Sterols are beneficial plant metabolites with proven human health effects. In rapeseed (Brassica napus), enhancing sterol content could add significant nutritional value to edible oils.

In a paper published in Science Bulletin, the research team led by Professor Wen Zhang from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) has made significant progress in understanding the pathogenesis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). The study, for the first time, demonstrates that the overexpression of early growth response factor-1 (EGR1) in epithelial cells is a core driver promoting the characteristic tissue fibrosis of the disease, laying a scientific foundation for developing potential targeted therapies.

A team from The University of Osaka found that the intestinal flora works together with the OTUD3 and STING genes to aggravate ulcerative colitis, a disease with no cure that causes major intestinal pain and bloody diarrhea. When the OTUD3 gene is mutated, microbes in the intestinal flora trigger STING signalingOTUD, leading to inflammation in the colon. The intestinal flora and STING signaling may be important new targets for ulcerative colitis treatment.