Core Viewpoint - The research published by Harvard University provides a comprehensive understanding of the developmental transitions of Plasmodium falciparum within Anopheles mosquitoes, revealing critical molecular interactions that could lead to new targets for malaria transmission-blocking vaccines and drugs [2][11]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study utilized dual-channel single-cell RNA sequencing to map the complex interactions between the malaria parasite and the mosquito host, highlighting key developmental stages [2][9]. - It identified crucial molecular transformations during the transition from motile ookinetes to spherical oocysts and the subsequent formation of sporozoites [9]. - The research pinpointed two essential genes, PfATP4 and PfLRS, that are vital for oocyst growth, with their inhibition completely blocking the parasite's development within the mosquito [9][11]. Group 2: Molecular Mechanisms - The study confirmed that the transcription factor PfSIP2 is a critical switch for sporozoite infection of human liver cells, presenting a potential target for blocking malaria transmission [9][10]. - It was found that ookinetes preferentially interact with intestinal progenitor cells during their traversal of the midgut epithelium, which serves as a localization signal for their transformation [9]. - In the later developmental stages, oocysts are tightly wrapped by surrounding midgut muscle fibers, which may help maintain gut integrity and support oocyst fixation [9]. Group 3: Implications for Malaria Control - The research constructs the first panoramic molecular map of the Plasmodium-mosquito interaction, providing new targets for the development of precise transmission-blocking vaccines and drugs [11].

来源：科技日报 图片由AI生成 ◎本报记者 张梦然 人们所知道的绝大多数关于植物的基本原理知识，都是在一种你可能从未听说过的植物——拟南芥中首 次发现的。 绘制植物的基因表达图谱 在作为模式植物的几十年间，拟南芥经历了无数实验。科学家们持续致力于解码其基因组，并绘制出不 同组织和器官中各类细胞的基因表达图谱。借助这些局部图谱，人们得以逐步揭示控制植物各部位身份 与功能的关键基因。 其中，单细胞RNA测序成为构建细胞图谱的核心工具。该技术不直接分析DNA，而是检测基因组的表 达产物——RNA分子，从而精准识别哪些基因在特定细胞中被激活，以及其表达水平的高低。由于生 物体所有细胞共享同一套遗传密码，细胞类型的区分依赖于其独特的基因表达模式，单细胞RNA测序 因此成为识别和分类细胞类型的有力手段。 然而，传统方法存在明显局限：科学家必须将组织解离为单个细胞，导致原本的空间结构被破坏。这意 味着虽然能获知"有哪些细胞"，却难以回答"它们在哪儿"以及"如何组织"。 为突破这一瓶颈，索尔克生物研究所团队将单细胞RNA测序与空间转录组学相结合，实现了从"碎片化 图谱"向"全景式地图"的跨越。 更先进技术带来更完整图谱 空间 ...

Core Insights - Recent breakthroughs in xenotransplantation using genetically modified pigs have garnered global attention, particularly in addressing the shortage of human organ donors [1][2] - The first successful transplantation of a genetically edited pig liver into a human recipient was reported in March 2024, demonstrating the potential for pig organs to serve as a transitional therapy for patients with liver failure [1][2] Group 1: Research Developments - In October 2021, NYU Langone Medical Center performed the first transplantation of a genetically edited pig kidney into a brain-dead woman [1] - In January 2022, the University of Maryland conducted the first live transplantation of a genetically edited pig heart, with the patient surviving for approximately two months [1] - A study published in Nature Medicine in July 2025 analyzed the immune cell landscape in a human recipient of a pig liver xenograft, highlighting the immune response post-transplantation [2][3] Group 2: Immune Response Analysis - The research utilized single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to characterize immune cell changes in the peripheral blood and transplanted liver of the human patient [3][7] - The study found that T cells in the peripheral blood were gradually activated, while γδT cells and exhausted T cells infiltrated the pig liver, indicating impaired adaptive immunity [8] - Two distinct monocyte subpopulations, THBS1+ and C1QC+, were identified, which may influence coagulation and immune responses post-xenotransplantation [9][11] Group 3: Implications for Future Research - The findings emphasize the role of innate immune cells in influencing coagulation and immune pathways following pig liver xenotransplantation, suggesting avenues for further research [11] - Understanding the roles of THBS1+ and C1QC+ monocytes could provide insights into early rejection responses and adaptive immune regulation in xenotransplantation [11]