Biology subjects

Lei, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Lei, P..

11 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

The root knot nematode effector MiEFF186 interacts with a splicing factor to reshape plant transcriptome

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita secretes specific effectors to manipulate root cells and induce their redifferentiation into multinucleate feeding giant cells, which are essential for its development. A dedicated screen identified the M. incognita MiEFF186a effector as a regulator of alternative splicing, a crucial mechanism of transcriptional gene regulation whereby a single gene can produce multiple mature mRNA variants, in plants. EFF186 is expressed in the esophageal glands of nematode juveniles, and in planta, it localizes to the nucleus and accumulates in the nucleolus. A yeast two-hybrid approach identified the nucleolar G-patch protein GDP1/CIS2 as a MiEFF186a target in tomato and Arabidopsis. Transcriptomic analyses of Arabidopsis roots ectopically expressing MiEFF186a or impaired in GDP1/CIS2 function revealed changes in both gene expression and alternative splicing, with partially overlapping responses. Finally, alteration of GDP1/CIS2 expression by virus-induced gene silencing in Solanaceae or in Arabidopsis gdp1 mutants affects susceptibility to M. incognita. Together, these results identify GDP1/CIS2 as a host target of MiEFF186a and support a role for these proteins in the modulation of host RNA metabolism during nematode parasitism.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Lactate Receptor Activation Alleviates Senescence and Preserves Homeostasis of Aged Arteries

Arteries are among the first tissues to exhibit age-related dysfunction, yet the metabolic mechanisms driving vascular senescence remain poorly understood. Here, analysis of human aortic transcriptomic data identified HCAR1, encoding the lactate receptor GPR81, as one of the genes most significantly downregulated with age. We therefore investigated whether age-associated loss of GPR81 contributes to cellular senescence within the vessel wall. Senescent human endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells accumulated neutral and oxidized lipids and exhibited increased labile iron and ferroptosis. Silencing GPR81 in early-passage cells recapitulated this metabolic phenotype together with multiple hallmarks of cellular senescence. Moreover, endothelial-specific deletion of GPR81 in young mice was sufficient to induce senescent cell accumulation, impaired lipid homeostasis, endothelial dysfunction, and elastin disorganization. Conversely, pharmacological activation of GPR81 with the agonist CHBA restored fatty acid metabolism, promoted glycolytic reprogramming, and attenuated ferroptotic stress and senescence-associated phenotypes. In lamin A knock-in (LAKI) progeroid mice, CHBA reduced arterial lipid accumulation and cellular senescence, shifted vascular cell composition toward a youthful state, improved endothelial integrity, and restored extracellular matrix homeostasis. Together, these findings identify age-associated loss of GPR81 as a driver of vascular metabolic dysfunction and cellular senescence and establish pharmacological GPR81 activation as a promising therapeutic strategy for preserving vascular homeostasis and mitigating age-associated cardiovascular disease.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Selective Activation of NaV1.3 Restores Lymphatic Contractility in Age and Injury

BackgroundIntrinsic lymphatic contractility is essential for tissue fluid balance, immunity and organ function, yet no FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments specifically restore lymphatic contractility. Lymph is returned to the circulation by ion channel-driven cyclic contractions of collecting lymphatic vessels. Although voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels drive cardiomyocyte excitability, their role in lymphatic muscle cell (LMC) physiology is not well defined. We identified NaV1.3, a NaV channel historically viewed as developmentally restricted and limited in adult tissues, as unexpectedly and selectively expressed in adult lymphatic muscle but absent from heart, vascular smooth muscle, and mature brain. We tested whether selective NaV1.3 activation restores impaired lymphatic pumping in aging and radiation injury. MethodsNaV1.3 expression in LMCs was confirmed through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and immunostaining of mouse and human lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic contractility was quantified by in vivo fluorescence lymphangiography and interstitial fluid clearance was measured with a new bioluminescence assay. NaV1.3 function was assessed in young, aged, and radiation-injured mice. NaV1.3 knockout (Scn3a-/-) mice established the requirement of NaV1.3 for basal lymphatic excitability and responsiveness to the NaV1.3-specific activator, Tf2. ResultsIn mouse and human lymphatic vessels, NaV1.3 is expressed in adult LMCs. Although dispensable for basal lymphatic contractions, NaV1.3 acted as a pharmacologically recruitable reserve that amplified contractile output. Acute NaV1.3 activation with Tf2 increased lymphangion ejection fraction and accelerated interstitial fluid clearance. Tf2 fully restored lymphatic pumping in aged mice and partially rescued radiation-induced contractile deficits. All Tf2 responses were abolished in Scn3a-/- mice, confirming NaV1.3 dependence. ConclusionsNaV1.3 is a selectively druggable ion channel in adult lymphatic muscle that can be recruited to restore lymphatic pump function across aging and injury. Targeted NaV1.3 activation provides a molecular entry point for treating diseases characterized by lymphatic pump failure, a domain with no existing pharmacologic therapies.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Bacillus velezensis 9912 enhances rice growth by triggering plant hormone modulation and complex miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks

Bacillus velezensis, a prominent member of plant growth-promoting bacteria, effectively suppresses pathogens and promotes plant growth. Despite its well-recognized efficacy, the intricate molecular mechanisms of its growth-promoting attributes remain largely unexplored. In this study, a commercial biopesticide B. velezensis 9912 significantly enhanced leaf photosynthesis and improved rice root development in the field experiment. And then, a rigorous hydroponic experiment was performed to investigate its underlying mechanism in plant growth promotion. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed 2,938 rice genes and 30 miRNAs responsive to strain 9912. Notably, differentially expressed genes encompassed key transcription factors like ERF, WRKY, and AP2. Remarkably, auxin-and ethylene-related genes were up-regulation significantly at day 1 and pectinesterase-related genes were up-regulation considerably at day 3, which revealed an unusual growth mechanism for strain 9912 to promote rice root development. In addition, DNA replication, cell cycle, cell division, and cytoskeleton organization were significantly enriched in GO and KEGG pathways. Biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, such as carotenoid, lipid, diterpenoid, and brassinosteroid were also significantly enriched. An integrated analysis of the transcriptome and miRNAome identified several miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks, including miR166-Os08g14940, miR396-Os07g9320, miR529-Os12g31540, and miR6249-Os05g07880, which are involved in the process of growth promotion. In conclusion, our investigation offers insightful thoughts into the dynamic responses of rice genes and miRNAs to B. velezensis 9912, unveiling plant hormone modulation and potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks that are imperative in the growth promotion mechanism.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

Integrative Omics Uncovers Low Tumorous Magnesium Content as A Driver Factor of Colorectal Cancer

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is associated with increased risk and malignancy of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we used genomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic data to elucidate the impact of Mg deficiency on CRC. Genomic analysis identified 160 genes with higher mutation frequencies in Low-Mg tumors, including key driver genes such as KMT2C and ERBB3. Unexpectedly, initiation driver genes of CRC, such as TP53 and APC, displayed higher mutation frequencies in High-Mg tumors. Additionally, proteomics and phosphoproteomics indicated that low tumorous Mg content may activate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by modulating inflammation or remodeling the phosphoproteome of cancer cells. Notably, we observed a negative correlation between the phosphorylation of DBN1 at S142 (DBN1S142p) and Mg content. A mutation in S142 to D (DBN1S142D) mimicking DBN1S142p upregulated MMP2 and enhanced cell migration, while treatment with MgCl2 reduced DBN1S142p, thereby reversing this phenotype. Mechanistically, Mg2+ attenuated the DBN1-ACTN4 interaction by decreasing DBN1S142p, which, in turn, enhanced the binding of ACTN4 to F-actin and promoted F-actin polymerization, ultimately reducing MMP2 expression. These findings shed new light on the crucial role of Mg deficiency in CRC progression and suggest that Mg supplementation may offer a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for CRC.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Combined blockade of CXCR4 and PD-1 enhances intratumoral dendritic cell activation and immune responses against HCC

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, their efficacy is limited to a small percentage of patients, leaving an opportunity for enhancement through synergistic combination therapies. We tested here the combined blockade of programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and CXCR4, a receptor for CXCL12 and a key mediator of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment in orthotopic grafted and autochthonous models of HCC. We evaluated tumor growth and survival outcomes and examined the underlying mechanisms using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and transgenic mice experiments. Combined anti-CXCR4/PD-1 therapy had a robust impact on tumor growth and significantly prolonged survival in all murine preclinical models. The combination treatment successfully reprogrammed antigen-presenting cells, revealing the role of conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, DC reprogramming enhanced anti-cancer immunity by facilitating CD8 T-cell accumulation and activation in the HCC tissue. The effectiveness of the anti-CXCR4 antibody/ICI combination treatment was compromised entirely in Batf3-KO mice deficient in cDC1 cells. Thus, combined ICI therapy with an anti-CXCR4 antibody has the potential to augment the anti-cancer effects and improve survival outcomes in HCC via reprogramming intra-tumoral cDC1 cells.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Losartan rewires ovarian cancer tumor-immune microenvironment and suppresses IGF-1 to amplify chemo-immunotherapy sensitivity

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the most lethal of the gynecologic malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have revolutionized the treatment of multiple malignancies, have had limited efficacy in OvCa patients. Here, using syngeneic OvCa models and genetic and pharmacologic perturbations, we discovered that losartan - a widely prescribed anti-hypertensive drug - exhibits dual effects on both the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells to sensitize OvCa to chemo-immunotherapy. Specifically, losartan treatment i) reprograms the tumor microenvironment leading to increased vascular perfusion, and thus enhances drug delivery and immune effector cell intratumoral infiltration and function; and ii) rewires the OvCa cells by suppressing the IGF-1 signaling, resulting in enhanced chemosensitivity. As a result of the combined tumor and stromal effects, losartan treatment enhances the efficacy of chemo-immunotherapy in OvCa models. The safety and low cost (less than $1-2/day) of losartan warrant rapid translation of our findings to patients with OvCa.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Combined blockade of VEGF, Angiopoietin-2, and PD1 reprograms glioblastoma endothelial cells into quasi-antigen-presenting cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a highly aggressive and uniformly fatal tumor, with a 5-year survival of <10%. Moreover, all randomized clinical trials with immune-checkpoint blockers have failed to date. Here we report that tumor endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction confers resistance to immunotherapy in preclinical GBM models. Anti-VEGF-therapy-induced vascular normalization is insufficient to fully restore the EC function and alleviate inflammatory edema induced by blocking programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1). Strikingly, concomitant blockade of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) reprograms dysfunctional ECs to quasi-antigen presenting cells and upregulates receptors required for cytotoxic T lymphocyte entry into the tumor. Blocking VEGF, Ang2, and PD1 induces durable anti-tumor response while controlling edema. Upregulation of the transcription factor T-bet is necessary for generating resident memory T cells elicited by this combination therapy. Moreover, a human GBM organoid model formed from human cancer cells, ECs, CD14 and CD8 cells recapitulated these findings. Our study reveals the role of Ang2 in resistance to VEGF and/or PD1-blockade and provides a compelling rationale for clinical evaluation of this combination in GBM patients.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2022

A multispecific antibody confers pan-reactive SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and prevents immune escape

Summary ParagraphDespite effective countermeasures, SARS-CoV-2 persists worldwide due to its ability to diversify and evade human immunity1. This evasion stems from amino-acid substitutions, particularly in the receptor-binding domain of the spike, that confer resistance to vaccines and antibodies 2-16. To constrain viral escape through resistance mutations, we combined antibody variable regions that recognize different receptor binding domain (RBD) sites17,18 into multispecific antibodies. Here, we describe multispecific antibodies, including a trispecific that prevented virus escape >3000-fold more potently than the most effective clinical antibody or mixtures of the parental antibodies. Despite being generated before the evolution of Omicron, this trispecific antibody potently neutralized all previous variants of concern and major Omicron variants, including the most recent BA.4/BA.5 strains at nanomolar concentrations. Negative stain electron microscopy revealed that synergistic neutralization was achieved by engaging different epitopes in specific orientations that facilitated inter-spike binding. An optimized trispecific antibody also protected Syrian hamsters against Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5, each of which uses different amino acid substitutions to mediate escape from therapeutic antibodies. Such multispecific antibodies decrease the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 escape, simplify treatment, and maximize coverage, providing a strategy for universal antibody therapies that could help eliminate pandemic spread for this and other pathogens.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2022

IFNA pathway drives the more aggressive phenotype of KRASG12D-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas via IFNAR1/STAT3 activation

Activating mutations of KRAS play critical roles in the initiation and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Accumulating evidence indicates that distinct KRAS alleles associate with different prognoses, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. We established isogenic KRAS mutants (KRASG12D, KRASG12V, and KRASWT) using a KRASG12R patient-derived PDAC cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in. We used these isogenic cell lines, a collection of characterized human PDAC patient-derived cell lines, and murine PDAC models to study the role of these KRAS alleles in vitro and in vivo. We verified that the growth of KRASG12D cells is more aggressive compared to KRASG12V isogenic cells in vitro and in vivo using orthotopic mouse models. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activation was the most significant difference between KRASG12D and KRASG12V isogenic PDACs. Furthermore, activation of interferon-alpha (IFNA)/IFNA receptor (IFNAR)1/STAT3 signaling in the cancer cells mediated the more aggressive phenotype of KRASG12D PDACs. Conversely, inhibition of IFNAR1 in patient-derived PDAC cells suppressed tumor growth. Finally, IFNAR1 blockade was also effective in murine PDAC models and induced a significant increase in survival when combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. We conclude that the IFNA pathway and IFNAR1/STAT3 axis contribute to a more aggressive tumor progression in human KRASG12D PDACs and that IFNAR1 inhibition is a potential therapeutic target for overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in PDAC. One Sentence SummaryIFNA pathway drives the more aggressive phenotype of KRASG12D-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas via IFNAR1/STAT3 activation.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Close homologue of L1 sensitizes lung cancer cells to cisplatin and paclitaxel via inhibition Akt pathway

Drug resistance is a serious promble during chemotherapy in lung cancer, which may lead to tumor relapse and further progression. CHL1 was a tumor suppressor in most malignancies, and it was found downregulated in NSCLC cisplatin-resistant cells H460. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of chemoresistance by CHL1 in lung cancer. Human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and its cisplatin resistant cells (A549/DDP) and paclitaxel resistant cells (A549/PTX) were applied in this research. CHL1 was found obvious downregulation in A549/DDP and A549/PTX cells versus A549 cells. Suppression of CHL1 in A549 cells, promoted cell survival rate and clone formation, decreased cell apoptosis when treated with or without DDP and PTX, respectively. While excessive CHL1 expression in A549/DDP and A549/PTX cells, the results were opposite. Moreover, CHL1 knockdown mediating chemoresistance was reversed by Akt inhibitor SC66 in A549 cells. In summary, overexpression of CHL1 reversed chemoresistance to cisplatin and PTX via suppressing Akt pathway in lung cancer, it was suggested that CHL1 maybe as a potential target for overcome chemoresistance in lung cancer.

cancer biology↗