Reprogramming of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation plays an essential role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We explore the expression of FAM3A, a newly identified metabolic cytokine, and whether and how FAM3A regulates VSMC differentiation in AAA. We discover that FAM3A is decreased in the aortas and plasma in AAA patients and murine models. Overexpression or supplementation of FAM3A significantly attenuate the AAA formation, manifested by maintenance of the well-differentiated VSMC status and inhibition of VSMC transformation toward macrophage-, chondrocyte-, osteogenic-, mesenchymal-, and fibroblast-like cell subpopulations. Importantly, FAM3A induces KLF4 ubiquitination and reduces its phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Here, we report FAM3A as a VSMC fate-shaping regulator in AAA and reveal the underlying mechanism associated with KLF4 ubiquitination and stability, which may lead to the development of strategies based on FAM3A to restore VSMC homeostasis in AAA.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant intracranial tumor with a poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered, iron-dependent, regulated cell death, and recent studies suggest its close correlation to GBM. The transcriptome and clinical data were obtained for patients diagnosed with GBM from TCGA, GEO, and CGGA. Ferroptosis-related genes were identified, and a risk score model was constructed using Lasso regression analyses. Survival was evaluated by univariate or multivariate Cox regressions and Kaplan–Meier analyses, and further analyses were performed between the high- and low-risk groups. There were 45 ferroptosis-related different expressed genes between GBM and normal brain tissues. The prognostic risk score model was based on four favorable genes, CRYAB, ZEB1, ATP5MC3, and NCOA4, and four unfavorable genes, ALOX5, CHAC1, STEAP3, and MT1G. A significant difference in OS between high- and low-risk groups was observed in both the training cohort (p < 0.001) and the validation cohorts (p = 0.029 and 0.037). Enrichment analysis of pathways and immune cells and functioning was conducted between the two risk groups. A novel prognostic model for GBM patients was developed based on eight ferroptosis-related genes, suggesting a potential prediction effect of the risk score model in GBM.

Acne inverse (AI), also known as hidradenitis suppurativa, is characterized by inflammatory nodules, fistulating sinus tracts, and painful skin abscesses. The severe AI often produces disfiguring scars influenced in both the appearance and function, especially in the facial and cervical regions. There might be difficulties in the situation for surgical treatment. This report described a 26-year-old man with severe scarring contractures in the neck and mandible regions after a long-term AI treated successfully with a bilateral pedicled expanded forehead flap. With the achievement of mental cervical angle, the patient has been reconstructed well both aesthetically and functionally during the long-term follow-ups.