Dual Function Research Articles

Stepwise-Induced Synthesis and Excellent Corrosion Protection of Ce/Eu Codoped ZnO Solid Solution Materials.

Under purely inorganic conditions, a synthesis route was devised wherein elements were introduced stepwise via coprecipitation based on differences in compound solubility. This synthesis method can change the microscopic morphology of the material without relying on a templating agent, resulting in the formation of the multilayered lamellar Ce/Eu codoped zinc oxide solid solution (ZCEOSS) with a self-assembled nested imbrication structure. The study improves the critical matter of corrosion by focusing on the electron and energy transfer mechanisms. By introduction of the bandgap modulator cerium element and fluorescence enhancer europium element into the ZnO material, the anticorrosion material has been successfully endowed with both photocathodic protection and luminescent initiative/stress dual corrosion defense functions. Due to the energy level staircase protection mechanism synergistically generated by the 4f electron shell of rare-earth elements in concert with semiconductor zinc oxide, the energy band positions were modulated to progressively guide the direction of electron flow, thereby suppressing corrosion reactions. In particular, the ZCEOSS material synthesized by doping 1% cerium and 7% europium and adding rare-earth elements at pH 7 exhibited the best corrosion inhibition performance. After immersion in simulated seawater for 96 h, Tafel polarization test results showed that compared to epoxy resin and ZnO anticorrosion systems, the ZCEOSS anticorrosion system exhibited significantly improved corrosion inhibition efficiency with enhancements of 1028.3 and 402.9%, respectively. This study provides new insights into the development of highly efficient inorganic anticorrosion materials.

A‐D‐A‐type Molecule with Dual Functions of Efficient Charge Extraction and Trap Passivation for n‐i‐p Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractInterfacial defects and energy level mismatches between the perovskite and 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) layers heavily hinder charge transfer, limiting the efficiency and stability of n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, D‐type TPA, D‐A‐type TPA‐CN, and A‐D‐A‐type DTPA‐CN with triphenylamine units and different interfacial dipoles are designed as multifunctional interfacial layers for n‐i‐p PSCs. Among the three molecules, A‐D‐A‐type DTPA‐CN has the largest dipole moment, hole transporting capability, and hydrophobicity, and therefore the strongest passivation of interfacial defects and the best carrier extraction efficiency can be observed. As a result, the DTPA‐CN‐treated device achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.00%, as compared to the control device (22.78%). Moreover, the long‐term stability of the unencapsulated device is significantly improved. After 2,040 h of storage in a nitrogen glove box, the device maintains over 90% of its initial efficiency, while only 61% for the control device. The work indicates that simultaneous improvement of trap passivation and hole extraction is critical for achieving highly efficient and stable n‐i‐p PSCs.

Hand-Jaw Coordination as Mice Handle Food Is Organized around Intrinsic Structure-Function Relationships.

Rodent jaws evolved structurally to support dual functionality, for either biting or chewing food. Rodent hands also function dually during food handling, for actively manipulating or statically holding food. How are these oral and manual functions coordinated? We combined electrophysiological recording of muscle activity and kilohertz kinematic tracking to analyze masseter and hand actions as mice of both sexes handled food. Masseter activity was organized into two modes synchronized to hand movement modes. In holding/chewing mode, mastication occurred as rhythmic (∼5 Hz) masseter activity while the hands held food below the mouth. In oromanual/ingestion mode, bites occurred as lower-amplitude aperiodic masseter events that were precisely timed to follow regrips (by ∼200 ms). Thus, jaw and hand movements are flexibly coordinated during food handling: uncoupled in holding/chewing mode and tightly coordinated in oromanual/ingestion mode as regrip-bite sequences. Key features of this coordination were captured in a simple model of hierarchically orchestrated mode-switching and intramode action sequencing. We serendipitously detected an additional masseter-related action, tooth sharpening, identified as bouts of higher-frequency (∼13 Hz) rhythmic masseter activity, which was accompanied by eye displacement, including rhythmic proptosis, attributable to masseter contractions. Collectively, the findings demonstrate how a natural, complex, and goal-oriented activity is organized as an assemblage of distinct modes and complex actions, adapted for the divisions of function arising from anatomical structure. These results reveal intricate, high-speed coordination of disparate effectors and show how natural forms of dexterity can serve as a model for understanding the behavioral neurobiology of multi-body-part coordination.

Modulating Dual Functionalities of Hydrazide Derivatives for Iodide Oxidation Suppression and Defect Passivation in Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractThe oxidation of iodide ions during annealing in air and rich defects generated at crystal terminations in perovskite are major limitations for achieving high photovoltaic performance in printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p‐MPSCs). Here, the dual role of hydrazide derivatives in inhibiting iodide oxidation and passivating crystal termination defects is reported and how the dual role is affected by the substituent is studied. It's found that varying the hydrazide derivative from formylhydrazine (FH) to benzhydrazide (BH) and then to 4‐tert‐butylbenzhydrazide (TBBH) by introducing phenyl and 4‐tert‐butylphenyl substituents enhances the electron donating ability of hydrazides due to substituent electronic effect. The tailored hydrazides present enhanced iodide oxidation suppression and defect passivation capabilities, which lowers the trap density of perovskite in p‐MPSCs significantly. As the most effective additive, TBBH improves the power conversion efficiency of the p‐MPSC from 18.66% to 20.30%, and the resulted device maintains 90% of its initial efficiency after 500 h tacking at maximum power point at 55 ± 5 °C under simulated 1 sun illumination.

Fabric-based intelligent fire-warning and flame-retardant coating: A review of advances, challenges and prospects

Fabric-based fire-warning and flame-retardant coatings could achieve dual functions of active warning response and passive fire retardancy. In contrast to conventional fire detection systems that necessitate installation at designated locations, the contact surface between the coating sensing material and the flame is substantially augmented. Therefore, it possesses crucial application value in enhancing the warning efficiency and fire safety performance of flammable substrates. This review primarily delved into the flame retardancy and fire warning of fabric coating materials. It thoroughly examined the current research status of fabric-based flame-retardant coatings and analyzed the fire-warning mechanisms of voltage-based and resistance-based coatings. Furthermore, this comprehensive review elucidated the research and current applications of various coatings based on sensing materials such as graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and MXene in the fire warning and flame resistance. Additionally, it is worth noting that the current functionality of fabric-based coatings is relatively limited, necessitating the incorporation of multi-functionality to adapt to various usage scenarios. In addition, it is necessary to develop large-scale coating preparation technique to achieve commercial production and combine artificial intelligence technology to achieve higher-level fire warning and flame-resistant application. Finally, the future development trend of the fabric-based coating was prospected.

Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of SARS-CoV-2: The Dual Role of Neutralizing Antibodies, Variability in Responses, and Strategies for Adaptive Pandemic Control

The global pandemic sparked by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants has imposed a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality. Central to the battle against these viral threats is the immune response, with a spotlight on the pivotal role played by neutralizing antibodies. This comprehensive review delves into current research, unravelling the dual functionality of neutralizing antibodies acting as formidable barriers to viral replication and crucial facilitators of adaptive immune memory. Beyond this dual purpose, the review illuminates the nuanced variability characterizing neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2. Emphasizing the dynamic nature of these responses, the review advocates for the plausible challenges in targeted therapeutic interventions. This review also attempts to compare various vaccination approaches and their impact on SARS-CoV-2, as well as offer insights into various Omicron variations. Recognizing the ever-evolving viral landscape, this exploration underscores the necessity of flexible approaches to address the diverse challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing global efforts in pandemic mitigation and public health safeguarding.

Investigating the Influence of Social Media on Youth Engagement in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance Protests in Nigeria

Social media has emerged as a significant platform for political, economic, and social dialogue worldwide, acting as a vehicle for self-expression and a means to hold political leaders accountable. In Nigeria, platforms such as Facebook, X, WhatsApp, and Instagram have played a crucial role in the organisation and mobilisation of protests. This study explores the impact of social media on youth participation in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. Using the public sphere theory, the research adopted a quantitative survey approach, collecting data from 300 respondents across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The results reveal that social media was instrumental in mobilising and engaging young people during the protests. Prominent themes discussed on social media included the high cost of living, reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, investigation of the fuel subsidy regime, reduction in electricity tariffs, high cost of governance, corruption, deficiencies in educational and healthcare systems, unemployment, insecurity, and widespread poverty. This study highlights social media's dual function as both a catalyst for mobilisation and a tool for organisational coordination. It is recommended that public training on the responsible use of social media be implemented to maximise its effectiveness in civic engagement.

Discovering the potential of biomaterial-based mesoporous and magneto-luminescent nanohybrid (Nd-doped Hydroxyapatite/Fe3O4) for cancer theragnosis

Multimodality nanoplatforms play a crucial role in advancing medical interventions by integrating multiple functionalities into a single system. However, issues like intricate production processes and biocompatibility persist. Herein, a facile synthesis of a biomaterial-based mesoporous nanocarrier, HAp:Nd+SPIONs@mSiO2 is reported. The nanohybrid with ∼100 nm average size, comprised of Nd-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp:Nd) nanophosphor, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), and mesoporous silica, exhibiting magneto-luminescent properties. The nanohybrid showed NIR to NIR photoluminescence properties important for deep tissue imaging. The mesoporous nanohybrid was loaded with Indocyanine green (ICG), a photosensitizer and photothermal dye, as a model drug (∼6 μg/mg of nanoparticles) with a high absorption stability retaining >75 % drug until 24 h incubation in pH 6 and 7.4, respectively. Nanoparticles demonstrated dual functionality by generating heat through magnetic and photonic stimulation, as well as producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon excitation with 808 nm light. In vitro assays on aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) showed the high biocompatibility of nanohybrid with and without ICG, while a significant toxicity was seen after irradiation of NIR light due to ROS production. Noticeably, the nanohybrids also exhibit the ability to monitor temperature changes via Nd3+ associated NIR luminescence. The nanoplatform integrates clinically relevant components like hydroxyapatite, SPIONs, mesoporous silica and ICG, highlighting its potential for translational applications. The developed nanohybrids, with combined NIR-mediated photothermal and photodynamic effects, magnetic photothermal capabilities, and NIR/MR imaging, offer promise in addressing cancer heterogeneity and improving conventional treatments with reduced side effects.

Contested quantification for planetary health – A sociotechnical analysis of Bangladesh's water salinity monitoring infrastructure

In climate change and planetary health, the datafication of natural processes and their effects on human health is gaining importance, not least due to data's role in international funding mechanisms. In Bangladesh, water salinity has become the focus of much research and could emerge as an asset to access climate funding. Taking Bangladesh's water salinity monitoring infrastructure as a case study, this paper problematizes the “neutrality” of water salinity data. Adopting the methodological approach of an “infrastructural inversion”, we foreground the relational nature of data production. The study draws on ethnographic fieldwork in Bangladesh along the data production chain. We highlight how the involvement of a large variety of actors gave rise to vastly different data infrastructures and explicate the influence of actors' “problematization”. We further illustrate the importance of pre-existing materiality for the implementation of data collection systems on the ground and their power to influence whose reality is represented and whose is left out. Discussing these findings in the context of the international development sector reveals the complex interplay between the dual function of data as a mediator of knowledge and proof of legitimacy. Attention is paid to the tendencies of perpetuating patterns of exclusion and inclusion through data in a setting of project-based funding. We thereby provide global health researchers, policy makers and development practitioners with a detailed case study whilst stimulating reflection on the hegemony of datafication.

Corrole–chelated phosphorus complex: enabling dual C–H chlorination and H₂O₂ generation

Corroles, despite their highly tunable and excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties, have rarely been explored as mainstream photocatalytic photosensitizers. Our study introduces a novel application of the highly oxidizing penta–CF3 substituted phosphorus corrole, P–(CF3)5, which has shown remarkable efficacy in the chlorination of phenol and related natural compounds (the beta 2, 3, 8, 17, 18-substituted isomer: 2,3,8,17,18–pentatrifluoromethyl–(5,10,15–tris(pentafluorophenyl) corrole phosphorus (V) difluoride). Here, we report the first case of the simultaneous photocatalytic chlorination of phenol or toluene and H2O2 formation, with the latter achieving a notable rate of > 7 mM/g/h under ambient conditions. Notably, the oxidation of toluene predominantly yields benzaldehyde over benzyl chloride. The H2O2 formation can be finely tuned by adjusting the water/acetonitrile ratio and acid concentration. Comprehensive experimental and theoretical (DFT) investigations were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of both chlorination and oxidation. This dual–function catalytic process not only enhances reaction efficiency but also underscores the potential of corrole–based catalysts in advancing sustainable and green chemical methodologies.

A multi-dimensional anti-counterfeiting nanocomposite based on fluorescent CDs and Eu-MOFs with dual function for continuous detection of Cu2+ and Bacillus anthracis

Traditional luminescent materials for anti-counterfeiting usually adopt encryption of low-level systems with limited security, which seriously hinders their application in preventing counterfeiting and information leakage. Therefore, it is urgent to develop materials for higher-level anti-counterfeiting. In this work, a stimulus-responsive intelligent luminescent material (AC@CDs-Eu-MOFs) was prepared by co-loading green-fluorescence CDs and red-fluorescence Eu-MOFs on Amino clay (AC). 5D security barcodes, which were easy to observe while difficult to clone, were ulteriorly designed based on the nanocomposite owing to the tunable fluorescence by optical stimulation and chemical stimulus. Owing to the large capacity, low cost, and easy authentication, the 5D security barcodes possess enormous potential in optical data storage and multi-dimensional information encryption. In addition, the chemical stimulus-response enables the nanocomposite achievable in detection of Cu2+ and Bacillus anthracis. Particularly, quantitative determination of copper in environmental water samples could be realized with a detection limit as low as 10.67 nM. Therefore, the material shows potential for detection of environmental pollutants besides advanced anti-counterfeiting.

Exploring the Thioredoxin System as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer: Mechanisms and Implications.

Cells constantly face the challenge of managing oxidants. In aerobic organisms, oxygen (O2) is used for energy production, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts of enzymatic reactions. To protect against oxidative damage, cells possess an intricate system of redox scavengers and antioxidant enzymes, collectively forming the antioxidant defense system. This system maintains the redox equilibrium and enables the generation of localized oxidative signals that regulate essential cellular functions. One key component of this defense is the thioredoxin (Trx) system, which includes Trx, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and NADPH. The Trx system reverses oxidation of macromolecules and indirectly neutralizes ROS via peroxiredoxin (Prx). This dual function protects cells from damage accumulation and supports physiological cell signaling. However, the Trx system also shields tumors from oxidative damage, aiding their survival. Due to elevated ROS levels from their metabolism, tumors often rely on the Trx system. In addition, the Trx system regulates critical pathways such as proliferation and neoangiogenesis, which tumors exploit to enhance growth and optimize nutrient and oxygen supply. Consequently, the Trx system is a potential target for cancer therapy. The challenge lies in selectively targeting malignant cells without disrupting the redox equilibrium in healthy cells. The aim of this review article is threefold: first, to elucidate the function of the Trx system; second, to discuss the Trx system as a potential target for cancer therapies; and third, to present the possibilities for inhibiting key components of the Trx system, along with an overview of the latest clinical studies on these inhibitors.

Formation to Transportation: En-Route Fission-Facilitated Formation of Spheres in a Phosphorus-Based Porous Organic Polymer for Transportation of Iodine.

Despite its potential as a clean power source to meet rising electricity demands, nuclear energy generates radioactive waste, including isotopes of iodine, that pose significant environmental and health risks. There is a growing demand to capture radioactive iodine and repurpose it effectively. However, achieving this dual functionality with a single material remains a significant challenge. This study explores phosphorus-based porous organic polymers (P-POPs) as probes for these dual functionalities. By employing 4-formyl(triphenyl)phosphine (BB1) and phenyl-1,4-diacetonitrile (BB2) under the Knoevenagel polycondensation method, P-POPs (PKPOPs) have been synthesized that exhibit a smooth spherical morphology, which efficiently captures and release iodine under ambient conditions, facilitating efficient transportation of molecular iodine. This novel approach aims to potentially transform nuclear waste into valuable organic feedstock via an iodination reaction. The innovative application of PKPOP has also been demonstrated for iodination reactions using ball mills and under continuous flow conditions, showcasing its potential for safer waste management and utilization.

Sustainable Fire Protection: Reducing Carbon Footprint with Advanced Coating Technologies

Metallum Fire-Resistant paint, denoted as MFR henceforth, represents a cutting-edge insulating material with dual functionality as a fireproof solution, presenting substantial advantages in the realm of construction applications. This exposition derives its primary insights from the scholarly contributions documented in publications. The focal point of these investigations includes the assessment of fire hazards associated with polyethylene materials in building structures and the enhancement of mortars in high-temperature environments in tunnels. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified cork-based coating (MFR) compared to traditional coatings in terms of corrosion protection, fire resistance, and thermal insulation properties in construction applications. This evaluation focuses on quantifying the efficacy of MFR by examining key properties, such as adhesion, the reduced thickness required for fire protection, thermal conductivity reduction, and corrosion resistance under extreme environmental conditions. MFR is highly effective in fire prevention for buildings and tunnels, withstanding temperatures over 1000 °C while maintaining structural integrity. A unique aspect of MFR is its use of cork shavings, a typically underutilized byproduct from wine-bottle-stopper production. This innovative not only amplifies MFR’s fire-resistant attributes, but also introduces sustainability and judicious resource utilization into its manufacturing processes.

Thermoplasmonic Effect Enables Indirect ON-OFF Control over the Z-E Isomerization of Azobenzene-Based Photoswitch.

Proper formulation of systems containing plasmonic and photochromic units, such as gold nanoparticles and azobenzene derivatives, yields materials and interfaces with synergic functionalities. Moreover, gold nanoparticles are known to accelerate the Z-E isomerization of azobenzene molecules in the dark. However, very little is known about the light-driven, plasmon-assisted Z-E isomerization of azobenzene compounds. Additionally, most of the azobenzene-gold hybrids are prepared with nanoparticles of small, isotropic shapes and azobenzene ligands covalently linked to the surface of nanostructures. Herein, a formulation of an innovative system combining azobenzene derivative, gold nanorods, and cellulose nanofibers is proposed. The system's structural integrity relies on electrostatic interactions among components instead of covalent linkage. Cellulose, a robust scaffold, maintains the material's functionality in water and enables monitoring of the material's plasmonic-photochromic properties upon irradiation and at elevated temperatures without gold nanorods aggregation. Experimental evidence supported by statistical analysis suggests that the optical properties of plasmonic nanometal enable indirect control over the Z-E isomerization of the photochromic component with near-infrared irradiation by triggering the thermoplasmonic effect. The proposed hybrid material's dual plasmonic-photochromic functionality, versatility, and ease of processing render a convenient starting point for further advanced azobenzene-related research and 3D printing of macroscopic light-responsive structures.

Spectral Properties of Dual Unit Gain Graphs

In this paper, we study dual quaternion, dual complex unit gain graphs, and their spectral properties in a unified frame of dual unit gain graphs. Unit dual quaternions represent rigid movements in the 3D space, and have wide applications in robotics and computer graphics. Dual complex numbers have found application in brain science recently. We establish the interlacing theorem for dual unit gain graphs, and show that the spectral radius of a dual unit gain graph is always not greater than the spectral radius of the underlying graph, and these two radii are equal if, and only if, the dual gain graph is balanced. By using dual cosine functions, we establish the closed form of the eigenvalues of adjacency and Laplacian matrices of dual complex and quaternion unit gain cycles. We then show the coefficient theorem holds for dual unit gain graphs. Similar results hold for the spectral radius of the Laplacian matrix of the dual unit gain graph too.

Modified implant with dual functions of antioxidant and extracellular matrix reconstruction for regulating MSCs senescence

Bone repair in elderly patients is significantly weaker compared to normal bone repair, and one of the main reasons for this is the senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which play a key role in the bone repair process. Therefore, we considered the corresponding surface modification of orthopedic implants to cope with the practical problem of bone defects in elderly patients. In this thesis, we prepared TiO2 nanotubes loaded with metformin (Glucophage) on Ti substrates, followed by self-assembly layer by layer using chitosan-catechol and gelatin on the surface, to delay MSCs senescence by eliminating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reconstructing extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby achieving osteogenesis. The results showed a significant reduction in senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) generation, an enhancement of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, and a decrease in intracellular and extracellular ROS levels in MSCs under the dual effects of antioxidants and ECM reconstruction, suggesting that the degree of senescence in MSCs was significantly reduced. Osteogenesis was also demonstrated by expression of osteogenesis-related genes and staining of animal sections. In conclusion, our material can indeed promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by delaying cellular senescence, which is expected to provide a novel approach for clinical solutions to tissue repair problems in elderly patients with bone defects.

Evaluation of 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan as a dual-function chromogenic and fluorogenic probe for tulathromycin and its innovative utility for development of two eco-friendly and high-through microwell assays for analysis of pharmaceutical formulations

Tulathromycin is a triamilide antibacterial drug which has been approved for use in the European Union and the United States for the treatment and prevention of bovine respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was the development of two innovative microwell spectrometric (photometric and fluorometric) assays for determination of tulathromycin in its pharmaceutical formulations. To achieve this goal, 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan was investigated as a dual-function chromogenic and fluorogenic probe for tulathromycin. The reaction between tulathromycin and 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan proceeded smoothly in an alkaline medium, resulting in the formation of a colored and fluorescent product. The product displayed a maximum light absorption at 475 nm and emitted fluorescence at 545 nm when excited at 475 nm. Extensive investigations were conducted to optimize the factors affecting the tulathromycin /4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan reaction, and the optimal conditions were established. Using these optimized conditions, both microwell-based photometric and fluorometric assays were developed. The calibration curves relating the absorbance and fluorescence intensities of the reaction product with the corresponding tulathromycin concentrations were generated. The absorbance-concentration relationship was found to be linear within a tulathromycin concentration range of 10–400 µg mL−1, with a limit of quantitation of 6.2 µg mL−1. On the other hand, the fluorescence-concentration relationship was linear within a concentration range of 0.04–1.2 µg mL−1, with a limit of quantitation of 0.06 µg mL−1. Rigorous validations of both assays’ procedures were performed, and both assays were successfully employed for the analysis of tulathromycin–containing pharmaceutical formulations (injections) with satisfactory accuracy and precision. The ecologically friendly assessment of both assays demonstrated their compliance with the principles of green analytical chemistry approaches. Moreover, the proposed microwell-based assays enabled the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples using small volumes, enabling high-throughput analysis. In conclusion, this study represents the first evaluation of 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan as a probe with dual functionality for the microwell-based photometric and fluorometric analysis of tulathromycin. The developed assays serve as valuable analytical tools for ensuring the quality of tulathromycin ’s pharmaceutical formulations.

In vivo CRISPR screens identify a dual function of MEN1 in regulating tumor–microenvironment interactions

Functional genomic screens in two-dimensional cell culture models are limited in identifying therapeutic targets that influence the tumor microenvironment. By comparing targeted CRISPR–Cas9 screens in a two-dimensional culture with xenografts derived from the same cell line, we identified MEN1 as the top hit that confers differential dropout effects in vitro and in vivo. MEN1 knockout in multiple solid cancer types does not impact cell proliferation in vitro but significantly promotes or inhibits tumor growth in immunodeficient or immunocompetent mice, respectively. Mechanistically, MEN1 knockout redistributes MLL1 chromatin occupancy, increasing H3K4me3 at repetitive genomic regions, activating double-stranded RNA expression and increasing neutrophil and CD8+ T cell infiltration in immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of the menin–MLL interaction reduces tumor growth in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner. These findings reveal tumor microenvironment-dependent oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions of MEN1 and provide a rationale for targeting MEN1 in solid cancers.

Dual function of PHF16 in reinstating homeostasis of murine intestinal epithelium after crypt regeneration.

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are highly vulnerable to damage, being in a constant state of proliferation. Reserve stem cells repair the intestinal epithelium following damage-induced ablation of ISCs. Here, we report that the epigenetic regulator plant homology domain (PHD) finger protein 16 (PHF16) restores homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium after initial damage-induced repair. In Phf16-/Y mice, revival stem cells (revSCs) showed defects in exiting the regenerative state, and intestinal crypt regeneration failed even though revSCs were still induced in response to tissue damage, as observed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Analysis of Phf16-/Y intestinal organoids by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and ATAC sequencing identified that PHF16 restores homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium by inducing retinoic acid receptor (RAR)/retinoic X receptor (RXR) target genes through HBO1-mediated histone H3K14 acetylation, while at the same time counteracting YAP/TAZ activity by ubiquitination of CDC73. Together, our findings demonstrate the importance of timely suppression of regenerative activity by PHF16 for the restoration of gut homeostasis after acute tissue injury.