Xiao Ma

This study focuses on the effects of short‐term [22 s, parabolic flight campaign (PFC)] and long‐term (10 d, Shenzhou 8 space mission) real microgravity on changes in cytokine secretion and gene expression patterns in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer cells. FTC‐133 cells were cultured in space and on a random positioning machine (RPM) for 10 d, to evaluate differences between real and simulated microgravity. Multianalyte profiling was used to evaluate 128 secreted cytokines. Microarray analysis revealed 63 significantly regulated transcripts after 22 s of microgravity during a PFC and 2881 after 10 d on the RPM or in space. Genes in several biological processes, including apoptosis ( n =182), cytoskeleton ( n =80), adhesion/extracellular matrix ( n =98), proliferation ( n =184), stress response ( n =268), migration ( n =63), angiogenesis ( n =39), and signal transduction ( n =429), were differentially expressed. Genes and proteins involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, such as IL6, IL8, IL15, OPN, VEGFA, VEGFD, FGF17, MMP2, MMP3, TIMP1, PRKAA, and PRKACA, were similarly regulated under RPM and spaceflight conditions. The resulting effect was mostly antiproliferative. Gene expression during the PFC was often regulated in the opposite direction. In summary, microgravity is an invaluable tool for exploring new targets in anticancer therapy and can be simulated in some aspects in ground‐based facilities.—Ma, X., Pietsch, J., Wehland, M., Schulz, H., Saar, K., Hübner, N., Bauer, J., Braun, M., Schwarzwälder, A., Segerer, J., Birlem, M., Horn, A., Hemmersbach, R., Waβer, K., Grosse, J., Infanger, M., Grimm, D. Differential gene expression profile and altered cytokine secretion of thyroid cancer cells in space. FASEB J. 28, 813–835 (2014). www.fasebj.org

Macrofungus is defined as the fungus that grows an observable sporocarp. The sporocarps of many species are commonly called mushrooms and consumed by people all around the world as food and/or medicine. Most macrofungi belong to the divisions Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes, which are estimated to contain more than 80,000 species in total. We report the draft genome assemblies of macrofungi (83 Basidiomycetes species and 7 Ascomycetes species) based on Illumina sequencing. The genome sizes of these species ranged from 27.4 Mb (Hygrophorus russula) to 202.2 MB (Chroogomphus rutilus). The numbers of protein-coding genes were predicted in the range of 9,511 (Hygrophorus russula) to 52,289 (Craterellus lutescens). This study provides the largest genomic dataset for macrofungi species. This resource will facilitate the artificial cultivation of edible mushrooms and the discovery of novel drug candidates.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs that are 18-23 nucleotides long. Recently, plasma miRNAs were reported to be sensitive and specific biomarkers of various pathological conditions. In the present study, we focused on miR-210, which is known to be induced by hypoxia and might therefore be an excellent biomarker for congestive heart failure. Plasma miR-210 levels and expression levels in mononuclear cells and skeletal muscles were elevated in Dahl salt-sensitive rats with heart failure. We also assessed miR-210 expression in patients with heart failure. The miR-210 expression levels in the mononuclear cells of patients with NYHA III and IV heart failure according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification system were significantly higher than those with NYHA II heart failure and controls. Although no significant correlation was observed between plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and plasma miR-210 levels in patients with NYHA II heart failure, patients with an improved BNP profile at the subsequent hospital visit were classified in a subgroup of patients with low plasma miR-210 levels. Plasma miR-210 levels may reflect a mismatch between the pump function of the heart and oxygen demand in the peripheral tissues, and be a new biomarker for chronic heart failure in addition to plasma BNP concentrations.

The drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a perennial crop that has gained popularity in certain developing countries for its high-nutrition content and adaptability to arid and semi-arid environments. Here we report a high-quality draft genome sequence of M. oleifera. This assembly represents 91.78% of the estimated genome size and contains 19,465 protein-coding genes. Comparative genomic analysis between M. oleifera and related woody plant genomes helps clarify the general evolution of this species, while the identification of several species-specific gene families and positively selected genes in M. oleifera may help identify genes related to M. oleifera's high protein content, fast-growth, heat and stress tolerance. This reference genome greatly extends the basic research on M. oleifera, and may further promote applying genomics to enhanced breeding and improvement of M. oleifera.