Biology subjects

CHEN, C.

Publications and source records attributed to CHEN, C..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

FUSION: A fast and uniform processing framework for whole-brain optical scattering tomography images

Coherent scattering imaging has seen substantial development in clinical ophthalmology and endoscopic microscopy owing to its high throughput, large dynamic range, and capability for label-free imaging. However, limited optical penetration has constrained its application to whole-organ imaging studies. Here, we propose a high-throughput coherent scattering imaging system assisted by tissue clearing, termed fuCAST, which enables whole-brain white-matter imaging. In parallel, we develop a high-throughput image reconstruction and uniform stitching platform, FUSION, specifically tailored for fuCAST datasets.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

β-cell-specific Non-invasive Ultrasound Stimulation to Enhance Insulin Release and Glucose Control in Mice

AbstractsDiabetes poses a significant global health burden, with complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While insulin therapy is central to type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, its limitations--including rapid degradation and the need for frequent injections--highlight the demand for non-invasive alternatives. Here, we present an ultrasound (US)-mediated approach to enhance insulin release by selectively stimulating pancreatic {beta}-cells via targeted microbubbles (MBs). In vitro experiments using RINm5F {beta}-cells demonstrated that US-MB stimulation induces significant calcium influx and subsequent insulin release. In addition, this method effectively decreased blood glucose levels in mice by promoting insulin release. Mechanistic studies revealed that mechanosensitive ion channels play a pivotal role, as their inhibition (via GdCl3) abolished the ultrasonic effect. Importantly, the approach exhibited high biosafety, with no detectable cell death or tissue damage. Our findings establish ultrasound-stimulated {beta}-cell targeting as a promising non-invasive strategy for diabetes treatment, offering a potential alternative to conventional insulin therapy.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2023

Genome-wide association studies reveal a rapidly evolving candidate avirulence effector in the Cercospora leaf spot pathogen Cercospora beticola

The major resistance gene BvCR4 recently bred into sugar beets provides a high level of resistance to Cercospora leaf spot caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola. The occurrence of pathogen strains virulent to BvCR4 was studied using field trials in Switzerland. Virulence of a subset of these strains was evaluated in a field trial conducted under elevated artificial disease pressure. We created a new C. bet cola reference genome and mapped whole genome sequences of 256 field-collected isolates. These were combined with virulence phenotypes to conduct three separate GWAS to identify candidate avirulence genes. We identified a locus associated with avirulence containing a single candidate avirulence effector gene named AvrCR4. All virulent isolates either lacked AvrCR4 or had non-synonymous mutations within the gene. AvrCR4 was present in all 74 isolates from non-BvCR4 hybrids, whereas 33 of 89 isolates from BvCR4 hybrids carried a deletion. We also mapped genomic data from 190 publicly available U.S. isolates to our new reference genome. The AvrCR4 deletion was found in only one of 95 unique isolates from non-BvCR4 hybrids in the U.S. AvrCR4 presents a unique example of an avirulence effector in which virulent alleles have only recently emerged. Most likely these were selected out of standing genetic variation after deployment of BvCR4. Identification of AvrCR4 will enable real-time screening of C. beticola populations for the emergence and spread of virulent isolates.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Direct focus sensing and shaping for high-resolution multi-photon imaging in deep tissue

High-resolution optical imaging of deep tissue in-situ such as the living brain is fundamentally challenging because of the aberration and scattering of light. In this work, we develop an innovative adaptive optics three-photon microscope based on direct focus sensing and shaping that can accurately measure and effectively compensate for both low- and high-order specimen-induced aberrations and recover near-diffraction-limited performance at depth. A conjugate adaptive optics configuration with remote focusing enables in vivo imaging of fine neuronal structures in the mouse cortex through the intact skull up to a depth of 750 {micro}m below pia, making high-resolution microscopy in cortex near non-invasive. Functional calcium imaging with high sensitivity and accuracy, and high-precision laser-mediated microsurgery through the intact skull were demonstrated. Moreover, we also achieved in vivo high-resolution imaging of the deep cortex and subcortical hippocampus up to 1.1 mm below pia within the intact brain.

bioengineering↗