species react to social stimuli and defining the drivers of mutualism. Here, we pinpoint the neural molecular mechanisms in the cleaning behaviour of Labroides dimidiatus in the wild through an in-situ interaction experiment at a coral reef in New Caledonia. Five cleaners and clients (Abudefduf saxatilis) were placed into underwater aquaria to interact, while five were not presented with a client. The brain transcriptomes revealed 291 differentially expressed genes in cleaners that were interacting with a client. Among these genes, grin2d, npy, slc6a3 and immediate early genes (fosb; fosl1; nr4a1) were related to learning and memory, glutamate and dopamine pathways, which confirm molecular pathways observed in laboratory studies. However, a new potential mechanism was found with npy (Neuropeptide Y) as a driver of feeding behaviour. These results show that in-situ experiments are essential for corroborating interpretations inferred from experiments in captivity and identify drivers of interspecific interactions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Romeo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramirez-Calero, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravasi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodolfo-Metalpa, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.12.598765</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neural Mechanisms of Mutualistic Fish Cleaning Behaviour: a Study in the Wild]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.12.596753v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Aerial litter mimicry: a novel form of floral deception mediated by a monoterpene synthase 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.12.596753v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
O_LIFloral mimics deceive their pollinators by developing visual and olfactory resemblance to their models. Our knowledge on the diversity of models is expanding rapidly. We report a system in which the flowers exhibit phenotypes similar to aerial litter and deceives an aerial litter specialist beetle to achieve pollination.
C_LIO_LIWe assessed the floral phenology and the effective pollinators of an Australian understorey treelet, Meiogyne heteropetala (Annonaceae). The similarities of morphology, colour and odour between the flowers and co-occurring aerial litter were investigated. The terpene synthase involved in floral scent emission was identified by expression patterns and product profile. The behavioural responses of the pollinator to various odours were assessed using bioassays.
C_LIO_LIThe erotylid beetle Loberus sharpi is the most likely effective pollinator of M. heteropetala, and its eggs were found on the petals of M. heteropetala. Loberus sharpi was exclusively found in aerial litter and M. heteropetala flowers. The morphology and spectral reflectance of the flowers overlap with aerial litter. The floral scent was dominated by monoterpenes, especially 1,8-cineole. The cineole synthase MhCINS was the only highly expressed floral terpene synthase and possessed a highly similar product profile to the floral scent composition. NMDS showed that the volatile composition of M. heteropetala flowers is distinct from other congeners and highly similar to aerial litter, indicating advergence to aerial litter. Visual and odour resemblance, coupled with the deposition of eggs on the flowers, provides evidence that the beetles were deceived into pollinating the flowers. Behavioural experiments showed that the pollinator was attracted to both aerial litter and M. heteropetala flowers. The beetles were also attracted to 1,8-cineole and synthetic mixes of floral odour and MhCINS products. The beetles were unable to distinguish floral scent from MhCINS products, nor from 1,8-cineole, suggesting MhCINS alone sufficed to attract the pollinator olfactorily. The beetles, however, preferred aerial litter over flowers. The beetles likely categorised the flower as a general, but not the most preferred brood substrate.
C_LIO_LISynthesis. This study reports the first case of floral mimicry of aerial litter and characterises the biochemical process responsible for olfactory mimicry.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goodrich, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiu, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scharaschkin, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saunders, R. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.12.596753</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Aerial litter mimicry: a novel form of floral deception mediated by a monoterpene synthase]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.13.598807v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics: Uncovering Alternative Blood Vessel Clearance Mechanisms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.13.598807v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The pathways that run along the olfactory nerves crossing the cribriform plate and connecting to lymphatic vessels in the nasal cavity, have been identified as a crucial route for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow. However, the presence of a CSF efflux pathway through blood vessels in this region has yet to be clarified. This study aimed to elucidate the anatomical connections between the subarachnoid space and the bloodstream at the nasal epithelium and the venous drainage routes of the nasal epithelium in mice. Our findings demonstrated that CSF tracers could be drained not only through lymphatic vessels in the nasal cavity and cervical lymph nodes (CLNs), but also through the blood vessels in this area that extend to its venous drainage routes, including the facial and jugular veins. Additionally, we showed that ligation of CLNs neither impeded the influx and efflux of CSF tracers nor exacerbated Alzheimers disease (AD)-related pathology in AD mice. Our work reveals a previously unrecognized pathway for CSF drainage through blood vessels within the nasal mucosa. These findings provide insight into the efficient removal of waste products, facilitating optimal functioning of neural tissue within the susceptible tissue of our brains.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Satyanarayanan, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. M.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xian, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.-Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.13.598807</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics: Uncovering Alternative Blood Vessel Clearance Mechanisms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.13.598945v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Disruption of sustained attention and orbitofrontal cortex engagement by incoming social media messages vary as a function of problematic social media use 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.13.598945v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSmartphones and social media have become ubiquitous in our lives, and while debates about their negative impact on mental health, addictive potential, and disruptive effects on daily activities have surged, neurobiological evidence remains scarce. Here, we investigated whether the behavioral and neural effects of interference of continuous attention by incoming social media messages on WeChat varies according to its problematic use as assessed via an addiction framework.

MethodsN = 60 healthy individuals were stratified based on their level of problematic WeChat usage as measured by the WeChat Addiction Scale (WAS): LOW (15 males and 15 females) and HIGH (15 males and 15 females) addictive tendencies. Participants underwent an AX-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) with WeChat-associated (incoming message) and neutral auditory distractors as well as a no distractor condition. Concurrent functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) assessments of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) were implemented to determine the underlying neurofunctional mechanisms.

ResultsOn the behavioral level the HIGH group demonstrated faster reaction times during the WeChat and no distractor condition compared to the LOW group. Exploratory analyses indicated that the WeChat distraction decreased left lateral OFC activity in the LOW but enhanced activity in this region in the HIGH group.

ConclusionAgainst our hypotheses WeChat distraction enhanced behavioral performance specially in individual with a tendency for problematic WeChat use, with the neural data pointing to less suppression of the OFC in individuals with a tendency for problematic usage. Findings underscore the complexity of the potential effects of new technology on daily live and indicate that addiction models might not be simply extendable to problematic social media usage.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Montag, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.13.598945</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Disruption of sustained attention and orbitofrontal cortex engagement by incoming social media messages vary as a function of problematic social media use]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.14.599071v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sulfur oxidation through rDsr in a novel Sox-free marine Roseobacter lineage 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.14.599071v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sulfur oxidation is an essential biogeochemical process in coastal sediments. Of the two typical sulfur-oxidizing metabolic pathways, the reverse dissimilatory sulfite reductase pathway (rDsr) is recognized for its superior energy conservation efficiency compared to the Sox multi-enzyme system and thus might be important in intertidal habitats where electron acceptors are periodically limited. Here, we isolated 10 intertidal sediment strains that compose a novel Ruegeria lineage in the globally abundant marine Roseobacter group. They possess a complete rDsr pathway but lack the entire Sox system, whereas all known sulfur-oxidizing Roseobacters rely on Sox. In fact, rDsr-carrying but Sox-free bacteria are rare among all sequenced bacterial genomes (only 20 out of 35798), and how sulfur oxidation is driven exclusively by rDsr has not been investigated. Physiological assays, sulfur intermediate measurements, and transcriptomic analyses reveal that rDsr activation in this Ruegeria lineage occurs exclusively under microaerobic conditions and is coupled with thiosulfate oxidation in tandem with denitrification. Metagenomic analysis shows that rDsr sequences are enriched in marine habitats characterized by oxygen depletion, consistent with our physiological data. Further, the Rhodobacterales order where Ruegeria belongs accounts for approximately 5% of the rDsr-bearing bacterial community in intertidal sediments globally, underscoring its significant role in sulfur oxidation in this important marine environment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crowe, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.14.599071</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sulfur oxidation through rDsr in a novel Sox-free marine Roseobacter lineage]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.20.599817v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multiomics mapping and characterization of cellular senescence in aging human muscle uncovers novel senotherapeutics for sarcopenia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.20.599817v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cellular senescence is recognized as a hallmark of organismal aging but how it drives aging particularly in human tissues is not fully understood, partly due to the complex heterogeneous nature of senescence. Here in this study, we leverage single-nucleus multiomics to profile senescence in mononucleated cells of human skeletal muscle and provide the first senescence atlas. We demonstrate the intra-and inter-populational transcriptomic and epigenomic heterogeneity and dynamics of senescence in the cells. We also identify commonalities and variations in senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) among the cells and elucidate the function of SASPs in mediating cellular interactions and niche deregulation. Furthermore, we identify targetable SASP factors and demonstrate the possibility of using Maraviroc as a pharmacological senotherapeutic for treating age-associated sarcopenia in muscle. Lastly, we define transcription factors that govern senescence state and SASP induction in aging muscle and elucidate the key function and the underlying mechanism of JUNB in regulating SASP activation in senescent cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate the prevalence and function of cellular senescence in skeletal muscle and identify a novel pharmacological intervention for sarcopenia.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, M. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.20.599817</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multiomics mapping and characterization of cellular senescence in aging human muscle uncovers novel senotherapeutics for sarcopenia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.21.600153v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A genome resource for the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.21.600153v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii is a model organism used in many research areas including evolution and development, neurobiology, ecology and regeneration. Here we present the genomes of P. dumerilii (laboratory culture reference and a single individual assembly) and of the closely related P. massiliensis and P. megalops (single individual assembly) to facilitate comparative genomic approaches and help explore Platynereis biology. We used long-read sequencing technology and chromosomal-conformation capture along with extensive transcriptomic resources to obtain and annotate a draft genome assembly of [~]1.47 Gbp for P. dumerilii, of which more than half represent repeat elements. We predict around 29,000 protein-coding genes, with relatively large intron sizes, over 38,000 non-coding genes, and 105 miRNA loci. We further explore the high genetic variation ([~]3% heterozygosity) within the Platynereis species complex. Gene ontology reveals the most variable loci to be associated with pigmentation, development and immunity. The current work sets the stage for further development of Platynereis genomic resources.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mutemi, K. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simakov, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Santangeli, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Null, R. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Handberg-Thorsager, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vellutini, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Larsson, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Savage, E. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lopez, M. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hercog, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Provaznik, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ordonez-Rueda, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Azevedo, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gazave, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vervoort, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tomancak, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Winkler, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Benes, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Helm, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ozpolat, B. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arendt, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.21.600153</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A genome resource for the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.20.599315v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-talker speech comprehension at different temporal scales in listeners with normal and impaired hearing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.20.599315v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Comprehending speech requires deciphering a range of linguistic representations, from phonemes to narratives. Prior research suggests that in single-talker scenarios, the neural encoding of linguistic units follows a hierarchy of increasing temporal receptive windows. Shorter temporal units like phonemes and syllables are encoded by lower-level sensory brain regions, whereas longer units such as sentences and paragraphs are processed by higher-level perceptual and cognitive areas. However, the brains representation of these linguistic units under challenging listening conditions, such as a cocktail party situation, remains unclear. In this study, we recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) responses from both normal-hearing and hearing-impaired participants as they listened to individual and dual speakers narrating different parts of a story. The inclusion of hearing-impaired listeners allowed us to examine how hierarchically organized linguistic units in competing speech streams affect comprehension abilities. We leveraged a hierarchical language model to extract linguistic information at multiple levels--phoneme, syllable, word, phrase, and sentence--and aligned these model activations with the EEG data. Our findings showed distinct neural responses to dual-speaker speech between the two groups. Specifically, compared to normal-hearing listeners, hearing-impaired listeners exhibited poorer model fits at the acoustic, phoneme, and syllable levels as well as the sentence levels, but not at the word and phrase levels. These results suggest that hearing-impaired listeners experience disruptions at both shorter and longer temporal scales, while their processing at medium temporal scales remains unaffected.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pylkkänen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.20.599315</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-talker speech comprehension at different temporal scales in listeners with normal and impaired hearing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.600806v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Polymerization of Tspan7 into Helical Transmembrane Skeletons for Membrane Tether Stabilization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.600806v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tubular cell membrane protrusions, such as filopodia1, dendrites2, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs)3 and retraction fibers4, are prevalent on the cell surface. They play crucial roles in various physiological processes and disease states, including angiogenesis, wound healing, and cancer metastasis5-7. The shaping and stabilization of these protrusions are crucial for their function, and the molecular machineries involved have long been an active area of investigation. Here we employed an integrative approach combining live-cell imaging, in vitro reconstitution, and in situ cryo-EM analysis to reveal that the transmembrane protein tetraspanin 7 (TSPAN7) senses membrane curvature and polymerizes into a helical configuration on highly curved tubular membranes. These spirals act as a "transmembrane skeleton", effectively maintaining the structural integrity of membrane protrusions under mechanical stress. Our findings reveal a previously unreported assembly strategy for transmembrane proteins and a mechanism for maintaining tubular membrane protrusions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-06-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.27.600806</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Polymerization of Tspan7 into Helical Transmembrane Skeletons for Membrane Tether Stabilization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-06-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.600961v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dual roles of idling moments in past and future memories 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.600961v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Every day, we experience new daily episodes and store new memories. Although memories are stored in corresponding engram cells, how different sets of engram cells are selected for current and next episodes, and how they create their memories, remains unclear. We report that in mice, hippocampal CA1 neurons show an organized synchronous activity in prelearning home cage sleep that correlates with the learning ensembles only in engram cells, termed preconfigured ensembles. Moreover, after learning, a subset of nonengram cells develops population activity, which is constructed during postlearning offline periods through synaptic depression and scaling, and then emerges to represent engram cells for new learning. Together, our findings indicate that during offline periods there are two parallel processes occurring: conserving of past memories through reactivation, and preparation for upcoming ones through offline synaptic plasticity mechanisms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Inokuchi, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ghandour, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haga, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ohkawa, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>FUNG, C. C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nomoto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fayed, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Asai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sato, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fukai, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.27.600961</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dual roles of idling moments in past and future memories]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.28.601128v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ADM: Adaptive Graph Diffusion for Meta-Dimension Reduction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.28.601128v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dimension reduction is ubiquitous in high dimensional data analysis. Divergent data characteristics have driven the development of various techniques in this field. Although individual techniques can capture specific aspects of data, they often struggle to grasp all the intricate and complex patterns and structures. To address this limitation, we introduce ADM (Adaptive graph Diffusion for Metadimension reduction), a novel meta-dimension reduction method grounded in graph diffusion theory. ADM integrates results from diverse dimension reduction techniques to leverage the unique strength of each individual technique. By employing dynamic Markov processes, ADM simulates information propagation for each dimension reduction result, thereby transforming traditional spatial measurements into dynamic diffusion distances. Importantly, ADM incorporates an adaptive mechanism to tailor the time scale of information diffusion according to sample-specific attributes. This improvement facilitates a more thorough exploration of the datasets overall structure and allows the heterogeneity among samples.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.06.28.601128</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ADM: Adaptive Graph Diffusion for Meta-Dimension Reduction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.01.601487v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
New soft tissue data of pterosaur tail vane reveals sophisticated, dynamic tensioning usage and expands its evolutionary origins 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.01.601487v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight. Early pterosaurs had long stiff tails with a mobile base that could shift their center of mass, potentially benefiting flight control. These tails ended in a tall, thin soft tissue vane that would compromise aerodynamic control and efficiency if it fluttered excessively during flight. Maintaining stiffness in the vane would have been crucial in early pterosaur flight, but how this was achieved has been unclear, especially since vanes were lost in later pterosaurs and are absent in birds and bats. Here we use Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence imaging to reveal a cross-linking lattice within the tail vanes of early pterosaurs. The lattice supported a sophisticated dynamic tensioning system used to maintain vane stiffness, allowing the whole tail to augment flight control and the vane to function as a display structure.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jagielska, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaye, T. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Habib, M. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hirasawa, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pittman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.01.601487</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[New soft tissue data of pterosaur tail vane reveals sophisticated, dynamic tensioning usage and expands its evolutionary origins]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.03.601996v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An emerging PB2-627 polymorphism increases the pandemic potential of avian influenza virus by breaking through ANP32 host restriction in mammalian and avian hosts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.03.601996v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alterations in the PB2-627 domain could substantially increase the risk of an avian influenza virus (AIV) pandemic. So far, a well-known mammalian mutation PB2-E627K has not been maintained in AIV in poultry, which limits the spread of AIVs from avian to humans. Here, we discovered a variant, PB2-627V, which combines the properties of avian-like PB2-627E and human-like PB2-627K, overcoming host restrictions and posing a risk for human pandemics. Specifically, by screening the global PB2 sequences, we discovered a new independent cluster with PB2-627V emerged in the 2010s, which is prevalent in various avian, mammalian, and human isolates of AIVs, including H9N2, H7N9, H3N8, 2.3.4.4b H5N1, and other subtypes. And, the increasing prevalence of PB2-627V in poultry is accompanied by a rise in human infection cases with this variant. Then we systematically assessed its host adaptation, fitness, and transmissibility across three subtypes of AIVs (H9N2, H7N9, and H3N8) in different host models, including avian and human cells, chickens, mice, and ferrets where infections naturally occur. We found that PB2-627V facilitates AIVs to efficiently infect and replicate in chickens and mice by utilizing both avian- and human-origin ANP32A proteins. Importantly, and like PB2-627K, PB2-627V promotes efficient transmission between ferrets through respiratory droplets. Deep sequencing in passaged chicken samples and transmitted ferret samples indicates that PB2-627V remains stable across the two distinct hosts and has a high potential for long-term prevalence in avian species. Therefore, the mutation has the ability to continue spreading among poultry and can also overcome the barrier between birds and humans, greatly enhancing the likelihood of AIVs infecting humans. Given the escalating global spread of AIVs, it is crucial to closely monitor influenza viruses carrying PB2-627V to prevent a pandemic.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Digard, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, K.-c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.03.601996</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An emerging PB2-627 polymorphism increases the pandemic potential of avian influenza virus by breaking through ANP32 host restriction in mammalian and avian hosts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.04.602109v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interpretable variational encoding of genotypes identifiescomprehensive clonality and lineages in single cells geometrically 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.04.602109v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Clone assignment in single-cell genomics remains a challenge due to its diverse mutation macrostructures and many missing signals. Existing statistical methods, for the sake of numerical convergence, pose strong constraints on the form of predicted mutation patterns, so they easily identify sub-optimally fitted clones that overlook weak and rare mutations. To solve this problem, we developed SNPmanifold, a Python package that learns flexible mutation patterns using a shallow binomial variational autoencoder. The latent space of SNPmanifold can effectively represent and visualize complex mutations of SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the form of geometrical manifolds. Based on nuclear or mitochondrial SNPs, we demonstrated that SNPmanifold can effectively identify a large number of multiplexed donors of origin (k = 18) that all existing unsupervised methods fail and lineages of somatic clones with promising biological interpretation. Therefore, SNPmanifold can reveal insights into single-cell SNPs more comprehensively than other existing methods, especially in complex datasets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chung, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.04.602109</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interpretable variational encoding of genotypes identifiescomprehensive clonality and lineages in single cells geometrically]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.05.602174v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scTail: precise polyadenylation site detection and its alternative usage analysis from reads 1 preserved 3' scRNA-seq data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.05.602174v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Three-prime single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has been widely employed to dissect the variability of cellular transcriptomes, while only the cDNAs on reads 2 are routinely used, including to analyze polyadenylation sites (PAS). However, despite of high sequencing noise, we found the cDNAs on reads 1 are highly informative in precisely detecting PAS. Here, we further develop a computational method, scTail, to identify PAS using reads 1 and quantify its expression leveraging reads 2, which enables effective detection of alternative PAS usage (PAU). When compared with other methods, scTail detects PAS more sensitively and precisely. With various experimental data sets, we demonstrated that the combination usage of scTail and BRIE2 can discover differential alternative PAS usage in various biological processes including cell types in human intestinal, disease status of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and time point of mouse forelimb histogenesis, revealing critical insights in PAS regulations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.05.602174</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scTail: precise polyadenylation site detection and its alternative usage analysis from reads 1 preserved 3' scRNA-seq data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.05.602175v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
VirID: Beyond Virus Discovery - An Integrated Platform for Comprehensive RNA Virus Characterization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.05.602175v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA viruses exhibit vast phylogenetic diversity and can significantly impact public health and agriculture. However, current bioinformatics tools for viral discovery from metagenomic data frequently generate false positive virus results, overestimate viral diversity, and misclassify virus sequences. Additionally, current tools often fail to determine virus-host associations, which hampers investigation of the potential threat posed by a newly detected virus. To address these issues we developed VirID, a software tool specifically designed for the discovery and characterization of RNA viruses from metagenomic data. The basis of VirID is a comprehensive RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) database to enhance a workflow that includes RNA virus discovery, phylogenetic analysis, and phylogeny-based virus characterization. Benchmark tests on a simulated data set demonstrated that VirID had high accuracy in profiling viruses and estimating viral richness. In evaluations with real-world samples, VirID was able to identity RNA viruses of all type, but also provided accurate estimations of viral genetic diversity and virus classification, as well as comprehensive insights into virus associations with humans, animals, and plants. VirID therefore offers a robust tool for virus discovery and serves as a valuable resource in basic virological studies, pathogen surveillance, and early warning systems for infectious disease outbreaks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.05.602175</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[VirID: Beyond Virus Discovery - An Integrated Platform for Comprehensive RNA Virus Characterization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.05.602171v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Human microbiome-derived peptide affects the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via molecular mimicry 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.05.602171v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGut commensal microbiota has been identified as a potential environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), and numerous studies have linked the commensal microorganism with the onset of MS. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the gut microbiome and host-immune system interaction.

MethodsWe employed bioinformatics methodologies to identify human microbial-derived peptides by analyzing their similarity to the MHC II-TCR binding patterns of self-antigens. Subsequently, we conducted a range of in vitro and in vivo assays to assess the encephalitogenic potential of these microbial-derived peptides.

FindingsWe analyzed 304,246 human microbiome genomes and 103 metagenomes collected from the MS cohort and identified 731 nonredundant analogs of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55 (MOG35-55). Of note, half of these analogs could bind to MHC II and interact with TCR through structural modeling of the interaction using fine-tuned AlphaFold. Among the 8 selected peptides, the peptide (P3) shows the ability to activate MOG35-55-specific CD4+ T cells in vitro. Furthermore, P3 shows encephalitogenic capacity and has the potential to induce EAE in some animals. Notably, mice immunized with a combination of P3 and MOG35-55 develop severe EAE. Additionally, dendritic cells could process and present P3 to MOG-specific CD4+ T cells and activate these cells.

InterpretationOur data suggests the potential involvement of a MOG35-55-mimic peptide derived from the gut microbiota as a molecular trigger of EAE pathogenesis. Our findings offer direct evidence of how microbes can initiate the development of EAE, suggesting a potential microbiome-based therapeutic target for inhibiting the progression of MS.

FundingNational Natural Science Foundation of China (82371350 to GY)

Research in contextO_ST_ABSEvidence before this studyC_ST_ABSOn July 31, 2024, we conducted a search on PubMed for articles containing the phrases "gut microbiome and multiple sclerosis" and "gut microbiome and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis." This search yielded a total of 630 and 151 articles, respectively, indicating that the relationship between gut microbiota and the development of MS and EAE is well established. In contrast, our search for "gut microbiome and molecular mimicry and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis" revealed only two review papers, highlighting a significant gap in the literature regarding the role of molecular mimicry in connecting gut microbiome dynamics to the development of EAE.

Added value of this studyIn this study, we employed bioinformatics tools to screen for microbial-derived peptides in the gut that potentially cross-react with autoantigen-specific TCR. Our key findings include: 1) Identification of MOG35-55 mimics within the human gut microbiome by employing a combination of TCR-binding footprint screening and prediction model of peptide-MHC II-TCR complexes; 2) Microbial-derived MOG35-55 mimics can cross-react with MOG35-55-specific CD4+ T cells; 3) Among them, peptide 3 predicted from Akkermansia muciniphila can induce moderate EAE in mice; 4) Dendritic cells could process and present peptide 3 to MOG-specific CD4+ T cells and activate these cells.

Implications of all the available evidenceThis study suggests the potential involvement of a MOG35-55-mimic peptide derived from the gut microbiota as a molecular trigger of EAE pathogenesis. These data may provide a potential microbiome-based therapeutic target for inhibiting the progression of MS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.05.602171</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Human microbiome-derived peptide affects the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via molecular mimicry]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.10.602835v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Global siRNA Screen Reveals Critical Human Host Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Multicycle Replication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.10.602835v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Defining the subset of cellular factors governing SARS-CoV-2 replication can provide critical insights into viral pathogenesis and identify targets for host-directed antiviral therapies. While a number of genetic screens have previously reported SARS-CoV-2 host dependency factors, these approaches relied on utilizing pooled genome-scale CRISPR libraries, which are biased towards the discovery of host proteins impacting early stages of viral replication. To identify host factors involved throughout the SARS-CoV-2 infectious cycle, we conducted an arrayed genome-scale siRNA screen. Resulting data were integrated with published datasets to reveal pathways supported by orthogonal datasets, including transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modifications, and MAPK signalling. The identified proviral host factors were mapped into the SARS-CoV-2 infectious cycle, including 27 proteins that were determined to impact assembly and release. Additionally, a subset of proteins were tested across other coronaviruses revealing 17 potential pan-coronavirus targets. Further studies illuminated a role for the heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan in SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, and found that inhibition of the non-canonical NF-kB pathway through targeting of BIRC2 restricts SARS-CoV-2 replication both in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide critical insight into the landscape of virus-host interactions driving SARS-CoV-2 replication as well as valuable targets for host-directed antivirals.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pache, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Churas, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weston, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riva, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Simons, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cisneros, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clausen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Jesus, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, H. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fuentes, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Whitelock, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Esko, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lord, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mena, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia-Sastre, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hultquist, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frieman, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ideker, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pratt, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martin-Sancho, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chanda, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.10.602835</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Global siRNA Screen Reveals Critical Human Host Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Multicycle Replication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.08.602444v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unveiling Clonal Cell Fate and Differentiation Dynamics: A Hybrid NeuralODE-Gillespie Approach 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.08.602444v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent lineage tracing single-cell techniques (LT-scSeq), e.g., the Lineage And RNA RecoverY (LARRY) barcoding system, have enabled clonally resolved interpretation of differentiation trajectories. However, the heterogeneity of clone-specific kinetics remains understudied, both quantitatively and in terms of interpretability, thus limiting the power of bar-coding systems to unravel how heterogeneous stem cell clones drive overall cell population dynamics. Here, we present CLADES, a NeuralODE-based framework to faithfully estimate clone-specific kinetics of cell states from newly generated and publicly available human cord blood LARRY LT-scSeq data. By incorporating a stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) and differential expression gene (DEGs) analysis, CLADES yields cell division dynamics across differentiation timecourses and fate bias predictions for the early progenitor cells. Moreover, clone-level quantitative behaviours can be grouped into characteristic types by pooling individual clones into meta-clones. By benchmarking with CoSpar, we found that CLADES improves fate bias prediction accuracy at the meta-clone level. In conclusion, we report a broadly applicable approach to robustly quantify differentiation kinetics using meta-clones while providing valuable insights into the fate bias of cellular populations for any organ system maintained by a pool of heterogeneous stem and progenitor cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barile, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chabra, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haltalli, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Calderbank, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Laurenti, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gottgens, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.08.602444</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unveiling Clonal Cell Fate and Differentiation Dynamics: A Hybrid NeuralODE-Gillespie Approach]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.08.602471v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ANASFV: a workflow for ASFV whole genome sequencing, assembly, and evaluation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.08.602471v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) poses an ongoing threat with widespread outbreaks affecting both domestic and wild pig populations globally. Effective management of ASFV outbreaks necessitates a deep understanding of its genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics. Despite the advantages of nanopore sequencing for genome analysis, its application to ASFV genomes encounters specific challenges, such as high host DNA contamination that reduces viral genome coverage and an inherently higher error rate producing small insertions and deletions (indels). Another notable issue is the lack of standardized methods for assessing the quality of ASFV genomes. Furthermore, an increasing number of recombinant isolates of genotype I and II, have been observed, further complicating the task of phylogenetic analysis. To overcome these obstacles, we developed the ANASFV (analysis of an ASFV) pipeline. The pipeline is used to solve four tasks: In the first task, the pipeline introduces an amplicon sequencing approach that significantly improves genomic coverage, enabling reliable genome assembly. The pipeline also introduce reference-aided polishing techniques to correct small indels caused by nanopore sequencing errors. Moving on to the second task, a genome quality assessment system was established to evaluate the completeness and accuracy of the assembled genomes. For the third task, a method to rapidly analyze whether an isolate is a recombinant between genotype I and II, as well as to determine the pattern of recombination, based on gene similarity. Lastly, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis based on coding sequences (CDS) was conducted, allowing us to generate a refined phylogenetic tree that includes all known ASFV genomes. The ANASFV pipeline will facilitate ASFV full genome sequencing using the nanopore platform. The pipeline will also support robust downstream bioinformatic analyses to assess genome integrity and conduct detailed phylogenetic studies based on whole-genome data.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, E. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.08.602471</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ANASFV: a workflow for ASFV whole genome sequencing, assembly, and evaluation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.09.602008v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quadrupia: Derivation of G-quadruplexes for organismal genomes across the tree of life 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.09.602008v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
G-quadruplex DNA structures exhibit a profound influence on essential biological processes, including transcription, replication, telomere maintenance, and genomic stability. These structures have demonstrably shaped organismal evolution. However, a comprehensive, organism-wide G-quadruplex map encompassing the diversity of life has remained elusive. Here, we introduce Quadrupia, the most extensive and well-characterized G-quadruplex database to date, facilitating the exploration of G-quadruplex structures across the evolutionary spectrum. Quadrupia has identified G-quadruplex sequences in 108,449 reference genomes, with a total of 140,181,277 G-quadruplexes. The database also hosts a collection of 319,784 G-quadruplex clusters of 20 or more members, annotated by taxonomic distributions, multiple sequence alignments, profile Hidden Markov Models and cross-references to G-quadruplex 3D structures. Examination of G-quadruplexes across functional genomic elements in different taxa indicates preferential orientation and positioning, with significant differences between individual taxonomic groups. For example, we find that G-quadruplexes in bacteria with a single replication origin display profound preference for the leading orientation. Finally, we experimentally validate the most frequently observed G-quadruplexes using CD-spectroscopy, UV melting, and fluorescent-based approaches. Quadrupia is publicly available through https://www.pavlopoulos-lab.org/quadrupia.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chantzi, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nayak, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baltoumas, F. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aplakidou, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Galuh, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patsakis, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moeckel, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mouratidis, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sazed, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guiblet, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Montgomery, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Karmiris-Obratanski, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guliang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zaravinos, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vasquez, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pavlopoulos, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Georgakopoulos-Soares, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.09.602008</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quadrupia: Derivation of G-quadruplexes for organismal genomes across the tree of life]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.11.603043v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BOOST: a robust ten-fold expansion method on hour-scale 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.11.603043v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Expansion microscopy (ExM) enhances the microscopy resolution by physically expanding biological specimens and improves the visualization of structural and molecular details. Numerous ExM techniques and labeling methods have been developed and refined over the past decade to cater to specific research needs. Nonetheless, a shared limitation among current protocols is the extensive time required for sample processing, particularly for challenging-to-expand biological specimens (e.g., formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections and large three-dimensional specimens). Here, we have developed a rapid and robust ExM workflow named BOOST, which leverages a series of novel microwave (MW)-accelerated ExM chemistry, resulting in a single-step linear expansion of [~]10x. Specifically, BOOST facilitates a [~]10-fold expansion of cultured cells, tissue sections, and even the challenging-to-expand FFPE sections under merely 90 minutes with heat and surfactant-based protein denaturation. Furthermore, BOOST employs microwave-assisted proteomic staining and immunostaining to facilitate high-resolution visualization of structural and molecular details with significantly enhanced throughput. Noteworthily, BOOST has pioneered a [~]10-fold expansion of large millimeter-sized three-dimensional specimens in approximately three hours. BOOST offers an easily adaptable workflow based on stable and common reagents, thus boosting the potential adoption of ExM methods in biological investigations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.11.603043</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BOOST: a robust ten-fold expansion method on hour-scale]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.12.603194v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Muller glia cell cycle re-activation by simultaneous cyclin D1 overexpression and p27kip1 knockdown promotes retinal regeneration in mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.12.603194v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Harnessing the regenerative potential of endogenous stem cells to restore lost neurons is a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Muller glia (MG), the primary glial cell type in the retina, exhibit extraordinary regenerative abilities in zebrafish, proliferating and differentiating into neurons post-injury. However, the regenerative potential of mouse MG is limited by their inherent inability to re-enter the cell cycle, constrained by high levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1 and low levels of cyclin D1. Here, we report a method to drive robust MG proliferation by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated cyclin D1 overexpression and p27Kip1 knockdown. MG proliferation induced by this dual targeting vector was self-limiting, as MG did not undergo uncontrolled proliferation. As shown by single-cell RNA-sequencing, cell cycle reactivation led to suppression of interferon signaling, activation of reactive gliosis, and downregulation of glial genes in MG. Over time, the majority of the MG daughter cells retained the glial fate, resulting in an expanded MG pool. Interestingly, about 1% MG daughter cells expressed markers for retinal interneurons, suggesting latent neurogenic potential in a small MG subset. By establishing a safe, controlled method to promote MG proliferation in vivo while preserving retinal integrity, this work provides a valuable tool for combinatorial therapies integrating neurogenic stimuli to promote neuron regeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ying, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keung, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ahola, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.12.603194</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Muller glia cell cycle re-activation by simultaneous cyclin D1 overexpression and p27kip1 knockdown promotes retinal regeneration in mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.16.603675v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Elucidating the Diversity and Potential Function of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-translationally Modified Peptides in the Human Microbiome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.16.603675v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The human microbiome holds tremendous potential for generating specialized peptides, specifically ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), significantly affecting human health by mediating interactions with other microbes and the human host. However, the capacity of our microbiome to produce these peptides and their links with human health are poorly understood. This study systematically analyzes 306,481 human microbiota-associated genomes, uncovering a broad array of yet-to-be-discovered RiPPs. These RiPPs are distributed across various body sites but show a specific enrichment in the gut and oral microbiome. Big data omics analysis reveals that numerous RiPP families are inversely related to various diseases, suggesting their potential protective effects on health. For a proof of principle study, guided by biosynthetic prediction, nine autoinducing peptides (AIPs) were chemically synthesized for in vitro and ex vivo assay. Our findings revealed that five AIPs effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of disease-associated pathogens, with one demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory capabilities. Furthermore, when ex vivo testing gut bacteria from mice with inflammatory bowel disease, we observed that two AIPs could regulate the microbial community and reduce harmful species. These findings highlight the vast potential of human microbial RiPPs in regulating microbial communities and maintaining human health, emphasizing their potential for therapeutic development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>GAO, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SHI, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CAI, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHONG, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HE, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.16.603675</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Elucidating the Diversity and Potential Function of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-translationally Modified Peptides in the Human Microbiome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.16.603672v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dynamin 1-mediated endocytic recycling of glycosylated N-cadherin sustains the plastic mesenchymal state to promote ovarian cancer metastasis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.16.603672v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process that confers metastatic plasticity to ovarian cancer cells, enabling them to disseminate aggressively throughout the peritoneal cavity and contributing to poor clinical outcomes for patients. However, a pharmacologically exploitable driver of EMT in ovarian cancer has yet to be identified. To address this, we utilized a master regulators algorithm to prioritize EMT regulators from a dataset of over 8,000 patient samples, including multidimensional omics data from more than 20 cancer types in TCGA. Further analysis identified dynamin-1 (DNM1), an endocytic regulator, as a novel master regulator of EMT in ovarian cancer. Clinically, DNM1 overexpression was found to be associated with the mesenchymal subtype and advanced/metastatic stages of ovarian carcinomas. Molecular assays revealed that DNM1 upregulates N-cadherin, a hallmark mesenchymal marker, by promoting its endocytosis and recycling, thereby inducing cell polarization and motility. In addition, integration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses uncovered the repression of beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase (B3GALT1), a glycosyltransferase, in metastatic cells. B3GALT1-mediated glycosylation hindered the recycling of N-cadherin. Functional studies demonstrated that depletion of DNM1 or pharmacological inhibition of endocytic recycling significantly impaired cell polarity, migration, and also cancer stemness. Importantly, in vivo experiments showed that the loss of DNM1 significantly suppressed peritoneal metastatic colonization. Interestingly, metastatic cells with elevated DNM1-mediated endocytosis showed increased susceptibility to nanoparticle delivery. Collectively, these results establish the DNM1-N-cadherin axis as an important regulator of EMT-associated ovarian cancer metastasis and suggest its potential as a biomarker for targeted nanodrug therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, S. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, P. P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.16.603672</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dynamin 1-mediated endocytic recycling of glycosylated N-cadherin sustains the plastic mesenchymal state to promote ovarian cancer metastasis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.17.604003v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A neurofunctional signature of affective arousal generalizes across valence domains and distinguishes subjective experience from autonomic reactivity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.17.604003v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Arousal is fundamental for affective experience and, together with valence, defines the core affective space. Precise brain models of affective arousal are lacking, leading to continuing debates of whether the neural systems generalize across valence domains and are separable from those underlying autonomic arousal or wakefulness. Here, we combined naturalistic fMRI with predictive modeling to develop a brain affective arousal signature (BAAS, discovery-validation design, n=60, 36). We demonstrate its (1) sensitivity and generalizability across mental processes and valence, and (2) neural distinction from autonomic arousal, wakefulness, and stimulation modality (24 studies, n=868). Affective arousal was encoded in distributed cortical-subcortical (e.g., prefrontal, PAG) systems with local similarities in thalamo-amygdala-insula systems between affective and autonomous arousal. We demonstrate application of the BAAS to improve specificity of established valence-specific neuromarkers. Our study provides a biologically plausible model for affective arousal that aligns with the affective space and has a high application potential.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.17.604003</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A neurofunctional signature of affective arousal generalizes across valence domains and distinguishes subjective experience from autonomic reactivity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.19.604242v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Olfactory cortical outputs recruit and shape distinct brain-wide spatiotemporal networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.19.604242v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Odor information is transmitted from the olfactory bulb to several primary olfactory cortical regions in parallel, including the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) and piriform cortex (Pir). However, the specific roles of the olfactory bulb and cortical outputs in wider interactions with other interconnected regions throughout the brain remain unclear due to the lack of suitable in vivo techniques. Furthermore, emerging associations between olfactory-related dysfunctions and neurological disorders underscore the need for examining olfactory networks at the systems level. Using optogenetics, fMRI, and computational modeling, we interrogated the spatiotemporal properties of brain-wide neural interactions in olfactory networks. We observed distinct downstream recruitment patterns. Specifically, stimulation of excitatory projection neurons in OB predominantly activates primary olfactory network regions, while stimulation of OB afferents in AON and Pir primarily orthodromically activates hippocampal/striatal and limbic networks, respectively. Temporally, repeated OB or AON stimulation diminishes neural activity propagation brain-wide in contrast to Pir stimulation. Dynamic causal modeling analysis reveals a robust inhibitory effect of AON outputs on striatal and limbic network regions. In addition, experiments in aged rat models show decreased brain-wide activation following OB stimulation, particularly in the primary olfactory and limbic networks. Modeling analysis identifies a dysfunctional AON to Pir connection, indicating the impairment of this primary olfactory cortical circuit that disrupts the downstream long-range propagation. Our study for the first time delineates the spatiotemporal properties of olfactory neural activity propagation in brain-wide networks and uncovers the roles of primary olfactory cortical, AON and Pir, outputs in shaping neural interactions at the systems level.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leong, A. T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, E. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.19.604242</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Olfactory cortical outputs recruit and shape distinct brain-wide spatiotemporal networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.19.604252v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spiking neural network models of sound localisation via a massively collaborative process 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.19.604252v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AbstractNeuroscientists are increasingly initiating large-scale collaborations which bring together tens to hundreds of researchers. However, while these projects represent a step-change in scale, they retain a traditional structure with centralised funding, participating laboratories and data sharing on publication. Inspired by an open-source project in pure mathematics, we set out to test the feasibility of an alternative structure by running a grassroots, massively collaborative project in computational neuroscience. To do so, we launched a public Git repository, with code for training spiking neural networks to solve a sound localisation task via surrogate gradient descent. We then invited anyone, anywhere to use this code as a springboard for exploring questions of interest to them, and encouraged participants to share their work both asynchro-nously through Git and synchronously at monthly online workshops. At a scientific level, our work investigated how a range of biologically-relevant parameters, from time delays to mem-brane time constants and levels of inhibition, could impact sound localisation in networks of spiking units. At a more macro-level, our project brought together 31 researchers from multiple countries, provided hands-on research experience to early career participants, and opportunities for supervision and teaching to later career participants. Looking ahead, our project provides a glimpse of what open, collaborative science could look like and provides a necessary, tentative step towards it.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ghosh, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Habashy, K. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Santis, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fiers, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ercelik, D. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meszaros, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Friedenberger, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bena, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abubacar, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Byrne, R. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riquelme, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aizenbud, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bicknell, B. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bormuth, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Antonietti, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goodman, D. F. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.19.604252</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spiking neural network models of sound localisation via a massively collaborative process]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.23.604393v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Towards a new standard in genomic data privacy: a realization of owner-governance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.23.604393v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With the rapid developments in sequencing technologies, individuals now have unprecedented access to their genomic data. However, existing data management systems or protocols are inadequate for protecting privacy, limiting individuals control over their genomic information, hindering data sharing, and posing a challenge for biomedical research. To fill the gap, an owner-governed system that fulfills owner authority, lifecycle data encryption, and verifiability at the same time is prompted. In this paper, we realized Governome, an owner-governed data management system designed to empower individuals with absolute control over their genomic data during data sharing. Governome uses a blockchain to manage all transactions and permissions, enabling data owners with dynamic permission management and to be fully informed about every data usage. It uses homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs to enable genomic data storage and computation in an encrypted and verifiable form for its whole lifecycle. Governome supports genomic analysis tasks, including individual variant query, cohort study, GWAS analysis, and forensics. Query of a variants genotype distribution among 2,504 1kGP individuals in Governome can be efficiently completed in under 18 hours on an ordinary server. Governome is an open-source project available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/Governome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, K.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.23.604393</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Towards a new standard in genomic data privacy: a realization of owner-governance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.30.605756v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interaural level difference sensitivity in neonatally deafened rats fitted with bilateral cochlear implants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.30.605756v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bilateral cochlear implant (CI) patients exhibit significant limitations in spatial hearing. Their ability to process interaural time differences (ITDs) is often impaired, while their ability to process interaural level differences (ILDs) remains comparatively good. Clinical studies aiming to identify the causes of these limitations are often plagued by confounds and ethical limitations. Recent behavioral work suggests that rats may be a good animal model for studying binaural hearing under neuroprosthetic stimulation, as rats develop excellent ITD sensitivity when provided with suitable CI stimulation. However, their ability to use ILDs has not yet been characterized. Objective of this study is to address this knowledge gap. Neontally deafened rats were bilaterally fitted with CIs, and trained to lateralize binaural stimuli according to ILD. Their behavioral ILD thresholds were measured at pulse rates from 50 to 2400 pps. CI rats exhibited high sensitivity to ILDs with thresholds of a few dB at all tested pulse rates. We conclude that early deafened rats develop good sensitivity, not only to ITDs but also to ILDs, if provided with appropriate CI stimulation. Their generally good performance, in line with expectations from other mammalian species, validates rats as an excellent model for research on binaural auditory prostheses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Buchholz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arndt, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosskothen-Kuhl, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.30.605756</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interaural level difference sensitivity in neonatally deafened rats fitted with bilateral cochlear implants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.605964v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cholecystokinin modulates age-dependent Thalamocortical Neuroplasticity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.605964v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The thalamocortical pathways exhibit neuroplasticity not only during the critical period but also in adulthood. In this study, we investigated how cholecystokinin (CCK) modulates age-dependent thalamocortical plasticity. Our findings demonstrated that CCK is expressed in thalamocortical neurons and that high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the thalamocortical pathway triggers the release of CCK in auditory cortex (ACx), as detected by a CCK sensor. HFS of the medial geniculate body (MGB) induced thalamocortical long-term potentiation (LTP) in wild-type young adult mice. However, knockdown of Cck expression in MGB neurons or blockade of the CCK-B receptor (CCKBR) in the ACx abolished HFS-induced LTP. Interestingly, this LTP could not be elicited in juvenile (3-week-old) or aged mice (over 18-month-old) due to distinct mechanisms: the absence of CCKBR in juveniles and the inability to release CCK in aged mice. Notably, exogenous administration of CCK into the ACx rescued LTP in aged mice and significantly improved frequency discrimination. These findings highlight the potential of CCK as a therapeutic intervention for ameliorating neuroplasticity deficits associated with thalamocortical connectivity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jendrichovsky, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bello, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.31.605964</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cholecystokinin modulates age-dependent Thalamocortical Neuroplasticity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.603949v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Aging amplifies sex differences in low alpha and low beta EEG oscillations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.603949v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biological sex profoundly shapes brain function, yet its precise influence on neural oscillations was poorly understood. Despite decades of research, studies investigating sex-based variations in electroencephalographic (EEG) signals have yielded inconsistent findings that obstructs what may be a potentially crucial source of inter-individual variability in brain function. To address this, we analyzed five publicly available resting-state datasets, comprising EEG data (n=445) and iEEG data (n=103). Our results revealed striking age-dependent sex differences: older adults (30-80 years) exhibited robust sex differences, with males showing heightened low alpha (8-9 Hz) activity in temporal regions and attenuated low beta (16-20 Hz) oscillations in parietal-occipital areas compared to females. Intriguingly, these sex-specific patterns were absent in younger adults (20-30 years), suggesting a complex interplay between sex and aging in shaping brain dynamics. Furthermore, we identified consistent sex-related activity in the precentral gyrus with the results of scalp EEG, potentially driving the observed scalp EEG differences. This multi-level analysis allowed us to bridge the gap between cortical and scalp- level observations, providing a more comprehensive picture of sex-related neural dynamics. To further investigate the functional implications of these oscillatory differences, we conducted correlation analyses to uncover significant associations between sex-specific oscillatory patterns and several lifestyle factors (behavioral and anthropometric measures) in older adults. This comprehensive investigation demonstrates the complex interplay between sex, age, and neural oscillations, revealing the variability in brain dynamics. And our findings highlight the importance of careful demographic consideration in EEG research design to ensure fairness in capturing the full spectrum of neurophysiological diversity.

Significance statementThe influence of biological sex and age on neural oscillations had been a long- standing, unresolved question in EEG research, largely unaddressed due to limited sample sizes and simplistic demographic matching. Our study leverages large-scale, open datasets to tackle this issue, analyzing hundreds of participants across five datasets. Our findings demonstrate substantial sex- based differences in even resting-state EEG baselines, particularly in low alpha and low beta bands, uncovering a significant source of variability in neural activity. By connecting these sex and age-related variations to potential neural circuit mechanisms and lifestyle factors, our findings highlight the importance of careful demographic consideration in EEG research design in EEG experimental design to accurately capture the rich spectrum of neurophysiological variability across the lifespan.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, V. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.31.603949</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Aging amplifies sex differences in low alpha and low beta EEG oscillations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.606012v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Extensive mutual influences of SMC complexes shape 3D genome folding 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.606012v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mammalian genomes are folded by the distinct actions of SMC complexes which include the chromatin loop-extruding cohesin, the sister-chromatid cohesive cohesin, and the mitotic chromosome-associated condensins. While these complexes function at different stages of the cell cycle, they co-exist on chromatin during the G2/M-phase transition, when genome structure undergoes a dramatic reorganization. Yet, how distinct SMC complexes affect each other and how their mutual interplay orchestrates the dynamic folding of 3D genome remains elusive. Here, we engineered all possible cohesin/condensin configurations on mitotic chromosomes to delineate the concerted, mutual influential action of SMC complexes. We find that: (i) The mitotic SMC complex condensin disrupts the focal accumulation of extrusive-cohesin at CTCF binding sites, thereby promoting the disassembly of interphase TADs and chromatin loops during mitotic progression. Conversely, extrusive-cohesin can impair condensin activity and alter mitotic chromosome helicity. (ii) Condensin diminishes cohesive-cohesin focal enrichment and, conversely, cohesive-cohesin can counteract condensin function and impede mitotic chromosome longitudinal shortening. (iii) The co-presence of extrusive- and cohesive-cohesin synergistically antagonizes condensin function and dramatically delays mitotic chromosome condensation. (iv) Extrusive-cohesin positions cohesive-cohesin at CTCF binding sites. However, cohesive-cohesin by itself is insufficient to mediate the formation of TADs or chromatin loop, implying non-overlapping function with extrusive-cohesin. Instead, cohesive-cohesin restricts chromatin loop expansion, potentially by limiting extrusive-cohesin movement. Collectively, our data describe a comprehensive three-way interplay among major SMC complexes that dynamically sculpts chromatin architecture during cell cycle progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Blobel, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.31.606012</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Extensive mutual influences of SMC complexes shape 3D genome folding]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.01.606099v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EPInformer: A Scalable Deep Learning Framework for Gene Expression Prediction by Integrating Promoter-enhancer Sequences with Multimodal Epigenomic Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.01.606099v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Transcriptional regulation, critical for cellular differentiation and adaptation to environmental changes, involves coordinated interactions among DNA sequences, regulatory proteins, and chromatin architecture. Despite extensive data from consortia like ENCODE, understanding the dynamics of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in gene expression remains challenging. Deep learning is a powerful tool for learning gene expression and epigenomic signals from DNA sequences, exhibiting superior performance compared to conventional machine learning approaches. However, even the most advanced deep learning-based methods may fall short in capturing the regulatory effects of distal elements such as enhancers, limiting their predictive accuracy. In addition, these methods may require significant resources to train or to adapt to newly generated data. To address these challenges, we present EPInformer, a scalable deep-learning framework for predicting gene expression by integrating promoter-enhancer interactions with their sequences, epigenomic signals, and chromatin contacts. Our model outperforms existing gene expression prediction models in rigorous cross-chromosome validation, accurately recapitulates enhancer-gene interactions validated by CRISPR perturbation experiments, and identifies crucial transcription factor motifs within regulatory sequences. EPInformer is available as open-source software at https://github.com/pinellolab/EPInformer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pinello, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.01.606099</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EPInformer: A Scalable Deep Learning Framework for Gene Expression Prediction by Integrating Promoter-enhancer Sequences with Multimodal Epigenomic Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.606102v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MOSTPLAS: A Self-correction Multi-label Learning Model for Plasmid Host Range Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.31.606102v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Plasmids play an essential role in horizontal gene transfer among diverse microorganisms, aiding their host bacteria in acquiring beneficial traits like antibiotic and metal resistance. Identifying the host bacteria where a plasmid can transfer, replicate or persist provides insights into how plasmids promote bacterial evolution. Plasmid host range prediction tools can be categorized as alignment-based and learning-based. Alignment-based tools have high precision but fail to align many newly sequenced plasmids with characterized ones in reference databases. In contrast, learning-based tools help predict the host range of these newly discovered plasmids. Although previous researches have demonstrated the existence of broad-host-range (BHR) plasmids, there is no database providing their detailed and complete host labels. Without adequate well-annotated training samples, learning-based tools fail to extract discriminative feature representations and obtain limited performance. To address this problem, we propose a self-correction multi-label learning model called MOSTPLAS. We design a pseudo label learning algorithm and a self-correction asymmetric loss to facilitate the training of multi-label learning model with samples containing some unknown missing positive labels. Experimental results on multi-host plasmids generated from the NCBI RefSeq database, metagenomic data, and real-world plasmid sequences with experimentally determined host range demonstrate the superiority of MOSTPLAS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.07.31.606102</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MOSTPLAS: A Self-correction Multi-label Learning Model for Plasmid Host Range Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.16.608269v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Coral microbiomes from the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans have the same alpha diversity but different composition 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.16.608269v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Corals are early-branching animals highly reliant on diverse symbionts for growth and reproduction. Most coral groups, including stony corals and hydrocorals, exhibit deep genetic divergence between the Atlantic (ATO) and Indo-Pacific (IPO) oceans, hampering their direct comparison. Although sibling zoanthid species (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) deviate from this pattern, their symbioses have so far only been studied on local scales. Here, we examined the microbiomes of Palythoa caribaeorum from the ATO and P. tuberculosa from the IPO. Our extensive geographical sampling and metabarcoding revealed that Palythoa microbiomes have similar alpha diversity in both oceans. The primary exceptions are the symbiodiniacean Cladocopium and Chlamydiae bacteria, which mirror the global diversity patterns of corals. Despite distinct overall microbial compositions between oceans, some regions shared remarkably similar communities, hinting at the importance of both symbiont phylogeny and function. Finally, we explore the shift from commensal/mutualistic microbes to opportunistic pathogens, crucial amid the ongoing environmental changes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Santos, M. E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reimer, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kiriukhin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wee, H. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mizuyama, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kise, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kitahara, M. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Iguchi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dudoit, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Toonen, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Husnik, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.16.608269</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Coral microbiomes from the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans have the same alpha diversity but different composition]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.16.608230v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Enhanced spatially resolved transcriptomics analysis by matching between expression profiles and spatial topology 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.16.608230v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) quantifies gene expression covering contextual heterogeneity for the tissue section. Exploratory data analysis using SRT data sheds light on diverse biomedical research fields. We propose STForte, a pairwise graph autoencoding-based approach for SRT data analysis, which is capable of matching the information between expression profiles and spatial topology in the latent space. STForte benefits from the designed framework to provide encodings with justifiable spatial correlations for the down-stream analysis of both homogeneous and heterogeneous SRT data. Moreover, STForte can unravel the biological patterns of unobserved locations or recover deficient measurements to enable spatial enhancement. Latent encodings generated by STForte can be used to perform spatial region identification or other downstream tasks to gain biological insights and elucidate biological processes. In this work, we presented various analyses to show that STForte is scalable for analyzing SRT data under different scenarios with considerable performance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.-z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Imoto, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.16.608230</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Enhanced spatially resolved transcriptomics analysis by matching between expression profiles and spatial topology]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.19.608591v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SegFinder: an automated tool for identifying RNA virus genome segments through co-occurrence in multiple sequenced samples 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.19.608591v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Metagenomic sequencing has expanded the RNA virosphere, but many identified viral genomes remain incomplete, especially for segmented viruses. Traditional methods relying on sequence homology struggle to identify highly divergent segments and group them confidently within a single virus species. To address this, we developed a new bioinformatic tool - SegFinder - that identifies virus genome segments based on their common co-occurrence at similar abundance within segmented viruses. SegFinder successfully re-discovered all segments from a test data set of individual mosquito transcriptomes, which was also used to establish parameter thresholds for reliable segment identification. Using these optimal parameters, we applied SegFinder to 858 libraries from eight metagenomic sequencing projects, including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and environmental samples. Furthermore, we identified 108 (excluding RdRP) unique viral genome segments, of which 55 were novel and 32 showed no recognizable sequence homology to known sequences but which were verified by the presence of conserved sequences at the genome termini. SegFinder is also able to identify segmented genome structures in viruses previously considered to be predominantly unsegmented, and in doing so expanded the number of known families and orders of segmented RNA viruses, making it a valuable tool in an era of large-scale parallel sequencing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holmes, E. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.19.608591</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SegFinder: an automated tool for identifying RNA virus genome segments through co-occurrence in multiple sequenced samples]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.21.608654v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
FGR Src Family Kinase Causes Signaling and Phenotypic Shift Mimicking Retinoic Acid-Induced Differentiation of Leukemic Cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.21.608654v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Retinoic acid (RA) is an embryonic morphogen used in cancer differentiation-therapy. It causes a plethora of changes in gene expression culminating in cell differentiation. We now find that amongst them, expression of the Src-family-kinase, FGR, by itself causes cell differentiation analogous to RA. The historically dominant/classical paradigm for RA mechanism of action is transcriptional activation via binding to the ligand-activated nuclear receptors, RAR/RXR. In the HL-60 human myelo-monocytic leukemia model, an actively proliferating, phenotypically immature, lineage bi-potent NCI-60 cell line, RA causes election of the myeloid lineage and phenotypic maturation with G1/0 growth inhibition. It thereby converts transformed immature proliferating tumor cells to mature growth retarded cells that bear fidelity to non-transformed mature myeloid cells. The present study finds that expression of the FGR SFK(SRC-family-kinase) alone is sufficient to induce differentiation. Akin to RA, the phenotypic conversion manifests as expression of CD38, CD11b, and ROS, as well as the p27(kip1) CDKI (cyclin-dependent-kinase-inhibitor that retards cells in G1/0) characteristic of mature myeloid cells. To pursue mechanistic insight, signaling attributes known to promote RA-induced differentiation were analyzed to see what FGR affected. RA is known to cause expression of FGR which is incorporated into and activates a putative novel cytosolic macromolecular signaling machine(signalsome) that propels differentiation. RA enhances the abundance of signalsome constituents, their associations, and their phosphorylation. The signalsome contains connected nodes that appear as a spine to which the other components are connected. The apparent "nodes" are RAF, LYN, FGR, SLP-76 and CBL. All of these become enriched in the nucleus after RA-treatment. NUMB and VAV appear to provide further scaffolding functions enhanced by RA. RAF in the nucleus complexes with a RARE (retinoic acid-response-element) in the promoter of the blr1 gene, which encodes a serpentine G-protein-coupled-receptor. blr1 transcriptional activation by RA depends on RAF binding. BLR1 expression is necessary to propel RA-induced differentiation, although by itself is not sufficient to cause phenotypic differentiation. Analyzing this signaling process revealed that expression of FGR mimics RA-induced enhancement of the signalsome nodes, enhancing expression of RAF and its phosphorylation, and causing BLR1 expression. Interestingly, for cd38 and blr1, FGR apparently causes expression of genes targeted by RAR/RXR even without RA. FGR thus appears to cause signaling events and phenotypic shift characteristic of RA. In sum, the data indicate that FGR is the "trigger" for RA-induced differentiation. Given the historical perception of FGR as a pro-proliferation, transforming-viral-oncogene, this is a surprising paradigm shift.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kazim, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.21.608654</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[FGR Src Family Kinase Causes Signaling and Phenotypic Shift Mimicking Retinoic Acid-Induced Differentiation of Leukemic Cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.22.609192v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Endothelial MICU1 protects against vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis by inhibiting mitochondrial calcium uptake 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.22.609192v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Atherosclerosis is triggered by endothelial activation and vascular inflammation, which is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial calcium uptake 1 (MICU1), as the gatekeeper of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, is a critical player in mitochondrial function and implicated in a plethora of pathophysiological conditions. However, the role of MICU1 in the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis is unknown. We ask whether endothelial MICU1 can prevent vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. We observed that vascular inflammation in response to LPS was aggravated in EC-specific Micu1 knockout mice (Micu1ECKO) and reduced in EC-specific Micu1 transgenic mice (Micu1ECTg). Furthermore, hypercholesterolemic Micu1ECKO mice also showed accelerated formation of atherosclerotic plaques, while Micu1ECTg mice protected against atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, MICU1 regulated mitochondrial Ca2+ influx, thereby reducing the expression of the mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 and the ensuing deacetylation of SOD2, leading to the burst of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS). Of clinical relevance, we identified decreased MICU1 level in endothelial layer of human atherosclerotic plaques, as well as in primary human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) exposed to serum from patients with coronary artery diseases. Two-sample Wald ratio Mendelian randomization further revealed that increased expression of MICU1 was associated with decreased risk of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our findings unravel a critical and unrecognized role of MICU1 in preventing vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis by maintaining mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leng, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Banach, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pelisek, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Camici, G. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berk, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Offermanns, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.22.609192</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Endothelial MICU1 protects against vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis by inhibiting mitochondrial calcium uptake]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.26.609693v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genomic signatures and demographic history of the widespread and critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.26.609693v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Population declines may have long-term genetic consequences, including genetic erosion and inbreeding depression, which could affect species evolutionary potential and increase their risk of extinction. Small populations are more vulnerable to genetic threats than common species, but even species with large populations can also be at risk of extinction. The yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola) is a common and widespread songbird in the northern Palearctic regions, but its population has drastically declined by around 90% throughout the past 30 years, leading to an upgrade of its conservation status to critically endangered. In this study, we identified three populations within this species using whole-genome resequencing data, but the genetic differentiation between populations was shallow. These populations underwent similar population fluctuations but differed in the extent of population decline, resulting in lower genetic diversity and more homozygous deleterious mutations in a population comprising individuals on islands. The ancient demographic history was mainly associated with the climate, while recent population declines are likely due to human activities. Our results suggest that the yellow-breasted bunting population before the recent population collapse faced relatively low genetic threats and had high evolutionary potential. However, we should be vigilant about the genetic threats faced by this species as our sampling time occurred at the onset of its recent global population collapse. This study provides valuable genetic information for appropriate conservation management of the yellow-breasted bunting and sheds light on the extinction risks and genetic consequences common species face.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.26.609693</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genomic signatures and demographic history of the widespread and critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.26.609698v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Foraging niche partitioning of three Myotis bat species and marine fish consumption by Myotis pilosus in a subtropical East Asian region 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.26.609698v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Most bats are insectivorous, but some species have evolved the ability to prey on fish. Although piscivory has been confirmed in the Ricketts big-footed myotis (Myotis pilosus), the extent of piscivory of other cohabiting Myotis species is uncertain. This study aims to explore the dietary niches and fish consumption of three Myotis species in a subtropical East Asian region, and specifically the fish diet of M. pilosus. Our findings reveal, for the first time, that M. pilosus consumes marine fishes, in contrast to previous research conducted in inland regions that suggested year-round consumption of cyprinids in freshwater habitats. We also observed seasonal variation in the diets of M. pilosus. It predominately hunted wide-banded hardyhead silverside, sailfin flying fish, and shorthead anchovy during the wet season, while mainly preying upon mullets during the dry months. In more inland areas, M. pilosus was found to primarily feed on invasive freshwater poeciliids. Furthermore, M. pilosus consumed more fish during the dry season, while there was a greater consumption of insects during the wet months. Most notably among our findings is the consumption of fish by two individuals of Horsfields myotis (M. horsfieldii), indicating that the species is potentially piscivorous. We revealed that both M. horsfieldii and M. pilosus consumed water striders, suggesting that foraging of aquatic insects could be driving the evolution of fishing behavior. Our findings have also shed light on the flexibility of foraging behavior in piscivorous bats.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, E. S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, J. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shek, C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-08-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.08.26.609698</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Foraging niche partitioning of three Myotis bat species and marine fish consumption by Myotis pilosus in a subtropical East Asian region]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-08-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.03.610967v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Differential splice isoforms of mouse CDK2 play functionally redundant roles during mitotic and meiotic division 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.03.610967v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In most mammals, the cell cycle kinase; cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is expressed as two major isoforms due to the inclusion or exclusion of an alternatively spliced exon. The shorter CDK2 isoform: CDK2S, is expressed constitutively during the cell cycle and can be detected in many different tissue types. In contrast, the longer isoform: CDK2L, shows preferential expression in meiotically dividing cells of the germ cells and upon S-phase entry during mitotic cell division. Both CDK2L and CDK2S form heteromeric complexes with cyclins A2 and E1 in vitro. However, complexes comprised of each isoform differ considerably in their kinase activity towards known CDK substrates. It is currently unknown whether the long and short isoforms of CDK2 play functionally different roles in vivo during either mitotic and meiotic divisions as conventional knockout methodology leads to the loss of both isoforms. In this study, we find that both CDK2L and CDK2S are sufficient to support both mitotic and meiotic division when expressed in the absence of the other. This data contributes to the explanation of the apparent tolerance of the evolutionary loss of CDK2L expression in humans.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Palmer, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Talib, S. Z. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ow, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tabaglio, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goh, C. M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guccione, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaldis, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.03.610967</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Differential splice isoforms of mouse CDK2 play functionally redundant roles during mitotic and meiotic division]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.04.611193v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RNase III in Salmonella Enteritidis enhances bacterial virulence by reducing host immune responses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.04.611193v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen which comprises strains that exhibit varied virulence phenotypes and the capability of causing invasive human infection. In this study, the gene expression profile of foodborne and clinical Salmonella strains that exhibit high- and low-level virulence was investigated, with results showing that the expression level of a number of genes, including the rnc gene which encodes the RNase III ribonuclease, were exceptionally high in the high virulence strains. Investigation of the role of rnc in mediating expression of virulence phenotypes in Salmonella showed that the product of this gene could enhance expression of the superoxide dismutase SodA, which is an essential determinant of survival fitness of Salmonella under the oxidative stress elicited by the host immunity. On the other hand, we also discovered that the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) released from Salmonella could trigger immune response of the host, and that the high-level expression of the rnc gene enabled Salmonella to evade the host immunity by reducing the amount of dsRNA accumulated in the bacterial cell. These findings provide insightful understanding of the regulation of Salmonella virulence and facilitate development of novel antimicrobial treatments through suppression of virulence expression and survival fitness of this important pathogen.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>CHAN, K.-w. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NI, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHAN, W.-c. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.04.611193</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RNase III in Salmonella Enteritidis enhances bacterial virulence by reducing host immune responses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.08.611708v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross-species interactome analysis uncovers a conserved selective autophagy mechanism for protein quality control in plants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.08.611708v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Selective autophagy is a fundamental protein quality control pathway that safeguards proteostasis by degrading damaged or surplus cellular components, particularly under stress. This process is orchestrated by selective autophagy receptors (SARs) that direct specific cargo for degradation. While significant strides have been made in understanding the molecular framework of selective autophagy, the diversity of SAR repertoires across species remain largely unexplored. Through a comparative interactome analysis across five model organisms, we identified a suite of conserved and lineage-specific SAR candidates. Among these, we validated CESAR as a conserved SAR critical for proteostasis under heat stress. CESAR specifically facilitates the degradation of hydrophobic, ubiquitinated protein aggregates and is indispensable for heat stress tolerance. Our study offers a rich resource for SAR discovery and positions CESAR as a pivotal regulator of proteostasis, with broad implications for improving stress resilience in plants.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hernandez, V. S. d. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garcia, M. M. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clavel, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Papareddy, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Andreev, V. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De la Concepcion, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mathur, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Picchianti, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grujic, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kobylinska, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdrakhmanov, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duverge, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anand, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leibrock, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bianchi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Crawford, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Argiro, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mohseni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leon, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matuszkiewickz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Raffeiner, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wun, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kanne, J. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meinhart, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roitinger, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baurle, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petersen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ustun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kulathu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clausen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramundo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dagdas, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.08.611708</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross-species interactome analysis uncovers a conserved selective autophagy mechanism for protein quality control in plants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.09.611939v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biomolecular condensation of ERC1 recruits ATG8 and NBR1 to drive autophagosome formation for plant heat tolerance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.09.611939v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is essential for cells to respond to nutrient stress by delivering cytosolic contents to vacuoles for degradation via the formation of a multi-layer vesicle named autophagosome. A set of autophagy-related (ATG) regulators are recruited to the phagophore assembly site for the initiation of phagophore, as well as its expansion and closure and subsequent delivery into the vacuole. However, it remains elusive that how the phagophore assembly is regulated under different stress conditions. Here, we described an unknown Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cytosolic ATG8-interaction protein family (ERC1/2), that binds ATG8 and NBR1 to promote autophagy. ERC1 proteins translocate to the phagophore membrane and develop into classical ring-like autophagosomes upon autophagic induction. However, ERC1 proteins form large droplets together with ATG8e proteins when in the absence of ATG8 lipidation activity. We described the property of these structures as phase-separated membraneless condensates by solving the in vivo organization with spatial and temporal resolution. Moreover, ERC1 condensates elicits a strong recruitment of the autophagic receptor NBR1. Loss of ERC1 suppressed NBR1 turnover and attenuated plant tolerance to heat stress condition. This work provides novel insights into the mechanical principle of phagophore initiation via an unreported ERC1-mediated biomolecular condensation for heat tolerance in Arabidopsis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chung, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, C. H. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shrestha, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.09.611939</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biomolecular condensation of ERC1 recruits ATG8 and NBR1 to drive autophagosome formation for plant heat tolerance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.07.611795v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EmbSAM: Cell boundary localization and Segment Anything Model for fast images of developing embryos 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.07.611795v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cellular shape dynamics are critical for understanding cell fate determination and organogenesis during development. However, fluorescence live-cell images of cell membranes frequently suffer from a low signal-to-noise ratio, especially during long-duration imaging with high spatiotemporal resolutions. This is caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching, which limit laser power and hinder effective time-lapse cell shape reconstruction, particularly in rapidly developing embryos. Here, we devised a new computational framework, EmbSAM, that incorporates a deep-learning-based cell boundary localization algorithm and the Segment Anything Model. EmbSAM enables accurate and robust three-dimensional (3D) cell membrane segmentation for roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans embryos imaged every 10 seconds. The cell shape data prior to gastrulation quantitatively characterizes a series of cell-division-coupled morphodynamics associated with cell position, cell identity, lineage, and fate, and can be accessed locally and online. The framework also exhibits potential in segmenting and quantifying the fluorescence labeling various cell-membraned-attached molecules in both wild-type and RNAi-treated embryos.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.07.611795</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EmbSAM: Cell boundary localization and Segment Anything Model for fast images of developing embryos]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.10.611762v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unveiling multi-scale architectural features in single-cell Hi-C data using scCAFE 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.10.611762v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C) has provided unprecedented insights into the heterogeneity of 3D genome organization. However, its sparse and noisy nature poses challenges for computational analyses, such as chromatin architectural feature identification. Here, we introduce scCAFE, a deep learning model for the multi-scale detection of architectural features at the single-cell level. scCAFE provides a unified framework for annotating chromatin loops, TAD-like domains (TLDs), and compartments across individual cells. Our model outperforms previous scHi-C loop calling methods and delivers accurate predictions of TLDs and compartments that are biologically consistent with previous studies. The resulting single-cell annotations also offer a measure to characterize the heterogeneity of different levels of architectural features across cell types. We leverage this heterogeneity and identify a series of marker loop anchors, which demonstrate the potential of the 3D genome data to annotate cell identities without the aid of simultaneously sequenced omics data. Overall, scCAFE not only serves as a useful tool for analyzing single-cell genomic architecture, but also paves the way for precise cell-type annotations solely based on 3D genome features.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alinejad-Rokny, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.10.611762</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unveiling multi-scale architectural features in single-cell Hi-C data using scCAFE]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612675v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Comprehensive Proteogenomic and Spatial Analysis of Innate and Acquired Resistance of Metastatic Melanoma to Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612675v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
While a subset of patients with metastatic melanoma achieves durable responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, the majority ultimately exhibit either innate or acquired resistance to these treatments. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to ICB therapies remain elusive and are warranted to elucidate. Here, we comprehensively investigated the tumor and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of paired pre- and post-treatment tumor specimens from metastatic melanoma patients who were primary or secondary resistance to anti-CTLA-4 and/or anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) with transcriptomic data identified cell cycle and c-MYC signaling as pathway-based resistance signatures. And weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed the activation of a cross-resistance meta-program involving key signaling pathways related to tumor progression in ICB resistant melanoma. Moreover, spatially-resolved, image-based immune monitoring analysis by using NanoStrings digital spatial profiling (DSP) and Cyclic Immunofluorescence (CyCIF) showed infiltration of suppressive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma with resistance to ICB therapies. Our study reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to ICB therapies in patients with metastatic melanoma by conducting such integrated analyses of multi-dimensional data, and provides rationale for salvage therapies that will potentially overcome resistance to ICB therapies.

Statement of translational relevanceThis study paves the way for the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies, aimed at subverting resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies in metastatic melanoma patients. By unraveling the specific molecular mechanisms underlying resistance, scientists can design effective alternative treatments that target pathways such as pathways associated with cell cycle dysregulation and c-MYC signaling. Furthermore, through the application of advanced immune monitoring techniques such as NanoString Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) and Cyclic Immunofluorescence (CyCIF), this study has significantly enriched our understanding of the tumor microenvironment. This enhanced characterization facilitates the discovery of potential biomarkers that may forecast a patients response to ICB treatment. Ultimately, these advancements could potentially refine patient outcomes and foster the development of more personalized cancer treatments in the future.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>wei, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frederick, D. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Labrie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moll, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sullivan, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mills, G. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boland, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flaherty, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>liu, l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herlyn, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.12.612675</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Comprehensive Proteogenomic and Spatial Analysis of Innate and Acquired Resistance of Metastatic Melanoma to Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612653v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Proteogenomic Characterization of Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Unveils the Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Immunosuppressive Microenvironment Linked with Lymph Node Metastasis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612653v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an increasingly prevalent malignancy worldwide. This study aims to understand molecular alterations associated with lymph node metastasis of OSCC in order to improve treatment strategies. We analyzed a cohort of 46 patients with primary OSCC, including 10 with lymph node metastasis and 36 without. Using a comprehensive multi-omics approach--encompassing genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic, single-cell, and spatial analyses--we integrated data to delineate the molecular landscape of OSCC in the context of lymph node metastasis. Our genomic analysis identified significant mutations in key genes within the MAPK, TGF-{beta}, and WNT signaling pathways, which are essential for tumor development. The proteogenomic analysis highlighted pathways critical for lymph node dissemination and factors contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Elevated levels of POSTN were found to reorganize the extracellular matrix (ECM), interact with TGF-{beta}, disrupt cell cycle regulation, and suppress the immune response by reducing VCAM1 activity. Integrated analyses of single-cell and spatial transcriptome data revealed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secrete TGF-{beta}1/2, promoting cancer cell metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our integrated multi-omics analysis provides a detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms driving lymph node metastasis of OSCC. These insights could lead to more precise diagnostics and targeted treatments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khoo, U. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Y. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.12.612653</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Proteogenomic Characterization of Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Unveils the Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Immunosuppressive Microenvironment Linked with Lymph Node Metastasis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612723v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Precision Repair of Zone-Specific Meniscal Injuries Using a Tunable Extracellular Matrix-Based Hydrogel System 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612723v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Meniscus injuries present significant therapeutic challenges due to their limited self-healing capacity and diverse biological and mechanical properties across meniscal tissue. Conventional repair strategies neglect to replicate the complex zonal characteristics within the meniscus, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. In this study, we introduce an innovative, age- and stiffness-tunable meniscus decellularized extracellular matrix (DEM)-based hydrogel system designed for precision repair of heterogeneous, zonal-dependent meniscus injuries. By synthesizing age-dependent DEM hydrogels, we identified distinct cellular responses: fetal bovine meniscus-derived DEM promoted chondrogenic differentiation, while adult meniscus-derived DEM supported fibrochondrogenic phenotypes. The incorporation of methacrylate hyaluronic acid (MeHA) further refined the mechanical properties and injectability of the DEM-based hydrogels. The combination of age-dependent DEM with MeHA allowed for precise stiffness tuning, influencing cell differentiation and closely mimicking native tissue environments. In vivo tests confirmed the biocompatibility of hydrogels and their integration with native meniscus tissues. Furthermore, advanced 3D bioprinting techniques enabled the fabrication of hybrid hydrogels with biomaterial and mechanical gradients, effectively emulating the zonal properties of meniscus tissue and enhancing cell integration. This study represents a significant advancement in meniscus tissue engineering, providing a promising platform for customized regenerative therapies across a range of heterogeneous fibrous connective tissues.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, E. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, D. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, H.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burdick, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mauck, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heo, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.12.612723</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Precision Repair of Zone-Specific Meniscal Injuries Using a Tunable Extracellular Matrix-Based Hydrogel System]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612736v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CRAK-Velo: Chromatin Accessibility Kinetics integration improves RNA Velocity estimation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.12.612736v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA velocity has recently emerged as a key tool in the analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data, yet connecting RNA velocity analyses to underlying regulatory processes has proved challenging. Here we propose CRAK-Velo, a semi-mechanistic model which integrates chromatin accessibility data in the estimation of RNA velocities. CRAK-Velo provides biologically consistent estimates of developmental flows and enables accurate cell-type deconvolution, while additionally shining light on regulatory processes at the level of interactions between genes and chromatin regions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>El Kazwini, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boudjelthia, I. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanguinetti, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.12.612736</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CRAK-Velo: Chromatin Accessibility Kinetics integration improves RNA Velocity estimation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.18.613662v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cytosolic CRISPR RNA for RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.18.613662v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) technologies have evolved rapidly over the past decade with the continuous discovery of new Cas systems. In particular, RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 proteins are promising single-effector systems to regulate target mRNAs without altering genomic DNA, yet the current Cas13 systems are still restrained by suboptimal efficiencies. Here, we show that U1-driven CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) can dramatically increase the efficiency of various applications, including RNA knockdown and editing, without modifying the Cas13 protein effectors. We confirm that U1-driven crRNAs are exported into the cytoplasm, while conventional U6 promoter-driven crRNAs are mostly confined in the nucleus. Furthermore, we reveal that the end positions of crRNAs expressed by the U1 promoter are consistent regardless of different guide sequences and lengths. We also demonstrate that U1-driven crRNAs, but not U6-driven crRNAs, can efficiently repress the translation of target genes in combination with catalytically inactive Cas13 proteins. Finally, we show that U1-driven crRNAs can counteract the inhibitory effect of miRNAs. Our simple and effective engineering enables unprecedented cytosolic RNA-targeting applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kwon, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, E. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.18.613662</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cytosolic CRISPR RNA for RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.16.613107v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sidechain chemistry-encoded solid/liquid phase transitions of condensates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.16.613107v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nature effectively leverages multivalent interactions among fundamental building blocks in solvents to create remarkable materials for various purposes. One prominent example is the formation of biomolecular condensates through the phase separation of proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, these condensates play crucial roles in regulating cellular functions and constructing natural materials. During the phase separation, solvents not only provide liquid environments for solvating molecules but play crucial roles in affecting the material properties of condensates. However, it remains controversial in the literature that alcohol molecules, as one type of solvents, can solidify some condensates while also melting others, leading to liquid-to-solid phase transition (LSPT) or solid-to-liquid phase transitions (SLPT), respectively. The mechanism underlying the alcohol-induced solid/liquid phase transitions of condensates remains poorly understood. Here, we combine systematic experimental characterizations with molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that the phase transitions of condensates depend on their sidechain chemistry and dominant molecular interactions. Specifically, "hydrophilic" condensates, which consist of many charged sidechains, undergo LSPT by adding alcohols due to strengthened electrostatic interactions. In contrast, "hydrophobic" condensates comprised of abundant aromatic sidechains undergo SLPT with the addition of alcohols because of weakened cation-{pi} and {pi}-{pi} interactions. Importantly, these findings are generally applicable for predicting phase transitions of a wide range of condensates formed by synthetic polyelectrolytes and intrinsically disordered proteins based on their sidechain hydrophobicity or amino acid compositions. Our work not only reconciles a conundrum in the literature but provides a fundamental framework for understanding the responsiveness of condensates to environmental stimuli. These insights are instrumental for developing therapeutic drugs to treat pathological aggregates and engineering stimuli-responsive biomaterials from the perspective of sidechain chemistry and molecular interactions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.16.613107</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sidechain chemistry-encoded solid/liquid phase transitions of condensates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.16.613254v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Epigenomic analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals aberrant cis-regulatory changes and dysregulated retrotransposons with prognostic potentials 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.16.613254v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits widespread epigenetic alterations, yet their impact on cis-regulatory elements (CREs) and retrotransposons remains poorly understood. Here, we present an integrated epigenomic and transcriptomic analysis of HCC tumors and matched tumor-adjacent normal tissues. We identified extensive DNA hypomethylation coupled with changes in histone modifications at partially methylated domains, CREs, and retrotransposons. These epigenetic aberrations were associated with dysregulated expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, immune response, and extracellular matrix organization. Notably, our findings revealed a novel mechanism for the transcriptional dysregulation of GPC3, a key HCC biomarker and immunotherapeutic target. We observed that GPC3 upregulation is driven by both the reactivation of a fetal liver super enhancer and hypomethylation of GPC3-associated CpG islands. Moreover, we found that DNA hypomethylation-driven aberrant expression of retrotransposons carries prognostic significance in HCC. Patients with high expression of a long non-coding RNA driven by a HERVE-int element exhibited more aggressive tumors, poorer clinical outcomes, and molecular features associated with favorable immunotherapy response. Together, our study provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the role of epigenetic dysregulation in HCC and identifies retrotransposon-associated transcripts as potential biomarkers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, A. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, S. H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ang, J. Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riquelme Medina, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, P. B. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, D. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.16.613254</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Epigenomic analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals aberrant cis-regulatory changes and dysregulated retrotransposons with prognostic potentials]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.16.613362v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
More than fruity scents: floral biology, scent and spectral reflectance of twelve Annonaceae species 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.16.613362v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PremiseThe family Annonaceae possesses a broad array of floral phenotypes and pollination specialisations, and are important in the plant-pollinator interactions of tropical rainforests. Although there has been considerable effort to assess their interactions with pollinators, attempts to characterise their visual and olfactory communication channels are scarce.

MethodsHere, we investigated the pollination biology of 12 Annonaceae species from five genera, viz. Meiogyne, Monoon, Polyalthia, Pseuduvaria, and Uvaria. Furthermore, their floral colour was characterised by reflectance spectroscopy and floral odour chemistry was assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Floral scent was further compared across the whole family using non-metric dimensional scaling plots to identify specialisation in floral odour.

ResultsThe Meiogyne species are likely pollinated by small beetles; the Polyalthia and Pseuduvaria species are likely pollinated by beetles and flies; and the Uvaria species is likely pollinated by beetles and bees. Flowers of most species are UV non-reflective, and have various spectral reflectance profile across the remaining visible spectra. Multiple species produce floral odour resembling ripe fruits. The flowers of Meiogyne species and Polyalthia xanthocarpa emitted mostly branched-chain esters, while flowers of Uvaria released mainly straight-chain esters. The Pseuduvaria species instead emitted scent reminiscent of rotten fruits, largely consisting of 2,3-butanediol. The inner petal corrugation in Meiogyne functions as a food reward, and the inner petal growth serves as a nectary gland for Pseuduvaria.

ConclusionsOur study identifies the visual and olfactory cues of multiple Annonaceae species and provides insights into how Annonaceae flowers attract different guilds of pollinators.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scharaschkin, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saunders, R. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.16.613362</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[More than fruity scents: floral biology, scent and spectral reflectance of twelve Annonaceae species]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.19.613827v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Fungus-infected Meiogyne flowers offer a brood site for beetle pollinators in a tripartite nursery pollination system 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.19.613827v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Fungi are widely known for their pathological impact on flowers, but some play a beneficial role in pollination. We report a case of tripartite pollination system in the flowering plant Meiogyne hainanensis (Annonaceae) in Hainan, China. The flowers emit a fruity scent composed of a mixture of mostly sesquiterpenes and aliphatic esters, attracting the primary beetle pollinators Paraphloeostiba sp. (Staphylinidae) and Mimemodes sp. (Monotomidae). The pollinators utilise the floral chamber as a mating ground and oviposit onto the adaxial corrugations of the inner petals. After the end of anthesis, extensive growth of filamentous fungi was observed to be restricted on these corrugated tissues. Upon hatching, the Paraphloeostiba and Mimemodes larvae consumed the fungal mycelia. ITS2 metabarcoding analysis reveals that the diet of the larvae consists of similar fungal taxa as those found on the inner petals. Both were primarily composed of ascomycete fungi such as Fusarium, Penicillium and Cladosporium species. The flower has an unusually long post-anthetic phase that lasts at least 21 days and up to 2 months, during which the fungus-infested petals remain arboreal, offering suitable microclimate and shelter for the broods. This is the second reported angiosperm genus that exhibits tripartite brood-site pollination in which filamentous fungi are an essential mutualistic partner.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saunders, R. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.19.613827</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Fungus-infected Meiogyne flowers offer a brood site for beetle pollinators in a tripartite nursery pollination system]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.19.614018v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Trait-dependent biogeography offers insights on the dispersal of Meiogyne (Annonaceae) across the Australasia-Pacific region 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.19.614018v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Meiogyne is a genus of trees and treelets occurring in Indomalaya and Australasia-Pacific, an unusually wide distribution across Australasia and Western Pacific compared to the rest of the family Annonaceae. Previous chloroplast phylogenies of the genus offered poor resolution and support for many internal nodes. Here, a molecular phylogeny was reconstructed based on seven chloroplast and 11 nuclear markers of 33 Meiogyne taxa (ca. 70% sampling). The combined dataset generated a well resolved and supported phylogeny. Estimation of divergence time was calibrated with two fossils using uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock model. Trait-dependent and trait-independent biogeographical models in BioGeoBEARS were compared using AICc weight and likelihood ratio test. The results suggest that narrow monocarp width and fruit colour associated with bird dispersal are correlated with increased macroevolutionary dispersal. Under the best-fitting monocarp width-dependent DEC model, a single colonisation event from Sunda to Sahul during the middle to late Miocene and two dispersal events from New Guinea and Australia into the Pacific during the late Miocene to early Pliocene were detected. BayesTraits analysis strongly supports a correlation between narrow fruits and avian fruit colours. This study reveals that Meiogyne lineages with narrow fruitlets and fruit colour associated to bird dispersal (black, red & orange) are associated with increased macroevolutionary dispersal. Bird dispersal and the associated traits may be important drivers for macroevolutionary dispersal for plants with fleshy fruits in Australasia-Pacific.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Munzinger, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chalermglin, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saunders, R. M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.19.614018</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Trait-dependent biogeography offers insights on the dispersal of Meiogyne (Annonaceae) across the Australasia-Pacific region]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.24.614684v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Generalizable Morphological Profiling of Cells by Interpretable Unsupervised Learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.24.614684v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The intersection of advanced microscopy and machine learning is revolutionizing cell biology into a quantitative, data-driven science. While traditional morphological profiling of cells relies on labor-intensive manual feature extraction susceptible to biases, deep learning offers promising alternatives but struggles with the interpretability of its black-box operation and dependency on extensive labeled data. We introduce MorphoGenie, an unsupervised deep-learning framework designed to address these challenges in single-cell morphological profiling. Enabling disentangled representation learning integrated with high-fidelity image reconstructions, MorphoGenie possesses a critical attribute to learn a compact, generalizable and interpretable latent space. This facilitates the extraction of biologically meaningful features without human annotation, additionally overcoming the "curse of dimensionality" inherent in manual methods. Unlike prior models, MorphoGenie introduces a systematic approach to mapping disentangled latent representations to fundamental hierarchical morphological attributes, ensuring both semantic and biological interpretability. Moreover, it adheres to the concept of combinatorial generalization--a core principle of human intelligence-- which greatly enhances the models capacity to generalize across a broad spectrum of imaging modalities (e.g., quantitative phase imaging and fluorescence imaging) and experimental conditions (ranging from discrete cell type/state classification to continuous trajectory inference). The framework offers a new, generalized strategy for unbiased and comprehensive morphological profiling, potentially revealing insights into cellular behavior in health and disease that might be overlooked by expert visual examination.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Murthy, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stassen, S. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, D. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, M. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, G. G. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.24.614684</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Generalizable Morphological Profiling of Cells by Interpretable Unsupervised Learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.29.615637v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
State and trait serotonin variations interact to shape the intrinsic connectivity and gradient architecture of the brain: a combined TPH2 genetics and tryptophan depletion study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.29.615637v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundSerotonin (5-HT) critically regulates cognitive and emotional functions, and both stable and transient variations in 5-HT signaling have been associated with emotional dysregulations. However, findings regarding the neurofunctional effects of transient 5-HT variations have been highly inconsistent. Therefore, we examined whether individual variations in a central 5-HT-regulating genetic polymorphism (tryptophan hydroxylase 2, TPH2) represent a vulnerability or resilience factor for the effects of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) on functional brain architecture.

MethodThe current study utilized a pharmacogenetic within-subject randomized placebo-controlled resting-state fMRI design with n=53 healthy male participants in combination with spontaneous intrinsic neural activity, functional connectivity, and connectome gradient analyses to compare the neurofunctional effects of ATD-induced transient reduction in central 5-HT signaling between TPH2 genotypes (a priori genotyping for rs4570625, GG n = 25 vs. TT n = 23).

ResultsATD induced significant increases in spontaneous neural activity in hippocampal CA1 irrespective of genotype and enhanced communication of this region with the bilateral amygdala and the vmPFC specifically in GG carriers. ATD sharpened the intrinsic connectome gradient architecture in several large-scale networks, including the salience, frontoparietal, and default mode network.

ConclusionsOur results identify a potential genetic marker for an increased vulnerability to the neural effects of transient variations in 5-HT signaling on the functional architecture of an anxiety- and stress-related brain circuit. Connectome gradient results underscore the regulatory role of 5-HT on the intricate organization of large-scale networks involved in emotional reactivity and regulation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Montag, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-09-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.09.29.615637</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[State and trait serotonin variations interact to shape the intrinsic connectivity and gradient architecture of the brain: a combined TPH2 genetics and tryptophan depletion study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-09-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.06.616194v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
P450-Catalyzed Biaryl Macrocyclization of Leaderless Ribosomal Peptides 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.06.616194v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Macrocyclic peptides containing biaryl motifs, predominantly derived from natural products, are valuable scaffolds due to their structural rigidity and potent bioactivity. However, current synthetic methods remain constrained by the absence of broadly applicable strategies across chemocatalytic and biocatalytic platforms. Here, we discover a versatile P450 enzyme, GpeC, capable of facilitating oxidative C-C/O/N cross-coupling for peptide biaryl macrocyclization (PBC) with  leader-independent activity. Crystal structure analysis of GpeC rationalizes leader-independent property and reveals  adaptive recognition that enables access to diverse biaryl-linked macrocycles. GpeC exhibits exceptional substrate promiscuity, accommodating 19 of 20 canonical amino acids and diverse noncanonical analogs within a minimal tetrapeptide scaffold. The efficient semi-synthesis of the natural product Rubrin further demonstrated the versatility of GpeC. We further introduced  lytic to tetraregion (LTT), a one-step, single enzyme synthesis for modular synthesis of biaryl-cyclized tetrapeptide. Overall, GpeCs robustness and programmability position it as a broadly applicable biocatalyst for the synthesis of biaryl macrocyclic peptides.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhiman, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.-x.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.06.616194</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[P450-Catalyzed Biaryl Macrocyclization of Leaderless Ribosomal Peptides]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.08.617188v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cholecystokinin-expressing GABA neurons elicit long-term potentiation in the cortical inhibitory synapses and attenuate sound-shock associative memory 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.08.617188v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neuronal interactions between inhibitory and excitatory neurons play a pivotal role in regulating the balance of excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, the efficacy of inhibitory/excitatory synapses profoundly affects neural network processing and overall neuronal functions. Here, we describe a novel form of long-term potentiation (LTP) induced at cortical inhibitory synapses and its behavioral consequences. We show that high-frequency laser stimulation (HFLS) of GABAergic neurons elicit inhibitory LTP (i-LTP) in pyramidal neurons of the auditory cortex (AC). The selective activation of cholecystokinin-expressing GABA (GABACCK) neurons is essential for the formation of HFLS-induced i-LTP, rather than the classical parvalbumin (PV) neurons and somatostatin (SST) neurons. Intriguingly, i-LTP can be evoked in the AC by adding the exogenous neuropeptide CCK when PV neurons and SST neurons are selectively activated in PV-Cre and SST-Cre mice, respectively. Additionally, we discovered that low-frequency laser stimulation (LFLS) of PV neurons paired with HFLS of GABACCK neurons potentiates the inhibitory effect of PV interneurons on pyramidal neurons, thereby generating heterosynaptic i-LTP in the AC. Notably, light activation of GABACCK neurons in CCK-Cre mice significantly attenuates sound-shock associative memory, while stimulation of PV neurons does not affect this memory in PV-Cre mice. In conclusion, these results demonstrate a critical mechanism regulating the excitation-inhibition balance and modulating learning and memory in cortical circuits. This mechanism might serve as a potential target for the treatment of neurological disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimers disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.08.617188</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cholecystokinin-expressing GABA neurons elicit long-term potentiation in the cortical inhibitory synapses and attenuate sound-shock associative memory]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.14.618191v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pan-cistrome analysis of the leaf accessible chromatin regions of 214 maize inbred lines 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.14.618191v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Characterizing the noncoding regions of the genome, particularly the cis-regulatory elements (CREs) located in accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) in gene promoters, is crucial for understanding how gene expression is regulated and how genotype contributes to phenotypic diversity in plants.In this study, we used ATAC-seq to resequence and map the ACRs of 214 maize inbred lines. We identified 82,174 ACRs and reported that 39.55% of them exhibited significant variation across the population. Next, we used the accessibility of ACRs as a quantitative feature and performed a chromatin associability GWAS (caGWAS), resulting in 27,004 caQTLs. Among them, 2,463 were predicted to disrupt the cis-regulatory elements that TF binds in these ACRs, suggesting that TF binding affects chromatin accessibility. Specifically, we identified two caACRs that regulate the expression of fad7, which encodes a fatty acid desaturase and affects the linolenic acid content.Our findings highlight the dynamic nature of maize ACRs and demonstrate that chromatin accessibility information could be used for GWASs, offering key insights into the genetic and regulatory mechanisms of chromatin accessibility and its impact on complex traits in plants.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.14.618191</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pan-cistrome analysis of the leaf accessible chromatin regions of 214 maize inbred lines]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.17.612997v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bio-medical Big Data Operating System (Bio-OS): An Integrated Data Mining Environment for Data Intensive Scientific Research 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.17.612997v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The advent of high throughput sequencing has ushered life science and clinical research into the era of big data, posing significant challenges for reproducibility due to the complexity of data integration and analysis. Although the FAIR principles advocate for the transparent and reliable sharing of scientific data, their implementation remains hampered by technical barriers. The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) has made strides in standardizing data and tools, yet a comprehensive solution for reproducibility is lacking. In response, we present BioOS, an open source, cloud native Biomedical big data Operating System. This system encapsulates study components data, code, tools, and environments into workspaces, enhancing reproducibility and validation. BioOS employs JSON Schema for machine readability and includes a Hierarchy Hash Mechanism to ensure data integrity. Adhering to GA4GH protocols, BioOS simplifies complex technological implementations, making advanced research tools accessible. Demonstrated through representative workspaces, BioOS fosters seamless research replication, peer review, and editorial evaluation. Its cloud native infrastructure supports dynamic resource allocation, enabling efficient handling of large scale analyses. By integrating AI driven Large Language Models, BioOS enhances user interaction and operational flexibility. As an evolving open source platform, BioOS exemplifies a transformative approach to biomedical research, aligning with FAIR principles and advancing the AI for Science paradigm, thus promoting a more connected, efficient, and impactful research environment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsung-Hui Chang, T.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.17.612997</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bio-medical Big Data Operating System (Bio-OS): An Integrated Data Mining Environment for Data Intensive Scientific Research]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.18.619046v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromosomal-level reference genome and microRNAs of the ricefield flatsedge Cyperus iria 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.18.619046v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundGrass-like plants in the Cyperaceae family, commonly known as sedges, have a global distribution and include many economically problematic weeds. The ricefield flatsedge, Cyperus iria, is an aggressive weed in rice crops in Asia.

ResultHere, we present a chromosomal-level genome assembly for C. iria (461.2 Mb, scaffold N50 = 7.3 Mbp, 99.6% BUSCO score) providing potential targets for the control of this devastating weed. Based on the genome assembly and transcriptomes of vegetative tissues, 52,574 protein-coding genes were predicted to be encoded. A total of 26 conserved and 75 novel microRNAs, including 9 microRNA clusters, were also annotated. Synteny and microRNA cluster analyses further showed that C. iria had undergone at least one round of whole genome duplication.

ConclusionThe genomic resource established in this study sets up a foundation to further address basic and applied questions in the Cyperaceae.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tsang, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, S. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bede, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swale, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, D. T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kai, Z.-p.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tobe, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bendena, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.18.619046</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromosomal-level reference genome and microRNAs of the ricefield flatsedge Cyperus iria]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.17.618853v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Does Unfairness Evoke Anger or Disgust? A Quantitative Neurofunctional Dissection Based on 25 Years of Neuroimaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.17.618853v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Over the last decades, the traditional  Homo economicus model has been increasingly challenged by convergent evidence underscoring the impact of emotions on decision-making. A classic example is the perception of unfairness operationalized in the Ultimatum Game where humans readily sacrifice personal gains to punish those who violate fairness norms. While the emotional mechanism underlying costly punishments has been widely acknowledged, the distinct contributions of moral emotions (anger or disgust) remain debated, partly due to methodological limitations of the conventional experiments. Here, we capitalize on a quantitative neurofunctional dissection approach by combining recent developments in neuroimaging meta-analyses, behavioral-level, network-level, and neurochemical-level decoding and data from 3,266 participants from functional neuroimaging studies to determine the common and distinct neural representations between unfairness and the two moral emotions. Experience of unfairness engaged a widespread bilateral network encompassing insular, cingulate, and frontal regions, with dorsal striatal regions mediating the decision to reject unfair offers. Disgust engaged a defensive-avoidance circuit encompassing amygdalar, occipital, and frontal regions, while anger engaged non-overlapping systems including mid-cingulate, thalamic, and frontal regions. Unfairness and anger or disgust respectively commonly engaged the anterior and mid-insula, while the latter additionally showed common recruitment of ventrolateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices. Multimodal network, behavioral, and serotonergic decoding provided a more granular and convincing dissection of these results. Findings indicate a shared neuroaffective basis underlying the impact of emotions on unfairness-induced punishment behavior and suggest a common brain circuit has been evolutionarily shaped to protect individuals from personal harm and enforce societal norms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klugah-Brown, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mathiak, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tiwald, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.17.618853</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Does Unfairness Evoke Anger or Disgust? A Quantitative Neurofunctional Dissection Based on 25 Years of Neuroimaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.21.619343v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Low-Rank Full Matrix Factorization for dropout imputation in single cell RNA-seq and benchmarking with imputation algorithms for downstream applications 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.21.619343v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWhile single cell RNA sequencing becomes a powerful technology, the presence of the large number of zero counts represents a challenge for both wet-lab processing and data analysis. Imputation of these dropouts can now be performed by three categories of algorithms: Model or smoothing, Matrix theory or Deep learning. However, two fundamental questions remain unsettled: (1) whether imputation should be performed; (2) which imputation algorithm to use with various downstream applications. Notably, imputation is not commonly used in real scRNA-seq applications because of their uncertain benefits, concerns about false inferences in downstream applications, and the lack of in-depth benchmark.

MethodsHere, we performed two tasks. First, we developed an algorithm using adaptive low-rank full matrix factorization (afMF) based on a previous limited implementation confined to using low rank matrix decomposition (ALRA). Second, to evaluate the impact of various imputation algorithms on downstream analyses, a new benchmark framework incorporating commonly used downstream applications was developed. This benchmark framework put emphasis on real datasets which had ground truth or matched bulk data such that algorithm performance was compared to more convinced data rather than less realistic simulated parameters.

ResultsOur results indicated that afMF and ALRA (matrix based) provided good imputation and outperformed raw log-normalization in various downstream applications. afMF outperformed ALRA in several evaluations (cell-level differential expression analysis, GSEA, classification, biomarker prediction, clustering, SC-bulk profiling similarity). Besides, afMF ranked among the top levels in automatic cell type annotation, trajectory inference by DPT, and AUCell & SCENIC. Both showed acceptable scalability, while afMF had longer running time. MAGIC (smoothing based) and AutoClass (deep learning based) also performed well but may produce false positives. In contrast, more complicated methods (other deep learning or model based) were prone to overfitting and data distortion. We also found that certain downstream algorithms are not compatible with imputation, including trajectory inference with Slingshot and cell-cell communication. Prior imputation either showed no improvement or generated false positive findings with these downstream applications.

ConclusionsWe hope this in-depth evaluation and the algorithm developed in this study can enhance the selection of appropriate imputation algorithm for specific scRNA-seq downstream analyses.

The algorithm and the benchmark framework are available at GitHub: https://github.com/GO3295/SCImputation
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, A. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yam, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.21.619343</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Low-Rank Full Matrix Factorization for dropout imputation in single cell RNA-seq and benchmarking with imputation algorithms for downstream applications]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.21.619560v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Overcoming artificial structures in resolution-enhanced Hi-C data by signal decomposition and multi-scale attention 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.21.619560v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Computational enhancement is an important strategy for inferring high-resolution features from genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data, which typically have limited resolution. Deep learning has been highly successful in this task but we show that it creates prevalent artificial structures in the enhanced data due to the need to divide the large contact matrix into small patches. In addition, previous deep learning methods largely focus on local patterns, which cannot fully capture the complexity of Hi-C data. Here we propose Smooth, High-resolution, and Accurate Reconstruction of Patterns (SHARP) for enhancing Hi-C data. It uses the novel approach of decomposing the data into three types of signals, due to one-dimensional proximity, contiguous domains, and other fine structures, and applies deep learning only to the third type of signals, such that enhancement of the first two is unaffected by the patches. For the deep learning part, SHARP uses both local and global attention mechanisms to capture multi-scale contextual information. We compare SHARP with state-of-the-art methods extensively, including application to data from new samples and another species, and show that SHARP has superior performance in terms of resolution enhancement accuracy, avoiding creation of artificial structures, identifying significant interactions, and enrichment in chromatin states.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nicoletti, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Puri, P. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.21.619560</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Overcoming artificial structures in resolution-enhanced Hi-C data by signal decomposition and multi-scale attention]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.23.619867v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Utilizing data imbalance to enhance compound-protein interaction prediction models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.23.619867v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identifying potential compounds for target proteins is crucial in drug discovery. Current compound-protein interaction prediction models concentrate on utilizing more complex features to enhance capabilities, but this often incurs substantial computational burdens. Indeed, this issue arises from the limited understanding of data imbalance between proteins and compounds, leading to insufficient optimization of protein encoders. Therefore, we introduce a sequence-based predictor named FilmCPI, designed to utilize data imbalance to learn proteins with their numerous corresponding compounds. FilmCPI consistently outperforms baseline models across diverse datasets and split strategies, and its generalization to unseen proteins becomes more pronounced as the datasets expand. Notably, FilmCPI can be transferred to unseen protein families with sequence-based data from other families, exhibiting its practicability. The effectiveness of FilmCPI is attributed to different optimization speeds for diverse encoders, elucidating optimization imbalance in compound-protein prediction models. Additionally, these advantages of FilmCPI do not depend on increasing parameters, aiming to lighten model design with data imbalance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>FUNG, C. C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.23.619867</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Utilizing data imbalance to enhance compound-protein interaction prediction models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.24.620152v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Irx3/5 define the cochlear sensory domain and regulate vestibular and cochlear sensory patterning in the mammalian inner ear 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.24.620152v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The mammalian inner ear houses the vestibular and cochlear sensory organs dedicated to sensing balance and sound, respectively. These distinct sensory organs arise from a common prosensory region, but the mechanisms underlying their divergence remain elusive. Here, we showed that two evolutionarily conserved homeobox genes, Irx3 and Irx5, are required for the patterning and segregation of the saccular and cochlear sensory domains, as well as for the formation of auditory sensory cells. Irx3/5 were highly expressed in the cochlea, their deletion resulted in a significantly shortened cochlea with a loss of the ductus reuniens that bridged the vestibule and cochlea. Remarkably, ectopic vestibular hair cells replaced the cochlear non-sensory structure, the Greater Epithelial Ridge. Moreover, most auditory sensory cells in the cochlea were transformed into hair cells of vestibular identity, with only a residual organ of Corti remaining in the mid-apical region of Irx3/5 double knockout mice. Conditional temporal knockouts further revealed that Irx3/5 are essential for controlling cochlear sensory domain formation before embryonic day 14. Our findings demonstrate that Irx3/5 regulate the patterning of vestibular and cochlear sensory cells, providing insights into the separation of vestibular and cochlear sensory organs during mammalian inner ear development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, K. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marsolais, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Josselyn, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fritzsch, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, C.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.24.620152</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Irx3/5 define the cochlear sensory domain and regulate vestibular and cochlear sensory patterning in the mammalian inner ear]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.23.619752v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PhenoScreen: A Dual-Space Contrastive Learning Framework-based Phenotypic Screening Method by Linking Chemical Perturbations to Cellular Morphology 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.23.619752v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) screens compounds in cellular models that represent disease-relevant phenotypes, offering a compelling alternative to traditional target-based approaches. Unlike conventional methods, where compounds act on a single predefined target, PDD identifies compounds capable of exerting therapeutic effects through multiple targets and mechanisms. This makes PDD particularly valuable for discovering first-in-class drugs, especially for diseases with poorly understood molecular mechanisms or those lacking validated therapeutic targets. By enabling broader exploration of biological systems and uncovering multi-target drugs (polypharmacology), PDD provides a powerful strategy for tackling complex diseases. In this study, we introduce PhenoScreen, a deep learning framework designed to advance PDD by utilizing large-scale compound-phenotype association data. Through contrastive learning, PhenoScreen connects chemical space with cellular morphological profiles, allowing for accurate prediction of compound-induced phenotypic changes. PhenoScreen can also accurately identfiy lead compounds which could induce user defined phenotypic shift but more novel scaffolds using different levels of phenotypic information reflected by diverse compounds. The model was validated across multiple screening tasks and successfully predicted active compounds inducing user-specified phenotypes with varying inhibitory effects in the osteosarcoma phenotypic model. Further, other than showing effectiveness to osteosarcoma, our experiments also showed that PhenoScreen demonstrated strong generalization to rhabdomyosarcoma, and the active compound we screened had an IC50 of up to 1.842 M, suggesting its ability to capture key phenotypic features shared across cancer cells. These results underscore PhenoScreens potential to accelerate drug discovery by identifying novel therapeutic pathways and increasing the diversity of viable drug candidates. PhenoScreen is accessible online via our groups web server for compound virtual screening at https://bailab.siais.shanghaitech.edu.cn/services/PhenoScreen/, and the source codes are available at https://github.com/Shihang-Wang-58/PhenoScreen.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.23.619752</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PhenoScreen: A Dual-Space Contrastive Learning Framework-based Phenotypic Screening Method by Linking Chemical Perturbations to Cellular Morphology]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.27.620486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chemosensory modulation of eye-body coordination in larval zebrafish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.27.620486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coordinated eye-body movements are essential for adaptive behavior, yet little is known about how multisensory input, particularly chemosensory cues, shapes this coordination. Using our enhanced Fish-On-Chips optofluidic platform, we uncovered complex dynamics in how larval zebrafish coordinate saccadic eye movements with tail flips. Under baseline conditions, spontaneous tail flips dynamically align with saccades in frequency and direction for coordinated turns. Chemosensory valence further modulates this coordination: death-associated cues intensify both the strength and frequency of coupled saccade-tail flips during turns, whereas food-related cues promote forward gliding without altering saccade coupling. Concurrent brain-wide neuronal imaging reveals that the zebrafish pallium represents the transformation of aversive valence into enhanced saccade-tail coordination, with stronger coupling associated with higher pallium activation. These findings uncover the neural basis by which chemosensory inputs of different valences distinctly regulate eye-body coordination to drive adaptive locomotion in a developing vertebrate, offering insights into principles of sensory-motor integration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sy, S. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, D. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, V. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Randlett, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.27.620486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chemosensory modulation of eye-body coordination in larval zebrafish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.27.620451v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LEGEND: Identifying Co-expressed Genes in Multimodal Transcriptomic Sequencing Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.27.620451v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Identifying co-expressed genes across tissue domains and cell types is essential for revealing co-functional genes involved in biological or pathological processes. While both single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially-resolved transcriptomic (SRT) data offer insights into gene co-expression patterns, current methods typically utilize either data type alone, potentially diluting the co-functionality signals within co-expressed gene groups. To bridge this gap, we introduce LEGEND, a novel computational method that integrates scRNA-seq and SRT data for identifying groups of co-expressed genes at both cell type and tissue domain levels. LEGEND employs an innovative hierarchical clustering algorithm designed to maximize intra-cluster redundancy and inter-cluster complementarity, effectively capturing more nuanced patterns of gene co-expression and spatial coherence. Enrichment and cofunction analyses further showcase the biological relevance of these gene clusters, and their utilities in exploring context-specific novel gene functions. Notably, LEGEND can reveal shifts in gene-gene interactions under different conditions, furnishing insights for disease-associated gene crosstalk. Moreover, LEGEND can be utilized to enhance the annotation accuracy of both spatial spots in SRT and single-cells in scRNA-seq, and pioneers in identifying genes with designated spatial expression patterns. LEGEND is available at https://github.com/ToryDeng/LEGEND.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Deng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-10-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.27.620451</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LEGEND: Identifying Co-expressed Genes in Multimodal Transcriptomic Sequencing Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-10-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.31.621237v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Developmental and transcriptomic responses of Hawaiian bobtail squid early stages to ocean warming and acidification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.31.621237v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
1Cephalopods play a central ecological role across all oceans and realms. However, under the current climate crisis, their physiology and behaviour are impacted, and we are beginning to comprehend the effects of environmental stressors at a molecular level. Here, we study the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes), known for its specific binary symbiosis with the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri acquired post-hatching. We aim to understand the response (i.e., developmental and molecular) of E. scolopes after the embryogenetic exposure to different conditions: i) standard conditions (control), ii) increased CO2 ({Delta}pH 0.4 units), iii) warming (+3{o}C), or iv) a combination of the two treatments. We observed a decrease in hatching success across all treatments relative to the control. Using transcriptomics, we identified a potential trade-off in favour of metabolism and energy production, at the expense of development under increased CO2. In contrast, elevated temperature shortened the developmental time and, at a molecular level, showed signs of alternative splicing and the potential for RNA editing. The data also suggest that the initiation of the symbiosis may be negatively affected by these environmental drivers of change in the biosphere, although coping mechanisms by the animal may occur.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Otjacques, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paula, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruby, E. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xavier, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McFall-Ngai, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosa, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.10.31.621237</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Developmental and transcriptomic responses of Hawaiian bobtail squid early stages to ocean warming and acidification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.02.621511v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Colchicine Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switch and Aortic Dissection in Mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.02.621511v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Aortic dissection is a serious cardiovascular disease characterized by intimal tearing and vascular delamination. Smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation, extracellular matrix degradation and vascular inflammation are the main pathogenic mechanisms of aortic dissection. Colchicine is an alkaloid derived from the plant Colchicum autumnale L. and was the first FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug in the cardiovascular field. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of colchicine in aortic dissection in mice and found that colchicine resisted aortic dissection by inhibiting vascular inflammation and smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation, and that colchicine reversed smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation by targeting the transcriptional activator myocardin. This study provides new directions for the development of drug therapies for aortic dissection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.02.621511</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Colchicine Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switch and Aortic Dissection in Mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.02.621556v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A high-throughput protein tagging toolkit that retains endogenous UTRs for studying gene regulation in Kinetoplastids. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.02.621556v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Kinetoplastid parasites cause diseases that threaten human and animal health. To survive transitions between vertebrate hosts and insect vectors, these parasites rely on precise regulation of gene expression to adapt to environmental changes. Since gene regulation in Kinetoplastids is primarily post-transcriptional, developing efficient genetic tools for modifying genes at their endogenous loci while preserving regulatory mRNA elements is crucial for studying their complex biology.

We present a CRISPR/Cas9-based tagging system that preserves untranslated regulatory elements and uses a viral 2A peptide from Thosea asigna to generate two separate proteins from a single transcript: a drug-selectable marker and a tagged protein of interest. This dual-function design maintains native control elements, allowing discrimination between regulation of transcript abundance, translational efficiency, and post-translational events.

We validate the system by tagging six Trypanosoma brucei proteins and demonstrate: (i) high-efficiency positive selection and separation of drug-selectable marker and target protein, (ii) preservation of regulatory responses to environmental cues like heat shock and iron availability, and (iii) maintenance of stage-specific regulation during developmental transitions. This versatile toolkit is applicable to all kinetoplastids amenable to CRISPR/Cas9 editing, providing a powerful reverse genetic tool for studying post-transcriptional regulation and protein function in organisms where post-transcriptional control is dominant.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Carbajo, C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Savur, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Upadhyaya, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taha, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tinti, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wheeler, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yates, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tiengwe, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.02.621556</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A high-throughput protein tagging toolkit that retains endogenous UTRs for studying gene regulation in Kinetoplastids.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.05.622005v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interpretable PROTAC degradation prediction with structure-informed deep ternary attention framework 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.05.622005v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional ligands that form ternary complexes with Protein Of Interests (POIs) and E3 ligases, exploiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade disease-associated proteins, promising to drug the  undruggable. While PROTAC research primarily relies on costly and time-consuming wet experimental approaches, deep learning offers a promising avenue to accelerate development and reduce expenses. However, existing deep learning methods for PROTAC degradation prediction often overlook the significance of hierarchical molecular representation and protein structural information, hindering effective data modeling. Moreover, their black-box nature limits the interpretability of computational outcomes, failing to provide intuitive insights into substructure interactions within the PROTAC system. This study introduces PROTAC-STAN, a structure-informed deep ternary attention network (STAN) framework for interpretable PROTAC degradation prediction. PROTAC-STAN represents PROTAC molecules across atom, molecule, and property hierarchies and incorporates structure information for POIs and E3 ligases using a protein language model infused with structural data. Furthermore, it simulates interactions among three entities at the atom and amino acid levels via a novel ternary attention network tailored for the PROTAC system, providing unprecedented insights into the degradation mechanism. By integrating hierarchical PROTAC molecule representation, structural embedding of POI and E3 ligase, and ternary attention network modeling interactions, our approach substantially improves prediction accuracy by 10.95% while enabling significant model interpretability via atomic and residue level visualization of molecule and complex. Experiments on the refined public PROTAC dataset demonstrate that PROTAC-STAN outperforms state-of-the-art baselines in overall performance. The excellent performance of PROTAC-STAN is anticipated to establish it as a foundational tool in future research on PROTAC-related drugs, thereby accelerating the development of this field.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsieh, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, P.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.05.622005</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interpretable PROTAC degradation prediction with structure-informed deep ternary attention framework]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.06.622215v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ANATOMY OF TWO RARE CETACEAN SPECIES: THE HOURGLASS DOLPHIN (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) AND THE SPECTACLED PORPOISE (Phocoena dioptrica) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.06.622215v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The anatomical description of the hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) and the spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica) remains largely unexplored, due to limited specimen availability and preservation challenges. This study employed digital imaging techniques, conventional histology and computed tomography to provide visualisation of anatomical structures for a detailed analysis. We present a comprehensive analysis of the gross macroscopical and microscopical morphology of two hourglass dolphins and four spectacled porpoises. The hourglass dolphins were characterised by their distinctive black and white pigmentation and a hooked dorsal fin, while the spectacled porpoises were defined by their large dorsal fin, lack of a visible rostrum and unique eye markings. Morphometric measurements and skeletal characteristics aligned with the literature, while internal anatomy (organs and systems) were similar to other odontocetes. Although precise lung measurements were challenging, qualitative assessments indicated relatively large lungs for their body size, supporting the "short dive, big lung" hypothesis and suggesting that these species are not deep divers. The spectacled porpoise dorsal fin was uniquely large with a well-developed blood supply; this is hypothesised to act as a thermoregulatory window, helping to manage body heat. Overall, this study provides new data on the anatomy of the hourglass dolphin and spectacled porpoise, contributing insights that may influence future research on these rare species. The findings highlight the importance of anatomical studies in explaining evolutionary relationships within cetaceans and their ecological roles in the Southern Ocean ecosystems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Graic, J.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gerussi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cozzi, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kot, B. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boys, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perrott, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fleury, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burns, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Webster, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Betty, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Howarth, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loch, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>White, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dawson, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rayment, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hunter, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cole, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cox, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Roberts, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Waterhouse, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ogle, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fyfe, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hendriks, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Helden, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnstone, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stewart, R. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fordyce, R. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stockin, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.06.622215</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ANATOMY OF TWO RARE CETACEAN SPECIES: THE HOURGLASS DOLPHIN (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) AND THE SPECTACLED PORPOISE (Phocoena dioptrica)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.07.619809v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Image-based DNA Sequencing Encoding for Detecting Low-Mosaicism Somatic Mobile Element Insertions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.07.619809v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Active LINE-1 (L1), Alu, and SVA mobile elements in the human genome are capable of retrotransposition, resulting in novel mobile element insertions (MEIs) in both germline and somatic tissues. Detecting MEIs through DNA sequencing relies on supporting reads overlapping MEI junctions; however, artifacts from DNA amplification, sequencing, and alignment errors produce numerous false positives. Systematic detection of somatic MEIs, particularly those with low mosaicism, remains a significant challenge. Previous methods had required a high number of supporting reads which limits the detection sensitivity, or human inspections that are susceptible to biases. Here, we developed RetroNet, an algorithm that encodes MEI-supporting sequencing reads into images, and employs a deep neural network to identify somatic MEIs with as few as two reads. Trained on extensive and diverse datasets and benchmarked across various conditions, RetroNet surpasses previous methods and eliminates the need for extensive manual examinations. The RetroNet analysis on the Illumina sequencing of 161x or 195x of a cancer cell line achieved an average precision of 0.885 and recall of 0.579 for detecting somatic L1 insertions that are present in as few as 1.79% of the cells. Additionally, we demonstrated that RetroNet is effective for analyzing highly degraded DNA, such as circulating tumor DNA. RetroNet is applicable to the rapidly generated short-read sequencing data and has the potential to provide further insights into the functional and pathological implications of somatic retrotranspositions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Park, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.07.619809</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Image-based DNA Sequencing Encoding for Detecting Low-Mosaicism Somatic Mobile Element Insertions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.07.622424v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
YY1 Enhances the Stability of HIF-1α Protein by Interacting with NUSAP1 in Macrophages within the Prostate Cancer Microenvironment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.07.622424v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Immune checkpoint therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) has failed in clinical trials; however, the precise underlying mechanisms involved remain elusive. PCa, a classic "immune-cold" tumor, is characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Within this milieu, macrophages, the predominant immune cell population, have a propensity to infiltrate the hypoxic zones of tumors. In a previous study, we showed that Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is highly expressed in macrophages in PCa tissues. Here, through multiplexed imaging mass cytometry (IMC) of a PCa tissue microarray, we further demonstrate that YY1+ macrophages aggregate in hypoxic areas of tumors and that hypoxia promotes the phase separation of YY1 in the nucleus by increasing YY1 tyrosine phosphorylation in macrophages. Furthermore, YY1 binds to NUSAP1 and promotes the SUMOylation of HIF-1, which promotes phase separation and stabilization of the HIF-1 protein. We also demonstrated that either treatment with a small molecule inhibitor (tenapanor) to decrease the YY1-NUSAP1-HIF-1 interaction or myeloid-specific YY1 gene knockout impairs subcutaneous PCa tumor formation. Furthermore, we present a first-generation tetrahedral DNA nanostructure (TDN) based on the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technique, named YY1-DcTAC, which targets and degrades YY1 in tumor-associated macrophages. In a PCa mouse model, YY1-DcTAC exhibited prolonged drug efficacy, robust macrophage-specific responsiveness, potent antitumor effects, and increased CD8+ T cell tumor infiltration. In summary, our findings underscore the pivotal role of YY1 within the hypoxia/HIF-1 pathway in tumor-associated macrophages and affirm the therapeutic potential of targeting YY1 for treating PCa.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Na, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ju, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.07.622424</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[YY1 Enhances the Stability of HIF-1α Protein by Interacting with NUSAP1 in Macrophages within the Prostate Cancer Microenvironment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.08.622621v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Accurate prediction of CRISPR editing outcomes in somatic cell lines and zygote with few-shot learning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.08.622621v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The CRISPR-Cas system has revolutionized gene editing, while its outcome prediction remains unsatisfactory, especially in new cell states due to their distinct DNA repair preferences. In this study, we introduce inDecay, a flexible system for predicting CRISPR editing outcomes from target sequence, returning probabilities of nearly the full spectrum of indel events. Uniquely, inDecay utilizes informative and parameter-efficient features for each indel event and incorporates cell-type-specific repair preferences through a multi-stage design. While both inDecay and existing methods achieve accurate results for prediction within cell lines, only inDecay with transfer learning can retain the high performance for cross-cell line prediction. We then applied inDecay to mouse embryo editing using our newly generated data and observed remarkable accuracy by including as few as 30 fine-tuning embryonic samples. Notably, inDecay is the first software to predict embryonic editing. Therefore, our few-shot learning-supported system may accelerate guide RNA prioritization in mouse model generation, mammal embryonic gene editing, and cellular therapeutics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.08.622621</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Accurate prediction of CRISPR editing outcomes in somatic cell lines and zygote with few-shot learning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.12.623150v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
VIRALpre: Genomic Foundation Model Embedding Fused withK-mer Feature for Virus Identification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.12.623150v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Virus, a submicroscopic infectious agent, influences all life forms. Identifying viral sequences is essential to understand their biological functions and then analyze their impacts on public health, and the development of microbial communities. For its significance, tools are developed based on various mathematical methods and algorithms. However, previous methods struggle to identify viral sequences, especially short contigs accurately since the limited information and small-scale close-set dataset. Here we propose VIRALpre, a hybrid framework combined with genomic foundation model (GFM) embedding and K-mer feature of sequences to precisely recognize viral genomic fragments. VIRALpre is empowered by the generalization competencies of GFMs, which have proven their strength in various downstream tasks, thanks to newly established large-scale training databases and Attention mechanism. On the other hand, K-mer features provide additional biological information to bridge the limitation of GFMs in classification tasks. Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate that VIRALpre significantly outperforms all the previous methods on virus identification performance by 4% in accuracy. To prove that this model is qualified when facing unique contigs to training data, BLASTn-based similarity cut-off test(setting e-value as 10-5) is done and it achieves about 10% F1-score improvement. More than well-built test datasets, new zero-shot cross-dataset tests on benchmark datasets sampling from natural environments are conducted, VIRALpre performs identify almost most viral sequences while keeping a very low False Positive Rate. Based on these solid experiments, VIRALpre has the ability to manage short-contig virus identification by truly learning the distinctions of viral sequences and hopefully act as an adviser to promote virus-related research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.12.623150</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[VIRALpre: Genomic Foundation Model Embedding Fused withK-mer Feature for Virus Identification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.13.623523v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rate of de novo mutations in the three-spined stickleback 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.13.623523v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Being a fundamentally important genetic parameter and evolutionary force, estimates of germline mutation rates have many uses in evolutionary biology. However, accurate estimates of de novo mutation (DNM) rates are still relatively scarce even for extensively studied evolutionary biology models. We estimated DNM rates for the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), the  supermodel of ecology and evolutionary biology. Using a large number of family trios sequenced to depth of 45x coverage, we identified 115 unique mutations genome wide and estimated the DNM rate at {micro} = 5.05 x 10-9/bp/gen without any detectable sex bias. The localised DNM rate was found to be positively correlated with recombination rate supporting the notion that recombination is a mutagenic process. Comparison of {micro} and genomic characteristics to those of the related nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) revealed a high degree of similarity suggesting that despite 17.5 million years of independent evolution, the mutational processes in the two species appear to have been conserved.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schierup, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Candolin, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.13.623523</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rate of de novo mutations in the three-spined stickleback]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.19.624256v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Expectation Violations as an Effective Alternative to Complex Mentalizing in Novel Communication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.19.624256v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Effective communication in the absence of a shared language is a fundamental challenge, often addressed through complex cognitive mechanisms such as Theory of Mind, which allows individuals to infer others intentions and beliefs. However, this process is cognitively demanding and may not always be necessary. In this study, we propose that a more parsimonious cognitive mechanism--expectancy violations--can serve as an efficient alternative for communication in novel interactions. We tested this in the Tacit Communication Game, where we simulated Sender behavior using four computational models: the Surprise model based on expectancy violations and three levels of Theory of mind. After human Receivers interacted with these simulated Senders, we assessed the effectiveness of communication by analyzing accuracy and reaction times. Our results revealed that Receivers paired with the Surprise model achieved accuracy rates comparable to those interacting with the most complex Theory of mind model and exhibited more human-like message patterns. Additionally, models associated with higher accuracies also resulted in faster reaction times, indicating a reduced cognitive load. These findings challenge the necessity of complex mentalizing strategies in novel human interactions and suggest that an intuitive mechanism of expectancy violation may be a more plausible cognitive mechanism, while also providing quick responses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Buidze, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Glaescher, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Y.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.19.624256</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Expectation Violations as an Effective Alternative to Complex Mentalizing in Novel Communication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.25.625209v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
VaxLLM: Leveraging Fine-tuned Large Language Model for automated annotation of Brucella Vaccines 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.25.625209v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundVaccines play a vital role in enhancing immune defense and preventing the hosts against a wide range of diseases. However, research relating to vaccine annotation remains a labor-intensive task due to the ever-increasing volume of scientific literature. This study explores the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) to automate the classification and annotation of scientific literature on vaccines as exemplified on Brucella vaccines.

ResultsWe developed an automatic pipeline to automatically perform the classification and annotation of Brucella vaccine-related articles, using abstract and title. The pipeline includes VaxLLM (Vaccine Large Language Model), which is a fine-tuned Llama 3 model. VaxLLM systematically classifies articles by identifying the presence of vaccine formulations and extracts the key information about vaccines, including vaccine antigen, vaccine formulation, vaccine platform, host species used as animal models, and experiments used to investigate the vaccine. The model demonstrated high performance in classification (Precision: 0.90, Recall: 1.0, F1-Score: 0.95) and annotation accuracy (97.9%), significantly outperforming a corresponding non-fine-tuned Llama 3 model. The outputs from VaxLLM are presented in a structured format to facilitate the integration into databases such as the VIOLIN vaccine knowledgebase. To further enhance the accuracy and depth of the Brucella vaccine data annotations, the pipeline also incorporates PubTator, enabling cross comparison with VaxLLM annotations and supporting downstream analyses like gene enrichment.

ConclusionVaxLLM rapidly and accurately extracted detailed itemized vaccine information from publications, significantly outperforming traditional annotation methods in both speed and precision. VaxLLM also shows great potential in automating knowledge extraction in the domain of vaccine research.

AvailabilityAll data is available at https://github.com/xingxianli/VaxLLM, and the model was also uploaded to HuggingFace (https://huggingface.co/Xingxian123/VaxLLM).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-11-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.11.25.625209</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[VaxLLM: Leveraging Fine-tuned Large Language Model for automated annotation of Brucella Vaccines]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-11-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.01.626272v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Marine medaka responds differently to dioxin compared with its close freshwater relative, the Japanese medaka: the AHR molecular mechanism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.01.626272v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The global water pollution now calls for precise risk assessment of chemicals, e.g., dioxins and the emerging dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). The freshwater and marine medaka have been widely implemented in the toxicity testing, and perhaps give mechanistic information for comparative biology. The question that  will they report equal results due to their close phylogenetic relation has been raised, therefore, we explored their physiological and molecular responses to dioxin. As the mediator of the dioxin toxicity, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) has not been functionally characterized and might be species-specific. In terms of sensitivity to dioxin--2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the EC50 values of omeAHR1a (0.16{+/-}0.12 nM), omeAHR1b (2.96{+/-}2.96 nM), omeAHR2a (0.44{+/-}0.30 nM), and omeAHR2b (9.00{+/-}6.88 nM) exhibit marked variations. The omeAHR2a and omeAHR1a display heightened sensitivity compared to the freshwater Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) counterparts olaAHR2a and olaAHR1a, respectively. The results indicate the in vitro sensitivity of AHR among species can vary by one or two orders of magnitude. Physiologically, the marine medaka (LC50: 1.64 ng/L (95% CI: 1.05-2.55 ng/L)) also exhibits a pronounced sensitivity to TCDD than Japanese medaka (LC50: 3.42 ng/L (95% CI: 1.37-6.48 ng/L), aligning with the in vitro AHR sensitivity. Further mechanistic investigations using additional ligands and computational modeling reveal that: 1) most of omeAHR2a, olaAHR2a, dreAHR2, and hsaAHR interact with ligands in the affinity order of TCDD > PCB126 > BNF > indole, mirroring their AHR transactivation potency, but the docking poses and dynamics can vary; 2) one AHR subforms high sensitivity to dioxin--TCDD may extend to DLCs but not to other types of ligands. These insights underscore the difference of AHR biology among species even the close relative species, and finger out the necessity for meticulous consideration when evaluating the toxicity of compounds and when extending predictive toxicity assessments to more species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.01.626272</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Marine medaka responds differently to dioxin compared with its close freshwater relative, the Japanese medaka: the AHR molecular mechanism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.03.626615v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Coverage landscape of the human genome in nucleus DNA and cell-free DNA 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.03.626615v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
For long, genome-wide coverage has been used as a measure of sequencing quality and quantity, but the biology hidden beneath has not been fully exploited. Here we performed a comparative analysis on genome-wide coverage profiles between nucleus genome DNA (gDNA) samples from the 1000 Genomes Project (n=3,202) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples from healthy controls (n=113) or cancer patients (n=362). Regardless of sample type, we observed an overall conserved landscape with segmentation of coverage, where adjacent windows of genome positions present similar coverage. Besides GC-content, we identified protein-coding gene density and nucleosome density as major factors influencing the coverage of gDNA and cfDNA, respectively. Differential coverage of cfDNA vs gDNA was found in immune-receptor loci, intergenic regions and non-coding genes, reflecting distinct genome activities in different cell types. A further rise in coverage at non-coding genes and intergenic regions plus a further drop of coverage at protein-coding genes and genic regions within cancer cfDNA samples indicated a loss of contribution by normal cells. Importantly, we observed the distinctive feature of coverage convergence in cancer-derived cfDNA, with the extent of convergence positively correlated to stages. Based on the findings, we developed and validated an outlier-detection approach for cfDNA-based cancer screening without the need of cancer samples for training, outperforming current benchmarks on condition-matched and condition-unmatched cancer detection tasks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.03.626615</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Coverage landscape of the human genome in nucleus DNA and cell-free DNA]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.04.626700v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Drug Response Modeling across Cancers: Proteomics vs. Transcriptomics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.04.626700v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cancer cell lines are the most common in-vitro models for the evaluation of anti-cancer drug sensitivities. Past studies have been conducted to decipher and characterize the pharmacogenomic feature of cell lines based on other omics data, such as genomic mutation data and whole-genome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) profiles. In particular, proteomic data is also an essential component for the characterization of tumours. However, different from RNA-seq datasets rich in numerous transcriptome profiles of cancer cell lines and cell viability assay of drug responses, the pharmacogenomic protein quantifications are relatively scarce. With the availability of the recently enriched proteomic dataset ProCan-DepMapSanger, we systematically evaluated the interplays among genomic mutations, transcription, and protein expressions across cancer cell lines. In general, blood cancers have higher RNA-protein correlations than those in solid cancers. The differential expression analysis on protein data helped identify more expressional and functional impact of genomic mutations of cancer genes. We also integrated the proteomic map with drug molecular chemical features to construct a bi-modal machine learning model to infer the drug sensitivities of cancer cell lines. Our results demonstrated that protein quantifications can lead to better drug response prediction performance than the model trained on transcriptome profiles. In addition, integrating protein data with drug chemical features, represented as molecular graphs and learned by Graph Neural Network, outperformed the state-of-the-art model DeepOmicNet for drug response prediction in proteomics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.04.626700</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Drug Response Modeling across Cancers: Proteomics vs. Transcriptomics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.06.627300v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Convincing Evidence of Carnivorous Diet in Alvarezsaurian Dinosaur 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.06.627300v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A dietary shift from carnivory to insectivore has been proposed to explain the dramatic morphological evolution of alvarezsaurians, particularly the adaptation related to the manual digital reduction and body size miniaturization. However, based solely on morphological shifts, this hypothesis lacked direct dietary evidence to support either carnivory or insectivore. Here, we present the first convincing dietary evidence for alvarezsaurians, derived from the intestinal contents of the Early Cretaceous Bannykus wulatensis. Our analysis revealed significantly higher levels of calcium and phosphorus in the intestinal contents compared to the surrounding sandstone. Scanning electron microscopy identified hard tissue debris and possible soft tissues surrounding by phosphatized bacteria and tightly packed hollow microspheres, suggesting that the intestinal contents were strongly pseudomorphed by phosphatized microbes during fossilization. Raman spectroscopy showed characteristic peaks indicative of bone-derived material, consistent with the hard tissue debris appeared in the intestinal contents. Our results suggest that Bannykus had a carnivorous diet with strong chemical digestion, which likely compensated for its delicate cranial structures and small teeth. These results imply that if a dietary shift to insectivore occurred, it likely took place later in alvarezsaurian evolution, probably coinciding with a reduction in body size.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WANG, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choiniere, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.06.627300</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Convincing Evidence of Carnivorous Diet in Alvarezsaurian Dinosaur]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.10.627464v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nonuple atg8 mutant provides genetic evidence for functional specialization of ATG8 isoforms in Arabidopsis thaliana 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.10.627464v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Autophagy sustains cellular health by recycling damaged or excess components through autophagosomes. It is mediated by conserved ATG proteins, which coordinate autophagosome biogenesis and selective cargo degradation. Among these, the ubiquitin-like ATG8 protein plays a central role by linking cargo to the growing autophagosomes through interacting with selective autophagy receptors. Unlike most ATG proteins, the ATG8 gene family is significantly expanded in vascular plants, but its functional specialization remains poorly understood. Using transcriptional and translational reporters in Arabidopsis thaliana, we revealed that ATG8 isoforms are differentially expressed across tissues and form distinct autophagosomes within the same cell. To explore ATG8 specialization, we generated the nonuple{Delta} atg8 mutant lacking all nine ATG8 isoforms. The mutant displayed hypersensitivity to carbon and nitrogen starvation, coupled with defects in bulk and selective autophagy as shown by biochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Complementation experiments demonstrated that ATG8A could rescue both carbon and nitrogen starvation phenotypes, whereas ATG8H could only complement carbon starvation. Proximity labeling proteomics further identified isoform-specific interactors under nitrogen starvation, underscoring their functional divergence. These findings provide genetic evidence for functional specialization of ATG8 isoforms in plants and lay the foundation for investigating their roles in diverse cell types and stress conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Del Chiaro, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grujic, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Papareddy, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loefke, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bhattacharya, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gruetzner, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bourguet, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berger, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marillonnet, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dagdas, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.10.627464</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nonuple atg8 mutant provides genetic evidence for functional specialization of ATG8 isoforms in Arabidopsis thaliana]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.08.627430v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Simulating big mechanically-active culture systems (BigMACS) using paired biomechanics-histology FEA modelling to derive mechanobiology design relationships. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.08.627430v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Big mechanically-active culture systems (BigMACS) are promising to stimulate, control, and pattern cell and tissue behaviours with less soluble factor requirements, however, it remains challenging to predict if and how distributed mechanical forces impact single-cell behaviours to pattern tissue. In this study, we introduce a centimetre, tissue-scale, finite element analysis (FEA) framework able to correlate sub-cellular quantitative histology with centimetre-scale biomechanics. Our framework is relevant to diverse bigMACS; media perfusion, tensile-stress, magnetic, and pneumatic tissue culture platforms. We apply our framework to understand how the design and operation of a multi-axial soft robotic bioreactor can spatially control mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation, orientation, differentiation to smooth muscle, and extracellular vascular matrix deposition. We find MSC proliferation and matrix deposition correlate positively with mechanical stimulation but cannot be locally patterned by soft robot mechanical stimulation within a centimetre scale tissue. In contrast, local stress distribution was able to locally pattern MSC orientation and differentiation to smooth muscle phenotypes, where MSCs aligned perpendicular to principal stress direction and expressed increased -SMA with increasing 3D Von Mises Stresses from 0 to 15 kPa. Altogether, our new biomechanical-histological simulation framework is a promising technique to derive the future mechanical design equations to control cell behaviours and engineer patterned tissue generation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Schoenborn, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fell, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fletcher, D. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pirola, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, H. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woodruff, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Toh, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Allenby, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.08.627430</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Simulating big mechanically-active culture systems (BigMACS) using paired biomechanics-histology FEA modelling to derive mechanobiology design relationships.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.09.627450v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Benchmarking deep learning methods for biologically conserved single-cell integration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.09.627450v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have enabled the analysis of millions of cells, but integrating such data across samples and methods while mitigating batch effects remains challenging. Deep learning approaches address this by learning biologically conserved gene expression representations, yet systematic benchmarking of loss functions and integration performance is lacking. This study evaluated 16 integration methods using a unified variational autoencoder framework, incorporating batch and cell-type information. Results revealed limitations in the single-cell integration benchmarking index (scIB) for preserving intra-cell-type information. To address this, we introduced a correlation-based loss function and enhanced benchmarking metrics to better capture biological conservation. Using annotations from the Human Lung Cell Atlas and Human Fetal Lung Cell Atlas, our approach improved biological signal preservation. This work highlights the need for biologically informed metrics in scRNA-seq integration and offers guidance for future deep learning developments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.09.627450</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Benchmarking deep learning methods for biologically conserved single-cell integration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.11.627917v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modulating Prestimulus Alpha and Beta Power with tRNS Establishes Their Causal Role in Visual Perception 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.11.627917v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Variability in visual perception in response to consistent stimuli is a fundamental phenomenon linked to fluctuations in prestimulus low-frequency neural oscillations--particularly in the alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-30 Hz) bands--typically measured by their power in electroencephalography (EEG) signals. However, the causal role of these prestimulus alpha and beta power fluctuations in visual perception remains unestablished. In this study, we investigated whether prestimulus alpha and beta power causally affect visual perception using transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). In a sham-controlled, single-blind, within-subject design, 29 participants performed a visual detection task while receiving occipital tRNS. Online functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure cortical excitability during stimulation, and offline EEG signals were collected after stimulation. Mental fatigue was incorporated as a state-dependent factor influencing tRNS effects. Our findings demonstrate that, primarily under low fatigue states, tRNS increased cortical excitability during stimulation (indicated by increased fNIRS oxyhemoglobin amplitude), decreased subsequent prestimulus EEG alpha and beta power, and consequently reduced the visual contrast threshold (VCT), indicating enhanced visual perception. Sensitivity analysis revealed that alpha oscillations contributed more significantly to visual perception than beta oscillations under low fatigue. Additionally, the state-dependent effects of tRNS may result from different sensitivities of VCT to neural oscillations across fatigue states. These results provide causal evidence linking prestimulus alpha and beta power to visual perception and underscore the importance of considering brain states in neuromodulation research. Our study advances the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and suggests potential therapeutic applications targeting neural oscillations.

Significance statementUnderstanding why we perceive identical visual stimuli differently is a fundamental question in neuroscience. This study provides causal evidence that prestimulus alpha and beta neural oscillations directly influence visual perception, particularly under low mental fatigue state. By using tRNS alongside fNIRS and EEG recordings, we demonstrate that modulating neural excitability can alter perceptual outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of considering brain state--such as fatigue levels--in neuromodulation research. This work advances our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and opens avenues for developing targeted interventions to enhance sensory processing and cognitive functions, potentially benefiting individuals with perceptual or attentional disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wei, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.11.627917</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modulating Prestimulus Alpha and Beta Power with tRNS Establishes Their Causal Role in Visual Perception]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628619v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanism of D-type cyclins recognition by the AMBRA1 E3 ligase receptor 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628619v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AMBRA1 is a tumour suppressor protein that functions as a substrate receptor in the ubiquitin conjugation system and regulates the stability of D-type cyclins and cell proliferation. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of cyclin D1 bound AMBRA1-DDB1 complex at 3.5 [A] resolution. The structure reveals a substrate interaction surface on the AMBRA1 WD40 domain that specifically binds to the C-terminal region of D-type cyclins. This interaction is dependent on the phosphorylation of Thr286 residue in the C-terminal phosphodegron site of D-type cyclins. The phosphodegron motif folds into a turn-like conformation followed by a 310 helix that promotes its assembly with AMBRA1. Additionally, we show that AMBRA1 mutants, which are defective in cyclin D1 binding, lead to cyclin D1 accumulation and DNA damage. Understanding the AMBRA1-D-type cyclins structure enhances the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern the cell cycle control and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancers linked to abnormal cyclin D activity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, M.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stjepanovic, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.17.628619</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanism of D-type cyclins recognition by the AMBRA1 E3 ligase receptor]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628466v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The RING-finger domain of Arabidopsis RMR functions as an E3 ligase essential for post-Golgi trafficking 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628466v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Receptor-homology-transmembrane-RING-H2 (RMR) sorting receptors are essential for directing soluble cargo proteins to protein storage vacuoles in plants. These type I integral membrane proteins comprise a single transmembrane domain, an N-terminal lumenal region containing a protease-associated domain for cargo recognition, and a C-terminal cytoplasmic region (CT) with a Really-Interesting-New-Gene-H2 (RING-H2) domain. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the RING-H2 domain of Arabidopsis RMR isoform-1 (AtRMR1-RING), where the conserved C3H2C3 motif coordinates two Zn ions, a feature typical of RING-type E3 ligases. AtRMR1-RING was shown to interact with Arabidopsis E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, and exhibits E3 ligase activity in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. Biochemical analysis reveals that I234Y substitution disrupted the E2/E3 interaction and greatly reduced E3 ligase activity. Furthermore, we showed that the conserved RING-H2 domains of AtRMR isoform 2, 3 and 4 are also E3 ligases. Inactivation of E3 ligase activity by the I234Y mutation resulted in Golgi retention of AtRMR1-CT and AtRMR2. These findings suggest that the E3 ligase activity is essential for post-Golgi trafficking of RMR receptors, providing new insights into receptor-mediated protein sorting in plants.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.17.628466</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The RING-finger domain of Arabidopsis RMR functions as an E3 ligase essential for post-Golgi trafficking]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628899v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A comprehensive benchmark for multiple highly efficient base editors with broad targeting scope 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628899v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As the toolbox of base editors (BEs) expands, selecting appropriate BE and guide RNA (gRNA) to achieve optimal editing efficiency and outcome for a given target becomes challenging. Here, we construct a set of 10 adenine and cytosine BEs with high activity and broad targeting scope, and comprehensively evaluate their editing profiles and properties head-to-head with 34,040 BE-gRNA-target combinations using genomically integrated long targets and tiling gRNA strategies. Interestingly, we observe widespread non-canonical protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) for these BEs. Using this large-scale benchmark data, we build a deep learning model, named BEEP (Base Editing Efficiency Predictor), for predicting the editing efficiency and outcome of these BEs. Guided by BEEP, we experimentally test and validate the installment of 3,558 disease-associated single nucleotide variants (SNVs) via BEs, including 20.1% of target sites that would be generally considered as "uneditable", due to the lack of canonical PAMs. We further predict candidate BE-gRNA-target combinations for modeling 1,752,651 ClinVar SNVs. We also identify several cancer-associated SNVs that drive the resistance to BRAF inhibitors in melanoma. These efforts benchmark the performance and illuminate the capabilities of multiple highly useful BEs for interrogating functional SNVs. A practical webserver (http://beep.weililab.org/) is freely accessible to guide the selection of optimal BEs and gRNAs for a given target.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Menon, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fei, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.17.628899</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A comprehensive benchmark for multiple highly efficient base editors with broad targeting scope]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628981v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Homogeneously crosslinked in situ hydrogel enclosing high-density human-cancer cells promotes vascularized in vivo tumor modeling for immune cell therapy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628981v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cancer models in animal studies play a central role in cancer research, particularly in investigating vascularized tumor tissues for the validation of immune cell therapies. However, xenografts relying solely on cancer cells are ineffective for optimal tumor tissue formation. Additionally, tumor modeling using hydrogels with cancer cells to promote vascularization often leaves behind residual biomaterials that inhibit integration with surrounding tissues. To address these issues, we utilized a straightforward in vivo vascularized tumor modeling method with a completely degradable, crosslinker-free carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS)/oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) hydrogel that encapsulates high-density human cancer cells for in situ injection. The CMCTS/oHA hydrogel was fully degraded within 3 weeks, enabling three-dimensional (3D) cell condensation in vitro. 2 weeks after subcutaneous injection in mice, solid tumors formed, with native host vasculature infiltrating the transplanted human cancer cells, confirming spontaneous hydrogel degradation. Following this, human macrophages were administered via tail vein injection, enhancing the accumulation of mouse immune cells in the humanized tumor twofold and showing murine macrophages adjacent to the vasculature. This study thus provides proof-of-concept for a facile and fully vascularized humanized tumor model in mice for validating immune cell therapies.

HIGHLIGHTSO_LIThe oHA was prepared using sodium periodate treatment, which facilitated the formation of in situ CMCTS/oHA hydrogels
C_LIO_LICMCTS/oHA hydrogels completely degraded within a short period, allowing for 3D cell condensation
C_LIO_LIHigh-density cell-laden CMCTS/oHA hydrogels were injected subcutaneously in mice, resulting in the generation of a vascularized solid tumor
C_LIO_LIThe transplanted therapeutic cell was observed to adhere to the tumor tissue through the bloodstream
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsun, Y. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aurich, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.17.628981</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Homogeneously crosslinked in situ hydrogel enclosing high-density human-cancer cells promotes vascularized in vivo tumor modeling for immune cell therapy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.18.629092v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
I2SIM: Boosting High-Fidelity Isotropic Super-Resolution with Image Interference and Spatial-Spectrum Optimization 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.18.629092v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spatial resolution is crucial for imaging subcellular structures. The advent of three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) greatly benefits the biology community, providing a powerful tool for imaging organelles with a two-fold resolution enhancement in all three dimensions. However, the axial resolution of 3D-SIM is limited to around 300 nm, which is inferior to its lateral resolution. Here, a novel method called image interference SIM (I2SIM) is reported, which utilizes two oppositely positioned objectives to detect fluorescence emission interference under three-beam excitation. By incorporating spectral modulation and spatial domain Frobenius-Hessian optimization, I2SIM achieves an axial resolution approximately twice that of 3D-SIM, reaching around 130 nm. Furthermore, the potential of I2SIM for imaging subcellular structures is demonstrated on various biological samples, including microtubules, actin filaments, and mitochondrial outer membranes. The enhanced optical sectioning capability can be utilized to resolve axial structures that are challenging to discern using ordinary 3D-SIM.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.18.629092</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[I2SIM: Boosting High-Fidelity Isotropic Super-Resolution with Image Interference and Spatial-Spectrum Optimization]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.21.628851v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
HMG-DTI: a drug-target interaction prediction framework combining Hierarchical Molecular Graphs and improved Convolutional Block Attention Module 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.21.628851v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Drug-target interactions (DTIs) are fundamental to understanding the therapeutic mechanisms of drugs, yet accurately predicting these interactions remains a significant challenge in drug discovery. Current computational approaches often fail to capture essential molecular motifs and spatial information of proteins, limiting their effectiveness, particularly when encountering proteins or compounds absent in the training datasets. To address these limitations, we propose mHMG-DTI, a novel framework that leverages an improved Convolutional Block Attention Module (iCBAM) for enhanced protein feature extraction and modified Hierarchical Molecular Graphs (mHMGs) for comprehensive molecular encoding. This hierarchical approach not only captures detailed local structures and broader connectivity patterns but also incorporates guiding knowledge to improve feature representation. Across a total of 16 experimental evaluations on four benchmark datasets spanning both classification and regression tasks, mHMG-DTI surpasses existing baseline models in 11 cases. These results highlight the potential of mHMG-DTI to enhance DTI prediction accuracy, thereby accelerating the drug discovery process and providing valuable insights into drug resistance and side effect mechanisms.

Contactzeruiyang2-c@my.cityu.edu.hk
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matsuda, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.21.628851</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[HMG-DTI: a drug-target interaction prediction framework combining Hierarchical Molecular Graphs and improved Convolutional Block Attention Module]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628818v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Development of a novel peripherally acting alpha2A-adrenergic receptor antagonist for anti-diabetic 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.17.628818v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Yohimbine, a potent alpha2A-adrenergic receptor (2AAR) antagonist, was found therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes through improving insulin release. However, the adverse side effects mediated by its actions in the brain hampered its use. Here, based on molecular docking analysis and structural modification, we have developed a novel peripherally acting yohimbine derivative (CDS479-2). CryoEM data found that yohimbine and CDS479-2 have similar interactions with the structure of 2AAR. Importantly, CDS479-2 shows similar 2AAR antagonist activity as yohimbine, but with very limited access to the brain, and thus avoiding the unwanted central effects such as hypertension and anxiety. Acute administration of CDS479-2 by injection or gavage lowered blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance in the high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice, an animal model for human type 2 diabetes. Remarkably, DIO mice received 2 weeks of daily administration of CDS479-2, but not yohimbine, exhibited sustained normoglycaemia, and increased density of the insulin-producing beta cells, in which important proliferation genes were found upregulated. Moreover, the overall protein expression levels of their pancreas were more similar to that of the healthy chow-fed mice. Thus, CDS479-2 may indicate a new direction for type 2 diabetes treatment. Importantly, the strategy we employed in this study will inspire the optimization for drugs that with both peripheral and central targets.

Graphic abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=166 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/628818v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (49K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1d3d7corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1afbad3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12a1aborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1341a02_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hong, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jing, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.-a.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nan, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.17.628818</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Development of a novel peripherally acting alpha2A-adrenergic receptor antagonist for anti-diabetic]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.23.630036v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Systematic Comparison of Single-Cell Perturbation Response Prediction Models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.23.630036v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Predicting single-cell transcriptional responses to perturbations is central to dissecting gene regulation and accelerating therapeutic design, yet the field lacks a rigorous, task-spanning assessment of model behavior. We present a large-scale benchmark of 12 representative methods and 3 baselines across 25 datasets spanning diverse perturbation modalities and species, including two new primary immune-cell drug-response resources. We evaluated three core tasks--generalization to unseen single-gene perturbations, prediction of combinatorial interactions, and transfer across cell types--using 24 metrics covering expression-level accuracy, relative changes, differential expression recovery, and distributional similarity. Across tasks, performance depended strongly on perturbation effect size and evaluation perspective: expression-level agreement was highest for small-effect perturbations resembling controls, whereas delta- and DE-based metrics improved with larger effects, providing clearer signals. Models shared a conservative bias, with fine-tuned foundation models compressing variance and underestimating synergistic effects in combinations. PerturbNet showed superior recovery of DE signatures in Tasks 1 and 2, while no method consistently generalized across cell types in Task 3, where dataset heterogeneity dominated outcomes. This benchmark establishes current methodological limits, clarifies when metrics diverge, and provides a foundation for developing virtual-cell models that more faithfully capture heterogeneous perturbation responses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>You, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.23.630036</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Systematic Comparison of Single-Cell Perturbation Response Prediction Models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.25.630296v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PhosF3C: A Feature Fusion Architecture with Fine-Tuned Protein Language Model and Conformer for prediction of general phosphorylation site 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.25.630296v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Protein phosphorylation, a key post-translational modification (PTM), provides essential insight into protein properties, making its prediction highly significant. Using the emerging capabilities of large language models (LLMs), we apply LoRA fine-tuning to ESM2, a powerful protein large language model, to efficiently extract features with minimal computational resources, optimizing task-specific text alignment. Additionally, we integrate the conformer architecture with the Feature Coupling Unit (FCU) to enhance local and global feature exchange, further improving prediction accuracy. Our model achieves state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance, obtaining AUC scores of 79.5%, 76.3%, and 71.4% at the S, T, and Y sites of the general data sets. Based on the powerful feature extraction capabilities of LLMs, we conduct a series of analyses on protein representations, including studies on their structure, sequence, and various chemical properties (such as Hydrophobicity (GRAVY), Surface Charge, and Isoelectric Point). We propose a test method called Linear Regression Tomography (LRT) which is a top-down method using representation to explore the models feature extraction capabilities, offering a pathway to improved interpretability.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LU, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.25.630296</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PhosF3C: A Feature Fusion Architecture with Fine-Tuned Protein Language Model and Conformer for prediction of general phosphorylation site]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.30.630656v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell analysis reveals distinct immune characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in HBV-positive versus HBV-negative cases 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.30.630656v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a key risk factor for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. It is widely recognized that immunopathological mechanisms are pivotal in developing HBV-related HCC. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms by which HBV-induced modifications within the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to HCC pathogenesis are still not well understood. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze and compare the immune landscapes between HBV-positive and HBV-negative HCC. We discovered that HBV infection significantly modifies the immune cell makeup and state, and leads to the suppression and exhaustion of T cells within the TME. Specifically, an increase in SLC4A10+ CD8+ T cells and IFITM3+ macrophages was observed, along with the upregulation of the gene SLC35F1 in various immune cell subtypes. These findings offer valuable insights into the alteration of the immunological microenvironment in HCC associated with HBV infection, suggesting possible targets for immunotherapeutic intervention.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.30.630656</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell analysis reveals distinct immune characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in HBV-positive versus HBV-negative cases]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.30.630847v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Food for thought: Rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) are capable of associative symbol learning and inference-based quantity discrimination 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.30.630847v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cognitive capacity for quantity discrimination is highly adaptive in various ecological contexts and subject to convergent evolution across diverse animal species, yet the underlying mechanism involved is not fully understood. Discrimination accuracy generally increases with the ratio between two quantities; however, this ability is expected to differ across ratio ranges. To test this we presented a novel symbol system to 28 rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), associating additive tally marks with symbols representing a one-to-one correspondence with different food quantities. Trained lovebirds could spontaneously infer the relative food quantities represented by other symbols. Lovebirds proved capable of (1) associating symbols (i.e., object-file symbolism); with (2) "more-less" quantity inference, by deducing food quantities based on their knowledge of this symbol-quantity association; and (3) enhancing their performance in relation to disparity ratio (conforming to Webers law) and absolute difference. Furthermore (4), the influence of food ratio and absolute difference varied with different ratio ranges. Within a small ratio range ([&le;] 3) discrimination performance improved with increments of ratio or absolute difference, whereas within a higher ratio range (> 3), the effect of these factors diminished. We conclude that rosy-faced lovebirds are capable of advanced numeracy and quantity discrimination, similar to larger parrot species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, K. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shiu, V. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, C. Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, E. S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Newman, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buesching, C. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sin, S. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2024-12-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.30.630847</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Food for thought: Rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) are capable of associative symbol learning and inference-based quantity discrimination]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2024-12-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.30.630819v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Crosslinker-free in situ hydrogel induces self-aggregation of human dental pulp stem cells with enhanced antibacterial activity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.30.630819v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recently, injectable hydrogels have garnered significant attention in tissue engineering due to their controlled flowability, strong plasticity, adaptability, and good biocompatibility. However, research on readily injectable in situ-forming hydrogels capable of forming functional three-dimensional (3D) tissue condensations remains limited. This study explores the development and evaluation of a carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) / oxidized hyaluronic acid (oHA) hydrogel incorporated with silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) for tissue engineering applications with inherent antibacterial activity. Through physicochemical analysis, the optimal formulation of CMCTS/oHA hydrogels was established. The hydrogel demonstrated excellent injectability, enabling minimally invasive in situ delivery. In vitro cytotoxicity assays identified 0.1% AgSD as the optimal concentration, supporting cell proliferation while exhibiting antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans and E. faecalis. In vivo studies revealed complete hydrogel degradation and good biocompatibility, with no adverse tissue reactions. The hydrogels ability to form 3D cell aggregates and support tissue regeneration underscores its potential for future 3D tissue engineering applications. Consequently, the injectable CMCTS/oHA/AgSD hydrogel developed in this study holds significant potential for application in a wide range of bioengineering fields, including antibacterial substance delivery systems and 3D tissue engineering, indicating potential for future clinical application.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siyuan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajasekar, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdalla, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nah, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heo, D. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwon, I. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cho, M.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sohn, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, S.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yiu, C. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2024.12.30.630819</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Crosslinker-free in situ hydrogel induces self-aggregation of human dental pulp stem cells with enhanced antibacterial activity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.05.631158v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Looking for the optimal pathway to stimulate hippocampus in human participants using transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS): a simulation study 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.05.631158v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
At present, very limited methods can directly modulate the neural activities in deep brain structures in human participants. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), as an emerging and advanced modality of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), has great potential for focally stimulating the subcortical structures that are related to sleep, emotion and the functions of motor of cognition. Due to the focality, the integration of various methods, including magnetic resonance imaging and possible pathways, is important to perform TUS intervention for precise targeting and dosing. Based on structural MRI scans, we constructed a simulation model of low-intensity TUS, with a particular focus on the optimal pathways of targeting hippocampus in human participants. Finally, we outlooked the future perspectives of TUS in clinical applications in neurological and psychiatric fields.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.05.631158</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Looking for the optimal pathway to stimulate hippocampus in human participants using transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS): a simulation study]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.08.631631v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Genome-wide Viral Nascent RNA Sequencing Unveils Polymerase Pausing Landscape at Single-nucleotide Precision 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.08.631631v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding viral replication and transcription mechanisms is critical for developing effective antiviral strategies. The study of viral gene regulation in host cellular environment is an important bridge for translating mechanistic discoveries from in vitro studies to in vivo but it remains stagnated due to the absence of technological advancement. Current methods for studying viral transcription and replication have been limited to capturing only the mature viral RNAs, obscuring the dynamic intermediates and mechanistic details of these crucial processes. Here, we introduce an original technology we called "Total Elongating Nascent VIral Polymerase single-molecule Sequencing (TenVIP-seq)", which isolates and analyses newly synthesized RNA within the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex, enabling the discovery of mechanisms critical for both viral replication and transcription. Our first characterization of nascent RNA species for an RNA virus showed that RdRP exhibited non-random pausing with profile signatures along the eight influenza A virus (IAV) gene segments. We also revealed genome-wide pausing at known regulatory sites, such as the poly(U) tract polyadenylation site, and new putative regulatory sites at single-nucleotide resolution. Distinct pausing features between the viral genomic (vRNA) and anti-genomic (cRNA/mRNA) templates were observed, suggesting that RdRp processes transcription and replication differentially on positive and negative sense RNA. The NTP analog drug T-705 (favipiravir) intensified RdRp pauses during genome replication and transcription without introducing new pausing sites, while TRIM25 knockout in host cells infected with virus reduced RdRp pausing globally across the viral genome. Strikingly, we observed that terminal nucleotide misincorporations of nascent RNA sequencing of paused RdRP, which were previously undetectable, were as high as an average of 51.6% (vRNA) and 44.0% (cRNA/mRNA), suggesting that the mutational rate of viruses is much higher than previously thought. We demonstrated that TenVIP-seq holds potential in providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that control viral genome replication, gene expression and regulation, mutation, antiviral drug treatment, and virus-host interaction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeung, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, C. K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, P. P.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.08.631631</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Genome-wide Viral Nascent RNA Sequencing Unveils Polymerase Pausing Landscape at Single-nucleotide Precision]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.07.631789v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Development of avian influenza A(H5) virus datasets for Nextclade enables rapid and accurate clade assignment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.07.631789v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses is the largest in history, with unprecedented transmission to multiple mammalian species. Avian influenza A viruses of the H5 subtype circulate globally among birds and are classified into distinct clades based on their hemagglutinin (HA) genetic sequences. Thus, the ability to accurately and rapidly assign clades to newly sequenced isolates is key to surveillance and outbreak response. Co-circulation of endemic, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A(H5) lineages in North American and European wild birds necessitates the ability to rapidly and accurately distinguish between infections arising from these lineages and epizootic HPAI A(H5) viruses. However, currently available clade assignment tools are limited and often require command line expertise, hindering their utility for public health surveillance labs. To address this gap, we have developed datasets to enable A(H5) clade assignments with Nextclade, a drag-and-drop tool originally developed for SARS-CoV-2 genetic clade classification. Using annotated reference datasets for all historical A(H5) clades, clade 2.3.2.1 descendants, and clade 2.3.4.4 descendants provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/World Organisation for Animal Health (FAO/WHO/WOAH) H5 Working Group, we identified clade-defining mutations for every established clade to enable tree-based clade assignment. We then created three Nextclade datasets which can be used to assign clades to A(H5) HA sequences and call mutations relative to reference strains through a drag-and-drop interface. Nextclade assignments were benchmarked with 19,834 unique sequences not in the reference set using a pre-released version of LABEL, a well-validated and widely used command line software. Prospective assignment of new sequences with Nextclade and LABEL produced very well-matched assignments (match rates of 97.8% and 99.1% for the 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4.4 datasets, respectively). The all-clades dataset also performed well (94.8% match rate) and correctly distinguished between all HPAI and LPAI strains. This tool additionally allows for the identification of polybasic cleavage site sequences and potential N-linked glycosylation sites. These datasets therefore provide an alternative, rapid method to accurately assign clades to new A(H5) HA sequences, with the benefit of an easy-to-use browser interface.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ort, J. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shepard, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zolnoski, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T.- Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davis, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neher, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moncla, L. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.07.631789</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Development of avian influenza A(H5) virus datasets for Nextclade enables rapid and accurate clade assignment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.10.632296v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A cytoskeletal scaffold promotes motile cilia assembly by regulating transition-zone integrity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.10.632296v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Motile cilia are eukaryotic organelles with essential chemo- and mechano-sensing functions across evolution, from single cell organisms to humans. Motile cilia of the mammalian nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems are characterized by unique motility proteins to generate fluid flow essential for transporting metabolites and removing mucus. The molecular mechanism of motile cilia biogenesis remains unknown. Here, we use mouse genetics, single-molecule motility assays, proteomics, high-resolution imaging, and in situ cryo-tomography to identify mammalian KIF27, a motor protein of the Kinesin-4 family and homologue of the Hedgehog pathway regulator COS2/KIF7, as a key regulator of motile cilia assembly. We show that KIF27 promotes the integrity of the transition zone, a diffusion barrier situated at the cilium base. Loss of KIF27 causes specific and profound defects in axonemal structure and disrupts cilia beating, which collectively lead to organismal phenotypes that recapitulate primary ciliary dyskinesia. We show that the motile properties of KIF27 are dispensable for its function in motile cilia biogenesis. Instead, KIF27 acts as a microtubule scaffold to regulate the transition zone architecture and enable correct ciliary incorporation of motility-generating proteins. Given that KIF27 homologues exist in different evolutionarily lineages, we propose that the ancestral activities of KIF27/KIF7 kinesins were to form a microtubule-associated scaffold for protein-protein interactions pertinent to cilia formation and signaling. The transition-zone associated KIF27 activities may represent a general building principle for motile cilia assembly in diverse species and cell types.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Park, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, H. O.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Makino, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yoshikawa, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.10.632296</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A cytoskeletal scaffold promotes motile cilia assembly by regulating transition-zone integrity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.15.633283v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Branched chain fatty acid-rich diet promotes lipid droplet enlargement and impacts organismal health in Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.15.633283v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Considerable amounts of branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are present in the human diet from beef and dairy products. BCFAs can also be produced by the human gut microbiota and synthesized from branched chain amino acids. However, the physiological impact of a BCFA-rich diet on lipid metabolism and organismal health is unclear. In this study, by screening a collection of dietary bacteria, we find that the BCFA-rich Microbacterium diet causes the formation of supersized LDs and delays development, reduces brood size, and shortens lifespan of C. elegans. The high-BCFA diet downregulates argk-1/creatine kinase to inhibit the AMPK pathway and {beta}-oxidation and upregulates fat-7/desaturase to promote the accumulation of PUFA, which enhances lipogenesis and LD expansion. We also isolate a gain-of-function mutation in scav-4/CD36, which enhances BCFA absorption and exacerbates BCFA-induced LD enlargement, demonstrating that host genetic variation in a fatty acid transporter could influence the susceptibility to a high-BCFA diet.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, K. U. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J. C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.15.633283</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Branched chain fatty acid-rich diet promotes lipid droplet enlargement and impacts organismal health in Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.18.633701v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SpatialFormer: Universal Spatial Representation Learning from Subcellular Molecular to Multicellular Landscapes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.18.633701v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spatial transcriptomics quantifies gene expression within its spatial context, significantly advancing biomedical research. Understanding gene spatial expression and the organization of multicellular systems is vital for disease diagnosis and studying biological processes. However, existing models often struggle to integrate gene expression data with cellular spatial information effectively. In this study, we introduce SpatialFormer, a hybrid framework combining convolutional networks and transformers to learn single-cell multimodal and multi-scale information in the niche context, including expression data and subcellular gene spatial distribution. Pre-trained on 300 million cell pairs from 12 million spatially resolved single cells across 62 Xenium slides, SpatialFormer merges gene spatial expression profiles with cell niche information via the pair-wise training strategy. Our findings demonstrate that SpatialFormer distills biological signals across various tasks, including single-cell batch correction, cell-type annotation, co-localization detection, and identifying gene pairs that are critical for the immune cell-cell interactions involved in the regulation of lung fibrosis. These advancements enhance our understanding of cellular dynamics and offer new pathways for applications in biomedical research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Winther, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.18.633701</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SpatialFormer: Universal Spatial Representation Learning from Subcellular Molecular to Multicellular Landscapes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.19.633822v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Primate-specific microRNA-1202 regulates dopaminergic neurogenesis by targeting APC2 and modulates WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in midbrain organoid 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.19.633822v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are generally evolutionarily conserved, but a small number of them are found exclusively in primates. MiR-1202 is a primate-specific miRNA that was previously revealed as being involved in major depression disorder (MDD). Moreover, the genomic locus where miR-1202 locates (6q25.3) is strongly associated with recurrent early-onset MDD and neurodevelopmental disorder. We hypothesize that miR-1202 plays a unique role in the brain in fine-tuning the transcriptional network that governs neurogenesis. Here, we reported that microdeletion of miR-1202 resulted in retarded organoid growth but enhanced dopaminergic (DA) neuron differentiation in midbrain organoids. Integrated analysis of miRNA-interacting targets and transcriptional changes in miR-1202 knockout cells revealed that APC2, a negative regulator of canonical WNT/{beta}-catenin pathway, was a downstream target of miR-1202. Knockdown of APC2 resulted in attenuated DA neurogenesis, in contrast to the enhanced DA neurogenesis in miR-1202 knockout cells. Treatments of the brain organoids with antidepressants increased miR-1202 expression and simultaneously inhibited APC2 expression. Consistently, APC2 expression was found to increase in MDD patients. Our results suggest that miR-1202 regulates dopamine neurogenesis by inhibiting the APC2/WNT signaling pathway, which plays a distinct role in the midbrain-hindbrain regional patterning during the early development of the central nervous system.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Long, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CAO, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, H.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.19.633822</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Primate-specific microRNA-1202 regulates dopaminergic neurogenesis by targeting APC2 and modulates WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in midbrain organoid]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.20.634002v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TransHLA: A Hybrid Transformer Model for HLA-Presented Epitope Detection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.20.634002v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundPrecise prediction of epitope presentation on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules is crucial for advancing vaccine development and immunotherapy. Conventional HLA-peptide binding affinity prediction tools often focus on specific alleles and lack a universal approach for comprehensive HLA site analysis. This limitation hinders efficient filtering of invalid peptide segments.

ResultsWe introduce TransHLA, a pioneering tool designed for epitope prediction across all HLA alleles, integrating Transformer and Residue CNN architectures. TransHLA utilizes the ESM2 large language model for sequence and structure embeddings, achieving high predictive accuracy. For HLA class I, it reaches an accuracy of 84.72% and an AUC of 91.95% on IEDB test data. For HLA class II, it achieves 79.94% accuracy and an AUC of 88.14%. Our case studies using datasets like CEDAR and VDJdb demonstrate that TransHLA surpasses existing models in specificity and sensitivity for identifying immunogenic epitopes and neoepitopes.

ConclusionsTransHLA significantly enhances vaccine design and immunotherapy by efficiently identifying broadly reactive peptides. Our resources, including data and code, are publicly accessible at https://github.com/SkywalkerLuke/TransHLA

Key PointsO_LIWe developed TransHLA, a deep learning tool for predicting epitopes across all HLA alleles using Transformer and Residue CNN architectures.
C_LIO_LIThe model uses ESM2 embeddings to improve predictive accuracy and efficiency.
C_LIO_LITransHLA shows superior specificity and sensitivity in identifying immunogenic epitopes and neoepitopes compared to existing models.
C_LIO_LIOur approach offers potential advancements in vaccine design and immunotherapy through enhanced peptide analysis.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LU, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.20.634002</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TransHLA: A Hybrid Transformer Model for HLA-Presented Epitope Detection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.22.634243v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Root Cap-Specific Transcriptomics Identify the NAC Transcription Factor SOMBRERO as a Versatile Regulator of Auxin Gradients 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.22.634243v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Auxin gradients in the root cap play a crucial role in the root cap development and root tropism. In the central root cap, meristematic cells in the columella initial differentiate into gravity-sensing columella cell, and mature into border-like cells that eventually separate from the root cap. Golgi stacks exhibit distinct ultrastructural features in each cell type across the central root cap, serving as effective cell markers. This cell type-specific Golgi remodeling was inhibited in smb-3 mutant root cap. When we carried out transcriptomic analyses of isolated root cap from Col-0 and smb-3, transcript levels of numerous auxin-related genes, including those involved in auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling, were significantly altered in smb-3 mutant root caps. The auxin gradient was suppressed within the central root cap of smb-3 mutant lines and they displayed decreased sensitivity to N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) in comparison to Col-0. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the SMB binds to the promoter regions of auxin-related genes displaying large changes in smb-3 root cap cells. Our findings suggest that SMB functions as a versatile transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes critical for local auxin distribution and responses in the root cap, thereby coordinating root cap cell differentiation and controlling root growth directions in response to external stimuli.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.22.634243</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Root Cap-Specific Transcriptomics Identify the NAC Transcription Factor SOMBRERO as a Versatile Regulator of Auxin Gradients]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.27.634977v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Direct single cell-type gene expression analysis in Whole blood: Novel ratio-based gene expression biomarkers using 2 novel monocyte reference genes (PSAP and CTSS) for monitoring bacterial infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.27.634977v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundTo determine single cell-type specific gene expression in peripheral blood (PB) requires either prior labour-intense cell sorting or expensive single-cell RNA sequencing. We developed and validated a novel ratio-based biomarker (RBB) called Direct Leukocyte Subpopulation-Transcript Abundance (DIRECT LS-TA) assay that allows quantification of monocyte-specific gene expression directly from peripheral blood samples without cell sorting.

MethodsThe DIRECT LS-TA method leverages known cell-type proportions and differential gene expression profiles among leukocyte subpopulations (e.g. monocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes) to identify monocyte-informative genes. We shortlisted genes that had 2.5-fold higher expression in isolated monocytes compared to PB samples, indicating >50% transcript of genes in PB are contributed by monocytes alone. Public gene expression datasets were used to generate a list of monocyte informative genes with which DIRECT LS-TA assay is applicable in PB samples. PSAP and CTSS were identified as the monocyte informative reference genes, based on low biological variation (CV <12%) and high monocyte specificity. They were used as the denominator and together with another monocyte informative target gene as the numerator, the value of this new DIRECT LS-TA can be determined which is a kind of ratio-based biomarker (RBB). The clinical utility was the differentiation of patients with bacterial infection from control subjects in a discovery dataset and 4 other replication datasets. Methods to convert DIRECT LS-TA results to multiple of control median (MoM) provided approximations to delta-delta CT values of relative quantification commonly used in qPCR or digital PCR assays.

ResultsOver 50 monocyte-informative genes were identified, including key immune response genes like IFI44L, IL1B, VNN1 and NFKBIZ. DIRECT LS-TA results showed excellent correlation with the gold standard results, gene expression in isolated monocyte expression (R2=0.55-0.97). Then, DIRECT LS-TA of these 50 target genes were evaluated to identify the best RBB to detect the host response to bacterial infection. Monocyte DIRECT LS-TA VNN1 RBB showed consistent upregulation across five independent datasets (median fold change 2.7-fold, p<10-8) with strong diagnostic performance (AUC=0.84-0.99). The expected corresponding delta-delta CT value is more than 1.4 cycle which can be reliably measured by qPCR. Additional monocyte-informative genes including NLRC4, CYP1B1, PFKFB3, LILRA5, NFKBIA, and NFKBIZ also demonstrated significant diagnostic ability (AUC>0.8).

ConclusionsThe DIRECT LS-TA method (as a simple RBB) provides reliable quantification of monocyte-specific gene expression directly from whole blood samples without cell separation. The robust performance in bacterial infection diagnosis demonstrates its potential clinical utility for rapid infection differentiation and informed antibiotic stewardship. DIRECT LS-TA will emerge as a new kind of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) which can convey single cell-type gene expression information from PB samples. The new kind of IVD and uniqueness of the information, together with the ease of implementation will make it very useful in clinics
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, T.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.27.634977</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Direct single cell-type gene expression analysis in Whole blood: Novel ratio-based gene expression biomarkers using 2 novel monocyte reference genes (PSAP and CTSS) for monitoring bacterial infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.27.635054v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A-TWAS: An aggregated transcriptome-wide association study model incorporating multiple Bayesian priors 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.27.635054v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationTranscriptome-wide association study (TWAS) is a significant methodology utilized for identifying associations between genes and diseases by integrating transcriptome and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. The approach has been successful in pinpointing risk genes for various diseases, including Alzheimers disease, schizophrenia, and different types of cancers. TWAS typically involves two key steps: imputation and association analysis. In the imputation step, the original PrediXcan employs the elastic-net model, while subsequent research endeavors have delved into more intricate models such as FUSION and TIGAR. Despite these advancements, the existing individual methods may not capture the intricate genotype-expression relationships in a comprehensive way. Given the complexity of genetic contributions of genotypes to gene expression, sophisticated modeling techniques are imperative. In response to this, we have introduced Aggregated-TWAS (A-TWAS), a comprehensive tool that amalgamates multiple imputation models to accommodate diverse genetic architectures. A-TWAS utilizes several continuous shrinkage priors, including Laplace, Horseshoe, and Horseshoe+, to ensure precise imputation results while incorporating the benefits of Bayesian variable selection methods. In the association phase of TWAS, we employ the aggregated Cauchy association test (ACAT) to obtain an omnibus p-value.

ResultWe demonstrate the effectiveness of A-TWAS through comprehensive simulations and real data analyses. Simulation studies highlight that A-TWAS produces substantial improvements in predictive R2 and statistical power, while maintaining the type error I at a low level. Furthermore, TWASs are conducted on schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive symptoms datasets. In comparison to standard methods, the Bayesian imputation model demonstrates superior accuracy, and A-TWAS, by integrating multiple Bayesian priors, identifies a notably greater number of disease-relevant genes.

Availability and ImplementationThe source code of A-TWAS is available at https://github.com/Yilan-Liang/A-TWAS.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.27.635054</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A-TWAS: An aggregated transcriptome-wide association study model incorporating multiple Bayesian priors]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.28.635270v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Decoding Phenotypic Variability in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Zebrafish as a Model for Molecular and Ultrastructural Insights. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.28.635270v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Phenotypic variability is common in human diseases, even when the same genes are affected. In this study, three zebrafish models of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) with dominant glycine substitutions in type I collagen genes (col1a1amh13/+, col1a1adc124/+, and col1a2mh15/+) were characterized for phenotypic severity and variability, using a newly developed standardized scoring system. Comprehensive analyses of the vertebral columns in these models revealed histological and ultrastructural differences that corresponded with phenotypic severity. Increasing skeletal severity correlated with a higher incidence of skeletal deformities and abnormalities. This, in turn, was associated with thinner bones and increased disorganization of collagen fibrils, fiber accumulation and mineralization, elastin deposits, and increased cell proliferation in the notochord and intervertebral ligament (IVL). Additionally, osteoblast function and bone regenerative capacity were increasingly compromised. These characteristics, combined with genetic information, have the potential to predict the severity of phenotypic outcomes in dominant forms of OI, caused by mutations in type I collagen. A remarkable intra-familial phenotypic variability in the col1a2mh15/+mutant holds potential for future approaches that could help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of this variability and the identification of modifier genes. Finally, through proteomics analysis three potential protein biomarkers (HSP47, Col8a1, and Bcan) were identified, that could serve as indicators of disease severity. These biomarkers not only have diagnostic value, but will allow stratification by OI type, have predictive value towards progression of the clinical presentation and will play a role in treatment guidance. Validation in human tissue samples will further reveal their clinical relevance.

Significance StatementPhenotypic variability in human diseases, such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), remains poorly understood. Using zebrafish models with dominant glycine substitutions in type I collagen, this study links genetic mutations to phenotypic severity through standardized scoring and detailed ultrastructural and molecular analyses. Key findings include skeletal abnormalities, compromised osteoblast function, and intra-familial phenotypic variability, suggesting the role of modifier genes. Proteomics identified three potential biomarkers (HSP47, Col8a1, and Bcan) with diagnostic and prognostic value. These results provide critical insights into genotype-phenotype correlations, offering a foundation for personalized approaches to diagnosis, stratification, and treatment of OI and related disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Debaenst, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sahd, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Debaene, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jarayseh, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Saffel, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bek, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steyaert, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Van Haver, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dufour, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Impens, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coucke, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>De Clercq, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Willaert, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.28.635270</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Decoding Phenotypic Variability in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Zebrafish as a Model for Molecular and Ultrastructural Insights.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.29.635454v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interactions of Interaural Time and Level Differences in Spatial Hearing with Cochlear Implants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.29.635454v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Normally hearing humans can localize sound sources quite accurately, with minimum audible angles as small as 1{degrees}. To achieve this, our auditory pathways combine information from multiple acoustic cues, including interaural time and interaural level differences (ITDs and ILDs). Patients relying on cochlear implants (CIs) to hear the world cannot match normal performance. These deficits are most pronounced in patients with little or no hearing experience early in life, and they appear to result from an impaired sensitivity to ITDs, but not to ILDs. However, little is known about how ITD and ILD sensitivities develop and interact in an early deafened auditory system shortly after CI implantation. We fitted neonatally deafened rats with bilateral CIs, and, providing informative ITDs and ILDs from stimulation onset, trained them to lateralize CI stimuli. These animals were exquisitely sensitive to both ILDs and ITDs of CI stimulus pulses, and combined information from both cues in a weighted sum. Importantly, ITDs are weighted heavily in our CI rats, such that only very modest ITDs pointing in one direction can confound quite large ILDs pointing in the opposite direction. This underlines the importance of informative ITDs for maximizing the potential for spatial hearing with CI devices.



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=181 SRC="FIGDIR/small/635454v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (36K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15ee6e2org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1881bd4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@db17c7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f62f2f_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Buchholz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arndt, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosskothen-Kuhl, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-01-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.01.29.635454</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interactions of Interaural Time and Level Differences in Spatial Hearing with Cochlear Implants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-01-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.01.636015v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Novel Pipelines to Extract Differences in Proteome Dynamics Based on Health Status 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.01.636015v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding dynamics and co-regulatory patterns in the human proteome is a promising path for unraveling the molecular basis of health and disease. Nevertheless, there remains an open challenge in extracting concise information from high-throughput proteomic data that can effectively characterize and predict health. We develop novel statistical and computational pipelines to tackle this problem in a longitudinal saliva proteomics data set collected throughout the awakening response in six healthy controls and six subjects with severe mitochondrial disease (MitoD), a clinical condition caused by genetic mitochondrial defects that affects cellular energy transformation and alters multiple dimensions of health.

We undertook three independent unsupervised approaches to characterize proteome dynamics and assessed their ability to separate MitoD individuals from controls. First, we designed a permutation test to detect the global difference in the proteomic co-regulation structure between healthy and unhealthy subjects. Second, we performed non-linear embedding and cluster analysis on elasticity to capture a more complicated relationship between health and the proteome. Third, we developed a machine learning algorithm to extract low-dimensional representations of the proteome dynamic and use them to cluster subjects into healthy and unhealthy groups without any knowledge of their true status. All three methods showed clear differences between MitoD individuals and controls.

Our results revealed a significant and consistent association between MitoD status and the saliva proteome at multiple levels during the awakening response, including its dynamic change, co-regulation structure, and elasticity. This connection is not restricted to a few MitoD-specific proteins but spreads over a wide range of proteins from many body functions and pathways. Pipelines such as those shown here are the first step toward establishing interpretable and accurate prediction rules for health based on proteome dynamics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Honfo, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trumpff, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Picard, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cohen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.01.636015</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Novel Pipelines to Extract Differences in Proteome Dynamics Based on Health Status]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.03.636342v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNA repair functions are essential for bacterial stress defense but render antibiotic tolerant sub-populations susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin upon prolonged treatment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.03.636342v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The unresponsiveness of bacterial tolerant subpopulations to antibiotics has been attributed to physiological dormancy triggered by environmental stresses. In this work, we showed that protein and DNA synthesis activities in tolerant subpopulations that formed during nutrient starvation remained at a high level and only dropped gradually during the course of six days-starvation. Interestingly, upon decline of these activities, the tolerant subpopulations became susceptible to antibiotics that target protein and DNA synthesis, which was found to be required to support DNA repair functions essential for prolonged survival of the tolerant subpopulation. The increasing susceptibility of the bacterial tolerant subpopulation to antibiotics was also due to diminishing energy production, antioxidant defense and efflux functions, which resulted in weakening defense and further inhibition of synthesis and functions of DNA repair and other defense proteins. These findings confirm that bacterial tolerant subpopulations remain physiological active, and open new opportunities for combating bacterial tolerance with existing antibiotics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wai-Chi Chan, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.03.636342</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNA repair functions are essential for bacterial stress defense but render antibiotic tolerant sub-populations susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin upon prolonged treatment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.03.636357v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Time-course Transcriptomic Dataset of Gallic Acid-induced Human Cervical Carcinoma HeLa Cell Death 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.03.636357v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gallic acid is a natural phenolic acid that displays potent anti-cancer activity in clinically relevant cell culture and rodent models. Although research has focused on determining the efficacy of gallic acid against various types of human cancer cells, the molecular mechanisms governing the anti-cancer properties of gallic acid remains largely unclear, and a transcriptomic study of gallic acid-induced cancer cell death has rarely been reported. Therefore, we performed time-course bulk RNA-sequencing study to elucidate the molecular signature of gallic acid-induced cell death in human cervical cancer HeLa cells, as this is a widely used in vitro model in the field. Our RNA-sequencing dataset covers the early (2nd hour), middle (4th, 6th hour), and late (9th hour) stages of the cell death process after exposure of HeLa cells to gallic acid, and the untreated (0th hour) cells served as controls. Differential expression of messenger RNAs (mRNA) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) were identified in each time point in the dataset. In summary, this dataset is a unique and valuable resource with which the scientific community can explore the molecular mechanisms and identify key regulators of the gallic acid-induced cancer cell death process.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, P. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.03.636357</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Time-course Transcriptomic Dataset of Gallic Acid-induced Human Cervical Carcinoma HeLa Cell Death]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.06.636885v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Long non-coding RNA BCAR4 is required for efficient influenza A virus replication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.06.636885v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate diverse biological processes, including influenza A virus (IAV) infection. However, the understanding of lncRNAs in IAV infection is limited. By using both bioinformatic analyses and virological assays, we showed that lncRNA BCAR4 expression can be highly induced by infection of multiple different IAV subtypes. BCAR4 was required for the propagation of IAV infection. Genetic inactivation of BCAR4 inhibited IAV growth. Investigation of the IAV infection cycle revealed a suppressed IAV viral RNA transcription and replication, and attenuated viral protein synthesis in the BCAR4-deficient cells. BCAR4 potentially interacted with cellular splicing-associated proteins and the activation of BCAR4 was associated with influenza viral NS segment. These findings suggest the important role of lncRNA BCAR4 in regulation of IAV infection.

ImportanceLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as critical regulators in the biological processes of influenza A virus (IAV) infection. However, how lncRNAs engage IAV infection remains unclear. Here we show BCAR4 as highly universally induced lncRNA in infection of multiple different IAV subtypes. Deletion of BCAR4 reduced IAV multiplication. In the IAV infection cycle, BCAR4 deficiency decreased IAV viral RNA transcription, replication and viral protein biosynthesis. BCAR4 was potentially binding to the host RNA splicing associated protein, and the IAV viral NS segment is required for the activation of BCAR4. Our results highlight important regulation of BCAR4 in IAV infection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chin, A. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poon, L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.06.636885</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Long non-coding RNA BCAR4 is required for efficient influenza A virus replication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.02.635055v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unifying Genetic and Chemical Perturbagen Representation through a Hybrid Deep Learning Framework 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.02.635055v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Artificial Intelligence virtual cell (AIVC) holds transformative potential for biomedical research. Central to this vision is the systematic modeling of genetic and chemical perturbation phenotypes to accurately predict cellular dynamic states from diverse interventions. However, disparities in screening agents, library scales, experimental technologies, and data production efficiency hinder the integration, modeling, and analysis of the cross-data. Here we present UniPert-G2CP, a two-phase deep learning approach comprising i) UniPert, a multimodal molecular representation model that bridges genetic and chemical domains, and ii) G2CP (Genetic-to-Chemical Perturbation transfer learning), which systematically transforms CRISPR screen-based genetic insights into chemical perturbation modeling for cost-effective in silico drug screening. UniPert not only encodes multimodal perturbagens into a unified functionally interpretable sematic embedding space, but also improves phenotypic effect prediction for previously unseen gene perturbations and drug treatments. Building upon UniPert, G2CP successfully modeled large-scale cellular post-perturbation states spanning 4,994 gene and 7,821 compound perturbagens, while reducing modeling data costs by over 60%. We demonstrate that UniPert-G2CP enables efficient, generalizable simulations of multicellular, multi-domain perturbation cause-effect spaces, revealing differential cellular biological causality and informing mechanism-driven therapy. UniPert-G2CP opens new avenues for biological causal foundation model building, AIVC creation, and AI-powered precision medicine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.02.635055</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unifying Genetic and Chemical Perturbagen Representation through a Hybrid Deep Learning Framework]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.07.636761v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
'Trans-differentiation of neutrophils from plasmablast' is an artefact caused by over-reliance on machine algorithms in single cell RNA sequencing analysis: Lesson learnt and steps ahead 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.07.636761v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides new opportunities to characterize gene expression for individual cells. However, the sparse nature of the scRNA-seq data with many zero counts or missing values presents a major challenge to its analysis. The presence of low-quality cells further complicates the analysis. Here, we showed that the trans-differentiation of plasmablasts (activated plasma cells) into neutrophils reported in COVID patients (Wilk et al., 2020 in Nature Medicine) was an artefact of trajectory analysis. It was caused by {bsim}30 low-quality cells linking the 2 cell populations that are of unrelated lineages in hematopoietic differentiation.

Such artefacts are not readily spotted during the current practice of peer reviews as the current statistical guidelines of most journals are not catered for big data such as that of scRNA-seq. New standards of statistics and quality control measures for machine algorithms are not in place and they are urgently needed to safeguard against over-interpretation of high dimensional data. We propose a comprehensive framework to ensure reproducibility in high-dimensional data analysis, emphasizing quality checks, sensitivity analyses, alternative and multiple algorithms validation. Finally, and most importantly, a hypothesis-driven research approach should be upheld.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yam, P. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.07.636761</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA['Trans-differentiation of neutrophils from plasmablast' is an artefact caused by over-reliance on machine algorithms in single cell RNA sequencing analysis: Lesson learnt and steps ahead]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.04.636381v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SpecImmune accurately genotypes diverse immune-related gene families using long-read data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.04.636381v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Polymorphic immune-related genes (HLA, KIR, IG, TCR, and CYP) exhibit significant complexity due to their extensive heterozygosity and inter-loci homology, necessitating specific methods for accurate characterization. We present SpecImmune, the first comprehensive tool leveraging long-read sequencing data to resolve the full spectrum of these immune-related genes. The method adopts an iterative graph-based algorithm for haplotype reconstruction. We validated SpecImmune across 1,019 samples from the 1kGP ONT cohort, 42 PacBio CLR and 9 PacBio HiFi samples from the HGSVC project, and 47 PacBio HiFi and 37 ONT samples from the HPRC project. SpecImmune achieved an accuracy of 98% in HLA typing, which represents a 12% improvement over both SpecHLA and HLA*LA. SpecImmune is the initial method to type multiple CYP loci, as well as the foremost approach to allow precise KIR and germline IG/TCR typing using long reads. Comprehensive genotyping of these loci by SpecImmune unveils a new observation of substantial linkage disequilibrium among HLA, KIR, and CYP loci. The proteins derived from these loci exhibit strong binding affinities, which suggest the origin of the marked linkage disequilibrium. Further, SpecImmune unveils a novel finding of elevated IG/TCR heterozygosity in African populations. Additionally, SpecImmune facilitates the detection of de novo mutations and enables allele-specific drug recommendations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.04.636381</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SpecImmune accurately genotypes diverse immune-related gene families using long-read data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.04.636408v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scKAN: Interpretable Single-cell Analysis for Cell-type-specific Gene Discovery and Drug Repurposing via Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.04.636408v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell analysis has revolutionized our understanding of cellular heterogeneity, yet current approaches face challenges in efficiency and interpretability. In this study, we present scKAN, a framework that leverages Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks for interpretable single-cell analysis through three key innovations: efficient knowledge transfer from large language models through a lightweight distillation strategy; systematic identification of cell-type-specific functional gene sets through KANs learned activation curves; and precise marker gene discovery enabled by KANs importance scores with potential for drug repurposing applications. The model achieves superior performance on cell-type annotation with a 6.63% improvement in macro F1 score compared to state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, scKANs learned activation curves and importance scores provide interpretable insights into cell-type-specific gene patterns, facilitating both gene set identification and marker gene discovery. We demonstrate the practical utility of scKAN through a case study on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, where it successfully identified novel therapeutic targets and potential drug candidates, including Doconexent as a promising repurposing candidate. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated the stability of the predicted drug-target complexes. Our approach offers a comprehensive framework for bridging single-cell analysis with drug discovery, accelerating the translation of single-cell insights into therapeutic applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.04.636408</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scKAN: Interpretable Single-cell Analysis for Cell-type-specific Gene Discovery and Drug Repurposing via Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.05.636748v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Beyond RNA Structure Alone: Complex-Aware Feature Fusion for Tertiary Structure-based RNA Design 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.05.636748v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tertiary structure-based RNA design plays a crucial role in synthetic biology and therapeutics. While existing methods have explored structure-to-sequence mappings, they focus solely on RNA structures and overlook the role of complex-level information, which is crucial for effective RNA design. To address this limitation, we propose tthe Complex-Aware tertiary structure-based RNA Design model, CARD, that integrates complex-level information to enhance tertiary structure-based RNA sequence design. To be specific, our method incorporates protein features extracted by protein language model (e.g., ESM-2), enabling the design model to generate more accurate and complex relevant sequences. Considering the biological complexity of protein-RNA interactions, we introduce a distance-aware filtering for local features from protein representation. Furthermore, we design a high-affinity design framework that combines our CARD with an affinity evaluation model. In this framework, candidate RNA sequences are generated and rigorously screened based on affinity and structural alignment to produce high-affinity RNA sequences. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method with an improvement of 5.6% compared with base model without our complex-aware feature integration. A concrete case study for 2LBS further validates the superiority of our CARD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.05.636748</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Beyond RNA Structure Alone: Complex-Aware Feature Fusion for Tertiary Structure-based RNA Design]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.07.637179v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neocortical Layer-5 tLTD Relies on Non-Ionotropic Presynaptic NMDA Receptor Signaling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.07.637179v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the textbook view, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) act as coincidence detectors in Hebbian plasticity by fluxing Ca2+ when simultaneously depolarized and glutamate bound. Hebbian coincidence detection requires that NMDARs be located postsynaptically, but enigmatic presynaptic NMDARs (preNMDARs) also exist. It is known that preNMDARs regulate neurotransmitter release, but precisely how remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggest that NMDARs can also signal non-ionotropically, without the need for Ca2+ flux. At synapses between developing visual cortex layer-5 (L5) pyramidal cells (PCs), preNMDARs rely on Mg2+ and Rab3-interacting molecule 1{beta} (RIM1{beta}) to regulate evoked release during periods of high-frequency firing, but they signal non-ionotropically via c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) to regulate spontaneous release regardless of frequency. At the same synapses, timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD) depends on preNMDARs but not on frequency. We therefore tested if tLTD relies on non-ionotropic preNMDAR signaling. We found that tLTD at L5 PC[-&gt;]PC synapses was abolished by pre- but not postsynaptic NMDAR deletion, cementing the view that tLTD requires preNMDARs. In agreement with non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling, tLTD prevailed after channel pore blockade with MK-801, unlike tLTP. Homozygous RIM1{beta} deletion did not affect tLTD, but wash-in of the JNK2 blocker SP600125 abolished tLTD. Consistent with a presynaptic need for JNK2, a peptide blocking the interaction between JNK2 and Syntaxin-1a (STX1a) abolished tLTD if loaded pre- but not postsynaptically, regardless of frequency. Finally, low-frequency tLTD was not blocked by the channel pore blocker MK-801, nor by 7-CK, a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist at the co-agonist site. We conclude that neocortical L5 PC[-&gt;]PC tLTD relies on non-ionotropic preNMDAR signaling via JNK2/STX1a. Our study brings closure to long-standing controversy surrounding preNMDARs and highlights how the textbook view of NMDARs as ionotropic coincidence detectors in plasticity needs to be reassessed.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Thomazeau, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rannio, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brock, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H. H.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sjöström, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.07.637179</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neocortical Layer-5 tLTD Relies on Non-Ionotropic Presynaptic NMDA Receptor Signaling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.10.637367v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DNA G-quadruplex Profiling Reveals Functional and Mechanistic Role of G-quadruplexes in Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.10.637367v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed in guanine-rich DNA sequences and play important roles in modulating biological processes through a variety of gene regulatory mechanisms. Emerging G4 profiling permits global mapping of endogenous G4 formation. Here in this study, we map the G4 landscapes in adult skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) which are essential for injury induced muscle regeneration. Throughout the myogenic lineage progression of MuSCs from quiescent to activated and further differentiated cells, we uncover dynamic endogenous G4 formation with a pronounced G4 induction when MuSCs become activated and proliferating. We further demonstrate that the G4 induction promotes MuSC activation thus the regeneration process. Mechanistically, we found that promoter associated G4s regulate gene transcription through facilitating chromatin looping. Furthermore, we found that G4 sites are enriched for transcription factor (TF) binding events in activated MuSCs; MAX binds to G4 structures to synergistically facilitate chromatin looping and gene transcription thus promoting MuSC activation and regeneration. The above uncovered global regulatory functions/mechanisms are further dissected on the paradigm of Ccne1 promoter, demonstrating Ccne1 is a bona fide G4/MAX regulatory target in activated MuSCs. Altogether, our findings for the first time demonstrate the prevalent and dynamic formation of G4s in adult MuSCs and the mechanistic role of G4s in modulating gene expression and MuSC activation/proliferation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, M. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.10.637367</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DNA G-quadruplex Profiling Reveals Functional and Mechanistic Role of G-quadruplexes in Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.10.637565v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sexual dimorphism and phenotypic plasticity in a subtropical feral bovid Bos taurus (Artiodactyla: Bovidae). 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.10.637565v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Phenotypes reflect how organisms adapt to their environments. Hong Kong (HK) feral cattle, a crossbreed of Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus, present an opportunity to study these adaptations in one of the very few global cattle populations not directly controlled by humans. These cattle are free-ranging since their release from farms in the 1970s. HK has a subtropical climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures during the wet season, and scarce precipitation during the dry season. We studied seasonal coat colour changes in HK feral cattle, and sexual dimorphism in body size and horn length. We provide the first evidence of seasonal changes in coat colour in cattle, with paler coats being more common in the wet season, while darker coats prevailed in the dry season. These seasonal changes were influenced by temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and body condition. We found that males were larger and had longer horns than females. Our results show a male-biased sex dimorphism in the HK feral cattle. Additionally, our findings suggest that thermoregulation costs drive colouration in these cattle. The phenotypic plasticity we demonstrate in these subtropical feral cattle improves our knowledge of the adaptations of ungulates to their habitat.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Perroux, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hodgson, G. M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flay, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.10.637565</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sexual dimorphism and phenotypic plasticity in a subtropical feral bovid Bos taurus (Artiodactyla: Bovidae).]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.10.637582v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Eye blinks synchronize with musical beats during music listening 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.10.637582v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Auditory-motor synchronization, the alignment of body movements with rhythmic patterns in music, is a universal human behavior, yet its full scope remains incompletely understood. Through four experiments with 123 young non-musicians, integrating eye-tracking, neurophysiological recordings, white matter structural imaging, and behavioral analysis, we reveal a previously unrecognized form of synchronization: spontaneous eye blinks synchronize with musical beats. Blinks robustly synchronized with beats across a range of tempi and independently of melodic cues. EEG recordings revealed a dynamic correspondence between blink timing and neural beat tracking. Individual differences in blink synchronization were linked to white matter microstructure variation in the left arcuate fasciculus, a key sensorimotor pathway. Additionally, the strength of blink synchronization reflected the modulation of dynamic auditory attention. These findings establish blink synchronization as a novel behavioral paradigm, expanding the auditory-motor synchronization repertoire and highlighting the intricate interplay between music rhythms and oculomotor activity. This discovery underscores a cross-modal active sensing mechanism, offering new insights into embodied music perception, rhythm processing, and their potential clinical applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.10.637582</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Eye blinks synchronize with musical beats during music listening]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.19.638959v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
scWGBS-GPT: A Foundation Model for Capturing Long-Range CpG Dependencies in Single-Cell Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing to Enhance Epigenetic Analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.19.638959v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell DNA methylomes are challenging to interpret because of sparse CpG coverage and the complexity of genome-wide sequences. We present scDNAm-GPT, a universal foundation model that uses context-aware CpG tokenization, a Mamba backbone, and cross-attention to capture both local and global DNA methylation patterns. Trained on over one million single cells from 35 human and mouse tissues, scDNAm-GPT enables accurate cell clustering, zero-shot prediction of CpG effects on gene expression, improved trajectory inference, and reference-free deconvolution of cell types from cell-free DNA. The model hierarchically learns regulatory features, and its attention maps highlight functionally relevant regions, demonstrating high biological interpretability. These results establish scDNAm-GPT as a scalable and generalizable framework for single-cell epigenomic analysis, offering new opportunities to dissect epigenetic regulation in health and disease. Code is available at GitHub (https://github.com/ChaoqiLiang/scDNAm-GPT).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ouyang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.19.638959</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[scWGBS-GPT: A Foundation Model for Capturing Long-Range CpG Dependencies in Single-Cell Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing to Enhance Epigenetic Analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.22.639416v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Emergent modularity in large language models: Insights from aphasia simulations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.22.639416v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in complex linguistic tasks and have been shown to share certain computational principles with human language processing. However, whether LLMs internal components perform distinct functions, like semantic and syntactic processing in human language systems, remains unclear. Here, we systematically disrupted components of LLMs to simulate the behavioral profiles of aphasia--a disorder characterized by specific language deficits resulting from brain injury. Our findings showed that lesioning specific components of LLMs could replicate behaviors characteristic of different aphasia subtypes. Notably, while semantic deficits as those observed in Wernickes and Conduction aphasia, were relatively straightforward to simulate, reproducing syntactic and lexical impairments, as seen in Brocas and Anomic aphasia, proved more challenging. Together, these results highlight both parallels and discrepancies between emergent modularity in LLMs and the human language system, providing new insights into how information is represented and processed in artificial and biological intelligence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.22.639416</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Emergent modularity in large language models: Insights from aphasia simulations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.26.640265v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Le Petit Prince (LPP) Multi-talker: Naturalistic 7T fMRI and EEG Dataset 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.26.640265v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Prior neuroimaging datasets using naturalistic listening paradigms have predominantly focused on single-talker scenarios. While these studies have been invaluable for advancing our understanding of speech and language processing in the brain, they do not capture the complexities of real-world multi-talker environments. Here, we introduce the "Le Petit Prince (LPP) Multi-talker Dataset", a high-quality, naturalistic neuroimaging dataset featuring 40 minutes of electroencephalogram (EEG) and 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings from 26 native Mandarin Chinese speakers as they listened to both single-talker and multi-talker speech streams. Validation analyses conducted on both EEG and fMRI data demonstrate the datasets high quality and robustness. Additionally, the dataset includes detailed transcriptions and prosodic and linguistic annotations of the speech stimuli, enabling fine-grained analyses of neural responses to specific linguistic and acoustic features. The LPP Multi-talker Dataset is well-suited for addressing a wide range of research questions in cognitive neuroscience, including selective attention, auditory stream segregation, and working memory processes in naturalistic listening contexts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-02-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.02.26.640265</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Le Petit Prince (LPP) Multi-talker: Naturalistic 7T fMRI and EEG Dataset]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-02-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.02.641022v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distinct Connectivity Signatures of Emotions Enhance Precision of Network Biomarkers in Mood Disorders 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.02.641022v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mood disorders, including Major Depressive (MDD) and Bipolar (BD) Disorder, are highly prevalent and debilitating conditions that contribute significantly to the global disease burden. These disorders are characterized by persistent emotional dysregulations, such as pervasive sadness and anhedonia, resulting in substantial functional impairments. Although neuroimaging studies have identified differences in brain activity and connectivity between individuals with MDD (MDDs) or BD (BDs) and healthy controls (HCs), reliable and reproducible neurofunctional markers for clinical diagnosis and treatment remain elusive. This study seeks to address this gap by introducing a novel approach that utilizes Divergent Emotional Functional Networks (DEFN), derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during dynamic emotional processing in naturalistic contexts. Using a combination of naturalistic induction of sustained emotional experience with dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) and machine learning techniques, we decoded emotion-specific patterns of happiness and sadness in healthy individuals. Based on the dynamic functional connectivity signatures, we identify the DEFN and applied it to large clinical mood disorder datasets, including MDD (n=63) and BD patients (n=61). The model with DEFN demonstrated significant improvements in classification accuracy compared to conventional baseline models, achieving up to 10.75% and 9.92% performance increases in MDD and BD datasets, respectively. Additionally, DEFN were found to be highly reproducible across age, gender and models from emotion dataset, supporting the robustness of this model in distinguishing mood disorders from healthy controls. In conclusion, the DEFN approach presents a promising, reproducible, and clinically relevant neural marker for diagnosing and understanding emotional dysfunction in mood disorders, offering potential for more effective and timely interventions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.02.641022</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distinct Connectivity Signatures of Emotions Enhance Precision of Network Biomarkers in Mood Disorders]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.04.641551v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deviant functional connectivity patterns in the EEG and their potential use for dyslexia screening 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.04.641551v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a common learning disorder with potential neural origins. While EEG-based brain activation measures combined with machine learning have shown promise for DD screening, these approaches often lack validation on independent participants, which is a crucial step for practical application. This study developed an EEG-based screening approach and investigated the neural correlates of DD in Chinese children. EEG signals were recorded from 130 children (82 with DD, 48 typically developing) aged betweeen 7 and 11 during resting-state and working memory tasks. The EEG data were preprocessed into clean segments to compute functional connectivity (FC) matrices across four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta). The segments were split into two independent samples, ensuring independence at the participant level: Sample 1, used for training and five-fold cross validation of the convolutional neural networks, and Sample 2, used for cross-sample validation with the trained model. The beta-band FC index in the eyes-open condition achieved the highest within-sample classification accuracy (98%) and cross-sample accuracy (70%, p < .001). Discriminative FC patterns revealed that children with DD exhibited reduced temporal-parietal and central connectivity but increased frontal-central connectivity, likely reflecting compensatory mechanisms. Within the DD group, stronger FCs showed significant negative correlations with Chinese word reading accuracy and fluency. These findings suggest that EEG-based FC measures can effectively distinguish DD and reveal neural markers associated with impaired reading performance. This approach shows promise for noninvasive screening and deeper insight into the neural basis of DD, particularly in non-alphabetic language systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>YANG, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoeft, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maurer, U.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.04.641551</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deviant functional connectivity patterns in the EEG and their potential use for dyslexia screening]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.05.641692v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Morphogenesis and morphometry of brain folding patterns across species 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.05.641692v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Evolutionary adaptations associated with the formation of a folded cortex in many mammalian brains are thought to be a critical specialization associated with higher cognitive function. The dramatic surface expansion and highly convoluted folding of the cortex during early development is a theme with variations that suggest the need for a comparative study of cortical gyrification. Here, we use a combination of physical experiments using gels, computational morphogenesis, and geometric morphometrics to study the folding of brains across different species. Starting with magnetic resonance images of brains of a newborn ferret, a fetal macaque, and a fetal human, we construct two-layer physical gel brain models that swell superficially in a solvent, leading to folding patterns similar to those seen in vivo. We then adopt a three-dimensional continuum model based on differential growth to simulate cortical folding in silico. Finally, we deploy a comparative morphometric analysis of the in vivo, in vitro, and in silico surface buckling patterns across species. Our study shows that a simple mechanical instability driven by differential growth suffices to explain cortical folding and suggests that variations in the tangential growth and different initial geometries are sufficient to explain the differences in cortical folding across species.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, G. P. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jung, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heuer, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Toro, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahadevan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.05.641692</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Morphogenesis and morphometry of brain folding patterns across species]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.06.641784v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
FACED 2.0 enables large-scale voltage and calcium imaging in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.06.641784v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Monitoring neuronal activity at large scale and high spatiotemporal resolution is crucial for understanding information processing within the brain. We optimized a kilohertz-frame-rate two-photon fluorescence microscope with all-optical megahertz line-scan rate to achieve ultrafast imaging across large areas and volumes at subcellular resolution. Applying this technique to voltage and calcium imaging in vivo, we demonstrated simultaneous recording of voltage activity over 200 neurons and calcium activity over 14,000 neurons.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Natan, R. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miehl, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bose, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>St-Pierre, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doiron, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.06.641784</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[FACED 2.0 enables large-scale voltage and calcium imaging in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.06.641885v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SARS-CoV-2 Infects Peripheral Sensory Neurons and Promotes Axonal Degeneration via TRPV1 Activation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.06.641885v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Common neurological symptoms of COVID-19, such as anosmia, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction, depend on interactions between the peripheral and central nervous systems. However, the molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects the peripheral nervous system remain poorly understood, with ongoing debate about whether sensory neurons can be directly infected by the virus. In this study, human iPSC-derived sensory neurons were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 variant, a mutant virus, or viral S1 proteins. Under control conditions, sensory neurons exhibited low expression of ACE2. However, exposure to BA.5 or S1 proteins significantly upregulated ACE2 expression in peripherin-positive sensory neurons. Virological analysis confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 directly infects TRPV1-expressing sensory neurons, including olfactory neurons. Moreover, exposure to the live virus or S1 proteins induced TRPV1 upregulation and translocation from the nucleus to the cytosol, resulting in axonal destruction. Single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis revealed that viral exposure enhanced cAMP signaling, virus receptor and transmembrane transporter activities, and inflammatory regulation of TRP channels, which collectively contributed to synaptic and axonal damage. Importantly, treatment with a TRPV1 antagonist demonstrated neuroprotective effects. These findings underscore the need for further research into the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and TRPV1, as well as its downstream signaling pathways, to develop therapeutic strategies for preventing sensory neuron loss during viral infections.

HighlightsO_LIiPSC technology was employed to generate peripheral sensory neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), providing a valuable platform for studying the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on peripheral sensory neurons.
C_LIO_LIOur findings demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 variant exerted both direct and indirect effects on peripheral sensory neurons. Virus exposure upregulated the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in peripherin-positive neurons. Additionally, exposure to the virus or its S1 spike protein increased transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression and trafficking, leading to axonal degeneration.
C_LIO_LISingle-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that BA.5 exposure enhanced cAMP signaling pathway, virus receptor and transmembrane transporter activities, and inflammatory regulation of TRP channels that led to the significantly damage on synapses and axon guidance.
C_LIO_LIThe TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine inhibited TRPV1 activation and mitigated axonal damage, offering neuroprotective effects for sensory neurons exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Co, V. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chun-Yee, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, B. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.06.641885</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SARS-CoV-2 Infects Peripheral Sensory Neurons and Promotes Axonal Degeneration via TRPV1 Activation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642129v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A functional anatomical shift from the lateral frontal pole to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in emotion action control underpins elevated levels of anxiety: partial replication and generalization of Bramson et al., 2023 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642129v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Flexible control over emotional behavior represents a promising target for novel interventions for mental disorders. Accumulating evidence has indicated a key role of the lateral frontal pole (FPl) and its connections with other cortical and subcortical systems in emotional action regulation. A recent study from Bramson et al., (2023) employed a multi-modal neuroimaging approach to demonstrate a functional-anatomical shift from FPI to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in a sample of anxious individuals during emotional action control. While these findings might represent a venue for interventions in anxiety disorders, conventional neuroimaging strategies are often limited with respect to generalizability and reproducibility. Against this background we capitalized previous large-scale fMRI data in n = 250 participants using an affective linguistic Go/NoGo paradigm to examine the robustness of the reported associations with trait social anxiety across samples, cultures and paradigms. Additionally, context-dependent functional connectivity patterns were explored to examine action control in different emotional contexts. In line with previous study, we found no difference between high- and non-anxious group on the behavioral congruency-effect. The neural results showed that non-social anxious group engaged the left FPl while the high-social anxious group specifically recruited the DLPFC, however in the absence of significant between-group differences. Importantly, the level of trait social anxiety was significantly positively related with DLPFC activity and negatively with left FPl activation across groups. Furthermore, context-dependent functional connectivity analyses revealed a negative context-specific neural shift from the sgACC-FPl to sgACC-DLPFC specifically in the high anxiety group. Together, the present study employed a different task paradigm, population and analytic methods, partially replicated the findings described by Bramson et al., (2023) and additionally determined context-specific changes in the communication with the sgACC in high anxiety. The findings provide further evidence for target-based interventions of persistent emotional control deficits in anxiety disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.09.642129</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A functional anatomical shift from the lateral frontal pole to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in emotion action control underpins elevated levels of anxiety: partial replication and generalization of Bramson et al., 2023]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642136v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Oxytocin receptor and HER2 interactions in breast cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642136v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Breast cancer affects women globally, with HER2 being one of the most aggressive subtypes. Despite advances in HER2-targeted therapies, many patients fail to respond to such treatments. In search of alternative therapeutic targets, we investigated the role of the oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) signalling system in HER2+ breast cancer. Survival analysis of HER2 subtype breast cancer patients revealed high OTR expression correlating with significantly improved relapse-free survival. OTR overexpression or knockdown in HER2+ SK-BR-3 cells decreased or increased cell viability, respectively. HER2 was downregulated in OTR-overexpressing cells, which could contribute to the decreased Pertuzumab efficacy. Importantly, HER2 was internalised upon OT treatment and interacted with OTR to form OTR-HER2 complexes. OT treatment furthermore induced a transient inhibition of HER2 phosphorylation without affecting the total HER2 protein levels. In addition, OT inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation but enhanced Akt phosphorylation, linked to increased cell viability. In summary, this work describes a novel HER2-OTR interaction and mechanism, expanding our understanding of HER2 cancer biology that might lead to new prognostic and therapeutic opportunities centred around the OT/OTR signalling system for patients suffering from HER2+ breast cancer.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moeller, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muttenthaler, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.09.642136</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Oxytocin receptor and HER2 interactions in breast cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642393v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hyperactivity of the Amygdala Mediates Depressive-Like Phenotypes and Decreased Serotonin Release 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642393v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Clinical and preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated a correlation between hyperactivity of the amygdala and the onset of depression. However, the underlying mechanisms influencing serotonin levels a critical neurotransmitter implicated in depression and a primary target for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain inadequately understood. In this study, we employed a restrained inescapable shock (RIS) model to investigate these mechanisms in mice. The RIS paradigm elicited depressive-like phenotypes, increased c-Fos expression in the amygdala, diminished serotonin levels, and elevated corticosterone concentrations. Notably, chemogenetic inhibition of the amygdala mitigated depressive symptoms, reduced neuronal activity in this region, and restored serotonin levels. Anatomical analyses revealed a significant connectivity between the central amygdala (CeA) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Fiber photometry recordings indicated that serotonergic neuronal activity in the DRN decreased in response to aversive stimuli, accompanied by amygdala activation following RIS, with no notable alterations in DRN GABAergic activity. These findings suggest that chronic stress may exacerbate amygdala hyperactivity, which subsequently inhibits serotonin release in the brain, potentially intensifying depressive states. Therefore, targeting amygdala hyperactivity may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the management of stress-related depressive and anxiety disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kim, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ying, K. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Asim, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.10.642393</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hyperactivity of the Amygdala Mediates Depressive-Like Phenotypes and Decreased Serotonin Release]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.07.642014v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biodiversity modulates the size-abundance relationship in changing environments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.07.642014v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Organismal abundance tends to decline with increasing body size. Metabolic theory links this size structure with energy use and productivity, postulating a size-abundance slope of -0.75 that is invariant across environments. We tested the robustness of this relationship across gradients of protist species richness (1-6 species), temperature (15-25 {degrees}C), and time. Using replicated microcosms, we provide an empirical test of how temperature and biodiversity jointly shape the cross-community scaling relationship (CCSR). While our results support the expected of slope -0.75, we also found interactive effects showing the relationship is not invariant. Warming altered abundance scaling with size depending on richness; in high-richness communities, temperature favoured small protists, steepening the CCSR slope. These context-dependent responses emerged over time, suggesting a role of size-dependent species interactions in shaping responses to environmental change. Our findings demonstrate that cross-community size scaling is not fixed but shifts dynamically with ecological context.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gjoni, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Altermatt, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garnier, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Palamara, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seymour, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pontarp, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pennekamp, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.07.642014</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biodiversity modulates the size-abundance relationship in changing environments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.11.641786v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multimodal brain cell atlas across the adult macaque lifespan 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.11.641786v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
High-throughput single-cell omics of non-human primate tissues present a remarkable opportunity to study primate brain aging. Here, we introduce a transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility landscape of 1,985,317 cells from eight brain regions of 13 cynomolgus female monkeys spanning adult lifespan including exceptionally old individuals up to 29-years old. This dataset uncovers dynamic molecular changes in critical brain functions such as synaptic communication and axon myelination, exhibiting a high degree of cell type and brain region specificity. We identify the multicellular networks of the pons and medulla as a previously unrecognized hotspot for aging. Furthermore, comparative analyses with human neurodegeneration datasets highlight both shared and distinct mechanisms contributing to aging and disease. In addition, we uncover transcription factors implicated in monkey brain aging and pinpoint aging-regulated loci linked to longevity and neurodegeneration. This spatiotemporal atlas will advance our understanding of primate brain aging and its broader implications for health and disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shangguan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qing, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Volpe, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Graf, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Diks, I. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flotho, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krol, R. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mulder, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hutchins, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keller, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maxwell, P. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rubinsztein, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, H.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.11.641786</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multimodal brain cell atlas across the adult macaque lifespan]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642286v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A tumor necrosis factor-α responsive cryptic promoter drives overexpression of the human endogenous retrovirus ERVK-7 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642286v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) shape human genome functionality and influence disease pathogenesis, including cancer. ERVK-7, a significant ERV, acts as an immune modulator and prognostic marker in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Although ERVK-7 overexpression has been linked to the amplification of the 1q22 locus in approximately 10% of LUAD cases, it predominantly arises from alternative regulatory mechanisms. Our findings indicate that the canonical 5 long terminal repeat (LTR) of ERVK-7 is methylated and inactive, necessitating the use of alternative upstream promoters. We identified two novel transcripts, ERVK-7.long and ERVK-7.short, arising from distinct promoters located 2.8 kb and 13.8 kb upstream of the 5LTR of ERVK-7, respectively. ERVK-7.long is predominantly overexpressed in LUAD. Through comprehensive epigenetic mapping and single-cell transcriptomics, we demonstrate that ERVK-7.long activation is predetermined by cell lineage, specifically in small airway epithelial cells (SAECs), where its promoter displays tumor-specific H3K4me3 modifications. Single-cell RNA sequencing further reveals a distinct enrichment of ERVK-7.long in LUAD tumor cells and alveolar type 2 epithelial cells, underscoring a cell-type-specific origin. Additionally, inflammatory signaling significantly influences ERVK-7 expression; TNF- enhances ERVK-7.long, while interferon signaling preferentially augments ERVK-7.short by differential recruitment of NF-{kappa}B/RELA and IRF to their respective promoters. This differential regulation clarifies the elevated ERVK-7 expression in LUAD compared to lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Our study elucidates the complex regulatory mechanisms governing ERVK-7 in LUAD and proposes these transcripts as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering new avenues to improve patient outcomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LEE, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, Y. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ouyang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, U. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goyal, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barbour, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.09.642286</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A tumor necrosis factor-α responsive cryptic promoter drives overexpression of the human endogenous retrovirus ERVK-7]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642308v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Harnessing Uniform Design to Enhance AI-Driven Predictions of Physicochemical Properties of Short Peptides 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642308v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Short peptides hold significant promise in drug discovery and materials science due to their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and ease of synthesis. However, accurately predicting their physicochemical properties, a prerequisite for application development, remains a challenge. This study presents an innovative approach integrating uniform design (UD) with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance prediction of key physicochemical properties, including aggregation propensity (AP), hydrophilicity (logP), and isoelectric point (pI). Using UD, we generate 31 distinct peptide datasets, with a consistent amino acid occupation fraction of 5% at each position, thereby creating unbiased training data for AI models. The performance of each AI model is rigorously evaluated using various testing schemes, and optimal sample sizes are determined for accurate prediction of each property. Additionally, Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis identifies aromaticity, logP, net charge, and pI as the primary factors affecting peptide aggregation. This work provides comprehensive datasets on the physicochemical properties of all tetrapeptides, develops robust AI-based predictive models, and elucidates the relationships between key physicochemical characteristics and self-assembly behavior. By integrating experimental design, AI modeling, and peptide domain knowledge, our approach facilitates the discovery and optimization of functional peptides, offering new opportunities for peptide-based therapeutic applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.10.642308</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Harnessing Uniform Design to Enhance AI-Driven Predictions of Physicochemical Properties of Short Peptides]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642374v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
How sleeping minds decide: state-specific reconfigurations of lexical decision-making 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642374v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Decision-making is a core cognitive function that enables adaptive behavior across diverse contexts. While extensively studied in wakefulness, its persistence and reconfiguration across sleep states remain poorly understood. Here, we use computational modeling to examine lexical decision-making across wakefulness, N1 sleep, and lucid REM sleep in both healthy participants (HP) and participants with narcolepsy (NP). Using facial electromyography (EMG) to capture real-time behavioral responses to spoken words and pseudowords during sleep, we quantify how decision-making strategies adapt under different sleep and consciousness states. Our findings reveal two key insights. First, decision-making mechanisms are dynamically reconfigured across sleep states. In N1 sleep, the advantage for word (vs. pseudoword) judgments is supported by faster sensory encoding and motor preparation, combined with efficient evidence accumulation. In contrast, in lucid REM sleep, the word advantage is driven exclusively by enhanced evidence accumulation, while sensory encoding and motor preparation remain unchanged. Second, cross-state comparisons reveal distinct patterns of preservation and impairment. In N1 sleep, word judgment remains largely intact, whereas pseudoword judgment is significantly impaired, characterized by prolonged stimulus encoding, delayed motor preparation, and reduced evidence accumulation. In contrast, lucid REM sleep is marked by a global reduction in processing efficiency, reflected in slower evidence accumulation and elevated decision thresholds for both words and pseudowords. These results demonstrate that rather than being uniformly degraded, decision-making is dynamically reconfigured across sleep stages, reflecting adaptive neurocognitive strategies that sustain cognition in altered states of consciousness. By identifying state-specific computational mechanisms, this study provides new insights into the brains resilience and flexibility under changing cognitive and physiological conditions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, C.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Musat, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Naccache, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arnulf, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oudiette, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.10.642374</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[How sleeping minds decide: state-specific reconfigurations of lexical decision-making]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642523v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ClairS-TO: A deep-learning method for long-read tumor-only somatic small variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.10.642523v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurate identification of somatic variants in tumor is crucial but challenging, and typically requires a matched normal sample for reliable detection, which is often unavailable in real-world research and clinical scenarios, necessitating proficient algorithms to tell real somatic variants from germline variants and background noises. However, existing tumor-only somatic variant callers that were designed for short-read data dont work well with long-read. To fill the gap, we present ClairS-TO, a deep-learning-based method for long-read tumor-only somatic variant calling. ClairS-TO uses an ensemble of two disparate neural networks that were trained from the same samples but for opposite tasks - how likely/not likely a candidate is a somatic variant. ClairS-TO also applies multiple post-calling filters, including 1) nine hard-filters, 2) four public plus any number of user-supplied PoNs, and 3) a module that statistically separates somatic and germline variants using tumor purity and copy number profile. Benchmarks using COLO829 and HCC1395 show that ClairS-TO outperforms DeepSomatic in long-read. ClairS-TO is also applicable to short-read and outperforms Mutect2, Octopus, Pisces, and DeepSomatic. Extensive experiments across various sequencing coverages, VAF ranges, and tumor purities support that ClairS-TO has a broad coverage of usage scenarios. ClairS-TO is open-source, available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/ClairS-TO.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. O. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, Y.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.10.642523</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ClairS-TO: A deep-learning method for long-read tumor-only somatic small variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.12.642745v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Adaptive behavioural strategies to seasonal challenges by a semi-urban feral ungulate 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.12.642745v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Seasonality, or temporal shifts between wet and dry seasons, profoundly affects the behavioural ecology of animals, particularly large herbivores, in (sub-) tropical climatic conditions. Behavioural strategies are crucial for overcoming challenges associated with seasonality. Group-level strategies to seasonality in the wild have received considerable attention, yet little is known about how large herbivores in human-dominated landscapes respond to seasonal challenges. Moreover, focusing solely on groups can obscure how individual animals of different sexes, ages, and personalities respond. We investigated a semi-urban feral population of a large ungulate, the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) (N=71) during a wet and a dry season. Individual body condition was non-invasively assessed to evaluate whether seasonality impacts physiology. To identify behavioural strategies, we collected data on feeding (grazing and browsing) and space use (core area and home range). Further, using a subset (n=30), we investigated the associations between personality and space use in the dry season. Body condition scores were highest during the wet season and then declined during the dry season, indicating an impact of seasonality on physiology. Older individuals were more affected than younger ones. Browsing increased during the dry compared to the wet season. While there was no change in core area use, home ranges expanded in the dry compared to the wet season. Regardless of season, females utilised home ranges larger than males. Females exhibiting higher  social tension personalities had smaller core areas and home ranges than those with lower social tension. We show that buffalo employ behavioural strategies to overcome challenges associated with seasonality, and these strategies are contingent on intrinsic factors: sex, age, and personality. Our findings offer insights into the ecological principles -habitat use, resource utilisation, and competition- that govern the behavioural ecology of herbivores, and have implications for conservation and welfare in increasingly human-dominated and climate-sensitive landscapes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bhattacharjee, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flay, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mumby, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.12.642745</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Adaptive behavioural strategies to seasonal challenges by a semi-urban feral ungulate]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.13.643176v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RPGR regulates motile cilia by interfering with actin dynamics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.13.643176v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cilia are highly conserved cellular organelles extruding from the surface of cell types carrying either sensory (signaling) or motile functions. These include photoreceptor cells and airway epithelia, where they function in light sensation and mucociliary clearance respectively. Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) variants affect both photoreceptor sensory cilia and airway motile cilia, leading to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and in some cases, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), both debilitating conditions. Not all patients develop PCD and it is unclear which RPGR variants predispose patients to PCD and why this happens. In this study, using nasal biopsy samples of patients with RPGR-related RP, we leverage 2D organoid cell culturing, super-resolution microscopy, and live cell imaging to characterize the multiciliated cells from patients with different RPGR variants, healthy human nasal and bronchial multiciliated cells with CRISPR-modified RPGR function. We demonstrate for the first time that multiciliated cells with RPGR variants may have reduced ciliation, shorter cilia, significantly impaired cilia beat, or cilia beat incoordination, which could lead to defective mucociliary clearance and lung disease. In addition, we show the regulation of motile cilia by RPGR involves F-actin, as evidenced by temporarily reduced Gelsolin and undissolved condensed actin meshwork at the apical surface of RPGR-deficient multiciliated cells. In support, we show that the motile cilia defect can be ameliorated by treating with the actin polymerization inhibitor Latrunculin A. Though PCD was observed only in patients with variants that affect both main isoforms (RPGR1-19 and RPGRORF15), patients with variants affecting only RPGRORF15 also showed cilia and airway anomalies. Though all RPGR variants affected motile cilia in one way or another, RPGR loss of function variants affecting both isoforms are associated with more severe cilia and systemic phenotypes, the mechanisms of which involve the accumulation of apical F-actin.

One Sentence Summary: Loss of RPGR, through the mechanism of apical F-actin accumulation in airway multiciliated cells, leads to reduced ciliation with short cilia that have an impaired beat, leading to defective mucociliary clearance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tavares, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wee, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mennella, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stephenson, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hanan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dell, S. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heon, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LIU, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.13.643176</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RPGR regulates motile cilia by interfering with actin dynamics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.14.643063v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Deciphering lung adenocarcinoma evolution and the role of LINE-1 retrotransposition 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.14.643063v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding lung cancer evolution can identify tools for intercepting its growth. In a landscape analysis of 1024 lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) with deep whole-genome sequencing integrated with multiomic data, we identified 542 LUAD that displayed diverse clonal architecture. In this group, we observed an interplay between mobile elements, endogenous and exogenous mutational processes, distinct driver genes, and epidemiological features. Our results revealed divergent evolutionary trajectories based on tobacco smoking exposure, ancestry, and sex. LUAD from smokers showed an abundance of tobacco-related C:G>A:T driver mutations in KRAS plus short subclonal diversification. LUAD in never smokers showed early occurrence of copy number alterations and EGFR mutations associated with SBS5 and SBS40a mutational signatures. Tumors harboring EGFR mutations exhibited long latency, particularly in females of European-ancestry (EU_N). In EU_N, EGFR mutations preceded the occurrence of other driver genes, including TP53 and RBM10. Tumors from Asian never smokers showed a short clonal evolution and presented with heterogeneous repetitive patterns for the inferred mutational order. Importantly, we found that the mutational signature ID2 is a marker of a previously unrecognized mechanism for LUAD evolution. Tumors with ID2 showed short latency and high L1 retrotransposon activity linked to L1 promoter demethylation. These tumors exhibited an aggressive phenotype, characterized by increased genomic instability, elevated hypoxia scores, low burden of neoantigens, propensity to develop metastasis, and poor overall survival. Re-activated L1 retrotransposition-induced mutagenesis can contribute to the origin of the mutational signature ID2, including through the regulation of the transcriptional factor ZNF695, a member of the KZFP family. The complex nature of LUAD evolution creates both challenges and opportunities for screening and treatment plans.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wirth, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Diaz-Gay, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cecati, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marchegiani, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoang, P. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leduc, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baine, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Travis, W. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sholl, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Joubert, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElderry, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klein, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khandekar, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hartman, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosenbaum, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Colon-Matos, F. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miraftab, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saha, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, O. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Caporaso, N. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsiung, C. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Homer, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pesatori, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Consonni, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Edell, E. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Santamaria, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schabath, M. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yendamuri, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Manczuk, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lissowska, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swiatkowska, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mukeria, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shangina, O</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.14.643063</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Deciphering lung adenocarcinoma evolution and the role of LINE-1 retrotransposition]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.24.644852v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Compositional data modeling of high-dimensional single cell RNA-seq (CoDA-hd): its advantages over commonly used normalization approaches 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.24.644852v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Compositional data analysis (CoDA) is an emerging statistical framework and has been extended to microbiome, bulk RNA-seq, and cell type proportions in single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) (with 50-200 components). Here, we explore the high-dimensional application of CoDA (CoDA-hd) and its various log-ratio (LR) transformations to raw count matrices of scRNA-seq which has over 20,000 components (e.g., protein coding genes). scRNA-seq matrices are typically sparse and high-dimensional. Common approaches of normalization such as log-normalization may lead to suspicious findings as previously shown for trajectory inference. Although RNA-seq is compositional data by nature, the geometry of CoDA in high-dimensional simplex is not compatible with most downstream analyses of scRNA-seq which are based on Euclidean space. In this study, we explored if CoDA is adaptable with scRNA-seq in various downstream applications. Specifically, we attempted to study: (1) CoDA adaptability to scRNA-seq; (2) handling of zero data: prior-log-normalized, imputation or with specific count addition; (3) transformation to Euclidean space and compatibility with downstream analyses. Our results suggested that (1) the innovative count addition schemes (e.g., SGM) enable the application of CoDA to high dimensional sparse data (i.e., scRNA-seq); (2) log-normalized data could be transformed to CoDA LR transformation as an approximation; (3) CoDA LR transformations such as count-added centered-log-ratio (CLR) had some advantages in dimension reduction visualization, clustering, and trajectory inference in the tested real & simulated datasets. CLR provided more decent and separated clusters in dimension reductions, improved the Slingshot trajectory inference, and eliminated the suspicious trajectory that is probably caused by the dropouts. We therefore concluded that CoDA may be a preferred scale-free model to handle scRNA-seq data for these downstream applications. Additionally, an R package  CoDAhd was developed for conducting CoDA LR transformations for high dimensional scRNA-seq data. The code for implementing CoDA-hd and some example datasets were placed at https://github.com/GO3295/CoDAhd.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yam, P. S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.24.644852</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Compositional data modeling of high-dimensional single cell RNA-seq (CoDA-hd): its advantages over commonly used normalization approaches]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.24.644842v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Characterization of two non-competing antibodies to influenza H3N2 hemagglutinin stem reveals its evolving antigenicity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.24.644842v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The conserved stem domain of influenza hemagglutinin (HA), which is classified into group 1 and group 2, is a target of broadly neutralizing antibodies. While many group 1 HA stem antibodies have been described, much less is known about group 2 HA stem antibodies. This study structurally characterizes two group 2 HA stem antibodies, 2F02 and AG2-G02, targeting the central stem epitope and the lower stem epitope, respectively. Unlike prototypic group 2 HA stem antibodies, 2F02 and AG2-G02 do not compete for binding. Both antibodies offer protection in vivo despite having minimal neutralization activity in vitro. We further demonstrate that the natural evolution of HA2 position 32 restricts the binding of AG2-G02 to recent human H3N2 HAs and influences the binding of human plasma samples. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of the antigenicity of HA stem, which has important implications for the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gopal, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pholcharee, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ouyang, W. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-03-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.24.644842</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Characterization of two non-competing antibodies to influenza H3N2 hemagglutinin stem reveals its evolving antigenicity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-03-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.27.645685v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MKFGO: Integrating Multi-Source Knowledge Fusion with Pre-Trained Language Model for High-Accuracy Protein Function Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.27.645685v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurately identifying protein functions is essential to understand life mechanisms and thus advance drug discovery. Although biochemical experiments are the gold standard for determining protein functions, they are often time-consuming and labor-intensive. Here, we proposed a novel composite deep-learning method, MKFGO, to infer Gene Ontology (GO) attributes through integrating five complementary pipelines built on multi-source biological data. MKFGO was rigorously benchmarked on 1522 non-redundant proteins, demonstrating superior performance over 11 state-of-the-art function prediction methods. Comprehensive data analyses revealed that the major advantage of MKFGO lies in its two deep-learning components, HFRGO and PLMGO, which derive handcraft features and protein large language model (PLM)-based features, respectively, from protein sequences in different biological views, with effective knowledge fusion at the decision-level. HFRGO leverages an LSTM-attention network embedded with handcraft features, in which the triplet loss-based guilt-by-association strategy is designed to enhance the correlation between feature similarity and function similarity. PLMGO employs the PLM to capture feature embeddings with discriminative functional patterns from sequences. Meanwhile, another three components provide complementary insights for further improving prediction accuracy, driven by protein-protein interaction, GO term probability, and protein-coding gene sequence, respectively. The source codes and models of MKFGO are freely available at https://github.com/yiheng-zhu/MKFGO.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, D.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.03.27.645685</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MKFGO: Integrating Multi-Source Knowledge Fusion with Pre-Trained Language Model for High-Accuracy Protein Function Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.03.646958v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BABA: Naturalistic fMRI and MEG recordings during viewing of a reality TV show 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.03.646958v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Prior neuroimaging datasets using naturalistic listening paradigms have predominantly focused on single-talker scenarios. While these studies have been invaluable for advancing our understanding of speech and language processing in the brain, they do not capture the complexities of real-world multi-talker environments. Here, we introduce the "Le Petit Prince (LPP) Multi-talker Dataset", a high-quality, naturalistic neuroimaging dataset featuring 40 minutes of electroencephalogram (EEG) and 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings from 26 native Mandarin Chinese speakers as they listened to both single-talker and multi-talker speech streams. Validation analyses conducted on both EEG and fMRI data demonstrate the datasets high quality and robustness. Additionally, the dataset includes detailed transcriptions and prosodic and linguistic annotations of the speech stimuli, enabling fine-grained analyses of neural responses to specific linguistic and acoustic features. The LPP Multi-talker Dataset is well-suited for addressing a wide range of research questions in cognitive neuroscience, including selective attention, auditory stream segregation, and working memory processes in naturalistic listening contexts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.03.646958</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BABA: Naturalistic fMRI and MEG recordings during viewing of a reality TV show]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.01.646730v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Proterozoic Tectonic Drivers Underpin Flavobacterial Diversification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.01.646730v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Flavobacteria are keystone taxa in global carbon cycling, degrading complex glycans in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In both environments, polysaccharides constitute a major fraction of organic matter but differ in origin: marine glycans primarily derive from micro- and macroalgae, while terrestrial counterparts originate from land plants. Flavobacteria deploy distinct suites of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) tailored to these habitat-specific substrates, yet the evolutionary drivers of their diversification remain unresolved. Two competing hypotheses exist: one posits glycan specialization as the primary driver of divergence, while the other implicates extrinsic geological factors in shaping their evolution. By integrating mitochondrial- and plastid-based molecular clocks with eukaryotic fossil calibrations, we infer that flavobacteria emerged between 2.15 and 1.98 billion years ago (Gya), shortly after the Great Oxidation Event (GOE; 2.4-2.32 Gya). Subsequent diversification involved three independent marine-to-non-marine transitions during the Proterozoic Eon (1.98-1.70 Gya, 1.72-1.40 Gya, and 1.28-1.14 Gya), temporally aligned with the formation and the fragmentation of the Columbia supercontinent and preceded the evolution of the major glycan contributors in both marine and non-marine niches. This temporal mismatch disfavors the glycan specialization hypothesis, instead implicating tectonic-driven habitat shifts as the primary driver of lineage diversification. Non-marine flavobacteria exhibited higher turnover but lower net diversification rates than marine counterparts, reflecting the challenges of adapting to fragmented non-marine niches. Genome erosion and deleterious mutation accumulation further constrained reverse transitions, locking lineages into non-marine habitats. Our findings highlight Proterozoic tectonics, rather than substrate-specific CAZyme innovation, as the catalyst for flavobacterias evolutionary success across Earths carbon-rich biomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.01.646730</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Proterozoic Tectonic Drivers Underpin Flavobacterial Diversification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.03.646928v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Imputation Disparities Driven by Recent Selectionand Their Impact on Disease Risk Estimation in East and Southeast Asian Populations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.03.646928v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Using genotype data consisting of 8,316 individuals, we systematically evaluated imputation performance across six state-of-the-art reference panels for Chinese and Thai populations. A substantial proportion of variants identified through whole-genome sequencing, especially low-frequency variants, remained undetected by existing reference panels. In the Chinese population, the TOPMed panel required an R2 threshold of 0.60-0.70 to achieve comparable imputation accuracy of the ChinaMAP panel without R2 filtering, challenging the standard practice of applying a fixed R2 threshold for downstream analyses. Regional analysis highlighted the role of recent selection in imputation discrepancies and revealed an enrichment of immune-related genes in poorly imputed regions. In addition, we showed that the selection of reference panels and R2 thresholds could significantly influence estimation of polygenic risk score for disease prediction. These findings underscore the importance of developing ancestrally diverse reference panels and provide valuable guidelines for improving genotype imputation in East and Southeast Asian populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tangtanatakul, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-C.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pisitkul, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suangtamai, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kunhapan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hirankarn, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.03.646928</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Imputation Disparities Driven by Recent Selectionand Their Impact on Disease Risk Estimation in East and Southeast Asian Populations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.06.647487v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Bioinformatic Investigation into the Role of ITGB1 in Cancer Prognosis and Therapeutic Resistance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.06.647487v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Integrin {beta} 1 is a crucial transmembrane protein that regulates cellular adhesion, migration, and signal transduction, processes essential for cancer progression. This study investigates the role of ITGB1, the gene that encodes Integrin {beta}1, in various cancers using bioinformatics tools. By analyzing gene expression data across different cancer types and normal tissues, the study identifies significant upregulation of ITGB1 in 12 cancer types. We find elevated expression of ITGB1 is associated with poor prognosis in multiple tumors, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Further analysis reveals ITGB1s correlation with chemoresistance and immunoresistance genes, highlighting its involvement in cancer treatment evasion. The study also explores the expression and role of genes that are highly related to ITGB1 in tumor and patient prognosis, offering insights into potential molecular pathways and therapeutic targets. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of ITGB1 in cancer prognosis and therapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.06.647487</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Bioinformatic Investigation into the Role of ITGB1 in Cancer Prognosis and Therapeutic Resistance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.09.645406v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lysosomal cathepsin D regulates bone turnover through distinct mode of actions of the autophagy pathways in osteoblasts and osteoclasts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.09.645406v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Insufficiency in nutrient availability, oxidative stress and autophagy failure are fundamental factors for the decline of bone mass and strength with aging. Accumulating evidence indicates that these factors affect normal autophagosomal or lysosomal activities which are the major force in clearance of aggregated or damaged proteins. Cathepsin D (CtsD), the principal lysosomal aspartate protease and a main endopeptidase, exists in the skeleton during development or homeostasis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of CtsD mediated autophagosome or lysosome function in the skeletal homeostasis remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that deletion of CtsD dramatically decreased bone mass in the 3-week old mutant mice compared with their control littermates as indicated by decreased bone volume (BV), bone volume / total volume (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), trabecular number, trabecular thickness and increase trabecular separation in the microCT analysis. Histomorphometry analysis revealed that the phenotype was characterized by decreased osteoblast numbers, osteoblast surface/bone surface and mineral apposition rate, increased osteoclast numbers, osteoclast surface/bone surface and erosion surface/bone surface. At molecular level, siRNA medicated inactivation of CtsD in MC3T3E1 cells attenuated osteoblastic differentiation and downregulated LC3B expression, which was accompanied by decreased levels of P62, p-Akt and p-GSK3beta in osteoblasts. Intriguingly, inactivation of CtsD in RAW264.7 cells increased osteoclast differentiation with decreased LC3B expression but upregulated P62 level. This was accompanied by alterations in the formation of autophagosome and differential transcription profiles associated with the autophagy pathway during the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The results suggest that CtsD mediated autophagy pathway plays important roles in regulation of bone mass and homeostasis through distinct mode of actions in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and CtsD may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the maintenance of bone mass.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schneider, L. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.09.645406</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lysosomal cathepsin D regulates bone turnover through distinct mode of actions of the autophagy pathways in osteoblasts and osteoclasts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.10.648288v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Drp1 Proteins Released from Hydrolysis-driven Scaffold Disassembly Trigger Nucleotide-dependent Membrane Remodeling to Promote Scission 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.10.648288v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dynamin-related protein (Drp1) drives mitochondrial fission, dysregulation of which leads to neurodegenerative, metabolic, and apoptotic disorders. The precise mechanism of fission completion is unclear. One prevailing model is based on GTP-driven assembly of Drp1 helices that increase confinement via force generation. However, constriction to nanoscopic tubule radii appears necessary but not sufficient for scission. The other is based on GTP-driven disassembly of a constricting Drp1 scaffold that drives a membrane disturbance, but the relation of disassembly to scission and GTP hydrolysis remain uncertain. Elucidation of mitochondrial fission is complicated by the multiple time-involved in the dynamics of mechanoenzyme activity, oligomer disassembly, and membrane remodeling. Using machine learning, synchrotron x-ray scattering, and a theoretical model, our data support a model where progressive GTP hydrolysis enable free Drp1s to increase their capacity for inducing membrane negative Gaussian curvature (NGC). Furthermore, we identify and Drp1 variants that diminish this progressive capacity. Machine learning reveals that predicted NGC-generating sequences of the Drp1 oligomer are not in contact with the confined lipid tube, that scission-enhancing membrane remodeling is triggered by free Drp1 released upon disassembly.

TeaserFree Drp1 released from disassembly of oligomeric Drp1 constrictase promotes GTP-hydrolysis dependent mitochondrial scission.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, E. W.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nolden, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alimohamadi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hill, R. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, G. C. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.10.648288</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Drp1 Proteins Released from Hydrolysis-driven Scaffold Disassembly Trigger Nucleotide-dependent Membrane Remodeling to Promote Scission]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.17.649316v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A unified eIF1A+ luminal cells-centered hypoxic and "cold" tumor microenvironment promotes PCa progression among different subtypes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.17.649316v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PCa is a malignancy with high heterogeneity arises from both tumor microenvironment (TME) and histological subtypes. To achieve superior clinical efficacy, it is imperative to identify unified progression drivers within such heterogeneity in PCa, thereby enabling the development of more consistent and effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we applied imaging mass cytometry to stain 39 proteins on 71 tissues comprising para-cancer, low-grade acinar adenocarcinoma (LgPAC), high-grade PAC (HgPAC), intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC) tissues, obtaining the spatial proteomic landscape of 345,233 single cells. We discovered a hypoxic eIF1A+ luminal epithelial (LE) cluster exhibiting both translational activation and immunosuppressive properties, which was enriched in high-risk PCa including HgPAC, IDC and DAC, and associated which tumor progression and unfavorable prognosis. Additionally, eIF1A+ LE orchestrates the formation of an immunologically "cold" TME, characterized by the low infiltration of anti-cancer immune cells including PD1- T cells CD163- macrophages. Through in vivo validation and investigator-initiated study, we further found that Homoharringtonine, an inhibitor targeting protein translation process, effectively inhibited PCa growth, alleviated hypoxic microenvironment, and enhanced immune cell infiltration. This study is the first to apply spatial proteomics to delineate consistent molecular features across histological subtypes, providing transformative insights for clinical management of PCa.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Na, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ju, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.17.649316</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A unified eIF1A+ luminal cells-centered hypoxic and "cold" tumor microenvironment promotes PCa progression among different subtypes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.16.649236v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-Cell Pharmacogenomic Landscapes of Epigenetic Therapy in Gastric Cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.16.649236v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Gene expression signatures ("molecular phenotypes") are extensively utilized in cancer research. To study how gastric cancer (GC) molecular phenotypes are shaped by cell-intrinsic genetic alterations interacting with cell-extrinsic therapeutic pressures, we performed direct capture Perturb-seq (dcPerturb-seq) to interrogate >200 GC-related genes across 4 distinct epigenetic drug classes in multiple gastric lines. We captured 17.7 million pharmocogenomic expression interactions in 625,866 cells representing baseline and post-therapeutic molecular phenotypes. This single-cell pharmacogenomic compendium confirmed previously known gene-driven molecular phenotypes, elucidated poorly characterized genes, and uncovered novel gene dosage-molecular phenotype relationships. Molecular phenotypes in post-therapeutic surviving cells revealed diverse gene perturbation-associated pathways causing convergent drug resistance (EMT plasticity, cell cycle alterations, metabolic reprogramming), highlighting combinatorial strategies for restoring sensitivity. Mapping of in vitro molecular phenotypes to primary human GCs imparted prognostic information and insights into spatial heterogeneity. Comparative analysis of gene perturbations across therapies and lines revealed both conserved and context-specific molecular alterations. Our results illustrate how Perturb-seq approaches can systematically map diverse cancer-associated molecular phenotypes across multiple gene/drug/cell line interactions, yielding translational insights.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abdul Ghani, S. A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perlaza-Jimenez, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lim, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Srivastava, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tay, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, S. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, A. L. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nasca, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Randon, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ashktorab, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A. S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeyasekharan, A. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teh, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sundar, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Powell, D. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosenbluh, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pietrantonio, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yong, W. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, J. B.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.16.649236</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-Cell Pharmacogenomic Landscapes of Epigenetic Therapy in Gastric Cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.17.649333v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cross-modal Denoising and Integration of Spatial Multi-omics data with CANDIES 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.17.649333v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spatial multi-omics data offer a powerful framework for integrating diverse molecular profiles while maintaining the spatial organization of cells. However, inherent variations in data quality and noise levels across different modalities pose significant challenges to accurate integration and analyses. In this paper, we introduce CANDIES, which leverages a conditional diffusion model and contrastive learning to effectively denoise and integrates spatial multi-omics data. With our innovative model and algorithm designs, CANDIES not only enhances the quality of spatial multi-omics data, but also yields a unified and comprehensive joint representation, thereby empowering many downstream analysis. We conduct extensive evaluations on diverse synthetic and real datasets, including spatial CITE-seq data from human skin biopsy tissue, MISAR-seq data from the mouse brain, spatial ATAC-RNA-seq data from the mouse embryo and 10x visium data from human lymph nodes. CANDIES shows superior performance on various downstream tasks, including denoising, spatial domain identification, spatiotemporal trajectories reconstruction, and spatial association mapping for complex human traits. In particular, we show that CANDIES representations can be integrated with the rich resources from genome-wide association studies (GWASs), allowing the spatial domains to be linked with complex human traits, yielding spatially resolved interpretation of complex traits in their relevant tissues.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.17.649333</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cross-modal Denoising and Integration of Spatial Multi-omics data with CANDIES]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.21.649745v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cognitive Mode Detectable with Task-Based fMRI: Default Mode B (DMB) 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.21.649745v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the context of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), cognitive modes can be defined as task-general cognitive/sensory/motor processes which reliably elicit specific blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal pattern configurations. A number of cognitive modes are detectable with task-based fMRI, and here we focus on Default Mode B (DMB), a task-negative and late-trial peaking cognitive mode. The BOLD signal configurations associated with DMB are modulated by a range of tasks, and here we present eight. For each task, we report: (1) specific pattern-based (as opposed to coordinate-based) anatomical details essential for distinguishing DMB from other BOLD-based cognitive modes, and (2) task-induced BOLD signal changes associated with DMB over a range of task conditions. In order to facilitate recognition, we nick-named the anatomical patterns specific to DMB as follows: (1) In Flight, (2) Medial Temporal Dots, (3) Snowman Nose, (4) Angel Wings, and (5) Tripod. Evidence for DMB was derived from the timing and magnitude of task-induced BOLD signal changes induced by the following tasks: working memory, spatial capacity, semantic association, evidence integration, Ravens matrices, autobiographical event simulation, meditation and social perception. It was observed that deactivations in DMB were sensitive to cognitive load during attention to specific features of the external environment, based on evidence from working memory, spatial capacity, semantic association, evidence integration, and Ravens matrices. It was also observed that activations in DMB involved a cognitive process for engaging in mental projection into self-relevant social narratives, based on evidence from autobiographical event simulation, meditation, and social perception. Future research may explore DMB activation over a wider range of tasks in larger samples.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ni, Y. Q. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Redway, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momeni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momeni, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Woodward, T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.21.649745</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cognitive Mode Detectable with Task-Based fMRI: Default Mode B (DMB)]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.18.649619v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Predicting Early Transitions in Respiratory Virus Infections via Critical Transient Gene Interactions 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.18.649619v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Early detection of respiratory virus infections, such as influenza A (H3N2), is critical for timely intervention and disease management. Conventional biomarkers often overlook the complex and dynamic nature of gene regulatory changes, while existing predictive models frequently lack automation and robust external validation. Thus, we present CRISGI (Critical tran-Sient Gene Interaction), a computational framework that detects early-warning signals of infection by identifying dynamic changes in gene-gene interactions--termed critical transient interactions--from bulk RNA-seq data. CRISGI leverages critical transition (CT) theory to capture a GRNs unstable intermediate state, known as the CT stage, before irreversible phenotypic shifts. Applied to a human challenge study with H3N2, CRISGI identified 128 critical transition edges (128-TER). These were used to train predictive models capable of forecasting symptom status and onset timing. 128-TER was then validated across six temporal transcriptomic datasets involving three respiratory viruses (H3N2, H1N1, HRV). The 128-TER consistently distinguished symptomatic individuals, predicted infection onset, and revealed phenotype-specific enrichment patterns. Notably, CRISGI captured immune-related transitions involving interferon-stimulated genes (e.g., IFIT1, CXCL10), underscoring their role in early host defense. CRISGI advances early-warning biomarker discovery by integrating interaction-level dynamics and predictive modeling. Its reproducibility across viruses highlights shared immune activation pathways, supporting its utility in both research and clinical contexts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lyu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.18.649619</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Predicting Early Transitions in Respiratory Virus Infections via Critical Transient Gene Interactions]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.23.648900v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A direct RNA-seq-based EBV Latency Transcriptome Offers Insights into the Biogenesis of EBV Gene Products. 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.23.648900v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ubiquitously infects humans, establishing lifelong persistence in B cells. In vitro, EBV-infected B cells can establish a lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). EBVs transcripts in LCLs (Latency III) produce six nuclear proteins (EBNAs), two latency membrane proteins (LMPs) and various microRNAs and putative long non-coding RNAs (BARTs). The BART and EBNA transcription units are characterised by extensive alternative splicing.

We generated LCLs with B95-8 EBV-BACs, including one engineered with "barcodes" in the first and last repeat of internal repeat 1 (IR1), and analysed their EBV transcriptomes using long-read nanopore direct RNA-seq. Our pipeline ensures appropriate mapping of the W promoter (Wp) 5 exon, and corrects W1-W2 exon counts that misalign to IR1. This suggests that splicing across IR1 largely includes all W exons, and that Wp-derived transcripts more frequently encode the EBNA-LP start codon than Cp transcripts. Analysis identified a short variant of exon W2 and a novel polyA site before EBNA2, provided insights into BHRF1 miRNA processing and suggested co-ordination between polyA and splice site usage, although improved read depth and integrity are required to confirm this. The BAC region disrupts the integrity of BART transcripts through premature polyadenylation and cryptic splice sites in the hygromycin expression cassette. Finally, a few transcripts extended across established gene boundaries, running from EBNA, to BART to LMP2 gene regions, sometimes including novel exons between EBNA1 and the BART promoter. We have produced an EBV annotation based on these findings to help others better characterise EBV transcriptomes in future.

Data SummaryScripts (and the shell scripts used to combine commands into the pipeline), and guidance in their usage are available on Github (github.com/robertewhite/ebv-transcriptomics-tools). All of the RNA-seq raw data and analyses relevant to this study are available from the EMBL Nucleotide Archive Study accession PRJEB83447 (read files ERR14129300-303), or from the authors website, ebv.org.uk. Processed and analysed data is presented in Excel format in Supplementary tables ST1-8, and the intermediate data processing conducted in excel is linked from the front page of ebv.org.uk, alongside the scripts, raw reads and updated B95-8-BAC and prototype EBV transcriptome annotation (gff3) files.

Impact statementThis article showcases the potential of direct RNA-seq to characterise complex transcriptomes like Epstein-Barr virus, highlights specific challenges of interpreting RNA-seq data, and presents tools to solve specific challenges of mapping RNA-seq reads to EBV exons. Biologically, the data analysis identifies several new aspects of Epstein-Barr virus transcription, offering insights into miRNA proteins, and identifies idiosyncrasies of the transcriptome of the widely used B95-8 BAC that will inform studies using this system. Finally we provide an improved annotation for EBV RNA-seq studies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mamane-Logsdon, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zane, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chong, C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chou, O. H. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rawal, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gillman, A. C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wongwiwat, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Donovan-Banfield, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matthews, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>White, R. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.23.648900</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A direct RNA-seq-based EBV Latency Transcriptome Offers Insights into the Biogenesis of EBV Gene Products.]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.29.641945v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PepSeek: Universal Functional Peptide Discovery with Cooperation Between Specialized Deep Learning Models and Large Language Model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.29.641945v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent computational foundation models have revitalized the scientific discovery pipeline. However, developing foundational models for functional peptide discovery is costly due to the scarcity of wet-lab validated data. Meanwhile, conventional deep learning models are hard to generalize to unseen tasks or data distribution. Here, we introduce PepSeek, a universal approach for peptide discovery that synergistically integrates the most advanced large language model (LLM) with specialized small models. PepSeek harnesses the robust reasoning and generalization capabilities of LLM while leveraging the high predictive accuracy of specialized models trained for tasks such as antimicrobial activity regression and functional peptide generation. We have devised multiple collaborative strategies and task-specific modules demonstrating leading performance in peptide identification and generation. Notably, PepSeek achieves remarkable zero-shot prediction accuracy for peptides with diverse functionalities. We used PepSeek to identify a group of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide that exhibits low toxicity and high activity against drug-resistant bacteria, with the best surpassing all peptides currently undergoing clinical trials. Our framework establishes a new pipeline for scientific discovery with the help of LLM and specialized models.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-04-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.29.641945</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PepSeek: Universal Functional Peptide Discovery with Cooperation Between Specialized Deep Learning Models and Large Language Model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-04-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.29.650939v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single-cell analyses reveal scyphozoan conserved and specific genes contribution during tissue regeneration in two jellyfish 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.29.650939v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The phylum Cnidaria is the outgroup of Bilateria and includes sea anemones, corals, hydroids, and jellyfish. Cnidarians play crucial ecological roles in marine ecosystems, including the formation of highly diverse and productive coral reefs, and acting as important predator and prey species. Cnidarians are also well known for their remarkable regeneration capacities. Here, we report single-cell RNA sequencing during bell regeneration in two species of scyphozoans or true jellyfish, Aurelia coerulea and Rhopilema esculentum. We delineated 12 cell populations in Aurelia and Rhopilema, and revealed their respective marker genes and enriched gene pathways. Conserved transcription factor Otx and Wnt/ {beta}-catenin signalling pathway genes were identified during regeneration processes. Additionally, we discovered two conserved, sequentially activated modules during regeneration, with stem cells, gastrodermal cells, neural cells, and secretory gland cells modulated in the first phase, followed by cnidocytes in the second phase. Further comparison among cnidarian genomes identified a suite of scyphozoan lineage-specific genes, a subset of which were frequently significantly expressed in cnidocytes in both jellyfish species during the first phase of regeneration. This study reveals key insights into the evolution and contribution of conserved and novel genes to the formation of lineage-specific genetic networks and biological processes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, S. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, W. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, T. C. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, T. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chui, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>John, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kai, Z. p.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bendena, W. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayward, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ngai, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.04.29.650939</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single-cell analyses reveal scyphozoan conserved and specific genes contribution during tissue regeneration in two jellyfish]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.02.651972v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Metabolic modulation of intratumoral cholesterol with gut microbiota for the treatment of colorectal cancer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.02.651972v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Excess cholesterol is positively correlated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Current therapeutic strategies for modulating cholesterol levels in CRC are limited and often come with complications. Here, we demonstrated that microbiome shunting of intestinal cholesterol to anticancer metabolites is a safe and applicable therapeutic approach for CRC. By screening major microbial metabolic products of cholesterol, we found that 4-cholesten-3-one (4-C-3) was selectively depleted in fecal samples and tumor tissues of patients with CRC. 4-C-3 exhibits strong antitumor effects on human CRC cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Mechanistically, 4-C-3 suppresses CRC tumorigenesis by dually targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS). 4-C-3 directly binds to EGFR, blocking its signal transduction by inhibiting the binding of EGFR ligands. Additionally, 4-C-3 inhibits oncogenic KRAS variants, such as KRASG12D, by suppressing nucleotide exchange activity and effector engagement. By targeting both EGFR and KRAS, 4-C-3 reduces primary resistance to anti-EGFR therapies caused by KRAS mutations in CRC. As a proof-of-concept study, we showed that delivery of 4-C-3 by Oscillibacter ruminantium, a 4-C-3- producing commensal bacterium that is reduced in CRC patients, or a nonpathogenic Escherichia coli strain engineered to specifically convert intestinal cholesterol into 4-C-3, removed intratumoral cholesterol and led to rapid tumor regression in multiple models of CRC. These results suggest that microbial therapies for restoring intestinal cholesterol homeostasis represent a new therapeutic avenue for CRC.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Asthana, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gurung, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, H. L. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.02.651972</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Metabolic modulation of intratumoral cholesterol with gut microbiota for the treatment of colorectal cancer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.08.652590v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Monocyte single cell-type gene expression measured in peripheral blood by DIRECT LS-TA method: the ratio-based biomarkers of (IFI27/PSAP) showed superior performance than interferon score in triage patients with viral infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.08.652590v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A rapid method to triage febrile patients into different categories of etiologies remains a significant challenge even nowadays, when many molecular tests for pathogens are available. Routine serum protein tests like C-reactive protein and procalcitonin have limited specificity. Host response gene signatures are promising biomarkers but they usually require assaying many genes, e.g. 7 genes are commonly used to calculate the interferon (IFN) score. However, these gene panels fail to capture cell-type-specific host responses. Measuring gene expression of a specified single cell population, like monocytes, offers enhanced biological insight. However, it currently requires laborious cell sorting or costly single-cell sequencing techniques, limiting its clinical applicability.

This study aims to develop a simple ratio-based biomarker (RBB) representing monocyte-specific host response to viral infection called DIRECT LS-TA method. A simple ratio of 2 genes (both are shortlist monocyte informative genes) quantified in peripheral blood (PB) samples correlated with gene expression in purified monocytes in the corresponding individual. These RBBs cover 3 interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs): IFI27/PSAP, IFI44L/PSAP and SIGLEC1/PSAP. They are compared to the conventional multi-gene IFN score in the differentiation of viral infection.

Public gene expression datasets from NCBI GEO were used to shortlist monocyte-informative genes that can be used as the RBB in PB. The DIRECT LS-TA RBB was calculated as the ratio of the target ISG transcript abundance (TA) to that of another reference gene (PSAP or CTSS) directly quantified from bulk PB data (e.g., Log(IFI27/PSAP) in WB). The correlation (expressed by coefficient of determination, R{superscript 2}) between these DIRECT LS-TA RBBs and the gold-standard target gene TA measured in purified monocytes was assessed. The diagnostic performance of selected RBBs (IFI27/PSAP, IFI44L/PSAP, SIGLEC1/PSAP) was compared against the conventional 8-gene IFN score for differentiating viral infections from controls.

Direct LS-TA RBBs measured in PB showed strong correlation with gold-standard gene expression measured in purified monocytes (R2 ranged from 0.53 for the target gene IFI27 to >0.9 for the target gene IFI44L). This high level of correlation supports that this simple RBB (DIRECT LS-TA) method can replace the tedious cell sorting approach to obtain single-cell-type gene expression data. All DIRECT LS-TA results of ISGs were raised during viral infection. The best clinical performance in triaging viral infection patients was achieved by IFI27/PSAP or IFI27/CTSS across all datasets. For example, in the GSE111368 dataset, IFI27/PSAP achieved an AUC of 0.94 (95% CI 0.90-0.97) with 88% sensitivity and 95% specificity, surpassing the IFN scores AUC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.85-0.94) with 79% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

ConclusionThe DIRECT LS-TA method, utilizing the format of simple two-gene ratio-based biomarkers like IFI27/PSAP, provides a robust and accurate measure of monocyte-specific interferon pathway activation directly from peripheral blood. The superior performance of the DIRECT LS-TA method makes it a promising, readily implementable tool for clinical triage. Its ability to provide single-cell-type specific information, rapid turnaround using standard qPCR/dPCR technology, and enhanced biological specificity make it a valuable molecular host response assessment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, T.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, G. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.08.652590</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Monocyte single cell-type gene expression measured in peripheral blood by DIRECT LS-TA method: the ratio-based biomarkers of (IFI27/PSAP) showed superior performance than interferon score in triage patients with viral infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.14.653960v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lifespan Trajectories of Alpha Rhythm: Dynamic Shifts in Neural Excitation-Inhibition Balance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.14.653960v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alpha rhythm (8-13 Hz), a key neural oscillation in the brain, plays a significant role in cognitive functions and reflects the brains excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) balance. This study investigates the dynamics of alpha rhythm across the lifespan, focusing on how E-I balance modulates alpha power and peak frequency, and exploring the distinct age-related and sex-specific patterns of alpha activity. Using a computational E-I model, we simulated the impact of different neuronal connections and E-I ratios on alpha rhythm characteristics. The results suggest that self-regulation primarily affects alpha power, while interaction between excitatory and inhibitory neurons influences both alpha frequency and power. We applied this model to real EEG data from 3265 participants across a wide age range, revealing that alpha power and peak frequency exhibit an inverted U-shape across the lifespan, peaking in early adulthood and declining in old age. Significant sex differences in alpha activity were observed primarily during puberty and later in life. Decomposition of the alpha band into periodic and aperiodic components showed that periodic activity follows the inverted U-shape, while aperiodic activity declines exponentially with age. Our findings indicate that alpha rhythm is governed by complex E-I dynamics, with distinct contributions from periodic and non-periodic components, and highlight the role of alpha rhythm in age-related cognitive changes and sex differences in brain function.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, V. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.14.653960</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lifespan Trajectories of Alpha Rhythm: Dynamic Shifts in Neural Excitation-Inhibition Balance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.11.653212v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SynLS: A novel diffusion-transformer framework for generating high-quality wearable sensor time series data to enhance health monitoring 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.11.653212v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
While global medical research is poised to benefit from the rapid advance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, veterinary medicine research often faces significant limitations due to data scarcity and availability issues. To address this issue, we proposed a generative modeling framework, SynLS, for generating highly realistic synthetic wearable sensor data. Leveraging diffusion architecture and transformer encoder mechanism, SynLS addressed the intricate challenges posed by these real-world wearable sensor data, including varied length, multiple dimensions, high diversity, high noise, periodicity, and trend. We have validated SynLS on four publicly-available livestock wearables databases with records for three health events (calving, estrus and diseases), and demonstrated its ablility in producing high-fidelity wearable sensor data, which could improve the downstream health events prediction tasks by 18.5% and 26.8% under two evaluation scenarios based on instance and timestamp, respectively. Additionally, introducting raw tri-axial accelerometer databases collected from animals and human further demonstrated extensibility of our framework, significantly enhancing downstream behavior classification tasks by 38.8% and 83.8%, respectively. The technical framework proposed in this work offers a potential generalized solution for data supplementation in wearables sensor databases, with potential applicability across veterinary medicine and other medical domains facing resource constraints.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McArt, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.11.653212</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SynLS: A novel diffusion-transformer framework for generating high-quality wearable sensor time series data to enhance health monitoring]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.13.653908v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Automated behavior classification of julius seizure mutants in Drosophila reveals stereotyped seizure stages with genotype specificity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.13.653908v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bang-sensitive (BS) Drosophila mutants exhibit a stereotyped pattern of seizure behavior after mechanical disturbances. We previously identified mutations in the julius seizure (jus) gene, formerly CG14509, can induce BS seizures. However, the behavioral manifestations of the seizure phenotype of the various jus mutants have not been fully characterized. Here, we developed a machine learning pipeline featuring LASC (Long short-term memory and Attention mechanism for Sequence Classification) for automatic phenotyping of jus mutant videos. LASC achieves 90% classification accuracy in distinguishing five phases: paralysis (P), tonic seizure (T), spasm (S), clonic seizure (C), and recovery (R). Applying the trained LASC model to multiple jus lines showed they use a common repertoire of seizure stages and followed the general P[-&gt;]T[-&gt;]S[-&gt;]C[-&gt;]R progression, but each genotype exhibited unique patterns of stage duration and transition probabilities. Remarkably, stage usage patterns are distinct among the mutant genotypes. These findings establish that while all jus mutants adhere to stereotyped behavioral rules, each allele generates a distinct signature in stage usage. This work demonstrates how advanced behavioral quantification can reveal previously hidden relationships between gene mutation and complex motor outputs. More broadly, the complete pipeline presented here can pave the way for high-throughput, automated drug screening for epilepsy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deitcher, D. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.13.653908</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Automated behavior classification of julius seizure mutants in Drosophila reveals stereotyped seizure stages with genotype specificity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.16.654614v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Aligning Neural Population Patterns Facilitates Motor Learning Transfer 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.16.654614v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Motor learning transfer, the ability to apply skills acquired in one task to enhance performance in a related task, is driven by changes in neural ensemble activities. However, the long-term evolution of neural population dynamics during motor learning transfer remains unclear. Specifically, how do the neural patterns reorganize and stabilize over an extended learning period in the new task? To investigate the neural mechanisms in the motor cortex that enable such transfer, we employed a Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) paradigm in rats. In the experiment, rats first mastered a lever-pressing task before proceeding to a more complex but related lever-discrimination task. We analyzed neural ensemble activities by projecting them into a low-dimensional linear feature space that captures the most prominent dynamic structure. Within this space, we represented neural patterns as clusters and developed an iterative method to align similar clusters between the two tasks. Leveraging this alignment, we introduced a novel decoding approach, Clustering Alignment-based Transfer on Kernel Reinforcement Learning (CATKRL), which utilizes parameters learned from the initial task to enhance efficiency in the new task. Our results revealed that neural patterns for learned actions form distinct clusters with consistent shapes and centroid distances across tasks, and these patterns exhibit rotational evolution during learning. By integrating the cluster alignment mechanism into the RL decoder, we achieved a faster training speed with less data in the lever-discrimination task. Our results suggest that aligning neural pattern clusters can enhance BMI decoding efficiency by leveraging consistent neural representations. This approach not only provides valuable insights into the brain mechanisms underlying motor learning transfer but also holds promise for advancing multi-task learning in neuroprosthetics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.16.654614</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Aligning Neural Population Patterns Facilitates Motor Learning Transfer]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.21.655390v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A First-in-Class Therapy Targeting Transcription-Replication Conflicts Drives Synthetic Lethality in Homologous Recombination Deficient Cancers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.21.655390v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hidden beneath the layer of tumor malignancy lies unchecked proliferation driven by hyperactive transcription, which fosters the formation of RNA:DNA hybrids. These structural intermediates precipitate collisions between the transcription and replication machineries. Central to mitigating this genomic threat is interleukin enhancer-binding factor 2 (ILF2), which orchestrates the recruitment of RNA:DNA helicases to resolve R-loops and, in doing so, reveals cancer cells dependency on stress-mitigating mechanisms to avert genome catastrophe. Our discovery of Molephantin and its lead derivative, NYH0002 is the outcome of delineating ILF2s function. NYH002 exerts direct binding to the ILF2 complex and disrupts RNA:DNA helicase activity to elicit genome-wide DNA breakages. Tumors with elevated cyclin E and E2F1 expression are sensitive to NYH002, while those deficient in homologous recombination repair exhibit lethality. Collectively, these findings position ILF2 as a key regulator of R-loop homeostasis and reveal a therapeutic vulnerability that NYH002 exploits to suppress tumor malignancy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lim, Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chua, Y. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Patouret, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Manoj, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Soh, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lebeau, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cham, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tey, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yeap, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ali, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mutwil, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Singh, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fullwood, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiba, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koh, C. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.21.655390</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A First-in-Class Therapy Targeting Transcription-Replication Conflicts Drives Synthetic Lethality in Homologous Recombination Deficient Cancers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.21.655443v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Impact of Group Size and Habitat Disturbance on Parasitic Infection in Free-ranging Proboscis Monkeys 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.21.655443v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Group-living primates experience the benefits and costs associated with sociality, including an elevated risk of parasite transmission. However, the relative influence of group type (i.e., social structure), group size, and habitat disturbance on parasitic infection remains unclear, particularly in Southeast Asian primates. In this study, the abundance of intestinal parasites in proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) inhabiting a riverine forest along the Menanggul River, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, was investigated. Fecal samples (n = 160) were collected from one-male-multifemale and all-male groups in areas with varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance, with efforts made to ensure that each sample originated from a different individual. In addition, the effects of group type, group size, and sampling location on parasite abundance were evaluated using fecal egg counts and Bayesian models. Three dominant parasite species groups (Trichuris sp., Strongyloides fuelleborni, and Oesophagostomum aculeatum) with an overall infection prevalence of 81.25% were identified. Results showed that group type did not significantly affect parasite abundance. However, group size showed a positive correlation with the abundance of Trichuris sp. and a negative correlation with S. fuelleborni and O. aculeatum. In addition, our models revealed that the infection load of Trichuris sp. decreased with increasing distance from the river mouth, which was used as a proxy for a disturbance gradient, whereas O. aculeatum exhibited higher infection load at greater distances, indicating lower prevalence in more disturbed downstream areas. Thus, parasite abundance in proboscis monkeys may be shaped by social and environmental factors, with taxa-specific responses likely reflecting differences in environmental persistence and transmission ecology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fitri-Suhaimi, M. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frias, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zimmermann, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lambut, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tangah, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bernard, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Subbiah, V. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Matsuda, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.21.655443</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Impact of Group Size and Habitat Disturbance on Parasitic Infection in Free-ranging Proboscis Monkeys]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.22.655600v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
FoldBench: An All-atom Benchmark for Biomolecular Structure Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.22.655600v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurate prediction of biomolecular complex structures is fundamental for understanding biological processes and rational therapeutic design. Recent advances in deep learning methods, particularly all-atom structure prediction models, have significantly expanded their capabilities to include diverse biomolecular entities, such as proteins, nucleic acids, ligands, and ions. However, comprehensive benchmarks covering multiple interaction types and molecular diversity remain scarce, limiting fair and rigorous assessment of model performance and generalizability. To address this gap, we introduce FoldBench, an extensive benchmark dataset consisting of 1,522 biological assemblies categorized into nine distinct prediction tasks. Our evaluations reveal critical performance dependencies, showing that ligand docking accuracy notably diminishes as ligand similarity to the training set decreases, a pattern similarly observed in protein-protein interaction modeling. Furthermore, antibody-antigen predictions remain particularly challenging, with current methods exhibiting failure rates exceeding 50%. Among evaluated models, AlphaFold 3 consistently demonstrates superior accuracy across the majority of tasks. In summary, our results highlight significant advancements yet reveal persistent limitations within the field, providing crucial insights and benchmarks to inform future model development and refinement.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.22.655600</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[FoldBench: An All-atom Benchmark for Biomolecular Structure Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.24.654664v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Proximity and current alignment drives fertilisation success in a broadcast-spawning coral 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.24.654664v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As coral populations decline under climate change and other stressors, surviving corals will become increasingly isolated. While Allee effects that reduce gamete encounters and fertilisation success may lead to reproductive and recruitment failure, the critical population densities and distances between individuals required to maintain viable populations remains uncertain. Here, we investigate the links between colony isolation and fertilisation patterns using an experimentally manipulated patch of the broadcast spawning tabular coral, Acropora hyacinthus. Corals were arranged in a clustered radial design, with colonies arranged at increasing distances radiating downstream from a central spawning aggregation. Fertilisation and paternity assignment analyses were used to examine the influence of parental distance, current alignment, colony size, and genetic relatedness. Fertilisation success declined sharply with increasing distance among corals, and paternity assignments indicated most parents were located within 3 m of each other, underscoring the importance of colony proximity. Additionally, fertilisation success was highest for colonies positioned downstream of the central cluster, and 84% of sequenced progeny were sired by colonies located directly upstream. Simulations of natural reef spatial population distributions projected onto a virtual grid, incorporating empirically derived parentage distances, indicated that populations remained well-mixed at typical adult densities in nearby reefs. However, as densities decreased to 1 colony per 100 m-2 (i.e. 0.01 colonieslllm-2), reproductive isolation and the formation of patchy breeding units became prevalent. Overall, our findings highlight that the spatial arrangement and isolation of corals on reefs, and subsequent Allee effects on fertilisation, can jeopardise the reproductive success of broadcast spawning corals. Conservation efforts are needed to help maintain viable coral populations and successful reproductive aggregations for degraded reef systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ricardo, G. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doropoulos, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Humanes, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lachs, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martinez, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sartori, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chang, T. K. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chui, A. P. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, E. L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stevens, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Popovic, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guest, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buccheri, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Idip, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mumby, P. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.24.654664</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Proximity and current alignment drives fertilisation success in a broadcast-spawning coral]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.27.655799v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The SAFE Labs Handbook: community-driven commitments for group leaders to improve lab culture 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.27.655799v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Creating positive and equitable lab environments has become a growing priority for the scientific community and funders of scientific research. Research institutions typically respond to this need by providing mandatory or optional training opportunities for their staff. However, there is no established resource for group leaders to improve their lab culture with concrete action points for implementation. Here, we introduce the SAFE Labs Handbook: a collection of thirty "commitments" which can be verifiably actioned without requiring institutional support. These commitments were collaboratively developed by thirteen group leaders in life sciences, from institutions across eight countries, instigated through the 2024 SAFE Labs workshop. The importance of each commitment has been scored by more than 200 researchers, at various career stages, from more than twenty countries. Even though all commitments were rated as significantly important by scientists from all career stages, implementation rates were notably low (< 25%). Lab members reported higher importance scores than group leaders, with large divergences indicating where group leaders may underestimate the potential impact on lab culture. Indeed, the overall implementation rate was correlated with importance score for group leaders, but not lab members. Strikingly, more than 95% of group leaders said they would consider implementing the handbook commitments. Given the high importance-scores and low-implementation rates, the SAFE Labs Handbook represents a unique, community-driven tool with significant potential to improve lab culture on a global scale.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dona, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gahan, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jeschke, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ott, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reinhard, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sinigaglia, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Treur, J. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vogl, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bugeon, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mariotti, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rossi, F. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Coen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.27.655799</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The SAFE Labs Handbook: community-driven commitments for group leaders to improve lab culture]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656502v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Impact of Peptide Initial Configuration and Membrane Composition on Melittin's Pore-Forming Ability under Unbiased All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656502v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance has accelerated the search for alternative therapeutics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a class of naturally occurring defense molecules found across diverse species, are promising candidates. Despite their potent membrane-disrupting activity, the atomic details of the pore formation process remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we employed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the pore formation process of melittin under different initial configurations. Simulations were conducted using three different membrane systems: a pure POPC bilayer, a mammalian membrane model (DOPC:Cholesterol, 9:1), and a bacterial membrane model (DOPE:DOPG, 3:1). For each system, we examined four different starting configurations, in which six melittin peptides were arranged in a star-like pattern. Our results demonstrated that the pore formation process strongly depends on the initial peptide configuration. In one specific initial arrangement (termed as Conf.I), pore formation consistently occurred within 100 nanoseconds, regardless of membrane composition. Furthermore, the simulations revealed that pore formation was more challenging in the mammalian membrane model and even more so in the bacterial membrane model, in comparison with the pure POPC bilayer. These findings are in line with previously reported minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the 50% hemolysis concentration (HC50) of melittin in the literature. Additionally, we identified lysine-7 (K7) as the key residue in determining whether a stable pore can form. In configurations where the K7 side chain formed electrostatic interactions with the phosphate group of a lipid, melittin were anchored to the membrane surface, thereby preventing pore formation. In contrast, simulations of melittin mutants K7A and K7Q showed no such anchoring effect, and thus pore formation was possible in multiple initial configurations. Notably, the K7Q mutation showed a preference for pore formation in bacterial membranes over mammalian membranes, suggesting that reducing toxicity while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy is possible.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, C.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.28.656502</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Impact of Peptide Initial Configuration and Membrane Composition on Melittin's Pore-Forming Ability under Unbiased All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.27.656311v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neural hierarchy for coding articulatory dynamics in speech imagery and production 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.27.656311v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mental imagery is a hallmark of human cognition, yet the neural mechanisms underlying these internal states remain poorly understood. Speech imagery--the internal simulation of speech without overt articulation--has been proposed to partially share neural substrates with actual speech articulation. However, the precise feature encoding and spatiotemporal dynamics of this neural architecture remain controversial, constraining the understanding of mental states and the development of reliable speech imagery decoders. Here, we leveraged high-resolution electrocorticography recordings to investigate the shared and modality-specific cortical coding of articulatory kinematic trajectories (AKTs) during speech imagery and articulation. Applying a linear model, we identified robust neural dynamics in frontoparietal cortex that encoded AKTs across both modalities. Shared neural populations across the middle premotor cortex, subcentral gyrus, and postcentral-supramarginal junction exhibited consistent spatiotemporal stability during the integrative articulatory planning. In contrast, modality-specific populations for speech imagery and articulation were somatotopically interleaved along the primary sensorimotor cortex, revealing a hierarchical spatiotemporal organization distinct from shared encoding regions. We further developed a generalized neural network to decode multi-population neural dynamics. The model achieved high syllable prediction accuracy for speech imagery (79% median accuracy), closely matching the performance of speech articulation (81%). This model robustly extrapolated AKT decoding to untrained syllables within each modality while demonstrating cross-modal generalization across shared populations. These findings uncover a somato-cognitive hierarchy linking high-level supramodal planning with modality-specific neural manifestation, revolutionizing an imagery-based brain-computer interface that directly decodes thoughts for synthetic telepathy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, S. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-05-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.27.656311</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neural hierarchy for coding articulatory dynamics in speech imagery and production]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-05-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656266v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Kocurious case of Noodlococcus: genomic insights into Kocuria rhizophila from characterisation of a laboratory contaminant 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656266v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The laboratory contaminant Noodlococcus was named for its coccoid cells and unusual colony morphology, which resembled a pile of noodles. Along with laboratory characterisation and electron microscopy, we generated a complete Noodlococcus genome sequence using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore data. The genome consisted of a single, circular, 2732108 bp chromosome that shared 97.5% Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) with the Kocuria rhizophila type strain TA68. We identified genomic features involved in replication (oriC), carotenoid synthesis (crt), and genome defence (CRISPR-Cas), and discovered four novel mobile elements (ISKrh4-7). Despite its environmental ubiquity and relevance to food production, bioremediation, and human medicine, there have been few genomic studies of the Kocuria genus. We conducted a comparative, phylogenetic, and pangenomic examination of all 257 publicly available Kocuria genomes, with a particular focus on the 56 that were identified as K. rhizophila. We found that there are two phylogenetically distinct clades of K. rhizophila, with within-clade ANI values of 96.7-100.0% and between-clade values of 89.5-90.4%. The second clade, which we refer to as K. pseudorhizophila, exhibited ANI values of <95% relative to TA68 and constitutes a separate species. Delineation of the two clades would be consistent with the rest of the genus, where all other species satisfy the 95% ANI threshold criteria. Differences in the K. rhizophila and K. pseudorhizophila pangenomes likely reflect phenotypic as well as evolutionary divergence. This distinction is relevant to clinical and industrial settings, as strains and genomes from both clades are currently used interchangeably, which may lead to reproducibility issues and phenotype-genotype discordance. Investigating an innocuous laboratory contaminant has therefore provided useful insights into the understudied species K. rhizophila, prompting an unexpected reassessment of its taxonomy.

Impact statementBacterial genome sequence databases are dominated by a relatively small number of medically relevant genera, while most of the global bacterial populations diversity is largely uncharacterised. Kocuria is a widespread bacterial genus with industrial and medical relevance. Despite its ubiquity, only 22 complete and 235 draft Kocuria genomes were publicly available at the outset of this study. Our phylogenetic and pangenomic examination of all available Kocuria genomes was the first for this genus, providing insights into its diversity and taxonomy. Most notably, we found that Kocuria rhizophila is comprised of two clades that are sufficiently divergent to constitute different species, but are frequently used interchangeably in experimental and genomic research. The complete, high-quality Noodlococcus genome generated and characterised here can serve as a reference for true K. rhizophila, particularly while there is only a draft genome sequence available for type strain TA68.

Data summarySequencing reads and the assembled Noodlococcus genome are available from NBCI BioProject accession PRJNA835814 and BioSample accession SAMN28111796. The complete sequence of the Noodlococcus chromosome can be found in the GenBank nucleotide database under accession number CP097204.1. Entries for the novel insertion sequences ISKrh4 to ISKrh7 can be found in the ISFinder database (https://isfinder.biotoul.fr).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>McCallum, G. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, S. F. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cummins, E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wildsmith, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McInnes, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weigel, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, L. Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quick, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Schaik, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moran, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.28.656266</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Kocurious case of Noodlococcus: genomic insights into Kocuria rhizophila from characterisation of a laboratory contaminant]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656718v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pyruvate kinase activates SARM1 to exacerbate axonal degeneration in diabetic peripheral neuropathy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656718v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and disabling complication of diabetes, characterized by progressive axonal degeneration. However, the molecular link between hyperglycemia and axon injury remains unclear. Here, we identify pyruvate kinase M (PKM) as a direct metabolic activator of the NADase SARM1 under high-glucose conditions. Proteomic and biochemical analyses reveal that PKM binds the TIR domain of SARM1 via its C-terminal region, allosterically enhancing NADase activity independently of PKMs glycolytic role. In dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, hyperglycemia strengthens the PKM-SARM1 interaction, driving NAD depletion, axonal fragmentation, and sensory dysfunction. Genetic depletion of PKM protects against streptozotocin-induced neuropathy, preserving nerve fiber density, restoring NAD levels, and alleviating mechanical allodynia. Most notably, we developed Pep-SP1, a competitive inhibitory peptide derived from residues 645-655 of the SARM1 TIR domain, which selectively disrupts the PKM-SARM1 interaction without impairing PKM metabolism or SARM1 catalytic activity. Systemic delivery of Pep-SP1 attenuates axonal degeneration and improves sensory outcomes in diabetic mice. By targeting a disease-potentiating interface, we expand therapeutic strategies beyond catalytic and allosteric inhibition, offering a mechanistically distinct avenue for axon protection with broad relevance to metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>YU, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.05.28.656718</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pyruvate kinase activates SARM1 to exacerbate axonal degeneration in diabetic peripheral neuropathy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.01.657310v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multimodal Validation of the Existence of Transitional Cerebellar Progenitors in the Human Fetal Cerebellum 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.01.657310v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The developing human cerebellum comprises a series of transient progenitor states that are essential for generating diverse neural subtypes, yet the identity and validation of intermediate cell populations bridging stem-like and lineage-committed neuronal precursors remain limited. In our previous single-cell transcriptomic study, we identified a distinct transitional cerebellar progenitor (TCP) population enriched in specific progenitor zones such as the rhombic lip during human fetal cerebellar development. To address the concerns raised in the Matters Arising regarding the existence of the TCP cells, we provide additional multimodal validations of this population. Rigorous reanalysis of our single-cell transcriptomic data, applying stringent quality control measures, validated the quality of TCP cells and their classification as a transcriptionally distinct population. Multiple orthogonal validations of TCP signature genes (SOX11 and HNRNPH1) using RNAscope in situ hybridization, Xenium-based spatial transcriptomics, and immunohistochemistry on additional fetal cerebellar samples across different stages demonstrated the consistent presence of TCPs in the rhombic lip, transitioning from PRTG+ stem-like zones in the ventricular zone at early developmental stages to the subventricular zone overlapping with EOMES+ unipolar brush cell precursors at later stages. TCP-like populations were also independently identified in two fetal cerebellar single-nucleus transcriptomic atlases, and their gene signature was enriched in a cell population associated with aggressive medulloblastomas. Collectively, these multimodal validations confirm the existence of a transitional progenitor population in the human fetal cerebellum, with implications for cerebellar lineage progression and medulloblastoma origin.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Luo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kiang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berry, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xin, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taylor, M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Q. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.01.657310</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multimodal Validation of the Existence of Transitional Cerebellar Progenitors in the Human Fetal Cerebellum]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.02.657404v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The hemagglutinin proteins of clades 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses exhibit comparable attachment patterns to avian and mammalian tissues 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.02.657404v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The global spread of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses is accompanied by an expanded host range and the establishment of sustained viral transmission among dairy cattle. To evaluate if the evolving H5N1 viruses have changed tissue tropism over time, we compared the binding patterns of recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) proteins derived from clade 1 (A/Vietnam/1203/04, H5VN) and circulating clade 2.3.4.4b viruses detected from a wild bird (A/Eurasian Teal/Hong Kong/AFCD-HKU-23- 14009-01020/2023, H5HK) and dairy cattle (A/bovine/Ohio/B24OSU-439/2024, H5OH). The HA protein of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was included for comparison. Using bio-layer interferometry, H1 protein preferentially bound to the 2,6-linked sialoside 6SLNLN while H5 proteins preferentially bound to the 2,3-linked sialoside 3SLN. H5OH showed higher binding affinity to 3SLN than H5HK and H5VN. The attachment pattern of H1 and H5 proteins to the respiratory tissues of different species and dairy cattle mammary glands were evaluated. Compared to the H1 protein, H5 proteins showed stronger binding to the lung epithelial cells of cat, cattle, chicken, ferret, human, and pig, and the clade 2.3.4.4b H5 proteins exhibited increased binding to pig and cattle bronchial epithelial cells. All H5 proteins attached to the alveolar and cistern epithelial cells in mammary glands where 2,3-linked and 2,6-linked sialyl glycans were detected by Maackia amurensis lectin II and Sambucus Nigra Lectin, respectively. Taken together, the HA proteins of clade 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses generally share comparable attachment patterns to avian and mammalian tissues, despite of evolving into antigenically distinct clades over the past 3 decades.

IMPORTANCEThe outbreaks of H5N1 HPAI among US dairy cattle since 2024 have raised concerns of the potential changes in HA receptor binding specificity and tissue tropism. Using insect-cell expressed recombinant HA proteins derived from clade 1 and circulating clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses, we showed that the dairy cattle H5 protein retained binding specificity for the avian-like 2,3-linked sialoside 3SLN over the human-like 2,6-linked sialoside 6SLNLN, with higher binding affinity to 3SLN than the other H5 proteins. Clade 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5 proteins showed comparable attachment patterns to the mammary tissues of lactating dairy cattle, which showed high expression of 2,3-linked and 2,6-linked sialyl glycans. All H5 proteins also showed comparable attachment patterns to the lungs of cat, cattle, chicken, ferret, human, and pig. Our results suggest that the recent H5N1 outbreaks in dairy cattle may be related to ecological factors rather than changes in HA receptor binding specificity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beatty, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hill, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brackman, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sit, T. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Poujade, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaide, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ducatez, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Foucras, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, S.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nicholls, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yen, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.02.657404</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The hemagglutinin proteins of clades 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses exhibit comparable attachment patterns to avian and mammalian tissues]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.07.658178v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Remodelled cholesteryl ester enriched lipid droplets fuel flavivirus morphogenesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.07.658178v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Flaviviruses such as dengue and Zika viruses extensively remodel host cell membranes to create specialised replication organelles, but the role of lipid metabolism to generate them remain poorly understood.

Through systematic screens of fatty acyl transferase enzymes (MBOAT and zDHHC families) and complementary approaches including CRISPR/Cas9 gene deletions, pharmacological inhibition, proteomics, and photo-crosslinkable cholesterol analogues, we identified cholesteryl ester-enriched lipid droplets (CE-LDs) as critical host components required for flavivirus infection. CE-LD formation is mediated by Sterol O-acyltransferases 1 and 2 (SOAT1/SOAT2), whose activities were upregulated early during infection, coinciding with increased CE-LD formation and transition to liquid crystalline phases. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of either enzyme resulted in a dramatic [~]100-fold reduction in viral production. Mechanistically, CE-LDs display distinct proteomic signatures, enriched in fatty acid remodelling enzymes, GTPases, and lipid transport proteins. Photo-crosslinking experiments demonstrated direct interactions between LD-derived cholesterol and viral prM, capsid and NS1. Disrupting CE-LD formation via SOAT1/2-deficiency resulted in defective, viral RNA-free replication organelles and complete absence of immature virions. Supporting the physiological and clinical relevance of viral LD exploitation, analysis in iPSC-derived macrophages mirrored findings in Huh7 cells, and dengue patients from a Sri Lankan cohort revealed that central obesity significantly increased the risk of severe dengue haemorrhagic fever.

This study establishes CE-LDs as essential host metabolic hubs that enable flavivirus morphogenesis and identifies host LD metabolism as a promising therapeutic target for combating flavivirus infections.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Banducci-Karp, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brixton, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shah, P. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bancroft, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Riepsaame, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dhaliwal, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Melia, C. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Malavige, G. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bancroft, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.07.658178</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Remodelled cholesteryl ester enriched lipid droplets fuel flavivirus morphogenesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.07.658398v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Chromosome-level assembly and annotation of the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) genome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.07.658398v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
To date only four of nine shark orders have nuclear reference genomes, despite next-generation sequencing advances. Particularly for threatened shark species, there is a lack of reliable genomes which are crucial in facilitating research and conservation applications. We assembled the first nuclear reference genome of the endangered grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) using long-read PacBio HiFi and Omni-C sequencing to reach chromosome-level contiguity (36 pseudo chromosomes; 2.9 Gbp) and high completeness (94% complete BUSCOs). BRAKER3 annotated 16,522 protein-coding genes after masking repetitive elements which accounted for 59% of the genome. We identified potential X and Y sex chromosomes on pseudo chromosomes 36 and 57, respectively. The quality and completeness of the draft genome of C. amblyrhynchos suggest that it has the potential to facilitate comprehensive comparative genomics, enabling researchers to investigate genetic variations and adaptations specific to this population and will help advance conservation genetic applications.

Significance StatementStemming from an ancient vertebrate lineage, sharks present an interesting evolutionary study system. A third of shark species face extinction, yet critical genomic resources necessary for research and conservation remain scarce. To address this gap, we assembled and annotated the first chromosome-level nuclear reference genome of the threatened grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) at high completeness. This genome will help advance studies in evolution, phylogenetics, adaptation, and conservation, offering insights not only for this species but for wider elasmobranch and vertebrate research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dahms, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vigliola, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, L. H. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hui, J. H. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momigliano, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.07.658398</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Chromosome-level assembly and annotation of the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) genome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.11.656869v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatial multi-omics and deep learning reveal fingerprints of immunotherapy response and resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.11.656869v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite advances in immunotherapy treatment, nonresponse rates remain high, and mechanisms of resistance to checkpoint inhibition remain unclear. To address this gap, we performed spatial transcriptomic and proteomic profiling on human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues collected before and after immunotherapy. We developed an interpretable, multimodal deep learning framework to extract key cellular and molecular signatures from these data. Our graph neural network approach based on spatial proteomic inputs achieved outstanding performance (ROC-AUC > 0.9) in predicting patient treatment response. Key predictive features and associated spatial transcriptomic profiles revealed the multi-omic landscape of immunotherapy response and resistance. One such feature was an interface niche expressing restrictive extracellular matrix factors that physically separates tumor tissue and lymphoid aggregates in nonresponders. We integrate this and other spatially-resolved signatures into SPARC, a multi-omic "fingerprint" comprising scores for immunotherapy response and resistance mechanisms. This study lays groundwork for future patient stratification and treatment strategies in cancer immunotherapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jindal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Basu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bieniosek, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LaPelusa, M. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mayer, A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaseb, A. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharma, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trevino, A. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.11.656869</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatial multi-omics and deep learning reveal fingerprints of immunotherapy response and resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.16.659728v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evolutionary Genomics Guides Scalable Coral Probiotics for Climate Resilience 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.16.659728v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A universal bottleneck limiting probiotic efficacy in medicine, aquaculture, agriculture, and wildlife conservation is uncertain long-term colonization, necessitating repeated administration. We present an evolution-guided framework for probiotic identification based on genomic hallmarks of emerging host dependency, including widespread pseudogenization and insertion sequence proliferation driving genomic restructuring. Applied to coral reefs, we screened over 1,200 coral-associated bacterial isolates and identified Ruegeria MC10 as exhibiting these signatures. Its presence was associated with increased thermal tolerance of a model cnidarian. Following nursery application, MC10 persisted in reef corals for an 8-month monitoring period through a natural bleaching event, improving color retention and retaining algal photosynthesis performance. This work establishes a predictive, scalable pipeline for selecting persistent probiotics, directly addressing a central constraint on microbiome-based interventions across host systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, K. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dörr, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Manns, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayden, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chei, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Thompson, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peixoto, R. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mcllroy, S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chui, A. P. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voolstra, C. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.16.659728</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evolutionary Genomics Guides Scalable Coral Probiotics for Climate Resilience]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.17.659820v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Population-specific brain charts reveal Chinese-Western differences in neurodevelopmental trajectories 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.17.659820v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Human brain charts provide unprecedented opportunities for decoding neurodevelopmental milestones and establishing clinical benchmarks for precision brain medicine 1-7. However, current lifespan brain charts are primarily derived from European and North American cohorts, with Asian populations severely underrepresented. Here, we present the first population-specific brain charts for China, developed through the Chinese Lifespan Brain Mapping Consortium (Phase I) using neuroimaging data from 43,037 participants (aged 0-100 years) across 384 sites nationwide. We establish the lifespan normative trajectories for 296 structural brain phenotypes, encompassing global, subcortical, and cortical measures. Cross-population comparisons with Western brain charts (based on data from 56,339 participants aged 0-100 years) reveal distinct neurodevelopmental patterns in the Chinese population, including prolonged cortical and subcortical maturation, accelerated cerebellar growth, and earlier development of sensorimotor regions relative to paralimbic regions. Crucially, these Chinese-specific charts outperform Western-derived models in predicting healthy brain phenotypes and detecting pathological deviations in Chinese clinical cohorts. These findings highlight the urgent need for diverse, population-representative brain charts to advance equitable precision neuroscience and improve clinical validity across populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Men, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xian, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Si, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang,</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.17.659820</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Population-specific brain charts reveal Chinese-Western differences in neurodevelopmental trajectories]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.15.659434v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A map of Non-translated RNA (nt-RNA) junctions in cancer genomes: a database resource of unproductive splicing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.15.659434v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundNon-translated transcripts (nt-RNAs) with frame-shifts or premature termination codons resulting from alternative splicing events (ASE), have been recently found at unexpectedly abundant in transcriptomes of cancer tissue. However, their full genomic spectrum has not yet been fully elucidated. This study comprehensively characterised the expression of signature junctions of these nt-RNA (termed "toxic junctions" here) of both known and novel nt-RNA across multiple cancer types and investigated their potential as biomarkers.

MethodsRNA-seq data of [~]6,000 samples, including the tumor and normal samples for 13 cancer types were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) together with data from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) project. Due to the difficulty in quantifying the entire transcript isoform of nt-RNA, we pioneered an algorithm to focus exclusively on the expression of junctional reads, which also circumvented the limitation of non-directional RNA- seq of TCGA data. We showed that the majority of nt-RNA is associated with at least one toxic junction. We built a comprehensive catalogue of known nt-RNA toxic junctions from genome databases. And novel toxic junctions were also identified by a new junction-focused algorithm from the higher quality discovery subsets of TCGA data. Splicing in Ratio (SiR) was used to quantify ASE leading to nt-RNA, enabling:

Differential expression analysis between cancer and normal tissue and across cancer types.

Identification of different profiles of nt-RNA abundance and various factor which may be the causes of differential nt-RNA abundance and SiR results

Identification of specific nt-RNA and toxic junctions that were expressed in various cancer (and/or normal tissue) types.

Assessment of nt-RNA and their toxic junction expression as biomarkers or prognosis indicators.

ResultsWe profiled the expressed known nt-RNA (toxic) junctions of known transcripts and discovered [~]22,000 novel toxic junctions out of [~]250,000 novel junctions found in the transcriptome data. The expression of nt-RNA was as high as 10% of all transcripts of the corresponding gene in cancer transcriptomes. Interestingly, some signature toxic junctions of nt-RNA are expressed in even higher quantities, e.g. up to 50% or more, which is reminiscent of a heterozygous mutation. We identified distinct patterns between cancer and normal samples, including example of nt-RNA expressing toxic junctions exclusively in normal or tumor samples. Clinically relevant examples included ANXA6 in breast cancer, where the nt-RNA isoform showed significantly higher expression in tumors (p=1.8e-15). In kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), a significant isoform switch of ESYT2 based on the RNA-seq data was confirmed. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that samples with the higher expression ratio of ESYT2-L are associated with better survival (p=2.0e-06). Unsupervised clustering showed that SiR results of 150 toxic signatures defined 4 subgroups of patients with different prognosis. Through principal component analysis (PCA), PC1 and PC2 can be used as an independent prognosis biomarkers. nt-RNA accounting for these PCs included splicing factors SRSF3 and CLK1, where CLK1 phosphorylates SRSF3 to promote exon 4 inclusion in both genes.

ConclusionsIn summary, the expression profiles of all known and novel toxic junctions were explored using pan-cancer RNA-seq data. A dual 10% rule emerged from this study: [~]10% of novel junctions were toxic junctions associated with nt-RNA, and up to 10% of RNA transcripts inside a cell were also nt-RNA. The SiR metric enables accurate quantification of unproductive splicing and identification of cancer biomarkers. Our findings reveal that unproductive splicing represents functionally important post-transcriptional regulation in cancer. These expression profiles allow researchers to study the expression of nt-RNA signature junctions or novel signature junctions in or near the genes they are interested in, which could provide a new direction for their research. The SRSF3-CLK1 regulatory mechanism provides insights into splicing dysregulation. Our comprehensive toxic junction catalogue serves as a valuable resource, suggesting that targeting unproductive splicing pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Data availabilityThe catalogue is available on GitHub and UCSC browser. https://github.com/danhuang0909/nt_database for GitHub overview https://genome.ucsc.edu/s/dandan_0909/hg38_all_new_nr for genome browsing of all novel (unannotated) toxic junctions https://genome.ucsc.edu/s/dandan_0909/hg38_5_26 for toxic junctions in known (annotated) nt-RNA.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, T.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, S.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, N. L.-s.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.15.659434</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A map of Non-translated RNA (nt-RNA) junctions in cancer genomes: a database resource of unproductive splicing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.13.659656v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
OmicsSankey: Crossing Reduction of Sankey Diagram on Omics Data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.13.659656v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In bioinformatics, Sankey diagrams have been widely used to elucidate complex biological insights by visualizing gene expression patterns, microbial community dynamics, and cellular interactions. However, computational scalability remains a challenge for large-scale biological networks. In this work, we present OmicsSankey, a novel formulation of the layout optimization problem for Sankey Diagrams that employs eigen decomposition as a closed-form solution, addressing graph disconnection through a teleportation mechanism that enhances connectivity and stabilizes eigenvector solutions. Experimental results on synthetic datasets with varying layers and nodes validate the efficacy of OmicsSankey compared to state-of-the-art layout-optimizers. Improving the Sankey layouts for Cell Layers, BioSankey, and Sequence Flow further validates OmicsSankey in enhancing the interpretability of biological insights.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ouyang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ling, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, j.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.13.659656</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[OmicsSankey: Crossing Reduction of Sankey Diagram on Omics Data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.15.659747v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Versatile Vasculature Chips for Ultrasound Localization Microscopy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.15.659747v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) has revolutionized microvasculature imaging by surpassing the diffraction limit via microbubbles. ULM demonstrates exceptional potential to resolve micrometer-scale vascular structures in both preclinical and clinical studies. However, its performance evaluation remains challenging primarily due to the lack of reference microvascular phantoms featuring micrometer-scale, hierarchical branches, and realistic vascular structures. Inspired by microfluidic chip techniques, we present an organ-on-a-chip protocol for fabricating agarose-based micro-vessel network phantoms with ground truth. The vasculature pattern offers design versatility, enabling on-demand customization. We experimentally demonstrated the feasibility of the vasculature phantom using two adapted patterns. The first was a leaf pattern, which exhibited intrinsic quasi-two-dimensional venation network with hierarchical and branching channels similar to animal vasculature. The second was a kidney pattern, which was based on a two-dimensional projection of real human vasculature obtained from micro computed tomography. The microbubble solution was perfused into the phantoms by capillary force and gravity. The ULM-reconstructed vasculature maps agreed well with the ground truth. ULM achieved a high sensitivity of 0.97 and 0.95, but a low precision of 0.37 and 0.60, for the leaf and kidney phantom, respectively. The results indicated the capability of ULM to reconstruct vessel structures while making many false positive predictions. The proposed protocol holds significant promise for the development and optimization of ultrasound microvascular imaging techniques.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, W.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.15.659747</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Versatile Vasculature Chips for Ultrasound Localization Microscopy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.17.660256v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Landscape and mutational dynamics of G-quadruplexes in the complete human genome and in haplotypes of diverse ancestry 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.17.660256v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are alternative DNA structures with diverse biological roles, but their examination in highly repetitive parts of the human genome has been hindered by the lack of reliable sequencing technologies. Recent long-read based genome assemblies have enabled their characterization in previously inaccessible parts of the human genome. Here, we examine the topography and genomic instability of potential G4-forming sequences in the gap-less, reference human genome assembly and in 88 haplotypes of diverse ancestry. We report that G4s are highly enriched in specific repetitive regions, including in certain centromeric and pericentromeric repeat types, and in ribosomal DNA arrays, and experimentally validate the most prevalent G4s detected. G4s tend to have lower methylation than expected throughout the human genome and are genomically unstable, showing an excess of all mutation types, including substitutions, insertions and deletions and most prominently structural variants. Finally, we show that G4s are consistently enriched at PRDM9 binding sites, a protein involved in meiotic recombination. Together, our findings establish G4s as dynamic and functionally significant elements of the human genome and highlight new avenues for investigating their contributions to human disease and evolution.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chantzi, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wijaya, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mouratidis, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Amaral, E. d. O. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uzun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hemberg, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vasquez, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Georgakopoulos Soares, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.17.660256</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Landscape and mutational dynamics of G-quadruplexes in the complete human genome and in haplotypes of diverse ancestry]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.660949v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Targeting PI3K Signaling for Broad Inhibition of β-Coronavirus Infection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.660949v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway plays a central role in regulating key cellular processes such as survival, metabolism, and immune responses. Aberrant activation of this pathway is associated with tumorigenesis, and several PI3K inhibitors have been developed as anticancer agents. Emerging evidence suggests that viruses, including {beta}-coronaviruses, have evolved mechanisms to exploit host PI3K signaling for their replication and immune evasion. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral efficacy of a panel of PI3K inhibitors against {beta}-coronaviruses, including mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), human OC43 (HuCoV-OC43) and four major SARS-CoV-2 variants using both cell line and organoid models. Our findings reveal that these compounds exhibit low micromolar potency in inhibiting viral replication. Notably, the inhibitor C20 (PWT33597) demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against multiple {beta}-coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MHV, and HuCoV-OC43, in conventional cell lines as well as in air-liquid interface (ALI)-cultured, differentiated primary human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells. Given that cytokine storm is a major contributor to SARS-CoV-2-related multiorgan failure and mortality, we further explored the impact of PI3K inhibition on host inflammatory responses. We found that MHV infection markedly increased cytokine expression in 17CL-1 fibroblasts and RAW264.7 macrophages. Interestingly, treatment with C20 further amplified cytokine production in this context, suggesting complex immunomodulatory effects that warrant further investigation. Together, our findings support the therapeutic potential of repurposing PI3K inhibitors as broad-spectrum antivirals. These compounds not only suppress viral replication but may also influence host immune responses, providing a promising avenue for intervention against current and emerging coronavirus threats.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xing, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nutsford, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sullivan-Hill, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taylor, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rewcastle, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flanagan, J. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shepherd, P. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Netzler, N. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.22.660949</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Targeting PI3K Signaling for Broad Inhibition of β-Coronavirus Infection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.660972v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Arabidopsis RabGDIs are essential for the asymmetric division of zygotes and embryonic patterning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.660972v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
An asymmetric division of zygotes sets up the apical-basal body axis and starts the life cycle of angiosperms. In addition to specific expression of transcription factors and polar distribution of auxin, vesicular trafficking-mediated endomembrane dynamics are critical for zygotic division and embryonic patterning. As key regulators of vesicular trafficking, whether Rab GTPases play a role in these processes is unclear. We report that Arabidopsis guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors for Rab (RabGDIs) are essential for the asymmetric division of zygotes and embryonic patterning likely through regulating the dynamic targeting of canonical Rab GTPases, especially Rab5. Arabidopsis RabGDIs specifically interact with canonical Rab GTPases. Functional loss of Arabidopsis RabGDI1 and RabGDI2 compromises the asymmetry of zygotic division, cell fate determination, and embryonic patterning. Polar distribution of vacuolar dynamics was disrupted in zygotes and 1-cell embryo of gdi1 gdi2, suggesting a key role of RabGDIs in vacuolar dynamics. Furthermore, genetic interference of canonical Rab5, a key regulator of vacuolar trafficking and biogenesis, in zygotes leads to similar defects, consistent with the disturbed localization of Rab5 in gdi1 gdi2 embryos. Results presented demonstrate the key role of RabGDIs through Rab GTPases in asymmetric division of zygotes and embryonic patterning.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dun, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.23.660972</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Arabidopsis RabGDIs are essential for the asymmetric division of zygotes and embryonic patterning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.19.660508v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Biologically Informative NA Deconvolution (BIND) excavates hidden features of the proteome from missing values in large-scale datasets 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.19.660508v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The fast-advancing mass spectrometry and related technologies have greatly extended the depth of coverage in large-scale proteomics studies, including single-cell applications. As sample numbers grow rapidly, it is often challenging to interpret the proteins with missing values that are often presented as "NA" (not available). It could be the evidence of no expression, low expression below the detection threshold, or false negative detection due to technical issues. Existing methods for missing values imputation, while generally useful, rarely consider the non-random NA values that inform biological significance. In the current study, we developed Biologically Informative NA Deconvolution (BIND) that applies an adaptive neighborhood-based modeling to deconvolve the nature of NAs as "biological" (low/no expression) or technical (experimental errors). Applying to multiple cell line datasets and human tissue extracellular vesicle datasets, BIND excavated the NAs that indicated "hallmark absence" of unique proteins. This led to improvements in protein-protein interaction analysis and the identification of novel disease biomarkers. To facilitate its public accessibility, we compiled BIND into a web server that features functional online operations and interactive visualizations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the BIND server could deconvolve the NAs and improve the analyses of single-cell proteomics datasets. Overall, BIND delineates the biological significance of missing values rather than treating them as a burden, providing a critical perspective for understanding the complex proteome in various biological contexts.

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=144 SRC="FIGDIR/small/660508v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (52K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1a9d7c4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@194b2d9org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@169d3bborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@cba0de_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>GUO, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>JIN, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHENG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>PAN, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>FENG, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHEN, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.19.660508</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Biologically Informative NA Deconvolution (BIND) excavates hidden features of the proteome from missing values in large-scale datasets]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.660985v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Vitamin D attenuates TNF-α-mediated neurotoxicity and improves functional recovery in experimental intracerebral haemorrhage 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.660985v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
While the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D (Vit-D) have been demonstrated pre-clinically in a wide range of neurologic conditions, its potential use in the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been fully explored. We previously reported that Vit-D could expedite hematoma clearance in experimental ICH by inducing the conversion of M1 to M2 macrophage to enhance erythrophagocytosis1,2. Here, we provide new evidence on the dose-dependent effects of Vit-D on neuronal survival and functional recovery, lending further support for the clinical testing of Vit-D in the management of ICH.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kiang, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, G. K.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.22.660985</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Vitamin D attenuates TNF-α-mediated neurotoxicity and improves functional recovery in experimental intracerebral haemorrhage]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.656378v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pentose Sugars Encode Sequence-Dependent DNA-RNA Segregation for Biomimetic Multiphase Condensates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.656378v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA and RNA are compartmentalized into distinct, heterogeneous structures within cells. However, the separation between RNA and DNA, especially in the absence of modern transcription machinery, is inherently hindered by thermodynamic constraints such as complementary base pairing and entropic mixing. Here, we demonstrate that a single atomic difference in the pentose sugars of single-stranded DNA and RNA with identical sequences profoundly alters their interactions with cationic peptides, driving DNA-RNA segregation to form multiphase condensates. We reveal that the interplay between homotypic and heterotypic interactions among DNA, RNA and peptides dictates the formation of multiphase condensates. Leveraging this mechanism, we design a library of sequence-specific oligonucleotides, termed SEGREGamers, that enable programmable multiphase droplets with coexisting DNA-rich and RNA-rich domains. These synthetic condensates recapitulate key features of cellular nuclear compartments, including selective partitioning of small molecules, promotion of RNA aptamer folding, and enhancement of catalytic RNA cleavage. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of pentose sugar variations in nucleic acid compartmentalization, offering new insights into the evolutionary origins of nuclear organization and providing a versatile platform for engineering synthetic nuclear mimics, programmable molecular condensates, and RNA delivery vehicles.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kinghorn, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.23.656378</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pentose Sugars Encode Sequence-Dependent DNA-RNA Segregation for Biomimetic Multiphase Condensates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.660968v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PlasRAG: comprehensive plasmid characterization and retrieval through sequence-text alignment 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.660968v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Plasmids play a pivotal role in the emergence of multidrug-resistant and pathogenic bacteria, posing significant clinical challenges. The integration of metagenomic sequencing with advanced bioinformatics tools surpasses traditional wet lab methods, leading to the discovery of millions of plasmids from diverse origins. However, the rapidly growing number of unannotated plasmids necessitates comprehensive characterization of their multi-faceted properties, such as risk indices and ecological contexts, to support various downstream applications. Achieving this goal is hindered by several challenges, including the limited availability of plasmid characterization tools, the inadequacies of alignment-based methods for novel plasmids, and inconsistencies in manual annotations across plasmid reference databases. To address these issues, we present PlasRAG, a novel tool that integrates two key modules: multi-faceted property characterization of query plasmids and plasmid DNA retrieval based on textual queries. At its core, PlasRAG employs a bidirectional multi-modal information retrieval model that aligns DNA sequences with textual data, effectively overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches. Specifically, within the characterization module, PlasRAG leverages the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework and the Llama-3 large language model (LLM) to provide accurate and context-aware responses to user queries. Rigorous experiments demonstrate that PlasRAG delivers robust performance and enhanced analytical capabilities, underscoring the effectiveness of its architectural design. In particular, experiments on a real-world plasmid dataset curated from diverse human gut metagenomes suggest that plasmids with a broader host range and encoded ARGs tend to spread more extensively. The source code of PlasRAG is available via: https://github.com/Orin-beep/PlasRAG.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ji, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.22.660968</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PlasRAG: comprehensive plasmid characterization and retrieval through sequence-text alignment]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.660499v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Assessing the Effectiveness of 3D-Printed Ceramic Structures for Coral Restoration: Growth, Survivorship, and Biodiversity Using Visual Surveys and eDNA 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.660499v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Coral reef degradation has spurred the development of artificial structures to mitigate losses in coral cover. These structures serve as substrates for coral transplantation, with the expectation that growing corals will attract reef-associated taxa -- while the substrates ability to directly support biodiversity is often neglected. We evaluated a novel 3D-printed modular tile made of porous terra cotta, designed with complex surface structures to enhance micro- and cryptic biodiversity, through a restoration project in Hong Kong. Over four years, we monitored 378 outplanted coral fragments using diver assessments and photography, while biodiversity changes were assessed through visual surveys and eDNA metabarcoding. Coral survivorship was high, with 88% of transplants surviving by the studys end. The restoration site exhibited greater fish and macroinvertebrate abundance compared to a nearby unrestored area. eDNA analyses revealed 23.5% higher eukaryote ASV richness at the restoration site than the unrestored site and a 13.3% increase relative to a natural reference coral community. This study highlights the tiles dual functionality: (1) supporting coral growth and (2) enhancing cryptic biodiversity, an aspect often neglected in traditional reef restoration efforts. Our findings underscore the potential of 3D-printed ceramic structures to improve both coral restoration outcomes and broader reef ecosystem recovery.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corley, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McIlroy, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Z. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.23.660499</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Assessing the Effectiveness of 3D-Printed Ceramic Structures for Coral Restoration: Growth, Survivorship, and Biodiversity Using Visual Surveys and eDNA]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.25.661428v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PHbinder and PSGM: A Cascaded Framework for Epitope Prediction and HLA-I Allele Identification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.25.661428v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The presentation of antigens by Human Leukocyte Antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules is a cornerstone of adaptive immunity. Although existing prediction tools such as NetMHCpan and MHCflurry exhibit high accuracy in predicting binding affinity between peptides and specific HLA-I alleles, they are constrained to a preset set of alleles. Consequently, they can neither directly determine whether a peptide is an epitope nor provide a holistic binding profile across the entire HLA-I allelic landscape. To overcome these challenges, we introduce two synergistic models: PH-binder (Peptide-HLA-I Binder) and PSGM (Pseudo Sequence Generation and Mapping). PHbinder integrates features from a fine-tuned ESM2 language model with Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA), processing them through parallel CNN and Transformer branches to capture local and global patterns, which are then fused using a Cross-Multi-Head Attention mechanism. In the epitope prediction task, PHbinder achieved an accuracy of prediction of 85. 12%, significantly exceeding established benchmark models. Complementing this, the PSGM model employs a Generative Adversarial Network(GAN) architecture to generate the corresponding HLA-I pseudo sequences. These are then mapped to the known alleles using a Hamming distance-based nearestneighbor search. PSGM achieved 49.26% average coverage in its predictions of the Top-50 alleles. Furthermore, orthogonal validation with MHCflurry revealed that 63% of the highest affinity binding partners within its Top-50 list were new experimentally unverified HLA-I alleles. Together, PHbinder and PSGM establish a cascaded framework that enables a precise "Peptide [-&gt;] Epitope Determination [-&gt;] HLA-I Alleles List" pipeline. This work accelerates the screening of immunogenic epitopes and provides a powerful upstream preprocessor for traditional prediction tools.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LU, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.25.661428</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PHbinder and PSGM: A Cascaded Framework for Epitope Prediction and HLA-I Allele Identification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.25.661460v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Computational Design of Next-Gen Peptide Biopesticides: Targeting the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Rice Pests Class 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.25.661460v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) threatens global rice production, and conventional pesticides face resistance and environmental challenges. We present a computational framework integrating AlphaFold3-predicted structure of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor 3 subunit (nAChR-3) with multi-force-field molecular dynamics (MD) refinements to design peptide biopesticides. Crucially, we introduce "Dipeptide Probing", a high-throughput MD-based screening strategy employing 20 phenylalanine-containing dipeptides (F-X) to map dynamic binding sites. Unlike rigid docking or static free energy calculations, this approach captures transient interactions and cooperative binding phenomena, identifying Phe-Met (FM) as the top binder through hydrophobic contacts and multiple hydrogen bonding, while{pi} -stacking contributed minimally to complex stability, contradicting conventional paradigms. Additionally, MD simulations revealed an unexpected Aggregation-Induced Hydrophobicity Binding (AIHB) mechanism: FM dipeptides self-assemble via hydrogen bonds, orienting hydrophilic groups toward solvent and exposing hydrophobic surfaces to the target, thereby stabilizing complex formation to the helix bundle surface of nAChR-3. This cooperative behavior, undetectable by docking (e.g., AutoDock Vina failed to predict FM binding) or static energy methods, resolves limitations of reductionist approaches. Our work establishes "Dipeptide Probing" as a generalizable paradigm for dynamic binding-site mapping and underscores AIHBs potential to revolutionize peptide-based agrochemical design by leveraging emergent intra-/intermulti-molecule interactions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-06-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.06.25.661460</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Computational Design of Next-Gen Peptide Biopesticides: Targeting the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Rice Pests Class]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-06-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.02.662882v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Immunomodulatory effect of HLA-G Overexpressed Mesenchymal Stromal Cell in Cell-based Therapy for Myocardial Infarction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.02.662882v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundOur previous study demonstrated that intravenous administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) significantly increased local cell engraftment and improved heart function. We sought to investigate whether HLA-G1 overexpressed MSCs could further increase local transplanted cells engraftment and improve heart function.

Methods and ResultsMice were randomized to receive intravenous administration of saline, human umbilical cord blood derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) 7 days prior to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Then, intramyocardial transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) was performed 30 minutes following AMI. Echocardiographic assessment was performed to assess heart function. In-vivo fluorescent imaging analysis were used to analyze cell engraftment. Flow cytometry of splenic regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer (NK) cells was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect. Our result showed that systemic intravenous administration of hUCB-MSCs significantly increased systemic Tregs, decreased systemic NK cells, increased cell engraftment of intramyocardial transplanted hiPSC-CMs, culminating in improvement of heart function. Our in-vitro study showed that HLA-G1 overexpressed hUCB-MSCs modulated immune response by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

ConclusionsSystemic intravenous administration of HLA-G1 overexpressed hUCB-MSCs modulated immune response and enhanced the survival of local transplanted hiPSC-CMs to improve heart function following AMI.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sun, S.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.02.662882</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Immunomodulatory effect of HLA-G Overexpressed Mesenchymal Stromal Cell in Cell-based Therapy for Myocardial Infarction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.04.663120v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unveiling patterns of roadkill of a migratory amphibian in Hong Kong with implications for mitigation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.04.663120v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Road-related mortality, particularly wildlife-vehicle collisions, poses a significant threat to amphibian populations, with billions of individuals falling victim annually. The rapid urban development in Hong Kong, China, including the forthcoming construction of a "Northern Metropolis" area, is expected to bring over 2.5 million new residents, potentially increasing traffic and posing a heightened threat to local amphibians during their migration periods. To help prevent future biodiversity loss, our study focuses on the near-threatened newt species Paramesotriton hongkongensis in Hong Kong, investigating the spatiotemporal distribution of roadkill during migration seasons. Weekly surveys at four hotspots revealed 1,563 animal carcasses, the majority of which were P. hongkongensis. Factors triggering mass mortality events were explored, although no significant correlations were found. Prediction models demonstrated moderate accuracy in detecting mass mortality events, indicating a need for further refinement. Recommendations for site-specific mitigation measures to protect amphibians during their migrations are discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of conducting fine-scale surveys for effective conservation strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Brualla, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pickett, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, H. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.04.663120</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unveiling patterns of roadkill of a migratory amphibian in Hong Kong with implications for mitigation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663251v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The cryo-EM-delineated mechanism underlying mimicry of CXCR4 agonism enables widespread stem cell neuroprotection in a mouse model of ALS 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663251v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that mediate a range of signaling functions and, therefore, offer targets for a number of therapeutic interventions. Chemokine receptor CXCR4, a GPCR, plays versatile roles in normal and abnormal physiological processes. Synthetic CXCR4 antagonists have been extensively studied and approved for the clinical treatment of cancer and other diseases. We recently elucidated the structural mechanisms underlying CXCR4 antagonism using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). CXCR4 agonism by synthetic molecules is an unanticipated therapeutic intervention we recently unveiled. The structural mechanisms underlying those actions remain poorly understood yet could help elucidate a new class of drugs. Here we demonstrate a synthetic dual-moiety strategy that combines simplified agonistic and antagonistic moieties taken from natural agonistic and antagonistic chemokines, respectively, to design de novo peptide mimics of biological function of natural CXCR4 agonist SDF-1. Two peptides so generated, SDV1a and SDVX1 were shown to mimic the action of SDF-1 in activating CXCR4 signaling pathways and cell migration. The structural mechanism of these peptides in the mimicry of CXCR4 agonism was illustrated by cryo-EM structures of CXCR4 bound and activated by the peptides in the presence of G protein, revealing common interactions with the receptor by these peptides in comparison with SDF-1 that explain their close mimicry and conformational changes leading to CXCR4 signal activation. The therapeutic benefit of one of these peptides, SDV1a, was demonstrated in the SOD1G93A mouse model of the spinal motor neuron degenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) wherein the success of neuroprotective actions of transplanted human neural stem cells (hNSCs) is directly correlated with the expanse of diseased neuroaxis traversed by the donor cells; SDV1a enabled broader neuroprotective coverage while also permitting a much less invasive route of cell administration for extending life. Taken together, these results provide insights into the structural determinants of therapeutic CXCR4 agonism which may allow the design of adjunctive drugs that improve cell-based treatments of central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Sang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sundaram, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Alvarado, A. I. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nuryyev, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ourenik, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ourednik, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, I. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ciechanover, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pizzo, D. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lane, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zholudeva, L. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Snyder, E. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.08.663251</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The cryo-EM-delineated mechanism underlying mimicry of CXCR4 agonism enables widespread stem cell neuroprotection in a mouse model of ALS]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663507v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Methyl gallate Attenuates Post-Stroke Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis via PI3K/GSK3 and AMPK Signaling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663507v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Restoring hippocampal neurogenesis is an effective strategy for post-stroke recovery. Methyl gallate (MET) exhibits neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of MET in improving brain functional recovery in the post-stroke depression (PSD) model and its underlying mechanism remains unknown. Single-cell data analysis showed that the cell types and molecular characteristics of PSD are similar to those of primary depression but exhibit weaker synaptic plasticity and stronger inflammatory signals. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that MET exhibits a significant binding capacity with AMPK/GSK3, suggesting that MET mediates the neuroprotective effects of both. In this study, we created a post-stroke depression (PSD) model by performing physical restraint after ischemia and tested the treatment effects of MET. We observed that MET significantly attenuated PSD-induced depressive-/anxiety-behaviors associated with a reduction of stress hormone corticosterone and ACTH levels. Morris water maze and recognition task results indicate that MET can also alleviate cognitive impairments in the PSD model. In the hippocampus of the PSD model, MET improved the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). MET treatment significantly enhanced the activity of AMPK and decreased the activity of GSK3{beta}. Furthermore, in primary neural progenitors under hypoxia, both the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the AMPK inhibitor compound C blocked the effects of MET to promote neural development. Animal experiments also confirmed that LY294002/compound C treatment could reduce the effects of MET in antidepressant behaviours. Taken together, our results indicate that PI3K, as well as AMPK-mediated adult neurogenesis, is restored by MET to improve brain functions in the PSD model.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.08.663507</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Methyl gallate Attenuates Post-Stroke Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis via PI3K/GSK3 and AMPK Signaling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663626v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Interspecific variation in cleaning behaviour and honesty among cleaner wrasses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663626v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutualism is an interspecific interaction in which both partners gain a net fitness benefit. However, mutualisms are vulnerable to conflict because one partner may increase its benefits at the others expense (cheating). In coral reef cleaning mutualisms, cleaner fishes may cheat by feeding on client mucus rather than ectoparasites, imposing costs on clients and potentially destabilising cooperation. Here, using a standardised experimental framework, we examined cheating behaviour, measured via client jolts as a proxy, in four dedicated (relying on cleaning for sustenance) and three non-dedicated (opportunistic) cleaner fish using an interaction test with three client types (predatory, visitor and resident), and the bystander test, to evaluate potential behavioural changes in the presence of a bystander. When exposed to the same standardised social stimuli, dedicated cleaners responded differently across species, showing pronounced interspecific variation in both interaction time and client jolt frequency, whereas non-dedicated cleaners showed broadly uniform behavioural profiles with rare client jolts. Although captive interactions produced generally lower jolt rates than those typically reported in the wild, cleaner responses still differed across client types, suggesting context-dependent shifts in investment and exploitation with client identity. Bystander effects were weak overall; however, Labroides bicolor significantly reduced jolt expression when a bystander was present, suggesting that reputation-related adjustment may be species-specific. These findings highlight the capacity of cleaner species to respond differently to the same social environment, revealing species-specific behavioural strategies with potential consequences for mutualism stability and the selective pressures shaping cooperation-exploitation trade-offs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Romeo, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ranucci, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Court, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pereira, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paula, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.08.663626</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Interspecific variation in cleaning behaviour and honesty among cleaner wrasses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663633v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EPEPDI: prediction of binding free energy changes from missense mutations in double and single-stranded DNA-binding proteins 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.08.663633v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Predicting changes in binding free energy due to missense mutations (MMs) in protein-DNA interactions (PDIs) is vital for understanding disease mechanisms and advancing therapeutic strategies. However, many existing models fail to account for the unique characteristics of MMs in double-stranded DNA binding proteins (DSBs) and single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs). To address this, we constructed a comprehensive dataset from diverse sources, clearly distinguishing between DSBs and SSBs. Using sequence-based embeddings from pre-trained protein language models, including ESM2, ProtTrans, and ESM1v, we developed EPEPDI, a deep learning framework that integrates these embeddings through a multi-channel architecture. To refine predictive accuracy, we introduced an information entropy-based algorithm, determining 181 residues as the optimal sequence length where amino acid contributions and entropy dynamics balance. This approach boosts both precision and computational efficiency, enabling scalable analysis of mutation impacts on DNA-binding proteins. Ablation studies validated optimal feature combinations, demonstrating that EPEPDI outperforms existing approaches, achieving an average Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.755 on the MPD276 dataset via ten-fold cross-validation and 0.632 on independent tests for both DSBs and SSBs. This work highlights the importance of distinguishing DSBs and SSBs in PDIs and shows the potential of advanced machine learning in biological research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>YU, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.08.663633</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EPEPDI: prediction of binding free energy changes from missense mutations in double and single-stranded DNA-binding proteins]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.13.664564v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Uncovering bacterial pseudaminylation with pan-specific antibody tools 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.13.664564v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pseudaminic acids (Pse) are a family of carbohydrates found within bacterial lipopolysaccharides, capsular polysaccharides and glycoproteins that are critical for the virulence of human pathogens. However, a dearth of effective tools for detecting and enriching Pse has restricted study to only the most abundant Pse-containing glycoconjugates. Here, we devise a synthesis of - and {beta}-O-pseudaminylated glycopeptides to generate  pan-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognise - and {beta}-configured Pse and its C8 epimer (8ePse) presented within glycans or directly linked to polypeptide backbones. Structural characterisation reveals the molecular basis of Pse recognition across a range of diverse chemical contexts. Using these mAbs, we establish a glycoproteomic platform to provide unprecedented depth in mapping the Pse glycome of Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter jejuni, and Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Finally, we demonstrate that the mAbs recognise diverse capsule types in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and enhance phagocytosis to eliminate infections in mice.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Karlic, K. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, A. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Madiedo Soler, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corcilius, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lehmann, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Debowski, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dale, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zavan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cielesh, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adewale, A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moulton, K. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaparakis-Liaskos, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Howden, B. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dube, D. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cordwell, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Larance, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stubbs, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carter, G. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Scott, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Goddard-Borger, E. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Payne, R. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.13.664564</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Uncovering bacterial pseudaminylation with pan-specific antibody tools]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.09.664024v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Assessing large-scale genomic language models in predicting personal gene expression: promises and limitations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.09.664024v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Large-scale genomic language models (gLMs) hold promise for modeling gene regulation, yet their ability to predict personal gene expression remains largely unexplored. We developed a framework, gLM2X-Tower, to benchmark gLMs and sequence-to-function (S2F) models on this task with paired personal genome-transcriptome data. With individual-level training, we found that similar to S2F models (e.g., AlphaGenome), gLMs (e.g., Evo2) remain incapable of predicting the inter-person variability on held-out genes. However, such training improves prediction for seen genes in new individuals, particularly by gLMs, highlighting the potential applications in few-shot settings like for rare variants
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.09.664024</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Assessing large-scale genomic language models in predicting personal gene expression: promises and limitations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.10.664143v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Inferring Progressive Disconnection in Alzheimer's Disease with Probabilistic Boolean Networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.10.664143v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The modern understanding of Alzheimers disease as a disconnection syndrome presents the challenge of quantifying the directed influence between brain regions. To address this, we apply probabilistic Boolean networks to model effective brain connectivity for the first time, introducing a novel framework for analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging data from a cohort comprising normal controls, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimers patients. Our robust statistical analysis identified five significant connections, each exhibiting a linear decline in influence throughout the disease spectrum. We observed a progressive disruption of pathways from the Default Mode Network to the Medial Temporal Lobe, capturing a key psychophysiological mechanism underlying Alzheimers disease. These findings demonstrate the potential of our framework as a powerful tool for modeling network-level dynamics in neurodegeneration.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.10.664143</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Inferring Progressive Disconnection in Alzheimer's Disease with Probabilistic Boolean Networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.11.664282v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) Reveal Human-Induced Biodiversity Shifts in Urban Coastal Ecosystems 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.11.664282v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biodiversity thrives in coastal marine habitats which host foundational species such as corals, mangroves, and seagrasses. However, coastal development and the growth of megacities along shorelines impose an array of stressors on the marine environment. These stressors inevitably impact biodiversity which dictates ecosystem functions and services. Despite extensive research on biodiversity responses to anthropogenic stressors, phylum-specific resistance and resilience dynamics - particularly in coastal marine ecosystems - remain poorly understood. Considering the global scale of coastal development, it is imperative to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how biodiversity, in terms of richness and community composition, is influenced by various anthropogenic stressors. Here, we present the first application of standardized Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) as an experimental unit - using a common garden experimental design - to examine community responses to stress within an urbanized seascape. ARMS were seeded within two marine reserves for one year and then transplanted to sites of stress, including domestic sewage, and mariculture. We hypothesized that 1) human impacts reduce richness and alter composition of established communities; and 2) increasing intensity of these impacts reduces community resistance and resilience to stress. Using metabarcoding, we quantified richness and taxonomic composition and assessed their changes along an impact gradient. Our results showed that nutrient pollution, particularly inorganic nitrogen, significantly reduced species richness and restructured communities. Communities exhibited low resistance, yet high resilience - suggesting that urbanized seascapes have high recovery potential when stress is mitigated.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>WAN, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guibert, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, W. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, W. C. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, L. F. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chei, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Conti-Jerpe, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Corley, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cybulski, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hayden, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, S. Y. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McLeod, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tompson, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McIlroy, S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baker, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.11.664282</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) Reveal Human-Induced Biodiversity Shifts in Urban Coastal Ecosystems]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.16.665106v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prediction of cellular morphology change under perturbations with transcriptome-guided diffusion model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.16.665106v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Investigating the cell morphology change after perturbations with high-throughput image-based profiling is of growing interest, considering its wide applications in phenotypic drug discovery, including MOA (Mechanism Of Action) prediction, compound bioactivity prediction, and drug repurposing. However, the vast space of chemical and genetic perturbations makes it infeasible to fully explore all the potential perturbations with image-profiling technologies. Consequently, developing a powerful in-silico method to simulate high-fidelity cell morphological response under perturbations can reduce the experiment costs and accelerate drug discovery. Motivated by this, we proposed MorphDiff, a transcriptome-guided latent diffusion model for accurately predicting the cell morphology response to perturbations. We applied MorphDiff to two large-scale datasets, including one drug perturbation and one genetic perturbation cell morphology dataset covering thousands of diverse perturbations. Extensive benchmarking and comparison with baseline methods show the remarkable accuracy and fidelity of MorphDiff in predicting cell morphological changes under unseen perturbations. Furthermore, we explored the utilities of MorphDiff in identifying and retrieving the MOAs of drugs, which is a crucial application in phenotypic drug discovery. With the designed pipeline for MOA retrieval, we demonstrated MorphDiffs capability to boost the retrieval of the drugs MOAs (Mechanism Of Actions) by generating realistic cell morphology profiles. The average MOA retrieval accuracy of MorphDiff-generated morphology is comparable with that of the ground truth cell morphology, and consistently outperforms the baseline method and gene expressionbased retrieval by 29.1% and 9.7% respectively. We also validated that complementary information provided by cell morphology generated by MorphDiff can help discover drugs with dissimilar structures but the same MOAs. In summary, with its strong capabilities in generating high-fidelity cell morphology on unseen perturbations, we envision MorphDiff as a powerful tool in phenotypic drug discovery by accelerating the phenotypic screening of vast perturbation space and improving MOA identification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dallakyan, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.16.665106</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prediction of cellular morphology change under perturbations with transcriptome-guided diffusion model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.15.663271v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
AtlasAgent: Vision language model and Agent-guided Framework for Evaluation of Atlas-scale Single-cell Integration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.15.663271v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As single-cell omics transitions into the era of AI-virtual cells (AIVC), where large-scale single-cell data integration becomes prevalent, the computational demands of integration evaluation emerge as critical scalability bottlenecks. Traditional integration evaluation pipelines, requiring metrics like k-nearest-neighbor batch effect test (kBET) and Local Inverse Simpsons Index (iLISI) employed by state-of-the-art scIB method, often demand large computational resources and long runtimes, making them infeasible for large scale integration studies. Herein, we present AtlasAgent, the first vision-language model (VLM)-powered and AI agent framework to accelerate atlas-scale integration evaluation at unprecedented speed and scale. We systematically evaluate batch correction quality, biological signal preservation and overcorrection risks using chain-of-thought reasoning in conjunction with few-shot and zero-shot prompting strategies. AtlasAgent completes evaluation within 32 seconds, in contrast to scIBs runtime of 5.55 hours in GPU, while identifying the scIB-determint best integration methods within the top-3 in 88.3% of the time, lowering evaluation time from hours to seconds while preserving alignment with domain expert reasoning. AtlasAgent pioneers the use of VLMs to realize scalable and rapid integration evaluation at atlas scale.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, N. L. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.15.663271</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[AtlasAgent: Vision language model and Agent-guided Framework for Evaluation of Atlas-scale Single-cell Integration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.15.665023v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Deep Learning-based Method for Drug Molecule Representation and Property Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.15.665023v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurately and robustly representing drug molecule features, prediction of drug-target biomacromolecule interactions, and determining drug molecule physicochemical properties are crucial in drug development. However, due to issues such as insufficient generalization ability of single-modal representation, lack of multi-task prediction frameworks, and weak adaptability in cold-start scenarios, these tasks remain challenging. Here, we introduce DrugDL, a framework designed for drug molecule representation and the prediction of multiple downstream tasks, including drug-target interactions, binding affinities, binding sites, physicochemical properties, toxicity, and drug-drug interactions. DrugDL achieves joint representation learning of the drug chemical space and the target protein biological space and analyzes the multi-scale interaction mechanisms between drug molecules and target proteins by introducing cross-modal contrastive learning and single-modal feature enhancement algorithms. It employs a multi-task prediction framework to predict multiple properties of drug molecules. In practical applications, DrugDL outperforms state-of-the-art methods, especially in cold-start tasks. Its successfully applied to high-throughput screening, identifying inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 and metabolic enzymes, and aids in predicting cancer-targeted drugs. Validations for EGFR and ALK targets confirm its efficiency as a precise drug discovery tool. Leveraging accurate molecular representation and multi-property prediction, DrugDL provides full-chain technical support for drug development, significantly accelerating the drug discovery process.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, D.-J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.15.665023</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Deep Learning-based Method for Drug Molecule Representation and Property Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.17.665246v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular Clock Dating of Deep-Time Evolution Using Complex Mixture Models 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.17.665246v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Molecular clocks are a fundamental technique in evolutionary biology for establishing the timing and tempo of organismal divergence. However, currently available molecular clock methods, which often rely on simple homogeneous substitution models, can produce inaccurate time estimates, particularly for deep-time or rapidly evolving lineages where substitution heterogeneity and saturation are common. Hereby, we introduce phyloHessian (https://github.com/evolbeginner/phyloHessianWrapper), a Julia-based software to enable the use of complex mixture substitution models in molecular dating. phyloHessian computes the phylogenetic Hessian matrix and integrates it into PAML-MCMCtrees approximate likelihood framework to conduct dating analyses. Simulations mimicking phylogenies at different timescales demonstrate that complex mixture substitution models significantly enhance the accuracy of divergence time and substitution rate estimates in deep-time phylogenies. This pattern remains consistent across a wide range of uncertainties associated with molecular clock analysis. Additionally, mixture models display greater robustness to model and calibration specifications compared to their homogeneous counterparts. Empirical analysis of ancient symbiont lineages Microsporidia and Rickettsiales with different substitution models shows that mixture models, compared to homogeneous models, yield accelerated substitution rates and in some cases significantly different divergence times, leading to a revised understanding of their host association origins. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating complex mixture substitution models for constructing reliable evolutionary timelines and elucidating the evolutionary history of deep-time or fast-evolving lineages.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meade, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.17.665246</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular Clock Dating of Deep-Time Evolution Using Complex Mixture Models]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.21.665821v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
OmicsNavigator: an LLM-driven multi-agent system for autonomous zero-shot biological analysis in spatial omics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.21.665821v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Spatial omics provides unprecedented high-resolution insights into molecular tissue compositions but poses significant analytical challenges due to massive data volumes, complex hierarchical spatial structures, and domain-specific interpretive demands. To address these limitations, we introduce OmicsNavigator, an LLM-driven multi-agent system that autonomously distills expert-level biological insights from raw spatial omics data without domain-specific fine-tuning. OmicsNavigator encodes spatial data into concise natural language summaries, enabling zero-shot annotation of structural components, quantitative analysis of pathological relevance, and semantic search of regions of interest using free-form text queries. We evaluated OmicsNavigator on multiple spatial omics studies of kidney cohorts with different phenotypes and biomarker panels, where OmicsNavigator achieved outstanding performances in structural annotations, pathology assessments, and semantic search across studies. OmicsNavigator offers a scalable, interpretable, and modality-agnostic solution for spatial omics analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LI, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vakharia, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mayer, A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trevino, A. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.21.665821</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[OmicsNavigator: an LLM-driven multi-agent system for autonomous zero-shot biological analysis in spatial omics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.21.665977v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Towards universal modeling of transcript isoform expression levels 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.21.665977v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A holy grail in computational biology is accurate modeling of transcript expression levels using epigenetic features, which would provide a quantitative way to study gene regulation in normal and disease states. Previous studies relied heavily on immortalized cell lines that exhibit properties different from cells in natural tissue environments. Most studies also quantified the expression of each gene by a single expression level, which fails to capture separate expression levels of different transcript isoforms of the same gene. In this study, making use of the latest large-scale dataset of paired transcriptomic and epigenomic data of human samples produced by the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC), we computationally modeled the expression levels of individual transcript isoforms in 324 samples from 29 tissue types. We constructed the models using graph-based methods that integrate both location-specific epigenomic features and multiple types of gene-gene relationships. We found that to infer transcript isoform expression levels in a sample, a model that integrates information from many samples of other tissue types consistently outperforms a model trained on data from this sample itself, providing strong support that it is possible to construct a "universal" model that can accurately infer transcript isoform expression levels across tissue types.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chow, S. H.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deshpande, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.21.665977</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Towards universal modeling of transcript isoform expression levels]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.27.667022v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Can large language models reliably extract human disease genes from full-text scientific literature? 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.27.667022v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Manual extraction of high-fidelity gene-disease-phenotype information from human genetics literature is a labor-intensive task that requires trained human genetics researchers to read through many primary research papers. This presents a major challenge for maintaining up-to-date human disease genetic databases. Recent exploration into large language models (LLMs) opens new directions in automating this manual process. However, most approaches depend on pre-training, finetuning, or specialized generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, but there is a lack of empirical evidence to show whether commercially-available LLMs can be directly used to reliably extract gene-disease-phenotype for human genetic diseases. Herein, we perform a benchmark of the use of three zero-shot prompted LLMs, namely GPT-4, DeepSeek and Claude, without task-specific fine-tuning, to extract human genetic information directly from full text of scientific papers. Using known congenital heart diseases (CHD) genes found in the open access CHDgene database (https://chdgene.victorchang.edu.au/) as the benchmark data set, GPT-4o achieved overall 88.8% extraction accuracy across 23 gene entries containing over 57 references, with 100% accuracy in gene name, 78.3% and 76.7% in disease and phenotype fields respectively. This work introduces a lightweight, easy-to-deploy, and yet robust LLM-based agent named GeneAgent, analyze sources of disagreement, and highlight the feasibility of integrating powerful LLM into genetic evidence synthesis workflows.

Highlight- First systematic benchmark of LLMs for extracting human gene-disease-phenotype relationships from full-text biomedical articles
- GeneAgent: a lightweight, highly accurate prompt-only LLM agent
- New domain task-specific evaluation framework
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yin, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, M. K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pun, D. W. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwon, J. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.27.667022</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Can large language models reliably extract human disease genes from full-text scientific literature?]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.28.667130v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MSF-CPMP: A Novel Multi-Source Feature Fusion Model for Prediction of Cyclic Peptide Membrane Permeability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.28.667130v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cyclic peptides are becoming attractive molecules for drug discovery because of their properties with inherent stability and structural diversity. However, the high potential of cyclic peptide drugs is challenged by the limited membrane permeability cross cell membrane. To predict cyclic peptide membrane permeability (CPMP), an increased number of computational models or tools are designed and used. But these existing algorithms or models do not appropriately capture feature diversity of cyclic peptides. In this study, we introduce a novel multi-source feature fusion model called MSF-CPMP, which aims to increase the accuracy of predicted CPMP. The MSF-CPMP model incorporates three features extracted from SMILES sequences, graph-based molecular structures, and physicochemical properties of cyclic peptides. By benchmarking with other machine learning and deep learning-based methods, MSF-CPMP achieved the highest levels of the evaluation metrics such as accuracy of 0.9062 and AUROC of 0.9546, and further validated MSF-CPMP robustness in learning capabilities and efficacy of its multi-source fusion. Our result demonstrates that MSF-CPMP outperforms other methods in predicting CPMP, that provides also exemplifies the power of advanced deep learning methods in tackling complex biological challenges, offering contributions to computational biology and clinical treatment. Code is available at https://github.com/wanglabhku/MSF-CPMP

Author summaryWe have recognized that cyclic peptides are one type of main macro-molecular drugs useful for treatment of human diseases. However, the structural diversity of cyclic peptides results in limited permeability across cell membranes which is challenging drug research or industrial development. Previously some computational models or tools including machine learning or deep learning ones tried to solve this problem, but they still are not efficient. There are urgent requirement for more effective methodologies. Thus, we introduce a novel multi-source feature fusion model called MSF-CPMP. Our aim is to enhance accuracy and efficiency of predicted CPMP. We carried out evaluation of performance metrics by comparative analysis between MSF-CPMP and other machine learning or deep learning methods. Our result demonstrates that MSF-CPMP outperforms other models in predicting CPMP. We further validated MSF-CPMP robustness in learning capabilities and efficacy of its multi-source feature fusion. In the future we would further improve our methods that can integrate broader biomedicine and biomedical information and provide guide for drug diversity in clinically treating complex human diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-07-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.28.667130</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MSF-CPMP: A Novel Multi-Source Feature Fusion Model for Prediction of Cyclic Peptide Membrane Permeability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-07-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.29.667409v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
DeepADR: Multi-modal Prediction of Adverse Drug Reaction Frequency by Integrating Early-Stage Drug Discovery Information via Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.29.667409v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of clinical trial failure and post-market withdrawal, posing significant risks to public health and impeding drug development. While computational methods offer an alternative to costly preclinical testing, existing models often fail with novel compounds by requiring pre-existing information such as drug-ADR associations or by inadequately integrating diverse data sources. Here, we introduce DeepADR, a multi-modal deep learning framework for predicting both the occurrence and frequency of ADRs using early-stage, readily available data. DeepADR integrates chemical structures and biological target profiles with semantic representations of ADR terms derived from a large language model. These heterogeneous parameters are fused using a Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (KAN), which effectively models complex, non-linear cross-modal interactions to capture underlying toxicological mechanisms. Our model outperforms existing methods in predicting both ADR occurrence and frequency, demonstrating robust generalization to new chemical entities. By effectively integrating chemical, biological, and semantic datasets, DeepADR provides a powerful, scalable tool for the early-stage safety assessment and candidate prioritization. This framework not only facilitates the prioritization of safer drug candidates but also offers a methodology for predicting the toxicity of other hazardous materials, holding significant promise for advancing public health.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-C.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.29.667409</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[DeepADR: Multi-modal Prediction of Adverse Drug Reaction Frequency by Integrating Early-Stage Drug Discovery Information via Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.668027v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Reliability and precision of thermal imaging measurements to study animal behaviour and welfare 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.668027v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The use of infrared thermal imaging has become increasingly popular in animal behaviour, health, and welfare research over the last decade. Yet, there is a lack of consensus regarding how this technique should be best applied when measuring peripheral temperatures in animals, including which regions of interest to favour. This fundamental issue necessitates checking the reliability and precision of thermal imaging data when taking repeated measurements, both over short and relatively long time windows. Using goats (Capra hircus) as a model, we investigated two subcategories of reliability, short-term repeatability (measurements taken in the same session) and reproducibility (over multiple sessions), as well as the precision of surface temperatures in two facial regions. We collected data from 20 goats over five measurement sessions over consecutive days. During each session, five frames were collected from approximately one-minute-long videos. From each video, we extracted the mean, maximum, and minimum surface temperatures from the left eye, right eye, and nose tip. To calculate repeatability, we compared temperature variation attributed to differences between goats against total variation in surface temperatures measured in a single session. We defined precision as the temperature deviation within which the mean temperature measured from one to five thermal images was expected to fall in relation to the mean of five image replicates 95% of the time. Reproducibility was investigated by comparing variation attributed to differences in temperature between measurement sessions against total variation in surface temperatures. Our results revealed that repeatability and precision of mean and maximum temperatures across five repeated measurements were high for all facial regions, with between 93.50% and 99.81% of total temperature variation attributable to the individual goat tested. Conversely, minimum temperatures were more variable, less repeatable, and less precise. For reproducibility, measurement sessions accounted for a high proportion of variation in nasal temperatures (74.61-85.85%), and a lower, but substantial proportion of eye temperature variation (49.59-67.01%). We conclude that mean and maximum thermal measures show promise for quantifying nasal and eye temperatures in the short term. However, surface temperature measured across several days was not readily comparable, highlighting the importance of considering ambient conditions in thermal imaging research. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the appropriate use of thermal imaging in goats and, more broadly, animal behaviour and welfare research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Bhattacharjee, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mason, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.07.31.668027</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Reliability and precision of thermal imaging measurements to study animal behaviour and welfare]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.05.668584v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nanopore direct-RNA sequencing reveals TGEV epitranscriptomic and transcriptomic landscapes modulated by gene 7 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.05.668584v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Viral non-structural proteins have gained increasing attention for their roles in regulating host-virus interplay and reported to act as a key mediator of host and virus RNA modification dynamics. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) gene 7 has been implicated in virulence, but its other molecular functions remain unclear.

Here, we compared wild-type TGEV (TGEV-wt) with a recombinant strain lacking gene 7 (TGEV-{Delta}7) in swine testis cells using Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing. High-coverage datasets enabled simultaneous profiling of the full-length transcriptome, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications, and polyA tail length.

Deletion of TGEV gene 7 halved viral RNA replication yet increased m6A modification by [~]32 % across the viral genome, and elevated host m6A levels by [~]17 %, accompanied by reciprocal shifts in the m6A regulators FTO (eraser) and RBM15 (writer). Despite bulk transcriptome changes were comparable between strains, gene 7 deletion introduced additional DEGs beyond WT infection, showing stronger enrichment of antiviral and chemokine pathways, indicating heightened innate immunity. PolyA analysis uncovered the polyA features of TGEV gRNA and sgRNAs, and revealed a gene 7 dependent extension of viral by 7 nt, but not host polyA tails. These findings highlight RNA-modification machinery as a potential target for coronavirus control and provide a framework for vaccine strategies exploiting gene 7 attenuation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>JIANG, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>GUO, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>TAN, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>SHAO, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>ZHAO, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.05.668584</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nanopore direct-RNA sequencing reveals TGEV epitranscriptomic and transcriptomic landscapes modulated by gene 7]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.04.668517v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Maternal IBD-related antibodies are associated with early life gut inflammatory status and microbiota composition: insights from cord blood 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.04.668517v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
PurposeAntibodies in peripheral blood are used to aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their presence in neonatal cord blood and potential effects on early life development remain unknown.

MethodsWe measured anti-CBir1, ANCA, anti-OmpC, ASCA IgA, and ASCA IgG levels in the cord blood of babies born to 78 mothers with or without IBD. Their association with fecal calprotectin (FC), and microbiota composition, characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing, was assessed throughout pregnancy and during the first 3 years of life using linear mixed-effects models.

ResultsAntibodies were detected in cord blood, with significantly higher levels of anti-CBir1 and ASCA IgG in babies born to mothers with Crohns disease (p = 0.002) and higher abundance of ANCA and anti-OmpC in babies of mothers with ulcerative colitis (p = 0.002), compared to controls. ASCA IgG levels positively correlated with babies FC (p = 0.006), while babies microbiota Shannon diversity was negatively associated with ANCA, anti-OmpC, and ASCA IgA levels (p = 0.003, 0.04, and 0.008, respectively). Romboutsia spp., Citrobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Clostridiaceae, Clostridia, and Varibaculum spp. were positively correlated with either or both ANCA and anti-OmpC levels (all multiple testing adjusted q < 0.1).

ConclusionOur findings suggest that maternal IBD-associated antibodies cross the placenta barrier and may be associated with intestinal inflammation and imbalanced microbiota colonization. Whether these serological profiles negatively influence the priming of the babys immune system or IBD risk later in life remains to be determined.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kim, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nicoletti, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Estevinho, M. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tarassishin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Picker, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Debebe, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dutra-Clarke, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stone, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shitrit, A. B.-G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Agrawal, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Colombel, J.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Torres, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McGovern, D. P. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peter, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.04.668517</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Maternal IBD-related antibodies are associated with early life gut inflammatory status and microbiota composition: insights from cord blood]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.05.668794v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of para-veterinary workers about ticks and tick-borne diseases in three provinces of Pakistan 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.05.668794v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There is a high prevalence of tick infestation in Pakistani livestock, affecting more than 45% of the population of more than 200 million small and large ruminants. Most livestock farmers seek assistance from para-veterinary workers, who fall under the definition of Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs), according to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). There is a shortage of information concerning the awareness of these para-veterinary workers regarding tick control and management. This study aims to bridge this critical knowledge gap by conducting a cross-sectional survey that evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of para-veterinary workers about tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Pakistan. Between March and August 2023, we conducted a web-based survey among para-veterinary workers recruited via email, text message, and face-to-face conversations. Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores related to TBDs. We received 118 responses from three provinces; only 27.9% (n = 33) responded that they had attended workshops related to ticks and TBDs. Attending workshops was associated with higher KAP scores. All section scores were correlated, and higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with lower odds of tick exposure. Our findings suggest that workshop attendance is important in increasing overall awareness and promoting better practices regarding TBDs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hussain, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hussain, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rajput, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sajid, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sparagano, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mateus-Pinilla, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, R. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.05.668794</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of para-veterinary workers about ticks and tick-borne diseases in three provinces of Pakistan]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.06.668888v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rewired NAD+ metabolism promotes NF-κB-mediated oxidative stress and disrupts lipid homeostasis in liver fibrosis progression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.06.668888v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Chronic liver fibrosis significantly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, the molecular mechanisms linking fibrosis to inflammation-associated HCC development remain unclear, complicating early diagnosis and intervention. In this study, we employ multi-omics analyses, including untargeted and targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics, in a mouse model of chemically induced liver fibrosis and HCC, integrating publicly available transcriptome data from LX-2 human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line. Our results reveal a profound rewiring of NAD+ metabolism as a central driver of metabolic disturbance. Analysis of bulk liver tissue shows increased activity of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, enhancing NAD+ precursor production. Hepatic nicotinamide (NAM) levels decrease due to elevated expression of NAM N-methyltransferase (Nnmt) in HSCs. Despite reduced hepatic NAM, serum NAD+ level rise and is compartmentalized, triggering a disruption in NAD+ homeostasis and activating NF-{kappa}B-mediated oxidative stress pathways. Moreover, lipid dysregulation occurs, with NF-{kappa}B dominating the regulation of SIRT1/SREBP-controlled lipogenic and cholesterogenic genes, leading to imbalances in hepatic and serum lipids. These insights elucidate connections between NAD+ metabolism, inflammation, and lipid dysregulation, potentially aiding in developing diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for non-viral HCC.

Key PointsO_LIThe integration of untargeted and targeted metabolomics identifies the metabolic pathways that are associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the potential role of disturbances in NAD+ metabolism as a central driver of metabolic dysregulation in hepatic fibrosis, validated across transcriptomics.
C_LIO_LIFibrosis-associated HCC is linked to the depletion of nicotinamide and a cascade of metabolic disturbances that promote inflammation and oxidative stress in hepatic stellate cells.
C_LIO_LITargeted analysis of the metabolites in the discriminative pathways along a continuum of fibrosis-cirrhosis-HCC discovers several potential tissue and serum biomarkers for monitoring disease progression.
C_LIO_LIMulti-omics analysis (i.e., metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics) reveals complex interplay between NAD+ metabolism, NF-{kappa}B-mediated oxidative stress, and lipid homeostasis in fibrosis-associated HCC development.
C_LI



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=183 SRC="FIGDIR/small/668888v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (60K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e39d72org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@175cdc7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@118d707org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1cd3a43_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ngan, H.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheu, J. W.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwan, K. K.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, C. C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.06.668888</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rewired NAD+ metabolism promotes NF-κB-mediated oxidative stress and disrupts lipid homeostasis in liver fibrosis progression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.06.668986v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatial proximity and dyadic social relationships affect ungulate behavioral synchrony 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.06.668986v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Collective group decisions are important for the survival and reproduction of social mammals, with inter-individual interactions often driving group-level emergent behavior. Activity synchronization is an important collective behavior, with differences in nutritional requirements leading to foraging asynchrony. Individual variation between animals (such as sex or social relationships) are predicted to affect ungulate synchronization and spatial proximity, with between-sex differences consequently influencing sexual segregation evolution in ungulates. Although investigated independently, the relative roles of sex, sociality and proximity in synchronization are rarely investigated concurrently, especially in regards to affiliative relationships. Asynchrony influences fission-fusion dynamics and social segregation, but little is known how short-term changes in synchrony affects fission. Using a mixed-sex group of feral cattle (Bos taurus), we evaluated the supporting evidence for several predictions arising from the current understanding of synchronization in ungulates. We investigated if sex and social relationships (dominance and affiliation) affected foraging, behavioral synchrony and proximity. We also investigated whether group synchrony affected short-term changes in group size (fission events). We found that same-sex dyads were more likely to be synchronized than mixed-sex dyads, but differences in dominance and affiliation did not affect dyadic synchrony. Focal animals were more synchronized with closest neighbors than with another randomly selected conspecific. Reduction in group size was more likely when group synchrony was lower, highlighting the importance of asynchrony in temporary movement decisions. Inter-individual differences can explain variation in collective behavior, with synchronization being biased towards certain individuals by favoring animals in close spatial proximity and those of the same-sex.

LAY SUMMARYIn ungulates, differences in energetic requirements lead to variation in activity, resulting in social and sexual segregation. However, sex, social relationships and spatial proximity are rarely investigated concurrently in relation to synchrony. We investigated synchronization and fission in a feral ungulate relative to individual differences in social relationship and proximity. Sex and proximity affected synchrony and fission events were more likely when synchrony was lower, highlighting the underlying processes in the evolution of sexual segregation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hodgson, G. M. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Flay, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Perroux, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.06.668986</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatial proximity and dyadic social relationships affect ungulate behavioral synchrony]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.07.669053v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Protein Function Prediction via Contig-Aware Multi-Level Feature Integration 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.07.669053v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Proteins play a central role in biological processes, and accurately predicting their functions is crucial for biomedical research. While computational methods have advanced significantly, most approaches rely solely on sequence or structure, neglecting critical inter-protein relationships, such as the topological arrangement of coding sequences (CDSs) within contigs. To address this gap, we propose CAML, a novel deep learning model that integrates intra-protein features including sequence and predicted structure with inter-protein features capturing functional linkages among CDSs in contigs. Specifically, CAML employs a Graph Isomorphism Network (GIN) to extract structural features from predicted protein contact graphs and ESM-2 for sequence embeddings. Additionally, it leverages kmer frequencies and a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network to model functional relationships among colocalized CDSs within contigs, capturing operon-like associations. Extensive experiments demonstrate that CAML outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score, achieving improvements of 11.24%, 12.43%, 13.59%, and 13.30%, respectively over the second-best model. Ablation studies further confirm the critical contribution of CAMLs multi-level biological feature integration in enhancing functional annotation accuracy. Our study demonstrates the importance of integrating structural, sequential, and CDSs topological features for accurate protein function prediction, providing a robust computational framework for genomics research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuo, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.07.669053</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Protein Function Prediction via Contig-Aware Multi-Level Feature Integration]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.10.669524v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
In vivo systematic detection of the outcomes of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated DNA repair in skeletal muscle stem cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.10.669524v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized genome editing with broad therapeutic applications, yet its repair patterns in vivo remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically profiled CRISPR/Cas9 editing outcomes at 95 loci using our established CRISPR/Cas9/AAV9-sgRNA system in skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs). Through comprehensive characterization of the repair outcomes, our findings demonstrate that the general rules governing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing in vivo largely align with those observed in vitro but with reduced editing precision. Additional to the anticipated small editing indels such as MMEJ mediated deletions and NHEJ mediated templated insertions, we uncovered a prevalent occurrence of large on-target modifications, including large deletions (LDs) characterized by microhomology (MH) and large insertions (LIs). Notably, the LIs comprise not only exogenous AAV vector integrations but also endogenous genomic DNA fragments (Endo-LIs). Endo-LIs preferentially originate from active genomic regions, with their integration shaped by three-dimensional chromatin architecture. By disrupting key components of the NHEJ and MMEJ repair pathways in vivo, we identified their distinct roles in regulating the large on-target modifications. Together, our work for the first time systematically profiles the CRISPR/Cas9 repair outcomes in vivo and offers valuable guidance for improving the safety of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>HE, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.10.669524</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[In vivo systematic detection of the outcomes of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated DNA repair in skeletal muscle stem cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.08.669292v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Light-dependent switching of circling handedness in microswimmer navigation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.08.669292v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Many swimming microorganisms navigate their environment by modulating the curvature of their swimming trajectories in response to external cues. Here, we show that the biflagellate alga Chlamy-domonas reinhardtiiswims in circles and actively switches its trajectory handedness in response to orthogonal illumination: the cell swims counterclockwise at low light intensities yet clockwise at high light intensities. This handedness switching arises from light-dependent modulation of flag-ellar beating, including changes in beat extension, phase, and--crucially--beat plane orientation. Using high-speed imaging and hydrodynamic modeling, we reveal that this beat plane reorientation is critical for Chlamydomonas to swim orthogonally to light as well as to dynamically modulate its trajectory curvature, enabling transitions between global exploration and localized searching in spatially structured light fields. Our results establish beat plane reorientation as a novel mechanism for curvature control in microswimmer navigation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bentley, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, A. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.08.669292</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Light-dependent switching of circling handedness in microswimmer navigation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.12.669905v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mediator Subunit MED16 Collaborates with UBP1-TFCP2 to Control Transcriptional Activation or Repression via Promoter Positional Specificity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.12.669905v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Mediator complex is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional coactivator with well-characterized structure and function, though the roles of its dissociable subunits remain incompletely defined. Here, we demonstrate that Mediator subunit MED16 dissociates from the core complex to form a subcomplex with transcription factors UBP1 and TFCP2, and this interaction modulates transcriptional activation or repression in a context-dependent manner. Using protein purification coupled with mass spectrometry, we identified MED16 as a binding partner of UBP1-TFCP2. Gene expression analyses showed that UBP1 interacts with MED16 to activate a subset of silenced genes involved in lung homeostasis, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Conversely, the MED16-UBP1 interaction suppresses HIV-1 transcription, thereby reinforcing viral latency. Mechanistically, MED16 and UBP1 cooperatively bind the HIV-1 transcriptional start site (TSS) to inhibit preinitiation complex assembly. Genomic-scale analyses further demonstrated that transcription is activated when the UBP1-TFCP2 binding motif is proximal to the TSS, but repressed when the motif overlaps the TSS. Collectively, our findings identify a novel MED16-UBP1 interaction, define its dual role in transcriptional regulation, and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in HIV-1 infection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.12.669905</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mediator Subunit MED16 Collaborates with UBP1-TFCP2 to Control Transcriptional Activation or Repression via Promoter Positional Specificity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.14.670292v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SFTSV NSs protein is a novel tick antiviral RNAi response suppressor 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.14.670292v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne phenuivirus causing high mortality in humans. While the non-structural protein NSs is dispensable for replication in mammalian cells, we demonstrate for the first time that NSs is essential for viral replication in tick cells. SFTSV infection triggers canonical Dicer-2-mediated antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) in tick cells, producing virus-derived small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that target viral transcripts for degradation. We show that NSs functions as a viral suppressor of RNAi by selectively sequestering single-stranded RNAs derived from 22-nucleotide siRNAs, preventing their incorporation into RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC). Complementation with a heterologous RNAi suppressor (p19 protein) partially rescues replication of NSs-deficient virus, validating NSs RNAi suppressive function. These findings reveal that successful tick-borne viral replication requires host-specific immune evasion strategies and establish NSs-mediated RNAi suppression as essential for SFTSV persistence in arthropod vectors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fares, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McFarlane, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parry, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arif, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Clarke, A. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kamel, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davies, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bell-Sakyi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Petit, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnettler, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Castello, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kohl, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.14.670292</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SFTSV NSs protein is a novel tick antiviral RNAi response suppressor]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.12.669806v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Foraminiferal environmental DNA reveals late Holocene sea-level changes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.12.669806v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reconstructing past relative sea level (RSL) provides critical insight into the mechanisms driving RSL change and informs future projections. Foraminifera are widely used sea-level indicators, but their application is often limited by poor preservation. Here, we demonstrate that foraminiferal environmental DNA (eDNA) and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) provide a complementary approach to traditional morphological methods for RSL reconstruction. By analyzing surface sediments and a core from subtropical intertidal environments in the Pearl River Delta, we found that foraminiferal eDNA and sedaDNA assemblages exhibit clear vertical zonation, consistent with morphological results. An eDNA-based transfer function enabled high-resolution RSL reconstructions with decadal temporal and decimeter vertical precision from two periods: 290-1703 CE and 1956-present. Notably, eDNA preservation extended RSL reconstruction far earlier than morphological analyses (1956 CE). The eDNA reconstruction closely matched tide-gauge and geological RSL records, underscoring its potential as a robust tool for reconstructing past RSL and its driving mechanisms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khan, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schweizer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.12.669806</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Foraminiferal environmental DNA reveals late Holocene sea-level changes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.16.670657v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Molecular insights into ligand recognition and signaling of GPR99/OXGR1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.16.670657v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
GPR99/OXGR1 is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with two endogenous agonists, the tricarboxylic acid cycle derivative oxoglutarate and the inflammatory lipid mediator leukotriene E4 (LTE4). How GPR99/OXGR1 recognizes two distinct ligands is a biologically important question relevant to therapeutic development due to its established roles in asthma, allergy and inflammation. Here we present cryo-EM structures of GPR99/OXGR1-Gq complex with oxoglutarate and LTE4, respectively. The oxoglutarate-bound structure shows a binding pocket surrounded by the transmembrane domains (TM), with a primary site and an accessory site for simultaneous binding of two oxoglutarate molecules for full activation of the receptor. The TM binding pocket, however, is too small to accommodate the "Y" shaped structure of LTE4, a cysteinyl leukotriene. Alanine substitution of key residues for oxoglutarate binding had little impact on LTE4-induced signaling. An alternative site in between TM3/4/5 just above intracellular loop 2 was identified in the cryo-EM structure of GPR99/OXGR1-Gq complex formed with LTE4, but the densities were less well defined. Alanine substitution of amino acids potentially involved in LTE4 interaction at this site abrogated LTE4-induced receptor activation, with no effect on oxoglutarate-induced signaling. Both ligands activated GPR99/OXGR1 primarily through the Gq pathway, but LTE4 also induced inhibition of cAMP accumulation that was sensitive to pertussis toxin. These findings illustrate the structural basis for GPR99/OXGR1 interaction with oxoglutarate and suggest the presence of a distinct binding site for LTE4.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, R. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.16.670657</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Molecular insights into ligand recognition and signaling of GPR99/OXGR1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.18.670855v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Phosphate limitation triggers Fe3+-dependent polymyxin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.18.670855v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Phosphate (Pi) scarcity, a pervasive stressor prevalent in bacterial infections and dysbiotic host environments, potently drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR) against cationic antibiotics like polymyxins across diverse bacterial taxa. While established Pi depletion-induced AMR mechanisms often involve membrane phospholipid remodelling, Enterobacteriaceae largely lack these pathways, leaving their Pi scarcity-driven AMR mechanism unresolved. Here, we reveal that Pi limitation robustly induces polymyxin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae through 4-amino-4-deoxy-L-arabinose (L-Ara4N) modification of the Gram-negative outer membrane component lipid A, reflecting a distinct adaptive strategy. This modification is driven by strong ugd-arn operon induction, mediated by the PmrAB two-component system. We discover that Pi depletion triggers cellular Mg{superscript 2} release, prompting compensatory Fe3 mobilization to the cell envelope that directly activates PmrAB. Crucially, this metal-dependent signaling axis offers a directly targetable mechanism for reversing polymyxin resistance, a significant deviation from the less accessible, PhoBR-regulated phospholipid remodelling strategies in other bacteria. We demonstrate that Mg{superscript 2} supplementation or Fe3 chelation effectively suppresses PmrAB activation and restores polymyxin susceptibility, thereby establishing a novel, metal-centric paradigm for understanding and pharmacological intervention in stress-induced AMR.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>ZHANG, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Deng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>JIANG, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.18.670855</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Phosphate limitation triggers Fe3+-dependent polymyxin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.14.670453v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-salt diet modulates endocrine regulation between cortisol and FGF23 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.14.670453v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Excessive dietary salt intake is a global health concern, affecting cardiovascular, renal, and bone health. While the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a known regulator of dietary salt-induced hormonal responses, the impact of adrenal cortisol remains unclear. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis in individuals (n=292) consuming a random diet. Dietary salt intake positively correlated with urinary cortisol and inversely correlated with plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a bone-derived hormone regulating phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. Controlled salt diets in healthy individuals confirmed a dose-dependent increase in urinary cortisol and suppression of plasma FGF23. In mice, oral corticosterone, a cortisol analogue, reduced circulating FGF23 levels. RNA-seq analysis of corticosterone-treated MC3T3 osteoblasts identified suppression of FGF23 via glucocorticoid receptor activation, anti-inflammatory pathways, and reduced osteoblast activity. Our findings reveal a novel endocrine cascade where high salt intake elevates cortisol and suppresses FGF23, with potential implications for bone, kidney, and cardiovascular health.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTExcessive dietary salt intake is a global health concern with poorly understood hormonal consequences beyond the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Here, we identify a novel endocrine cascade in which high salt intake elevates cortisol signaling and suppresses fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a bone-derived hormone central to phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. These findings are supported by a human cohort on random diets, a controlled dietary salt intervention, and corticosterone experiments in mice and osteoblasts. Mechanistically, cortisol suppresses FGF23 via glucocorticoid receptor activation, anti-inflammatory signaling, and repression of osteoblast activity. These findings have potential implications for bone, kidney, and cardiovascular health, and suggest that dietary salt intake may influence the clinical interpretation of cortisol and FGF23 measurements.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Moor, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kopper, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pechere-Bertschi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sagmeister, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hardy, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feraille, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fuster, D. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loffing, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pathare, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.14.670453</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-salt diet modulates endocrine regulation between cortisol and FGF23]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.21.671651v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Multi-omics reveals lipid metabolism, mitochondrial and extracellular matrix dysregulation of diabetic cardiomyopathy in the human heart 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.21.671651v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is a condition characterized by myocardial dysfunction in diabetes. Although the clinical recognition of DbCM is increasing, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of heart tissue from cardiomyopathy patients (both with and without diabetes),alongside tissue from healthy donors, by integrating transcriptomic, 4D-DIA proteomic, and full-spectrum widely targeted metabolomic data. Differential analyses revealed a significant metabolic pattern in patients with DbCM, characterized by increasing utilization of triglyceride-derived fatty acids. Correlation analyses highlighted impaired BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy as a potential contributor to the disruption of fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in DbCM. Protein interaction and fibrotic trichrome analyses showed that patients with DbCM had impaired cardiac matrix repair compared to patients with cardiomyopathy without diabetes. These findings provide a system-level understanding of DbCM and reveal molecular signatures driving its progression, offering insights for targeted therapeutic strategies against diabetic heart disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wen, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.21.671651</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Multi-omics reveals lipid metabolism, mitochondrial and extracellular matrix dysregulation of diabetic cardiomyopathy in the human heart]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.670987v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mapping antigenic evolution of influenza A virus using deep learning-based prediction of hemagglutination inhibition titers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.670987v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Seasonal influenza remains a significant public health challenge through unpredictable antigenic drift, where accumulated mutations enable immune evasion and necessitate vaccine updates. Comprehensive antigenic characterization has been hindered by the absence of real-world A(H1N1)pdm antigenic mapping and post-2012 A(H3N2) maps due to insufficient pair-wise hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titrations. Here, we present an end-to-end transformer model that predicts HAI titers directly from viral genetic sequences with error under two-fold, comparable to experimental variability. This approach enables rapid and high-throughput augmentation of HAI titrations across viral isolates, allowing for constructing large-scale antigenic maps. Several novel evolutionary patterns emerged from our analysis. Our antigenic mapping identified three A(H3N2) clusters between 2012-2022 with transitions occurring approximately every 6 years. Notably, genetically diverse co-circulating subclades 3C.2a and 3C.3a (2015-2020) formed a single antigenic cluster. A(H1N1)pdm formed three less temporally distinct clusters, with a novel cluster emerging post-COVID-19. Using interpretable analysis, we identified mutation sites linked to antigenic cluster transitions that align with previous laboratory findings. Key A(H3N2) mutations primarily occurred within major antigenic epitopes, while A(H1N1) showed fewer key mutations, some outside recognized antigenic regions. Our deep learning approach accelerates antigenic characterization in surveillance at global scale and can be transferred to other variable pathogens, providing an actionable bridge between genomic sequencing and vaccine strain selection.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yin, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, K. L. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Salje, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.22.670987</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mapping antigenic evolution of influenza A virus using deep learning-based prediction of hemagglutination inhibition titers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.21.671426v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NicheScope: Identifying Multicellular Niches and Niche-Regulated Cell States in Spatial Transcriptomics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.21.671426v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The functional state of a cell is intrinsically linked to its local microenvironment, or cell niche, a complex milieu formed by multiple interacting cell types. Deciphering how these multicellular niches regulate cell states is fundamental to understanding tissue biology and disease mechanisms, yet remains challenging with current computational approaches. Here, we present NicheScope, a computational framework for transcriptome-wide identification and characterization of Multicellular Niches (MCNs) and their corresponding Niche-Regulated Cell States (NRCSs) from spatial transcriptomics data. NicheScope operates on the principle that a cells transcriptional state is associated with its local multicellular composition. It employs a robust statistical approach to jointly model neighborhood composition and transcriptome-wide gene expression, enabling the simultaneous discovery of MCNs, defined by specific combinations of neighboring cell types, and their associated NRCSs, characterized by distinct gene programs. We demonstrate NicheScopes power and versatility across diverse tissues and platforms, including lymph node, lung adenocarcinoma, and head and neck cancer. NicheScope reproducibly dissected established tissue structures in lymph nodes across tissue regions and platforms, uncovered clinically relevant tumor cell-associated MCNs in lung adenocarcinoma, and revealed shared and condition-specific MCNs in primary and metastatic tumors. Our results establish NicheScope as a powerful, robust, scalable, and interpretable framework for dissecting the spatial and functional organization of complex tissues, providing new insights into multicellular coordination in health and disease.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.21.671426</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NicheScope: Identifying Multicellular Niches and Niche-Regulated Cell States in Spatial Transcriptomics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.23.671873v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Endogenous flow and dialytaxis govern aging of Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) condensates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.23.671873v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biomolecular condensates are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators of cellular physiology, yet their pathological aging underlies numerous diseases. However, the mechanisms governing this condensate aging remain largely elusive. Liquid-liquid phase separation of minimal biomolecular building blocks, such as small peptides or nucleotides, offers ideal model systems to dissect the mechanisms underlying condensate formation and aging. Here, we report that condensates formed by Adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) undergo liquid-to-solid phase transitions (LSPT) in macromolecularly crowded environments, evolving from dynamic liquid droplets into urchin-like fibrillar aggregates. In the initial stages of aging, small aggregates actively engulf surrounding droplets via direct contact and rapid wetting-driven merging. As aging progresses, internal flows emerge within condensates, with velocities oriented toward the nearest aggregate core. These flows arise endogenously from ATP fibrillization through the Marangoni effect and result in a long-range chemotaxis ripening process that facilitates transport of ATP molecules from peripheral droplets to a central aggregate. The Marangoni effect also drives the long-range motion of liquid droplets on hydrophobic surfaces towards the aggregates, representing a novel form of dialytaxis. These findings provide crucial and previously unrecognized dynamic behaviors and insights into the physical principles underlying condensate aging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dear, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kow, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Michaels, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.23.671873</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Endogenous flow and dialytaxis govern aging of Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) condensates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.24.671987v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Avoidance Of Rejuvenation: A Stress Test For Evolutionary Theories Of Aging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.24.671987v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The biological feasibility of human rejuvenation remains a subject of intense debate, yet answering this question is critical for guiding research strategies. Should aging research focus on reversing aging in older individuals, or on pausing its progression at earlier ages? We address this question with evolutionary biology.

Classic evolutionary theories of aging-- damage accumulation, antagonistic pleiotropy, and the disposable soma--consider aging as a detrimental byproduct of evolution. From this perspective, rejuvenation should confer strong fitness advantages and therefore be expected to evolve in species experiencing substantial aging in the wild. Its rarity in nature should thus be interpreted as evidence of its mechanistic implausibility.

Yet, rejuvenation does occur in a few species, and, paradoxically, it is typically induced by stress but not used under optimal conditions. Using mathematical modeling of lifespan plasticity in eusocial insects, we show that this pattern cannot be reconciled with classic theories of aging, revealing an internal contradiction between these theories and the observed avoidance of rejuvenation. By contrast, the pathogen control hypothesis--which interprets aging as an adaptive, programmed process--offers a consistent evolutionary framework for understanding and potentially achieving rejuvenation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Aisin, S. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lidskii, B. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lidsky, P. V.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-28</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.24.671987</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Avoidance Of Rejuvenation: A Stress Test For Evolutionary Theories Of Aging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-28</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.27.672536v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Multi-Disciplinary Framework for Decoding S1PR1-Selective Agonism 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.27.672536v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a key metabolite of sphingolipids, plays crucial roles in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. S1P primarily exerts its functions by binding to G protein-coupled sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs), which include five subtypes (S1PR1-5), thereby activating these receptors and their downstream signaling pathways. Understanding the molecular determinants that govern agonist selectivity among different S1PR subtypes is vital for the rational and precise development of targeted therapeutic agents. Here, four cryo-electron microscopy structures of agonist-bound S1PR1-Gi complexes are reported. Through an integrated approach combining structural analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacological assays, the molecular basis for the selectivity of CYM5442, HY-X-1011, Ponesimod, and SAR247799 toward S1PR1 over S1PR3 and S1PR5 is uncovered. Specifically, the selectivity arises from a combination of non-conserved residues within the ligand-binding pocket and at the Gi-protein interface, distinct curved agonist-binding modes oriented toward transmembrane helices 5-7 that cause steric clashes with S1PR3, and the presence of branched moieties at the lower part of three agonists. These features collectively enhance agonist potency and efficacy for S1PR1 while reducing activity at S1PR3 and S1PR5. These findings establish a structural framework for the rational design of next-generation S1PR1 highly selective agonists with improved therapeutic potential.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiao, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ti, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-08-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.27.672536</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Multi-Disciplinary Framework for Decoding S1PR1-Selective Agonism]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-08-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.27.672493v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Disgust propensity, not disgust sensitivity, shapes the reactivity of a subjective disgust circuit in humans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.27.672493v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Disgust constitutes an evolutionary adaptive defensive-avoidance response, yet humans vary markedly in their dispositional tendency to experience disgust (disgust propensity) and in their negative appraisal of such experience (disgust sensitivity). Conceptual frameworks and neuroimaging studies suggest that these traits may differentially modulate neural responses to disgust-eliciting stimuli; however, methodological constraints have left their precise roles unresolved. Our comparably large fMRI study (n = 142) therefore aimed to systematically determine how trait disgust modulates neural responses to carefully selected and validated disgust-specific visual stimuli across varying levels of subjective disgust experience. The whole-brain voxel-wise regression analyses revealed a neural dissociation between the two disgust traits, with disgust propensity, but not disgust sensitivity, modulating disgust-related neural activity in the anterior, middle, and posterior insula, as well as the caudate, putamen, thalamus, hippocampus, and parahippocampal gyrus. Mediation and network-level analyses further supported this dissociation by showing that disgust propensity shapes disgust experience via insula - striatal - hippocampal pathways. Together, these findings provide evidence for a neurofunctional dissociation of disgust propensity and sensitivity and elucidate how trait disgust shapes subjective experiences. They further suggest that disgust propensity and the identified systems may represent promising targets for the regulation of disgust-related pathology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Klugah-Brown, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.27.672493</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Disgust propensity, not disgust sensitivity, shapes the reactivity of a subjective disgust circuit in humans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.28.672876v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Temporal and spatial variability of mudflat and mangrove foraminiferal eDNA assemblages and its implication for sea-level reconstruction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.28.672876v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reconstructing relative sea level (RSL) is essential for understanding coastal evolution and mitigating impacts of climate change. Foraminiferal assemblages are established proxies for past sea levels, but their composition can vary seasonally and spatially, affecting the reliability of morphological reconstructions. Environmental DNA (eDNA) enables high-resolution, non-invasive monitoring of foraminiferal communities and supports high-precision RSL reconstruction. However, the spatiotemporal stability of eDNA assemblages in (sub)tropical intertidal zones--and their influence on RSL reconstruction--remains uncertain. We conducted a two-year eDNA monitoring study at three intertidal stations of varying tidal elevation in Hong Kong, sampling during both dry and wet seasons to assess variability in mangrove and mudflat environments. Mid-mangrove eDNA communities exhibited temporal and spatial stability. In contrast, eDNA assemblages in mudflat and upper-mangrove environments, particularly among monothalamous foraminifera taxa, showed pronounced seasonal shifts primarily driven by environmental changes. Despite this variability in the upper-mangrove, eDNA-based elevation estimates in mangrove consistently aligned with observed elevations (within 95% credible intervals), demonstrating reliability of RSL reconstructions in these environments. However, samples from mudflats, especially during the wet season, exhibited an overprediction bias, reflecting their heightened sensitivity to seasonal and exogenous eDNA inputs. These findings highlight the need to account for seasonal and environmental variability in eDNA-based RSL reconstruction. Stable mangroves are optimal for transfer functions, while transitional/mudflat zones require caution due to higher variability. Our study provides guidance for foraminiferal eDNA application in complex, dynamic coastal settings.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khan, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schweizer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walker, J. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.28.672876</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Temporal and spatial variability of mudflat and mangrove foraminiferal eDNA assemblages and its implication for sea-level reconstruction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.29.673007v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Therapeutic Salmonella induces long-term protective trained immunity in NK cells against cancer metastasis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.29.673007v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Trained immunity, a form of innate immune memory initially recognized in pathogen defense, has recently been reported to aid in combating cancer. Although trained immunity has been well-characterized in myeloid lineage cells, its presence in innate lymphoid cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, remains largely unexplored. Here, we report that a single dose of Salmonella YB1, an attenuated candidate anticancer vaccine strain, provides long-lasting protection against cancer metastasis in mice by inducing trained natural killer (NK) cells. Functional assays coupled with multiomics analysis revealed that Salmonella-trained NK (stNK) cells establish an enduring reprogrammed epigenome characterized by enhanced pro-survival signaling and immune effector functions, resulting in more potent IFN-{gamma} release and cytotoxicity upon secondary stimulation. We further revealed that IL-12 and IL-18 are essential but insufficient for this NK cell training effect. Crucially, stNK cells far outperform the common immune checkpoint therapies, including PD-1 and TIGIT blockade, in suppressing metastasis, underscoring the unique immunological mechanisms in combating metastasis. These findings uncover a novel long-term anti-metastatic function of trained immunity in NK cells, highlighting its potential as an effective antitumor strategy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Rong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>zhou, z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shakhawat, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.29.673007</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Therapeutic Salmonella induces long-term protective trained immunity in NK cells against cancer metastasis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.29.673174v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Guess till correct: Gungnir codec enabling high error-tolerance and low-redundancy DNA storage through substantial computing power 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.29.673174v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
DNA has emerged as a compelling archival storage medium, offering unprecedented information density and millennia-scale durability. Despite its promise, DNA-based data storage faces critical challenges due to error-prone processes during DNA synthesis, storage, and sequencing. In this study, we introduce Gungnir, a codec system using the proof-of-work idea to address substitution, insertion, and deletion errors in a sequence. With a hash signature for each data fragment, Gungnir corrects the errors by testing the educated guesses until the hash signature is matched. For practicality, especially when sequenced with nanopore long-read, Gungnir also considers biochemical constraints including GC-content, homopolymers, and error-prone motifs during encoding. In silico benchmarking demonstrates its outperforming error resilience capacity against the state-of-art methods and achieving complete binary data recovery from a single sequence copy containing 20% erroneous bases. Gungnir requires neither keeping many redundant sequence copies to address storage degradation, nor high-coverage sequencing to address sequencing error, reducing the overall cost of using DNA for storage.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.08.29.673174</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Guess till correct: Gungnir codec enabling high error-tolerance and low-redundancy DNA storage through substantial computing power]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.04.674186v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RNA helicase Ddx21 safeguards fetal HSPC expansion by recruiting Kdm5a to epigenetically sustain ribosomal and hematopoietic gene transcription 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.04.674186v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Fetal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) require active ribosome biogenesis to sustain their rapid proliferation, yet how non-structural ribosomal factors regulate this process remains unclear. Here, we identify the RNA helicase Ddx21 as a critical determinant of fetal hematopoiesis through its epigenetic role in maintaining active ribosomal transcription. Conditional knockout of Ddx21 in murine fetal hematopoietic cells resulted in severe anemia, fetal liver hypoplasia, and depletion of HSPCs, accompanied by erythroid maturation arrest. Mechanistically, Ddx21 deficiency disrupted ribosomal and hematopoietic gene expressions, impaired translational capacity, and activated p53 pathway, triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. While p53 inhibition partially rescued proliferation defects, it failed to restore rRNA transcription, pointing to p53-independent mechanisms. Multi-omics profiling revealed that Ddx21 interacts with the histone demethylase Kdm5a, co-occupying active promoters marked by H3K4me3. Loss of Ddx21 diminished H3K4me3 levels at ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and hematopoietic genes such as cKit and Gata1, downregulating their transcription. Strikingly, Kdm5a inhibition restored rRNA expression and protein translation in Ddx21-deficient cells, and combined inhibition of Kdm5a and p53 cooperatively rescued HSPC function. These findings demonstrate a paradigm wherein Ddx21 couples ribosome biogenesis to epigenetic regulation by sequestering Kdm5a at active chromatin, thereby preserving transcriptional output essential for fetal hematopoietic expansion.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. O.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, H.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, H. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.04.674186</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RNA helicase Ddx21 safeguards fetal HSPC expansion by recruiting Kdm5a to epigenetically sustain ribosomal and hematopoietic gene transcription]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.05.674517v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
UCHL3 regulates subgenomic flaviviral RNA condensates to promote virus propagation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.05.674517v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In this study we demonstrate a previously uncharacterised post-translational regulatory mechanism governing flavivirus replication through the deubiquitylating enzyme ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3). Using activity-based protein profiling, we identified UCHL3 as a key cellular factor activated during Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) infections. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout experiments demonstrated that UCHL3 deficiency impairs flavivirus replication and viral protein expression across multiple cellular models. The underlying molecular mechanism involves UCHL3-mediated stabilisation of subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA)-containing biomolecular condensates. Through biotinylated sfRNA-interactome capture assays, we show that UCHL3 physically interacts with sfRNA-containing ribonucleoprotein complexes alongside G3BP1. Importantly, UCHL3 depletion triggers inappropriate RNase L activation, leading to sfRNA relocalisation from protective P-bodies to degradative compartments, such as RNase L-induced bodies (RLBs) as reported previously, resulting in viral RNA decay. Our rescue experiments confirmed that RNase L knockdown restores viral replication in UCHL3-deficient cells. This pro-viral effect of UCHL3 operates through interferon-independent mechanisms, as demonstrated by persistent replication defects even upon exogenous interferon treatment. This work therefore identifies UCHL3 as a molecular switch controlling the balance between pro-viral and antiviral RNA condensates, representing a promising host dependency factor for broad-spectrum flavivirus intervention strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Trejo-Cerro, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Beekmayer-Dhillon, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.05.674517</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[UCHL3 regulates subgenomic flaviviral RNA condensates to promote virus propagation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674894v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Knowledge-Driven Interpretable Neural Networks for Mechanistic Insight 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674894v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Analyzing omics data based on pathway knowledge is critical for understanding the molecular mechanism behind pathological changes, but current pathway analysis methods do not model the detailed mechanistic nature of biological interactions, limiting the understanding of pathway behavior to a relatively shallow level. To address this issue, we present a knowledge-driven machine learning framework that embeds features into pathway graphs and models reactions analytically, producing interpretable feature hierarchies and sub-networks where functional associations are estimated to model biological interactions. The approach is agnostic to feature selection, enabling the use of full omics datasets without discarding weak signals. Applications to breast cancer microRNA-gene regulation data and COVID-19 metabolomics data highlight immune and metabolic pathways relevant to disease progression. This framework bridges predictive modeling with mechanistic interpretation, offering a foundation for integrative pathway analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ke, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.08.674894</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Knowledge-Driven Interpretable Neural Networks for Mechanistic Insight]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.07.674775v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Localized Space Coding and Phase Coding Complement Each Other to Achieve Robust and Efficient Spatial Representation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.07.674775v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Localized space coding and phase coding are two distinct strategies responsible, respectively, for representing abstract structure and sensory observations in neural cognitive maps. In spatial representation, localized space coding is implemented by place cells in the hippocampus (HPC), while phase coding is implemented by grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC). Both strategies have their own advantages and disadvantages, and neither of them meets the requirement of representing space robustly and efficiently in the brain. Here, we show that through reciprocal connections between HPC and MEC, place and grid cells can complement each other to overcome their respective shortcomings. Specifically, we build a coupled network model, in which a continuous attractor neural network (CANN) with position coordinate models place cells, while multiple CANNs with phase coordinates model grid cell modules with varying spacings. The reciprocal connections between place and grid cells encode the correlation prior between the sensory cues processed by HPC and MEC, respectively. Using this model, we show that: 1) place and grid cells interact to integrate sensory cues in a Bayesian manner; 2) place cells complement grid cells in coding accuracy by eliminating non-local errors of the latter; 3) grid cells complement place cells in coding efficiency by enlarging the number of environmental maps stored stably by the latter. We demonstrate that the coupled network model explains the seemingly contradictory experimental findings about the remapping phenomena of place cells when grid cells are either inactivated or depolarized. This study gives us insight into understanding how the brain employs collaborative localized and phase coding to realize both robust and efficient information representation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Burgess, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HONG, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WU, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.07.674775</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Localized Space Coding and Phase Coding Complement Each Other to Achieve Robust and Efficient Spatial Representation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674874v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Total variation of quantitative phase map reveals cellular Young's modulus 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674874v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Collective cell migration is a fundamental physiological process involved in wound healing, development, and tissue regeneration. Though the role of the environmental stiffness in collective cell migration has been extensively investigated, the effects of cellular stiffness have been less studied due to the lack of high-throughput in situ methods for characterizing cellular stiffness. Here, we characterize the cellular Youngs modulus in situ with a large field of view and in real time using use quantitative phase microscopy. We found that standard deviation and total variation of the phase are inversely related to the cellular Youngs modulus, while the total variation of phase has finer mechanical resolution. Integrating the total variation of phase with cell segmentation algorithms, we efficiently analyzed the cellular Youngs modulus for cells in a monolayer. Using this system, we found the cells at the wound frontier are much softer than that of the cells in the inner region of monolayer in in vitro wound healing assay. At single cellular level, the Youngs modulus of leader cells, boundary cells, and inner cells are significantly distinct from each other. To conclude, our method would help elucidate the essential role of cellular stiffness in collective cell migration and has the potential to further benefit the progress of mechanobiology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nie, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Long, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.08.674874</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Total variation of quantitative phase map reveals cellular Young's modulus]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.11.675523v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neurophysiological Sensitivity to Envelope and Pulse Timing Interaural Time Differences in Cochlear Implanted Rats with Different Hearing Experiences 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.11.675523v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cochlear implants (CIs) have successfully restored hearing in more than one million patients with severe to profound hearing loss worldwide. While CIs effectively restore speech perception in quiet environments, sound localization remains challenging for bilateral CI users, particularly their ability to utilize interaural time differences (ITDs). The majority of clinical CI processors use a coding strategy that encodes ITD information only in the envelope of electrical pulse trains rather than their pulse timing, which may contribute to the poorer spatial hearing perception of CI users. We recently demonstrated in a behavioral study on early deafened, bilaterally CI-implanted rats that pulse timing ITDs completely dominate ITD perception, while sensitivity to envelope ITDs is almost negligible in comparison. Building on this, we here investigated the neurophysiological sensitivity of the inferior colliculus (IC) to envelope and pulse timing ITDs at two different pulse rates (900 and 4500 pulses/s) and three different stimulation modulations (5, 20 and 100 Hz) in CI rats with different hearing experiences. Our results indicate that IC neurons exhibit far greater sensitivity to pulse timing ITD than envelope ITD independent of pulse rate, modulation rate or hearing experience. These findings suggest that to improve binaural hearing outcome in bilateral CI users, clinical stimulation strategies should provide informative pulse timing ITDs.

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=131 SRC="FIGDIR/small/675523v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (44K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1874d3borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1df79feorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@c244e5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@39220f_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fleiner, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buchholz, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeeshan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosskothen-Kuhl, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schnupp, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.11.675523</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neurophysiological Sensitivity to Envelope and Pulse Timing Interaural Time Differences in Cochlear Implanted Rats with Different Hearing Experiences]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.11.675469v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modification of RNAs in natural rG4 (MoRNiNG), A Database of RNA Modification Sites Associated with the Dynamics of RNA Secondary Structures 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.11.675469v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA structures are essential building blocks of functional RNA molecules. Profiling secondary structures in vivo and in real-time remains challenging because RNAs exhibit dynamic structures and complex conformations. Besides the stem-loop canonical secondary structure, the non-canonical structure RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) is of great interest for its potential as a drug target. Early studies have demonstrated that RNAs can form distinct secondary structures. However, it is not well understood how distinct RNA structures, formed from the same RNA sequences, function within the transcriptome. The factors driving and regulating structure transitions remain poorly investigated. Inspired by a segment in the HOXB9 mRNA capable of forming multiple structures, we found that many RNA segments across the transcriptome exhibit multi-faceted structure-forming potential. For the HOXB9 case, we demonstrated that RNA modification influences RNA structure and binding with RNA binding proteins. Therefore, we collected RNA modification sites naturally occurring in the putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) of transcripts and developed MoRNiNG, a freely accessible database at https://www.cityu.edu.hk/bms/morning. The database is designed and organized by reliability tiers determined by the resolution of RNA modification sites and capable of including various large datasets. We experimentally validated the influence of m6A, m5C, and A-to-I editing on rG4-forming sequences and provided evidence to support the modification switch concept. The diversity and transition of secondary structures from the same RNA segment offers valuable insights into the regulation of RNA structure dynamics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liew, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoffecker, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.11.675469</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modification of RNAs in natural rG4 (MoRNiNG), A Database of RNA Modification Sites Associated with the Dynamics of RNA Secondary Structures]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.13.676045v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Excitatory cholecystokinin neurons in CA3 area regulate the navigation learning and neuroplasticity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.13.676045v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hippocampus, a key hub of neural circuits for spatial learning and memory, has attracted tremendous studies. Neuronal information processing in the hippocampus can be regulated by many types of neuropeptides. Cholecystokinin (CCK), the most abundant neuropeptide in the central nervous system which is involved in modulating neuronal functions, such as cognition, memory and neuroplasticity, is widely expressed in the hippocampus. However, whether local excitatory CCK neurons modulates hippocampal function is still unclear. In this study, we showed that CA1 pyramidal neurons receive projections from excitatory CCK neurons in area CA3 (CA3CCK neurons). Subsequently, activation of the CA1-projecting CA3CCK neurons triggers the release of CCK. Then, we found that activity of CA3CCK-CA1 neurons supports the hippocampal-dependent tasks. Furthermore, inhibition of CA3CCK-CA1 projections or knockdown of CA3CCK gene expression markedly impaired the behavioral tasks and neuroplasticity. Taken together, these results may add to a better understanding of how neuromodulators regulate the neural functions in central nervous system.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baset, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bello, S. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.13.676045</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Excitatory cholecystokinin neurons in CA3 area regulate the navigation learning and neuroplasticity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.16.676492v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distinct neural moderators of resilience and vulnerability confer heterogeneous outcomes following early-life adversity 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.16.676492v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Early-life adversity (ELA) increases risk for psychiatric disorders, but outcomes are highly variable. Using multimodal neuroimaging and computational moderation in large adolescent cohorts, we systematically identify brain features that buffer or amplify effects of three ELA subtypes--familial interpersonal, non-familial interpersonal, and non-interpersonal adversity--on transdiagnostic psychopathology. Multimodal neural moderators were subtype- and pathology dimension-specific, revealing distinct neurobiological mechanisms moderating heterogeneous outcomes. Protective features clustered in limbic, sensory integration, and regulatory circuits (amygdala, parietal cortex, anterior cingulate), while vulnerability features concentrated in frontotemporal circuits. Individual features and a new Relative Resilience Index (RRI)--reflecting the individual balance between protective and vulnerability features across the whole-brain--prospectively predicted psychopathological progression over two years, linking brain signatures to future mental health trajectories. Findings establish the brain as dynamic moderator of distinct adversity effects and introduce a system-level marker for risk stratification, advancing mechanistic precision in youth mental health and guiding early intervention.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.16.676492</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distinct neural moderators of resilience and vulnerability confer heterogeneous outcomes following early-life adversity]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.18.677212v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Synaptic and neural pathway redundancy enables the robustness of a sensory-motor reflex and promotes predation escape in C. elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.18.677212v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As a basic unit of the nervous system, the sensory-motor reflex circuit is fast and robust. However, it is not entirely clear how this robustness is achieved, given that various genetic perturbations can disrupt the function of the sensory neurons. By mapping the molecular basis of neuronal connections in the touch response circuit of Caenorhabditis elegans, we found prevalent genetic redundancy at neural pathway, synaptic, and molecular levels, which ensures that sensory signals can be relayed to command interneurons that control motor output. We also discovered developmental remodeling of the anterior circuit, which leads to the pruning of larval synapses, establishment of a second pathway that activates additional interneurons, and lateralization of the circuit. Finally, we found that the synapses that appeared to be functionally redundant in a simple touch assay contribute to the extent of reversal response in an additive manner, which may help the organism escape from predators.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>He, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fong, E. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kumar, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, H. M. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leifer, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chalfie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.18.677212</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Synaptic and neural pathway redundancy enables the robustness of a sensory-motor reflex and promotes predation escape in C. elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.19.677480v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Re-evaluating the Impact of Biological Sex on Atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- and Ldlr-/- mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.19.677480v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BACKGROUNDThe progression of cardiovascular disease shows significant sexual dimorphism: although females generally develop the disease later in life, they exhibit a higher age-related incidence than males. Despite this clinical pattern, preclinical studies often overlook both sexes in their design, and existing research on sex-specific atherosclerosis in mice remains inconsistent. This study was designed to assess the influence of sex on atherosclerosis using two widely used atherosusceptible mouse models--Apoe-/- and Ldlr-/- mice.

METHODSTo investigate the influence of sex on atherogenesis, we conducted a 20-week study using both male and female Apoe-/- and Ldlr-/- mice. The mice were fed an atherogenic ALMN diet (40% trans-fat, 2% cholesterol, 22% fructose) to promote plaque development. We performed comprehensive analyses of: (1) systemic metabolic parameters (lipid profile, glucose metabolism); (2) atherosclerotic burden (en face and aortic sinus plaque area); and (3) plaque composition (necrotic core size, collagen content, macrophage infiltration).

RESULTSIn both models, male mice showed higher lipid levels, worse glucose tolerance, and reduced insulin sensitivity compared to females. Apoe-/- mice showed minimal sex differences in atherosclerosis with a trend toward increased plaque size in females. Plaque stability markers-- including collagen content, necrotic core size, and macrophage infiltration--did not differ significantly between sexes. In contrast, Ldlr-/- males exhibited greater en face plaque burden than females, yet plaque stability remained similar across sexes.

CONCLUSIONComparative analysis of two widely used murine atherosclerosis models revealed genotype-dependent sexual dimorphism. Female Apoe-/- mice showed a non-significant trend toward larger plaque areas than males, whereas male Ldlr-/- mice developed significantly larger en face atherosclerotic plaques than females. By evaluating plaque area and composition across these models, our findings underscore the importance of including both sexes in atherosclerosis studies, in accordance with guidelines from the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Berk, B. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strijdom, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.19.677480</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Re-evaluating the Impact of Biological Sex on Atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- and Ldlr-/- mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.22.677943v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
BCKDK, a novel hypoxia-responsive kinase that exacerbates cerebral ischemia injury 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.22.677943v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alterations of circulating amino acid profile have been observed in patients with ischemic stroke. However, whether ischemia disrupts amino acid metabolism in the brain tissue and subsequently potentiates cellular stress and cerebral injury have never been explored. Employing a metabolomics approach combined with metabolic flux analysis, impaired catabolism and significant enrichment of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) were identified in mouse primary neuron cells upon oxygen-glucose deprivation. Consistently, BCAA catabolism was also damaged in the brain of mouse with acute ischemic stroke, accompanied with suppressed activity of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) and upregulation of BCKDH kinase (BCKDK). Furthermore, restoration of BCAA catabolism by suppressing BCKDK via pharmacological inhibitor or silencing RNA dramatically alleviated cerebral ischemia injury in mice. Mechanistically, ischemia induces the expression of BCKDK via hypoxia-inducible factor 1-mediated transcriptional activation and inhibits BCAA conversion into substrates for tricarboxylic acid cycle, contributing to potentiated energy deficiency, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neuronal injury. Collectively, this study identified BCKDK as a novel hypoxia-responsive factor and a promising therapeutic target for cerebral ischemia injury.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jin, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoo, R. L. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jia, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.22.677943</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[BCKDK, a novel hypoxia-responsive kinase that exacerbates cerebral ischemia injury]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.23.677998v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Redirection of SARS-CoV-2 to phagocytes by intranasal sACE2-Fc as a universal decoy confers complete prophylactic protection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.23.677998v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory RNA viruses limits the success of current vaccines and antibody-based therapies. Engineered decoy receptors based on soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) offer promising alternatives. Clinical-grade recombinant sACE2 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro but shows limited clinical success. This study reports an optimized sACE2 mutant fused to human IgG1 Fc (B5-D3), which redirects virus-decoy complexes to lysosomal degradation in macrophages. Intranasal prophylactic delivery of B5-D3 confers complete protection in SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice. Abrogation of Fc effector functions compromises antiviral protection, indicating that Fc-mediated uptake of virus-decoy complexes is critical. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that B5-D3 induces early immune activation in lungs of infected mice. Bio-distribution and flow cytometry reveal selective targeting of airway phagocytes. In vitro assays confirm lysosomal degradation of virus-decoy complexes by macrophages without productive infection. These findings reveal a distinct antiviral mechanism via phagocytic clearance, supporting refined regimens for decoy treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other respiratory viruses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chin, A. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Braun, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>L M Poon, L. L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.23.677998</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Redirection of SARS-CoV-2 to phagocytes by intranasal sACE2-Fc as a universal decoy confers complete prophylactic protection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.26.678728v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Unraveling the Molecular and Physiological Roles of Signal Peptide Peptidase A (SppA) in Flavobacterium columnare 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.26.678728v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Columnaris disease, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, represents one of the most economically devastating bacterial infections in global freshwater aquaculture. Despite its significant impact, the molecular mechanisms underlying F. columnare pathogenesis remain largely unexplored due to the challenge in targeted genomic manipulation. Signal peptide peptidase A (SppA) plays a crucial role in bacterial protein secretion by degrading residual signal peptides after protein translocation, yet its function in F. columnare physiology and virulence has not been characterized. Here, we employed a targeted gene deletion approach to investigate the role of sppA in F. columnare. The {Delta}sppA mutant exhibited pleiotropic phenotypes including increased outer membrane vesicle (OMV) production (3.8-fold higher compared to the wild type), reduced biofilm formation, and loss of gliding motility. Transcriptomic analysis of the {Delta}sppA mutant revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in membrane stress response and efflux pump system, including algU, osmC and the genes in the MacAB-TolC efflux system, compared to the wild-type state. Importantly, the artificial infection experiment demonstrated the mutants significantly attenuated virulence in freshwater Medaka (Oryzias latipes), with a 20% higher survival rate of fish compared to the wild type. Our findings reveal that SppA is essential for maintaining membrane homeostasis in F. columnare and serves as one of the virulence factors during columnaris infection. These results provide important insights into the biological function of the sppA gene in F. columnare and highlight the complex relationship between bacterial protein secretion, membrane integrity, and pathogenesis.

ImportanceF. columnare causes significant economic loss in freshwater aquaculture. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying F. columnare pathogenesis is crucial for developing new ways for disease control. Our findings reveal that SppA is essential for gliding motility, adhesion, biofilm formation and maintaining membrane homeostasis in F. columnare, which serves as one of the virulence factors during columnaris infection. In addition, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and MacA/MacB/TolC tripartite efflux pump served as a compensatory mechanism for enhanced peptide metabolites secretion to manage the accumulation of misfolded proteins resulting from the sppA deficiency. These results provide important insights into the biological function of the sppA gene in F. columnare and highlight the complex relationship between bacterial protein secretion, membrane integrity, and pathogenesis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-09-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.26.678728</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Unraveling the Molecular and Physiological Roles of Signal Peptide Peptidase A (SppA) in Flavobacterium columnare]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-09-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679140v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dynamic Meta-Networking Identifies Distinct Network Correlates of Positive and Negative Formal Thought Disorder in Schizophrenia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679140v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Formal thought disorder (FTD) is a core symptom of schizophrenia, yet the neural network mechanisms underlying this phenotype remain poorly understood. In this study, we applied a dynamic meta-networking framework, which captures temporally recurring functional network states, to investigate alterations in the language and executive control networks and their associations with positive and negative FTD. Resting-state fMRI data were collected from three independent cohorts: a discovery cohort comprising 150 first-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia and 175 healthy controls (HCs); a replication cohort including 183 first-episode, drug-naive patients and 109 HCs; and a third cohort consisting of 71 patients who had received two weeks of antipsychotic treatment and 71 HCs. Meta-networking analysis identified four distinct resting-state meta-states within both the language and executive control networks. Connectivity-behavior correlation analyses and machine-learning regression models revealed that positive FTD was associated with aberrant connectivity across specific meta-states in both networks. In contrast, negative FTD was linked exclusively to dysfunction within two meta-states of the executive control network. Notably, these polarity-specific, multi-state connectivity disruptions normalized following short-term antipsychotic treatment, highlighting their potential as clinically relevant neuroimaging biomarkers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Doosti, M.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.29.679140</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dynamic Meta-Networking Identifies Distinct Network Correlates of Positive and Negative Formal Thought Disorder in Schizophrenia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.30.679486v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Evolutionarily Conserved and Divergent Mechanisms of Dual Ca2+ Sensors in Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.30.679486v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neurotransmitter release at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction is governed by a dual Ca{superscript 2} sensor system composed of SNT-1 and SNT-3, which are functional analogs of synaptotagmin-1 and -7 (Syt1/Syt7) in mammalian central synapses. In this study, we investigated how SNT-1 and SNT-3 mediate fast and slow neurotransmitter release through their potential interactions with the SNARE complex and their polybasic motifs. AlphaFold 3 models of SNT-1-SNARE and SNT-3-SNARE complexes accurately recapitulated the canonical Syt1 C2B-SNARE primary interface (Zhou et al., 2015, Nature) and precisely identified conserved binding residues within the C2B domains, as well as in SNAP-25 and Syntaxin, highlighting the evolutionary conservation of this interaction. Electrophysiological analyses using targeted mutagenesis demonstrated that both SNT-1 and SNT-3 require C2B-SNARE interactions and polybasic motifs within their C2 domains to drive evoked fast and slow neurotransmitter release. Notably, SNT-1 and SNT-3 exhibited differential dependence on distinct regions of the C2B-SNARE interface and their respective polybasic motifs, suggesting that Ca{superscript 2}-triggered fast and slow release operate via distinct mechanistic strategies. Furthermore, we found that SNT-1 mediates spontaneous neurotransmitter release through multiple pathways, involving not only the primary C2B-SNARE interface but also additional putative SNARE-binding interactions. Together, our findings uncover both conserved and divergent mechanisms for synaptic exocytosis regulated by the dual Ca2+ sensors in C. elegans.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Richmond, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.09.30.679486</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Evolutionarily Conserved and Divergent Mechanisms of Dual Ca2+ Sensors in Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.678241v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The genetic architecture of trabecular bone score and association with fracture: a genome-wide association and meta-analysis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.678241v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundTrabecular bone score (TBS) is a texture-based measurement derived from DXA scans, which describes the distribution of mineral across the vertebral bodies. Identifying its genetic determinants is crucial for enhancing understanding of its biological basis and clarifying its relationship with fracture risk.

MethodsWe conducted a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) of TBS from 44,767 participants (95.08% European ancestry). Sex heterogeneity was assessed through sex-stratified GWAS. Post-GWAS analyses included functional annotation, gene-set enrichment analysis, and cis-expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) colocalization. Two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) were employed to investigate the causal effect of TBS on fractures.

FindingsWe identified 33 independent variants associated with TBS, which explained 4.06% of TBS phenotypic variance. All the discovered signals map to previously identified BMD-associated loci. Additionally, we identified genetic variants in the RAB11FIP3 locus that exhibited a sex-heterogeneous effect, being associated with TBS exclusively in males. Functional annotation and colocalization identified functional genes related to TBS. The two-sample and multivariable MR analyses indicated that TBS potentially has an independent causal effect on fracture risk.

InterpretationOur study unveiled 33 independent loci associated with TBS, all in BMD-associated loci. One locus was further identified as associated with TBS only in males. MR results suggested that genetically derived TBS may be causally associated with fracture risk at different sites, potentially beyond BMD. This study provides insights into the TBS genetic architecture and uncovers its potential clinical applications in fracture risk prediction.

FundingAll funding information can be found in the Acknowledgements section.

Research in contextO_ST_ABSEvidence before this studyC_ST_ABSOsteoporosis is a common disease prevalent in older adults, mainly diagnosed by low bone mineral density and disruption of bone architecture. While the genetic determinants of bone mass have been well studied, the genetic architecture of bone features beyond BMD remains largely unknown.

Added value of this studyThis study presents a large genome-wide association meta-analysis of the trabecular bone score (TBS), a measurement of trabecular distribution of bone mineralization across vertebral bodies. Our study identified 33 independent variants associated with TBS and one association signal only in males. Functional annotation highlighted crucial genes related to TBS. The two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses suggested that TBS may be causally linked with fracture risk, potentially independent of BMD.

Implications of all the available evidenceOur study represents an expansion of the traditional bone density phenotype used in most previous skeletal genetic studies. Based on the findings that all of the significant loci for TBS have been previously identified in GWAS of BMD, we conclude that TBS-associated variants have pleiotropic effects affecting not only mineral density but also the distribution patterns of minerals in the cancellous bone. Continuing to perform genetic studies of new skeletal phenotypes beyond BMD could ultimately impact the management and prediction of osteoporosis patients.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tibbitts, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, G. H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frysz, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lary, C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trajanoska, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Das, N. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>de Groot, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van Schoor, N. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uitterlinden, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>van der Velde, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tobias, J. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rivadeneira, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Evans, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kiel, D. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kemp, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Medina-Gomez, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.01.678241</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The genetic architecture of trabecular bone score and association with fracture: a genome-wide association and meta-analysis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.679835v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A knowledge-guided approach to recovering important rare signals from high-dimensional single-cell data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.679835v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell transcriptomic data are high-dimensional, with many genes profiled in each cell. Dimensionality reduction is routinely applied to improve interpretability, remove noise and redundancy, and enable visualization. Most existing methods aim at preserving the most prominent data properties, which can lead to omission of rare but important signals. Here we propose a novel framework that uses knowledge-derived genes of interest to guide dimensionality reduction, which can help cluster rare cells and separate highly similar cell sub-populations. We demonstrate the utility of our framework in identifying endocrine cell subtypes in the pancreatic islet, highly similar hematopoietic sub-populations, and rare senescent cells.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adams, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Itkin-Ansari, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.01.679835</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A knowledge-guided approach to recovering important rare signals from high-dimensional single-cell data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.02.679991v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate alleviates alcohol-associated liver disease through targeting HSD11B1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.02.679991v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
While magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) is a clinically approved therapy for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), its precise molecular targets and mechanisms remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to define MgIGs hepatoprotective actions in chronic-binge ALD mouse models and ethanol/palmitic acid-exposed AML-12 hepatocytes. Through an integrated strategy encompassing RNA sequencing, molecular docking, and microscale thermophoresis, we discovered that MgIG directly binds to hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) at residue 187, a finding corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations. In vivo, MgIG markedly attenuated alcohol-induced liver injury, evidenced by ameliorated histological damage, reduced hepatic steatosis, and normalized liver-to-body weight ratios. In vitro, it effectively reduced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing identified isopentenyl diphosphate delta isomerase 1 (IDI1) as a key downstream effector. Hepatocyte-specific genetic manipulations confirmed that MgIG modulates the SREBP2-IDI1 axis, thereby suppressing lipogenesis, inflammatory responses, and apoptotic pathways. We reveal HSD11B1 as a novel direct molecular target of MgIG and elucidate its therapeutic mechanism through the HSD11B1-SREBP2-IDI1 signaling axis, which profoundly impacts ALD pathogenesis. These findings not only validate MgIGs clinical utility but also highlight a promising new therapeutic target for ALD.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xiao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Che, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.02.679991</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate alleviates alcohol-associated liver disease through targeting HSD11B1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680013v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lysine-R2HGylation identified as a post-translational modification in R2HG-elevated cancers 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680013v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
R-2-Hydroxyglutarate (R2HG), an oncometabolite predominantly produced by mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) in various cancers, is known to drive cancer progression through noncovalent inhibition of -ketoglutarate (KG)-dependent enzymes. In this work, we propose an alternative mechanism wherein R2HG contributes to cancer development via covalent modification of biologically critical lysines, a process termed lysine-R2HGylation (KR2HG). We designed and synthesized R2HG-mimicking probes, demonstrating their effectiveness in facilitating KR2HG target profiling and site mapping. We identified KR2HG as a previously unrecognized post-translational modification, confirmed its C5-linkage on GSTP1(K209), and demonstrated that SIRT5 functions as a deacylase for GSTP1-KR2HG in vitro. Furthermore, we found that R2HG slightly but significantly inhibits the enzymatic activity of GSTP1 through KR2HG and dramatically suppresses monocyte differentiation via this catalytically important lysine modification. Our findings provide an alternative perspective on the role of R2HG in leukemia progression and offer a practical tool for the clinical investigation of R2HG-elevated cancers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.03.680013</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lysine-R2HGylation identified as a post-translational modification in R2HG-elevated cancers]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680340v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sociality and nesting strategy shape the bimodal diversity gradient in bees 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680340v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Bees are dominant pollinators across native and agricultural plant communities, yet the drivers of their patterns of geographic distribution and functional diversity remain poorly understood. Notably, bees exhibit a bimodal latitudinal diversity gradient, peaking in species diversity in temperate and arid regions rather than the tropics despite their close ecological and evolutionary ties to flowering plants, which show the opposite pattern. Here, we investigated whether two key life history traits thought to shape where bees can live--sociality and nesting strategy--may influence this pattern. We compiled data on sociality and nesting strategy for 4,293 bee species and combined it with a comprehensive phylogeny, curated global occurrence records, and newly-developed models of trait evolution to test 1) whether sociality and nesting biology are evolutionarily correlated, 2) how these life history traits shape bees climatic niches and niche breadths, and 3) whether the evolutionary dynamics of these traits may explain the bimodal latitudinal gradient in bee diversity. We find that the evolution of above-ground nesting is closely tied to the evolution of social behavior, but this trait combination has evolved rarely across the evolutionary history of bees. Where this combination does arise, species that are both social and above-ground nesters tend to have narrower climatic niches and are associated with environments that are warmer, wetter, and experience little seasonal temperature variation, making them more prevalent in tropical bee communities. Together, our results indicate that the bimodal diversity gradient in bees is driven by phylogenetic niche conservatism, where most bee lineages retain ancestral traits suited to arid environments and the derived syndrome necessary for thriving in the tropics evolves rarely.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Heinrich, L. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Martins, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bossert, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hughes, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Orr, M. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seltmann, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swain, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vasconcelos, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.03.680340</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sociality and nesting strategy shape the bimodal diversity gradient in bees]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680395v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Effectively Detects Invasive Species, Pests, and Community Changes in Taiwan Rice Fields 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680395v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Rice fields represent man-made semi-aquatic wetlands primed for invasive pests. Monitoring rice field biodiversity using conventional methods, however, is time-consuming and laborious. Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods can provide a fast and effective means to monitor rice field communities and inform management decisions. Our study provides proof-of-concept of rice field eDNA biodiversity assessments, with a focus on native and non-native pests across cultivation phases. We collected eDNA samples from locations in southern Taiwan during planting and harvesting, employing eDNA metabarcoding (COI) to detect diverse taxonomic groups. We assigned 77 ASVs across all sites to animal taxa, 34 of which were identified to species. Overall, 18 species were designated as native or non-native (83.3% and 16.6%, respectively), including three major rice pests, Chilo suppressalis (native), Coptotermes formosanus (native), and Pomacea canaliculata (non-native). Cultivation status affected overall diversity, with higher species richness during planting compared to harvesting. No significant differences were observed between native and non-native taxa between cultivation phases. Altogether, we detected a complex environment across trophic levels comprised of both native and non-native agricultural pests using limited sampling effort, demonstrating eDNA analysis as an efficient biomonitoring approach in rice agroecosystems with direct applications for pest, invasive species, and vector surveillance within Taiwan.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Banerjee, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dey, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stewart, K. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barnes, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Taharia, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Seymour, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharma, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maity, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.03.680395</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Effectively Detects Invasive Species, Pests, and Community Changes in Taiwan Rice Fields]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.05.680512v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Engineering magnetically guided bacteriophages for precision antimicrobial therapy and targeted biofilm eradication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.05.680512v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Viruses, including bacteriophages, rely on passive diffusion to reach their hosts, limiting the efficacy of virus-based therapies and leading to off-target accumulation with systemic effects. Here, we present a strategy to confer controllable motility to bacteriophages by incorporating iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) into their head structures while preserving infectivity. Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) confirmed the FeNP presence in the phages head. FeNP-tagged phages can be magnetically enriched and isolated from bacterial prey cultures, eliminating the need for ultracentrifugation. Under magnetic guidance, these engineered phages exhibit rapid and directed movement through complex microenvironments, including mazes and polymer barriers, enabling precise bacterial targeting and biofilm eradication in a microfluidic system. In an in vivo wound infection model, magnetically guided phages successfully navigated from the peritoneum to the biofilms on the wound, thus selectively eliminating biofilms while minimizing systemic exposure to other organs. Hence, our approach confers viral mobility, thus enhancing the precision and efficacy of bacteriophage-based biotechnological and therapeutic applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ma, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khoo, B. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chua, S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.05.680512</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Engineering magnetically guided bacteriophages for precision antimicrobial therapy and targeted biofilm eradication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.06.680553v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
ceQTL: A co-expression QTL model to detect a variant that affects transcription factor binding and its target regulation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.06.680553v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping is used to identify a functional link between a genomic variant, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and gene expression (often close-by pair for cis-eQTL) by linear regression, commonly done when matching genotype and expression data from same individuals are available. Millions of significant eQTLs have been reported by both individual studies and coordinated large consortiums such as Genotype-Tissue Expression project (GTEx). A significant eQTL association does not establish a causal relationship or provide any underlying mechanism so further investigation is needed to understand how a SNP impacts gene expression. One of the plausible explanations for eQTL is that a genomic variant affects transcription factor (TF) binding and thus impacts its regulation on its target genes (TGs). However, data-driven or formal statistical methods to prove that hypothesis are still lacking. To address the gap, we propose a new method called differential co-expression QTL (ceQTL) among different alleles using Chow statistics to specifically detect eQTLs that are modulated by a particular TF. We start with building a trio of TF, its TG, and related SNP and then test the significant coefficient difference among different levels of SNP in terms of TF and TG correlation. We applied this ceQTL model to simulated data and the lung tissue datasets from the GTEx project. The simulated data results showed that the model was robust to detect true ceQTLs at variable sample sizes and different minor allele frequencies as measured by Area Under the Curve (AUC). In normal lung tissue, a small fraction of eQTLs were found to have strong ceQTLs, i.e., eQTLs where SNP affects gene expression though TF binding. Some ceQTLs may not be detected by traditional eQTL analysis. Our tool also performed a TF binding affinity analysis to add another layer of evidence for functional interpretation. Comparisons with other similar tools were also presented. In summary, ceQTL analysis provides a more interpretable and biological insight into the mechanism of eQTL, which would help us better understand how genomic variants affect phenotypes and diseases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.06.680553</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[ceQTL: A co-expression QTL model to detect a variant that affects transcription factor binding and its target regulation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.06.680726v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
hpGRISZ: a high-performance fluorescent biosensor for in vivo imaging of synaptic zinc dynamics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.06.680726v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite the crucial role of synaptic Zn2+ in neurotransmission and neural processing, direct in vivo measurement of Zn2+ transients has remained challenging due to the limited responsiveness of existing fluorescent indicators. Here we report hpGRISZ (high-performance green indicator for synaptic Zn2+), an ultraresponsive turn-on green fluorescent biosensor engineered through iterative linker optimization, mutagenesis, and directed evolution. hpGRISZ exhibits exceptional brightness, thermostability, and a large fluorescence response (F/F0 {approx} 25) with micromolar affinity suitable for detecting extracellular synaptic Zn2+ release. We comprehensively characterized hpGRISZ in vitro, in mammalian cells, and in vivo. A membrane-anchored version of hpGRISZ traffics robustly to the cell surface under physiological conditions, where it retains strong responsiveness and supports wide-field, two-photon, and fiber photometry recordings in awake mice. These assays revealed synaptic Zn2+ dynamics across distinct brain regions and neuronal circuits. Together, our findings establish hpGRISZ as a powerful tool for dissecting zinc signaling in neural circuits and as a prototype for next-generation genetically encoded biosensors for in vivo imaging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kumar, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Correia, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Soares-Cunha, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cody, P. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Drobizhev, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rodrigues, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tzounopoulos, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ai, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.06.680726</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[hpGRISZ: a high-performance fluorescent biosensor for in vivo imaging of synaptic zinc dynamics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680849v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Area-Based Selection of Binding Interfaces for Structural Prediction of Protein-Protein Complexes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680849v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Protein-protein interaction is a fundamental process in all biological systems, and the structural information of a protein-protein complex may provide important mechanistic details and insights into the biological processes involved. Elucidation of the rules underlying the interface specificity in protein-protein interactions is of great value for the correct prediction of the structures of a protein-protein complex. In the present study, we have developed the area-based methods for selecting near-native interfaces for protein-protein interactions. The quantitative relationship between different areas in the predicted structure of protein-protein complex and the predicted accuracy was explored using linear and nonlinear models. The predicted accuracy is characterized using the root mean square deviation (L_RMSD) of ligands. The performances of the newly-developed area-based models for selecting near-native interfaces for protein-protein binding interactions based on the partners structures at unbound or bound states are better than (or at least comparable to) those of the existing, more sophisticated method(s). The success rates of some models are above 90% (some are close to 100%), which indicates the importance and effectiveness of the area-based interface selection. The area-based methods presented in this work may shed lights on the final resolution of the interface selection problem in the field of protein-protein complex structure prediction and also on the rules of interface specificity for protein-protein interactions from a geometric area perspective. The principles developed this work also shed lights on understanding the protein-protein binding mechanisms from an area perspective.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=158 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/680849v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (61K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@fc8db3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@bb0f62org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ef1b84org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f79d8b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.07.680849</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Area-Based Selection of Binding Interfaces for Structural Prediction of Protein-Protein Complexes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680851v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Improving the Accuracy of Distance-Based Protein-Ligand Binding Affinity Prediction Using Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680851v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the traditional scoring functions for protein-ligand binding affinity prediction, the energies of the electrostatic and van der Waals interactions were evaluated (or restricted) by the mathematical expressions of [Formula] and [Formula], respectively. In comparison, the power exponents of distance-based variables as adopted in the present study are not restricted as those in traditional energy terms for atomic interactions. The distance-based variables were integrated using linear regression and artificial neural network to predict the protein-ligand binding affinity or binding energy. The training of the linear, neural network and mixed models was based on the newest data in PDBbind, i.e., PDBbind (v.2024). Estimated according to Pearsons correlation coefficient (R), the best performances of the linear models are 0.700 < R [&le;] 0.800 with the high-quality affinity data, and those of the neural network-based mixed models are 0.800 [&le;] R < 0.900 with the same data. The predictive powers of the best models developed in this study are superior to the sophisticated linear and machine learning-based scoring functions developed before. The results suggest that the distance-based variables with appropriate power exponents may have the ability to improve the prediction of protein-ligand binding affinity with high accuracy.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=143 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/680851v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (50K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@10e86e4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@b9ec82org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@565a90org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@153c4ef_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG HIGHLIGHTSO_LIBy using the newest data in PDBbind (v.2024) to train the linear, neural network and mixed models, the quantitative distance-energy relationships are further explored and improved to predict the binding affinity of protein-ligand complexes.
C_LIO_LIThe power exponents of distance in the traditional energy terms are expanded to characterize the distance-energy relationships accurately at atom level for protein-ligand interactions.
C_LIO_LIThe best models are superior to the sophisticated machine learning-based scoring functions developed before.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.07.680851</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Improving the Accuracy of Distance-Based Protein-Ligand Binding Affinity Prediction Using Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.08.681107v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Optogenetic construction of de novo integrin-adhesion complexes reveals role for biocondensation in adhesion nucleation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.08.681107v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Integrin-adhesion complexes (IACs) form spontaneously in cells on extracellular matrix substrates, allowing them to sense matrix composition and transduce force. However, IACs often do not form uniformly across a cell, which begs the question: What is required to nucleate an adhesion, and what factors enable the stabilization of an IAC once it has formed? Many factors have been suggested to promote formation and the subsequent stabilization of IACs. It is difficult to explicitly test these factors in vivo as IACs undergo constant remodeling. Here, we employ optogenetics to explicitly test the ability of talin in different activity and phase states to nucleate and stabilize IACs in regions where none are present. We find that fusion of intrinsically disordered regions directly to talin enhances its adhesion nucleation potential and allows new adhesions to be produced in response to optogenetic talin clustering. Similarly, expression of factors previously shown to enhance biocondensation in vitro, such as paxillin, the paxillin N-terminus, or unfolding of talin, allows for adhesion nucleation and biocondensation of talin. We show that these biocondensates of talin can cluster and activate integrins even in the absence of extracellular matrix. By applying optogenetic activation to regions of the cell with or without ventral actomyosin, we demonstrate actomyosin engagement promotes the formation and stability of adhesions. These results are corroborated by theoretical modelling which shows that phase separation of talin is enhanced by differential clutch formation in the presence of actomyosin thus enabling peripheral adhesion formation and stability. This work establishes a model in which increased cooperativity of talin enables IAC nucleation through talin biocondensation, which clusters and activates integrins. In addition to these findings, we generate multiple optogenetic tools that enable local nucleation or enhancement of IACs.

HighlightsO_LIOptogenetic tools mediating talin biocondensation can locally induce focal adhesion formation
C_LIO_LIPaxillin LD domains enable biocondensation of talin
C_LIO_LIBiocondensation of talin enables IAC formation
C_LIO_LIPhase separation of talin can activate integrins independently of ECM
C_LIO_LIComputational model reconciles spatial variance in LLPS and IAC formation.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xiong, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leong, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, C.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Efremov, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, H. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.08.681107</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Optogenetic construction of de novo integrin-adhesion complexes reveals role for biocondensation in adhesion nucleation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681537v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Sourdough starter-inspired living materials grown from probiotic consortia with engineered division-of-labor 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681537v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Genetic circuits enable precise control over cellular behavior. As circuits become more complex, implementing them within a single cell population becomes difficult. Tasks can instead be distributed in engineered consortia. However, selecting appropriate consortia and harnessing the natural traits of each species for such a division of labor remain unsolved challenges. Here, we report the creation of SINERGY, an engineered synthetic sourdough starter in which functional modules are distributed between the two constituent species. These modules, consisting of sensing, communication, and response, enable in vitro biosensing and in vivo drug delivery and modulate the gut ecosystem in an animal disease model. SINERGY not only preserves the safety and health-promoting properties of the natural components but also endows microbes with programmable functionalities, facilitating broad applications in biomedicine.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Echavarria Galindo, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, S. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shaw, W. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, W. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dedon, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Church, G. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, T. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, T.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LAI, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.09.681537</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Sourdough starter-inspired living materials grown from probiotic consortia with engineered division-of-labor]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.11.681836v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CoxMDS: Multiple Data Splitting for High-dimensional Mediation Analysis with Survival Outcomes in Epigenome-wide Studies 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.11.681836v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Causal mediation analysis investigates whether the effect of an exposure on an outcome operates through intermediate variables known as mediators. Although progress has been made in high-dimensional mediation analysis, current methods do not reliably control the false discovery rate (FDR) in finite samples, especially when mediators are moderately to highly correlated or follow non-Gaussian distributions. These challenges frequently arise in DNA methylation studies. We introduce CoxMDS, a multiple data splitting method that uses Cox proportional hazards models to identify putative causal mediators for survival outcomes. CoxMDS ensures finite-sample FDR control even in the presence of correlated or non-Gaussian mediators. Through simulations, CoxMDS is shown to maintain FDR control and achieve higher statistical power compared with existing approaches. In applications to DNA methylation data with survival outcomes, CoxMDS identified eight CpG sites in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) that are consistent with the hypothesis that DNA methylation may mediate the effect of smoking on lung cancer survival, and two CpG sites in the Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) that are consistent with the hypothesis that DNA methylation may mediate the effect of smoking on time to Alzheimers disease conversion.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Navas-Acien, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vardarajan, B. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Belsky, D. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miller, G. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baccarelli, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.11.681836</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CoxMDS: Multiple Data Splitting for High-dimensional Mediation Analysis with Survival Outcomes in Epigenome-wide Studies]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.12.681846v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An ultra-long acting insulin enables glucose-synchronised release 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.12.681846v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Delayed and weak glucose-responsive kinetics, coupled with short plasma exposure and complicated formulation, remain major obstacles to the clinical translation of glucose-responsive insulin formulations. Here we report a rapidly absorbable, ultra-long acting, and glucose-responsive insulin analogue via engineering recombinant human insulin with two phenylboronic acids. The insulin analogue has a long circulating half-life (t1/2{beta} [~]150 h) due to its unique, unprecedented, glucose-responsive binding to blood circulation-associated proteins. This interaction drives the formation of a unique systemic reservoir that allows synchronised dynamic response in insulin levels to glucose fluctuations. In type 1 diabetic mice and minipigs, a single subcutaneous dose can maintain normoglycaemia for over one week (47.5-fold compared to insulin glargine). After the last injection of four consecutive weekly administrations in mice, the glucose-lowering effect can last 800 hours. Administering this glucose-responsive insulin analogue with a fully automated insulin delivery system can leverage dual closed loops and achieve a glucose time in range of over 85% and a coefficient of variation of approximately 30%, better than the recommended targets for human therapy. Importantly, no toxicity was identified in the study.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mei, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Buse, J. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.12.681846</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An ultra-long acting insulin enables glucose-synchronised release]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.681560v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Auditory Stimulus Information Entropy Modulates Inter-Brain Synchronization: Evidence from Wireless EEG Hyperscanning 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.681560v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inter-brain synchronization (IBS) - reflecting inter-individual correlated neural activity during interaction - marks shared experiences like music listening. The ability of complex auditory stimuli (e.g., music) to induce IBS links to their information dynamics, notably the uncertainty they evoke, which challenges the nervous systems predictive coding. Based on mutual prediction theory (interacting individuals simultaneously process their own behavior and predict their partners; accurate mutual predictions lead to convergent neural representations and thus IBS), this study hypothesized that higher stimulus uncertainty enhances IBS (heightened uncertainty reduces independent predictability, promoting convergent representations and stronger IBS). Using information entropy to quantify uncertainty, the study conducted hyperscanning, manipulated entropy across Resting State and 6 Hz auditory stimuli (ASSR, MMN, AHER, Dream Wedding), and measured IBS via phase-locking values (PLV). Results showed frequency specificity: 6 Hz PLV increased with entropy (DW {approx} AHER > MMN {approx} ASSR > Resting State); Alpha band had highest PLV in Resting State. Critically, PLVs differed significantly between any two conditions, and each experimental conditions PLV was also significantly different from that of the Resting State. Findings confirm a 6 Hz-specific positive association between auditory uncertainty and IBS, suggesting musical elements may facilitate social interaction by modulating entropy, with entropy-IBS relations showing frequency dependence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, P. W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, R. T. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.14.681560</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Auditory Stimulus Information Entropy Modulates Inter-Brain Synchronization: Evidence from Wireless EEG Hyperscanning]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.681876v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
An EEG Investigation of Neural Dynamics of Empathy Influenced by Congruent and Incongruent Pain Expressions in Autistic and Neurotypical Adults 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.681876v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Autistic individuals often show difficulties in empathy, but the underlying neural mechanisms of empathy in naturalistic contexts of pain have been less examined. This study employed a kinetic pain empathy paradigm, manipulating the congruence between pain expressions, i.e., body gestures and facial expressions based on a predictive coding framework. We collected EEG data from 51 autistic and 58 neurotypical adults during a pain observation task. Results indicated that autistic and neurotypical adults share a similar neural architecture for empathy processing and conflict resolution, involving an early stage of sensory arousal (i.e., N2 and theta) and a later stage of cognitive reappraisal (i.e., P3). However, the multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) revealed nuanced but significant between-group differences in neural patterns. Compared to neurotypical peers, autistic adults demonstrated atypical processes in both empathy and conflict resolution. Specifically, they exhibited heightened early emotional arousal but expended greater cognitive effort to evaluate others pain. Autistic adults also showed increased alertness to unexpected sensory input and allocated more cognitive resources to resolve prediction errors from incongruent pairings. In contrast, neurotypical adults suppressed unnecessary cognitive efforts for meaningless errors. In summary, autistic adults may experience challenges in efficiently adjusting predictions to the external context, with their neural processing heavily depending on sensory input and less efficient in adapting cognitive resources to evaluate and respond to varied contextual demands.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, S. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.14.681876</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[An EEG Investigation of Neural Dynamics of Empathy Influenced by Congruent and Incongruent Pain Expressions in Autistic and Neurotypical Adults]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.682808v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Human Organoids Reveal PTEN-driven Mesendoderm Specification via Retinoic Acid Signaling Suppression 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.682808v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During early embryogenesis, epiblast cells ingress through the primitive streak (PS) and commit to a mesendoderm (MES) fate, giving rise to both mesodermal and endodermal lineages. Despite advancements in human organoid technology for modeling pre-implantation blastocyst stage, robust systems that accurately recapitulate MES specification and PS formation during the post-implantation stage remain limited. Here, we show that human induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to generate three-dimensional MES organoids that faithfully mimic in vivo human MES specification, particularly from the anterior PS. We demonstrate that MES organoid formation is dependent on PTEN expression and that loss of PTEN severely impairs the formation of mesoderm and definitive endoderm derivatives arising from MES organoids. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects, we conducted an integrative multi-omics analysis, including transcriptome, chromatin accessibility profiling, metabolism, and phosphoproteomics, on wild-type and PTEN-/-MES cells. These analyses revealed that PTEN suppresses retinoic acid (RA) signaling during MES lineage commitment. Furthermore, we identified the RA-degrading enzyme CYP26A1 as a downstream effector of PTEN. Notably, while excessive RA induced by PTEN ablation is detrimental to MES cell generation, physiological levels of RA are necessary. Collectively, our human MES organoids offer a valuable model for dissecting early human development, and our findings identify PTEN as a key regulator of MES fate commitment through inhibition of RA signaling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, S.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bian, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.17.682808</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Human Organoids Reveal PTEN-driven Mesendoderm Specification via Retinoic Acid Signaling Suppression]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.682592v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Cancer-specific sialylation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor impairs therapeutic antibody binding and efficacy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.682592v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite extensive efforts to develop insulin-like growth factor (IGF1R)-targeted therapies for various malignancies, none has received clinical approval in the past two decades. Here, we reveal that N-glycan sialylation significantly decreases recognition by the humanized monoclonal anti-IGF1R antibody ganitumab across various cancer types, reducing its efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Sialoforms of IGF1R are virtually absent in normal cells, indicating that the modification is tumor-specific. Pharmacological inhibition of sialyltransferases significantly sensitizes metastatic tumors to ganitumab in a ganitumab-resistant ovarian cancer model. Enzymatic removal of sialic acids from tissue sections resulted in marked enhancement in antibody binding to ovarian cancer patient tumors, but not normal tissues. Upregulation of 2-6 sialyltransferase ST6GAL1 in tumor tissues was found to be responsible for sialylation of IGF1R. Consequently, ST6GAL1-high tumors were more likely to benefit from desialylation-mediated enhancement of ganitumab binding. Furthermore, through comprehensive glycoproteomics analysis, structural prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation, we identify Asn-607 (N607) as a crucial site harboring sialylated glycans. Mechanistically, N607 glycosylation destabilizes the IGF1R-ganitumab complex. Overexpression of IGF1R Asn-607-Gln (N607Q) mutant in IGF1R-knockout cancer cells increases ganitumab efficacy compared to wild-type IGF1R in vivo. Taken together, these findings highlight sialylation as a common barrier in IGF1R-targeted therapies and provide crucial insights for therapy enhancement in cancer and patient stratification for future clinical trials.

Graphical Abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=99 SRC="FIGDIR/small/682592v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (14K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@17c6d5corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1efe2f7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1dd05aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@159fb23_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG Synopsis2-6 sialylation of IGF1R Asn-607 by ST6GAL1 is prevalent in cancer. This modification disrupts the interaction of IGF1R with therapeutic mAb ganitumab. Removal of sialylation augments ganitumab efficacy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Hassan, A. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, K. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>To, S. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, L. W. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lok, C. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Che, C.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, P. P. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.17.682592</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Cancer-specific sialylation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor impairs therapeutic antibody binding and efficacy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.682321v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Lipid Metabolism Remodeling in Human Cardiomyocyte Differentiation and Maturation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.682321v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During cardiac development, metabolic remodeling is characterized by a transition from glycolysis-dependent energy production to reliance on fatty acid oxidation. Lipids function as essential energy substrates and structural components throughout cardiac formation and maturation. However, the dynamic changes in endogenous lipid species during human cardiac development remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, we delineated distinct lipidomic profiles of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesoderm (MES), cardiac progenitors (CPCs), immature cardiomyocytes (CMs), and mature CMs derived from ESCs using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Notably, ceramide concentrations peaked at the CPC stage, suggesting a pivotal role in mediating the MES-to-CPCs transition. Concurrently, lipid metabolites including GM3, phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) were significantly upregulated in mature CMs. Integrative transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analyses further refined the landscape of lipid remodeling during CM differentiation. Functional assays demonstrated that LPA enhances the stability of the beating rhythm in CPCs, while both PC and LPA facilitate CM maturation. Collectively, our findings establish a comprehensive and dynamic lipidomic atlas of human cardiogenesis, providing a novel framework to advance the understanding of lipid-mediated regulatory mechanisms in human heart development.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>WANG, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.21.682321</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Lipid Metabolism Remodeling in Human Cardiomyocyte Differentiation and Maturation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.683625v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
On-The-Fly Live-Cell Intrinsic Morphological Drug and Genetic Screens by Gigapixel-per-second Spinning Arrayed Disk Imaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.683625v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Next-generation drug discovery and functional genomics require rapid, unbiased single-cell profiling at scale--demands that exceed the limited speed, throughput, and labor-intensive labeling constraints of conventional high-content image-based screening. We introduce spinning arrayed disk (SpAD), a high-throughput, label-free imaging platform for live-cell imaging that integrates continuous circular scanning, ultrafast quantitative phase imaging (QPI), and a novel circular array of 96 culture chambers. SpAD achieves an order-of-magnitude reduction in imaging time compared to traditional fluorescence-based workflows, while remaining compatible with standard cell culture workflows. By extracting rich biophysical features using intrinsic morphological (InMorph) profiling and machine learning, SpAD enables sensitive, large-scale screening of drug responses and CRISPR gene knockouts without labeling. Critically, label-free biophysical readouts from SpAD reveal mechanism-linked changes in mass, refractive index, subcellular textures, and light scattering that fluorescent labels often obscure. SpAD thereby resolves subtle phenotypes and heterogeneous subpopulations with high reproducibility, providing a robust, scalable foundation for precision cellular morphological assays.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Siu, D. M. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, V. M. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, J. S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsia, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.21.683625</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[On-The-Fly Live-Cell Intrinsic Morphological Drug and Genetic Screens by Gigapixel-per-second Spinning Arrayed Disk Imaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683835v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural basis of the π-stacking network governing cofactor-substrate cooperativity of SbSOMT 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683835v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SAM-dependent methyltransferases are ubiquitous enzyme catalyzing methylation of substrate by consuming S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) cofactor. In this study, we discovered the positive cofactor-substrate cooperativity of SbSOMT and uncovered the underlying mechanism at structural basis. The binding kinetics analyses show that SbSOMT exhibits bilateral positive cooperativity except the unproductive pairing between SAM and product due to the steric hindrance of an additional methyl group. Unprecedentedly, two cofactor-analogous inhibitors, S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH) and sinefungin demonstrated opposite effects on substrate binding kinetics while attaining positive cooperativity. SAM-resembling sinefungin demonstrated higher foldchange in the acceleration of substrate association rate constant than deceleration of dissociation rate constant. Integrating SbSOMT structural insights at multiple states, we identified the dynamical W279-driven {pi}-stacking network governs the cofactor-substrate cooperativity. SbSOMT exhibits closed conformation at first-ligand bound states, where the C-terminal W279 serves as the central plane for {pi}-{pi} interaction between N-terminal H196, catalytic H282, and/or substrate. We propose that the binding of first ligand overcome the energy barrier represented by W279 {pi}-stacking network, leading to the conformational landscapes in favor to second binding event. Our study highlights the intrinsic design of SbSOMT in pertaining enzyme competency and serves as a foundation to expand the knowledge and applications of cofactor-substrate cooperativity of the structurally diverse methyltransferases.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pow, K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, A. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.22.683835</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural basis of the π-stacking network governing cofactor-substrate cooperativity of SbSOMT]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683885v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Abnormally increased intrinsic neural timescales in sensory and default mode networks in cocaine use disorder 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683885v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is associated with abnormal structural and functional brain changes. However, the neurodynamics and molecular underpinnings remain unclear. In this study, we mapped whole-brain intrinsic neural timescales (INTs), reflecting temporal neural processing, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 44 CUD patients and 44 healthy controls (HC). CUD showed increased INTs in visual, somatomotor, and default mode networks compared with HC. Mediation analysis linked local INTs abnormalities to altered dorsal attention network neurodynamics, associated with inhibitory control deficits. Notably, these changes were primarily correlated with alterations in gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and the noradrenaline transporter. Machine learning classifiers based on INTs achieved a maximum accuracy of 75.5% in distinguishing CUD from HC, with a generalization accuracy of 65.0% on an independent dataset. This study elucidates aberrant neural mechanisms underlying CUD and highlights INTs as promising diagnostic biomarkers for clinical detection and intervention.

TeaserSpatiotemporal neuroscience reveals intrinsic neural timescale disruptions underlying cocaine use disorder, offering novel diagnostic biomarkers.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Di, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.22.683885</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Abnormally increased intrinsic neural timescales in sensory and default mode networks in cocaine use disorder]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.24.684259v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Astrocytes control the Neuroinflammation and ILC2 response through IL-33/ST2 signaling, during protection against Cerebral Malaria in Toxoplasma-P. berghei coinfected Mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.24.684259v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a complex multi-systemic disorder defined as a diffuse encephalopathy with acute neurological manifestations characterized by alterations in the level of consciousness, deep coma and seizure preceding death. During infection, astrocytes undergo significant morphological and molecular changes, adopting a reactive state that impacts on their functions. This reactivity is characterized by a shift in from a neuroprotective (A2) to a neurotoxic (A1) phenotype, influencing the outcome of the immune response. These phenotypes may vary depending on the chronicity of the infection or multiples infections of the same host.

In this study, we investigated how Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) brain infection impacts on the outcome of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA). Our results highlighted an immunomodulatory role of GFAP+ astrocytes underweening significant morphological and molecular alterations and adopting a unique intermediate reactivity state (A1/A2). This state was correlated with production of CXCL-10 and TGF-{beta}, which control inflammation without exacerbating infection. Our study also revealed a key role of the IL-33/ST2 pathway induced by Tg brain infection in protecting against ECM. Astrocyte-derived IL-33 was crucial to promote brain recruitment and activation of innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), which contribute to the hosts antiparasitic response. Additionally, we identified a distinctive intermediate M1/M2 phenotype in CD86+CD206+CD16/32+MHCIIhi microglia and noted an enhanced recruitment of inflammatory monocytes, both contributing to inflammation and control of PbA infection.

This study reveals, for the first time, how latent brain infection with T. gondii confers protection against a severe cerebral form of malaria, positioning astrocytes at the core of the neuroinflammatory response that controls PbA infection severity. This expands our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and the potential for targeting astrocytic pathways in preventing CM.

Author SummaryCerebral malaria (CM) is one of the most severe complications of Plasmodium infection, often leading to coma and death. The mechanisms that determine why some individuals develop this life-threatening condition remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored how a chronic brain infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii influences the development of CM in mice. We found that Tg infection reshapes the brains immune environment, particularly through the actions of astrocytes, cells that normally support and protect neurons. During coinfection, astrocytes adopted a balanced reactive state that limited inflammation without worsening the infection. This response involved the IL-33/ST2 signalling pathway and led to the recruitment of protective immune cells, helping to control Plasmodium infection in the brain. Our findings uncover an unexpected protective role of latent T. gondii infection and identify astrocytes as central regulators of neuroinflammation. This work highlights potential new strategies for preventing or mitigating cerebral malaria by targeting astrocyte-mediated immune responses.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>leleu, i.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Keswani, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Herbert, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Picavet, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Arnaud, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marion, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>glineur, c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>PIED, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.24.684259</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Astrocytes control the Neuroinflammation and ILC2 response through IL-33/ST2 signaling, during protection against Cerebral Malaria in Toxoplasma-P. berghei coinfected Mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.25.684566v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Web engine for tumor pathology image retrievals on massive scales 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.25.684566v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E) is widely used in clinical practice, but efficient and versatile image retrieval tools are lacking. We developed the H&E Retrieval Engine (HERE, https://hereapp.ccr.cancer.gov) to analyze patient cases based on image similarities to database records. Using H&E image regions as input, HERE searches 21.2 terabytes of whole-slide images from multiple tumor histopathology cohorts through a 12.1-gigabyte memory index, and returns top images containing regions similar to the query. HERE scans high-resolution images in the database using accurate artificial intelligence encoding and ultra-efficient hierarchical skip indexing. HERE demonstrated performance superior to existing image retrieval tools based on blinded pathologist scoring using benchmark queries that represent key image features of human tumors. By pairing spatial transcriptomics with H&E images, HERE also enables retrieving image features from gene transcriptomics input and identifies molecular pathways associated with tumor histologies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ru, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paul, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Levine, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Aldape, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.25.684566</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Web engine for tumor pathology image retrievals on massive scales]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.31.682997v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Stand age drives changes in the biodiversity and microclimate of oil palm plantations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.31.682997v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tree plantation age strongly dictates its environment. As they mature, the canopy closes and habitat complexity tends to increase, which in turn affects biodiversity. However, for oil palm, one of the most important and widespread tree plantations, we lack a detailed understanding of how this process affects microclimate and biodiversity. We therefore compiled environmental and biodiversity data of oil palm plantations that were repeatedly sampled over a 6 year period in Malaysian Borneo. Using these data, we made a chronosequence of the microclimate and biodiversity of oil palm plantations between the ages 5 and 18. We found that oil palm plantations increasingly buffer temperature and humidity over time, becoming cooler and less dry. Animal responses differed between taxa: spider and beetle abundance increased, ant abundance decreased, and mammal and dung-beetle abundances stayed constant. The diversity of beetles in general increased and family-level community composition changed, while dung-beetle and mammal diversity stayed constant. Some taxa are therefore likely limited by the harsh microclimate of young plantations, while increased habitat complexity and fruit and leaf production in older plantations could also drive increased abundances of other taxa. Our results reveal that oil palm plantations undergo considerable changes, even over a decade after establishment. Correspondingly, plantation age should be considered in studies into oil palm plantations impact on climate and biodiversity, and landscape level diversity could be increased by allowing multiple oil palm stand-ages to co-exist.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>de Lorm, T. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barclay, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bernard, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bush, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Carbone, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hardwick, S. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Milne, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Parrett, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pfeifer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rowcliffe, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharp, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Slade, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wearn, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ewers, R. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-10-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.31.682997</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Stand age drives changes in the biodiversity and microclimate of oil palm plantations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-10-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.31.685831v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Clair-Mosaic: A deep-learning method for long-read mosaic small variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.31.685831v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mosaic variants, defined as postzygotic mutations occurring during an organisms development from zygote to adult, play critical roles in developmental biology, aging, and diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. However, their accurate detection remains challenging due to low abundance in the genome and low variant allelic fractions (VAF). While current mosaic variant callers are primarily designed for short-read sequencing, no method is available for long-read sequencing, which can generate tens of kilobase-long reads to cover complex genomic regions inaccessible to short reads. To fill the gap, we present Clair-Mosaic, a deep-learning-based method for detecting mosaic small variants from long-read data. Clair-Mosaic was trained on hundreds of millions synthetic variants encompassing diverse read coverages and allelic fractions, enabling it to detect low-VAF mosaic variants with high sensitivity in paired-sample and single-sample modes. In addition to neural network prediction, Clair-Mosaic distinguishes genuine mosaic variants from sequencing artifacts by leveraging their inherent haplotype relationship in phased long reads. Furthermore, a Bayesian mosaic-germline discriminator is introduced to distinguish mosaic variants from germline variants. It also employs multiple post-calling filters, including a mosaic variant database and multiple germline population resources, to tag common germline and mosaic variants. Comprehensive benchmarking on synthetic datasets and real samples demonstrated Clair-Mosaics outstanding performance in ONT and PacBio. Clair-Mosaic is also applicable to short-read data and outperforms methods like MosaicHunter, MosaicForecast, DeepMosaic, and DeepSomatic. Clair-Mosaic is open-source and available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/Clair-Mosaic.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. O. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.10.31.685831</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Clair-Mosaic: A deep-learning method for long-read mosaic small variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.02.686076v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dangling Ends of Third Strand and Duplex Drive Nucleic Acid Triplex Stabilization through Bimodal Association 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.02.686076v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nucleic acid triplexes are crucial structural motifs in gene regulation and biotechnology, yet the kinetic principles governing their formation remain poorly understood. While a stability hierarchy of RNA*DNA-DNA > DNA*DNA-DNA > RNA*RNA-RNA, with no DNA*RNA-RNA triplex forming, is known, the kinetic roles of terminal residues remain poorly understood. Here, we employ bio-layer interferometry (BLI) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to demonstrate that dangling ends from both the third strand (triplex-forming oligonucleotide, TFO) and the duplex dramatically enhance triplex stability. Kinetic analysis reveals this stabilization is primarily driven by a marked increase in the association rate (k{square}{square}). Crucially, creating a single-base-pair dangling end at either terminus of the duplex enhanced triplex stability more effectively than blunt ends. For example, DNA TFO dTFO5 binding to d(HP5+TA) was enhanced compared to dHP5, and similarly RNA TFO rTFO5 binding to RNA duplex r(HP5+UA) and DNA duplex d(HP5+TA) showed stronger affinity and faster association than to blunt-ended rHP5 and dHP5. Interestingly, removal of a terminal base pair from the blunt-end duplex, generating a TFO dangling end, also enhances binding affinity and association rate. This indicates that both duplex and TFO dangling ends provide critical nucleation platforms, while blunt-ended terminal triples are dynamic and contribute minimally to stability. Thus, our work establishes that optimal triplex formation requires strategic optimization of both TFO and duplex terminal structures through a fundamental kinetic principle (bimodal nucleation).

Graphical abstract

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=118 SRC="FIGDIR/small/686076v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (24K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1dc6950org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1861387org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16c24a5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@da0bf0_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsO_LIDangling ends at both third strand and duplex termini enhance triplex stability by accelerating association
C_LIO_LITriplex formation can be nucleated from either end with a bimodal association mechanism
C_LIO_LITerminal blunt-end base triples are dynamic and contribute minimally to stability compared to tailored overhangs
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.02.686076</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dangling Ends of Third Strand and Duplex Drive Nucleic Acid Triplex Stabilization through Bimodal Association]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.685478v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Bio-synthesis of 15N-Labeled G-Quadruplexes to Investigate the Structure and Interactions in the Cell Lysate using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.685478v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
G-quadruplexes (G4) play key roles in biology, making it critical to understand their structure and ligand-binding behavior in cellular environments for advancing G4-targeted therapeutics. While in-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful technique for studying G4 in situ, its application is limited by the challenge of producing isotope-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Here, we introduce Restriction Endonuclease Digestion (RED), a simple and cost-effective method to generate 15N-labeled ssDNA. This approach combines molecular cloning and enzymatic design processing by propagating plasmids in E. coli cultured with 15NH4Cl, followed by double restriction digestion and isolation target 15N-ssDNA. Using RED, we produced milligram-scale quantities of 96%-enriched 15N-labeled human telomeric G4 ssDNA (wtTel23c, CTAGGG(TTAGGG)3), ideal for NMR analysis. The NMR spectra revealed that wtTel23c adopts G4 topology and undergoes multiple conformations of wtTel23c in potassium-containing solutions and in Xenopus laevis cell lysate. Interaction studies with the ligand TMPyP4 showed distinct binding profiles in cellular and dilute environments. In dilute solution, TMPyP4 binds to the top tetrad of wtTel23c, while it binds to the loop in cellular environments. The RED method offers an efficient strategy for producing stable isotope-labeled ssDNA, opening new avenues for studying G4 structures and their ligand interactions in complex biological contexts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.03.685478</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Bio-synthesis of 15N-Labeled G-Quadruplexes to Investigate the Structure and Interactions in the Cell Lysate using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.685706v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Associations Between Gut Microbiome and 24-Hour Blood Pressure Variability: A Cross-sectional Study Highlighting Sex Differences and Potential Therapeutic Targets 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.685706v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Blood pressure (BP) variability is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). While gut microbiota (GM) and GM-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are recognized to play a key role in BP regulation, their association with BP variability remains poorly understood. This cross-sectional study of 241 community-dwelling individuals from Hong Kong (113 men and 128 women, mean age 54{+/-}6 years) without symptomatic CVD examined the associations of GM, characterized by shotgun sequencing, and plasma SCFAs, with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) variability assessed by 24-hour BP monitoring. GM analyses, using covariate-adjusted statistical models, revealed that higher 24-hour SBP CoV associated negatively with GM -diversity (Shannon and Simpsons index, P<0.05) and positively with Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, driven by the female cohort. Parabacteroides merdae, Bacteroides dorei, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Alistipes finegoldii and Bacteroides intestinalis were negatively associated with indices of SBP/DBP variability in a sex-specific manner. Further analysis indicated that B. dorei may mediate SBP CoV via plasma iso-butyric acid in women (bootstrapping 95% CI: -3.6 to -0.19; P<0.05). We demonstrated that higher SBP variability is associated with markers of gut dysbiosis and a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, particularly in women. Notably, we identified several gut bacterial species with potential therapeutic implications for managing 24-hour SBP/DBP variability, warranting further investigation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Virwani, P. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheung, C. N.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pijarnvanit, T. K. K. T. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hsu, M. S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, L. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xian, J.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, S. S.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C. P. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, C. C. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, R. K. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, B. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lo, E. K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, M.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, S. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, I. F.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Louie, J. C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, K.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>El-Nezami, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, J. W. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.03.685706</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Associations Between Gut Microbiome and 24-Hour Blood Pressure Variability: A Cross-sectional Study Highlighting Sex Differences and Potential Therapeutic Targets]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.686172v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
High-throughput functional characterization of enhancers in totipotent-like cells 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.686172v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) marks the initial transcription event in embryogenesis, yet the cis-regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, utilizing massively parallel reporter assays, we functionally dissect enhancers across mouse genome in DUX-induced 2C-like cells (2CLCs). Integrated analysis with epigenomic and transcriptomic data from 2CLCs and 2-cell (2C) embryos, active enhancers in totipotent cells are depicted. Among them, a notable proportion of promoters exhibit enhancer activities, showing elevated active chromatin features and correlating with enhanced gene expression during ZGA. Furthermore, only half of the MT2_Mm exhibit enhancer activities in 2CLCs. In addition, 2CLC enhancers augment transcription in 2C embryos. Finally, deleting enhancer regions in both 2CLCs and 2C embryos highlighted their crucial role in facilitating transcription of ZGA genes. These findings advance our comprehension of the cis-regulatory mechanism governing ZGA process.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.03.686172</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[High-throughput functional characterization of enhancers in totipotent-like cells]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.06.686766v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Distinctive Functionality of Semantic Hubs: Evidence from Semantic Dementia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.06.686766v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Semantic cognition relies on a distributed network with multiple candidate hub regions that bind multimodal conceptual information. While the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) is widely regarded as a core semantic hub, the roles of other candidate regions--such as the fusiform gyrus (FFG) and posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG)--remain debated, particularly regarding verbal and non-verbal semantic processing within the same sensory modality. This study examined 33 patients with semantic dementia and 20 healthy controls using a comprehensive behavioral battery (word and picture versions of the Pyramid and Palm Trees Test and a word-picture verification task) combined with multimodal neuroimaging, including voxel-based morphometry, diffusion-weighted imaging, and resting-state fMRI. Partial correlation and commonality analyses revealed that (1) the left ATL selectively underpins abstract verbal semantic processing, (2) the left FFG contributes to general semantic processing across verbal and non-verbal stimuli, (3) and the left pMTG plays a critical role in integrating verbal and non-verbal semantic information. White matter tracts linking the left ATL and FFG to the right ATL significantly predicted semantic integration performance, underscoring the importance of inter-hemispheric structural connectivity. Functional measures in contralateral regions, including amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the right FFG and degree centrality (DC) in the right pMTG, also predicted integration outcomes, suggesting compensatory network reorganization. These findings highlight functional specialization among semantic hubs and underscore the importance of multimodal, cross-hemispheric approaches for understanding the neural architecture of semantic representation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cui, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.06.686766</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Distinctive Functionality of Semantic Hubs: Evidence from Semantic Dementia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.07.687183v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Blood originates in hypoblasts during embryonic development 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.07.687183v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Blood is essential for oxygen supply throughout life. The emergence of blood in the human embryo remains poorly understood. Our study leverages multiple stem cell embryo models and advanced lineage barcoding to unveil that hypoblast, originally regarded as forming the yolk sac wall, is heterogeneous and contributes to CDX2+ extraembryonic mesoderm, followed by hemoglobin+ cells as the first blood cells. CDX2 marks the hypoblast-to-hemoglobin+ cell trajectory that functionally sustains oxygen levels in embryo models. These hemoglobin+ cells molecularly and functionally resemble phagocytes. We show that the erythro-core regulatory network is poised in hypoblasts, and its boost endows erythropoiesis to both hypoblasts and phagocytes. Hypoblasts are the origin of the first blood in humans and non-human primates, providing a conceptual framework that earlier blood generation than expected fills the gap in the establishment of circulation. Further, the hypoblast is a place where primates may repurpose the phagocyte program to carry oxygen throughout embryos.

HighlightsO_LIBarcode-traced hypoblast fate in human embryo models;
C_LIO_LIThe first blood comes from the hypoblast that contributes to hemoglobin+ phagocyte-like cells;
C_LIO_LICDX2 marks hypoblast blood that sustains oxygen supply in embryos before heart formation;
C_LIO_LIErythro-core regulatory network endows erythropoiesis to human hypoblasts and phagocytes.
C_LI
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tay, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ruan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lan, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugimura, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.07.687183</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Blood originates in hypoblasts during embryonic development]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.06.687086v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structure basis for distinct protective mechanisms of IGHV3-23 antibodies targeting influenza hemagglutinin stem 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.06.687086v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Characterization of antibodies targeting the conserved stem domain of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is critical for developing broadly protective countermeasures against influenza virus. From a phage display human antibody library, this study discovers three group 1 HA-specific stem antibodies, namely HB31, HB34, and HB315, all of which are encoded by IGHV3-23. While HB31 and HB34 have minimal neutralization activity in vitro, their Fc-mediated effector functions lead to better in vivo protection than the potently neutralizing HB315. Consistently, cryo-EM analysis suggests that HB31 and HB34 have a higher Fc accessibility than HB315, based on their epitopes and approaching angles. HB31 and HB34 engage a pocket in the upper HA stem that is rarely targeted by known HA stem antibodies, whereas the epitope of HB315 involves the lower stem. Overall, our findings provide insights not only into the structure-function relationship of HA stem antibodies, but also into the design of next-generation influenza therapeutics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huan, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pholcharee, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gopal, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ardagh, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, T. J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mehta, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Szlembarski, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, E. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wittenborn, L. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kasture, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.06.687086</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structure basis for distinct protective mechanisms of IGHV3-23 antibodies targeting influenza hemagglutinin stem]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.06.686936v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Leveraging Disease Association Degree for High-Accuracy MicroRNA Target Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.06.686936v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWMicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to mRNAs, inhibiting translation, or promoting mRNA degradation. Accurate identification of functional miRNA-target interactions (MTIs), typically validated by methods like western blot or reporter assay, remains challenging due to the scarcity of experimental data compared to the vast number of sequence-based predictions. This study pioneers a novel approach focusing solely on the disease association degree between miRNAs and their target genes. We propose that this single feature is sufficient for distinguishing experimentally validated functional MTIs from sequence-based predicted MTIs in a binary classification task. To quantify miRNA-gene disease association, we fine-tuned Sentence-BERT to generate disease description embeddings and compute their semantic similarity. Remarkably, using only disease association features, miRTarDS achieved an F1 score of 0.88 on the task of distinguishing functional from predicted MTIs in the external validation set. The approach also exhibits generalizability across different gene-disease association databases. This study demonstrates disease association as a powerful, independent dimension for prioritizing high-confidence functional MTIs.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.06.686936</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Leveraging Disease Association Degree for High-Accuracy MicroRNA Target Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.09.687466v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Study on the Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Profiles of the Novel PPAR Pan Agonist Chiglitazar Sodium in Rats with Hypoalbuminemia 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.09.687466v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
ObjectiveTo compare the changes in the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles of Chiglitazar Sodium between healthy rats and those with hypoalbuminemia, and to evaluate the medication safety of Chiglitazar in rats with hypoalbuminemia.

MethodsLiquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was employed to determine the plasma concentration ofChiglitazar Sodium in both healthy rats and rats with hypoalbuminemia after administration. Pharmacokinetics were calculated based on the measured data. Blood glucose levels were monitored and recorded in both groups to observe pharmacodynamic changes.

ResultsPharmacokinetic analysis revealed that, compared to the healthy group, only the Tmax in the hypoalbuminemia group was significantly earlier by 34.3% (P<0.001), while other pharmacokinetic parameters showed no significant differences. Pharmacodynamic studies indicated that blood glucose levels remained stable in both healthy rats and rats with hypoalbuminemia during the 0.25-10 hour monitoring period.

ConclusionExcept for Tmax, there were no significant differences in PK/PD parameters between rats with hypoalbuminemia and healthy rats. Blood glucose levels remained stable in both groups after oral administration of Chiglitazar Sodium. The animal experimental results suggest that, under normal conditions, hypoalbuminemia does not affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of Chiglitazar Sodium.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-11</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.09.687466</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Study on the Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Profiles of the Novel PPAR Pan Agonist Chiglitazar Sodium in Rats with Hypoalbuminemia]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-11</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.13.688214v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LEM-3/ANKLE1 nuclease prevents the formation of syncytium between postmitotic sister cells and safeguards neuronal differentiation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.13.688214v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In animal development, cells exit the cell cycle after a final division to differentiate into specialized types. However, the impact of failed cytokinesis on the fate specification of postmitotic cells, especially neurons, remain poorly understood. We analysed the Caenorhabditis elegans mutants lacking the midbody-tethered endonuclease LEM-3/ANKLE1, which resolves chromatin bridges during cytokinesis. Using genetic analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and RNA visualization, we found that unresolved DNA bridges lead to the formation of stable intercellular canals, creating binucleate syncytia between touch receptor neurons and sisters, which allows thorough cytoplasmic mixing despite independent nuclear transcription. In some cases, the cytoplasmic linkage between sister cells also led to the suppression of neuronal fates and prevention of apoptotic fates. Thus, LEM-3 prevents syncytium formation to ensure proper cellular differentiation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Deng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.13.688214</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LEM-3/ANKLE1 nuclease prevents the formation of syncytium between postmitotic sister cells and safeguards neuronal differentiation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.13.688277v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A wild genome of the underutilized legume lablab (Lablab purpureus) reveals the genetic basis of domestication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.13.688277v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWith global food security threatened by climate change and the growing global population, underutilized crops offer sustainable solutions for diversifying current agricultural systems. Lablab (Lablab purpureus) is a highly versatile, climate-resilient underutilized legume native to Africa and widely, but locally, cultivated in Asia with untapped potential for sustainable agriculture. However, the lack of wild genome resource prevents a comprehensive genome utilization research for this underutilized crop. This paper presents the first chromosome-scale genome of wild lablab with its complete gene annotation and provides comprehensive population genomic analyses of its evolution and domestication by resequencing a panel of wild and domesticated accessions.

ResultsThe genome was assembled into a total size of 478.2 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 39.7 Mb, and 96.4% (460.8 Mb) of the scaffolds anchored to 11 pseudochromosomes, the haploid chromosome number of lablab. We demonstrated that domestication was likely in Africa with several subsequent instances of transportation into Asia. Our analyses identified selective sweeps resulting from domestication as well as pseudogenes associated with yield-related traits and stress tolerance, representing candidate genes for further validation and targets for future breeding programs.

ConclusionsOur genomic resource for wild lablab delineated its domestication history and identified key genes and pseudogenes under selection, bridging the gap between its untapped wild diversity and breeding for improved stress resilience and yield in underutilized legumes. This offers genomic and genetic insights for crop improvement of lablab.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cheung, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Almerick Tan Boncan, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Somta, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chapman, M. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.13.688277</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A wild genome of the underutilized legume lablab (Lablab purpureus) reveals the genetic basis of domestication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.14.688166v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A CRP-Mediated Coherent Type 4 Feed-Forward Loop Involving Glucose-Regulated LacI in Escherichia coli 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.14.688166v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of structure-function relationships in genetic regulatory networks, particularly in feed-forward loops (FFLs), where input-output behavior depends on both input signals and transcriptional interactions. This study elucidates the function of a CRP-LacI-lacZYA coherent type-4 FFL (Co-4 FFL) in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) directly represses the transcription of lacI, which encodes the Lac repressor. This finding was confirmed through multiple approaches: 1) the mRNA level of lacI decreased to one-fifth of the original level upon cAMP addition; 2) lacI expression increased 15-fold in a crp mutant; 3) DNase I footprinting identified a CRP binding site within the lacI promoter region, and a lacZ fusion assay and site-directed mutagenesis validated its functional role. Collectively, these results establish CRP as a direct repressor of lacI, thereby forming a Co-4 FFL with the lacZYA operon. Physiological studies on Co-4 FFLs in E. coli are scarce. Our model suggests that under glucose-lactose diauxic growth conditions, this circuit allows E. coli to enhance the efficiency of lactose metabolism for energy synthesis upon glucose exhaustion by repressing lacI via CRP. This work reveals how metabolic cues shape the behavior of genetic regulatory networks.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-C.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.14.688166</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A CRP-Mediated Coherent Type 4 Feed-Forward Loop Involving Glucose-Regulated LacI in Escherichia coli]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.19.689208v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Epithelial FOXP3 Drives Pancreatic Fibrosis through O-glycosylated IL-6 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.19.689208v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BACKGROUND & AIMSThe transcription factor FOXP3, known for specifying regulatory T cell fate, is unexpectedly expressed in the epithelium of precancerous pancreatic lesions. Here we investigate its non-immune role in initiating pancreatic fibrosis, a process driving therapeutic resistance and organ failure in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with unknown origins in early neoplasia.

METHODSUsing human tissues and genetically engineered mouse models, we analysed FOXP3 expression in premalignant lesions. We employed epithelial-specific FOXP3 knockout and knock-in strategies to determine its functional impact on fibrogenesis and neoplasia progression. Mechanistic studies included chromatin immunoprecipitation, glycomic analyses, and signalling assays.

RESULTSFOXP3 was consistently expressed in the epithelial compartment of human and murine precancerous pancreas. Epithelial-specific deletion of FOXP3 attenuated pancreatic fibrosis and delayed neoplasia, whereas its knock-in induced spontaneous stromal activation and accelerated PanIN progression. Mechanistically, epithelial FOXP3 directly transactivated the glycosyltransferase GALNT1. GALNT1, in turn, mediated O-glycosylation of interleukin (IL)-6, which was essential for its rapid secretion.

CONCLUSIONSOur study establishes epithelial-derived FOXP3 as a master regulator of early pancreatic fibrocarcinogenesis. It drives a glycosylation-dependent amplification loop for IL-6 signalling, orchestrating sustained stromal activation. This pathway represents a promising target for intercepting pancreatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis at its origin.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gong, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ping, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ke, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Saluja, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.19.689208</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Epithelial FOXP3 Drives Pancreatic Fibrosis through O-glycosylated IL-6]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.21.689608v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Engineering Apical Integrin-binding Cellular Patches to Directed Cell Reprogramming via Mechanical Remodeling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.21.689608v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Engineering extracellular microenvironments to control stem cell fate remains a central challenge in regenerative medicine. Here, we develop ECM-mimetic cellular patches formed by the supramolecular assembly of laminin-derived, integrin-binding ligands. The resulting fibrillar networks exhibit well-defined molecular packing and nanoscale ligand distribution, enabling specific engagement of apical integrin {beta}1 on mesenchymal stem cells. This controlled interface converts molecular assembly into hierarchical mechanotransduction, coordinating cytoskeletal remodeling, nuclear deformation, and chromatin reorganization to drive neuronal reprogramming without genetic or chemical induction. Mechanistic studies reveal that the interplay between ligand assembly, spatial orientation, and network stability governs integrin activation and downstream transcriptional regulation These findings demonstrate how molecularly programmed assemblies can transform passive matrices into active, cell-instructive materials. This work establishes a framework for designing supramolecular systems that couple structural hierarchy with mechanotransductive control to direct stem cell fate and advance regenerative material strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hou, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.21.689608</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Engineering Apical Integrin-binding Cellular Patches to Directed Cell Reprogramming via Mechanical Remodeling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.20.689492v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LongPhase-S: purity estimation and variant recalibration with somatic haplotying for long-read sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.20.689492v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Accurate detection of somatic variants is crucial for precision oncology, and long-read sequencing offers unprecedented advantages in resolving complex cancer genomes. However, most long-read somatic callers rely on phasing built for a diploid genome, an assumption violated by various contamination, subclonal heterogeneity, and aneuploidy in tumors. We present LongPhase-S, a novel method that jointly reconstructs somatic haplotypes, infers tumor purity, and recalibrates somatic variants in a purity-aware manner for paired tumor-normal long-read sequencing. By anchoring each somatic read to a parental germline lin-eage, LongPhase-S provides a phase-resolved view in which germline and somatic reads are disentangled across the genome. Building on somatic haplotyping, LongPhase-S trains a phase-aware purity estimator that outperformed existing methods. Using eight benchmark datasets comprising six cancer cell lines, including breast, melanoma, and lung cancers, LongPhase-S boosted the accuracy of state-of-the-art somatic callers wuth the estimated purity and somatic haplotypes. Specifically, mean F1 scores increased by 4.5% and 7.1% for single-nucleotide variants and insertions and deletions with ClairS, and by 1.2% and 0.5% with DeepSomatic. Collectively, these results showed that somatic haplotyping is a critical yet missing piece in existing somatic callers, which enables purity-aware and phase-resolved variant interpretation in heterogneous tumors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ho, M.-E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, H.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.20.689492</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LongPhase-S: purity estimation and variant recalibration with somatic haplotying for long-read sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.23.690055v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Nomenclature updates to the hemagglutinin gene clade designations resulting from the continued evolution of high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5) virus clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.23.690055v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The evolutionary divergence of the A(H5) hemagglutinin (HA) gene of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses (A/goose/Guangdong/96 lineage) was analyzed by phylogenetic and average pairwise distance methods to identify clades that merit nomenclature updates. Based on this assessment, 12 new clade designations were recommended based on division of clade 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4 viruses, which were reported in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Oceania since the most recent WHO/WOAH/FAO H5 Evolution Working Group update.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lam, T. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Davis, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.23.690055</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Nomenclature updates to the hemagglutinin gene clade designations resulting from the continued evolution of high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5) virus clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.24.690164v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A programmable mRNA platform for miRNA detection via miRNA-mRNA2 triplex-mediated ribosomal frameshifting 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.24.690164v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) is a recoding mechanism utilized by viruses to expand their coding capacity and modulate the stoichiometric ratio of -1 frame and 0 frame translation products. The stability of mRNA secondary structure at the ribosomal entry site within the frameshifting stimulating elements (FSEs) determines the frameshifting efficiency. Here, we report the development of a programmable mRNA-based platform that detects specific mature microRNA (miRNA or miR) by converting their presence into a quantifiable protein output through miRNA-triggered -1 PRF. We designed a triplex-forming mRNA (TF-mRNA) platform to selectively trap target miRNAs through the formation of major-groove mRNA-miRNA-mRNA (miR-mRNA2) triplexes. Bio-layer interferometry and fluorescence binding studies confirmed that TF-mRNA forms stable complexes with cognate miRNAs with low nanomolar affinity and prolonged dissociation rate. Critically, the formation of miR-mRNA2 triplex robustly stimulated ribosomal frameshifting in a cell-free dual-luciferase translation system, acting as a miRNA-dependent molecular switch. The generality of this TF-mRNA platform has been verified for several disease-associated purine-rich miRNAs, and it is suitable for targeting a wide range of other purine-enriched miRNAs. This programmable TF-mRNA platform establishes a foundation for developing novel diagnostic tools and synthetic biology circuits that convert the presence of miRNA into a quantifiable protein output.

TOC Figure

O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=106 SRC="FIGDIR/small/690164v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (22K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1d6d9f7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@8008e6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c8344borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e153ec_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.24.690164</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A programmable mRNA platform for miRNA detection via miRNA-mRNA2 triplex-mediated ribosomal frameshifting]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.22.689912v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RoBep: A Region-Oriented Deep Learning Model for B-Cell Epitope Prediction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.22.689912v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
MotivationAccurate in silico identification of B-cell epitope residues is crucial for antibody design and structure-guided vaccine development. Although recent protein language models and structure-aware methods can capture spatial information of tertiary structure when generating residue embeddings, most existing epitope predictors use these embeddings to perform classification for individual residues one by one, without enforcing spatial continuity for reported epitope residues. Such methods often result in biologically implausible predictions because B-cell epitope residues always cluster together on the antigen surface.

ResultsWe present RoBep, a region-oriented B-cell epitope predictor that explicitly models the spatial clustering of epitope residues. RoBep introduces a novel region constraint mechanism and combines the advanced protein language model ESM-Cambrian with an equivariant graph neural network. Our method outperforms existing structure-based methods on the benchmark dataset, demonstrating improvements of 26%, 45%, 13%, and 43% in F1, MCC, AUPR, and AUROC0.1, respectively. In addition to residue-level predictions, RoBep can also provide antibody-antigen binding regions. Importantly, the predicted epitope residues are ensured to be spatially compact, enhancing biological plausibility and practical relevance for immunotherapeutic design.

AvailabilityA user-friendly website for using RoBep is provided at https://huggingface.co/spaces/NielTT/RoBep. All datasets, source code used in this work, and implementation instructions of the website are publicly available at https://github.com/YitaoXU/RoBep.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LIU, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.22.689912</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RoBep: A Region-Oriented Deep Learning Model for B-Cell Epitope Prediction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.28.691152v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
sept-1/zina-1 is an Ancient Toxin-Antidote System in Caenorhabditis elegans 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.28.691152v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The toxin-antidote (TA) systems, consisting of two tightly linked genes acting as a postzygotic distorter, are found in several eukaryotic organisms, including three androdioecious Caenorhabditis species. However, the evolutionary history of such TA systems remains poorly understood. We report an ancient C. elegans TA system identified in the highly divergent Hawaiian strain XZ1516. The maternal toxin SEPT-1 induces a rod-like larval arrest phenotype in progeny that do not carry the antidote ZINA-1, which has ten zinc finger motifs. Interestingly, zina-1 is pseudogenized in most non-Hawaiian strains, while sept-1 evolves from a toxic to a non-toxic form through sequence divergence. Phylogenetic studies found that sept-1/zina-1 is the most ancestral TA system among the three known ones, and its loss preceded the rise of sup-35/pha-1. These two maternal TAs do not coexist in the same strain but have overlaps with the paternal TA peel-1/zeel-1, which is the latest one to propagate.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-11-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.28.691152</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[sept-1/zina-1 is an Ancient Toxin-Antidote System in Caenorhabditis elegans]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-11-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.26.690332v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Associations Between Age, Heart Rate Variability, and BOLD fMRI Signal Variability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.26.690332v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Numerous studies report that BOLD fMRI signal variance (SDBOLD) decreases with age. However, these associations may partly reflect cardiovascular contributions to the BOLD signal. For example, heart rate variability (HRV) has been positively associated with Resting State Fluctuation Amplitude (RSFA), which captures low frequency components of BOLD fMRI variability. HRV is also negatively associated with age, which could potentially confound age-SDBOLD associations. Yet, limited research has examined HRV-SDBOLD associations or tested within-person HRV-SDBOLD coupling using sliding window analyses of simultaneous HRV and SDBOLD. We analyzed resting-state fMRI data from two independent Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) samples: Core at M3 (n=115) and Refresher at MR1 (n=101). Partial Least Squares (PLS) analyses revealed significant positive HRV-SDBOLD associations (Core: permutation p=0.018; Refresher: permutation p<0.001). Whole brain age-SDBOLD PLS associations were non-significant via permutation tests across several models (Core: permutation p=0.201; Refresher: permutation p=0.121). We found age-related decreases in SDBOLD across [~]70% of voxels in both samples. Concordance analyses showed 67-69% of brain voxels exhibited negative age-SDBOLD but positive HRV-SDBOLD relationships, suggesting that regions showing age-related decreases in SDBOLD also showed HRV-related increases in SDBOLD. Sliding-window analyses demonstrated robust positive within-person associations between person-centered HRV and SDBOLD via different HRV metrics: SDNN (Core: p < 0.001; Refresher: p < 0.001), RMSSD (Core: p = 0.072; Refresher: p = 0.009), and low frequency (Core: p < 0.001; Refresher: p < 0.001), with non-significant effects of high frequency (Core: p = 0.516; Refresher: p = 0.12) HRV. Thus, regardless of baseline levels, windows with higher HRV corresponded to higher SDBOLD, suggesting that cardiovascular factors partially explain age-SDBOLD associations and HRV may mechanistically influence SDBOLD. These results suggest that controlling for HRV, especially low-frequency HRV or SDNN, may be necessary when analyzing SDBOLD to isolate neural effects.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Morris, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schaefer, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Recchio, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gresham, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Skinner, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Al-Khalil, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Krishna, B. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.1101/2025.11.26.690332</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Associations Between Age, Heart Rate Variability, and BOLD fMRI Signal Variability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.11.30.691365v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Learning Invariant Graph Representations for Cox Survival Modeling under Distribution Shifts 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.11.30.691365v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Survival prediction from high-dimensional biomedical data is frequently compromised by distribution shifts across multi-center cohorts, where models trained on specific populations often rely on spurious correlations that fail to generalize to new environments. While recent independence-driven reweighting techniques attempt to mitigate this, they typically treat patients as isolated instances, neglecting the intrinsic topological structures and biological pathways shared within patient populations. To address this limitation, we propose InvGraphCox (Invariant Graph Cox), a novel framework that integrates graph-structured representation learning with robust survival modeling. InvGraphCox constructs a k-nearest-neighbor patient graph to capture local manifold structures and employs a Variational Graph Autoencoder (VGAE) combined with a cohort-wise alignment mechanism to learn low-dimensional patient embeddings that are invariant to site-specific biases. We comprehensively evaluate the framework across three distinct experimental settings: the Curated Top-100 Gene Benchmark for stable biomarker identification, large-scale, high-dimensional transcriptomic datasets (Ovarian and Breast Cancer) for unsupervised representation learning, and clinical datasets (Breast and Lung Cancer) involving mixed-type covariates. Experimental results demonstrate that InvGraphCox consistently outperforms state-of-the-art baselines in terms of discrimination, calibration, and risk stratification, confirming its ability to extract robust, biologically meaningful representations in heterogeneous healthcare settings.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ng, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.11.30.691365</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Learning Invariant Graph Representations for Cox Survival Modeling under Distribution Shifts]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.11.30.691399v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Pseudodynamics+: Reconstructing Population Dynamics from Time-Resolved Single Cell Landscapes with Physics Informed Neural Networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.11.30.691399v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell profiling provides snapshots of the heterogeneous states that characterise developmental processes, organ regeneration and progression towards disease in a complex landscape. The underlying trajectories are of pivotal interest, but existing methods for reconstructing cell state trajectories commonly neglect population sizes. However, snapshot experiments make it difficult to interpret cell flux because the observed trajectories are confounded by changes in overall population size. This ambiguity can lead to misinterpreting changes in proliferation or death rates as changes in cellular migration. We introduce pseudodynamics+, a physics-informed neural network framework that solves high-dimensional flow equations on complex, branching landscapes. By integrating single-cell genomics with population dynamics, pseudodynamics+ estimates state- and time-dependent parameters of growth, differentiation, and diffusion. The model recapitulates proliferation bursts during T-cell maturation and, when applied to LARRY-barcoded data, predicts differentiation rates consistent with clonal behaviour. When applied to time-resolved persistent-labelling datasets of in vivo mouse bone marrow haematopoiesis, pseudodynamics+ reconstructs continuous tissue flows with dynamic parameters aligned with known molecular signatures. Notably, simulations revealed a previously unrecognised shift from megakaryocyte-biased to balanced progenitor output, explained by evolving fate preferences of progenitor states, as revealed by simulations leveraging our estimated dynamic parameters. Pseudodynamics+ therefore establishes a population-aware framework for reconstructing single-cell population dynamics and is available at https://github.com/Gottgens-lab/pseudodynamics_plus.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zheng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barile, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, N. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Theis, F. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gottgens, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.11.30.691399</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Pseudodynamics+: Reconstructing Population Dynamics from Time-Resolved Single Cell Landscapes with Physics Informed Neural Networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.11.30.691403v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Representation, Alignment, and Generation: A Comprehensive Survey of Foundation Models for Non-Invasive Brain Decoding 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.11.30.691403v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The ability to decode human thoughts, intentions, and perceptions directly from non-invasive brain recordings holds transformative potential for healthcare, communication, and human-computer interaction. However, translating the safety and scalability of methods like Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) into real-world utility has traditionally been hindered by low signal-to-noise ratios, limited spatial-temporal resolution, and the difficulty to collect large-scale high-quality data from an individual user. Recently, the emergence of Foundation Models (FMs)--large-scale, pre-trained architectures--has expanded the feasible operating region of non-invasive brain decoding under controlled protocols, primarily through representation learning, neuro-semantic alignment, and strong generative priors. However, evidence for robust cross-subject and real-world deployment remains uneven, as many results are still demonstrated on limited cohorts or highly controlled settings. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of how FMs are redefining the boundaries of non-invasive brain decoding. We propose a unified methodological framework that synthesizes recent advancements into a coherent process: extracting robust, transferable representations from noisy neural signals; aligning these signals with the rich semantic spaces of pre-trained vision and language models; and leveraging powerful conditional generative priors to reconstruct high-fidelity outputs. We systematically review state-of-the-art applications across three key domains: visual reconstruction, language and speech decoding, and auditory processing. Furthermore, we critically examine the persisting challenges of computational efficiency, cross-subject generalization, and privacy governance. By mapping the current landscape and identifying key gaps, this work outlines a strategic research agenda aimed at transitioning FM-driven neurotechnology from laboratory proofs-of-concept to reliable, real-world applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.11.30.691403</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Representation, Alignment, and Generation: A Comprehensive Survey of Foundation Models for Non-Invasive Brain Decoding]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.03.692246v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Acoustoluminescence in Transition Metal and Rare Earth Oxides Beyond 1800 nm for In Vivo Imaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.03.692246v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Acoustoluminescence (AL) is promising for molecular imaging in living tissue, but efficient acousto-optic conversion remains challenging due to the [~]108 times difference in quantum energy between phonons (1 MHz ultrasound) and photons (visible or near-infrared light). Here, we report AL in transition metal oxides (TMOs) and rare earth oxides (REOs) at wavelengths beyond 1800 nm in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) or near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1000-3000 nm) window, under ultrasound excitation at power densities 100-150-fold lower than those required for sonoluminescence in liquids. High-temperature N2/H2-mixed gas reduction was demonstrated as a safe and efficient method to regulate the AL spectra and brightness of TMOs and REOs. TMOs exhibited broadband NIR-II AL emission. Intrinsic emission peaks of rare earth ions and non-conventional luminescence were observed in the AL spectra of REOs under ultrasound excitation. NIR-II AL imaging enabled twice the penetration depth of fluorescence imaging. We developed a scanning focused ultrasound AL imaging system for in vivo tumor imaging through the intact hindlimb, achieving acoustic resolution and penetration depths exceeding one centimeter.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xiong, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>XU, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.03.692246</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Acoustoluminescence in Transition Metal and Rare Earth Oxides Beyond 1800 nm for In Vivo Imaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.04.692314v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Redox-controlled dimerisation regulates ethylene biosynthesis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.04.692314v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ethylene is a central plant hormone that orchestrates growth, development, senescence, and stress responses. Because it is gaseous, ethylene must be synthesised on demand, yet the catalytic and regulatory mechanisms of its biosynthetic enzyme, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO), remain poorly understood. Here, using structural, biophysical, and computational analyses, we uncovered two principles: ACO catalysis relies on an induced-fit mechanism, and disulfide-mediated dimerisation via a conserved cysteine acts as a redox switch toggling ACO between active monomer and inactive dimer. This previously unrecognised regulatory layer positions ACO as a redox sensor in plant cells, revealing a fundamental control point in ethylene biosynthesis. Given ethylenes pivotal role in crop productivity and stress resilience, these findings open new opportunities for precise manipulation of hormone signalling in agriculture and biotechnology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Gunawardana, D. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaur, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McIvor, J. A. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yosaatmadja, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sethi, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, H. Y. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Middleditch, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mercadante, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Haydon, M. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Squire, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, I. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.04.692314</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Redox-controlled dimerisation regulates ethylene biosynthesis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.08.692910v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Structural insights into how metallochaperones UreE and UreG interact to deliver a toxic metal to urease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.08.692910v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Maturation of urease, a virulence factor for Helicobacter pylori infection, requires the delivery of nickel ions to the metalloenzyme. To avoid cytotoxicity, nickel ions are transferred within protein complexes of metallochaperones to ensure that the toxic metal do not escape into the cytoplasm. In the urease maturation pathway, metallochaperone UreG receives its nickel ions by forming a 2:2 complex with another metallochaperone UreE. Using C-terminal truncation variants of UreE [UreE(1-158) and UreE(1-148)], we determined the crystal structures of the UreE2G2 complex bound with nickel ions and GMPPNP, a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue. UreE-UreG interactions are asymmetric, where the UreG dimer mainly interacts with the proximal UreE. GTP binding induces conformational changes in the G2 and CPH motifs of distal UreG that enable its anchorage to the UreE2G2 complex. His68 of distal UreG moves towards and chelates a nickel ion at the UreE binding site. Formation of the UreE2G2 complex juxtaposes the nickel binding sites of UreE and UreG. Nickel transfer from UreE to UreG induces conformational changes that weaken UreE-UreG interactions, thereby facilitating UreG dissociation. We further demonstrated that the hydrogenase maturation factor HypA, providing the nickel source, could activate urease in vitro through protein-protein interaction with wild-type UreE but not with its truncation variants. UreG binding induces conformational changes in the C-terminal tail of UreE, promoting dissociation of HypA-UreE complex. Our work presents a paradigm on how GTP and nicking binding allosterically regulate the formation of a metallochaperone complex to facilitate nickel transfer.

SignificanceOur work provides insights into how cells solve the problem of trafficking a toxic metal, nickel, to the active site of urease. Colonization of Helicobacter pylori in acidic human stomach requires the biosynthesis of active urease, which involves the delivery of the toxic nickel ions to the active site of the metalloenzyme. To avoid cytotoxicity, nickel ions are transported from one metallochaperone to another via the formation of protein complexes so that the toxic metal ions do not escape into the cytoplasm. Supported by structural and biochemical evidence, we present a paradigm on how GTP and nickel binding allosterically promote the formation of a complex between metallochaperones UreE and UreG to facilitate nickel transfer between the two proteins.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pang, L. T. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, K.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.08.692910</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Structural insights into how metallochaperones UreE and UreG interact to deliver a toxic metal to urease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.08.692563v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Domestic goats can follow the direction of human voices to solve a hidden-object task 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.08.692563v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The capacity for animals to produce and comprehend vocalisations that provide referential acoustic cues to their eliciting cause (e.g. predator-specific alarm calls and food calls) is a highly adaptive means of maximising the benefits of group living, and has been widely studied in diverse species. However, an underexplored dimension of referentiality is the ability to process the direction in which a vocalisation is emitted as a cue towards its referent. Here, we replicated an experimental design previously applied to dogs, chimpanzees and human infants to investigate whether domestic goats (Capra hircus) can use human voices as a directional cue in a hidden-object task. Twenty-nine goats from a UK sanctuary participated in three experimental conditions. In each condition, goats were individually presented with a human experimenter obscured by a barrier, and two identical containers, one of which was baited with food. In the  reward directed speech condition, the experimenter vocalised excitedly towards the baited container while sitting closer to the un-baited container, and then the goat was able to select which container to explore. While substantial inter-individual variation existed, on average, subjects chose the baited container at above chance level across the four trials. Two control conditions explored alternative explanations for this result: a "no speech" condition, in which the experimenter was silent but remained in the same location as in the test condition, and a "non-reward directed speech" condition, in which the experimenter directed their voice away from both containers. Subjects showed no evidence of choosing the baited container at above chance level in either of these control conditions. We conclude that goats, like dogs, but not chimpanzees, are capable of attending to the directional cues provided by human voices, and discuss the possible role of domestication in the taxonomic distribution of this ability.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Watson, S. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nawroth, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElligott, A. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rossano, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Townsend, S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.08.692563</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Domestic goats can follow the direction of human voices to solve a hidden-object task]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.10.693533v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
From genomic decay to functional advantage: Trait-based evidence for long-term host residency of a next-generation coral probiotic 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.10.693533v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A key bottleneck in microbiome engineering is ensuring the long-term host association of introduced microbes. Selecting probiotic candidates based on evolutionary genomic decay signatures of emerging host dependency offers a potential solution. The Ruegeria strain B4 of the population MC10, identified by such signatures, has shown persistent colonization in corals in a companion study. Whether this persistence translates into a measurable host benefit compared to other coral-associated Ruegeria strains, and which mechanisms underlie such benefit, remained unknown. Here we directly compare the probiotic efficacy of MC10-B4 against two sympatric Ruegeria strains isolated from the same coral colony and mucus compartment, controlling for host genotype and microenvironment. MC10-B4 inoculation significantly increased heat stress tolerance in the coral model cnidarian Aiptasia (Exaiptasia diaphana strain H2), outperforming both sympatric control strains. To understand the mechanistic basis of this probiotic efficacy, we characterized the functional profile of MC10 using an integrated multi-omics approach. The genome of MC10 is enriched in genes associated with host-interaction, including siderophore-mediated iron acquisition and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, which were phenotypically confirmed by detectable iron scavenging and enhanced biofilm formation. Following exposure to coral tissue extract, MC10-B4 underwent a coordinated motility-to-sessility proteomic reprogramming, downregulating flagellar motor components while upregulating flagellin and biofilm regulators. This response was distinct from its sympatric relatives, which instead mounted broad upregulation of nutrient acquisition systems. MC10-B4s functional profile, particularly its sensitivity to oxidative stress, contrasts with the traits typically favored in conventional probiotic screens. Our results move beyond the descriptive identification of a coral probiotic by providing initial mechanistic insight into traits associated with long-term host association and improved thermal performance. These findings validate an evolution-guided approach that prioritizes innate colonization potential over pre-defined laboratory functionalities, informing the rational design of durable probiotics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xie, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pogoreutz, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barra, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Au, S. W. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Voolstra, C. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-10</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.10.693533</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[From genomic decay to functional advantage: Trait-based evidence for long-term host residency of a next-generation coral probiotic]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-10</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.10.693553v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modeling patient tissues at molecular resolution with Eva 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.10.693553v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Tissue structure is essential to function and homeostasis in all organs, and disruptions to structure usually indicate disease. Modeling relationships between structural, molecular, and clinical aspects of tissues could advance new diagnostics and treatment strategies. Although profiling techniques like spatial proteomics can capture these relationships, the data remain challenging to extract insight from. Here, we present Eva, a foundation model for tissue imaging data that learns multi-scale spatial representations of tissues at the molecular, cellular, and sample level. Eva uses a novel vision transformer architecture and is pre-trained on masked reconstruction of matched spatial proteomics and histopathology images. We show that Eva excels at a variety of tasks, including cross-modal inference, quality control, data annotation, zero-shot retrieval, survival modeling, and patient stratification. Extensive evaluations on held-out validation data demonstrate the versatility and generalizability of the learned embeddings. We anticipate that Eva will accelerate translational science by bridging basic research and clinical practice.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharma, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bieniosek, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chou, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rahim, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bauer, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sharma, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dhanasekaran, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schürch, C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Charville, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mayer, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trevino, A. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.10.693553</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modeling patient tissues at molecular resolution with Eva]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.14.694122v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Whole-brain connectomics of Drosophila reveals a robust, distributed architecture for the suppression of feeding during escape 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.14.694122v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Survival demands instant prioritization of escape over maintenance. To decode the dynamic logic embedded in the static Drosophila connectome (FlyWire v783), we simulated the conflict between predator-evasion, feeding, and grooming to uncover the logic of this switch. We show that escape is a holistic state defined by distributed robustness: it is reliably triggered by only a fraction of visual inputs (LC4/LPLC2) and induces a system-wide pause on behaviors like feeding and grooming. Within this global suppression, we identify a specialized, fail-safe architecture for arresting feeding. A redundant ensemble of neurons (DNge031/CB0565) targets the premotor center Roundup, effectively disfacilitating motor output. Crucially, this inhibition is modular, anatomically distinct from grooming suppression, and relies on additive logic to ensure suppression even if individual components fail. Our results demonstrate how connectome topology implements robust, survival-critical control through distributed neural architecture.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>XI, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.14.694122</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Whole-brain connectomics of Drosophila reveals a robust, distributed architecture for the suppression of feeding during escape]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.19.695410v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Revealing the Drivers Underlying Distinct Evolutionary Trajectories in Lung Adenocarcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.19.695410v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Elucidating the evolution of cancers allows us to understand their key events, and the order in which they occur. To chart and interpret these evolutionary trajectories, we leverage whole-genome sequencing of lung tumours, including those from the largest cohort to date of lung cancers in subjects who have never smoked. Through ordering frequent genomic alterations, we discover three distinct evolutionary paths taken by lung adenocarcinomas; two dominated by tumours from people who have never smoked (NS-LUAD), and one followed by the vast majority of those who have smoked (S-LUAD). However, one in six NS-LUAD follow the smoking-dominant trajectory. These tumours, surprisingly, have fewer somatic alterations than the other NS-LUAD, and have shorter latency. They are strongly enriched for KRAS mutations. Our results suggest that gaining KRAS mutations allows these tumours to evolve more rapidly, acquiring a set of smoking-associated key alterations, with less need for genomic instability to progress. These tumours are three times more frequent in subjects of European vs. East Asian ancestry. These findings could shape clinical management strategies for lung adenocarcinoma patients, particularly for tumours driven by smoking-like evolutionary trajectories.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wirth, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Diaz-Gay, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Steele, C. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hoang, P. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khandekar, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leduc, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baine, M. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Travis, W. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sholl, L. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Joubert, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Homer, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, S.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tran, T.-V.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McElderry, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hartman, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Miraftab, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, O. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jones, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Santamaria, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schabath, M. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yendamuri, S. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Manczuk, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lissowska, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swiatkowska, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mukeria, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shangina, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zaridze, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holcatova, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Janout, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mates, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ognjanovic, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Savic, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kontic, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bosse, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rothberg, B. E. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Christiani, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gaborieau, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brennan, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.19.695410</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Revealing the Drivers Underlying Distinct Evolutionary Trajectories in Lung Adenocarcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.22.696124v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Modulation of signal response by small RNAs through feed-forward loops 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.22.696124v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In response to environmental changes, bacteria have evolved sophisticated regulatory networks that incorporate small RNAs (sRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) to fine-tune cellular physiology. Both sRNAs and TFs modulate gene expression, but the former function via post-transcriptional mechanisms, while the latter act at the transcriptional level. However, it remains unclear why both regulatory layers are conserved through evolution, rather than one being sufficient. Here, we experimentally identified that CRP, a global regulator, regulates 25 small RNAs (sRNAs) in Escherichia coli. Interestingly, CRP also controls 80% of the target genes of these sRNAs. This architecture led us to identify 34 novel sRNA-mediated feed-forward loops (sFFLs)--circuits where CRP regulates both an sRNA and its target--within the CRP regulon. Quantitative PCR analysis of 16 such sFFLs revealed that each type possesses a distinct cAMP dose-response profile, suggesting that different sFFL structures embody unique regulatory logic. Specifically, coherent and incoherent type 3 and 4 sFFLs exhibit broader dynamic ranges in their dose-response compared to open-loop controls. Coherent and incoherent type 1 and 2 sFFLs appear more energy-efficient. Altogether, we propose that sRNAs cooperate with TFs through sFFLs to optimize both the energy efficiency and the diversity of signal response profiles. Therefore, sRNAs serve as critical components integrating transcriptional and post-transcriptional networks across diverse cellular pathways.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>LIN, Y.-C.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>CHEN, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LIN, T.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cai, X.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HUANG, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>NI, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>LI, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HUANG, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>HUANG, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.22.696124</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Modulation of signal response by small RNAs through feed-forward loops]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.22.695740v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Real-time functional connectivity-based neurofeedback of the DLPFC-amygdala pathway during threat-exposure attenuates anxiety 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.22.695740v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundAdaptive regulation of negative emotion is vital for mental health and dysregulations in this domain contribute to the major mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. On the neural level, efficient emotion regulation has been linked to functional communication between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the amygdala. Gaining voluntary control over this pathway may present an effective strategy for potentiating emotion regulation.

ObjectiveAgainst this background, we developed a novel connectivity-based real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback (NF) training that enables individuals to gain volitional control over the DLPFC-amygdala pathway during exposure to threatening stimuli.

MethodsThe study employed a pre-registered, randomized, sham-controlled design with the experimental group (n = 22) receiving real-time NF information on connectivity between the right DLPFC and the amygdala during threat exposure and the sham control group (n = 23) receiving connectivity NF from a circuit not related to emotion regulation. The ability to maintain regulatory control in the absence of feedback was assessed after four NF runs. Primary outcomes included functional connectivity of the target pathway, as well as anxiety scores.

ResultsThe results demonstrate that successful acquisition of self-regulation of the rDLPFC-amygdala top-down regulatory circuit in the experimental NF group facilitated attenuation of anxiety.

ConclusionIn summary, our findings suggest that real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-NF) allows to volitionally enhance rDLPFC-amygdala connectivity, and in turn reduces negative emotional states, rendering the training a promising neurotechnology intervention for mental disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>dong, w.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ferraro, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mi, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.22.695740</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Real-time functional connectivity-based neurofeedback of the DLPFC-amygdala pathway during threat-exposure attenuates anxiety]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.24.696379v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Microbiome-host interactions drive a trade-off between sleep quality and lifespan in Drosophila 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.24.696379v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding the interactions between various aging processes and the resulting heterogeneity in aging is crucial for promoting healthy aging. Here, we provide evidence that heterogeneity in microbiome and host interactions contributes to diversifying aging phenotypes in sleep, gut integrity, and longevity in Drosophila. Aged flies exhibiting sleep fragmentation preserve gut integrity, accompanied by a shift in microbiota composition, particularly an increase in Acinetobacter junii. A. junii induces sleep fragmentation via its metabolite, urocanic acid, through serotonin receptor-dependent dopamine upregulation. In parallel, A. junii exploits the host response to promote its growth, leading to lifespan extension, which is recapitulated by genetically modified Escherichia coli, suggesting a trade-off between sleep quality and lifespan. Our study demonstrates a systematic mechanism underlying aging heterogeneity, suggesting interventions through bacterial supplements.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>BHARGAVA, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yoshinari, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nishimura, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ushio, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sugiura, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, K. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hase, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nakamura, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Enomoto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Johnson, H. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hirano, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.24.696379</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Microbiome-host interactions drive a trade-off between sleep quality and lifespan in Drosophila]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.29.696805v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrative multiomic analysis on single-nucleotide variants identifies candidate genes for human craniofacial malformation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.29.696805v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Craniofacial malformation (CFM) is a congenital defect encompassing a wide range of phenotypic presentations and is largely driven by genetics. Despite the discovery of more than 300 causal genes, there are a myriad of CFM cases with unknown genetic etiology. The complex gene regulations and heterogeneous cellular interactions in the developing head complicate disease-gene identification and prenatal genetic diagnosis. Recent progress in multiomic profiling of human embryogenesis enables the discovery of novel candidates from established GWAS data. Here, we developed an approach to prioritize GWAS variants using the epigenomes and single-cell transcriptomes of embryonic tissues and progenitor cells by implementing machine learning classifiers and combinatorial analysis. Systematic evaluation revealed significant improvement in the machine learning model performance after integrating transcriptome of neural crest cells (NCCs) and cranial placodes, as well as epigenomic profile of early craniofacial tissues. We identified 249 genes from the best-performing classifier, which include documented CFM-associated genes. Gene regulatory network (GRN) inference showed that 24 candidate genes were involved in NCC- and placode-specific regulons, of which 15 (F11R, ISL1, KANK4, L1TD1, LAMB1, MIA, PRDM1, S100A10, S100A11, STOM, STT3B, TESK2, USP43, WDR86, ZNF439) were novel candidates for human CFM. Motif analysis revealed putative functional SNPs contributing to CFM pathogenesis by disrupting transcription factor binding motifs in neural crest and placodes. Our analyses suggested that PRDM1 and ISL1 are strong candidates for human CFM, as supported by other animal functional studies. This study demonstrates a successful method for disease gene identification using epigenomic and single-cell transcriptomic profiles, and sheds light on the linkage between early cell lineages and the pathogenic process of CFM.

Author SummaryCraniofacial malformation is one of the most common congenital disorders that affects food ingestion, speech and social interaction of the patients. The identification of craniofacial disease genes is difficult due to the dynamic gene expression and contribution from multiple cell types during embryonic development. In this study, we combine artificial intelligence with patient genetic and embryo multiomic information to identify new candidate genes for human craniofacial malformation. Using machine learning classifiers and combinatorial analyses, we prioritized single-nucleotide variants from patient datasets and identified 249 candidate genes. Annotation of the variants and candidate genes showed that some of them overlapped with known disease genes, demonstrating the efficacy of our approach. Further analyses using lineage reconstruction and motif analyses revealed a number of promising novel candidates, in particular PRDM1 and ISL1, are likely to be causative genes for human CFM. Our study has demonstrated a translatable approach for disease gene identification utilizing machine learning algorithm and multiomic data, and provides a gene list for improving diagnostic panels and understanding the pathogenic processes of craniofacial disorders.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yam, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, K. K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, K. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choy, K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sham, M. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.29.696805</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrative multiomic analysis on single-nucleotide variants identifies candidate genes for human craniofacial malformation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.29.696950v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MusTer: A Generalizable Microfluidic Platform Combining Multi-Parametric Droplet Sorting and Multi-Droplet Merging in Single-Cell Sequencing 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.29.696950v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Droplet microfluidics is a core technology that powers high-throughput single cell sequencing. However, the current generation of single-cell microfluidics faces notable limitations, including cell aggregation, suboptimal on-chip reactions that compromise experimental outcomes and elevate background noise, as well as a dependence on costly commercial barcode beads. To address these challenges, we present MusTer, an integrated next-generation platform with multi-parametric singlet droplet sorting and triple-droplet merging capability. MusTers multi-parametric singlet sorting module enables in-line droplet analysis of intrinsic fluorescence peak amplitude, width and interval from single-nucleus- (singlet) or multiple-nuclei (multiplet)-encapsulating droplets, subsequently allowing an effective separation of the singlet droplets from multiplet droplets and empty droplets. MusTers triple-droplet merging module enables precise multi-step reactions, with each step performed under its own optimal conditions, thereby significantly enhancing experimental flexibility and efficiency. We validated MusTers performance by performing single-cell ATAC-seq on maize leaves. The results demonstrate that MusTer significantly reduces the doublet rate, enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, and yields improved cell clustering compared with traditional methods. These results validate MusTers capability to overcome key limitations in droplet-based single-cell analysis, effectively enhancing data quality and reliability, and also paves the way for its use in other challenging sample types and multi-step single-cell assays.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>zhong, s.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, Y.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.29.696950</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MusTer: A Generalizable Microfluidic Platform Combining Multi-Parametric Droplet Sorting and Multi-Droplet Merging in Single-Cell Sequencing]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.30.696464v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Focused ultrasound programmed characteristic NIR-IIb lanthanide mechanoluminescence for high sensitivity bioimaging in vivo 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.30.696464v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Optical imaging techniques for biodetection are hindered by limited sensitivity and resolution in deep tissues, arising primarily from photon scattering and endogenous autofluorescence. Herein, we report a focused ultrasound (FUS) programmable NIR-IIb emissive mechanoluminescent nanoparticle for in vivo bioimaging. Specifically, CaZnOS nanoparticles co-doped with Mn2+ and Er3+ were engineered to exhibit mechanoluminescence (ML) emission peaked at 1550 nm. FUS stimulation elicits ML without the need for optical excitation, thereby enabling deep-tissue imaging devoid of background interference from excitation light. By modulating the excitation frequency of FUS, ML can be programmed as a characteristic signal. Integrated with a Fourier frequency-transform identification reconstruction (FFIR) algorithm, the specific ML signals can be detected with high sensitivity, reaching sub-millimeter spatial resolution and markedly enhanced signal-to-background ratios compared to conventional photoluminescence-based approaches. By macrophage internalization of the ML nanoparticles to yield functional macrophage-nanoparticle (FMNs), a ultralow detection limit of 10 cells can be achieved. In murine tumor models, the FMNs facilitated real-time monitoring of early-stage tumor progression, underscoring their biocompatibility and translational promise for high-precision diagnostics in deep-seated neoplasms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Meng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2025-12-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2025.12.30.696464</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Focused ultrasound programmed characteristic NIR-IIb lanthanide mechanoluminescence for high sensitivity bioimaging in vivo]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2025-12-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.02.697285v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Autistic Children Show Reduced Activity in Left Superior Temporal Cortex in Response to Social-emotional Meaning in Language 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.02.697285v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundAutistic children often exhibit challenges in social interaction, emotional processing, and language communication. While differences among autistic children in processing non-linguistic social-emotional cues compared to non-autistic pears are well-documented, the neural mechanisms underlying the processing of social-emotional meaning conveyed through the language content remain unclear. In non-autistic adults, the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and superior temporal sulcus (STS) are sensitive to social-emotional semantics. We investigated whether this neural sensitivity is altered in autistic children.

MethodsWe recruited 78 children (54 autistic and 24 non-autistic; 68 males, 10 females; mean age 10 years) who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to sentences describing either people in emotional situations (social-emotional sentences) or sentences describing non-human objects, events, or concepts (object sentences).

ResultsSignificant activity was found in the left STG and STS in response to social-emotional sentences across both groups, but the activity was reduced in autistic children compared to non-autistic controls. No significant group difference was found during general auditory or object-sentence processing. The neural activity in the left STG and STS during social-emotional sentence processing was significantly predicted by the degree of autistic social-affective characteristics but was not predicted by general linguistic ability.

ConclusionsAutistic children show reduced activity in the left STG and STS compared to non-autistic peers during social-emotional sentence processing. This reduced activity, driven by social-affective characteristics rather than general linguistic ability, may contribute to autistic childrens social communication challenges.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, M. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, P. W.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, G. Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, P. C. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Geng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.02.697285</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Autistic Children Show Reduced Activity in Left Superior Temporal Cortex in Response to Social-emotional Meaning in Language]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.696800v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatial transcriptomic analysis of myositis muscles reveals novel molecular insights of MDA5+ dermatomyositis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.696800v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), also known as myositis, are a rare and heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscle. Other organs are also frequently affected, such as skin, joints, and lungs, leading to morbidity and even mortality. Anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive dermatomyositis (MDA5+ DM) is a unique subtype with a high mortality rate but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we profiled the spatial transcriptome of a cohort of healthy controls, MDA5+, and MDA5- muscles and found a distinct transcriptomic profile of the MDA5+ muscles with a low percentage of stressed myofibers but increased immune cell infiltration. Niche analysis revealed a distinct microenvironment in the MDA5+ muscles with the endothelial cell (EC) niche showing increased inflammation, dampened oxygen transport function, and a unique enrichment of the Type 1 interferon response. Cell-cell communication and pathway activity analysis uncovered that hypoxia, TGF-{beta}, NF-{kappa}B, and TNF- signaling were enriched in the MDA5+ EC niche. Altogether, our results support a vasculopathy model whereby blood vessels exhibit a strong inflammatory response and impaired oxygen transport function, leading to vasculopathy and perivascular immune cell infiltration in MDA5+ muscles.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>So, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ong, M. T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>QIAO, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.04.696800</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatial transcriptomic analysis of myositis muscles reveals novel molecular insights of MDA5+ dermatomyositis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.697590v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Mechanistic insights into chromatin modulation by the orphan remodeler ATRX 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.697590v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked protein (ATRX) is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler that performs diverse functions, including spacing nucleosomes, facilitating the deposition of histone variant H3.3, and preventing replication stress. The mechanism by which ATRX modulates chromatin is unknown. Here, our cryo-EM structure revealed that ATRX recognizes and modulates the nucleosome through its C-terminal regions by embracing and unwrapping [~]18 base-pair nucleosomal DNA near the entry/exit sites in the presence of ADP*BeF3. Strikingly, the DNA minor groove between SHL6 and SHL7 is profoundly deformed by a "pin-like" structure in ATRX, which uniquely intercalates the aromatic side chain of a phenylalanine into the base stackings. Biochemical assays revealed the crucial role of this phenylalanine in sliding the nucleosome without affecting the ATPase activity. Such a "pin-like" structure mimics a "foot-step" on the DNA ladder, which differentiates ATRX from other remodelers. To translocate the DNA on the nucleosome, two more features, including a disordered insertion that contacts the histone surface and a positively charged loop bridging the cross-gyre interactions, serve as essential anchors for the nucleosome modulation by ATRX. Together, we propose a "climbing" model for how ATRX mobilizes the DNA upon ATP hydrolysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Duan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, T.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xi, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.04.697590</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Mechanistic insights into chromatin modulation by the orphan remodeler ATRX]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.697592v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ultrashort optical-pin excitation for scattering brain imaging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.697592v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Imaging neural structures deep in brain tissue is central to understanding brain function, yet remains fundamentally limited by strong optical scattering and the requirement for accurate three-dimensional (3D) optical sectioning. Laser-scanning microscopy is a promising technique for brain imaging; however, maintaining excitation focus integrity in scattering media while preserving axial confinement poses a persistent photonic challenge. Here we introduce the optical pin, an ultrashort excitation regime engineered at the angular-spectrum level to address this limitation. By broadening the transverse angular bandwidth of a Bessel-type field while preserving its conical momentum-space architecture, the optical pin introduces a controlled longitudinal wave-vector spread that compresses the axial interference length to the micrometer scale, restoring Gaussian-like sectioning without sacrificing multi-angle interference. This excitation design yields substantially enhanced imaging performance, including [~]1.5-fold contrast improvement and [~]2.6-fold increased robustness to scattering. We validate the approach across transparent, scattering, and biological specimens, including bead phantoms, C. elegans, and mouse brain tissue. As a system-level excitation strategy, the optical pin is readily compatible with existing laser-scanning microscopy platforms and is particularly suited for scattering-limited brain imaging.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Weng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.04.697592</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ultrashort optical-pin excitation for scattering brain imaging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.06.697853v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
NORAD orchestrates KLC1-mediated SFPQ transport via liquid-liquid phase separation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.06.697853v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Neuronal function requires precise long-distance axonal transport mediated by molecular motors and RNA-binding proteins like SFPQ, though regulatory mechanisms remain poorly defined. We identify long non-coding RNA NORAD as a master regulator of this process through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). While SFPQ and kinesin-1 mediate cargo delivery, the specific RNA coordinating their interaction was unknown. We demonstrate NORAD directly binds kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) and promotes SFPQ condensation into dynamic LLPS droplets, enabling efficient transport. CRISPR-assisted mapping and functional assays show NORAD depletion disrupts granule dynamics, impairs neuroprotective mRNA localization, and induces axonal degeneration. In vitro reconstitution confirms NORAD-KLC1 synergy enhances SFPQ phase separation, and neuron-specific knockout mice exhibit motor deficits with reduced neuronal density. These findings establish the first evidence of lncRNA NORAD-mediated LLPS in axonal transport, revealing a new paradigm for RNA-guided neuronal maintenance.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lian, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kinghorn, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Menasche, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, K.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, C. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.06.697853</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[NORAD orchestrates KLC1-mediated SFPQ transport via liquid-liquid phase separation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.06.697862v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Delta PSA: A New Metric for Conformational Dynamics Underlying Macrocyclic Peptide Permeability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.06.697862v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Development of oral cyclic drugs often suffers from low oral bioavailability resulting from limited passive permeability making accurate prediction a central challenge in drug development. Existing approaches generally fall into two categories: deep learning-based models and accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations. While deep learning models enable rapid, high-throughput predictions, they often suffer from dependence on training data, and sensitivity to dataset biases. On the other hand, aMD provide mechanistic interpretability by explicitly modeling peptide translocation across lipid bilayers, however, suffer from huge computational cost.

Here, we present a conventional MD-based framework for predicting macrocyclic peptide permeability, designed to facilitate interpretation. Importantly, we show that Delta PSA ({Delta}PSA) directly quantifies a peptides chameleon propensity, providing a mechanistically meaningful measure. Furthermore, we identify two key structural indicators--the sidechain PSA ratio and the radius of gyration--as refined metrics for assessing conformational behavior. When applied to a benchmark dataset of macrocyclic peptides, our framework achieves an MSE of 0.22, surpassing the 0.25 reported for Multi_CycGT and demonstrating its superior performance. Our work also provides a large dataset of MD trajectories for macrocyclic peptides in both polar and nonpolar environments. This dataset offers access to a broader conformational space for cyclic peptide studies.



O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=97 SRC="FIGDIR/small/697862v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1">
View larger version (35K):
org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18fc9e4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@10fbc70org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c763aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@95d9e4_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP  M_FIG C_FIG
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chem, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>She, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.06.697862</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Delta PSA: A New Metric for Conformational Dynamics Underlying Macrocyclic Peptide Permeability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.08.698283v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TSTScope Unifies Single-Cell Multi-Omics to Identify Functional T Cell States Predictive of Immunotherapy Response 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.08.698283v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can produce durable responses in cancer, but reliable predictors of benefit are still lacking. CD8 tumor-specific T cells are essential for ICB efficacy, yet it remains unclear which functional states of these cells determine therapeutic success. To address this, we developed TSTScope, an interpretable deep learning framework that integrates single-cell transcriptomic and T-cell receptor sequencing data to generate unified representations of CD8 T-cell identity. By applying TSTScope to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) datasets, we characterized the gene programs defining tumor specificity and computationally inferred a population of potential TSTs. Crucially, we demonstrate that clinical response is not a product of TST abundance, but is instead governed by their functional state. We derived the MPR score, a metric capturing this functional potential, which proved to be a robust predictor of treatment outcomes. In an independent validation cohort, the MPR score significantly outperformed established biomarkers. Collectively, TSTScope identifies a distinct functional state of tumor-specific T cells as a primary determinant of ICB efficacy, providing both a mechanistic framework and a potent tool for precision immunotherapy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yi, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.08.698283</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TSTScope Unifies Single-Cell Multi-Omics to Identify Functional T Cell States Predictive of Immunotherapy Response]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.08.698301v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
The Red Rice Bran Extract (RRBE) Mitigates Photoaging by Targeting Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Regulating Thermal Damage Responses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.08.698301v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The photoprotective efficacy of natural skin-active complexes is well recognized, yet their ap-plication is often hindered by the challenge of deciphering their complex, multi-component, and multi-target mechanisms. To bridge the gap between established phenotypes and molecular mechanisms, we developed an AI-driven integrated platform that combines phytochemical profiling, network pharmacology, and deep learning-based target prediction with rigorous biophysical validation. We applied this platform to investigate RRBE, a bioactive complex refined from red rice bran extract. In vivo clinical studies confirmed that RRBE significantly accelerates the resolution of UV-induced erythema, while cellular and 3D tissue models demonstrated robust suppression of oxidative stress and DNA damage responses. To decode its material basis, the platform deconstructed RRBE into 10 distinct chemical modules. Leveraging our SCOPE-DTI deep learning model for global target prediction, we identified flavonoids (Module 1) and phenolic acids (Module 10) as the primary bioactive drivers relevant to photoprotection. These computational predictions were structurally supported by molecular docking and definitively validated in a physiological environment via Cellular Thermal Shift Assay-Mass Spectrometry (CETSA-MS). Mechanistically, RRBE functions through a synergistic polypharmacology: (1) Module 1 components, represented by procyanidin B2, target NDUFA7 to stabilize mitochondrial function and mitigate ROS; (2) Module 10 components, exemplified by caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid, engage FKBP11 and HSP90AA1 to regulate protein homeostasis and stress responses. This work not only deciphers the polypharmacological basis of RRBEs photoprotective action but also validates a scalable "AI-guided, cell-validated" discovery pipeline, offering a rational paradigm for uncovering the protective benefits of complex natural extracts.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, T.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ji, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ning, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-C.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.08.698301</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[The Red Rice Bran Extract (RRBE) Mitigates Photoaging by Targeting Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Regulating Thermal Damage Responses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.08.698347v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Linkage-aware inference of fitness from short-read time-series genomic data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.08.698347v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inferring the fitness effect of mutations is a basic problem in understanding the evolution of populations over time. When multiple mutations are present in a population simultaneously, genetic linkage comes into play, and the fate of an individual mutation depends on both its fitness as well as the background on which it occurs. Accurate inference of fitness effects for evolutionary systems with multiple competing mutations is therefore contingent on resolving the confounding effects of genetic linkage, captured by the covariance between allele-pairs. Increasingly, evolutionary studies are using short-read sequencing technologies to produce detailed snapshots of evolving populations. This presents a problem as the frequencies of allele-pairs are not known beyond the read-length, hampering any attempt to resolve the effects of genetic linkage between pairs of loci residing on different reads. Here we present a computationally efficient pipeline for inferring selection from short-read time-series data with partial allele-pair frequency information, while accounting for linkage. Simulation results show that the method has good performance and is scalable to systems with several thousand variants. Additionally, we demonstrate the pipelines utility on real datasets of within-host HIV and SARS-CoV-2 evolution, showcasing its applicability in resolving linkage effects from complex evolutionary histories.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Abdullah, S. M. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sohail, M. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Louie, R. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Barton, J. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McKay, M. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.08.698347</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Linkage-aware inference of fitness from short-read time-series genomic data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.12.698323v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
caRBP-Pred: Deep Learning-based Prediction of Chromatin-Associated RNA-Binding Proteins Using Short Peptide Sequences 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.12.698323v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are pivotal in cellular processes ranging from RNA metabolism to 3D genome organization. A distinct subset, chromatin-associated RBPs (caRBPs), binds directly to chromatin to function as transcriptional regulators. However, identifying caRBPs via traditional methods like Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP-seq) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) is labor-intensive and costly. While computational tools for DNA- and RNA-binding protein (DRBP) prediction exist, they often rely on outdated Gene Ontology annotations and fail to capture the unique characteristics of chromatin association. Here, we introduce caRBP-Pred, a novel deep learning approach combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory networks (BiLSTM). Unlike previous methods utilizing full-length sequences, our model is trained on chromatin-contact peptides derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). caRBP-Pred achieves a superior Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.81 using peptide sequence information alone, significantly outperforming existing DRBP predictors which exhibit low recall for caRBPs. We further predicted 52 potential caRBPs in mice. Notably, validation against human homologs confirmed that our model accurately predicts candidates with experimentally verified chromatin-binding capabilities. Collectively, caRBP-Pred is the first tool specifically designed to predict caRBPs based on chromatin-contact peptides, offering a valuable resource for investigating regulatory roles of caRBPs on transcription.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>SUN, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.12.698323</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[caRBP-Pred: Deep Learning-based Prediction of Chromatin-Associated RNA-Binding Proteins Using Short Peptide Sequences]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.13.697153v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Universal nucleic acid preservation in biological fluids with boron clusters 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.13.697153v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nucleic acid preservation remains a critical bottleneck for diagnostics and therapeutics, with small molecule inhibitors such as EDTA showing limited spectrum against diverse nucleases, while protein-based alternatives requiring costly cold-chain storage. Here, we report dodecaborate cluster [B12H12]2- as a novel class of pan-nuclease inhibitor with a fundamentally different mechanism--preventing protein-nucleic acid interactions rather than targeting cofactor dependencies. [B12H12]2- inhibited all six DNases and ten RNases tested, making it the broadest spectrum nuclease inhibitor known. Remarkably, its inhibition is reversible via {gamma}-cyclodextrin complexation. We demonstrate that [B12H12]2- preserved a physiological range of DNA for 14 days and that of RNA for 3-7 days at room temperature in human plasma and urine, achieving up to 323,972-fold better RNA retention than controls. A newly developed blood collection tube using [B12H12]2- enables whole-blood circulating cell-free RNA sequencing after 7 days of room-temperature storage, with preserved transcript integrity. Mechanistic studies suggest [B12H12]2- binds to nuclease active sites and creates electrostatic barriers that prevent substrate binding. This chemically stable, indefinitely shelf-stable inhibitor enables cold-chain-free biological sample transport, potentially transforming accessibility of nucleic acid-based diagnostics worldwide.

Graphical abstract
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Pang, B. P. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, B. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Williamson, M. P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-14</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.13.697153</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Universal nucleic acid preservation in biological fluids with boron clusters]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-14</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.14.699397v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Plasma proteomics reveal heterogeneous subtypes of depression linked to inflammation and aging 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.14.699397v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The clinical heterogeneity of depression has defied biological classification, limiting personalized treatment. Previous neuroimaging- or symptom-based subtyping of depression failed to clarify the underlying pathoetiology, while plasma proteins which integrates signals from multiple organ systems, offers a promising way to define biologically grounded subtypes. Using plasma proteomics from 2,127 incident depression cases in a cohort of 53000 individuals, we identified three biologically distinct subtypes differing in inflammation, aging, and metabolic profiles. The most prevalent subtype ( inflammation/ageing) was characterized by aging-related inflammation, poorest prognosis with hippocampal atrophy and highest suicide risk, mediated by age-related amygdala atrophy; this subtype had highest anhedonia burden. A distinct  inflammation/energy dysregulation group had metabolic pathway enrichment with high inflammation and lifestyle risk factors (smoking) but no ageing trend, predominantly physical/psychomotor symptoms and decreased thalamic volume. In contrast, the  inflammation-resilient group had the lowest inflammatory proteomic loading, lowest depression severity, more resilient lifestyle and increased hippocampal volume. These proteomic signatures, detectable years before symptom onset, enable risk stratification and suggest subtype-specific targeted physical and lifestyle interventions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lian, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Palaniyappan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kuang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sahakian, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Robbins, T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bullmore, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.14.699397</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Plasma proteomics reveal heterogeneous subtypes of depression linked to inflammation and aging]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.14.699587v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
When CycloneSEQ meets Oxford Nanopore Technologies: a performance comparison of contemporary nanopore DNA sequencing platforms 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.14.699587v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nanopore sequencing underpins bacterial genomics and epigenomics, with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) leading. We benchmarked BGIs CycloneSEQ against ONT using matched whole{square}genome shotgun (WGS) and methylation{square}free whole{square}genome amplification (WGA) libraries across six bacteria. With the updated CycloneSEQ kit/basecaller, reads reached 96.0% accuracy (mode 97.7%), within 0.8% of ONT R10.4.1; homopolymer performance surpassed R9.4.1 and approached R10.4.1. Error spectra were shared across platforms and dominated by A and G substitutions, WGA controls implicated methylation as a major contributor. At 50-fold coverage plus short{square}read polishing, CycloneSEQ assemblies achieved around 100% completeness with [~]1 indel per 100 Kbp. For epigenomics, strand{square}specific basecalling errors enabled de novo discovery of 12 methylation motifs, and we introduce two CycloneSEQ{square}compatible signal{square}to{square}reference alignment strategies that permit signal comparison-based methylation detection. Beyond a single instrument, these results argue for a unified, cross{square}platform nanopore toolchain in which models, formats, and workflows interoperate from raw signal to accurate assemblies and methylomes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ding, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>GUO, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-15</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.14.699587</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[When CycloneSEQ meets Oxford Nanopore Technologies: a performance comparison of contemporary nanopore DNA sequencing platforms]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-15</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.15.699622v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Transcriptomic profiling of human γδ T cells reveals non-linear immune aging characterized by childhood transitions and relative stability in adulthood 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.15.699622v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
{gamma}{delta} T cells are one of the first T cell subsets developing in early ontogeny and show various effector functions in immune homeostasis and response in the young and the old. However, their maturation trajectories from infancy to children, adults and elderly have not been systematically defined. Here, we generated a single-cell transcriptome atlas of 106,711 {gamma}{delta} T cells from 223 individuals spanning infancy to old age. Our analysis reveals that {gamma}{delta} T cell aging is non-linear, characterized by pronounced childhood transitions followed by relative stability throughout adulthood despite marked inter-individual variability. In childhood, changes from developmental and mitochondrial programs toward cytotoxicity and inflammaging were evident. This includes maturation trajectories from GZMK intermediates to GZMB+Perforin+ effectors at both RNA and protein levels. Taken together, our study delineates the aging trajectories of human {gamma}{delta} T cells, establishes {gamma}{delta} T cells as a cellular paradigm of non-linear immune aging, and provides a comprehensive resource for investigating {gamma}{delta} T cell biology across the human lifespan.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leon-Lara, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Almeida, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Abu, Y. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Janssen, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kleine-wechelmann, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hassan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dempsey, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boehne, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kaisenberg, C. v.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Prinz, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Förster, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ravens, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.15.699622</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Transcriptomic profiling of human γδ T cells reveals non-linear immune aging characterized by childhood transitions and relative stability in adulthood]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.15.699165v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Microbial Antioxidants Reduce ROS In Human Skin Cells Under Oxidative Stress 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.15.699165v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in cellular homeostasis, but excessive levels of ROS lead to oxidative stress, accelerating skin aging. Environmental stressors like UV radiation induce ROS overproduction, overwhelming endogenous antioxidant defenses and causing cellular damage. While the skin possesses an intrinsic antioxidant network that provides moderate protection, excessive oxidative stress can trigger inflammatory responses, thereby necessitating exogenous antioxidant intervention. Microbe-derived antioxidants (MA), produced via probiotic fermentation of sea buckthorn and chestnut rose, have shown promise in mitigating ROS-induced damage. In this study, we evaluated two MA formulations, MA1 and MA2, for their ability to scavenge free radicals and alleviate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and dermal papilla cells (HDP). Both formulations displayed dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity and enhanced cell viability at low concentrations. Under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, MA1 and MA2 effectively restored intracellular ROS to baseline levels, demonstrating significant cytoprotective effects. UHPLC-MS/MS profiling identified 12 compounds shared by both formulations, and Gene Ontology Biological Process enrichment analysis revealed that their associated target genes were significantly enriched in antioxidant-related pathways. Five compounds--adenosine, citric acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, myricetin, and phenylalanine--emerged as key contributors to the observed antioxidative effects. Together, these findings highlight the potential of fermented microbial antioxidants to re-establish redox homeostasis in human skin cells and support their further development as therapeutic or cosmetic interventions targeting oxidative stress and skin aging. Given the heightened oxidative sensitivity of aged fibroblasts, MAs ability to alleviate ROS may offer novel therapeutic strategies against skin aging and related pathologies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, Y.-C.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, H.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.15.699165</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Microbial Antioxidants Reduce ROS In Human Skin Cells Under Oxidative Stress]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.17.700046v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
PCRD-seq: Proximity Crosslinking-induced RNA Depletion for Low-Input Subcellular Transcriptome Profiling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.17.700046v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Chromatin-associated RNAs play critical roles in regulating chromatin organization and transcription, underscoring the importance of their study. Proximity labeling has emerged as a promising and versatile technique for profiling chromatin-associated RNAs with high spatiotemporal resolution. While being a powerful technique, traditional proximity labeling methods depend on complex, high-input enrichment protocols, which significantly limit their wide practical application. Here, we developed a straightforward, enrichment-free chromatin-associated RNA profiling strategy: Proximity Crosslinking-induced RNA Depletion sequencing (PCRD-seq). This approach leverages the proximity crosslinking between chromatin and its surrounding RNAs induced by singlet oxygen generated by HoeDBF, a photosensitizer targeting chromatin region. The proximity crosslinking hinders the release of chromatin-associated RNAs during routine TRIzol extraction, consequently leading to a specific depletion of these RNAs. This method was successfully applied to investigate the role of U1 snRNA in RNA chromatin retention and the differences in chromatin-associated transcriptomes between two ovarian cancer cell lines with opposite metastatic capability. Moreover, our PCRD-seq exhibits potential in profiling nuclear lamina-associated RNAs, which paves the way for its application to profile RNAs associated with other chromatin subdomains. The minimal cell input and simple workflow endow PCRD-seq as a transformative tool for wide applications.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, Y. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, A. S.-T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.17.700046</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[PCRD-seq: Proximity Crosslinking-induced RNA Depletion for Low-Input Subcellular Transcriptome Profiling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.18.700211v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Coacervate Droplets as a Liquefier for the Solid-to-Liquid Transition of RNA Aggregates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.18.700211v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Biomolecular condensates are functionally gated by their material properties. While RNA is a primary structural scaffold, its sequence-specific interactions can aberrantly drive condensates into dysfunctional solid aggregates. Yet, actively reversing this solidification to restore function remains a fundamental challenge, impeding progress in synthetic biology and therapeutics interventions. Here, we establish that complex coacervates can be engineered as liquefiers to actively remodel solid RNA-peptide aggregates into functional liquid droplets. Integrating systematic experiments with all-atom simulations, we decode a multiscale mechanism: coacervate infiltration at the micrometer scale mediates molecular buffering at the nanometer scale, which fluidizes the crosslinked network to drive macroscopic liquefaction. This capability is governed by a design rule, where coacervates formed by small-molecular anions exhibit optimal efficacy. We deploy this principle to functionally rescue silenced RNA within a model of pathologically solidified ribonucleoprotein assemblies. Our work provides a general framework for the active, compositional control of biomolecular phase behavior, with direct implications for managing pathological aggregation and engineering functional condensates in synthetic and living systems.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Guo, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.18.700211</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Coacervate Droplets as a Liquefier for the Solid-to-Liquid Transition of RNA Aggregates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.20.700521v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Shared and distinct default mode systems in mental time travel and affective experience over time 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.20.700521v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Overarching conceptualizations propose a critical role of the default mode network (DMN) in self-referential mental time travel, particularly in autobiographical memory retrieval and episodic future thinking, and internal (intrinsic) emotion generation and regulation. However, these conceptualizations have not been directly evaluated. Against this background, the present fMRI study aimed to identify both shared and distinct neural systems underlying autobiographical episodic processing across different temporal contexts - specifically, episodic memory retrieval (EMR) and episodic future thinking (EFT) - and to examine how these systems interact with affective experiences, including valence and arousal. Our findings demonstrated the central role of the DMN - encompassing the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and medial temporal lobe (MTL) - in both EMR and EFT. Importantly, we identified a functional dissociation along both valence and temporal dimensions: the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) was more strongly associated with positive experiences and simulations, whereas the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) was consistently engaged during the processing of negative affect across past and future contexts. Moreover, representational similarity and parametric analyses indicated that the hippocampus supports differential processing of valence and arousal across temporal domains. Together, these findings provide empirical evidence for the involvement of cortical midline core DMN systems in autobiographical processing across time and suggest overlapping and distinct systems for the integration of emotional experiences across mental time travel.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qing, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, R. C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kendrick, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-21</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.20.700521</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Shared and distinct default mode systems in mental time travel and affective experience over time]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-21</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.20.700564v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Dysregulated RNA G-quadruplex binding proteins reveal shifted stress responses in Alzheimer's Disease 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.20.700564v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell sequencing has reshaped the research paradigm of Alzheimers Disease (AD) by revealing the heterogeneous transcriptional states of brain cells. Large single-cell cohort datasets, such as ROSMAP and SEA-AD, provide valuable atlases but primarily focus on RNA expression and chromatin accessibility, often overlooking the roles of RNA secondary structures. Although RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are increasingly recognized as regulators of neurodegeneration, their interacting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) remain poorly understood. We analyzed multiple independent scRNA-seq datasets to investigate rG4-associated biological functions across AD-relevant cell types and transcriptional states. We discovered that rG4-binding RBPs (RG4BPs) directly regulate essential glial cell functions, which are frequently impaired in AD. At the transcriptional state level, distinct sets of dysregulated RG4BPs correspond to the impaired state-specific biological features of astrocytes and microglia during AD progression, including a shift from an acute protective state to a chronic stress-associated state. This progressive state transition is accompanied by glial exhaustion and accumulated rG4s, which ultimately compromise glial support functions. We report several RG4BPs that are known regulators, including CIRBP, HSP90AA1, VIM, and PICALM, whose altered expression is associated with either pathological activation or severe functional impairment. These dysregulated RG4BPs provide a lens to examine the mechanism of rG4 accumulation in AD and position RG4BPs as novel targets for understanding and potentially intervening in AD progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, C. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.20.700564</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Dysregulated RNA G-quadruplex binding proteins reveal shifted stress responses in Alzheimer's Disease]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.22.701193v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SparseAEH: Scalable autoregressive expression histology discovery in spatial transcriptomics via sparse Gaussian kernels 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.22.701193v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
SummarySpatial clustering of genes is an effective way to elucidate histological or spatial patterns of marker expressions or ligand-receptor interactions. However, its computational complexity hinders its application to the advanced spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies with high resolution and throughput. Here, we present SparseAEH, a highly scalable algorithm and implementation of the Gaussian process mixture model, by leveraging block-wise sparse covariance for approximating the likelihood. This acceleration enables the analysis of dense ST datasets within practical time constraints while maintaining accuracy. Benchmarking on both simulated and experimental data demonstrates that our method achieves significantly less computational time with comparable accuracy to previous methods, highlighting its potential as a powerful tool for the exploration of high-resolution ST data.

Availability and implementationSparseAEH is implemented in Python and is publicly available at https://github.com/jackywangtj66/SparseAEH.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.22.701193</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SparseAEH: Scalable autoregressive expression histology discovery in spatial transcriptomics via sparse Gaussian kernels]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.25.701479v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quantitative Optimization of Sensitivity and Specificity in Targeted and Whole-Exome Sequencing Using Reference-Standard DNA Mixtures 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.25.701479v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundWe previously developed a benchmarking strategy using mixtures of homozygote and heterozygote DNAs as reference standards to simultaneously assess sensitivity and false positive (FP) error rates in targeted next-generation sequencing (T-NGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES), revealing substantial variability across commercial platforms. However, optimal analytic conditions for clinical application remain undefined.

MethodsWe systematically evaluated multiple sequencing kits and bioinformatics pipelines across various variant allele fraction (VAF) thresholds to identify conditions that maximize both sensitivity and specificity. Recurrent error-prone alleles were defined and filtered to enhance specificity.

ResultsOptimal performance was achieved using the DRAGEN pipeline with recurrent FP allele filtering. For T-NGS, a 1% VAF cutoff yielded a 95% detection threshold of 2.99% and 1.21 FPs per megabase (FP/Mb); for WES, a 2% cutoff yielded a 95% threshold of 5.02% and 1.15 FP/Mb. These settings improved sensitivity >3-fold and reduced FP rates >96% versus suboptimal pipelines. Notably, VAF thresholds flattened sensitivity differences across platforms, obscuring key performance disparities--challenging assumptions that T-NGS is inherently more sensitive than WES. In-house and conventional pipelines undercalled up to 10% of true variants. Restricting reporting of 1-4% VAF variants to [~]1,000 predefined actionable sites enabled recovery of clinically relevant mutations while reducing FP risk >99%.

ConclusionsThis study provides a quantitative framework for optimizing NGS performance. Our findings support actionable strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical genomics through tailored pipeline selection, VAF thresholding, and artifact filtering.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Moon, Y.-B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, J.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, E.-K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, H. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hwang, D.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, J.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, H.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, D.-e.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Park, S.-y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, Y.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heo, S. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, K.-M.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.25.701479</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quantitative Optimization of Sensitivity and Specificity in Targeted and Whole-Exome Sequencing Using Reference-Standard DNA Mixtures]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.28.702434v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Light-inducible proximity labelling in vivo captures sex-specific RNA at excitatory synapses 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.28.702434v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Local RNA regulation is essential for synaptic plasticity, yet the full repertoire of RNA species and associated isoforms within specific synaptic compartments in vivo has yet to be determined. Existing RNA profiling approaches lack the spatial and temporal precision needed to resolve RNA repertoires restricted to cell-type specific synaptic compartments. To overcome this challenge, we developed PSD-95-Halo-seq, a light-induced proximity labelling technique that, when combined with long-read sequencing, selectively captures all post-synaptic full length RNA species in the excitatory post-synaptic compartment. Here, we applied this approach to investigate sex differences in RNA expression within excitatory synapses following exposure to an associative fear learning task in C57/Bl6 mice. We found dramatic sex differences in pseudogene and protein coding RNA expression, which are most abundant in females, with males exhibiting multiple noncoding RNA classes, including lncRNA, snoRNA, and rRNA. Females generally showed more 3' UTR expression, and there was widespread differential exon usage following fear conditioning, including 179 isoforms in males, 69 in females, with no significant gene-level differential expression, indicating that behavioural state modifies sex-specific isoform usage rather than overall transcript abundance. Our discovery that synaptic RNA composition is dynamic, sexually dimorphic, and profoundly shaped by experience, offers new insight into previously inaccessible mechanisms underlying sex differences in fear-related learning and memory. PSD-95-Halo-seq is therefore a powerful method for the precise spatiotemporal identification of compartment-and cell-type-specific RNA.

One sentence take-awaySynapse-targeted proximity labelling and Long-Read sequencing demonstrate that excitatory post-synapses encode experience through sex-specific, isoform-level RNA remodeling.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Davies, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Suhinin, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brueckner, A. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Araneta, G. J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leighton, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Walsh, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Madugalle, S. U.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Young, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gong, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Musgrove, M. R. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ren, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kielar, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J. Y.-l.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bredy, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marshall, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-01-29</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.28.702434</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Light-inducible proximity labelling in vivo captures sex-specific RNA at excitatory synapses]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-01-29</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.29.702607v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Analysis of the assembly, stabilization and maturation of the multiphasic TAZ biomolecular condensates 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.29.702607v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Phase separation is an important mechanism ensuring efficient regulation and function in Hippo signaling. Particularly, phase separation of nuclear TAZ has been demonstrated to be essential for its activity. However, the mechanisms of TAZ condensate assembly and maturation are yet undefined. Here we explored these mechanisms using FRAP with two laser beam sizes complemented by microscopy and cell biology approaches. We show that TAZ condensates are multiphasic, with a more stable core and labile periphery. TAZ initially forms small nascent clusters, likely via self-nucleation through the CC domain. These gradually mature into larger condensates through interaction with additional proteins via the WW domain. The condensates are further stabilized/activated by interaction with transcription factors and complexes including TEAD4 and P-TEFb. Of note, the ability of TAZ to form mature condensates is essential for its activities in cellular morphogenesis and tumorigenesis. Our study presents detailed mechanistic analysis of TAZ phase separation, revealing a highly dynamic nature of TAZ condensate maturation and activation.

TeaserTAZ condensates grow from nascent clusters into mature condensates by interactions with transcription factors and complexes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Shapira, K. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Grig, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jing, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wolfenson, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Henis, Y. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-02</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.01.29.702607</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Analysis of the assembly, stabilization and maturation of the multiphasic TAZ biomolecular condensates]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-02</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.03.703438v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Identifies a Functional Enhancer Driving Tumorigenesis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.03.703438v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Enhancer is a critical epigenetic feature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), yet the functional roles of individual enhancers remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted an integrative multi-omics analysis based on publicly available ATAC-seq, H3K27ac ChIP-seq, transcriptomic profiling, and genetic association datasets to systematically map HNSCC-associated enhancers and their target genes. Integrating ATAC-seq and H3K27ac ChIP-seq, we identified 20,362 enhancers and 18,040 enhancer-associated genes, highlighting widespread regulatory complexity. Functional characterization of the TERT-associated enhancer GH05J001312 (GRCh38/hg38: chr5:1312099-1317743) revealed strong transcriptional activity in HNSCC. CRISPR-mediated deletion of a core sequence significantly reduced TERT expression, impaired cellular proliferation in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo, confirming its role as a key cis-regulatory element. RNA-seq analysis of enhancer-edited cells uncovered 742 differentially expressed genes enriched in cancer-related pathways, including MAPK and IL-17 signaling, indicating a broad transcriptional impact. Collectively, our findings establish GH05J001312 as a functional enhancer driving oncogenic programs in HNSCC and suggest enhancer-targeted strategies as a potential therapeutic avenue.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tran, N. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Su, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.03.703438</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Identifies a Functional Enhancer Driving Tumorigenesis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703740v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Acoustic Modulation of Ion-Solvent Interactions: Microscopic Insights into Acoustoelectric Effect Modelling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703740v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The acoustoelectric (AE) effect, in which acoustic waves modulate the electrical properties of a conductive medium, holds significant potential for biomedical imaging. While classic models describe the phenomenon through conductivity modulation, a detailed understanding of its microscopic origins, particularly the role of ion behaviours, remains lacking. This study introduces a novel electrokinetic perspective by investigating how ultrasound modulates ion-solvent interactions, thereby bridging macroscopic AE signals with underlying ion dynamics. Through finite element simulations of a dilute NaCl solution, we demonstrate that acoustic pressure waves induce local variations in ion mobility and diffusion by altering ion hydration shells and solvent viscosity. These changes disrupt the balance among Coulombic, diffusive, and frictional forces on individual ions, leading to the local conductivity modulation. Furthermore, simulations reveal that acoustic perturbation of the electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) significantly enhances AE signal generation, highlighting the EEIs critical role in AE-related applications. By linking acoustic modulation to fundamental ion-solvent interactions, this work not only provides a foundation for more accurate, microscopically grounded models of the AE effect but also connects AE effect modelling to the active research of solvation dynamics in physical chemistry.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Oon, W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, W.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.04.703740</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Acoustic Modulation of Ion-Solvent Interactions: Microscopic Insights into Acoustoelectric Effect Modelling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.07.704537v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rapid and Quantitative Phage Susceptibility Test by Ramanome 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.07.704537v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antimicrobial resistance poses an escalating global threat, renewing interest in bacteriophage therapy as a precision alternative to antibiotics. However, clinical translation remains hindered by the lack of rapid and quantitative phage susceptibility testing (PST) platforms capable of evaluating host range, infection potency, and effective multiplicity of infection (MOI). Here we present RPST, a ramanome-based phenotypic platform that captures infection-induced remodeling of bacterial macromolecular composition to unify these diagnostic requirements within a single workflow. RPST integrates four Raman biomarkers into a Composite Infection Index (CII), enabling rapid and lysis-independent discrimination between susceptible and resistant bacterial populations within [~]1 hour, with 96.0% categorical concordance (24/25) to plaque assays. As a continuous population-level metric, CII quantifies the proportion of infected cells, allowing quantitative ranking of phage potency against shared hosts. By resolving CII trajectories across the MOI and time, RPST further determines the minimal effective MOI, which is the lowest phage-to-bacterium ratio sustaining self-propagating infection, thereby defining the lower boundary for therapeutic feasibility. Together, these capabilities transform PST from static compatibility assays into a dynamic and quantitative framework that bridges in vitro infectivity assessment and infection dynamics relevant to phage therapy.

Impact StatementBased on the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance, this study introduces RPST, a novel ramanome-based phage susceptibility testing platform. RPST detects phage-induced biochemical remodeling in bacteria within [~]1 hour, achieving 96.0% concordance with gold-standard plaque assays. By integrating four Raman biomarkers into a Composite Infection Index, it not only distinguishes susceptible from resistant strains but also quantifies phage potency and determines the minimal effective multiplicity of infection required for self-sustaining infection. This transformative approach moves beyond binary diagnostics to offer a dynamic, quantitative framework for precision phage therapy, significantly accelerating therapeutic decision-making and enhancing our ability to combat resistant infections.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Han, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ge, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.07.704537</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rapid and Quantitative Phage Susceptibility Test by Ramanome]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.07.704552v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
AI-driven discovery and engineering of human endogenous nanocage proteins for mRNA delivery 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.07.704552v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Safe and effective gene delivery remains a central challenge for therapeutic applications. While non-viral and viral vectors have enabled substantial progress, their reliance on non-human components often triggers immune responses, limiting their use in chronic treatments. Here, we developed DeepDelivery, an artificial intelligence-driven platform to repurpose human proteins for mRNA delivery. An unbiased screening of the human proteome nominated 512 candidates, with experimental validation confirming that 80% of top-ranked hits form mRNA-encapsulating particles and mediate efficient functional delivery in human cells without provoking detectable inflammation. Notably, multiple tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins, typically linked to antiviral responses, exhibited strong assembly and delivery activity. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of the model revealed structural domains that govern nanocage formation, enabling domain-guided engineering of TRIM25 variants with enhanced function. Our work establishes a generalizable framework for discovering human-derived delivery vehicles and provides a path toward programmable, non-immunogenic mRNA therapeutics.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xun, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>An, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heng, P.-A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhong, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-09</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.07.704552</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[AI-driven discovery and engineering of human endogenous nanocage proteins for mRNA delivery]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-09</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.13.705285v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Leveraging ONT move table values for signal aware variant calling 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.13.705285v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing enables long-range haplotype phasing and contiguous genome assembly but still exhibits elevated error rates that challenge small variant calling, particularly for insertions and deletions (Indels). While raw electrical signals contain rich information, existing signal-aware methods require computationally intensive processing of large signal files. Here, we present Clair3 v2, a method that leverages the ONT move table--a lightweight byproduct of basecalling that maps signal events to nucleotide positions--to improve variant calling accuracy. Clair3 v2 builds upon Clair3 and integrates signal-level dwelling time to significantly enhance variant calling performance. We also propose a genome position based circular buffer to incorporate dwelling time with minimal computational overhead. Benchmarking across six Genome in a Bottle samples demonstrates substantial improvements in variant calling accuracy. With HAC basecalling, Clair3 v2 achieves a mean SNP F1-score of 97.69% at 10x depth (compared to 96.45% for baseline Clair3), and Indel F1 scores improved from 64.27% to 76.70%, while gains persisted at higher depths. The benefits were most pronounced for longer Indels and in complex genomic regions, where Indel F1 scores in long homopolymer regions improved from 14.3% to 45.2%. Benchmark results across various basecalling modes, samples, and coverage settings outperformed Clair3 baselines and other methods, including DeepVariant and Dorado Variant, and demonstrate the significant benefits of Clair3 v2. Furthermore, Clair3 v2 incurs negligible runtime compared to standard Clair3, making it practical for routine use.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qin, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.13.705285</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Leveraging ONT move table values for signal aware variant calling]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.13.705666v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Heterogeneous and specific localization of mRNAs at dendritic spine and its dependence on microtubule entry and kinesin motor 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.13.705666v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Local mRNA translation near neuronal synapses is crucial for structural plasticity during brain development and memory formation. Whereas mRNAs are transported from soma to dendrites as individual ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, how do they subsequently localize at synapses is unclear. In particular, whether different dendritic mRNAs might display differential synaptic localization and interact with specific postsynaptic proteins remains unexplored. Here we found that two well-known dendritic mRNAs, Actb and Camk2a, are targeted to different subdomains of dendritic spines and delivered to different spine populations after synaptic stimulation. Surprisingly, the induced mRNA localization to dendritic spines is associated with microtubule (MT) entry and specifically requires the MT-associated motor KIF5A. Proximity-labelling proteomics further identifies distinct postsynaptic proteins enriched by Actb and Camk2a, from which we uncover the cytoskeletal protein Septin7 to be co-localized with the two mRNAs at different subdomains of dendritic spines. Our study reveals an unexpectedly specific mRNA localization mechanism at synapses and demonstrates proximity-labelling as a useful approach to map their synaptic partners.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lui, A. T. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, K.-O.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.13.705666</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Heterogeneous and specific localization of mRNAs at dendritic spine and its dependence on microtubule entry and kinesin motor]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.15.705283v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Learning sculpts orthogonal task manifolds for continual skill learning in recurrent networks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.15.705283v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Humans and animals can learn and seamlessly perform a vast repertoire of behaviors. However, how neural populations incorporate new skills without disrupting previously learned ones remains poorly understood. This challenge is known as catastrophic forgetting in artificial neural networks and is especially severe in recurrent networks, where computation relies on stable internal dynamics. While current machine learning approaches often rely on explicit weight-protection strategies, such approaches do not directly address this challenge. Here we show that orthogonal task manifolds can emerge in recurrent neural networks from a local predictive, error-driven learning rule. Our model preserves task-specific latent dynamics that remain resilient to interference from subsequent learning. Using low-rank connectivity ablations, we causally isolate these latent dynamics, selectively impairing individual tasks while leaving others intact. We further show that the proposed principle generalizes beyond low-dimensional to high-dimensional naturalistic movie replay, suggesting a scalable mechanism for continual learning. Our results identify a solution to catastrophic forgetting by preserving previously learned dynamics in recurrent connectivity, thereby providing a mechanistic bridge between artificial recurrent networks and biological neural circuits.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kurth, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Osako, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Asabuki, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-16</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.15.705283</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Learning sculpts orthogonal task manifolds for continual skill learning in recurrent networks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-16</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.14.705953v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MicrowellMicrofluidicsMiner (M3): Leverage Large Language Model Agents for Knowledge Mining of Microwell Microfluidics 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.14.705953v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microwell microfluidics has emerged as powerful platforms for high-precision biological and chemical investigations, bridging microscale fluid handling with compartmentalized reaction environments. Achieving robust and reproducible performance in such studies requires substantial effort to optimize microwell array design. This burden could be markedly alleviated by the availability of a curated database of microwell array parameters. Such a resource would enable the application of machine-learning models for performance prediction and automated design, leveraging knowledge accumulated from prior microfluidics research. However, constructing such a database entails a considerable investment of time and extensive manual curation, as microwell performance is governed by numerous critical design parameters that are reported inconsistently across a broad and largely unstructured body of literature. In this study, we introduce MicrowellMicrofluidicsMiner (M3), a framework that employs large language model (LLM) agents for autonomous knowledge extraction in microwell microfluidics. To evaluate its performance, we curate a ground-truth database and establish an LLM-driven assessment approach. Our results demonstrate that M3 achieves a peak accuracy of approximately 78%, representing more than a twofold improvement over the lowest observed accuracy (32%) obtained using a standalone LLM model (LLAMA 3.1). This study provides a foundational reference for researchers seeking to apply LLM agents to data-driven microfluidics research. The insights presented have the potential to substantially improve how scientists across microfluidics-related disciplines access, interpret, and leverage scientific information, thereby accelerating the development of innovative microfluidic devices and associated discoveries.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, D.-N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shakil, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, R. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dinh, N.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.14.705953</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MicrowellMicrofluidicsMiner (M3): Leverage Large Language Model Agents for Knowledge Mining of Microwell Microfluidics]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.18.706711v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Near real-time data on the human neutralizing antibody landscape to influenza virus as of early 2026 to inform vaccine-strain selection 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.18.706711v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Twice each year, a decision is made on whether to update the strains included in the seasonal influenza vaccine to better match the most recent circulating viral strains. To characterize the antigenic properties of current seasonal influenza A strains to inform the upcoming decision about which strains to include in the 2026-2027 Northern Hemisphere vaccine, here we perform high-throughput sequencing-based neutralization assays using a library of 57 H3N2 and 34 H1N1 influenza hemagglutinins reflecting the circulating diversity of strains in late 2025 to early 2026. We assay this library against 302 human sera collected in late 2025. The resulting data set encompasses 27,409 titers, and provides a near real-time portrait of the human neutralizing antibody landscape against influenza virus. We find that many human sera have lower titers against the K subclade of H3N2 and the D.3.1.1 subclade of H1N1; these subclades have recently become dominant among their respective subtypes. Our measurements also reveal variability in titers to different subvariants within the K subclade of H3N2, with titers especially low to subclade K strains with additional mutations in antigenic regions D and E. We make all our data and accompanying visualizations publicly available to enable their use in vaccine-strain selection and analyses of influenza evolution and immunity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kikawa, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huddleston, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Turner, S. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Loes, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Griffiths, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Drapeau, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, N. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Englund, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lacombe, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Watanabe, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hasegawa, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Busch, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lanteri, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stone, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Spencer, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Neher, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smith, D. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bedford, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hensley, S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bloom, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.18.706711</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Near real-time data on the human neutralizing antibody landscape to influenza virus as of early 2026 to inform vaccine-strain selection]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.18.706482v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Functional and sensitivity profiling of theKITMutation Landscape in Melanoma 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.18.706482v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Melanoma in Asia presents a unique epidemiological profile, with a higher prevalence of acral and mucosal subtypes compared to Western populations. While KIT mutations are found in up to 15% of Asian melanoma cases, clinical outcomes with KIT inhibitors have been modest due to heterogeneous mutation profiles and a lack of specific patient selection criteria. This study characterizes the landscape of KIT mutations in melanoma using the GENIE database, identifying 86 recurrent hotspots, many of which are variants of unknown significance (VUS). We validated drug sensitivities for key mutations using in vitro and in vivo models. Our results indicate that while the L576P mutation is highly sensitive to multiple inhibitors, the N822K mutation shows resistance to imatinib but responds to sunitinib, nilotinib, and nintedanib. These findings highlight the necessity of genotype-guided therapeutic strategies and provide a rationale for future clinical trials combining broad-spectrum KIT inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Translational SignificanceMelanoma subtypes prevalent in Asia, specifically acral and mucosal melanoma, frequently harbor KIT mutations but show poor response rates (23-26%) to the standard-of-care inhibitor, imatinib. This study challenges the current clinical practice of treating all KIT-mutated melanomas uniformly. We demonstrate that specific recurrent mutations, such as N822K, are intrinsically resistant to imatinib but highly sensitive to broad-spectrum inhibitors like sunitinib and nintedanib. By establishing a comprehensive "lookup table" of drug sensitivities for both common and previously uncharacterized KIT variants, this work provides the evidence base required to transition from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to a genotype-guided precision medicine strategy. Furthermore, validating these targets informs the design of next-generation clinical trials, particularly those combining optimal KIT inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade to improve survival in currently underserved patient populations.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yeung, S. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, C. T. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Law, A. C. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, A. M. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chau, M. P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, H. H. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, J. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, B. C. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, K. K. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cho, W. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.18.706482</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Functional and sensitivity profiling of theKITMutation Landscape in Melanoma]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.21.706699v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Volumetric montaging of optical coherence tomography in human retinas 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.21.706699v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has transformed clinical eye care by providing high-resolution volumetric imaging of the retina. Recently, ultrawide-field-of-view (FOV) OCT played an increasingly significant clinical role; however, most clinical OCT systems offer only a rather limited FOV. We increased the FOV of clinical OCT by volumetrically montaging multiple OCT datasets in three dimensions (3D). We performed volumetric montaging by representing the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in each volume as point clouds and using these point clouds to compute transformations that map each volume to a common reference frame. We validated our methodology using datasets from three institutions with different OCT hardware and data-acquisition procedures. Using the mean surface distance between point clouds, we found the error in montaging was less than the lateral pixel size. Our method enabled existing clinical OCT to achieve ultrawide FOV imaging without any hardware modification.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Fang, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kim, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zambrano, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lam, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tinio, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, C. K. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schuman, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mirza, R. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H. F.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.21.706699</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Volumetric montaging of optical coherence tomography in human retinas]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707528v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Strain-specific differences in the response to egg-derived versus recombinant protein influenza vaccines 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707528v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The 2023/2024 influenza vaccine included an updated H1N1 component designed to better match a new clade of H1N1 that had multiple mutations in antigenic epitopes of hemagglutinin. Despite this update, the vaccine trended towards being less effective against the vaccine-matched H1N1 clade than the parental H1N1 clade lacking the new antigenic mutations. Here we measure neutralization titers of serum antibodies from individuals who had received either a recombinant protein or an egg-derived vaccine against a set of viruses with hemagglutinins from 58 H1N1 strains representative of the diversity during the 2023/2024 season. We find that egg-derived vaccine recipients, but not recombinant protein vaccine recipients, had a relatively lower boost in neutralizing titers to the new clade that the updated vaccine was designed to target. We suggest that the difference in the extent that the egg-derived versus recombinant protein vaccines boost neutralizing titers to the new H1N1 clade is because the seed strain for the egg-derived vaccine strain had acquired a reversion of a key antigenic mutation (K142R) present in that clade. Our results show how egg-derived versus recombinant protein vaccines can elicit different relative titer boosts against different subsets of viral strains, a phenomenon that could impact vaccine effectiveness.

ImportanceInfluenza vaccines can be produced from virus grown in eggs, or grown in cells or made with recombinant protein. Egg-derived influenza vaccines often contain egg-adaptive mutations in the viral antigen hemagglutinin (HA) which can impact the antigenicity or immunogenicity of the HA. In this study, we compare neutralization titers from egg-derived and recombinant protein vaccine recipients against recently circulating influenza A(H1N1) strains. We find that the egg-derived vaccine induces less of a boost in titers than the recombinant protein vaccine to the new clade of viral strains that the vaccine was designed to target.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Loes, A. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tarabi, R. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Atkinson, R. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huddleston, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kikawa, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Griffths, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Drapeau, E. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, S.-S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, N. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cobey, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bedford, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hensley, S. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bloom, J. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-23</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.23.707528</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Strain-specific differences in the response to egg-derived versus recombinant protein influenza vaccines]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-23</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707330v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis-Mediated Gut NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Exacerbates Corticospinal Tract Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707330v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes severe neurological deficits, largely attributable to corticospinal tract (CST) injury. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, which hinders the development of effective treatment methods. Here, we found that CST injury is not only associated with the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the surrounding area of the hematoma as expected, and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, but also related to the severe imbalance of the gut microbiota, the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the gut and the impairment of gut barrier function after ICH. We therefore systematically investigated how the gut NLRP3 inflammasome and gut dysbiosis exacerbate CST injury after ICH. Knockdown of colon NLRP3 significantly attenuated CST injury and downregulated inflammasome signaling in both the peripheral circulation and the peri-hematomal brain. Consistently, antibiotic-mediated gut microbiota depletion suppressed NLRP3 activation in the gut and brain, improved neurological function, and reduced CST damage. Crucially, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from ICH donors established that the exacerbation of CST injury is dependent on gut dysbiosis. While FMT induced severe pathology in control mice, this effect was improved in gut NLRP3 knockdown recipients, demonstrating that gut NLRP3 is essential for mediating the harmful effects of microbiota dysbiosis. Our findings described a causal gut-brain axis in ICH, wherein microbiota dysbiosis activates the gut NLRP3 inflammasome to exacerbate CST injury, thereby identifying the gut NLRP3 inflammasome as a promising therapeutic target.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zeng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tian, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J.-D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.23.707330</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis-Mediated Gut NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Exacerbates Corticospinal Tract Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.24.707610v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Integrative Multi-Scale Sequence-Structure Modeling for Antimicrobial Peptide Prediction and Design 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.24.707610v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is accelerating worldwide, undermining frontline antibiotics and making the need for novel agents more urgent than ever. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising therapeutics against multidrug-resistant pathogens, as they are less prone to inducing resistance. However, current AMP prediction approaches often treat sequence and structure in isolation and at a single scale, leading to mediocre performance. Here, we propose MultiAMP, a framework that integrates multi-level information for predicting AMPs. The model captures evolutionary and contextual information from sequences alongside global and fine-grained information from structures, synergistically combining these features to enhance predictive power. MultiAMP achieves state-of-the-art performance, outperforming existing methods by over 10% in MCC when identifying distant AMPs sharing less than 40% sequence identity with known AMPs. To discover novel AMPs, we applied MultiAMP to marine organism data, discovering 484 high-confidence peptides with sequences that are highly divergent from known AMPs. Notably, MultiAMP accurately recognizes various structural types of peptides. In addition, our approach reveals functional patterns of AMPs, providing interpretable insights into their mechanisms. Building on these findings, we employed a gradient-based strategy and achieved the design of AMPs with specific motifs. We believe MultiAMP empowers both the rational discovery and mechanistic understanding of AMPs, facilitating future experimental validation and therapeutic design. The codebase is available at https://github.com/jiayili11/multi-amp.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.24.707610</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Integrative Multi-Scale Sequence-Structure Modeling for Antimicrobial Peptide Prediction and Design]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.24.707652v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Propagule and Juvenile-derived Foraminiferal eDNA across intertidal habitats and its implications for accurate sea-level reconstruction 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.24.707652v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Foraminiferal environmental DNA (eDNA) assemblages have recently emerged as a robust and complementary proxy for relative sea level (RSL) reconstruction. However, unlike traditional morphological methods, eDNA assemblages are influenced by diverse DNA sources, including propagules and juveniles, whose effects on RSL reconstruction remain poorly understood. To assess how foraminiferal eDNA from different life stages vary in taxa composition and impact RSL reconstruction, we analyzed foraminiferal eDNA from bulk, 500-63 m and <63 m size fraction sediments from mangrove and mudflat environments in subtropical Hong Kong. The eDNA assemblages in size-fractioned sediments displayed distinct patterns from those in bulk sediment eDNA across different environments. The propagule and juvenile-derived eDNA <63 m fraction exhibited a similar community structure to bulk eDNA in mudflat environments but diverged in mangrove environments, indicating a greater contribution of propagule and juvenile eDNA to the total eDNA pool in the mudflat environment. We applied Bayesian transfer function modeling to estimate the elevation of samples using different size fractions. eDNA assemblages from the <63 m fraction systematically underpredicted elevation in mangrove environments, while elevations inferred from the 500-63 m fraction and bulk sediment eDNA were accurate. Conversely, all eDNA assemblages in the mudflat-mangrove transitional zone led to the overprediction of RSL. These findings confirm the reliability of bulk sediment eDNA for RSL reconstruction in mangrove environments, while highlighting the need for caution when reconstructing RSL in transitional zones.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Khan, N. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schweizer, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schunter, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.24.707652</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Propagule and Juvenile-derived Foraminiferal eDNA across intertidal habitats and its implications for accurate sea-level reconstruction]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707433v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
SpaMOAL: A spatial multi-omics graph contrastive learning method for spatial domains identification 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.23.707433v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent advances in spatial multi-omics technologies have opened new avenues for characterizing tissue architecture and function in situ, by simultaneously providing multimodal and complementary information--such as spatially resolved transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic features. Current computational approaches face substantial challenges such as effective integration of multi-omics molecular information with spatial information and corresponding high-resolution histology images. To address this challenge, we proposed SpaMOAL (Spatially Multi-Omics graph contrAstive Learning), a graph-based contrastive learning approach for spatial domain identification. SpaMOAL learns clustering-friendly representations from spatial multi-omics data by integrating spatial coordinates, histological image features and molecular profiles, enabling accurate delineation of spatial tissue domains. Benchmarking across multiple recent paired spatial multi-omics datasets demonstrated that SpaMOAL consistently outperforms existing methods. By enabling accurate spatial domain delineation, SpaMOAL provides a powerful framework for interpreting tissue organization and cellular microenvironments.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.23.707433</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[SpaMOAL: A spatial multi-omics graph contrastive learning method for spatial domains identification]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.25.707890v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Exploring differences across pangenome-graph representations using Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a model 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.25.707890v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pangenome graphs are increasingly used to represent population-scale bacterial diversity, yet construction methods span fundamentally different representation paradigms whose outputs and sensitivities to assembly quality remain poorly quantified. We systematically reviewed microbial pangenome graph tools and benchmarked six representative methods spanning gene-cluster, compacted coloured de Bruijn graph (ccDBG), multiple sequence alignment, and hybrid approaches. Using a repeat-rich Escherichia coli O157:H7 dataset with complete genomes and matched short-read data, we constructed graphs from identical inputs and observed orders-of-magnitude differences in graph size and fragmentation, indicating that global topology is driven by representation strategy. Varying completeness composition revealed that assembly fragmentation is a first-order determinant of graph structure: gene-cluster graphs contracted as draft assemblies replaced complete genomes, whereas unitig graphs expanded, with distinct degree-prevalence fingerprints across tools. Computational cost mirrored these shifts and depended strongly on completeness composition, including a pronounced runtime penalty for one ccDBG implementation on all-draft inputs. Finally, analysis of Shiga toxin loci showed that pangenome-level reconciliation does not reliably correct assembly artefacts at challenging multi-copy genes and that performance varies by locus. Together, these findings show that pangenome graphs are representation-dependent models of bacterial diversity, and that assembly completeness is a primary determinant of their topology, scalability, and locus-level accuracy.

Authors SummaryBacterial populations are often described using "pangenome graphs," which aim to capture all genetic variation across many genomes in a single structure. However, different tools build these graphs in fundamentally different ways, and little is known about how those differences affect the results. In this study, we systematically compared several widely used approaches using a clinically important strain of Escherichia coli that is rich in repeated and mobile DNA. We found that the size, connectivity, and overall structure of the resulting graphs varied dramatically depending on the method used. Importantly, we also show that incomplete genome assemblies (common in large sequencing studies) strongly alter graph structure, and that different tools respond to incomplete data in different ways. In some cases, this affects the detection of medically relevant genes, including Shiga toxin genes linked to severe disease. Our results demonstrate that pangenome graphs are not interchangeable representations of bacterial diversity. Instead, their structure depends on both the method and the quality of the input data. We argue that researchers should choose graph-building tools carefully and report structural properties explicitly to ensure reproducible and interpretable results.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mughini-Gras, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zomer, A. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Brouwer, M. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dallman, T. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Paganini, J. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-26</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.25.707890</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Exploring differences across pangenome-graph representations using Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a model]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-26</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.25.708076v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Computational Analysis of Microtubule-Mediated Saltatory Neuroelectrical Transmission 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.25.708076v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It was recently postulated that neural microtubules (neuro-MTs), which are densely packed inside axons and dendrites, are vacuum cylindrical nanotubes that can mediate neuroelectrical transmission with a unique form of quasi-superconductivity. In this work, the behaviors of free electrons inside a theoretical neuro-MT are modeled using computational analysis and calculations. We reveal that neuro-MTs can function as nanosized physiological devices that mediate neuroelectrical transmission with a super-high energy efficiency. Under physiological conditions, the binding of cytosolic cations (e.g., K+ and Na+) to the surface residues of a neuro-MT triggers its transition from the resting state to an active state, and the rapid dissociation of these cations triggers the opposite. The dipole ring structures of a neuro-MT will help terminate the free electron conduction inside with high efficiency. The proposed neuro-MT-mediated electrical transmission offers a novel mechanistic explanation for the saltatory conduction of the action potentials along an axon. This study also provides insights into the design of novel biomimicking room-temperature superconducting materials, such as the quasi-superconducting carbon or silicone nanotubes.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, B. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-02-27</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.02.25.708076</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Computational Analysis of Microtubule-Mediated Saltatory Neuroelectrical Transmission]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-02-27</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.01.708921v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Minimal biophysical rules are sufficient for the emergence of computational intelligence at the neuronal scale 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.01.708921v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
How intelligence emerges from the brains complex microscopic physical system is a central question for neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Constrained by the genomic bottleneck that precludes synapse-by-synapse specification, we propose and validate a microscopic structure-function  concise-constraint sufficiency hypothesis. We develop the Neuro-Informed Generative Connectome (NIGC) framework, and show that connectomes generated under a concise set of biophysical constraints (geometric embedding, node propensity modulation, a global energy budget and maximum-entropy selection) closely match the structural statistics of a measured mouse V1 microcircuit (similarities, 0.997). In parallel, using the generated connectome as the fixed reservoir of an echo state network (ESN), training only a linear readout achieves 90% accuracy on an auditory multi-classification task. Moreover, multidimensional biologically consistent functional phenotypes, such as hierarchical transmission delays and low-dimensional spatiotemporal trajectories, are obtained without fitting functional matrices or time courses. Further, by combining single-constraint ablations, pathological perturbations and cross-modal validation, we clarify how specific structural constraints map onto functional consequences. Together, these results delineate sufficient conditions for computational intelligence emergence at the microscopic scale, and provide an auditable benchmark for first-principles understanding of brain construction.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qi, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Occhipinti, L. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nathan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Smielewski, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-03</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.01.708921</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Minimal biophysical rules are sufficient for the emergence of computational intelligence at the neuronal scale]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-03</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.703663v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
gSV: a general structural variant detector using the third-generation sequencing data 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.703663v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Structural variants (SVs) are major contributors to genome diversity and disease susceptibility, particularly in cancer. Although third-generation sequencing technologies have substantially improved SV detection sensitivity, accurate detection of complex SVs remains challenging due to fragmented and heterogeneous alignment signals, as well as the dependence of many existing methods on predefined variant models. In this paper, we propose gSV, a general SV detector that integrates alignment-based and assembly-based approaches with the maximum exact match (MEM) strategy, with particular emphasis on resolving SVs with complex or atypical alignment signatures. Without predefined assumptions about SV types, gSV captures diverse variant signals, enabling the detection of SVs that are usually missed by conventional tools. Benchmarking using both simulated datasets and real long-read sequencing data demonstrates that gSV achieves improved sensitivity and overall detection performance compared with current state-of-the-art SV callers, particularly for simple and complex SV events with complex alignment patterns. Unique SV discoveries in four breast cancer cell lines, particularly in cancer-associated genes, demonstrate the potential biological relevance of gSV-enabled discoveries. Furthermore, analysis of a breast cancer cohort from the Chinese population highlights the utility of gSV for population-scale genomic studies. Collectively, gSV provides a unified framework for comprehensive SV discovery in both research and clinical genomics settings.

O_TEXTBOXKey PointsO_LIExisting structural variant (SV) detection tools are limited in resolving SVs with complex alignment patterns due to their reliance on predefined variant models.
C_LIO_LIgSV integrates alignment-based and assembly-based evidence using a maximum exact match (MEM) strategy, enabling capture of diverse and complex SV signals.
C_LIO_LIBenchmarking on simulated and real long-read sequencing datasets demonstrates that gSV achieves competitive performance on canonical SV classes and improved sensitivity for complex SV patterns.
C_LIO_LIApplication of gSV to breast cancer cell lines and a population-scale breast cancer cohort reveals previously unresolved SVs in cancer-associated genes, highlighting its utility in genomic and clinical studies.
C_LI

C_TEXTBOX
]]></description>
<dc:creator>HAO, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lian, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Luo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ishibashi, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.02.703663</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[gSV: a general structural variant detector using the third-generation sequencing data]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.708991v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Rigidity-Aware Geometric Pretraining for Protein Design and Conformational Ensembles 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.708991v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWGenerative models have recently advanced de novo protein design by learning the statistical regularities of natural structures. However, current approaches face three key limitations: (1) Existing methods cannot jointly learn protein geometry and design tasks, where pretraining can be a solution; (2) Current pretraining methods mostly rely on local, non-rigid atomic representations for property prediction downstream tasks, limiting global geometric understanding for protein generation tasks; and (3) Existing approaches have yet to effectively model the rich dynamic and conformational information of protein structures. To overcome these issues, we introduce RigidSSL (Rigidity-Aware Self-Supervised Learning), a geometric pretraining framework that front-loads geometry learning prior to generative finetuning. Phase I (RigidSSL-Perturb) learns geometric priors from 432K structures from the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database with simulated perturbations. Phase II (RigidSSL-MD) refines these representations on 1.3K molecular dynamics trajectories to capture physically realistic transitions. Underpinning both phases is a bi-directional, rigidity-aware flow matching objective that jointly optimizes translational and rotational dynamics to maximize mutual information between conformations. Empirically, RigidSSL variants improve designability by up to 43% while enhancing novelty and diversity in unconditional generation. Furthermore, RigidSSL-Perturb improves the success rate by 5.8% in zero-shot motif scaffolding and RigidSSL-MD captures more biophysically realistic conformational ensembles in G protein-coupled receptor modeling. The code is available on this repository.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ni, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schölkopf, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.02.708991</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Rigidity-Aware Geometric Pretraining for Protein Design and Conformational Ensembles]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.709187v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
A Resolution-Agnostic Geometric Transformer for Chromosome Modeling Using Inertial Frame 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.02.709187v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWChromosomes are the carriers of genetic information. Further understanding their 3D structure can help reveal gene-regulatory mechanisms and cellular functions. However, high-resolution 3D structures are often missing due to the high cost and inherent noise of experimental screening. A standard pipeline for reconstructing the chromosome 3D structure first applies the single-cell Hi-C high-throughput screening method to measure pairwise interactions between DNA fragments at different resolutions; then it adopts computational methods to reconstruct the 3D structures from these contacts. These include traditional numerical methods and deep learning models, which struggle with limited model expressiveness and poor generalization across resolutions. To handle this issue, we propose InertialGenome, a novel transformer-based framework for robust and resolution-agnostic chromosome reconstruction. InertialGenome first adopts the inertial frame for the pose canonicalization. Then, based on such an invariant pose, it proposes a Transformer with geometry-aware positional encoding, leveraging Nystrom estimation. To verify the effectiveness of InertialGenome, we conduct experiments on two single-cell 3D reconstruction datasets with four resolutions, reaching superior performance over all four computational baselines. Additionally, we observe that the 3D structure reconstructed by InertialGenome is more in line with the results of real experimental results on two functional verification tasks. Finally, we leverage InertialGenome for cross-resolution transfer learning, yielding up to a 5% improvement from low to high resolution. The source code is available at https://github.com/yize1203/InertialGenome.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.02.709187</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[A Resolution-Agnostic Geometric Transformer for Chromosome Modeling Using Inertial Frame]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.04.709444v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
MetaSAG: A Tool for Multi-level Exploration and Taxonomic Analysis of Microbial Single-Amplified Genomes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.04.709444v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Microbial single-amplified genome (SAG) sequencing technologies have elevated microbial research resolution to the single-cell level. However, neither upstream data processing nor downstream analysis has been fully developed, greatly limiting the research in strain level. Herein, we developed MetaSAG (Multi-level Exploration and Taxonomic Analysis of microbial Single-Amplified Genomes), which enables accurate and rapid taxonomic classification of microbial SAGs. MetaSAG outperforms existing method in species classification certainty, computational efficiency, and sensitivity of low abundance species identification. In addition, MetaSAG enables species-level functional analysis, as well as strain-level evolutionary analysis. With the help of MetaSAG, we discovered the parasitic relationship between phages and bacteria, identifying multiple susceptible bacteria and a broad spectrum of phages. Furthermore, we developed MetaK-Lytic (k-mer-based meta-learning framework to predict phage lytic ability) to achieve accurate prediction of phage lytic activity based on 31-mer short sequences, which is well adapted to the characteristics of incomplete SAG sequences. Overall, we offer a comprehensive integrated tool that can parse microbial SAG data from raw data to the strain level to decipher the functional ecology of microbial dark matter, with broad implications for microbial ecology and phage therapy (https://github.com/liangcheng-hrbmu/MetaSAG).

Significance StatementThis work provides a comprehensive framework for high-resolution SAG data analysis. The developed pipeline improves taxonomic annotation sensitivity and speed. Strain-level tracking enables dynamic evolutionary and functional insights, while single-cell bacterial-virus network reconstruction reveals precise interaction patterns. The novel annotation-free short sequence-based MetaK-Lytic facilitates functional prediction of uncharacterized phage sequences. Integrated into the MetaSAG platform, these tools deliver a streamlined, multi-level solution for interpreting SAG data, advancing studies in microbial ecology, evolution, and virology.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhang, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Du, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>He, G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Han, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.04.709444</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[MetaSAG: A Tool for Multi-level Exploration and Taxonomic Analysis of Microbial Single-Amplified Genomes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.04.709728v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Prophase Chromosomes Relocalizes to Nuclear Periphery for Protection in Depletion of Nucleoporin NPP-3/NUP205 Through the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Activity, Centromere-Kinetochore Proteins and BAF-1-LEM-2 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.04.709728v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The nuclear envelope (NE) mediates transport between nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells and protects genetic materials against cytoplasmic enzymes. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) regulate chromosome architecture, genome integrity, gene transcription, and cell division. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, depletion of NPP-3/NUP205 causes NE rupture, premature chromosome condensation, and relocalization of condensed chromosomes to the nuclear periphery, similar to responses during anoxia and quiescence. This chromosomal relocalization depends on the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), inner kinetochore proteins, and partially on the NE rupture repair proteins BAF-1 and LEM-2. NPP-3 depletion prolongs prophase and prometaphase, as mediated by SAC proteins MDF-1 and MDF-2. Additionally, NPP-3 depletion alters MDF-1 localization, removing it from NE and increasing its nuclear accumulation, while reducing import of kinetochore components such as KNL-1, BUB-1, and HCP-1. In 20-30 cell-stage embryos, MDF-1 foci are observed on peripheral chromosomes during prophase. Both MDF-1 and MDF-2 accumulate on chromosomes during prometaphase. The increased incidence of lagging chromosomes, DNA damage, and micronuclei upon NPP-3 and MDF-1 depletion, suggesting that peripheral chromosome localization may serve as a protective mechanism against DNA damage. These findings shed light into cellular responses to NE rupture, with potential implications for laminopathies and cancers involving nuclear envelope defects.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Jiang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tse, Y. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuen, K. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-06</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.04.709728</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Prophase Chromosomes Relocalizes to Nuclear Periphery for Protection in Depletion of Nucleoporin NPP-3/NUP205 Through the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Activity, Centromere-Kinetochore Proteins and BAF-1-LEM-2]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-06</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.04.709020v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Neurocognitive deficits in controlling aversive memory among insomnia disorders 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.04.709020v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BackgroundInsomnia disorder is a common sleep disturbance characterized by adverse daytime cognitive and emotional impairments, such as repetitive negative thinking and increased psychological distress. Memory control, a key self-regulatory ability to control or inhibit unwanted thoughts and memories, plays an essential role in supporting cognitive functions and emotional well-being. Here, we delineate the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying memory control among individuals with insomnia.

Methods41 participants meeting DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder and 40 healthy sleepers completed an emotional Think/No-Think task, during which participants either retrieved (Think) or suppressed the retrieval (No-Think) of aversive memories in response to memory cues while electroencephalograms were recorded.

ResultsLinear mixed model analyses with age and depression scores as covariates showed that participants with insomnia exhibited impaired memory control abilities, as evidenced by reduced suppression-induced forgetting in memory recall when compared to healthy sleepers. Electrophysiologically, healthy sleepers showed enhanced right prefrontal theta power in retrieval suppression than in retrieval, indicating elevated needs of inhibitory control during memory control. In sharp contrast, this difference was absent among those with insomnia. Notably, the greater the severity of insomnia symptoms, the smaller the retrieval vs. retrieval suppression theta power differences across participants, linking inefficient top-down control of unwanted memories with low sleep qualities.

ConclusionIndividuals with insomnia showed impaired memory control of aversive memories and aberrant electrophysiological activities during retrieval suppression. Future research shall investigate the causal relationship between memory control abilities and insomnia symptoms.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zuo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, W. Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Anderson, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S. X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.04.709020</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Neurocognitive deficits in controlling aversive memory among insomnia disorders]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.09.710684v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Synergistic Inhibition of Notch Signaling and Forced Cell Cycle Re-entry Drive Müller Glia Reprogramming in Uninjured Mouse Retina 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.09.710684v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In regenerative species, such as teleost fish, Muller glia (MG) autonomously re-enter the cell cycle after injury and give rise to functional retinal neurons. In contrast, the loss of retinal neurons in mammals is irreversible due to the limited proliferative and regenerative ability of MG. Various strategies have been developed to induce proliferation of mature mouse MG with or without injury, yet most MG daughter cells retain glial cell fate. Here, we found that MG progenies maintain high Notch signaling, which may constrain their neurogenic potential. Conditional deletion of Rbpj, the central transcriptional effector of Notch, induced limited MG-to-neuron conversion in mature MG without proliferation. However, Rbpj deletion, combined with forced MG proliferation by overexpressing cyclin D1 and suppressing p27Kip1, significantly promoted MG dedifferentiation and ectopic expression of the neuronal marker Otx2 in MG daughter cells in uninjured mouse retina. Combining Notch inhibition with MG cell cycle re-activation not only increased the numbers of bipolar- and amacrine-like cells generated from MG but also promoted the further differentiation toward ON-cone, OFF-cone, and rod-bipolar subtypes. Single-nucleus RNA and ATAC sequencing data revealed that Notch inhibition facilitated the formation of MG-derived progenitor-like cells while MG proliferation increased chromatin accessibility of neurogenic genes. Notably, most MG-derived cells survived long term despite incomplete maturation. Together, our findings delineate how Notch inhibition and MG proliferation, alone or in combination, influence the regenerative potential of MG in the mammalian retina.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Liao, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lyu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jiang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-12</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.09.710684</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Synergistic Inhibition of Notch Signaling and Forced Cell Cycle Re-entry Drive Müller Glia Reprogramming in Uninjured Mouse Retina]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-12</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.10.710782v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ubiquitination-mediated mitochondrial protein degradation ensures seedling emergence by regulating ER-mitochondrial interaction and mitophagy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.10.710782v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Seedling emergence is a pivotal step of plant survival, requiring rapid hypocotyl elongation for soil penetration. This energy-demanding process necessitates active mitochondrial respiration, which inevitably induces oxidative damage. Therefore, plants evolved a quality control mechanism that selectively removes dysfunctional mitochondria through the mitophagy pathway. Here, we identified SPL2, a mitochondrial E3 ligase which is essential for hypocotyl elongation and seedling emergence through degrading mitochondrial outer membrane proteins, such as TRB1 and FIS1A. Intriguingly, these proteins also interact with an ER protein, VAP27-1, forming a complex at the ER-mitochondria contact sites, which is essential for mitophagy initiation. The spl2 mutant exhibits enhanced ER-mitochondrial tethering and mitophagy activation, whereas its overexpression has the opposite effects. The expression of SPL2 increases after light perception, in agreement with the reduced mitophagy. Collectively, our findings reveal novel mechanistic insights into seedling emergence, which are coordinated through protein ubiquitination, ER-mitochondrial interaction, and mitophagy.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>tian, z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kang, B.-H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duckney, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.10.710782</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ubiquitination-mediated mitochondrial protein degradation ensures seedling emergence by regulating ER-mitochondrial interaction and mitophagy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.10.710898v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
STEVE: Single-cell Transcriptomics Expression Visualization and Evaluation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.10.710898v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become a key technology for characterizing cell-type heterogeneity in complex tissues. However, its utility depends on accurate and reproducible cell-type annotation, which remains a major analytical challenge. Although hundreds of computational tools have been developed for automated annotation, there is currently no systematic framework to evaluate annotation robustness in a dataset-specific manner or within the context of complete analytical pipelines. Here, we present STEVE (Single-cell Transcriptomics Expression Visualization and Evaluation), a quantitative framework designed to assess the accuracy, robustness, and reproducibility of cell-type annotation in scRNA-seq studies. STEVE implements three complementary in silico evaluation modules: (i) Subsampling Evaluation to quantify annotation stability under varying reference sizes and data partitions; (ii) Novel Cell Evaluation to assess the ability to detect previously unseen cell types; and (iii) Annotation Benchmarking to compare alternative annotation tools against ground-truth labels. In addition, STEVE includes a Reference Transfer Annotation module that enables cross-dataset cell-type mapping using external reference datasets. All modules are built upon a unified probabilistic framework that provides consistent confidence estimation across evaluation scenarios. We evaluated STEVE across four independent scRNA-seq datasets with experimentally defined or expert-curated cell-type labels. Our results show that annotation robustness is strongly influenced by the annotation method, biological separability, dataset complexity, and batch effects. STEVE provides a practical framework for quantifying annotation uncertainty and improving reproducibility in single-cell transcriptomic analyses. STEVE is freely available at GitHub (https://github.com/XiaoDongLab/STEVE).
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Torbenson, E. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ma, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, J.-R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Garry, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jameson, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Niedernhofer, L. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dong, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.10.710898</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[STEVE: Single-cell Transcriptomics Expression Visualization and Evaluation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.11.710434v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Reactivating conflicting evaluative memories during sleep reduces decision ambivalence 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.11.710434v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Memory guides everyday evaluations and decision-making. Yet people often encounter inconsistent information about the same target, giving rise to conflicting evaluative memories and decision ambivalence. Decision ambivalence is not only aversive but also reduces confidence, increases hesitation, and leads to maladaptive choices. While sleep consolidates memories, its role in resolving these evaluative conflicts and shaping decision dynamics remains unknown. Here, we investigated how memory reactivation during sleep, a critical period for memory consolidation and transformation, would reconstruct conflicting evaluative memories and thus influence next-day decision ambivalence. In a valence reversal learning procedure, participants first encoded positive or negative cue-outcome associations (A-B) on Day 1, followed by learning A-C associations yet with opposite valences on Day 2 (i.e., Day 1 negative-to-Day 2 positive and Day 1 positive-to-Day 2 negative). During subsequent non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep on Day 2 night, half of the cues were re-presented to sleeping participants to reactivate the cue-associated memories. Upon waking up, participants completed post-sleep evaluation and memory tests. Our results showed that cueing reduced decision ambivalence, especially in the negative-to-positive condition, as evidenced by less curved mouse-tracking trajectories. Meanwhile, cueing promoted the integration of conflicting evaluative memories, again in the negative-to-positive condition. Critically, cueing-induced ambivalence reduction was evident only for items that were integrated after sleep. Electrophysiologically, stronger cue-elicited delta power during NREM sleep predicted next-day ambivalence reduction, while higher cue-elicited spindle probabilities were associated with better memory integration. Together, our findings suggest that memory reactivation during post-learning NREM sleep actively reorganizes conflicting memories, providing a mechanistic pathway through which offline memory reprocessing resolves waking decision ambivalence.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xia, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zuo, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, C. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.11.710434</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Reactivating conflicting evaluative memories during sleep reduces decision ambivalence]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.12.711228v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CAPZ, but not canonical autophagy, regulates the endosomal-exosomal trafficking of plasma membrane PD-L1 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.12.711228v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) undergoes continuous endocytosis and intracellular trafficking that regulate its degradation, recycling, and exosomal release. Although PD-L1 internalization is known to depend on RAB5-mediated endocytosis, whether canonical autophagy contributes to its subsequent endosomal trafficking remains unclear. Here we show that the endosomal and exosomal trafficking of cell surface PD-L1 occurs independently of the canonical autophagy machinery. Genetic disruption of core autophagy components, including LC3B, ATG4B, ATG5, and ATG7, did not impair trafficking of internalized PD-L1 to early endosomes, multivesicular bodies, late endosomes, or extracellular vesicles. Pharmacologic inhibition of autophagosome-lysosome fusion enhanced accumulation of PD-L1 within RAB5-and CD63-positive compartments, but this effect persisted in cells lacking LC3B, ATG5, or ATG7, indicating that PD-L1 trafficking through the endosomal-exosomal pathway does not require canonical autophagy. Instead, we identify the actin-capping protein CAPZ as a key regulator of an endosomal maturation checkpoint that controls PD-L1 sorting. Loss of CAPZ impaired progression of PD-L1 from early to late endosomal compartments, reduced PD-L1 incorporation into multivesicular bodies and extracellular vesicles, and redirected PD-L1 toward RAB11-dependent recycling, resulting in increased plasma membrane PD-L1 abundance. These findings establish that PD-L1 membrane fate is determined by CAPZ-dependent endosomal maturation rather than canonical autophagy and identify endosomal trafficking machinery as a critical regulator of immune checkpoint distribution.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lin, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, C.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peng, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yue, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.12.711228</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CAPZ, but not canonical autophagy, regulates the endosomal-exosomal trafficking of plasma membrane PD-L1]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.13.711488v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Single cell multiomics reveal clonal and functional dynamics of MDS stem/progenitor cells during hypomethylating therapy 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.13.711488v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Progressive somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) drive the development of myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). Hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine (AZA) can improve blood counts and reduce blasts, although responses are rarely durable. Determinants of AZA response are complex and incompletely understood, although accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic rewiring of mutated HSCs underlies improved hematopoietic output. Using single cell multiomics on longitudinal bone marrow samples, we show that AZA responsiveness involves expansion of cells with transcriptomic profiles shared with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from healthy donors. These regenerating cells are depleted of copy number variations and of TP53 mutations. We also identify patient-restricted cell populations, some of which recede through transcriptional restoration or AZA cytotoxicity, and others which expand, regardless of initial clinical response, and dominate at progression. Individual patients carried multiple patient-restricted populations which had unique surface immunophenotypes and were genetically distinct. Strikingly, sorted cells from in vivo progression clones that were AZA-refractive in patients regained AZA-sensitivity when cultured in vitro, suggesting that lack of AZA response at the cellular level can be modulated by cell-extrinsic factors in vivo. Overall, we find that AZA response involves partial hematopoietic regeneration via functional differentiation of mutated, but not cytogenetically abnormal HSPCs, and that persistence of AZA-refractive sub-populations contributes to eventual disease progression.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Thoms, J. A. I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hampton, H. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Boon, P. L. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stonehouse, O.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zou, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chung, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Koch, F. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yan, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Joshi, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, M. N. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wright, D. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vafaee, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Polizzotto, M. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Swarbrick, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jolly, C. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zanini, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pimanda, J. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.13.711488</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Single cell multiomics reveal clonal and functional dynamics of MDS stem/progenitor cells during hypomethylating therapy]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.13.711537v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Ancient metapopulations and extreme sex-biased demography revealed by ABC inference and X-Chromosome diversity in Indo-Pacific reef sharks 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.13.711537v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Reconstructing demographic histories in marine species is challenged by extensive geographic distributions, dispersal barriers, high site fidelity, and sex-biased movement. The grey reef shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos exemplifies these difficulties: despite limited long-distance dispersal, its Indo-Pacific range spans major oceanographic barriers, leading to competing hypotheses of continuous isolation-by-distance versus hierarchical metapopulation structure. We test these alternatives with a new Approximate Bayesian Computation framework and integrate sex chromosome diversity and differentiation analyses. We find strong support for two ancient, deeply separated Indo-Pacific metapopulations that only recently experienced limited secondary contact. X-chromosome diversity shows extreme reductions relative to autosomes (Q{pi}{approx} 0.18-0.30 in the central/western Indian Ocean and 0.37-0.46 elsewhere), and QFST estimates far below neutral expectations of 0.75. This signature is markedly stronger than in some other carcharhinids and consistent with a reduced effective size of the X chromosome under strong sex-biased dispersal, likely amplified during sequential colonisation events during the last range expansion. Combined evidence of ancient divergence, reduced genetic diversity and extreme depletion of X chromosome diversity supports designating the Western and Central Indian Ocean populations as Evolutionary Significant Units. Our results demonstrate how integrating simulation-based inference with chromosome-specific diversity resolves complex metapopulation histories and reveal how sex-biased dispersal shapes genomic diversity across evolutionary timescales.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Dahms, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Momigliano, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-13</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.13.711537</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Ancient metapopulations and extreme sex-biased demography revealed by ABC inference and X-Chromosome diversity in Indo-Pacific reef sharks]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-13</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.16.711963v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
TRIM21 is a molecular rheostat for influenza A virus replication 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.16.711963v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
TRIM21 is a multifunctional E3 ubiquitin ligase and intracellular antibody receptor, yet its role during viral infection remains unclear, with reports describing both antiviral and proviral activities. Here, we show that TRIM21 regulates influenza infection in an expression-dependent manner by functioning as a molecular rheostat rather than a binary restriction factor. This graded activity of TRIM21, which leads to both suppression and promotion of influenza replication, couples linkage-specific ubiquitination of viral nucleoprotein with modulation of innate immune signaling. Additionally, loss of TRIM21 unmasks a compensatory antiviral program centered on PRKDC, which is a ubiquitination target of TRIM21. This positions PRKDC as a latent restriction factor selectively engaged when primary TRIM21 control is lost. Together, these findings reveal a hierarchical and plastic antiviral network in which TRIM21 sets an adjustable threshold for host defense while restraining secondary restriction pathways. This framework highlights the sophisticated layers of regulation of the host ubiquitin-mediated antiviral immunity.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pholcharee, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramadin, V.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mao, K. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, J. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rivera-Cardona, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huan, Y. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shao, E. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tun, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>brooke, c.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Radoshevich, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sanyal, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.16.711963</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[TRIM21 is a molecular rheostat for influenza A virus replication]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712426v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Quinone reductase 2 reads H3 serotonylation to support neuronal maturation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712426v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Histone H3 Gln5 serotonylation (H3Q5ser) is a recently described posttranslational modification1 that plays important roles in guiding transcriptional permissiveness in brain and peripheral systems2-5. H3Q5ser has been implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes ranging from neural differentiation1 to sensory processing6, circadian rhythmicity7, stress responsivity8, placental gene regulation9, and tumorigenesis10-19. Since H3Q5ser can occur in combination with H3 Lys4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), most mechanistic studies to date have focused on H3Q5sers roles in modulating H3K4me3 reader interactions, where it has been shown to potentiate TAF3/TFIID binding to H3K4me31,20,21 and inhibit the recruitment of K4me3 demethylases21; however, whether H3 serotonylation functions as an autonomous chromatin signaling mark through dedicated reader proteins has remained unknown. Here, using a combination of proteomic-, structural-, molecular-, epigenomic-, and cellular-based approaches, we demonstrate that the Quinone reductase 2 (QR2) enzyme reads H3Q5ser independently of H3K4me3. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of H3 serotonylation or QR2s binding to the mark in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons impairs the establishment of neuronal transcriptional programs, alters synaptic connectivity, and disrupts electrophysiological maturation. These findings thus uncover an H3 serotonylation-dependent chromatin signaling axis that is essential for human neurodevelopment.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Chen, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kong, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Weekley, B. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>O'Chan, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Vinson, D. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cetin, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramakrishnan, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zeng, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cappuccio, K. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sokol, J. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Baljinnyam, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hu, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rosenblum, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Molina, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>David, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Marro, S. G.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Muir, T. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X. D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Maze, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.17.712426</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Quinone reductase 2 reads H3 serotonylation to support neuronal maturation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712495v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Spatio-temporal mapping of immune cell dynamics during human sequential lymph node metastasis 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712495v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Regional lymph node (LN) metastasis critically influences distant metastatic progression, anti-tumour immunity, and patient prognosis. While tumour-induced immune modulation in tumour-draining LNs (TDLNs) has been extensively studied using murine models, the systematic reconstruction of the immune system from primary tumours through TDLNs and subsequent lymph nodes in human cancer progression remains understudied. Here, we utilised integrated multi-omics approaches, including imaging mass cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, Visium and Xenium spatial transcriptomics, and multi-colour immunofluorescence to systematically characterise immune cell dynamics across 147 paired primary tumours, sentinel TDLNs (S-TDLNs), and secondary axillary LNs (ALNs) obtained from 50 treatment-naive triple-negative breast cancer patients with different progression statuses. Our comprehensive profiling revealed critical immune alterations, such as decreased type-2 conventional dendritic cells (cDC2), naive T cells, and B cells, along with an increase in immunosuppressive macrophages. Developing a novel single-cell transformer model, we identified substantial alterations in various immune cell populations, notably MARCO+ macrophages, which strongly correlated with breast cancer patient survival outcomes. Spatial analysis combined with our newly integrated cell-cell interaction platform revealed diminished immune cell communication and impaired priming interactions among dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells within metastatic lymph nodes and primary tumour sites. In an independent neoadjuvant immunotherapy cohort of 36 TNBC patients with 52 lymph node samples, we found preservation of CD1c cDC2 in lymph nodes predicted pathological complete response and longer event-free survival, highlighting cDC2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Collectively, this systematic mapping of immune landscape alterations during human sequential LN metastasis provides essential insights for understanding cancer metastasis mechanisms and paves the way for innovative immunotherapeutic strategies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shi, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, C. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ling, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gao, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Sun, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qian, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cong, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ni, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mahata, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiu, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-19</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.17.712495</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Spatio-temporal mapping of immune cell dynamics during human sequential lymph node metastasis]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-19</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712527v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
RNAGAN: Train One and Get Four, Multipurpose Human RNA-Seq Analysis Tool with Enhanced Interpretability and Small Data Size Capability 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.17.712527v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought revolutionary tools for biomedical transcriptomic (RNA-level) research. However, there are persistent constraints including limited interpretations with biomedical concepts such as functional pathways, small sample sizes and substantial time and computing power requirements for AI training.

To overcome these limitations, we developed RNAGAN (https://github.com/ZhaozhengHou-HKU/RNAGAN-1.0.git), an AI tool with a generative adversarial network (GAN) structure with the objective of enhancing transcriptomic analysis. The network was established based on public human datasets comprising 4.6 million single cells from multiple organs and 5,900 sequenced samples of various cancer types with normal references. A specialized pathway neural layer was embedded to extract activities of predefined pathways from the Human Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB), or newly learned pathways from single-cell data.

The structure of RNAGAN (generator and discriminator) enables four applications after one shared training procedure: 1. single-cell and bulk-level patient stratification or differential diagnosis; 2. analysis of the gene and pathway markers in a selected disease; 3. pseudo data generation when sample size is limited for downstream analysis; 4. vectorization with gene and pathway-level features learned from multiple data sets. RNGAN contributes to the efficient utilization of limited data for transcriptomic studies.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>HOU, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, V. H.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwong, D. L.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dai, W.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.17.712527</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[RNAGAN: Train One and Get Four, Multipurpose Human RNA-Seq Analysis Tool with Enhanced Interpretability and Small Data Size Capability]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.18.712561v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Enhancing non-local interaction modeling for ab initio biomolecular calculations and simulations with ViSNet-PIMA 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.18.712561v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
AI-based molecular dynamics simulation brings ab initio calculations to biomolecules in an efficient way, in which the machine learning force field (MLFF) locates at the central position by accurately predicting the molecular energies and forces. Most existing MLFFs assume localized interatomic interactions, limiting their ability to accurately model non-local interactions, which are crucial in biomolecular dynamics. In this study, we introduce ViSNet-PIMA, which efficiently learns non-local interactions by physics-informed multipole aggregator (PIMA) and accurately encodes molecular geometric information. ViSNet-PIMA outperforms all state-of-the-art MLFFs for energy and force predictions of different kinds of biomolecules and various conformations on MD22 and AIMD-Chig datasets, while adapting the PIMA blocks into other MLFFs further achieves 55.1% performance gains, demonstrating the superiority of ViSNet-PIMA and the universality of the model design. Furthermore, we propose AI2BMD-PIMA to incorporate ViSNet-PIMA into AI2BMD simulation program by introducing "Transfer Learning-Pretraining-Finetuning" scheme and replacing molecular mechanics-based non-local calculations among protein fragments with ViSNet-PIMA, which reduces AI2BMDs energy and force calculation errors by more than 50% for different protein conformations and protein folding and unfolding processes. ViSNet-PIMA advances ab initio calculation for the entire biomolecules, amplifying the application values of AI-based molecular dynamics simulations and property calculations in biochemical research.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Cui, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.18.712561</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Enhancing non-local interaction modeling for ab initio biomolecular calculations and simulations with ViSNet-PIMA]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.18.712813v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Recombination rate and efficiency of linked selection in small and large stickleback populations 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.18.712813v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Population genetic theory predicts that natural selection will be more efficient in large than small populations because genetic drift reduces the efficiency of selection in small populations. Small populations adapting to new environments can also be expected to evolve higher recombination rates to facilitate adaptation as well as to dissociate and purge harmful mutations. We tested these hypotheses (1) by investigating differences in the strength of association between nucleotide diversity ({pi}) and recombination rate across the genomes of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) from four small freshwater (mean Ne {approx} 2 578) and four large marine (mean Ne = 86 742) populations, as well as (2) by comparing recombination rates between small and large populations using population specific linkage maps. We found the predicted positive correlation of{pi} with recombination rate from all but the smallest freshwater populations, suggesting prevalent linked selection even after accounting for variation in GC/CpG content, and gene density. Mean recombination rates did not differ between freshwater and marine populations, except that the smallest Ne freshwater population exhibited significantly elevated recombination rate. GWAS analyses suggested a polygenic basis for recombination rates. These results suggest an important role for linked selection in reducing{pi} in low recombination regions especially in large populations. Moreover, as predicted by theory, at least one of the small freshwater populations appears to have evolved a higher recombination rate than its marine ancestors.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Reid, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Merila, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-20</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.18.712813</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Recombination rate and efficiency of linked selection in small and large stickleback populations]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-20</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.19.710321v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Defining influenza-specific B cells in vaccine responders, non-responders and influenza breakthrough infections 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.19.710321v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Although seasonal influenza vaccination programs are effective at a population level, our data from inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) cohorts in years 2015-2022 reveal that 50-60% of individuals do not seroconvert following immunization. The underlying mechanisms of vaccine non-responsiveness are far from understood. In this study, we sought to define key determinants of optimal B cell immune responses elicited by seasonal influenza vaccination, and to explore why some individuals fail to elicit humoral immunity following immunization. Immune responses associated with seroconversion and vaccine failure from individuals immunized with IIVs were compared at cellular and molecular levels using single-cell transcriptomics. We analyzed HA-specific B cell immunity across vaccine-responders, breakthrough infections and patients hospitalized with acute influenza. Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing and VDJ-sequencing of influenza-specific B cells from stored PBMCs was performed using 10x Genomics. Our results show that atypical B cells are the major subset of B cell responses in vaccine non-responders on day 28 post-vaccination. Conversely, individuals who seroconvert had diverse B cell phenotypes. The use of recombinant influenza-specific HA probes allowed us to dissect expression patterns on influenza HA-specific B cells. We found that HA-specific B cells of vaccine non-responders for A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 components displayed elevated atypical-like markers (CD11c, FcRL-5) at baseline, compared to responders. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between responders and non-responders identified differential expression of HLA-DR, CD74, CD83, and CXCR3 genes. We subsequently demonstrated reduced frequencies of HLA-DR-, CD74- and CD83-expressing B cells in patients hospitalized with influenza, compared to healthy participants. Hospitalized influenza patients also had significantly higher proportions of atypical CD21-CD27- B cells. Overall, our data demonstrate an association between elevated frequencies of atypical-like B cells with both lack of seroconversion following immunization and severe influenza infection. These findings broaden our understanding of humoral immunity in influenza vaccination and infection, providing novel insights for vaccination strategies and design.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Kedzierska, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kedzierski, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Holloway, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Habel, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Rowntree, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>McQuilten, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>James, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Murdiyarso, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tarasova, I.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Leung, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kent, S. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Peiris, J. S. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tong, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, A. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kotsimbos, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Trubiano, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Schroeder, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wheatley, A. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cowling, B. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Valkenburg, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nguyen, T. H. O.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-22</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.19.710321</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Defining influenza-specific B cells in vaccine responders, non-responders and influenza breakthrough infections]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-22</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.22.713448v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) forms protein-free and responsive condensates in crowded environments 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.22.713448v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) is found to form biomolecular condensates with proteins. However, without complementary proteins, the small size and high charge density of ATP molecules create substantial electrostatic and entropic barriers that prevent them from forming condensates. Here, we find that macromolecular crowding overcomes these energetic barriers, promoting ATP molecules to self-associate and form protein-free liquid-like condensates through screened electrostatic repulsion and enhanced hydrogen bonding. Importantly, ATP condensates are responsive to multiple stimuli and create distinct microenvironments that selectively enrich various guest molecules and protect ribonucleic acids from DNAzyme cleavage. These findings uncover important roles of ATP in forming dynamic, chemically distinct condensates via homotypic interactions, potentially expanding its classical view beyond a canonical energy carrier to a structural and regulatory architect in cellular physiology and prebiotic chemistry.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dang Kow, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shum, H. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-24</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.22.713448</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) forms protein-free and responsive condensates in crowded environments]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-24</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.20.713312v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Somatic evolution of a cross-reactive germline antibody that expands its breadth to neutralize new SARS-CoV-2 variants 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.20.713312v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Rapid antigenic drift of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) underlies immune escape and continues to challenge the durability of antibody-mediated protection. Among the major classes of RBD-directed antibodies, germline-encoded IGHV3-53 responses are highly potent against early SARS-CoV-2 variants but are generally compromised by Omicron-associated mutations. Here, we identify an intrinsically cross-reactive IGHV3-53 germline antibody that recognizes multiple pre-Omicron variants, including SARS-CoV-2 wild-type, Alpha, and Delta. Notably, we demonstrate that targeted somatic evolution can further expand this breadth to overcome the immune escape of different Omicron variants. Guided by integrated structural and sequence analyses, we introduce four somatic mutations (G26E, T28I, S53P, and Y58F) into the germline antibody, resulting in markedly enhanced binding and neutralization of Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5. High-resolution crystal structures reveal that these mutations re-establish critical interactions disrupted by substitutions on Omicron RBD and optimize affinity at a remodeled epitope interface. Collectively, our findings delineate a structural and mechanistic pathway through which an inherently cross-reactive germline antibody lineage can be adaptively refined to counter highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants. This work highlights the underappreciated breadth encoded within the naive B-cell repertoire and provides a conceptual framework for engineering and eliciting antibody responses resilient to future antigenic drift.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lv, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Feng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Teo, Q. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chen, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gopal, A. B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Choi, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, T. J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siu, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Nourmohammad, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bruzzone, R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wilson, I. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, N. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mok, C. K.-P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.20.713312</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Somatic evolution of a cross-reactive germline antibody that expands its breadth to neutralize new SARS-CoV-2 variants]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.22.713386v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
EvoRMD: Integrating Biological Context and Evolutionary RNA Language Models for Interpretable Prediction of RNA Modifications 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.22.713386v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
RNA modifications are essential regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression, influencing RNA stability, localization, translation, and degradation. Determining the specific modification at a given nucleotide is therefore critical for understanding its regulatory role. Most computational approaches treat each modification type as an independent binary task. This strategy provides a macro-level statistical perspective, but it does not reflect that, under a defined biochemical or cellular condition, only one modification type can occur at a specific site. Current mapping assays also report a single observed modification per site, leaving all other types unlabeled rather than truly negative. These properties motivate a framework that can reason over competing modification types. We introduce EvoRMD, a unified model for biologically contextualized and interpretable prediction of RNA modification types. EvoRMD integrates contextual sequence embeddings from a large-scale RNA language model with structured biological metadata--including species, organ, cell type, and subcellular localization. A lightweight attention mechanism highlights informative sequence positions. A shared multi-class classifier then generates a context-conditioned plausibility distribution over eleven modification types (Am, Cm, Um, Gm, D, pseudouridine, m1A, m5C, m5U, m6A, m7G), consistent with the single-positive, multiple-unlabeled nature of existing datasets. Although trained in a multi-class setting, EvoRMD also produces calibrated multi-label predictions through sigmoid-transformed logits, enabling direct comparison with existing single-modification and multi-label methods. EvoRMD achieves strong predictive performance and offers interpretable insights through attention profiles and motif analyses. Together, these components establish a biologically grounded framework for identifying and prioritizing RNA modification types from sequence and context.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cui, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Song, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.22.713386</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[EvoRMD: Integrating Biological Context and Evolutionary RNA Language Models for Interpretable Prediction of RNA Modifications]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.23.713624v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Starvation-induced autophagy occurs independently of the ATG1 complex in Chlamydomonas 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.23.713624v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The survival of eukaryotes during starvation depends on effective nutrient recycling via autophagy. Accordingly, loss of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins, including the nutrient-sensing ATG1 kinase complex, typically results in reduced fitness or lethality under nutrient limitation. The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii provides a tractable model for autophagy studies, as its ATG repertoire is encoded by single-copy genes. Here, we generated a comprehensive library of ATG deletion mutants and examined their growth and autophagy during starvation. Surprisingly, starvation-induced autophagy occurred in the absence of ATG1 complex components (ATG1, ATG11, ATG13, and ATG101), revealing ATG1-independent autophagy and challenging the canonical model for autophagy initiation.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Zou, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Stael, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Moschou, P. N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhuang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Minina, A. E. A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bozhkov, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-25</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.23.713624</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Starvation-induced autophagy occurs independently of the ATG1 complex in Chlamydomonas]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-25</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.27.714742v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Study comparing characteristics of ademetionine-containing tablets from different countries 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.27.714742v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background/ObjectivesThe quality and characteristics of approved medicines can vary substantially depending on manufacturing processes and standards within a given country. The aim of the study was to compare the available marketed brands of ademetionine tablets derived from various countries in order to identify potential differences between the different formulations.

MethodsWe performed comprehensive analyses of the physical, chemical, and dissolution characteristics of different formulations of ademetionine tablets marketed in China, India, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, using the originator formulation of Heptral(R) as the reference standard. The formulations were evaluated at initial analysis and after 3 months at 40{degrees}C/75% relative humidity. Clinical parameters such as ademetionine content, degradation products, S,S-isomer, and water content were assessed using HPLC, and a dissolution profile analysis performed in 2 hours of acid solution followed by 90 minutes in a buffer solution.

ResultsThe Nusam (India) and Ximeixin (China) products were the two products most comparable to the Heptral products. Adenomak (Ukraine), the only food-grade product and only one with the tosylate salt showed the most significant quality variations compared to Heptral including dissolution failure as well as considerable variability between batches.

ConclusionsThe study highlights the importance of using pharmaceutical-grade ademetionine products to maintain clinical efficacy and ensuring standards are maintained across global markets.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Mato, J. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wong, G. L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gooijer, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Safaei, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-30</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.27.714742</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Study comparing characteristics of ademetionine-containing tablets from different countries]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-30</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.28.714077v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Natural and breeding selection converge on overlapping haplotypes with divergent directions and outcomes in wheat 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.28.714077v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Understanding how natural and breeding selection interact to shape crop genomes is essential for improving resilience under climate change. Here, we applied a k-mer-based, alignment-free haplotype assignment approach to whole-genome resequencing data from 827 wheat landraces representing seven geographic groups and 208 modern cultivars. We identified haplotypes associated with local adaptation that were enriched in specific agroecological regions, many of which were derived from wild-relative introgressions. Comparative analyses revealed that natural and breeding selection largely targeted overlapping haplotype sets, but often drove them in opposite directions. Notably, haplotypes conferring adaptive advantages were frequently associated with negative regulation of agronomic traits, explaining their reduced prevalence among breeding-selected haplotypes. These results reveal the genomic basis of trade-offs between environmental adaptation and productivity and offer a framework for exploiting adaptive diversity in wheat improvement.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Quiroz-Chavez, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ramirez Gonzalez, R. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiong, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xu, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Przewieslik Allen, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Adamski, N.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Uauy, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.28.714077</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Natural and breeding selection converge on overlapping haplotypes with divergent directions and outcomes in wheat]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.28.714966v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Using Light to Establish Habits in Laboratory Mice 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.28.714966v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Background and aimsPerseverative behaviours are commonly assessed using operant paradigms in which rodents work for drugs or food under physiological deprivation, limiting translational relevance to some behavioural addictions. Here we validated an operant paradigm in which the acquired behaviour is driven neither by physiological needs nor hedonic responses.

MethodsMice were trained to lever-press for green light. Exp.1 used a within-subjects design to examine lever discrimination and whether responding could be "satiated" by light preexposure. Exp.2 examined instrumental contingency using a between-subjects design, with light delivery equated between contingent and non-contingent groups. Exp.3 replaced green light with dim red light producing less retinal photoreceptor excitation but comparable heat to assess non-photic cues. Exp.4 examined whether green light could affect food seeking different motivational states.

ResultsIn Exp.1, green light supported lever discrimination. Among high responders, the satiation effect was modest (<15% reduction) and did not deter lever pressing. In Exp.2, instrumental contingency promoted response acquisition whereas random light delivery did not. In Exp.3, dim red light failed to sustain behaviour, producing [~]50% response decrement. In Exp.4, light potentiated food seeking under ad libitum feeding.

Discussion and conclusionsResponse-contingent light serves as a reward to establish operant responding, which cannot be explained by alerting effects or thermal cues. Our study bridges the gap between animal models and findings from humans that coloured light may exacerbate smartphone use and that light therapy may reshape reward circuits in individuals with Internet gaming disorder symptoms [Li et al. (2026) Advanced Science 13:e14044].
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Tam, S. K. E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xiao, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cheng, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, S. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Becker, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-03-31</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.28.714966</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Using Light to Establish Habits in Laboratory Mice]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-03-31</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.30.715426v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Increased diffusion in livers with advanced fibrosis: pre-clinical and clinical observations with diffusion MRI 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.30.715426v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite the increased water content in fibrotic livers, numerous studies reported a decrease in ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) in liver fibrosis. We argue that the ADC decrease in fibrotic livers is due to the  T2 shine-through of ADC, as the longer T2 in liver fibrosis leads to less signal decay between the low and high b-value images. The metric slow diffusion coefficient (SDC) was proposed to mitigate the difficulties associated with this  T2 shine-through of ADC. This study calculated ADC and SDC of one rat study with liver fibrosis induced by biliary duct ligation (BDL), and three sets of human liver fibrosis data. To tease out the menopausal effect on SDC, only the results of mens livers were analysed for the human datasets. The rat study showed, liver ADC decreased stepwise (in weeks after BDL procedure) following fibrosis induction, SDC increased stepwise. In human studies, all three datasets consistently showed advanced fibrosis had an ADC lower than that of earlier stage fibrosis; advanced fibrosis had a SDC higher than that of earlier stage fibrosis. When each liver SDC datum was normalized by the mean value of the controls without fibrosis, and the three human datasets were summed together, stage-1 liver fibrosis had a normalized SDC value lower than that of the controls, and there was a stepwise increase of SDC value from stage-1 liver fibrosis to stage-4 liver fibrosis. It is known that liver fibrosis is associated with lower perfusion, higher iron/susceptibility, and higher water content, and these three factors all contribute to the lower ADC measure. Higher iron/susceptibility lowers SDC measure, whereas higher water content elevates SDC measure. It is likely that for early-stage fibrosis, the net effect of susceptibility and water leads to a lower SDC, while for advanced fibrosis, the net effect leads to a higher SDC.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, F.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, Y.-X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-01</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.03.30.715426</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Increased diffusion in livers with advanced fibrosis: pre-clinical and clinical observations with diffusion MRI]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-01</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.03.716270v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
nELAVL phosphorylation by CDKL5 regulates inter-condensates composition and communication to promote experience-dependent maturation of the visual cortex 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.03.716270v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Mutations in Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 (CDKL5) cause CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), an X-linked neurodevelopmental condition. Through a phosphoproteomic screen, we identified the neuron-specific nELAVL family of RNA-binding proteins as direct activity-dependent substrates of CDKL5. In support of this regulatory axis, single-nuclei transcriptomics of Cdkl5 knockout (KO) cortices revealed an enriched reduction in activity-dependent mRNAs. Mechanistically, we show that nELAVL proteins undergo phase separation to form biomolecular condensates, the size of which is gated by CDKL5 phosphorylation. Loss of CDKL5 leads to enlarged nELAVL condensates, which exhibit reduced binding affinity for the target mRNA Fos, resulting in its accelerated degradation. This disruption extends to inter-condensate communication: phosphodeficient nELAVL show diminished interaction with P-bodies, which themselves become enlarged in CDD mutant iNeurons. Functionally, the absence of nELAVL phosphorylation recapitulates the deficits in experience-dependent visual function observed in Cdkl5 KO mice. Our findings establish a critical molecular mechanism by which CDKL5-mediated phosphorylation governs mRNA metabolism by tuning the properties of nELAVL condensates and their communication with other biomolecular condensates, ultimately promoting experience-dependent maturation of the visual cortex.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Yuan, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zheng, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yip, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chan, M. S. W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chai, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Jenks, K. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsimring, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Heller, G. R.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zepeda, J. C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Celotto, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hung, H. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Duan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lau, S.-F.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ho, C. W. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsang, H. W. S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fu, A. K. Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lai, H. M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Kwok, A. J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ko, H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Gu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ng, B. W.-L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liao, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Fung, S. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Cao, Q.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tsui, S. K.-W.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ku, T.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tan, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Colarusso, A.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lasker, K.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhu, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ip, J. P. K.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-04</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.04.03.716270</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[nELAVL phosphorylation by CDKL5 regulates inter-condensates composition and communication to promote experience-dependent maturation of the visual cortex]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-04</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.01.714123v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
CellBench-LS: Benchmark Evaluation of Single-cell Foundation Models for Low-supervision Scenarios 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.01.714123v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
While single-cell foundation models (SCFMs) have shown promise across various downstream tasks, their generalization performance in label-scarce settings remains a critical bottleneck. The absence of systematic benchmarks for these low-resource scenarios hinders their translation to realworld biomedical research. To bridge this gap, we present CellBench-LS, a comprehensive framework designed to rigorously evaluate SCFMs generalization under low-supervision conditions. This framework employ a stratified evaluation protocol to systematically compare traditional methods and foundation models. We evaluate their zero-shot representational abilities on cell clustering and batch correction tasks, and apply lightweight fine-tuning of task-specific heads for predictive tasks, such as celltype annotation, expression reconstruction, and perturbation prediction. Experimental results demonstrate a biologically stratified landscape, with foundation models showing distinct advantages in tasks critically reliant on celltype recognition, while traditional methods remain competitive in those requiring precise quantification of gene expression patterns. CellBench-LS provides critical guidance for developing more biologically grounded and generalizable computational approaches in single-cell analysis.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Xu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yuan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yu, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-05</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.04.01.714123</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[CellBench-LS: Benchmark Evaluation of Single-cell Foundation Models for Low-supervision Scenarios]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-05</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.05.716538v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Breast cancer interactions with osteoclasts generate osteoclast tumor hybrid like cells through dynamic non-canonical cell fusion and cell-in-cell processes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.05.716538v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Macrophages/osteoclasts are highly fusogenic cells that interact closely with bone-metastatic breast cancer cells. These cancer cells adapt to bone microenvironments by undergoing osteomimicry, acquiring bone-like phenotypes. Exploration using human breast cancer-bone metastases dataset revealed that a small population of epithelial breast cancer cells express osteoclast-like and osteomimicry genes at the single-cell level. Cell fusion and cell-in-cell (CIC) processes are two uncommon yet prognostically significant mechanisms in cancer. We showed that co-culture between murine breast cancer cells and osteoclasts yielded a unique osteoclast phenotype through dynamic cell-in-cell (CIC) interactions and fusion-like behaviours between pre-osteoclasts/mature osteoclasts and breast tumor cells, resulting in osteoclast-tumor hybrid-like cells. These tumor cell interactions characterized by membrane retention and nuclear adjacency to host nuclei were consistently observed throughout osteoclast differentiation. Single-cell sequencing analysis and interpretative assays on hybrid-like cells revealed altered extracellular matrix (ECM) modification processes, immunoregulatory, and cancer-associated pathways compared to unfused osteoclasts. Tumor cells co-cultured with osteoclasts expressed hematopoietic and osteoclast-lineage factors more strongly than tumor cells cultured alone with their effects amplified under direct cell-cell contact. The presence of these hybrid-like cells was validated in human breast cancer-bone metastases. We propose that disseminated bone-tropic breast cancer cells were stimulated by osteoclasts to undergo a non-canonical, dynamic osteoclast differentiation and CIC formation to form hybrid-like cells that may facilitate bone metastatic lesions.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lim, K. H.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Siriwanna, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Dotse, E.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Mun, C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Li, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chow, K. T.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-07</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.04.05.716538</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Breast cancer interactions with osteoclasts generate osteoclast tumor hybrid like cells through dynamic non-canonical cell fusion and cell-in-cell processes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-07</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.05.716581v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Geometry-enhanced protein language modeling enables discovery of novel antibiotic resistance genes 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.05.716581v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The global antibiotic resistome remains largely unexplored, not because antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are rare in the environment, but because many are evolutionarily distant from known ARGs. Current computational approaches primarily rely on sequence homology, and thus miss distant homologues. We develop GeoARG, a geometry-enhanced framework that integrates structural features with protein language models through knowledge distillation, enabling efficient large-scale screening using sequence input alone. Across multiple benchmarks, GeoARG substantially improves the detection of remotely homologous ARGs, particularly under low sequence identity and fragmented conditions. Large-scale metagenomic analysis uncovers 1,485 high-confidence ARG candidates that are highly divergent from known ARGs, expanding the phylogenetic and functional landscape of the resistome. Structural analyses further show that these candidates preserve active-site geometry and maintain stable ligand-binding configurations consistent with known resistance mechanisms. These results demonstrate that geometric constraints enable systematic expansion of the resistome and facilitate the discovery of evolutionarily distant yet functionally conserved genes. A public web server is available at https://ycclab.cuhk.edu.cn/GeoARG/.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Lin, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guan, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Hong, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Guo, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Xie, P.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhao, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Huang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Ye, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Lee, T.-Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Chiang, Y.-C.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wei, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pan, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Tang, J.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Pei, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Yao, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-08</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.04.05.716581</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Geometry-enhanced protein language modeling enables discovery of novel antibiotic resistance genes]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-08</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.16.718970v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
Hippocampal and Midbrain Function in Superagers Relates to Memory for Novelty and Expectation Violation 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.16.718970v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Memory performance typically declines with age, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Superagers, people over 80 years of age with episodic memory performance comparable to individuals 30 years younger, appear to resist this decline. Novelty and expectation violations are known to engage the hippocampus-midbrain system to enhance memory formation. Here, we examined whether superagers' superior memory performance is supported by preserved hippocampal-midbrain function during novelty and expectation processing. We manipulated item and contextual novelty (i.e., expectation violations) during encoding to test whether superagers show greater mnemonic benefits than their age-matched peers, whether these benefits reflect enhanced hippocampal and midbrain functioning as measured by fMRI, and whether they are associated with preserved dopaminergic integrity measured with neuromelanin-sensitive MRI. Our results show that, although superagers demonstrated overall superior memory performance, both groups exhibited superior recognition of contextually unexpected items. Nevertheless, differences emerged in the processing of expectation during encoding. Superagers exhibited stronger hippocampal responses to expectation violations and habituation to expected events, irrespective of item novelty. Conversely, typical older adults exhibited reduced midbrain response when expected novelty was absent. Neuromelanin accumulation did not account for group differences in midbrain activity or memory performance. Taken together, these findings suggest superagers benefit from adaptive responses to expectation and its violation, which is therefore a candidate mechanism distinguishing exceptional from typical cognitive ageing.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Garcia Huescar, M.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Zhang, L.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Strange, B.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Frank, D.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-17</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.04.16.718970</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[Hippocampal and Midbrain Function in Superagers Relates to Memory for Novelty and Expectation Violation]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-17</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
<item rdf:about="https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.15.718654v1?rss=1">
<title>
<![CDATA[
LagCI Enables Inference of Temporal Causal Relationships from Dense Multi-Omic Time Series 
]]>
</title>
<link>https://biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.15.718654v1?rss=1</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Inferring causal relationships from time-series data is critical for uncovering the dynamics of biological regulation. However, in multi-omics studies, this task is often hampered by sparse temporal sampling and the limitations of existing methods. To address this, we developed Lagged-Correlation Based Causal Inference (lagCI), a computational framework designed to identify time-lagged associations by combining comprehensive lag-correlation profiling with a robust statistical filtering scheme. Rather than relying on simple cross-correlation, lagCI analyzes the entire correlation profile and applies a quality-scoring system to filter out spurious associations that often plague high-dimensional datasets. We first tested lagCI on wearable physiological data, where it successfully captured the well-known causal link between physical activity and heart rate, even accounting for variations in lag times between individuals. Moving to high-frequency human multi-omics, we used lagCI to build a directed network of 1,624 molecules connected by over 157,000 predicted interactions. This network didn't just mirror established biology (such as cytokine-hormone crosstalk); it also pointed to specific molecular hubs that seem to orchestrate the timing of metabolic and immune responses. Overall, lagCI provides a data-driven way to extract temporal insights from dense longitudinal omics. We've made the tool available as an R package with multiple interfaces to ensure it's accessible for both bioinformaticians and clinicians.
]]></description>
<dc:creator>Ge, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Bai, S.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Qiang, Z.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Liu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Wu, Y.</dc:creator>
<dc:creator>Shen, X.</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2026-04-18</dc:date>
<dc:identifier>doi:10.64898/2026.04.15.718654</dc:identifier>
<dc:title><![CDATA[LagCI Enables Inference of Temporal Causal Relationships from Dense Multi-Omic Time Series]]></dc:title>
<dc:publisher>Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press</dc:publisher>
<prism:publicationDate>2026-04-18</prism:publicationDate>
<prism:section></prism:section>
</item>
</rdf:RDF>
