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The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an economically important marine species in China, and understanding the mechanisms underlying its gonad development is crucial for successful reproduction and breeding. In this study, we performed transcriptome comparisons and analyses of A. japonicus gonadal and non-gonadal tissues to identify genes and molecular pathways associated with gonadal development. We also supplemented the annotation of the A. japonicus genome. Collectively, results revealed a total of 941 ovary-specific genes and 2499 testis-specific genes through different expression analysis and WGCNA analysis. The most enriched pathways in ovary and testis were "DNA replication" and "purine metabolism", respectively. Additionally, we identified key candidate gene modules that control gonad development and germ cell maturation, with CDT1 and DYNC2LI1 serving as hub genes. Our findings provide important insights into the gonadal development system of A. japonicus and offer valuable references for further research on reproductive biology in this marine invertebrate species. [Display omitted] • Comparative analyses of gene expression in sea cucumber gonadal and non-gonadal tissues • Key candidate gene modules specifically expressed by females and males gonad were screened. • The ovarian module with CDT1 as the core gene may affect ovarian development through the pre-replication complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subway stations are typically equipped with fresh air shafts to introduce outdoor air, while the surrounding rock and air channels form a vertical earth-air heat exchanger (VEAHE). This study is the first to analyze the year-round thermal storage and exothermic characteristics of the surrounding rock. A numerical model was developed, incorporating ground surface heat transfer and axial heat transfer within the rock. The simulation results aligned well with field test data. This model was then utilized to explore the thermal storage and release properties of the surrounding rock. The findings revealed that both z-directional and r-directional annual temperature wave affect the enclosing rock. The monthly average natural energy efficiency (NEE) and storage efficiency (SE) were determined to be 10.75% and 17.47%, respectively. Notably, the shallow rock exhibited the highest NEE but the lowest SE. The energy used for fresh air pre-treatment derives not only from the rock's current annual cycle but also from previously stored energy. Lastly, λ sr and c were identified as major influencers of NEE, while λ sr , c , and the burial depth of the shaft collectively impact the air pre-treatment process in the shaft. The findings contribute to further understanding of the thermal process in VEAHE systems. • A more comprehensive and accurate numerical model was developed. • First analyzed the thermal storage and release characteristics of the enclosing rock. • Studied the efficiency of the thermal storage and release of the surrounding rock. • Investigated the factors influencing thermal storage and release of the surrounding rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus displays the typical circadian rhythms. This present study investigated the molecular regulation of clock genes, as well as monoamines and melatonin, in multiple tissues of A. japonicus , responding to the photoperiod. In order to determine their pivotal role in circadian rhythms, the crucial clock genes, namely AjClock , AjArnt1 , AjCry1 , and AjTimeless , were identified and a comprehensive analysis of their expressions across various tissues in adult A. japonicus was conducted, revealing the potential existence of central and peripheral oscillators. Results demonstrated that the tissues of polian vesicle and nerve ring exhibited significant clock gene expression associated with the orchestration of circadian regulation, and that environmental light fluctuations exerted influence on the expression of these clock genes. However, a number of genes, such as AjArnt1 and AjCry1 , maintained their circadian rhythmicity even under continuous light conditions. Moreover, we further investigated the circadian patterns of melatonin (MT), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) secretion in A. japonicus , data that underscored the tissue-specific regulatory differences and the inherent adaptability to dynamic light environments. Collectively, these findings will provide the molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm in echinoderms and the candidate tissues playing the role of central oscillators in sea cucumbers. [Display omitted] • The molecular circadian system was identified in Apostichopus japonicus. • The polian vesicle and nerve ring were determined with roles as circadian oscillators. • A. japonicus circadian system exhibits stability. • The rhythmicity of molecular circadian system can be affected by photoperiods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RhoA signaling pathway inhibitors such as Y27632 (a ROCK inhibitor) have recently been applied as treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI) because they promote neurite outgrowth and axonal regeneration in neurons. β-Elemene, a compound that is extracted from a natural plant (Curcuma zedoary), influences the expression level of RhoA protein. Whether it can promote neurite outgrowth in motor neurons or enhance locomotor recovery in SCI remains unclear. Here, we initially demonstrated that β-elemene promotes neurite outgrowth of ventral spinal cord 4.1 (VSC4.1) motoneuronal cells and primary cortical neurons. Pull-down assays showed that β-elemene significantly inhibits the activation of RhoA kinase. Western blotting assays suggested β-elemene markedly inhibits the phosphorylation of limk and confilin and significantly increases the expression level of GAP-43. Then, in a rat model of SCI, hematoxylin-eosin and myelin staining showed that β-elemene reduces the area of lesion cavity and spares the white matter. BBB scores showed β-elemene significantly promotes locomotor behavioral recovery. In addition, western blotting assays and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the expression level of GAP-43 is upregulated by β-elemene treatment in vivo . Thus, our study provided an encouraging novel strategy for the potential treatment of SCI patients with β-elemene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]