Rationale: The role of circadian clock in pituitary tumorigenesis remains elusive. Here we investigate whether and how circadian clock modulates the development of pituitary adenomas. Methods and Results: We found altered expression of pituitary clock genes in patients with pituitary adenomas. In particular, PER2 is prominently upregulated. Further, jetlagged mice with PER2 upregulation have accelerated growth of GH3 xenograft tumor. Conversely, loss of Per2 protects mice against developing estrogen-induced pituitary adenoma. Similar antitumor effect is observed for SR8278, a chemical that can decrease pituitary PER2 expression. RNA-seq analysis suggests involvement of cell cycle disturbance in PER2 regulation of pituitary adenoma. Subsequent in vivo and cell-based experiments validate that PER2 induces pituitary expression of Ccnb2 , Cdc20 and Espl1 (three cell cycle genes) to facilitate cell cycle progression and inhibit apoptosis, thereby promoting pituitary tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, PER2 regulates the transcription of Ccnb2 , Cdc20 and Espl1 through enhancing the transcriptional activity of HIF-1α. HIF-1α trans-activates Ccnb2 , Cdc20 and Espl1 via direct binding to its specific response element in the gene promoters. Conclusion: PER2 integrates circadian disruption and pituitary tumorigenesis. These findings advance our understanding of crosstalk between circadian clock and pituitary adenomas and highlight the relevance of clock-based approaches in disease management.
Elderly patients predispose to cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) pocket infections due to multiple comorbidities. Treating infections with the antibiotics further carry higher risks for complications, and surgical intervention can be costly when device removal and reimplantation are required, both emphasizing the importance of novel preventive strategies to minimize the incidence of pocket infections. To meet the unique needs for elderly, we constructed an CIED surface modified hydrogel which crosslinked polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) with hyaluronic acid-nitrobenzene (HN) to form the polymeric structures that mimic the natural environment for promoting “Pocket” surrounding tissue integration and healing. Importantly, we synthesized the new peptidomimetics FK-13 derived by shortening amino acid sequence of LL-37 which is the only human cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide. By incorporating FK-13 with initial PN hydrogel via Schiff base formation, the created PN-FK hydrogel exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria with excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties in a long-term release manner. In an in vitro setting, PN-FK hydrogel demonstrated the regeneration capacity by expression of Hmox1, Col5 and Col6 associated genes in fibroblasts as well as expression of Gpx1, Cdc20 and MMP9 genes in stem cells to accelerate self-renewal, collagen secretion and reconstitution of matrix components. In the following in vivo model of subcutaneous implantation, CIED-shape titanium mesh with surface modification by PN-FK hydrogel efficiently subsided over-inflammation compared to bare titanium implant, and expedited collagen deposition and angiogenesis in peri -pocket tissues within 2 weeks. These findings underscore the potential of the PN-FK hydrogel as a transformative approach to CIED postoperative management, offering a dual-action solution that combines infection resistance with tissue regeneration capabilities.