Biology subjects

Huang, S.-P.

Publications and source records attributed to Huang, S.-P..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Tumor context determines ARID1A effects on gastric cancer immunity

The role of ARID1A in cancer immune evasion remains uncertain, with prior studies reaching opposing conclusions. In addition, previous work has shown that the role of ARID1A in cell-autonomous tumorigenesis is context-dependent. Using isogenic murine gastric cancer models, we found that in vivo Arid1a loss in an autochthonous genetically engineered mouse model of gastric cancer conferred T cell-dependent immune evasion, while in vitro deletion did not. Mechanistically, tumor Arid1a loss reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment into an immune desert through suppression of GM-CSF secretion and interferon-{gamma} responsiveness. These changes were not observed when Arid1a was deleted in vitro. In human gastric cancer, an immune-cold phenotype was restricted to ARID1A mutants in the genomically stable subtype, while ARID1A loss in the chromosomal instability subtype was associated with variable immune profiles. These results demonstrate that tumor ARID1A loss does not intrinsically confer pro- or anti-tumor immune properties and instead is determined by tissue context.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Ecological axes of skull diversification in a massive 1 vertebrate radiation

Eupercarian spiny-rayed fishes are one of the largest vertebrate radiations, rivaling mammals and occupying nearly every aquatic habitat. We present a densely sampled, time-calibrated phylogenomic framework for Eupercaria, supporting a revised classification, combined with the largest cranial phenomics dataset for fishes. Habitat and trophic ecology make independent, complementary contributions to skull shape. Most species cluster around a conserved generalized architecture, the Percomorph Pile, from which one clade of pufferfishes, anglerfishes, butterflyfishes, and surgeonfishes repeatedly invaded novel morphospace; exceptionally high rates on its deep branches indicate that rapid skull evolution arose early in this clade. Freshwater lineages converge on the ancestral condition, reflecting late arrival into systems occupied by older otophysans, whereas durophages show the greatest disparity and converge on derived forms. Cranial diversity was partitioned among subclades during the Cretaceous and later within them across the Cenozoic, showing that clade-level differences in evolutionary rates and ecological opportunity jointly shaped skull diversification.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Massive Chromosome Fission and Speciation in Asian River Chub: Integrating Kinetochore Reproduction Theory with Transposable Element Dynamics

Chromosomal speciation poses a paradox: if rearrangements cause postmating isolation, how do they persist and spread? We propose that centromere remodeling, driven by transposable element accumulation, provides a mechanistic solution. In Opsariichthys, a hyper-diverse lineage of Asian river chub with 2N = 76-78 chromosomes, we identify [~]15 fission events coinciding with TE-fueled centromeric DNA expansion, potentially linked to a mutation in the PIWI1 protein. These expansions enable neokinetochore formation, allowing fissioned chromosomes to segregate faithfully, while subsequent rearrangements disrupt pairing and reduce gene flow. Comparative genomics reveals that fissioned chromosomes exhibit lower migration and greater divergence, acting as reproductive barriers. Our findings show that TE-mediated kinetochore duplication can facilitate extensive chromosome fission without meiotic disruption, providing a viable and previously underappreciated path to rapid speciation.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the loach goby, Rhyacichthys aspro, reveals mechanisms underlying Gobioidei diversification

The percomorph fish clade Gobioidei are a suborder that comprises over 2,200 species distributed in nearly all aquatic habitats. To understand the genetics underlying their diversification, we sequenced and annotated the genome of the loach goby, Rhyacichthys aspro, the basal most group, and compared it with nine additional Gobioidei species. Within Gobioidei, the loach goby possesses the smallest genome at 607 Mb, and a rise in species diversity from basal to derived lineages is mirrored by enlarged genomes and a higher presence of repeat elements (REs), particularly DNA transposons. These transposons are enriched in coding and regulatory regions and their copy number increase is strongly correlated with mutation rate, suggesting that DNA repair after transposon excision/insertion leads to nearby mutations. Consequently, the proliferation of DNA transposons might be the crucial driver of Gobioidei diversification and adaptability. The loach goby genome also points to mechanisms of ecological adaptation. It contains relatively few genes for lateral line development but an over representation of synaptic function genes, with genes putatively under selection linked to synapse organization and calcium signaling, suggesting a sensory system distinct from other Gobioidei species. We also see an overabundance of genes involved in neurocranium development and renal function, adaptations likely connected to its flat morphology suited for strong currents and an amphidromous life cycle. Comparative analyses with hill-stream loaches and the European eel reveal convergent adaptations in body shape and saltwater balance. These findings shed light on the loach gobys survival mechanisms and the broader evolutionary trends within Gobioidei.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2018

AICAR induces apoptosis and inhibits migration of prostate cancer cells through an AMPK/mTOR-dependent pathway

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carbox-amide-1-{beta}-D-ribofuranoside), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist, has demonstrated antitumor activities for several types of cancers. However, the activity of AICAR on the cell growth and metastasis of prostate cancer has not been extensively studied. Herein we examine the effects of AICAR on the cell growth and metastasis of prostate cancer cells, 22RV1 cells. Cell growth was performed by MTT assay and soft agar assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by Annexin V/PI staining and PARP cleavage Western blot. Cell migration was evaluated by wound-healing assay. The expression of EMT-related protein and the activity of the AMPK/ mTOR-dependent pathway were analyzed by Western blot. In addition, we also tested the effect of AICAR on the chemosensitivity to docetaxel using MTT assay. Our results indicated that AICAR inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis, attenuates TGF-{beta}-induced cell migration and EMT-related protein expression, and enhances the chemosensitivity to docetaxel through regulating the AMPK/mTOR-dependent pathway. Collectively, these findings support AICAR as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of prostate cancer.

cancer biology↗