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The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem where various cellular and molecular interactions shape the course of cancer progression. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) plays a pivotal role in this context. This study delves into the biological properties and functions of M-CSF in regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and its role in modulating host immune responses. Through the specific binding to its receptor colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R), M-CSF orchestrates a cascade of downstream signaling pathways to modulate macrophage activation, polarization, and proliferation. Furthermore, M-CSF extends its influence to other immune cell populations, including dendritic cells. Notably, the heightened expression of M-CSF within the tumor microenvironment is often associated with dismal patient prognoses. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the roles of M-CSF in tumor growth advances our comprehension of tumor development mechanisms and unveils promising novel strategies and approaches for cancer treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yi, Gai, Chen, Tian, Liu, Liang, Xu, Peng and Luo.)

Background: The oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana, is an endangered migratory bird listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The bird population has experienced a rapid decline in the past decades, with nest locations and stop-over sites largely degraded due to human-bird conflicts. Multipronged conservation efforts are required to secure the future of oriental storks. We propose that a thorough understanding of the genome-wide genetic background of this threatened bird species is critical to make future conservation strategies., Findings: In this study, the first chromosome-scale reference genome was presented for the oriental stork with high quality, contiguity, and accuracy. The assembled genome size was 1.24 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 103 Mb, and 1.23 Gb contigs (99.32%) were anchored to 35 chromosomes. Population genomic analysis did not show a genetic structure in the wild population. Genome-wide genetic diversity (π = 0.0012) of the oriental stork was at a moderate to high level among threatened bird species, and the inbreeding risk was also not significant (FROH = 5.56% ± 5.30%). Reconstruction of demographic history indicated a rapid recent population decline likely driven by human activities. Genes that were under positive selection associated with the migratory trait were identified in relation to the long-term potentiation, photoreceptor cell organization, circadian rhythm, muscle development, and energy metabolism, indicating the essential interplay between genetic and ecological adaptation., Conclusions: Our study presents the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of the oriental stork and provides a genomic basis for understanding a genetic background of the oriental stork, the population's extinction risks, and the migratory characteristics, which will facilitate the decision of future conservation plans for this species., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press GigaScience.)