Biology subjects

liu, s.

Publications and source records attributed to liu, s..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Brain-Resident CD8+ T Cells Regulate Neuronal Activity and Behavior via Interferon-Gamma

Maintaining brain homeostasis is crucial for proper function of the central nervous system and has traditionally been attributed to neuronal and glial interactions. However, recent research highlights the essential role of brain-resident immune cells in this process. Our study characterizes brain-specific CD8+ T cells and elucidates their significant contribution to brain homeostasis and behavior. We identified a distinct population of CD8+ T cells that infiltrates the brain during early development, undergoes clonal expansion, and acquires effector memory-like characteristics through interactions with microglia. Notably, the absence of these cells results in hyperactivation of neuronal activity and abnormal behaviors, due to loss of regulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-{gamma}) secreted by CD8+ T cells. Our findings demonstrate that IFN-{gamma} secreting brain-specific CD8+ T cells are crucial for maintaining the physiological level of neuronal excitability and normal behavioral patterns. This study provides novel insights into neuroimmune interactions, emphasizing the critical role of CD8+ T cells in sustaining brain function and behavior.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2026

A cis-regulatory variant in ASIP causes gray coat color in the donkey

BackgroundGray is one of the relatively rare coat colors in donkeys. The Hetian Gray donkey is a distinctive indigenous breed from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of Northwestern China, characterized by progressive hair depigmentation with aging while retaining dark skin pigmentation. However, the genetic basis underlying this unique gray coat color phenotype remains unclear. ResultsTo elucidate the genetic basis, we conducted whole-genome resequencing of Gray and non-Gray donkeys. Genome-wide selection signature analyses identified a candidate region on chromosome 15. Subsequent fine-mapping using mass spectrometry-based genotyping of 42 loci refined the candidate interval and revealed a SNP within intron 2 of the ASIP gene, located in a genomic fragment with highly similar sequences, showing complete association with the gray coat color. Association analysis in an expanded population further confirmed a strong correlation between this variant and the gray phenotype. Gene expression analyses also supported the role of ASIP in regulating pigmentation in donkeys. ConclusionsThese findings identify a genetic determinant of gray coat color in donkeys and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related depigmentation in domestic animals.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2025

FGF8 promotes lipid droplet accumulation via the FGFR1/p-p38 axis in chondrocytes

Chondrocytes store lipids in the form of lipid droplets (LDs) and maintain cartilage lipid metabolic homeostasis by consuming or regenerating LDs. This modulation is largely mediated by a series of biochemical factors. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) is one of the most important factors involved in the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of chondrocytes, and has attracted increasing attention in the physiology and pathology of cartilage. However, the effect of FGF8 on LD accumulation in chondrocytes remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of FGF8 in LDs and explore the underlying biomechanism involved. The results showed that FGF8 promoted LD accumulation in chondrocytes by upregulating perilipin1 (Plin1) expression. FGF8 activates the cytoplasmic p-p38 signaling pathway via fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) to increase LD accumulation in chondrocytes. Subsequent experiments with siRNAs and specific inhibitors further confirmed the importance of the FGFR1/p38 axis for LD accumulation in chondrocytes exposed to FGF8. These results increase our understanding of the role of FGF8 in the lipid metabolic homeostasis of chondrocytes and provide insights into the physiology and pathology of cartilage.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Genome analysis of two Lactobacillus plantarum strains, LLY-606 and pc-26, for evaluating their potential as probiotics

Lactobacillus plantarum was not only one of the most popular probiotics, but also one of the most versatile lactic acid bacteria. L. plantarum LLY-606 and L. plantarum pc-26 are strains isolated from human gut that are intended to be explored as probiotics. In this study, the genome sequences of LLY-606 and pc-26 were sequenced, and multiple genes related to probiotic properties were analyzed. First, the pathogenicity of these strains was evaluated, and antibiotic resistance genes were surveyed at the whole genome level to determine their primary safety. And then, genes for stress response, plantaricin (pln) biosynthesis, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis, and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) were analyzed to evaluate their industrial utilization, adhesive capacity, and survival ability in gut, which were properties fundamental for probiotic strains. The physiological features assured by these genes were assayed in vitro. The strains were then evaluated in vivo for their ability to lower cholesterol, and they were both found to be effective in improving hypercholesterolemia in golden hamsters. In this study, a genetic pre-evaluation was conducted through genome analysis combined with in vitro physiological assay, and the probiotic properties of these strains were verified in vivo.

genomics↗