Biology subjects

Hu, X.-Y.

Publications and source records attributed to Hu, X.-Y..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

The DDIT4L-TOM40-ATP5A pathway suppresses glioblastoma oncogenesis

The characteristics of glioblastoma (GBM), including resistance to cell death and aberrant energy metabolism, are associated with the function of mitochondria. To date, the inherent suppressors that couple mitochondrial function with cell death remain unclear. DNA damage-inducible transcript 4-like (DDIT4L) expression in human gliomas and its association with patient survival was determined by public databases, western-blot and immunostaining. The role of DDIT4L in regulating tumor growth was analyzed using lentivirus and PDX model. The mechanism of DDIT4L on GBM mitochondrial function was determined by different assays. Here, we show that DDIT4L is an endogenous inhibitor of GBM via suppressing mitochondrial function. DDIT4L was expressed at high levels in GBM and transported into mitochondria via single import channel TOM40 other than the import receptors TOM22, TOM20 or TOM70. Then, DDIT4L interacted with the subunit of ATP synthase, inhibited mitochondrial function and induced tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the synthetic peptide DDIT4LV125-P132 suppressed GBM oncogenesis. Based on these results, DDIT4L suppresses GBM oncogenesis through both TOM40- and ATP5A-dependent mechanisms to curb mitochondrial dynamics and induce cell apoptosis, and the DDIT4LV125-P132 peptide is a potential therapy for GBM.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Super homotypic targeting by exosome surface engineering

Homotypic targeting is the inherent ability of cells for preferential interaction with cells of similar or identical types, a phenomenon commonly seen in cell adhesion, tissue formation, and immune responses. Unfortunately, its full potential remains largely untapped. Here we introduce an approach to drastically boost the homotypic targeting capabilities of cells via exosomes (nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by cells). By engineering exosome surfaces with lanthanides, we amplify specific cell-exosome interactions by more than 25-fold, significantly accelerating the selective capture of exosomes by cells of the same lineage. This substantial enhancement in cellular homophilicity opens up an entirely new class of applications, two of which we showcase here with unprecedented performance: using cells to detect specific exosomes and using exosomes to detect specific cells. The concept of "super homotypic targeting" offers enormous potential to transform cancer diagnostics, immunotherapy, targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and vaccine development.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2018

ErbB4 deletion in noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus induces mania-like behavior via elevated catecholamines

Dysfunction of the noradrenergic (NE) neurons is implicated in the pathogenesis of manic-depressive psychosis (MDP). ErbB4 is highly expressed in NE neurons, and its genetic variation has been linked to MDP; however, how ErbB4 regulates NE neuronal function and contributes to MDP pathogenesis is unclear. Here we find that conditional deletion of ErbB4 in locus coeruleus (LC) NE neurons increases neuronal spontaneous firing through NMDA receptor hyperfunction, and elevates catecholamines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Furthermore, ErbB4-deficient mice present mania-like behaviors, including hyperactivity, reduced anxiety and depression, and increased sucrose preference. These behaviors are completely rescued by the anti-manic drug lithium or antagonists of catecholaminergic receptors. Our study demonstrates the critical role of ErbB4 signaling in regulating LC-NE neuronal function, reinforcing the view that dysfunction of the NE system may contribute to the pathogenesis of mania-associated disorder.

neuroscience↗