Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a critical role in the growth and steroidogenesis of granulosa cells (GCs). BMP signals act through membrane-bound heteromeric serine/threonine kinase receptors. Upon ligand binding, BMPs activate intracellular Smad proteins and regulate growth and apoptosis in various cell types. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effects of BMP/Smad signal on growth and steroidogenesis of porcine GCs. A strategy of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated 'gene silencing' of Smad4, a core molecule mediating the intracellular BMP/Smad signal transduction pathways, was used to interrupt endogenous BMP/Smad signaling. Results indicate that Smad4-small interfering RNA (siRNA) caused specific inhibition of Smad4 mRNA and protein expression after transfection. Interrupted endogenous BMP/Smad signaling significantly inhibited growth, and induced apoptosis of porcine GCs, while decreasing estradiol production. In addition, interrupted BMP/Smad signaling significantly (P<0.05) changed the expression of Cyclin D2, CDK4, Bcl-2, and Cyp19a1. These findings provide new insights into how BMP/Smad signaling regulates the growth and steroidogenesis of porcine GCs.
Ground coffee is used to prepare a honeycomb-like porous anode material for Li-ion batteries. The microstructure and morphology of the as-prepared samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The material has a honeycomb-like porous morphology, a smaller specific surface area than graphitized coke, and a relatively low degree of graphitization. Electrochemical tests show as-prepared anode material to have good low-temperature performance, large rate capability, and good cycling performance. At -30 °C, the material delivers a discharge capacity of 52.1 mAh g -1 , which is more than three times that of graphitized needle coke artificial graphite anode material that is commercially available. Thus, it is suitable for high-power or energy storage batteries.
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